Rain to Meet with U.N. Secretary General-elect Ban Ki-moon

Pan-Asian star Rain will hold a meeting with the 8th U.N. Secretary-General-elect Ban Ki-moon on October 28 in North Chungcheong Province at an event congratulating Ban for his election.

Before performing in a congratulatory concert, the singer will meet with Ban for about 20 minutes so the two can thank and congratulate each other on their respective achievements in raising Korea’s status in the international community.

Rain, whose fourth album sends a message of world peace, said he will be honored to meet with Ban, whose new post will endow him with the ability to realize the goal of attaining world peace.

On October 29, Park Jin-young, who is Rain’s producer and the CEO of his agency, will represent Asia at the U.N. Youth Leadership Summit in New York.

The meeting between Rain, who in February was selected by the U.S. magazine Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and Ban, who won a unanimous vote to take the post of U.N. secretary general, will represent a ray of hope for Korea’s future.

Organized by Gyohyeon Elementary School, Chungju Secondary School and Chungju High School, Ban’s alma maters, and the Chungju municipal government, the event will be attended by some 10,000 Chungjju residents and heads of local government offices. The congratulatory concert will be broadcast live by local cable broadcaster HCN. The pre-recorded version of the concert will go on the air in China, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Source: KBS Global

Kim Jung-hoon Gives Concert in Japan

Singer/actor Kim Jung-hoon has given a concert in Tokyo to mark the release of his first album targeting Japanese viewers.

The Sankei Sports reported October 30 that Kim, who has created a sensation in Japan for his role in the TV drama Princess Hours, released his debut album entitled 5 Stella Lights on October 29.

Kim told the audience of some 1,000 people that he was surprised to see so many fans come to his concert. He sang three songs in Japanese and said he wants to be credited as a singer who is good at expressing his feelings.

Kim is preparing for a large-scale tour of Japan that will begin on December 12 at the Stella Hotel in Shinagawa, Tokyo and cover ten cities, including Osaka and Sapporo.

Meanwhile, Princess Hours will premiere in Japan November 9 on Tokyo TV and will air every Thursday.
Source: KBS Global

Bi (Rain) in Esquire Magazine

              
Hotness! Please excuse me while I go wipe the drool off my face...

Special thanks to StiCkiT and suejinners for posting the pictures.

Hi

Hi everyone (or the one other person that visits this site besides me...haha),

I'm currently out of town visiting a friend. Updates will most likely resume on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall: Part 1

Looks: Jang Seo Hee
Is this the same actress who was in Love Hymn and before that, Mermaid Girl? If it is her, then she looks quite young for her age. I was surprised to discover that she's in her thirties.

Favorite: Lee Young Ae
I discovered Lee Young Ae only after watching Dae Jang Geum. After that, I searched for her previous works and saw her in the movie One Fine Spring Day. I didn't really get this movie. Perhaps it was too deep and intellectual for my taste. I don't know. I also watched LYA in Sympathy for Lady Vengeance and was really surprised at her transformation as this came after Dae Jang Geum. She was very good in this movie.
LYA is also another actress who looks great for her age.


Looks: Song Yoon Ah
Some of you might say, "ah, why her? Why not Choi Ji Woo or Kim Sun Ah, etc.?" Well, I chose SYA because from what I've read about the other actresses on this list, she's natural, plastic-free. I don't know much about Kim Min. Has she had any professional alterations?

Favorite: Kim Sun Ah
I love her in My Name is Kim Sam Soon. She was great in that drama. I also checked out her previous works such as She's On Duty and S Diary and like her in those movies as well. She can pull off comedy and drama. Very versatile.


Looks: Kim Hee Sun
I don't like Kim Hee Sun. It pains me to put her name here but hey, I must be somewhat objective, right?!

Favorite: Kim Ha Neul
I like her in comedic roles such as those in My Tutor Friend with Kwon Sang Woo and Too Beautiful To Lie with Kand Dong Won. She's cute, funny, and loads of charisma.
I'm currently watching 101st Proposal and I'm starting to like Park Sun Young. The picture in this list does not do her justice. She's quite a pretty lady.


Looks: Kim Hyun Joo

Favorite: None
[Perhaps Kim Hyun Joo in here as well. She was hilarious in Miss Kim's Million Dollar Quest.]


Looks: Lee Hyori
I haven't watched much of her performance and am not really familiar with her music. I just know that she was a member of the popular music group FINKL. I've seen many of her pictures and have to say that she has one of the sweetest smiles.

