kdrama and kpop

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun -- who is currently engaged in a legal battle with his former girlfriend -- was questioned by Korean authorities last night, according to a source at Seoul Central District Court.

"We summoned Lee and with his consent, held an investigation from 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening through 5 a.m. the next morning," an official with the Korean Prosecutors' Office was quoted as saying on Thursday. He explained that the night-long questioning was regarding the two lawsuits filed by the actor and one filed against him.

On December 8, a Korean-Canadian woman by the last name Kwon -- who claimed to be a former girlfriend of Lee's -- had filed a lawsuit against the Hallyu star, saying she was allured into a sexual relationship based on false promises of marriage. She asked to be paid KRW 100 million won in physical and psychological damages and also reported to authorities that the actor had taken part in illegal baccarat gambling overseas.

Lee took counter legal action through his legal representative Kim & Chang, suing the woman for libel and asking the police to investigate multiple threats that he had received regarding his relationship with Kwon.

A day after Kwon had filed the lawsuit, the actor and his agency BH Entertainment issued a press release claiming that anonymous male callers had been threatening to expose false details about the actor's relationship with Kwon unless Lee paid them KRW 2 billion won. The actor did however admit to having a romantic relationship with the woman in a hand-written message that he had posted on his official website.

Lee, 39, has long been considered one of the most successful actors in Korea with dozens of television dramas and films under his belt. He had a particularly successful year in 2009, making his Hollywood debut in action flick "G.I. Joe", co-starring with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura in "I Come With The Rain." He also led a star-studded cast in blockbuster drama "IRIS", for which he picked up the grand prize at KBS Acting Awards.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Source


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This reminds me of his character in Iris where he was being held and questioned by NSS!

Stars attended the "I Come with the Rain" Press conference at the 14th 14th Pusan International Film Festival on October 9th.






I have to say that both Lee Byeong Heon and Takuya Kimura had a bad outfit choice witht his. Why not keep it simple but still looking good like Josh Hartnett?


Lee Byeong Heon looks so tiny against Josh!

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

y Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


The cast of the new drama "IRIS" pose for the cameras at a press conference
held May 12 in southern Seoul. From left, Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Jun-ho,
Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon and T.O.P. / Yonhap

"IRIS" is gearing up for a new genre of drama ― espionage action. The new series, expected to air in September, has fans anticipating where it will refuel the passion for hallyu.

"IRIS" is not only based on the hit movie "Swiri" (1998), but also stars some of Korea's best-known actors.

Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Jun-ho, Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon and Big Bang member T.O.P. will appear in the "blockbuster action melodrama," and even the actors said they were worried how the drama makers will pull out all the charms from the colorful actors. "We approached 'IRIS' like it was a spy film, so viewers will get to watch movie-like scenes along with the emotional details that have made Korean drama so popular over the years at the same time," Kim Kyu-tae, the director, said.

"One of the most interesting issues here is the division of South and North Korea. It's something that the world is interested in, but we tend to avoid mentioning the issue. 'IRIS' takes place in the middle of all this, so I believe that's one of the reasons why we are receiving international recognition," fellow director Yang Yun-ho added.

The story takes place in South Korea where Kim Hyun-jun (Lee) and Jin Sa-woo (Jung) are National Security System (NSS) agents and best friends. The two fall for the same girl, fellow agent Choi Seung-hee (Kim) but Hyun-jun ignores his feelings and hopes for his friend's happiness. Things take a drastic turn when Hyun-jun is sent for a secret solo mission and he loses everything, including his friendship with Sa-woo and Seung-hee, and discovers a secret society called "IRIS."

A short documentary showed scenes of the cast and the crew shooting in Japan, one showing Lee screeching down a dam with Kim a child-actor in his arms, and this was one that Lee personally thought as one of the most memorable and terrifying. "It was perfectly safe, but the height of the dam was about 130 meters, and it apparently did make me nervous," said Lee, who is waiting for the releases of the Hollywood movies he appeared in, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and "I Come With The Rain."

