Song Hye Kyo & Nicholas Tse together at a charity event
Chinese Actor Nicholas Tse will collaborate together with Song Hye Kyo for a CF.
Best & Worse dresser at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards
Here is your list, I don't know, none of the dresses stands out for me.
I like Eun Hye's shoes. Looks similar to Zara knockoff's of Balmain shoes:
I like Eun Hye's shoes. Looks similar to Zara knockoff's of Balmain shoes:
45th Annual Baeksang Arts Awards
The 45th BaekSang Arts Awards will be held on February 27th between 20:50pm -23:00pm at Seoul Olympic Parc.
And here are the nominations:
Best TV Drama:
Where's EOE?
Best Leading Actor:
I vote for SSH just because I'm biased.
Best Leading Actress
I vote for Han Ji Hye.
Best New Actor
Ki Bum all the way!
Best New Actress
Lee Yeon hee is my favourite.
Most Popular Male actor
Hard to chose hmm, SSH! But I think BOF guy will win.
Most Popular actress
I choose one of the EOE girls, but where's Lee Da Hae?
What are your predictions?
And here are the nominations:
Best TV Drama:
Where's EOE?
Best Leading Actor:
I vote for SSH just because I'm biased.
Best Leading Actress
I vote for Han Ji Hye.
Best New Actor
Ki Bum all the way!
Best New Actress
Lee Yeon hee is my favourite.
Most Popular Male actor
Hard to chose hmm, SSH! But I think BOF guy will win.
Most Popular actress
I choose one of the EOE girls, but where's Lee Da Hae?
What are your predictions?
TV Drama Getting People Travelling
By Bae Ji-sook, Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporters
Heroine Geum Jan-di and the main character Gu Jun-pyo take a romantic getaway
to a New Caledonian beach in KBS smash hit “Boys Over Flowers"
Thirty-year-old Park Hyun-ju is getting married in March and has seriously considered New Caledonia as her honeymoon destination. "I never knew there was such a place, but after watching TV drama "Boys over Flowers," it suddenly got on the map," she said. She gave up the plan and has chosen somewhere else, but said her friends are also considering the location as a honeymooner's nest.
New Caledonia Surges as Popular Place
Japanese writer Katsura Morimura described the place as "The Island Closest to Heaven," but it wasn't until four fabulous boys took a little girl out on a romantic spree that New Caledonia has appealed to Koreans as a must-visit destination.
The small screen smash hit shows glimpses of the luxurious lives of jet-setting, wealthy heirs. With the tourism industry struggling due to the plummeting economy, Korean audiences are smiling, with people rushing to catch a glimpse of the F4 ― the four fabulous boys.
The TV drama showed every aspect of the island ― its cozy but flashy resorts, the heart-shaped island; helicopter tour and other leisure activities one can take part in on a holiday there. Likewise, New Caledonia Tourism has been holding aggressive promotions in recent years, from providing free flights as lottery prizes to holding online campaigns.
However, upon being featured in the drama, it suddenly became a coveted vacation destination. According to Web page ranker Overture, the New Caledonia Tourism Web site marked 13,107 page views through portals such as Naver and Yahoo to become the most viewed tourism office Web site among Koreans in January, leaving Singapore, in second place, far behind, with 7,046 views.
Tourists agencies are busy preparing special packages for honeymooners. Lotte, Mode and other major agencies are rushing to attract travelers with bargain prices ranging from 1.7 million to 3 million.
Macao is now becoming audiences ― second target. Dubbed the "Las Vegas of Asia," the little Chinese territory is filled with extravagant hotels, casinos and shopping malls.
From artificial torrents to staggering casinos and luxurious restaurants and hotels, the jaw dropping scenery matched with the business tycoon image of the beautiful boys as adults. "We are not really seeing the number of tourists going up yet since our episode aired only a couple of weeks ago, but we're definitely receiving more telephone calls since then, some asking about specific locations in the drama," Lee Min-young, a Macao Tourists' Office staff member, said.
The online world is heating up. Bloggers are busy posting pictures and portal sites are filled with people asking questions about the place.
Fans Rush to Locations
The popularity of the drama draws fans to filming locations.