Favorite: Lee Bo Young
I saw in Save the Last Dance for Me and she was annoying as hell, due to her character and over-the-top facial expressions. However, after finishing Mr. Goodbye, my impression of her changed. Now, she's not that bad.
Ha Ji Won is cool too.

Special thanks to ~*kYo*~ @ soompi for compiling the pictures and posting them.
Note: These are my own opinions. If they don't match with yours, then geez... I really don't know what to say.

Two of My Favorite Girls

Lee Da Hae's commercials

BC Card (new)

Uploaded by: apdy

BC Card (old)

Uploaded by: pinklilysilverstars

Dentrala

Uploaded by: pinklilysilverstars

Kimchi Cooler 1

Uploaded by: pinklilysilverstars

Kimchi Cooler 2

Uploaded by: xsandy

Nam Sang Mi's commercials

Soju 1

Uploaded by: mizzlinhie

Soju 2

Uploaded by: shinhwaxjjang

doozy: THEY ARE BOTH SO ADORABLE!

Korea Film Festival to Be Held in China

The Korean Film Festival will be held in Beijing and Shanghai from Friday through Sunday, after the CJ China Film Festival was held in the two biggest Korean cities of Seoul and Busan last month. The festivals are expected to facilitate exchange between the Korean and Chinese film industries.

The Korean Film Festival will focus on highlighting diversity in Korean movies, while the Chinese Film Festival put an emphasis on introducing works by new-generation Chinese directors.

Ten movies to be shown at the festival are: My Boss, My Teacher, The Big Scene, You’re My Sunshine, All for Love, A Moment to Remember, My Brother, Arahan, The Memories of Murder, Classis, and The Warrior.

Director Kim Seong-soo of The Restless and actor Jung Woo-sung and actress Kim Tae-hee, who starred in the movie, will serve as the festival’s promotional ambassadors. The venues are CGV Multiplex Cinema in Shanghai and Stellar Cinema City and Wangfujing Cinema City in Beijing.

Hosted jointly by the Korea Film Council and China's State Administration of Radio, Film, Television, the event is expected to serve as an opportunity to reveal the secrets of the recent renaissance of Korean films and promote their originality.
Source: KBS Global

War of Flower Enters Box-office’s Top-10

The movie War of Flower, based on the same-titled cartoon by cartoonist Heo Young-man, has joined the ranks of top-10 domestic movies.

Since its opening September 28, the film had drawn 5.68 million viewers as of October 22, according to its distributor, CJ Entertainment, surpassing the number of viewers drawn by Married to Mafia (5.66 million). If the film’s popularity remains as high, it will likely even outperform Joint Security Area, which is currently ranked ninth at 5.83 million viewers.

Viewers have been raving about the film for the stunning acting of its lead actress Kim Hye-soo and the impressive directing skills of director Choi Dong-hoon.

Another film, Radio Star by director Lee Jun-ik, which opened October 19, has also gained enormous popularity through word-of-mouth and is about to record its two millionth viewer. The film’s distributor, Cinema Service, says the film ranks second or third among domestic movies in terms of booking rate.
Source: KBS Global

Fantasy Couple

Official Website

Soompi Thread

Cast
Oh Ji Ho
Han Ye Seul
Kim Sung Min
Park Han Byul

Oh Ji Ho and Han Yeh Seul will costar in the weekend drama Couple of Fantasy scheduled to be aired by MBC on 10/14 following the final episode of Rude Women. Actor Kim Sung Min (aka Kim Sung Taek) and actress Park Han Byul also perform in the drama.

This drama, based on the Hollywood movie Overboard starring Goldie Hawn and Curt Russell released in 1987, portrays a rich woman and a daring construction engineer’s love story. The script writers are the duo Hong Jung Eun and Hong Mi Ran (the Hong sisters) who wrote for popular dramas Sassy Girl Choon Hyang and My Girl. The PD is Kim Sang Ho whose previous work was the drama Secret Man and Woman.

OJH plays the role Jang Chul Soo who is a shameless money-lover. HYS plays an immodest rich woman Ana Jo who is vivid and comical. Ana Jo lost memory after an accident and becomes poor. Then she and the construction engineer Chul Soo develop love relationship. PHB plays the role Yoo Kyung Eun who is a teacher of elementary school. KSM plays Ana Jo’s husband.
Source: WITH S2

doozy: From the writers of My Girl? How exciting. This sounds like it's going to be a fun ride!