The series was will be filmed around the world, including places where Korean dramas were never filmed before, such as Hungary, while in Japan, the crew said that they were welcomed with open arms. "I don't know how they knew, but fans were everywhere and I have never felt more grateful for their interest," Lee added.

The support was extra special, particularly in Japan, where Lee is a huge hallyu star. The Akita Prefecture supported the actors and crewmembers with free lodging throughout the shoots.

Kim Tae-hee, a top female star who returns to the small screen after four years, appeared in black mini-dress and said that she tried hard to depict the image of the smart and strong agent Choi. "I lost some weight and trained at action stunt schools with fellow actors. I actually went through many injuries during rehearsals, so I am waiting for a perfect recovery now," she said.

For the usually comical Kim Seung-woo, who plays a North Korean agent, reporters asked him how it felt to act a North Korean, and the oldest and only married actor answered with humor. "North Korean agents are very different from what people may imagine. They don't use different dialects of the Korean language, and are very handsome like me. When I saw the DVD set of the popular television series '24' at one of my friends' house, I felt a bit disappointed and sad. I want this drama to become like '24,' something that you would like to keep and watch every now and then," he said.

Boasting a budget of more than 20 billion won and produced by one of Korea's top production companies, Taewon Entertainment, "IRIS" is aiming for a new chapter in Korean dramas, hoping to attract not only local but also foreign fans as well.

"We feel great responsibility and excitement at bringing such a genre based on the world's last divided country. While men will be attracted to the action scenes, along with the friendship and revenge between fellow agents and enemies, women can connect with the emotional details between the lovely and handsome characters, torn between love and their duties," director Kim said.

"IRIS" will be aired in September on KBS2.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

Actress Kim So Yeon (Iris) appeared with a new short Do at the press conference of the new drama Iris. Iris is a drama co-starring Lee Byeong Hoon and Kim Tae Hee as the leads. The budget of Iris is said to be over $20 million US. Some of the filming places includes Russia, Japan, China and US. Big Bang leader Top is also part of the Iris cast.

Kim So Yeon with new haircut

U.S. entertainment magazine Entertainment Weekly selected “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” with Korean actor Lee Byung-hun as one of the “22 Summer Movies for Your Inner Geek.”

Lee plays Storm Shadow, a double agent who provides information for G.I. Joes from the Cobra. The film is directed by Stephen Sommers, who directed the Mummy trilogy, and has a huge cast of big Hollywood names, such as Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans, and Sienna Miller. The movie is due for American release on August 7th.

The magazine also named “Star Trek: The Beginning,” “Terminator Salvation,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” and “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” as the most anticipated summer blockbusters for 2009.

Source: KBS World

Another exciting new drama is awaiting us with a star studded cast:Lee Byung Hoon & Kim Tae Hee.Both will play lovers in the upcoming drama Iris. Also Top from Big Bang will be in the drama as well.






The teaser poster for drama 'IRIS' has been released. Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee and
TOP of Big Bang are casted. The first-ever Korean drama to be filled with action, betrayal
and romance between spies, it draws attention not only from the Korean fans but also the
internationally as the hottest drama of 2009.

Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee, Jung Joon Ho, Kim Seung Woo, Kim So Yeon and TOP portrayed
their roles as if they were in the scene- sharp expressions and poses forshadowed their
upcoming battles.

Lee Byung Hun represented a member of National Security Service (NSS) with piercing looks,
Kim Tae Hee with beautiful charisma, and Kim So Yeon transformed into a strong fighter.

Jung Joon Ho is an elite member (of unknown group), Kim Seung Woo's charisma, and the
freshness of TOP being a cold killer heightens the interest toward this drama.

IRIS will bring forth spy actions, and even romance as a blockbuster drama- it is said to have
2000000000 won (20000000 dollars) for production fee, and will be filmed across Asia and Europe.

IRIS, in the center of attention in not only Korea but Asia, will be produced with 20 episodes,
and will be aired in late 2009.

translated by 코코마탑횽 @ bbvipz
tiptop.mireene.com

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The Korean drama "Iris" starring top actor Lee Byeong-heon is expected to generate some 200 million yen (3 billion won) in economic benefits in Japan's Akita prefecture, where it will be shot.