Group Eight, the production company, tries its best to express the luxurious lifestyle of the "F4", or the four rich pretty boys in the show. Small wonder that local hotels are popular destinations of the Boys Over Flowers production team.
Damyang Dynasty Country Club, a luxurious golf course that opened in June 2008 in South Jeolla Province, is famous to fans of the series. The clubhouse there was used as the home of Gu Jun-pyo, the leading character, played by newcomer Lee Min-ho. "The grand exterior of the clubhouse and a large white fountain with sculptures in front add a sophisticated touch to Gu's house," said Park Rae-hyun, of Group Eight. However, the interior of the house was shot elsewhere.
Yun Ji-hu is another member of F4, played by singer-turned actor Kim Hyun-joong. Since the character is the grandson of a former president, the producers looked for a classical location to film as his home. Ragung, a hanok (Korean traditional house) hotel in Silla Millennium Park, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, was the perfect choice, built in the traditional architectural style with a modern interior.
Hilton Namhae Gold & Spa Resort, located in South Gyeongsang Province, was another location of the flowery drama. Min Seo-hyeon (played by actress Han Chae-young) held her welcoming party at the resort and heroine Geum Jan-di (Ku Hye-sun) appeared at the party in a Wonder Woman costume. The scenes of Geum saving Gu in a swimming pool were also shot at Hilton Namhae.
"Since it was very cold and the filming took place late at night, the actors seemed very tired. Lee Min-ho stayed at the resort for a day after the exhausting shooting," an official of Hilton Namhae said.
From Ice Rinks to Hotels
Grand Hyatt Seoul's famous ice rink once again appeared in the drama when Gu and Geum went out to skate with the latter's friends. The hotel's grand ballroom was where Gu's 20th birthday party took place.
Lotte Hotel World's Emerald Room and group lounge appeared in the show_ second episode and will appear again. Suh Kwang-il, the manager of the PR Department at Lotte Hotel, is in charge of product placement promotions. "The director, or public relations person, contacts us if they think our hotel fits the scene they want to shoot. When her or she has worked with us already, it's much easier to fine tune filming details," he said.
Sometimes hotels and production cooperate in the early stages and publicize the place or product throughout the drama. "For example, Lotte Hotel is the main location for MBC's "East of Eden" and will be the hotel for Kwon Sang-woo's next drama, "Cinderella Man," Suh said.
Go You Xin, a Taiwanese national who likes Korean pop culture, watched the Korean drama through the online video site YouTube and immediately fell for it. When she visited Korea for Big Bang's concert, a Korean friend, Woo, took her to the filming spots of the hit drama, such as N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan, and took pictures imitating scenes from the program.
They also visited the porridge restaurant where Jan-di and her friend worked part time. Go became the first Taiwanese fan to do so. Then they went to restaurant Farmer's Table in Heyri, which was used for a school cafeteria scene. At the end of the day, Go was lucky enough to find out about the next day's shooting from the owner of "Jandi Laundry," which also appears in the show.
The next day, Go returned and watched the filming of a scene with the two main characters, Lee Min-ho and Ku Hye-sun, at an illuminated playground in front of the cleaner. However, Group Eight did not want to disclose filming locations. "It's almost impossible to film on location due to crowds of fans, so we try not to reveal such information," said an official.
For example, they wanted to film a scene of Gu on a date with Geum at Cheonggye Stream, but had to give up due to the pre-informed crowd and filmed the shot near Hongik University instead.
Despite the production's hardships, fans still flock to filming locations, which take the toll of being popular. Keimyung University in Daegu, for instance, provided the exteriors of Shinhwa High School and has since suffered from endless graffiti from fans.
The Drama is Cash Cow
A TV industry insider said the drama is now a cash cow. "Given the economic slump, that particular drama is the only one that actually makes money. Everyone in the tourism industry is lined up to have their area featured on the show but it's too late since we're in the middle of filming," he confided.
There are several examples of TV making spots famous, not to mention the movie The Lord of the Rings, which brought billions of dollars to New Zealand's tourism industry. Korea's "What Happened in Bali" marked the location as an exotic and luxurious southern island and "Lovers in Prague" made many dream about romance in eastern Europe.