Ha Ji-won Speaks Up for Chosun-Era Gisaeng

It isn’t until the setting sun makes the shadows grow long on the set of Hwang Jin-I, the KBS 2 historical drama that took a staggering 20 percent of the viewing rate at its debut, that Ha Ji-won can settle down for a moment’s rest. "This is the first time that I have felt jealous during acting," she says. "The charisma of a world-class beauty, the intellect to keep her on a par with the scholars in a poetry contest: there was nowhere she was lacking. More than anything else, she didn’t give in to the pressure of her class or of the era in which she was born. She took the life she was given and lived it in an admirable way."

To the brassy question, "Aren’t gisaeng just the girls who pour the liquor?" the actress kept her cool: "You can look at it that way, but they were at once entertainers and artists." "Nowadays you can see celebrities on TV and on stage, but in the Chosun period it was the gisaeng that filled that role," she said. "But they did have to pour the drinks, and sometimes they had to give their bodies, and since they could never love easily, their lives were often filled with pain."

Through the role, the actress is living the arduous life of a Chosun-era entertainer for herself. "There was one extra who cried real tears during the shooting of a scene where their feet were bound and strung upside to perform a dance," she recalls. "Physically and mentally, the life of the gisaeng is hard."

And she added, "For a female entertainer, the closest companion is pain." Asked if there is a line like that in the drama, Ha smiles. "Yes, it’s a line from the fourth episode. Since I’m going through the joys and sorrows felt by the gisaeng throughout the drama, certain lines speak to my heart word for word." Ha is an actress who has a wide range of room to be analyzed. In an industry full of stars who have finely chiseled noses and wide eyes, Ha looks like the girl next door. Ironically it was that ordinariness that helped her to grow into a top class actor on the big and small screen. Most of the characters she played in some way broke the mold, and it was possible because of an appearance that can become any character as well as her fine dramatic craft.

For Ha, a drama requiring her to embody traditional feminine beauty is both an opportunity and a risk. "As you know, I don’t have a pretty doll-like face, nor do I have a lot of charisma. But because of that, I can fit better into various types of characters. I often wish I were prettier, though." In the drama she refused to use a double for the tightrope walk scene. She set up a rope in the yard of her house and learned herself over the course of two weeks. "I felt like I lack something, and that’s why I always want to learn. Interestingly, whenever I want to learn something, there comes the chance to shoot a movie or drama related to it. When I started to get interested in dance, I ended up starring in Duelist, which allowed me to learn both ballet and tango. Do you think I have some sort of psychic power? It’s scary."
Source: english.chosun.com

doozy: Ha Ji Won sounds very modest and down-to-earth. "... nor do I have a lot of charisma." What is she talking about? She does charisma because although she doesn't have the most gorgeous face, she has that special appeal that makes her interesting to watch onscreen.

New Cast for Goong 2 Announced

Clockwise: Se7en, Huh Yi Jae, Kang Du, and Park Shin Hye

Singer Se7en (Choi Dong Wook), Huh Yi Jae, Kang Du, and Park Shin Hye are selected to lead the drama Palace 2 scheduled to be aired by MBC early next year.

Supporting cast including Kim Hye Ja, Yoon Yoo Sun, and Park Chan Hwan will once again collaborate in this drama. The filming is scheduled to begin in November.

In this drama, Se7en plays the role Lee Hoo who is a delightful and optimistic young man living a carefree life before he is suddenly informed that he will succeed the throne. Lee Hoo’s partner, who grew up with him since childhood, is played by HYJ. After the revelation of the fact of the royal family, she starts her cautious life in the palace. Kangdu plays the role Lee Joon who has been on the orthodox elite path and is a candidate to become the emperor. PSH plays the role Shin Se Ryung who is beautiful and has superior capability. Se Ryung is the only child of a noble family and is ambitious to become the empress. HYJ’s latest project was the movie Dirty Carnival and PSH’s previous drama was Tree of Heaven.
Special thanks to rubie @ soompi for posting the news and XSE7ENSL0VE for the new/old cast image.

How Hwang PD came about casting the 4 leads

Lee Ho- Se7en (Choi Dong Wook)'s guesting story

Hwang PD said that he saw se7en in a music video wearing heelys 4 years ago for the first time and thought he was really cute then. Although when the guesting of goong 2 came about, he had already thought se7en would match the character but coz he was too successful of a gasoo, it seemed like that he would not be able to fit in se7en's schedule. But then they found out that Se7en's side had some interest in it and so a meeting was arranged. Hwang PD says that not only is se7en's image suitable, but his humble attitude left a big impression on him. When they were talking, he found out about the stories about the period before his debut and even though he's young, because he's had a 6 year period to mature, he thinks that se7en can do anything.