Kyodo News says the prefecture officially announced the Korean drama will be shot there for 3 weeks from mid-March. Officials expect the economic effect will include a rise in tourist numbers.

Scenes shot there will mainly focus on Lee, who is playing an intelligence agent fleeing Korea and infiltrating Japan. The production agency Taewon says Akita was picked for its snow covered scenery. As for the exact location in Akita, either Oga or Senboku districts will be the likely choice.

Akita governor Sukeshiro Terata said, "I get a glimpse of Korean dramas when my wife watches them. But 'Iris' starring Lee, highly popular in Japan, will have considerable positive impact to our prefecture."

Akita officials plan to form a corporate support team to help the shooting as well as a reception for the Korean actor. Accommodations for the drama's 80 Korean staffers will also be provided for free.

The first shoot on March 10 is an action scene featuring Lee, Kim Tae-hee, Jeong Jun-ho and TOP, a member of the boy band Big Bang. The 20-episode spy action series is jointly directed by filmmaker Yang Yun-ho, known for the movies "Holiday" and "Libera Me," and TV producer Kim Gyu-tae, who made the drama "Love I Want to Kill."

Meanwhile, Lee is returning to the small screen for the first time since the SBS hit drama "All In" 6 years ago. He will hold a large scale fan meeting in Tokyo on Feb. 28 -- he will be meeting his Japanese fans more than one year after his LBH Arena Tour in late 2007.

Source: KBS Global

Revamped official Lee Byeong-heon homepage brought down by too many users. There's now a way you can send a text message to actor Lee Byeong-heon.

His management agency BH Entertainment said, "The feature is included on Lee's official homepage, newly revamped as of last Friday. People can type in their messages which will be delivered to Lee."

On the day of the renewed launch, the Web site went down due to excessive access by too many users.

BH Ent. said, "The server was rebooted but the site was up again less than another hour. Fan interest is high. The firm administering the server is still on vacation so the homepage operation will resume early next month."

Lee begins his overseas activity in full swing this year. The Korean blockbuster "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" (in which Lee played "The Bad") opens in Europe, the Americas and the UK on Feb. 6. He also appears with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura the joint U.S.-French film "I Come With The Rain," which will also hit theaters soon.

His management firm said, "Timed with his overseas debut, his homepage has been made multilingual, and in that setting, Lee is inviting worldwide fans to his homepage."

Source: KBS Global, image from empas.com

The "Discovery Channel," a documentary TV channel, is to broadcast a program about Seoul and its residents.

The Seoul metropolitan government said the production crew from the Discovery Channel had visited Korea recently to film a documentary about top Korean stars Lee Byung-heon and Rain against the backdrop of the Han River, Mount Namsan and the Myeong-dong and Hongik University areas. The program tells how the two have risen to stardom and gained recognition worldwide.

Entitled "Hip Korea," the program consists of two 45-minute parts. The one entitled "Seoul Vibes" introduces Rain, while the other one, entitled "Seoul Savvy," is about Lee Byung-heon.

The part about Rain shows the Hongik University, Cheongdam-dong and Chyeonggye Stream areas to introduce the dynamic side of Seoul, while the part about Lee shows Apgujeong-dong, Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong to introduce the serene and romantic side of Korea's capital city.

The show will air in Australia and New Zealand in January, in Southeast Asia in February and in Europe in May. A government official said the program is expected to improve Seoul's image by showing off the city's unique charms on the Discovery Channel.

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...2379_28572.html

saturn: I like how Bi ties his scarf here!


The Discovery Channel in the United States will broadcast a documentary about the main attractions in Seoul.

Seoul City officials said the production team from the Discovery Channel had completed filming of the Han River, Namsan, Myeong-dong, Hongdae, and other popular sights. The documentary will be included in a series of documentaries about travel destinations set to begin in January of next year.

The documentary titled, "Hip Korea," will be divided into two parts and will feature Rain and Lee Byung-hun as hosts.

