kdrama and kpop

Se7en Confesses Love for Actress Park

by I under Se7en

By Lee Tae-hoon
Staff Reporter

Singer Se7en Wednesday confessed his love for actress Park Han-byul.

The K-pop artist acknowledged on his personal blog that widespread rumors about the union had not been groundless.

"It is true that I and Park Han-byul have been more than just friends for more than seven years since we debuted. I sincerely apologize for having had to deny the rumors," Se7en said in an online message, titled "Let me tell you everything."

"We have been best friends since senior year at high school. Our friendship has remained strong and gradually turned into love."

Se7en, 24, and Park attended the same high school. He explained that he kept their relationship secret to protect Park's privacy. Se7en denied the courtship when photos of them dating were recently leaked from her private Internet message board.

Se7en became a household name in 2003 with his debut album, "Just Listen" He made his acting debut in 2007 in "Prince Hours," the sequel of the mega-hit drama, "Princess Hours," but the ratings for the series were poor. He has tried to enter the American music market, but has yet to find success.

Park made her acting debut in the 2003 hit horror film, "Wishing Stairs.'"She is also the star of the new film, "Yoga School.''

Credits: leeth@koreatimes.co.kr

Lee Byung-hun, most wanted for date

by I under Lee Byeong Heon

y Hyun Ji-hyang

Lee Byung Hun in 'A Bittersweet Life' (2005)

Lee Byung-hun was selected as the most wanted boyfriend in Japan, topping a list that includes stars from several countries.

Japanese monthly magazine CREA picked the No. 1 actor to date in Hollywood and Asia. Lee was chosen as the top actor among 40 Asian superstars. Among Hollywood actors, Zac Efron from the movies "Hairspray" and "High School Musical: Graduation" was picked as the best boyfriend.

The magazine introduced Lee's background in film and television dramas, his participation in UNICEF as a special delegate, his educational background and the languages he is fluent in (Korean, English, French and Mandarin Chinese). In addition, CREA announced that Lee's Japanese single album had received the "Best Asian Artist Award" in the 23rd Golden Disk Award Ceremony.

The publication noted that most of Lee's roles on screen were strong and manly, giving Lee his "poker face" image. However, at Cannes, Lee was moved to tears when he received a standing ovation for his movie "The Good, the Bad, the Weird." CREA mentioned this incident, revealing the actor's hidden inner warmth.

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird," along with Lee's other two movies "G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra," and "I Come with the Rain" are being released in Japan this summer. Lee will spend his summer promoting his movies.

By Hyun Ji-hyang (jenellehyun@gmail.com) via koreaherald.co.kr

Song Seung-heon to Quit His Agency

by I under Song Seung Heon

"I want to appear in front of my fans with confidence.”

Following his predecessors Bae Yong-jun and Park Shin-yang, actor Song Seung-heon has founded his own talent management agency. He recently expressed his expectations and feelings on his personal Web site. Song wrote that he recently quit all his agencies, which used to be like home to him, and has been preparing to open his own agency. “It took me a while to make this decision, and it makes me feel really sad," wrote Song.

Song says he decided to become independent because he wanted to try many new things. He also expressed gratitude to his former agencies, and said that he had always wanted to expand his realms as an entertainer. "It’s like being home alone without your parents. I’m both nervous and excited to be completely on my own for the first time since my debut. But on the other hand, I’m also very worried. I’ll do my best to meet with you as often as I can and repay your love,” said Song.

Song made a comeback in May through the MBC TV series “East of Eden,” which was a big success. He says that in the future he wants to mature as an actor and appear in a new production as soon as possible. In his message, Song also expressed his grief over the passing of the late President Roh Moo-hyun. He wrote, "The news about Mr. Roh’s death was shocking and sad to all of us. I was always impressed by his efforts to protect ordinary people. It’s heartbreaking to know that we’ll never see him again. I hope that he rests in peace."

Source: KBS Global

Hye-gyo Named Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador

by I under Song Hye Kyo

Top actress Song Hye-gyo was named the world’s first Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassador and visited a panda base situated in the city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province last Thursday.

Song spent time with giant pandas in the outdoor farm, feeding and playing with them. She was amazed to see real live pandas and spoke of the importance of protecting pandas and other endangered animals. The actress also was told that a panda at the Chengdu base had lived in Korea for three years and had a baby upon returning to China.

Song was awarded the certificate and plaque of Asia Panda Goodwill Ambassadorship in Beijing last Saturday.

Source: KBS Global

'Rain' Appointed Seoul Goodwill Ambassador

by I under Rain

Rain (left) and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Korean pop icon Rain was appointed as global goodwill ambassador for Seoul in the annex of Seoul City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, receiving the appointment plate from Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

"The brand value of Seoul is literally the brand value of Korea. With Rain, we can enhance the infinite potential of Korea's brand power," Oh said.

Rain donated T-shirts he designed with legend "Infinitely Yours, Seoul" to the city. They will be sold by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with the proceeds used to help low-income households.

Before the ceremony began, highlights of a video clip promoting Seoul and starring Rain were screened. The video will be aired worldwide on the Discovery Channel.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com