Se7en's comment

I am nervous and anxious just like my debut 4 years ago as gasoo "Se7en". Although the title of actor "Choi Dong wook" is still not familiar, my biggest weapon is that i'm hardworking, and I will give my all. Music, acting, I will not neglect either and will become a reborn (?) se7en with a new challenge. Please watch out for me.

Yang Soon Ae- Huh Lee Jae's guesting story

Hwang PD says that Huh lee jae was no. 1 on the list of ppl who matched the image of the character. Before the audition, all the pictures of her were of her smiling. A clean and clear image and the innocence that a newcomer gives off is her most attractive point. Both se7en and Huh Lee Jae give off the same feeling- clear and clear feeling but like the waters of Sullaksan(mountain in Korea), clear and clean but cannot see how deep it is.

Huh Lee Jae's comment

I had alot of fun watching Goong and i didnt know i would be this lucky to be able to join Goong 2. When i saw the role of Yang soon ae during the audition, i thought that the character was similar to me and although i was anticipating... i was really surprised and very happy. In order to live up to the director who believes in me and also for Goong 2 to receive lots of support, I will try my best.

Lee Joon- Kang Doo's guesting story

Hwang PD: My links with Kang doo go way back. I saw him first when he was part of the duet "Jadu", his image then became really different so I became curious and decided to use him for Han Bum drama. Kang Doo possesses the aura which is needed to express Lee Joon's unique emotional world. He's already been in the business for 5-6 years and before he debuted he was also in an underground band, so he definitely has the strength to be an actor.

Kang Doo's comment

I am happy that i can start as an actor with Goong 2. I really thank director who is giving me a good chance to venture into something that even i dont know well myself. I hope everyone can watch out for me now not as Kang Doo but as "Lee Joon'/ I will try my best for the fans who have been waiting for Goong 2 so that u's wont be disappointed.

Shin Sae Ryong- Park Shin Hye's guesting story

Hwang PD says that the first time he met Park Shin Hye was at the set of Bichunmoo and then, Park Shin Hye was still in junior high. Despite her young age, the look she possessed in her eyes as an actor was clear and strong. Actually she was recommended for Goong part 1 as well but because she was too young, she would have had problems playing against the other leads. Meeting her after 1 year, she seemed to have matured. She is the one with the most acting experience in the 4 and therefore there are alot of expectations. The character Shin Sae Ryong is a person who is stuck between love and desire and is aggressive and difficult. Although she is young, she is one who has the conditions to turn into a shining star.

Park Shin Hye's comment

"When i'm confronted with myself in TV, I'm still uncomfortable and shy. I will try my best for those who gave me this precious chance, not in order to become someone but with a genuine and true heart. I will meet everyone not as Park Shin Hye but as "Shin Sae Ryong."
Source: Newsen
Translation by: Cecilia

doozy: When news broke that the main cast of Goong would not take part in the sequel, many fans were disappointed. But life goes on... This time, the sequel is titled Prince Hours as opposed to Princess Hours because instead of a regular, "average" girl entering the palace, Se7en will play the male-equivalent of Chae Gyung.

Appearance-wise, the original cast is more of eye-candy material than this one. Se7en as the prince? With that haircut, perhaps boy-next-door. But royal highness, hm... I don't think so. And no, that is not Kim Tae Hui's younger sister, although they do resemble each other. Who the heck is Kang Du? He looks so out-of-place in that picture. Kim Jung Hoon wins by a long stretch.

Talent-wise, regarding the new cast, I'll keep my expectations low in case of disappointment. This time, again, we have another group of young-uns, with the exception of Park Shin Hye (If you haven't seen Tree of Heaven, she was the young Choi Ji Woo in Stairway to Heaven) who are new to this thing called acting. From what I've seen of Park Shin Hye, she's a decent young actor so no worries there. As for the rest of the new cast, let's just simply hope that they're not that bad.

I kind of feel bad for this new cast because there's probably alot of pressure to live up to since Goong was so popular. We'll wait and see how they do. Cross your fingers, everyone.

(It's interesting that PSH is casted in this sequel because recently, she was in a photoshoot for a clothing catalog with Joo Ji Hoon who played Prince Lee Shin in Goong.)

Rain (Bi) Vol. 4: Rain's World *updated*

I'm gorgeous, I know. My body is a work of art!