"Dramas make viewers fantasize about what they don't have and becoming something they aren't. By going where show characters have been, people get a breath of fresh air and get to enjoy an exotic atmosphere, which everyone wants," Prof. Hyun Taek-su of Korea University's Sociology department said.
Credits: bjs@koreatimes.co.kr, meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/natio.../117_40312.html
Staff Reporters
Heroine Geum Jan-di and the main character Gu Jun-pyo take a romantic getaway
to a New Caledonian beach in KBS smash hit “Boys Over Flowers"
Thirty-year-old Park Hyun-ju is getting married in March and has seriously considered New Caledonia as her honeymoon destination. "I never knew there was such a place, but after watching TV drama "Boys over Flowers," it suddenly got on the map," she said. She gave up the plan and has chosen somewhere else, but said her friends are also considering the location as a honeymooner's nest.
New Caledonia Surges as Popular Place
Japanese writer Katsura Morimura described the place as "The Island Closest to Heaven," but it wasn't until four fabulous boys took a little girl out on a romantic spree that New Caledonia has appealed to Koreans as a must-visit destination.
The small screen smash hit shows glimpses of the luxurious lives of jet-setting, wealthy heirs. With the tourism industry struggling due to the plummeting economy, Korean audiences are smiling, with people rushing to catch a glimpse of the F4 ― the four fabulous boys.
The TV drama showed every aspect of the island ― its cozy but flashy resorts, the heart-shaped island; helicopter tour and other leisure activities one can take part in on a holiday there. Likewise, New Caledonia Tourism has been holding aggressive promotions in recent years, from providing free flights as lottery prizes to holding online campaigns.
However, upon being featured in the drama, it suddenly became a coveted vacation destination. According to Web page ranker Overture, the New Caledonia Tourism Web site marked 13,107 page views through portals such as Naver and Yahoo to become the most viewed tourism office Web site among Koreans in January, leaving Singapore, in second place, far behind, with 7,046 views.
Tourists agencies are busy preparing special packages for honeymooners. Lotte, Mode and other major agencies are rushing to attract travelers with bargain prices ranging from 1.7 million to 3 million.
Macao is now becoming audiences ― second target. Dubbed the "Las Vegas of Asia," the little Chinese territory is filled with extravagant hotels, casinos and shopping malls.
From artificial torrents to staggering casinos and luxurious restaurants and hotels, the jaw dropping scenery matched with the business tycoon image of the beautiful boys as adults. "We are not really seeing the number of tourists going up yet since our episode aired only a couple of weeks ago, but we're definitely receiving more telephone calls since then, some asking about specific locations in the drama," Lee Min-young, a Macao Tourists' Office staff member, said.
The online world is heating up. Bloggers are busy posting pictures and portal sites are filled with people asking questions about the place.
Fans Rush to Locations
The popularity of the drama draws fans to filming locations.
Group Eight, the production company, tries its best to express the luxurious lifestyle of the "F4", or the four rich pretty boys in the show. Small wonder that local hotels are popular destinations of the Boys Over Flowers production team.
Damyang Dynasty Country Club, a luxurious golf course that opened in June 2008 in South Jeolla Province, is famous to fans of the series. The clubhouse there was used as the home of Gu Jun-pyo, the leading character, played by newcomer Lee Min-ho. "The grand exterior of the clubhouse and a large white fountain with sculptures in front add a sophisticated touch to Gu's house," said Park Rae-hyun, of Group Eight. However, the interior of the house was shot elsewhere.
Yun Ji-hu is another member of F4, played by singer-turned actor Kim Hyun-joong. Since the character is the grandson of a former president, the producers looked for a classical location to film as his home. Ragung, a hanok (Korean traditional house) hotel in Silla Millennium Park, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, was the perfect choice, built in the traditional architectural style with a modern interior.
Hilton Namhae Gold & Spa Resort, located in South Gyeongsang Province, was another location of the flowery drama. Min Seo-hyeon (played by actress Han Chae-young) held her welcoming party at the resort and heroine Geum Jan-di (Ku Hye-sun) appeared at the party in a Wonder Woman costume. The scenes of Geum saving Gu in a swimming pool were also shot at Hilton Namhae.
