Sohn Ye-jin Wins 1st Best Lead Actress Award

Actress Sohn Ye-jin has received her first best actress award at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival, which was held in Taipei, Taiwan, for her role in the movie April Snow.

A person from Sohn’s agency said the actress was overwhelmed with happiness to be honored with the award, and that even the agency did not know that April Snow was invited to the festival. He added that the award was even more meaningless (huh?) because the movie was filmed in cold winter weather and included many teary scenes..

Sohn acts opposite actor Bae Yong-jun in April Snow, where she plays a woman who falls in love with another man while nursing her husband, who gets into a car accident with his mistress.
Source: KBS Global
doozy: Woot woot! Congratulations, Ye Jin sshi!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 27th Birthday, Daniel Henney sshi!
Stay hot, happy, and healthy always!

Drool Time


Special thanks to suejinners @ soompi for posting the collection of pictures

It's Official! They Are Together!

Nope, I'm not talking about BiKyo. I'm babbling about another favorite couple of mine. *Hint: the inspiration for this blog*

Well, is it really official? I'm not sure. Sorry to those who got excited due to bold title of this post.

Kirsten (pinklily @ soompi), who is a crazed Mukgu-er (and I used the word "crazed" with love), posted some very interesting screen captures of LDH and LDW together at the MNet award ceremony. Click here to see the caps and read her hilarious commentary on the event.

Here is the YouTube clip for your viewing pleasure.

They do look awfully close, don't they? Hmm... something's definitely going on there.

Here are lovely pictures of LDH for BC Cards


Tangerines, anyone, while enjoying the soccer game? (It's a My Girl inside joke. Watch the show and you'll understand.)


Images courtesy of Daum DaHae Market/baidu
Uploaded by: zoomjack @ soompi

First Impressions...

Since I recently finished watching Rude Woman and Fireworks, I decided to take a look at several of the new dramas that have begun airing. Regarding the two that I finished, one of them I enjoyed tremendously and it was fun throughout. The other one had me scratching my head, wondering "what the hell is this crap and more importantly, why am I still watching it?"

Anyway... Below are my thoughts on the first episodes of three new dramas.

Hwang Jin-Yi

The first episode looks promising. Although, I'm not really into the ancient dancing routine, I'm especially in awe of the colorful and gorgeous hanboks. And props to the young actress who plays the child Hwang Jin-I, who does a terrific job, noticeably in the crying scenes. Really, how do the Korean production teams manage to find such talented young-uns? However, the child actress who is part of the palace dance troupe, the one that did that dagger routine, really creeps me out with her robotic, unnatural smiling face and heavy make-up.

Watch or not? From the quality of the first episode, this one is a keeper.

Fantasy Couple

From the writers of Sassy Girl, Chun-Hyang and My Girl, come another fun and hilarious drama. Han Ye Seul got the snobby, bitchy, I-answer-to-no-one role down good. Surprisingly, HYS's English is quite good. Very little accent and I can understand perfectly what she is saying. This character is Cruella deVil and Dr. Evil rolled into one. Cruella deVil because of her personality and wardrobe; Dr. Evil partly because of the pet cat and how she's more affectionate to the cat than to her fellow human beings. While watching her in action, my reaction was similar to those of the people that cross paths with her. That one raining scene at the airport where she makes the passerby walk her to her car with his umbrella and his reaction after she drives away is hilarious. Also, the pet-exchanging scene towards the end of the episode, when that "Bang Bang" song is playing the background, has me rolling in laughter.

Watch or not? Watch it!

Lovers

The storyline here seems like the ones that I've seen before from other popular melodramatic dramas. From what I gather, the breakdown of the plot is as such: under odd circumstances, a cold, commitment-phobic man meets optimistic woman with a heart-of-gold whom he falls in love with and who will change his life forever. Dun dun dun... *dramatic music plays in the background*
Although, yes, I do admit that I have watched dramas with trite and predictable plotlines and have found them enjoyable, what I cannot get over here is Kim Jung Eun's over-the-top expressions. Finally, I am able to understand why some people did not like Yoo Rin in My Girl while I find that character extremely funny and her expressions very cute and endearing. Similarly, fans of Lovers have no problems with watching KJE and even find her actions funny while I sit there watching with annoyance.

Watch or not? Until I'm no longer bothered by the leading actress's presence, then this one is a pass for me. However, if you liked the previous two installments of the "Lovers series," especially Lovers in Paris since KJE was also the leading actress in that one, then you'll probably like Lovers.

Heartthrob Daniel Henney Confesses Early Sins

With short hair and jeans instead of a suit, Daniel Henney looks relaxed and approachable. The man who in just two dramas -- My Name is Kim Sam-soon and Spring Waltz -- captured the hearts of millions of Korean women is now promoting his first feature film, Seducing Mr. Robin, which is released on Dec.7. The Chosun Ilbo spoke to the 28-year old.

Don’t you think that you are playing on women’s fantasies a little too much? In this movie, your character is a Harvard graduate and CEO of a foreign company.

"It’s a misunderstanding. Having read the screenplay, I thought he was such an ass. Too cold and stubborn. Later in the movie, a little human touch is added to the character, but the part is different than my previous roles, which were more warm-hearted."


Your fans praise your gentleness and sweetness, best represented in your smile.

"Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, everybody has two sides: good and bad. I showed my true self through Henry in My Name is Kim Sam-soon, but I showed only my good side."

What kind of guy is the rest of you?

