Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Mukgu-fied v.2

I've been wanting to change the blog's layout for a while now, but the choices of templates from blogger are quite limited. I haven't found a blogger template that I really like, and since I'm no graphic designer or html savvy, I can't create my own layout. By chance, I've come across another blog hosting service, wordpress.com, which has some very nice looking designs. So, I'm testing that out to see how I like it.

Check out the new version here. Do you like the new look? Post your comments here (or there) and let me know. Thanks!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Happy Birthday!



This is actually a belated birthday wish to our dear Da Hae. Her birthday was actually on April 19. With all the hours that I've been putting in at work, plus taking care of other stuff, I forgot all about it. Shame on me for calling myself a fan of hers. I feel terrible.

Thank goodness for the nifty option of time stamping the blog entries. Because of it, I was able to mark this special date. However, I still feel bad about forgetting it in the first place. I mean, I remembered my eye candies' birthdays previously. What happened here? In any case, happy birthday, Da Hae sshi!
Special thanks to pinklily @ soompi for the adorable smilie

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Exciting News


Lee Dong Wook will be starring in a new drama, tentatively titled Bad Couple. The drama will air on SBS in June.

The second piece of news also has to do with the cast of a new drama. The drama is called Cain and Abel and the confirmed cast includes So Ji Sup, Ji Jin Hee, and Jung Ryeo Won. This will be SJS's first drama upon his return from the army.


I love the male cast. However, I wish they would cast another leading actress. The thing is, I don't have a problem with JRW, per say. It's just... well, I'm indifferent towards her. I liked her in My Name is Kim Sam Soon but I guess I still haven't gotten over her most recent work, which is Which Star Are You From?

Nonetheless, I'm very excited. Not just one or two, but three gorgeous men in new dramas?! Nice!

Special thanks to yeohweping for the news

Monday, April 09, 2007

The Devil: Episode 1

The first episode of The Devil (Mawang) aired a couple of weeks ago, on the same day as Witch Amusement and Thank you. However, I haven't gotten around to watching it because I was immediately hooked to Witch Amusement. Sadly for The Devil, it's been trailing behind its competitions in the ratings battle. But... that is not to say that the drama isn't good. As it's from the people who brought us Ressurection, I have high expectations for it. And after completing the first episode, I'm interested in seeing more of it.

Main Characters Introduction



Detective Kang, although from a wealthy background, is dedicated to his profession. He views the world in only two shades, either black or white. This is evident in scenes where he recites that there are only two types of people in this world: the bad guys and the good guys who catch those bad guys. He even applies this philosophy to food, as he states that there are only two types of food: jjajangmyun and something else? (Can someone help me fill in the blank? He said it really fast when he asked his collegues to order take-out and I forgot what the second dish is.)


Oh Seung Ha is a lawyer who is known to help people who, otherwise, cannot afford an attorney to defend them. His background is mysterious, and we really don't know who he is.


Hae In is a kind-hearted librarian who has the supernatural power of psychometry. After watching episode 1, I have a better idea of what is psychometry. Basically, when she touches something, whether it's an object or a person, she's able to see the past events related to that particular thing.

It seems that Hae In has a crush on Seung Ha, who is a frequent patron the library that she works at. He reads his book in this specific aisle as she observes him. And sometimes, she is disappointed when she can't spot him at his usual location.

Episode 1


The young Hae In was on a bicyle ride with her friends when she suddenly fell from her bike. She saw a basketball bounce towards her and picked it up. Upon contact with the ball, she began to see visions of someone calling the police from a public telephone, reporting that his friend had been stabbed. In the following scene, Hae In found herself in an empty lot and in front of her, lay the lifeless body of a teenage boy and a pile of mint candy. In Hae In's visions, the teenage boy was being harrased by a group of boys, who appeared to be attending the same school. One boy from the group took out a knife to threaten his classmate and while they struggled back and forth, the classmate was stabbed.