The first segment, hosted by Rain, will be titled, "Seoul Vibes," while Lee's will be titled, "Seoul Savvy." Each segment will last 45 minutes.

Rain will cover Hongdae, Cheongdam-dong, and the Cheonggye stream, seeking to portray a dynamic city alive with energy. Lee will cover the up-market Apgujeong district, Insa-dong, and Samcheong-dong focusing on the "tranquil and romantic aura of the city."

Seoul City officials have expressed appreciation to the Discovery Channel as "this would promote and perhaps boost interest in the city by foreigners abroad."

Credits: kws@heraldm.com, image from yahoo.kr

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/dat...00812230027.asp

Great news for Lee Byung Hyun, Cnn is reporting about him!!!May he be successful.





November 25, 2008 -- Updated 1802 GMT (0202 HKT)


Story Highlights
South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun is starting to connect with global audiences
The "James Dean of Asia" sizzles in Korean western "The Good, the Bad, the Weird"
Lee is due to make his Hollywood debut in next summer's blockbuster "G.I. Joe"

By Grace Wong
For CNN



LONDON, England (CNN) -- Lee Byung-hun's arrival in the packed auditorium at a London screening of his latest film, "The Good, The Bad, The Weird," causes a well-behaved sizzle of excitement to run through the largely female and Asian audience.

His name is whispered breathlessly between friends, but in a classic display of Asian politeness, the only indication there is a genuine heartthrob in the room are a couple of poorly contained shrieks. Tall, exquisitely chiseled and with the kind of smooth line-free skin that belies his 38 years, it's not hard to see why Lee is also known as the "James Dean of Asia."

In his native South Korea he is best known for brooding, soulful performances in romantic films and TV dramas. And, now, he is starting to make a name for himself outside Korea and Japan.

Lee is set to grace UK screens in January when Kim Jee-woon's so-called Kimchi western, "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," is released.

Next year will see him co-star with Josh Hartnett in the crime thriller "I Come with the Rain," directed by Vietnamese Tran Anh Hung who made his name on the global movie scene in 1993 with "The Scent of Green Papaya." Lee has also wrapped up filming on the highly anticipated Hollywood action flick, "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra."

Lee is in London to promote "The Good, the Bad, the Weird," and is polite and unassuming in person, taking time to reflect as he delivers his responses in English. "People told me, 'Your eyes changed. You look so bad,'" Lee says of playing the film's titular "Bad," a sadistic killer who heads up a gang of bandits. "I was so happy about that."

From his black leather-clad hands to his wild, psychotic eyes, an air of cool, remorseless detachment envelops him. In a review, Variety described Lee's eyes as "commanding" and having a "Korean psycho-gangster mentality."

It is an unsettling performance, and one of the film's many highlights.

After playing primarily romantic leads, Lee says playing a villain was a refreshing experience for him and something he'd been thinking about for his entire acting career. "Actors always want to play the villain role at least once in their life. I had a good time because I could finally realize a full range of expressions and emotions," he told CNN.

Set in the 1930s, the film follows three Korean outlaws on a chase across the desert plains of Japan-occupied Manchuria on a hunt for a legendary treasure map.

The movie hits on a trifecta: It stars three of South Korea's leading actors (Lee is joined on screen by Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung), has a massive $17 million budget and is helmed by the award-winning Kim.

With stunning wide shots of endless horizons filmed in China's Gobi Desert and edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish, Kim's homage to Sergio Leone's 1966 classic "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," with more than a hint of "Indiana Jones" delivers a steady stream of adrenaline. Have you seen "The Good, The Bad, The Weird?" What did you think?

Lee says his character was perfected through several conversations, discussions and arguments with Kim, a close friend who also directed him in 2005's "A Bittersweet Life."

Everybody has bad characters in their mind, even if it may be small or in their subconscious, Lee explains, referring to his preparation for the role. "Of course, I have that kind of character inside of me, I think. So, I amplified my bad side. But the main thing is the mind, I think, which comes from the inside," he told CNN.

This role is the screen idol's latest step in a slow break out from "type," since his turn as an enforcer for an underworld boss in the film noir "A Bittersweet Life."