"When I played basketball in college, I used to be a greedy player. I only thought about winning. I didn’t go so far as to take steroids, but I went on a protein diet to build up muscle, and got all the way up to 220 pounds (around 110 kg). When I was a high school student, I threw eggs at school buses for no reason. I was the captain of my basketball team, but I ended up getting a seven-game suspension. It was a time when I was full of dissatisfaction and greed."

Born in the U.S. state of Michigan, Henney dreamed of playing in the NBA when he was a boy. He was talented enough to be scouted to the University of Illinois at Chicago. But he says the talent others envied was not enough to reach the "top level," and he was at odds with the team’s coach, whom he accuses of prejudice against him -- the sole player with Asian heritage -- so he finally changed his course. After that, he worked as a model and took acting classes, and debuted in My Name is Kim Sam-soon where he became widely known.

An uncomfortable question. You said the coach at UIC had a racial bias. But don't you think that the fact that you are of mixed race worked in your favor in Korea?

"First of all, I don’t think that being of mixed race helped me get cast in Kim Sam-soon. Actually, I didn't learn about biases in Korea until well after I became famous. I've realized that even among people of mixed race, there is 'class.' But what's clear is that Korea, unlike in the U.S., isn't a country where racism is shown openly, and the younger generation has a more open mind than the older generation. I’m fretting about what kind of help I can be."

Would it be rude if I ask whether your activities in Korea are a springboard for something else, like Hollywood?

A springboard? No way. The only good thing about working in Hollywood would be the fact that my parents could see the movies I'm in more easily. Whether it's Hollywood or Korea isn't important to me. The script, and what kind of a project it is, are what I consider most important. This work isn't a stepping stone -- it's my life.

What virtues must women have to seduce Daniel Henney, rather than Mr. Robin?

First of all, a non-enhanced natural beauty. And what I like the most is the natural sound of laughter. Age changes appearance and body shape, but the laughter is unchanged when they turn 90, and even when they sit in a wheelchair.

That is some smooth talk. But, how should I put this, it sounds like a canned response.

(Blushes) Well, of course I can't ignore the impression and feeling that I get from a woman when I meet her first.

This is an English translation of an interview with Daniel Henney that appeared in the print version of the Chosun Ilbo.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
Source: english.chosun.com

doozy: Daniel Henney sshi, I'm definitely looking forward to watching your new movie and I don't care about the storyline, whether it's good or not, etc. because really, I probably won't notice and be nitpicky since my attention will be focused on you. (Although, I do hope that it won't be grossly terrible that even your presence can't even keep my attention.)

On another note, Harry Potter would like his spectacles back. And also, your hairstylist's not happy because you've missed another appoinment.

Stuff Your Face...

...with yummi-ness, that is.

Remember always to be appreciative and thankful for what you have instead of eyeing your neighbor's lawn. (You know the saying that "grass is greener...")

Original image courtesy of www.benjerry.com
Coloring courtesy of yours truly's inner child

Is Rain Worth It?

High Concert Ticket Prices Raise Eyebrows
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia (The Korea Times)
Staff Reporter

Korean superstar Rain, who goes by his real name Chung Ji-hoon when acting, will soon embark on an ambitious world tour.
K-pop superstar Rain's upcoming world concert tour is generating a lot of buzz. After all, "Rain's Coming 06/07 World Tour" is perhaps the most ambitious and expensive world concert tour by any Korean artist.

Expectations are running high for Rain's world tour, which has been called a "make it or break it" tour since it will test his popularity and ability to appeal to people in different countries. With the budget for the concert reportedly reaching several millions of dollars, it is no wonder why concert tickets are being sold at a premium price.

The most expensive tickets for Rain's concerts cost 176,000 won (US$189) in Seoul, US$261 (244,000 won) in Las Vegas and US$313 (293,000 won) in Singapore.

Rain officially kicks off his world tour in Seoul on Dec. 15 and 16 at the Olympic Park Gymnasium. He is then scheduled to perform on Dec. 23 and 24 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Tickets for the Las Vegas concerts are already sold out at Ticketmaster, even with the price of US$89 to US$261.

Celine Dion also holds concerts at the Colosseum, charging US$165 to US$350 for tickets. The Colosseum has a capacity of 3,800.

For Rain's concerts, organizers have arranged tour package deals for overseas fans who want to attend the concert and take a vacation in Las Vegas.

However, some U.S.-based fans were disappointed with the expensive ticket prices and the concert dates, which are scheduled right before the Christmas holiday. This has dissuaded younger fans from attending the concert.

For the Jan. 21 concert in Singapore, the front row seats were initially to cost as much as 530,000 won or US$570 each. However, these pricey seats are being reserved especially for VIP and purchasers of special package tours.

According to Regina Wong, Singapore's representative for Rain's International Fan Club, JYP Entertainment has also allocated 100 seats in these VIP sections for fan club members at only US$200 each. "JYPE put the seats up for sale last week and the 100 tickets at US$200 each were sold in 5 minutes," she said.

Tickets for the Singapore concert are now sold to the public for as high as US$313 (293,000 won). Rain's concert tickets are even more expensive than the priciest ticket to guitar legend's Eric Clapton's concert in Singapore, which go for US$256 or 240,000 won.

On the Singapore ticketing Web site, Rain's concert is billed as the "largest project in scale among world tours by a Korean artist" and "at par with Madonna's latest tour."

Some of the reasons for the expensive ticket prices are the high production costs and that Rain has hired prominent concert production people. These include stage director Jaime King, who has choreographed dance moves for Madonna and Britney Spears; Roy Bennett, who was production designer for Paul McCartney's 2005 U.S. tour; and visual director Dago Gonzalez.