"Since it was very cold and the filming took place late at night, the actors seemed very tired. Lee Min-ho stayed at the resort for a day after the exhausting shooting," an official of Hilton Namhae said.
From Ice Rinks to Hotels
Grand Hyatt Seoul's famous ice rink once again appeared in the drama when Gu and Geum went out to skate with the latter's friends. The hotel's grand ballroom was where Gu's 20th birthday party took place.
Lotte Hotel World's Emerald Room and group lounge appeared in the show_ second episode and will appear again. Suh Kwang-il, the manager of the PR Department at Lotte Hotel, is in charge of product placement promotions. "The director, or public relations person, contacts us if they think our hotel fits the scene they want to shoot. When her or she has worked with us already, it's much easier to fine tune filming details," he said.
Sometimes hotels and production cooperate in the early stages and publicize the place or product throughout the drama. "For example, Lotte Hotel is the main location for MBC's "East of Eden" and will be the hotel for Kwon Sang-woo's next drama, "Cinderella Man," Suh said.
Go You Xin, a Taiwanese national who likes Korean pop culture, watched the Korean drama through the online video site YouTube and immediately fell for it. When she visited Korea for Big Bang's concert, a Korean friend, Woo, took her to the filming spots of the hit drama, such as N Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan, and took pictures imitating scenes from the program.
They also visited the porridge restaurant where Jan-di and her friend worked part time. Go became the first Taiwanese fan to do so. Then they went to restaurant Farmer's Table in Heyri, which was used for a school cafeteria scene. At the end of the day, Go was lucky enough to find out about the next day's shooting from the owner of "Jandi Laundry," which also appears in the show.
The next day, Go returned and watched the filming of a scene with the two main characters, Lee Min-ho and Ku Hye-sun, at an illuminated playground in front of the cleaner. However, Group Eight did not want to disclose filming locations. "It's almost impossible to film on location due to crowds of fans, so we try not to reveal such information," said an official.
For example, they wanted to film a scene of Gu on a date with Geum at Cheonggye Stream, but had to give up due to the pre-informed crowd and filmed the shot near Hongik University instead.
Despite the production's hardships, fans still flock to filming locations, which take the toll of being popular. Keimyung University in Daegu, for instance, provided the exteriors of Shinhwa High School and has since suffered from endless graffiti from fans.
The Drama is Cash Cow
A TV industry insider said the drama is now a cash cow. "Given the economic slump, that particular drama is the only one that actually makes money. Everyone in the tourism industry is lined up to have their area featured on the show but it's too late since we're in the middle of filming," he confided.
There are several examples of TV making spots famous, not to mention the movie The Lord of the Rings, which brought billions of dollars to New Zealand's tourism industry. Korea's "What Happened in Bali" marked the location as an exotic and luxurious southern island and "Lovers in Prague" made many dream about romance in eastern Europe.
"Dramas make viewers fantasize about what they don't have and becoming something they aren't. By going where show characters have been, people get a breath of fresh air and get to enjoy an exotic atmosphere, which everyone wants," Prof. Hyun Taek-su of Korea University's Sociology department said.
Credits: bjs@koreatimes.co.kr, meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/natio.../117_40312.html
Sexy ladies for Cosmopolitan
Kim Sun Ah, Chae Rim, Kwon Hee and Han Ji Hye , the queen of look transformation are appearing together for Cosmopolitan in the March issue.
Kim Won Hee (I wasn't sure at first, but it's her right? The MC from WGM?)
Kim Sun Ah
Chae Rim
Han Ji Hye
Did you all notice that all have long hair except for Han Ji Hye?(even if it's a wig for sure). Kim Sun Ah looks really good with long curls here. On another node, Han Ji Hye is going go to Italy to learn designing. She'll be designing her own shoe line!She confessed that she has an obsession for shoes.How cool is that.
Kim Won Hee (I wasn't sure at first, but it's her right? The MC from WGM?)
Kim Sun Ah
Chae Rim
Han Ji Hye
Did you all notice that all have long hair except for Han Ji Hye?(even if it's a wig for sure). Kim Sun Ah looks really good with long curls here. On another node, Han Ji Hye is going go to Italy to learn designing. She'll be designing her own shoe line!She confessed that she has an obsession for shoes.How cool is that.