Song List

Source: Yesasia.com

Promotional MV

Uploaded by: msom2008

"I'm Coming" Live Performance on SBS

Uploaded by: hypergrl09

"Move On"

Uploaded by: nocturnaljj
Translations: ca0825 @ biwithrain (Japanese to Chinese) and Rayndrop (Chinese to English)
Subbed by: jay_jay

The Evolution of Bi

Vol. 1- "Bad Man"

What is the "bad man" trying to run away from? His captors, loan sharks, or simply... bad hair? None of the above. He is "running away from the sun"...

Vol. 2- "How to Escape from the Sun"

I love the guitar intro. This is one of my most favorite songs.

With the success of his two previous albums and a hit television drama (Full House), Bi's popularity is soaring. He's so famous that in order to avoid the lenses of paparazzi, he uses a big rig truck as a mode of transportation to his concert. He wears a long fur coat to represent his status, wealth, and spite for little furry animals. (Okay, perhaps no to the last one..) At his performance, people are chanting his name, "Rain, go Rain. It's raining!"

Vol. 3- "It's Raining"


Japan, are you ready? Here I come!


Special thanks to Lanice for uploading the MVs and subbing teams for the subtitles.

Weather forecast: Rain in the USA?

Rain is going to release his 5th album (World Wide version) in the 2nd half of 2007, mainly targeting at USA and the rest of the world.

According to Rain's recent interview by Starnews, "5th album will be released next year as world wide version, as it's part of the plan to enter USA market..." "Mini concerts will be held to release of new songs, and combined with World Wide.... The event(s) shall be organised in S. Korea and other countries..." Rain added, "The initial stage of brain-storming for 5th album was completed.." So let's look forward to it.

Rain also mentioned that this album mainly includes English songs so that it can be simultaneously released in S. Korea and overseas markets. It is a totally different concept compared to License Album. "Like what I normally did in the past: Conceptualization for 4th album was done during the release of 3rd album... Therefore we have the ideas for next album after the release of 4th album." said Rain.

Rain's World was officially released on Oct 13, and created 100,000 copies of sales record in first day! The figure is still going up indeed. In the meantime, Rain began his publicity activities from MBC SHOW! Music Centre on Oct 14.
Source: Chosun & Starnews
Chi translation: irbi@BiwithRain
Up by mandy@rainhk
Eng translation: jjbug@rain-malaysia
Credit: nana555@Bi's Kingdom (www.popcornfor2.com), khanakham, Kdrama, and heygingersnap @ Soompi

doozy: This new album concept of Bi being a some sort of supernatural god/superhero who is going to save the world from death and destruction is... a little over-the-top. And what is with this military theme? He's trying to expand global, especially into the US music industry, but with the current political situation with the war and all, is this new image/concept going to help or hurt his goals?
Appearance-wise, he looks great! I like the new haircut and love the tanned, well-built body.
Music-wise, from the several songs that I've heard, it's okay. I prefer "It's Raining" over "I'm Coming." Although "Move On" is a good song, I still like his previous albums more.
In any case, I wish him the best of success in his quest for "global domination!"

TVXQ Member Recovers from Poisoning

Yuno-yunho, a member of the boy-band TVXQ (a.k.a. DBSG) who drank a beverage containing a harmful substance on October 14 that he received from an unidentified woman, received medical attention and is currently recovering.

The group’s agency, SM Entertainment, said that Yuno-yunho received emergency treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul and underwent a health checkup at another hospital later. The diagnosis is yet to be released but the singer is apparently doing fine. His manager, who was with him when the incident occurred, helped him vomit the drink immediately.

Yuno-yunho rested until October 15 and in the afternoon of that day cooperated with police in identifying the suspect.

Aside from the poisoned beverage, the singer also received a letter from the suspect warning him to "watch his mouth" and that "many people switch channels when TVXQ appears on TV." The letter also called the band "arrogant" and sounded threatening. All members of the group were shocked by the incident because it apparently targeted the entire group.

TVXQ will appear on TV shows without Yuno-yunho for the time being, as it is unable to cancel its scheduled activities at this point. The group will sing its song "I’ll Be There" instead of the title song of its just-released album, because it is easier to replace Yuno-yunho in that song.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: What the..?! To dislike a celebrity is one thing but to resort to such low measures? Wow, what craziness!

Hwang Jin-Yi

Cast
Ha Ji Won (What Happened in Bali, Damo, The Duelist)
Kim Jae Won (Great Inheritance, Romance)
Lee Si Hwan (Snow World)
Ryu Tae Jun (Really Really Like You)
Jeon Mi Seon (Steam Flower)
Jang Geun Seok (Nonstop 4, Lovers in Prague)
Lee In Hye (Sassy Girl Choon Hyang, Golden Apple)

Airs
October 11, 2006 (every Wednesdays-Thursdays)

Episodes
24

Broadcasting station
KBS2

PD
Kim Cheol-Gyu

Writer
Yoo Seon-Joo

Produced by
Olive9

Source: WITH S2

doozy: The first episode aired with relatively good ratings (around 20%). I have yet to see it but will post my comments on it once I do.