Star M, organizer of Rain's tour, said in a press release earlier that Rain's world tour is expected to generate 106 billion won (US$113 million) in revenue. It estimated that 56 billion won (US$59 million) will come from admission fees and the rest from tour copyrights, DVD sales and merchandising.

Rain is scheduled to hold a concert on Feb. 3 in Bangkok. Concert dates are also being planned for Japan, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr
Source: times.hankooki.com

doozy: Hm... this is a tough question for me to answer. I was definitely shocked when I discovered how expensive the tickets are upon the announcement of his world tour. Also, seeing his concert price compared to the likes of Celine Dion and Eric Clapton is kinda surreal to me. However, the music business is a business so it's basically all about supply and demand. Bi does have a large and diverse fan base and if his fans are willing to fork out the dough to see him in action, then good for them, him, and the charities that will benefit from the concert. Happiness all around.

As for me, as much as I love Bi and his music and would like very much to see him in concert at least once in this lifetime, I'm still not willing to part with my $200 because I love Mr. Franklin just a tad more at this moment. Although, what if the time comes when I'm a little more well-off but Bi's not holding any more concerts? What will I do? Hence, shouldn't I, now, seize the moment and live for the present? Ah~ life is full of potentially regretful moments, isn't it?

Wait a minute, did I answer the question as to whether Bi is worth the money?
Generally speaking, yes, he is. Personally speaking, no. Does that make any sense?

Seats to Hallyu Expo in Short Supply

Seats for the opening ceremony of the upcoming "Hallyu Expo in Asia," which will be attended by top hallyu stars, have proven insufficient to accommodate all reporters and fans wishing to see the extravaganza.

The number of seats for the opening ceremony slated for November 29 was set at 4,000, but the organizing committee says it is considering adding more seats as large numbers of foreign fans and visitors have expressed their willingness to attend the event.

The opening ceremony, which begins at 10:30 a.m., will be hosted by Kang Byung-kyu and Yoon Son-ha and consist of two parts.

Performers will include M (Lee Min-woo), Lee Jung-hyun, Chae Yeon, SG Wannabe, Superjunior, the B-boy team Last For One, which won a B-boy competition in Germany, and others.

Throughout the 102-day expo, some 20 bands and celebrities will appear at the event, and special events featuring top hallyu stars will be held every week.

Hallyu Expo in Asia, an international exhibition of hallyu stars, TV dramas and movies, will be the first and the longest hallyu-related international event. It will run through March 10 at the Jeju Convention Center.
Source: KBS Global
doozy: I want to go! I WANT TO GO!

Wall Painting Poster of The Restless Unveiled

The wall painting poster of the movie The Restless starring Chung Woo-sung and Kim Tae-hee has been unveiled recently.
While the previous teaser poster for the movie drew attention by focusing on a dark background, the new poster features the large images of the movie’s lead actors.

The poster, which depicts the love of two characters that defies fate, was produced in a unique style by featuring the elements of a wall painting.

The Restless, a story about the encounter and conflict of two souls in mid-heaven, where they stay for 49 days before they reincarnate, will open December 21.
Source: KBS Global

Movie Info
[formerly known as Midair]

Cast
Kim Tae Hui
Jung Woo Sung

Jung Woo Sung and Kim Tae Hee will lead the movie Midair. This mellow movie portrays that a soul stays in midair for 49 days before it ascends to heaven. The move is directed by Jo Dong Oh whose previous project was the movie The Warrior. The music director is Shiro Sagisu. The production cost is around 9 billion Won and the filming begins at "Hengdian Movie and Television Center" in Zhejiang province of China.

KTH plays the role Soh Hwa who is a celestial people guiding and protecting human beings when they fall in midair. JWS plays the character Lee Gwak. He defends Soh Hwa who resembles his old lover. Actor Huh Joon Ho plays the role Ban Choo who leads the insurgent force in midair. Actress Soh Yi Hyun plays the character Hyo who is a female warrior in the insurgent force.
English translation courtesy of CindyW88

doozy: Nice poster! Very fantasy/mythical feel, which fits the story of the movie. I'm looking forward to this movie because 1) I like this genre, 2) I'm interested in seeing KTH's movie debut, and 3) Jung Woo Sung (need I say more...)

Bi is In LOVE?!

This news is the hottest topic (at least, I'd like to think that it is) in entertainment forums and fansites at the moment. Who's the lady in question? She's none other than Song Hye Kyo.

Bi (Rain) Brought food for Song hyegyo at Hwang Jin-I filming site

On his upcoming movie Cyborg but it's ok which will be shown next month,He visited the filming site of the Movie Hwang jini which Song hyegyo is starring in,and gave her a lunchbox.

Rain made/prepared the food himself and went to The filming location at Yong-in Kyonggido,On 10th of november 11pm.

Everyone was eating snack at the moment when Rain arrived,and greeted the staff and handed the bag(food) to Song hyegyo.

The staff specially the girls who were there were envious of SHG,as a sign of appreciation and thank's SHG accompany Rain to the parking lot.

Source: http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=L...amp;menu_id=106
English translation courtesy of J.lee @ Bi's soompi thread

AHHHHHHH!! This is very good news, if it turns out that she is the one that he's been hinting at. BiKyo, aza aza, fighting!
If you'd like to read more indepth analysis on BiKyo, you can visit Agent P's Headquarters.

In the meantime, here's a fan MV dedicated to the lovely pair. Enjoy!