Lee Jun Ki with blond streaks for CG Magazine
The hairy issue again, he looks good with lighter hair but black was sooo much better.Hmm at least he's not putting any eye liners; from what I can see here.
Stars Look to Revive Hallyu in Japan
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Some may say that hallyu, or the Korean wave, is over, but according to some celebrities' plans, the wave is just waiting for the perfect time to hit harder.
Singers and actors alike are moving their radars to Japan, with new albums, fan meetings and new dramas, a perfect way to reinvigorate the star power of local celebrities.
Singers Shin Seung-hun and R&B group SG Wannabe will release new albums in Japan this March. Shin, who proved his ballad power in Japan with his first album four years ago, returned to the local ballad scene last year, releasing a local album for the first time in two years. Recently announcing a concert tour in cities like Osaka and Tokyo starting in April, the 40-year-old singer's second album will be released March 25 and bring fans his new acoustic sounds.
SG Wannabe, consisting of Kim Jin-ho, Kim Yong-jun and Lee Suk-hun, will release its fifth album, "Rainbow," in Japan March 11. Making its Japanese debut last year, the group recorded a total of 12 songs, all in Japanese. SG Wannabe will also hold its first concert, "Over the Rainbow," in Tokyo and Osaka next month.
The group's agency announced that SG Wannabe will operate in Japan and Korea only for the time being.
Meanwhile, local actors have found a more intimate way to get closer to their fans: fan meetings. Unlike press conferences, fan meetings offer a more intimate experience, as stars appear on the stage and interact with their fans.
The first Korean celebrity to meet fans in Japan this year is Zo In-sung. The 27-year-old star of the movie "Frozen Flower" will hold fan meetings in Osaka and Tokyo on March 3 and 5, respectively. It will be his last visit to Japan before leaving fans for mandatory military service in April.
Actor Jang Dong-gun ("Typhoon," 2005) will also greet fans March 6 at a special event called "2009 Jang Dong-gun's Story." Held at Yokohama National University, the event will take place a day before his birthday and the number of fans in attendance is estimated to reach over 5,000.
Fellow actor Kwon Sang-woo, a father of a newborn son, will also pay a visit to Japan next month. The 8,000 tickets for his fan meeting, which will be held at the Osaka Castle Hall on the 26th, have already sold out, proving that the married star is still popular among Japanese fans.
For Japanese fans who want more than just watching the actors sign autographs and take photos, local dramas are heading to their homes. The drama "Spotlight," starring Son Ye-jin and Ji Jin-hee as news reporters, will meet Japanese viewers April 5 through NHK's satellite channel BS2.
Hit drama "Boys Over Flowers" will also be aired in April through hallyu channel Mnet. The parent channel here in Korea, Mnet Media, has prepared a special event for Japanese fans. To celebrate the third anniversary of the network, Mnet will hold a preview event whereby the first three episodes of the drama will be edited into a 90-minute preview and be screened in six cities including Sapporo, Osaka and Tokyo from March 8 to March 27. The network will also air a special program introducing the four characters, played by heartthrobs Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum and Kim Jun on March 14 and 21, along with plans for a fan meeting for which the four actors will head to Japan to meet fans April 16.
Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
Staff Reporter
Some may say that hallyu, or the Korean wave, is over, but according to some celebrities' plans, the wave is just waiting for the perfect time to hit harder.
Singers and actors alike are moving their radars to Japan, with new albums, fan meetings and new dramas, a perfect way to reinvigorate the star power of local celebrities.
Singers Shin Seung-hun and R&B group SG Wannabe will release new albums in Japan this March. Shin, who proved his ballad power in Japan with his first album four years ago, returned to the local ballad scene last year, releasing a local album for the first time in two years. Recently announcing a concert tour in cities like Osaka and Tokyo starting in April, the 40-year-old singer's second album will be released March 25 and bring fans his new acoustic sounds.
SG Wannabe, consisting of Kim Jin-ho, Kim Yong-jun and Lee Suk-hun, will release its fifth album, "Rainbow," in Japan March 11. Making its Japanese debut last year, the group recorded a total of 12 songs, all in Japanese. SG Wannabe will also hold its first concert, "Over the Rainbow," in Tokyo and Osaka next month.