In South Korea, where celebrities are closely scrutinized by the public and Internet gossip is rampant, Lee, who is a target because of his film star status, says he tries his best to steer clear of online chatter.

The spread of rumors over the Web is one of the biggest problems that exists in South Korea. The recent suicide of one of the nation's leading actresses was blamed on online gossip. "There has to be change," Lee said. "I try not to read those kinds of things. I think it's better to do that."

This may have been easier for him recently, as he has been busy working on projects outside of South Korea, although, he says these too hold their challenges.

Working in Hollywood was difficult, especially acting in English which, says Lee, made it harder for him to focus on his emotions and expressions.

Lee plays Storm Shadow in the action movie "G.I. Joe," which is due for release next summer. The movie, based on the popular comic and cartoon series, boasts a star-studded cast, including Sienna Miller and Dennis Quaid. "Everything was so different. It was really hard," he said about filming "G.I. Joe." "But it was a very good experience for me."

He's now back in Korea working but isn't ruling out the possibility of returning to Hollywood. He says he could envision going back and forth between South Korea and the U.S.

"Of course, if they have good projects for me, then I would participate."

Source: CNN.com, image from empas.com

http://premium.edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBI...ghun/index.html

TOKYO — South Korean actor Lee Byung Hun will release a song in Japanese, Universal Japan said. The song is composed by TV producer Yasushi Akimoto. Lee said: “I would like to show my appreciation for my Japanese fans through this song. I tried to remember the Japanese lyrics the same way I remember movie dialogue.”

The CD will be released on Oct 15. It will also be used for a new TV commercial for Toyota’s RAV4 from Monday.

Source: Japan Today & image from toyota.jp, thanks to the highlight by TY_KSW

http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird" had a good reception at Cannes Film Festival. It is a movie about men on a chase about a treasure map and takes place in the 1930s, in the Japanese colony of Manchuria.

It was first revealed through a press conference on the 24th. On the same day, executive chairman of the Cannes Film Festival Thierry Fremaux volunteered to host the conference. Sean Penn, Natalie Portman, and other Hollywood stars attended.

Director Kim Ji-woon said, "It's great to have a warm welcome in a foreign place. We filmed for nine months going back and forth from Korea to China. The actors and staff went through a lot with hot temperatures in the Gobi Desert in China.

Director Kim said that the movie showing in Cannes and the movie premiering in Korea had different endings. "The Korean version has more humor and action, and it is more entertaining so the whole family can enjoy it".

He said that he got a lot of his inspiration from Director Clint Eastwood's 1992 movie "Unforgiven". He said, "I wasn't particularly aiming to make the Western genre popular in Asia. It's enough that I can revive the Manchurian Western genre in Korea".

Lee Byeong-Heon said, "I wondered if I should get some information while watching a Western movie, but I didn't because I thought I would copy the character exactly. It's true that it was overwhelming to make a creative evil character that was hard to express. But it was a chance for me to have a new experience. Although this character is evil and willing to risk his life to become the best, he is an introvert and focuses on the small details. I focused on portraying a character that wasn't greedy for money but was willing to kill someone because of fame, someone with depth".

Jeong Woo-seong met with Korea's press on the 23rd and said, "I'm glad that the movie first showed at Cannes Film Festival. I think I can proudly step on the red carpet because of the good reviews from foreign movie critics".

He also said, "I hope for more opportunities to film movies with a great cast, such as Lee Byeong-Heon and Song Kang-ho. It's hard to meet actors with ability, but if those actors want to come together, there needs to be a great scenario. In that sense, "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" has all these characteristics".

Song Kang-ho couldn't hide his proud look as he said, "I'm glad that I was again invited to the world's best film festival following last year for "Secret Sunshine". The Korean movie industry seems inactive, but I hope that this is a way to advertise the industry so it may find its pride once again. I feel that this is the first movie in a while that the whole family can enjoy. I'm proud that I can show my kids how hard I worked to shoot this film".