Credit: wloi

Also, yummy pictures of Bi for Giordano's Winter Collection

   
Courtesy of Cheryl (Joyplace)

Although I'm a supporter of BiKyo, I'll still be happy for him if BiKyo only exists in Full House and not in reality because when it comes down to it, it's his life and his happiness that really matters in this type of situation.

Aussie Girl

Pictures of Lee Da Hae in Sydney... Enjoy!


Source: empas
Special thanks to pinklily @ soompi for sharing these lovely pictures of LDH with fellow Mukgu-ers  

doozy: I love her long hair, make-up, clothes, poses, ambience of the location.. heck, I like everything about these photos. One word. Gorgeous!

Yellow Ribbons Time for Song Seung-hun

In November 2004, the actors Song Seung-hun and Jang Hyeok bit the bullet and joined up after their attempts to dodge Korea's mandatory military service were exposed. Twenty-four months later, the two have done their time and were discharged on Wednesday from their unit in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province. Emerging at 7 a.m. to a waiting crowd of some 500 fans and hundreds of reporters from all over Asia, Song was in pensive mood. "Finally a day that always seemed like it would be a great one has come, but when I think about having to split from my brothers in arms who I became close to, I can't be happy," Song said. "I made a stupid and immature decision before I entered the Army, and it hurt and disappointed my fans, but I felt that the best way ahead was to live my military life sincerely." Song, who was part of an artillery battalion as a 155 mm gunner, vowed to "rekindle the fellowship” with the neighbors he became estranged from.

Fans from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and of course Korea carried signs that read, "Korea’s best actor," and "You've worked hard for two years." Overseas fans were bussed in on 15 coaches that left Seoul at 2 a.m. but encountered a blizzard on the way and did not make it to the actor's press conference until five-and-a-half hours later at around 7:30 a.m. According to those in the know, the fans paid from between 110,000 yen for a simple package to 220,000 yen for the expensive tours to be here for the moment when the actor regained his freedom.

Normally the trip takes around three hours from Seoul, but with the sudden snowfall everyone’s trip that day took at least five. And hearing in advance that there were almost no restrooms at the base the female fans insisted on stopping every now and then at rest stops to take care of their business, which made the trip even longer. Immediately following the press conference, Song headed to Seoul to relax.

But he will be meeting his fans again at a meet'n'greet event at the weekend. There are also plans for another press conference. On Thursday afternoon, an exhibition kicks off at N Seoul Tower of objects that the actor used during his days in the military. His boots, uniform and personal tools -- everything except his gun -- are there for fans to swoon over. Song makes his official return to the celebrity life starting with the Asia Fan Meeting 2006 at the Gymnastics Arena in Olympic Park in Seoul on Nov. 18 and 19 starting at 7 p.m.

Jang Hyeok found himself with a quieter reception on his release from a rifle corps that guarded the demarcation fence. "My brothers here, and those who joined up after me, were always unaffected and we had many conversations," he said in a statement. "I feel relief and sorrow at the same time, and it isn’t an easy thing to step back into society." Jang is also considering a drama role early next year.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
Source: english.chosun.com

Queen of The Game

Cast
Lee Bo Young (Save the Last Dance For Me, Mr. Goodbye)
Joo Jin Mo (Punch, Fashion 70s)

Airs
November 25th, 2006
Sat/Sun (Weekend Drama)

Broadcasting Station
SBS

PD
Oh Se-Gang

Writer
Lee Yoo-Jin

Produced By
DTN Works

Soompi Thread

Joo Jin Mo and Lee Bo Young will lead the weekend drama Queen of Game scheduled to be aired by SBS around the end of November following the final episode of Love and Ambition. LBY plays the daughter of the owner of a run-down hotel. JJM plays an M&A (Merger & Acquisition) expert. The filming is scheduled to start in cities of New Zealand including Auckland and Queenstown. Staff from the movie The Lord of the Rings will participate in the project. Viewers will be presented by the beautiful scenery of New Zealand captured from helicopter.
Credits: CindyW88 @ Soompi's News Thread

doozy: Although, the foreign filming location might mean "bad drama" alert due to the previous works that had this aspect, I'm hoping that this one will be different, that there will be a good story instead of relying solely on beautiful scenery and good-looking actors to keep an audience.
I like Joo Jin Mo, who's not only eye candy material but also a good actor. After Mr. Goodbye, I find Lee Bo Young to be quite cute and likeable. I'm definitely looking forward to this drama!

Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae Together?

Heehee.. If only that were true..

Recently, LDW and LDH attended the Seoul Collection fashion show to show support for their good friend Jung Joon Ha, who was the MC at LDW's fan meeting and LDH's birthday party. They sat next to each other.





Special thanks to zoomjack, 1004dong, and incarnadine for posting the lovely pictures

Ah~ They're very cute and look so compatible together!

Rain Storms Coming to Las Vegas This Christmas

K-pop superstar Rain hopes to take Las Vegas by storm this Christmas season. He will be appearing at the Coliseum at Caesars Palace as part of his quest to make inroads into the North American market.

The decision to stage the concert at the 3,800-seat venue is understood to have been made at Rain's insistence. Of the many places that U.S. entertainment firms offered to the artist, it was where both Celine Dion and Elton John played that Rain thought he should kick things off.

After the opener in Vegas, Rain's world tour will span 35 performances. This time the artist has taken on some of the world’s top concert producing talent for this make-or-break tour, including stage director Jaime King, lighting specialist Roy Bennett, and visual director Dago Gonzalez. Online reservations at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) have already begun. Seats range from US$98-$260.