The group's agency announced that SG Wannabe will operate in Japan and Korea only for the time being.
Meanwhile, local actors have found a more intimate way to get closer to their fans: fan meetings. Unlike press conferences, fan meetings offer a more intimate experience, as stars appear on the stage and interact with their fans.
The first Korean celebrity to meet fans in Japan this year is Zo In-sung. The 27-year-old star of the movie "Frozen Flower" will hold fan meetings in Osaka and Tokyo on March 3 and 5, respectively. It will be his last visit to Japan before leaving fans for mandatory military service in April.
Actor Jang Dong-gun ("Typhoon," 2005) will also greet fans March 6 at a special event called "2009 Jang Dong-gun's Story." Held at Yokohama National University, the event will take place a day before his birthday and the number of fans in attendance is estimated to reach over 5,000.
Fellow actor Kwon Sang-woo, a father of a newborn son, will also pay a visit to Japan next month. The 8,000 tickets for his fan meeting, which will be held at the Osaka Castle Hall on the 26th, have already sold out, proving that the married star is still popular among Japanese fans.
For Japanese fans who want more than just watching the actors sign autographs and take photos, local dramas are heading to their homes. The drama "Spotlight," starring Son Ye-jin and Ji Jin-hee as news reporters, will meet Japanese viewers April 5 through NHK's satellite channel BS2.
Hit drama "Boys Over Flowers" will also be aired in April through hallyu channel Mnet. The parent channel here in Korea, Mnet Media, has prepared a special event for Japanese fans. To celebrate the third anniversary of the network, Mnet will hold a preview event whereby the first three episodes of the drama will be edited into a 90-minute preview and be screened in six cities including Sapporo, Osaka and Tokyo from March 8 to March 27. The network will also air a special program introducing the four characters, played by heartthrobs Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum and Kim Jun on March 14 and 21, along with plans for a fan meeting for which the four actors will head to Japan to meet fans April 16.
Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
Wait is over for Jang Dong-gun's fans as he chooses next project
Some exciting news for Jang Dong-gun fans - the actor has decided on his next film.
Jang has been cast in director Jang Jin's "Good Morning, President." The star is playing an ambitious, charismatic and generous president - in short, everything anyone could possibly wish for in a leader.
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Jang to appear in a local film, after his last, "Typhoon," in 2005.
In the meantime, Jang has appeared in Chinese director Chen Kaige's film "The Promise" (2006) and Lee Sngmoo's Western martial arts film, "Laundry Warrior," which is to be released in August in the United States.
Jang starts shooting Good Morning, President in April.
Credits : Lee Eun-joo, image @mydaily
Source : JoongAng Daily
Bae to Appear in Self-produced Drama 'Dream High'
image courtesy of KeyEast
Actor Bae Yong-jun (37) has been flying below the radar since the hit 2007 MBC TV drama series "The Legend" (Taewangsashingi). He is expected to appear in the tentatively-named drama "Dream High," which he will produce with music mogal Park Jin-young. Keyeast says Bae will produce and plan the drama but is also mulling a screen appearance.
Dream High is the first collaboration between JYP Entertainment, whose largest shareholder is Park, and Keyeast, whose number one shareholder is Bae. It will be a coming-of-age school drama set in an entertainment and arts school. Set to air during next year's first half, the story will feature a great deal of singing, dancing and acting and will also portray the inner workings of the entertainment industry.
JYP and Keyeast announced the project last month. Park will be in charge of the music production, lyrics, adaptation, vocal and dance training for the cast while Bae will be involved in the overall production and screenplay.
Bae earlier considered his next acting role to be the drama "One Drop" but, due to its delay, he could decide to appear in "Dream High" instead.
Keyeast says Bae is particularly passionate about the high profile Park-Bae collaboration and if there's fitting role, he is willing to make an appearance.
The playwright will be chosen and serious preparations will kick off this month.
Keyeast says school teen dramas such as Disney's "High School Musical" have been massive hits but that Dream High will be different from such existing dramas.
Source : KBS Global
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