As much as it is a Western, it has dangerous scenes. Jeong Woo-seong said, "There was a time I kept filming without knowing my arm was broken. The scene with the horse was dangerous, for they were race horses".

Song Kang-ho remembered running to catch the train on a hill with rarefied air. "I breathed in air with a portable oxygen tank, ran, breathed, and then ran. It was harder than I thought to run for it 2000 meters above sea level".

There were hardships while filming for three months in China. Still, Song Kang-ho said, "There were some communication problems, but on resting days, we played soccer and the losing team paid for dinner. We got along".

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird" will be marketed in France and China. At the Cannes Film Festival, they sold copyright rights to Hollywood's Mel Gibson's movie company Icon Pictures, Benelux, Russia, Germany, Turkey, England, and Singapore.

It premiers in July in Korea.

Original Korean Article: NEWSIS 2008-05-25
English Translation Credit: HanCinema

Kang Je-gyu, Jackie Chan, Park Jin-young

International martial-arts and action-comic star Jackie Chan will join hands with Korean singer/producer Park Jin-young and film director Kang Je-gyu to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Sichuan, China.

JYP Entertainment said yesterday that Chan has solicited the help of his two Korean friends -- Park and Kang -- to launch a charity project featuring K-pop stars. JYP, the country's leading pop artist management company led by Park, said that Park has responded by writing an inspirational song of hope which will be recorded with top-notch K-pop stars including himself.

"I'm always proud of being an Asian," said Park, the first Asian songwriter to sell a song to an American superstar (including Will Smith and Nick Carter), in a press release issued by the Korean entertainment giant. "I hope the project will provide the victims with help, though not much."

Kang, one of the country's hottest filmmakers best known for his mega blockbuster "Taegukgi (2004)," meanwhile, will produce the song's music video. "The earthquake in China is the tragedy of entire Asia. I believe we all should do what we can do to help the victims for our own goods, as well," the 46-year-old director said in the press release.

JYP said that Chan will be visiting Seoul starting today to observe the recording of the Asian version of "USA for Africa" and filming of the music video. The lineup of singers who will be participating in the project has yet to be released, though JYP said Park has been contacting a wide variety of top-notch Korean entertainers and other celebrities, including singer and actor Rain.

According to JYP, Chan is also considering giving a charity concert in China's earthquake-ravaged Sichuan Province, along with the project's participants, the plans of which are expected to be finalized in a few days.

By Lee Yong-sung
(danlee@heraldm.com)

Source:http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

Korean star Lee Byung-heon is returning to TV screen in a spy thriller titled “Iris.” Lee’s first TV drama in five years since his starring role in “All In,” “Iris” is Korea’s first attempt at a high-tech spy thriller filled with flashy action scenes, cool cutting-edge devices, and scenic overseas locations.


The 20 million-dollar action-packed drama is directed by Kang Je-gyu of “Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War” and Lee Hyung-min of “I’m Sorry, I Love You” and produced jointly by Taewon Entertainment, which had made the global project “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon.”Filming will begin later this year and take place in Russia, Japan, China and the United States. The twenty-parter “Iris” is scheduled to be aired early next year.

Lee has just wrapped up filming the French-American movie “I Come with the Rain” with Josh Hartnett and is getting ready to shoot “G. I. Joe.” Lee will be playing Korean ninja Storm Shadow in the action flick. The multi-national collaboration co-starring British actress Sienna Miller and American actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt alongside Lee is due for release in August 2009.
Source:http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=7435

Lee Byeong-Heon finished the first filming of the Hollywood action move "G. I. Joe" as Storm Shadow.

Paramount Pictures said on the 19th that Lee Byeong-Heon successful completed an important filming on the 13th.

His character, Storm Shadow, has a complicated and dark past. He left Korea on January 23 to practice action scenes and rehearse.

His first Hollywood work, "G. I. Joe" is a remake of a cartoon, and it portrays the conflict between the terrorist commander Cobra and U. S. military unit.

Paramount Pictures said, "Lee Byeong-Heon is a top star popular not only in Korea, but in all of Asia".

Original article at news.empas.com
English translation by www.hancinema.net