Cuteness!

Baby Lee Dong Wook




I see some similarities, especially that adorable smile!

Lee Dong Wook at the Pusan Film Festival (new pics)

Woah there, Dong Wook sshi. Easy on the gel!

Although I don't like the new haircut, he still looks handsome.
Special thanks to ripgal @ soompi for posting the pictures.

Rain, Won Bin, Kang Dong-won Join Hands

Hallyu stars Rain, Won Bin, Kang Don-won, Suae and Han Chae-young will set up a joint sales office at the 11th Pusan International Film Festival.

Star-J Entertainment said October 11 that four talent management agencies that manage big hallyu stars, including JYP Entertainment, Dream East On and The Man, will set up a joint sales office at the festival.

The Asian Film Market, which will debut this year, will create opportunities to share information about popular actors aside from just buying and selling films. Influential talent management agencies from both Korea and abroad are expected to install booths at the festival to promote their actors.

A person from Star-J Entertainment said that promotional activities of hallyu stars overseas that were unofficially held so far had multiple negative effects, but this event will hopefully pave the way for official and transparent business.

The sales office will be open October 15 through 18.
Source: KBS Global

Jeon Ji-hyun Snapped With Mystery Male Companion

Jeon Ji-hyun has become the target of the always persistent Hong Kong press.

Sina Dotcom’s (www.sina.com) Hong Kong site reported on Tuesday that Jeon Ji-hyun had been spotted out shopping with an unidentified male companion. According to the news website, Jeon recently visited the international city for pleasure. The couple were seen with another woman enjoying their time at a hot Hong Kong shopping spot. But the focus was on the man accompanying Jeon. The woman seen with Jeon looked like an assistant, but the man seemed not to be part of the actress’ staff, the Hong Kong press surmised.

The two exuded "closeness," it said, and Jeon devoted a good amount of time to shopping for men’s clothes. Then the two settled on women’s clothes, the man reportedly paying for the new threads. Jeon was in turn by his side as he tried on various outfits.

The actress' handlers at Sidus HQ say they are aware of the reports. "What is true is that the actress traveled to Hong Kong for a very important meeting, and has since returned. However, the person traveling with her is affiliated with the company, and it is nothing strange for a manager to travel along," it said. Meanwhile, Sina Dotcom published detailed reports of Jeon’s other activities.

She reportedly has plans to head to the U.S. for language study, and has said that she will be attending a large-scale fan meet at the Saitama Super Arena this Nov. 7.
Source: english.chosun.com

AIL Episode 03: Happiness Index

Since Hyeong Joong injured his hand while trying to catch Eun Ho's stalker in the previous episode, he's going around the gym telling everyone that she is his girlfriend. The boss gathers all the employees at the gym together to scold at them about the rumors about a gym personnel dating a member. He misunderstands one of Eun Ho's co-workers as the subject of the rumors. Eun Ho is troubled about this whole Hyeong Joon matter and asks him to stop bothering her. However, it does not work out as he still shamelessly flirts with Eun Ho.

Eun Ho's friend Kim Mi Yeon discovered from Eun Ho that it was Dong Jin who introduced her to Hyeong Joong. Mi Yeon decides to take revenge on Dong Jin for doing that to Eun Ho. She visits his bookstore and tells him that Eun Ho wants to match-make the two of them to return the favor. In actuality, she wants to get Dong Jin drunk, seduce him, and record the whole thing to humiliate him. However, her plan doesn't work because although he's shallow like most men, he's still a considerate gentleman. Instead of falling for Mi Yeon's trap in her car, he puts a coat on her and leaves the car. As Mi Yeon watches Dong Jin, viewers get the sense that she's starting to like him. However, she drives off leaving Dong Jin stranded in a place with no access to public transportation.

The next morning, Eun Ho is worried about Dong Jin because she heard about what happened from Mi Yeon. They meet at their usual donut shop and begin to quarrel, Eun Ho about how her work and personal life is messed up after he introduced her to Hyeong Joong and Dong Jin argues about Eun Ho and Mi Yeon's revenge plot. They stop arguing when two pairs of mother and child sit down at the next table and the mothers are scolding their kids for always fighting with each other.