Fast forward to 12 years later, Hae In now works in a library. On this day, one of the patron loses her wallet and accuses a strange old man of stealing it. Hae In steps in to help as she trusts that the old man won't do such thing. She touches the patron's back and is able to see that the patron had carelessly placed her wallet on top of some books and when the books shifted, the wallet fell into the crack. After the wallet is retrieved, Hae In suggests that she should apologize to the old man, saying that people who read children's books aren't bad people.

(I think the purpose of this scene is to show Hae In's kind-hearted and trusting personality, but after she said that line, all I thought of was, "Um, what about pedophiles? Some of them probably read children's books and last I checked, they're not really upright people.)

Anyway, Hae In gets a call from her friend, who is currently at a police station to file a claim for theft as someone has broken into their shop and stole a tarot card. Apparently, the card is special because it is actually painted by Hae In.

In the next scene, we are introduced to Detective Kang Oh Soo who is investigating a case. He sees the person of interest and chases after him, only to lose him because the taxi driver that drove Detective Kang during the chase refuses to let him go until he pays the cab fare.

At a prison, Oh Seung Ha visits his new client, who is being prosecuted of manslaughter. The client is surprised that Seung Ha agreed to take on the case because apparently, many lawyers have previously declined. As he takes his leave, Seung Ha asks his client about whether or not he was bullied as a child. The client answered that it's true but is puzzled as to how that information has anything to do with the case at-hand. Seung Ha doesn't answer his client's inquiry but instead, gives an ambiguous and cryptic smile/smirk.

(Joo Ji Hoon has a very distinct walk, almost like he's struting his stuff on the runway. It's distracting to me and I can't focus on whether he's improved in his acting or not because all I can think about is the man Joo Ji Hoon or Prince Lee Shin and not Joo Ji Hoon as Oh Seung Ha.)


Two mysterious packages have arrived, one addressed to a lawyer and the other addressed to Oh Soo. In the lawyer's package, there are a tarot card (the Judgement card) and a pocket knife; in Oh Soo's package, there's that same tarot card plus a note.

At the library, Hae In officially meets Seung Ha and tells him that he looks like someone she has seen before. Seung Ha replied that this is his first time meeting her and introduced himself. As they shake hand, Hae In felt something strange.

Later that night, Hae In has a nightmare about the tragic incident that she witnessed 12 years ago.


In a later scene, the old lawyer is confronted by a man from his past. The man threatens the lawyer and wants him to apologize for his past wrongdoings but he refuses. While they argue, someone calls the lawyer's cell phone and left a message. (The person who left the message is Seung Ha. I get the feeling that Seung Ha made the call to secure an alibi for himself because the call was made right before the lawyer's time of death.)


Not long after, the police arrives at the office to find the lawyer's dead body. On his way to the scene, Oh Soo runs into a timid office worker in front of the building. In a following scene, we learn that the worker keeps a box of tarot cards in his desk drawer.

At a nearby street, the mysterious man runs away and appears to be hurt. He falls down in a dark alley and guess who walks up to greet him? Oh Seung Ha seems to appear out of nowhere (or was he there waiting?) and asks the man if he is allright.

There is also a scene of someone making a phone call at a phone booth before the police arrives at the crime scene. We aren't shown his face or body, only his legs as he walks away from the booth.

We soon learn that the deceased lawyer was a good friend of Oh Soo's family. We also discover that Seung Ha's client is Oh Soo's friend. So, everyone is connected to each other in some way.

Seung Ha also claims to know the old lawyer as he was his subordinate for 6 months. He attends the funeral service and after he leaves, an interesting object is found on the old lawyer's altar: a piece of mint candy.


During the investigation, Oh Soo's senior seeks the help of Hae In and Oh Soo discovers her supernatural ability and how previously she's used it to help his senior crack difficult cases. They arrive at her tarot card reading/psychic shop and brings along the Judgement tarot card.