To get his blood pumping for his assault on the U.S. mainland, Rain will warm up to the always-affectionate home crowd with a serious of concerts Dec.15, 16 at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
Source: english.chosun.com

doozy: Wah~ Why is the price so expensive?! Also, Christmas is such a busy travel time, especially in Las Vegas. Hmm... at least it's in the States so there's a possiblity..

Lee Sa-bi Talks About Her Big Screen Dreams

Lee Un-jeong may not be a household name, but everyone knows Lee Sa-bi. The two are in fact the same person, but the glamour model decided to return to the name she was born with to make the leap from scantily clad Playboy photographs into acting. She has already been a part of five productions including dramas and movies. The Chosun Ilbo got a glimpse into the world of Lee Un-jeong.

Not long ago you released a diet video. Do you enjoy yoga?

Of course. On days when I don’t have much going on, I can spend two or three hours doing it. People who don’t know think it’s at the same level as stretching or warm-ups, but if they really give it a try they will see just how hard an exercise it is.

We heard that you were in Thailand for a shoot; did anything fun happen?

I look a little bit Thai myself. Maybe that’s why I had a few embarrassing moments when the locals thought that I was Thai and would come up to me speaking in Thai. It’s a fun memory.

If you could have any part, what would it be?

Something that also expresses my unique personality. Honestly, there is nothing special or extraordinary about me. I don't have a pretty face. My mom even says, 'You sure were born at the right time. In the old days, do you think you would have even been able to dream about a career in the movie business?' But I’m fairly tall (173 cm) and I look all right, and the overall harmony is not bad. So what I want to do is a drama that shows a friendship among women. I’d also like to play an action character, as Angelina Jolie has.

Did you dream of acting in your modeling days?

No I didn't, because I thought that you have to be pretty to be an actress. But after appearing in Lost Memories, I saw my face fill up the big screen and was really attracted to acting. I felt my heart thumping. At that time I resolved to become an actor.

Even though you changed your name, you might not be able to escape your image as Korea’s first Playboy model.

It's a label that may follow me even after I retire from the entertainment industry. But it was also what made me famous. When you get something, you lose something. So the way you accept it is what's important in the end. Sometimes I feel sad about people who look at me in a negative way, but I keep working hard with a belief that some day they will recognize me as an actor.

This job might give you a lot of stress. How do you handle it?

I usually go to a club and dance like mad. Shouting and singing at noraebang (karaoke rooms) is another thing I do. In summer, when the typhoon sweeps through, I run around the neighborhood in bare feet in the rain and scream.

What is the secret of staying in good shape?

I think eating well and moving a lot is important. I eat often little, and move a lot. I work on yoga, but more importantly I always walk when it's not too far.

You appeared in five productions. How do you feel about that?

I'm very happy about that because it makes me feel that I keep working on something and something is building in my life. And I'm also happy about not being at the top, because there is still something to climb over. I'll do my best. Keep your eye on me.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
Source: english.chosun.com

Lovers

The third drama in the "Lovers..." series. (No. one was Lovers in Paris with Park Shin Yang and Kim Jung Eun and no. two was Lovers in Prague)

Cast
Kim Jung Eun
Lee Seo Jin
Kim Kyu Ri
Jung Chan
Lee Han

Airs
November 8th (Every Wed-Thurs Nights)

TV Station
SBS Drama

Official Website

Soompi Thread

Kim Kyu Ri plays the role Yoo Jin who is an innocent woman worrying about her lover’s safety and health only. Yoo Jin lives with the main male character who is the leader of an organization of gangsters. Lee Suh Jin is selected to play the main male character. After LSJ’s role is injured and receives treatment in a hospital, he and the female doctor (played by Kim Jung Eun) fall in love. The filming of this drama is scheduled to start on 9/14 in China. Originally, Kim Seung Woo was selected to play the main male lead. However, due to KSW’s tight schedule, the production company decides to replace KSW with LSJ because LSJ’s filming schedule of his other drama Speed is delayed until February of 2007. KKR’s previous drama was The Immortal Lee Soon Shin aired by KBS1 in 2004.
Source: CindyW88 and WITH S2

Playlist Update

New songs (hopefully for your listening pleasure and not pain)

Jason Mraz - Geek in the Pink
Jewel - Foolish Games
Bi - Move On
SG Wannabe - Saranghago Shipuh
Fiona Apple - Sleep to Dream

Vengeance trilogy director Park Chan-wook returns with romantic comedy starring Rain

From left to right: Park Chan Wook, Lim Soo Jung, and Rain (Bi)

By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- Fresh from making hard-boiled thrillers, South Korea's Park Chan-wook said Thursday that he wanted to deliver a romantic story that "smells like fruit" this time.

I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay, Park's seventh feature, is to debut in theaters next month, basking in the heightened attention for its male lead, star singer and actor Rain (called Bi in Korean). Dubbed as "a kind of romantic comedy" by the director, the story of a young female mental patient who believes she is a cyborg and her male mate who chases after her marks the director's return, far from the the Vengeance triology.

"Believe it or not, it's true that this is the movie I made," Park said in a press conference to announce the end of the producton.

"It was good that I could cast young actors. Somehow I wanted to return to my childish dream. I wanted to make a movie that is as fresh as them and that smells like fruit. An age 12-rated movie that I can watch with my daughter."
Its female lead is Lim Soo-jung, who played a blameless heroine in the popular Korean television drama series, Sorry, I Love You, which aired last year in eight Asian countries, including China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.

"The mental patients all have their own unique universe. It could be nothing more than an illusion in the eye of normal people. But it is an indispensible one, the only and very realistic world to that person. So if they talk to each other about their own universe, wouldn't that be a kind of what we call love?" he said in a Seoul hotel packed with hundreds of local and foreign journalists, where some scenes from the film were screened.