At home, Eun Ho seeks the advice of Ji Ho as to how to get rid of Hyeong Joong. Ji Ho suggests that Eun Ho shows her real personality to Hyeong Joong to make him give up because in his mind, the image that he has of Eun Ho from five years ago is probably vague and unrealistic. Eun Ho decides to meet up with Hyeong Joong to put Ji Ho's advice into action. Hyeong Joong takes Eun Ho to a park and tells her about his original plan to woo her. It is here that we find out when Hyeong Joong met Eun Ho and why he likes her. The flashback shows that on the night before Eun Ho's wedding, Hyeong Joong was very angry and fed up with his life; he wanted to commit suicide. He fell asleep, however, on the park bench probably because he was too drunk. In the morning, he was woken up by a woman's voice and as he opened his eyes in the sunlight, he saw a very happy Eun Ho. He asked her whether she was happy and when she answered "yes," he asked her why. Eun Ho replied, "I'm happy because I'm alive." Seeing that Hyeong Joong was depressed upon leaving the park, Eun Ho asked him to place his hand on the left side of his chest to feel his heart beating. She told him that since her happiness index was high today, she would share some of her happiness with him. Eun Ho's optimism and encouragement lifted his spirit and saved his life. Now, Hyeong Joong asks Eun Ho whether her marriage was unhappy because he took some of her happiness. He says that he'll take responsibility for that and Eun Ho laughs.

In the meantime, Dr. Gong is still trying to get Dong Jin and Eun Ho back together again. He even got Ji Ho to stalk Hyeong Joon with him by bribing her, this time not with food but with money.

In this episode, we also discover that Yu Ri ("Demon in Black") is also Dong Jin's friend. She goes to Dong Jin's bookstore to sell tickets for her upcoming wrestling match and greets him with a painful headlock, her way of saying "hi." Everyone attends the match, which, by the way, is very violent. The "Demon in Black" is winning in the beginning but loses to the "Angel" at the end. When Yu Ri is laying in the ring after she is knocked down, we can see that she is starting to feel tired of this hobby because it is taking too much of her energy and stamina.

After the wrestling competition, they meet up at the usual bar. It is here that the drunk Mi Yeon brings up the awkward and uncomfortable question about why did Dong Jin and Eun Ho break up. No clear answer is given. Also, Hyeong Joon declares here that he wants to date Eun Ho as a prelude to marriage.

Hilarious/Quirky Moments

1. At the bar in the beginning of the episode, Dr. Gong is telling Dong Jin that Eun Ho might fall for Hyeong Joon because since ancient times, women have always fell for the heroic men that saved them from danger. Dr. Gong references the example of how Jane fell for Tarzan and Dong Jin replies, "Of course. Would you like her to fall for the cheetah?!"
Then Dong Jin asks Dr. Gong about why he's single and always seems to have plenty of free time. Dong Jin asks whether he is gay. At this moment, the bar's chef who has been busy with his work perks up at the suggestion. However, when Dr. Gong replies that he loves women more than anything, the chef looks disappointed. Aw.. This scene is fast, only lasting around a minute or so but I find it funny. Watch it and you'll know what I'm talking about.

2. Any scene with Ji Ho. Have I mention enough how much I like this character? Well, here goes one more time. I love this character!

The Lovely Nam Sang Mi

These are new pictures from one of my favorite actresses. I really miss seeing her onscreen! If you don't know who she is, then first, pinch yourself for haven't discover this talent yet and second, check out some of her works such as The Sweet Spy and Bad Family. Personally, I recommend Bad Family.


Special thanks to jahye and suejinners @ soompi for posting the pictures.

Movies for Long Chusok Holiday

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter (The Korea Times)


To celebrate the Chusok holiday, millions of people are expected to hit the roads to their hometowns enduring severe traffic congestion. But with longer leaves from work this year, many people will also be spending the holiday at theaters.

"As the holiday is longer than ever, we expect to have more moviegoers, maybe double the average," said Kim Min-ji, PR analyst at CJ CGV, the nation's biggest multiplex theater chain. "Since the lineup seems quite attractive, we think there are many people who will visit theaters more than twice during the holiday."

As Chusok is traditionally one of the most lucrative seasons for the film industry, many films have been released to attract holidaymakers. Local theaters are holding various events along with offering discounts.

About 10 movies are now showing at theaters, and most of them are Korean movies. If you are not sure what to see, here is some information on the movies showing.

Maundy Thursday (Wuridului Haengbokhan Sigan)

This tearjerker made a successful debut drawing over 2 million moviegoers in under two weeks since its release on Sept. 14, and it is still going strong.