Making his screen debut with the established director, Rain said he saw the pristine state of humans from the wacky, disorderly mental hospital.

"I interpret this movie as a message of hope for the world. The patients in the hospital live with feelings of irritation and distance from the world, but I felt that they are very good natured and naive and more highly-focused than any normal people," he said.

I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay is to be released nationwide on Dec. 7.
hkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
Source: Yonhap News
Special thanks to rubie @ soompi

Bi's New Movie

Pictures from the press conference of I'm A Cyborg, But It's Okay


Look at the size of that safety pin! Ji Hoon sshi, did you take it from my locker?

The movie premieres on December 7th. For more pictures from the event, go here.

Trailer 1


Trailer 2


Uploaded by: AznAngel29

doozy: I really look forward to seeing this movie and Bi's performance. Hopefully, it won't disappoint and will be well-received when it is shown in S. Korea.

Lee Dong Wook Birthday Party

A fan's account of the party

The birthday party For Lee Dong Wook on 11/05/2006 was awesome!!!

I really enjoyed this year’s party more than last years, since it was only for a smaller audience.

MC for the party was one of Lee Dong Wook’s close friends, Jung Joon Ha.
Lee Dong Wook finally came on the stage, after KCM's songs.
He looked really happy and pleased to see so many fans came to celebrate his birthday.

He also looked very comfortable with fans-- he talked a lot with them.
The first game he did was called "Golden Bell" which asked the 15 fans who had been pre-selected and joined Lee Dong Wook on the stage questions until there was only one person left on the stage. Questions were like – what is the name of Lee Dong Wook’s character in My Girl, what is his shoe size, what is the name of his pet, when was the date of his debut, what was the name of his debut work, what was the name of his role in that work, how do you write his name in Chinese, and so on.
As you can see in the picture, Lee Dong Wook gave a stuffed animal to the winner, took a picture with her and gave a hug!!!

Next, Lee Dong Wook’s another close friend, Soo-Ho joined him on the stage.
Soo-Ho wanted and made everyone stand up, so they all stood up.
After this, we took a moment for a brief survey and questions!
First question was, "Can you kiss your date on the first date?" He said, "No, not on the first date." We asked, "What about on the second date?" he answered, "If I feel more comfortable with her, and if it feels right, then that’s possible."

Second question was, "What do you choose between love and friendship?" He said, "He’d choose love because love does not wait for you while friendship will always be there for you."

Third question was, "If someone gives you a $20 million offer to pose for nude, would you do it?" He said, "Definitely not," but he added jokingly "if it’s $100 million, I might consider it."

Last question was, "What was your favorite character?" He listed, "5th - Carousel, 4th - Monday Kids M/V, 3rd - the Bride from Hanoi, 2nd - A-Rang, and 1st - My Girl."

Next was the time for the birthday cake!! Lee Dong Wook typed all the things he wanted to say on keyboard so that he could share with everyone. However, since he couldn’t type well—probably he was too nervous, the MC was teasing him!!! After this, it was time to open the gifts. I personally didn’t really plan to bring any extravagant present, but on the way to the party, this brilliant idea—a box of So-Joo (Korean Sake) came into my head. I put our website URL on each bottle. Hyun-Young who is in the movie Choi-Kang Romance with Lee Dong Wook helped him opening the gifts. They were walking around the room and spotted the box of So-Joo!!! The MC said, "Is it really So-Joo?" trying to pick up the box. But he couldn’t lift it up, instead he said "It seems it’s really So-Joo." Lee Dong Wook must have heard it and came to the box, starring at it for a long time before he went to another table to open more gifts.

He opened almost every gifts were on the stage, including those sent to him from China and Japan.

The MC had to leave after this—he does a variety of show programs in Korea. So it was just Lee Dong Wook all alone on the stage, saying thanks to all his fans. And all of sudden, he asked who brought the box of So-Joo (I don’t recall exact words, but it was something like "I appreciate for the So-Joo and want to know who gave me the So-Joo." Unfortunately, I missed the right timing to raise my hand. sad.gif
He was so kind and friendly throughout the party. He answered all the questions that we asked.

Before it was over, he sang a song for us. He looked very attractive and handsome.
Someone asked him to shake everyone’s hand before we leave the room, but because there was another event scheduled—we had to empty the room quickly. He and his manager apologized for this un-granted (?) wish.

I’ve tried to be more detail and specific in writing this, especially for those who couldn’t attend the party. Please watch and enjoy the video clips from the party. Thank you.
Credits: leedongwook.com/leedongwook.net/baidu
Special thanks to said fan for sharing with us her experience and to ripgal (Jo) @ soompi for posting the info

Lee Da Hae's gift

Since LDH didn't attend Wookie's birthday bash, fans were speculating whether she sent him a present or not. Well, speculate no more!

Posts by Korean Fans of Daum DongHae Suited Couple:

As there were a lot of presents in front that bouquet of flowers, Da Hae's name was therefore hidden behind!
But then, you can feel the love of Miss Da Hae towards Dong Wook Oppa

Did Dong Wook oppa bring the flowers home? Did he keep it nicely in his room? It's not easy to bring back such big bouquet of flowers..really wish that those flowers would never die..I guess Miss Da Hae's love towards Dong Wook oppa is as huge as the flowers!



The ribbon says: Lee Da Hae =)

Credit: Daum DongHae Suited Couple, baidu
Special thanks to zoomjack @ soompi for sharing the news with us

doozy: Haha! Wookie wanted to know where the booze came from... He's so funny. I'm glad that he had a good time at the party. Although, I had issues with his answer regarding the friendship/love question because it hit on one of my pet peeves; I hate when friends ditch you for their girlfriends/boyfriends. Nonetheless, Wookie's still cool in my eyes.
Aw, and it's nice of LDH to send him that beautiful bouquet of flowers! I wonder if the ribbon that is hidden behind the one with her name on it says "You'll be blessed." That would be hilarious. Kind of like an inside joke, the My Girl connection. Heehee. LDH is a sweetheart. It's nice to know that they're still friends after My Girl.

It's RAINing Men...

Aish! I had just finished a post this post and proceeded to publish it when Blogger suddenly spazzed out. I couldn't even save as draft. WHY, BLOGGER? WHY?! WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO ME? WEH? Ai caramba... *shake fist in air*
So anyway, here goes the whole thing one more time. Let's see if I remember all of it.

I just finished watching the recent YSMM episode where Bi was on as a guest star. Watching this episode really "renews" my interest in all things Bi. I love his personality. He is funny and oh so cute! Hence, you see the new banner.
The episode is now available on YouTube with English subtitles (courtesy of Rxgoodleaf). Below are the first and second, out of seven parts, of the episode.

Part 1


Part 2

English subtitles by: Rxgoodleaf
Uploaded by: lyptika

The following are clips of Bi on tvNMad. The subtitles are very small so get ready to glue your eyes to the screen and squint really hard.

Part 1

I've listened to "I'm Coming" several times and I'm starting to like it!

Part 2

They're showing Bi raunchy scenes from movies and television dramas but his heart rate is decreasing! His facial expressions are so funny. Haha! (FYI: The first clip is from the movie April Snow staring BYJ--I don't know how to spell his name... hence, the abbreviations--and Son Ye Jin.)

Part 3

English subtitles by: tokki
Uploaded by: AznAngel29

Man, I need to crack open some Korean books and start taking Korean classes seriously so I can understand what they're saying and prepare for my move to Seoul, Korea. I feel like I'm missing out! Heehee.

Jeon Ji-hyun to Debut in Hollywood

Actress Jeon Ji-hyun will debut in the U.S. movie market in the role of a half-human/half-vampire warrior named Saya.

Jeon’s agency said the actress will star in the movie tentatively titled Blood The Last Vampire that is being produced by a major Hollywood production company.

Jeon, who has gained popularity in Asia for her roles in the movies Windstruck and My Sassy Girl, drew the spotlight for her plans to debut in Hollywood.

Blood The Last Vampire is based on the same-titled anime film by Japanese animation master Oshii Mamoru. French investment and distribution firm Pathe has invested in the movie, while Hong Kong producer Bill Kong and Abel Namias will produce the movie. The film will be directed by Woo In-tae, while Corey Yuen will be in charge of the action scenes.

A person from Jeon’s agency said the movie will likely be produced by a major Hollywood studio and open in the United States in 2008. The Japanese side only holds the copyright for the movie, while Pathe will be in charge of investment and distribution. He also added that the movie will be filmed only in English and that Jeon, too, will say her lines in English.

The production costs of the movie will be determined by who will play opposite Jeon. It is yet unknown when filming will begin, as the actor who will play opposite Jeon has yet to be cast.

The original role of Saya in the animation film will be cinematized in the Hollywood version.

Jeon, who is currently taking English-language courses in the United States, will return to Korea for a short period of time next month.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: Sounds like an action flick? Oi! Why is it that only this type of movie genre can be shown in the US when an Asian star wants to make his/her breakthrough in Hollywood?
Anyhow, hopefully the project pulls through and the movie is good. Wish Jeon the best in everything she does!

Stars of Sad Movie Visit Japan for Promotion

Sad Movie

A group of Korean actors and actresses visited Japan on Monday to promote their movie Sad Movie scheduled to be released in the island country on Nov. 11.

The Japanese Sankei Sports Shimbun reported Tuesday that Jung Woo-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, Shin Min-ah, and Yeo Jin-gu had arrived at Haneda International Airport, where some 250 fans greeted them with loud cheers.

The Korean stars returned the welcome with smiles. Jung told the fans that he was so thankful to them for welcoming him every time, and Cha said that he would do his best to promote their movie.

The Japanese sports daily said that the omnibus movie consisting of four stories portrays love, sadness and memories in life by showing eight characters parting with their lovers and families.

Having attended the press conference on Tuesday, the four will appear at a premiere on Wednesday. Then they will give interviews with various media outlets before coming back home on Saturday.
Source: KBS Global

Happy Birthday!

Saeng il Chukhahamnida, Lee Dong Wook sshi!!!!!

May all your wishes come true! Wish you plenty of good health, happiness, and the best of success!
(Happy birthday to a dear friend of mine as well!)

Birthday party news

LDW is going to receive some kind of birthday award on the 5th. He's going to get it personally from the his fan club, who invited him to appear. His schedule is busy with filming his movie, but he was touched by the warm response of his fans so he decided to go. His birthday is actually the 6th, but since it's a weekday, the celebration is being held on the 5th. He hopes to enjoy his time spent with his fans, and he's even prepared to sing a song for his fans at the event.
Special thanks to javabeans @ soompi for the news translation.

New pictures


Image source: Wookie's forum @ soompi

doozy: Wah~ How I wish I am in Seoul, Korea right now so I can attend LDW's birthday event and see him up close! Hmm... wonder if a certain special someone is going to attend this event similar to how he attended hers. Us mukgu-ers can dream, can't we?