Directed by Song Hae-sung and starring the handsome Kang Dong-won and the lovely Lee Na-young, the film seems to be a typical love story, but it actually deals with the controversial issue of the death penalty through characters leading a marginalized life. It may disappoint audiences who expect to see a regular melodrama.

The story revolves around Yun-su (played by Kang), a convicted killer on death row, who befriends Yu-jung (Lee), when she visits him with at the prison with her aunt, a nun. Yu-jung has made repeated suicide attempts due to a troubled youth. As the seemingly extreme relationship further develops, they help each other heal.

Marrying the Mafia 3 (Kamunui Yonggwang 3)

The film is the third installment of the popular gangster comedy series. The rest of the series all have opened around Chusok, achieving huge success. Will the new film outdo its predecessors?

The members from the second installment teamed up once again for the new film, including director Jung Yong-ki and actors Shin Hyun-jun, Kim Won-hee and Kim Su-mi, bringing little that is new since the second film.

But the new film has appealing elements to those who seek something far from serious, given the fact that it attracted some 1.2 million viewers within four days of being released.

The story takes off with the family matriarch, Mrs. Hong, her star prosecutor daughter-in-law and the rest of the family launching a kimchi-making business after putting an end to their days of organized crime. But they face a crisis as their enemies prepare to take revenge on the Hongs.

Tazza: The High Roller (Tajja)

Often seen during the Chusok holiday are family members and relatives gathering around playing "Go-stop," a Korean card game, with small stakes. But more fatal gambling is depicted in this film.

Despite the risks that the film takes, such as running two hours and 20 minutes and the rating of "18 and over," it appears to be the strongest competitor at the box office attracting over 1.3 million moviegoers since its release on Sept. 27.

Directed by Choi Dong-hun, the film is an adaptation of a hit comedy series by Hur Young-man. Veteran actors such as Cho Seung-woo, Kim Hye-soo, Baek Yoon-sik and Yoo Hae-jin bring life to their counterparts from the original series.

The film revolves around Ko-ni (by Cho), an ordinary factory worker at a furniture company, who loses everything overnight at a gambling table and decides to become a top professional gambler to get back what he lost.

Radio Star

Lee Joon-ik, director of the nation's second most viewed film "King and the Clown," is back with this human drama.

To present another successful touching story, two veteran actors Park Joong-hun and Ahn Sung-ki, who have maintained an intimate friendship for decades in real life, join the film.

However, despite the high expectation and positive reviews, the film made a disappointing debut, drawing some 0.2 million nationwide.

The film is a story about a rocker who was a huge star in his heyday but is pushed to host a small radio show in the countryside. It sheds light on the decade long friendship between the rock star and his personal manager.

The Fox Family (Kumiho Kajok).

If you like the 1979 American cult film Rocky Horror Picture Show, you would love its Korean version. The film aims to present unique tastes combining different genres including musical, horror and cult.

Directed by Lee Hyung-gon, the movie takes the motif from the ghastly Korean tale of "kumiho," a fox with nine tails that desperately yearns to become human but can only do so by gobbling up the livers of 100 unfortunate souls.

But different from the scary original, the film revolves around a wacky kumiho family, who struggle to become a human while they run a circus with their tricks and magical powers.

The Banquet and Project BB

With the strong domination of local films at the box office during the holiday, two Chinese films The Banquet and Project BB are attracting moviegoers with their distinguishing charms.

The Banquet is regarded as a loose adaptation of Hamlet. It is directed by Feng Xiagang and starring China’s top actress Ziyi Zhang, and it is interesting to see how Asian actors recreate the Western classic with Asian touches.

Set in a Chinese empire in chaos, the film revolves around the emperor, empress, prince, and other high officials in the kingdom have their own enemies they want to eliminate at a night banquet.

Jackie Chan, who has often greeted Korean fans with his films during Chusok holiday, is back with his latest film Project BB.

The martial arts star shows his never-to-die action skills and stunts once again for family audiences, making it hard for them to guess how old he is.

The movie revolves around a man with the addiction to gambling, who decides to kidnap a boy from a rich family for a big ransom but he actually saves him from dangerous situations.
e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr
Source: times.hankooki.com
Image credit: various sources

doozy: I've seen the two previous movies of the Marrying the Mafia franchise and I enjoyed them. Hence, Marrying the Mafia 3 is one of the movies that I look forward to seeing. Although I'm not a fan of Zhang Ziyi, I'm also interested in watching The Banquet because it looks so grand.