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall: Part 2

Looks: Kim Tae Hui
After seeing so many pictures of KTH, her looks is starting to grow on me. Although when she stares, she still scares me, her smile is very sweet. In addition, I've read quite a number of good things about her real-life personality, so those make her even more beautiful.

Favorite: none

Looks: Jeon Ji Hyun
Great body and great hair! One of the few actresses, in my opinion, that can carry that long hair look with such elegance and sexiness. (Yes, sexiness. Have you seen her commercials?!)
I must say, though, that Sung Yuri looks super cute in the above picture. Also, out of the bunch, Jang Nara looks forever young.

Favorite: Jeon Ji Hyun
Hey, what more can I say? I like the "sassy girl."
I also like Kim Eugene and Jung Ryeo Won for their personalities. I've seen them in interviews and heard from fans that they're both very sweet and friendly in real-life, especially Eugene.

Looks: Song Hye Kyo
This was one difficult decision. I was torn between Son Ye Jin, Han Ga In, and Song Hye Kyo. All three are such gorgeous ladies. I don't know who to choose!
Okay, fine. I'll pick Song Hye Gyo. There! Stop harrassing me...ahhhh! (Oh all right, you can stop laughing and rolling your eyes now.)

Favorite: Son Ye Jin
In my opinion, she's the better actress out of the bunch.
Although, if "favorite" means that I'll watch anything that has that certain actress, then Song Hye Gyo would also count. Aza, aza, fighting y'all!

Looks: Kim Jung Hwa
I'm not familiar with neither of these two actresses. From the pictures above, KJH looks prettier.

Favorite: None

Looks: Nam Sang Mi
I love her smile and those dimples! She has a very sweet and genuine smile... the kind that can melt your heart. Well actually, several actresses in this batch have this quality, such as Lee Da Hae and Han Ji Hye. However, I like Nam Sang Mi the best.
Are you surprised that I didn't pick Lee Da Hae? Well, it is the way it is. LDH was a close second, though.

Favorites: Nam Sang Mi and Lee Da Hae
It's a tie. Can't choose. Too much stress in my life already. Heehee.
Both are extremely likeable. They're also talented actresses with lots of potential. And I have to give props to LDH for her crying skill. It seems like she can cry on cue and make it look so realistic. Amazing!
I'm also starting to like Yoon Eun Hye after watching Goong. She's cute and very photogenic. Her photographs, for the most part, look great.

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.

S. Korean movie emerges as cultural symbol after years of illegal screening in China

S. Korean movie emerges as cultural symbol after years of illegal screening in China

SEOUL, Nov. 1 (Yonhap) -- My Sassy Girl, a romantic comedy from South Korea, emerged as one of the 10 most popular Korean cultural symbols among Chinese people due to the widespread circulation of pirate DVDs, its producer said Wednesday, citing a Chinese survey.

According to the survey of 15 million people in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the 2001 blockbuster was named among the 10 most representative Korean items along with TV dramas, plastic surgery, kimchi and music bands.

While the film, starring Jeon Ji-hyun and directed by Kwak Jae-yong, proved wildly successful in other Asian countries, it has never had an official release in China, said Shincine, the Seoul-based company that produced the film.

"It cannot be screened in China because Shincine has had no deals with Chinese companies to release it there, but we've heard from Chinese Culture Ministry officials that it was shown in some theaters and even aired on TV," said Kim So-yun, who works on the company's publicity staff.

The Chinese ministry officials said about 100 million pirated copies of the movie's DVD have circulated in China, Kim said. In 2004, South Korean media reported sales of some 70 million pirated DVDs of the movie.

With Jeon's enormous star power, Sassy Girl became a blockbuster in South Korea and also proved successful in Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Dreamworks Pictures in the United States bought its remake rights, which were resold to Gold Circle Film. The movie is about a male college student and a girl with eccentric and bullying behavior.

For other Korean cultural symbols, the survey named patriotism, "hangeul" (the Korean alphabet), "bulgogi" (marinated beef), Seoul and other Korean food.

The survey was conducted mostly online and also by mobile phone from June to August by the China-Korea Economic Development Association, a Beijing-based private organization, and the China Economy Newspaper, a Seoul-based journal on China, Shincine said.
hkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
Source: Yonhap News

doozy: My Sassy Girl is, indeed, very popular, even years after it was first screened in theaters. Heck, even a person like me who rarely purchase movies bought this one. I like the movie. It has lots of charm and the leads are very likeable, especially Jeon Ji Hyun.

Singer Rain Poses for Unfortunate Children

Pan-Asian star Rain has participated in the photo exhibition "Letter from Angels 4" organized by photographer Cho Se-hon to help children without families. In cooperation with the Social Welfare Society (SWS), the exhibition has been held since 2003 to help children living in social facilities find a new home and lead a healthy life.

Rain accepted a direct request for participation by Cho without hesitation despite his busy schedule, saying "I will be happy if I can help even one child find a new loving family." He posed with a one-month old baby boy, who perplexed the star near the end of the photographing by urinating on him. (Aw, poor Bi. Heehee..)

The exhibition will be held at the Insa Art Center in Seoul from Dec. 20 until 26. Other participating stars include actresses Kim Jung-eun, who is a SWS promotion ambassador, Kim Hye-soo, Sohn Ye-jin and group SG Wannabe.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: With the release of his fourth album and concert tour, Bi is "everywhere" these days. Good for him that he's using his star power to promote worthy causes. I like the picture. The way he's holding the baby looks so gentle.