During Hae In's vision, she sees someone, who is wearing black leather gloves, holding the tarot card. She also sees another person (or the same person) cutting up words from magazines to paste together the note that was sent to Oh Soo. However, their faces are hidden in her visions. Shockingly, the only face that appears to her is Oh Soo's. As Hae In is about to announce her findings, she is interrupted by Seung Ha's visit to the shop. Seung Ha and Oh Soo meet each other and introduce themselves. End of episode 1.

Friday, April 06, 2007

Lack of Updates

For the regular visitors of this blog who were disappointed with the recent lack of updates, I sincerely apologize. I was accepted to an accelerated nursing program and will be attending it in May. And so, in addition to work, I was busy with completing all the required paperwork and travelling down to the school to take care of business. Thus, blog updates will occur on an ocassional basis, instead of regularly. Once again, to those who care, I apologize.

Below are some goodies from the latest K-dramas, namely, Que Sera Sera and Witch Amusement. Enjoy!

Que Sera Sera MV

The song played in the MV is called "Bless You" by Loveholic. To download it, please click here. (Special thanks to yeohweping and javabeans)

The Complete Witch Amusement OST
Highly recommended, both the drama and its OST!
To download it, please click here.
Special thanks to fashionista and mei_yei_chan (sp?) @ soompi

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Witch Amusement Goodies

Opening theme


MV

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Modernizing Classical Symphonies

Recent K-dramas, in addition to their entertaining storyline, have integrated the works of classical music geniuses into their OSTs (Original Sound Tracks) and have transformed those "outdated" yet classic pieces into something trendy and hip. The amazing thing is that these remixes fit perfectly with the dramas and they definitely enhance the audience's experience of certain scenes and/or emotions. Examples of "modernized" classical symphonies include songs from the OST of My Girl and most recently, Witch Amusement.



Mozart's Symphony No. 40



"Never Say Goodbye" - Mario & Nesty





Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 (1st Movement)



운명의 장난 命運的惡作劇 -Mc진리(Feat.하하)


Special thanks to yeohweping for the OST.

The Host Exceeds 1 Mil. in US Earnings

The film The Host has earned one million US dollars at the US box office in the three weeks after its release there, its producer Chungeorahm said Tuesday.

Having been released in 71 theaters on March 7, the film raked in 320,000 dollars for the first week, and the earnings reached 690,000 in the second week and one million in the third week, when the number of theaters also rose to 94.

The producer said that the film reached the million dollar mark in the shortest time among all Korean films released in the U.S. Citing the film’s US distributor Magnolia Pictures as saying that it plans to show the film for the long-term, the Korean producer expressed its confidence in the film’s success there.

Korean movies released in the US include Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, Brotherhood of War and Old Boy. Among them, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter set a record high in box office earnings with 2.3 million dollars during its seven-month run.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: Yay, for The Host!

I recently saw this movie in the theatres to show support for Korean cinema instead of watching it elsewhere. *shifty eyes* So, my 7 bucks is part of that 1 million. Exciting, isn't it? (Even if you say "no," please humor me here.)

Regarding the movie, I actually like it alot. For a movie categorized as an "action film," I was pleasantly surprised at the subtleties that its director sprinkled in throughout the film. I also like the mix of action, human/family relationship, politics, and humor.

This theatres experience could have been a completely wonderful one had it not been for stupid comments made by several movie goers. One lady, after the movie ended, sarcastically said, "Wow, they sure know how to make movies." Another lady said something about how it should've been dubbed instead of subtitled. Oh well, how sorry I am that it's not the way that she preferred. I mean, the production team and the film studio were so unreasonable and inconsiderate to have her *gasp* read something, right? Whatever, I'd say to them.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Indians...

This is something that I've observed at work over the past couple of days: too many people, regardless of whether or not they have the experience or authority, want to be in a high and mighty comanding position, which leaves not that many who would obey willingly. It doesn't sound like a very good situation, does it? Which am I? I try to be neither and just do my job.

What's the point of sharing this observation? There's really no point. Quiet frankly, I'm just blogging as a way to procrastinate doing other, more important things, which include eating and showering, but you probably didn't to know that. Heehee.

Anyway, back to our regular scheduled programming... which is, K-dramas. After the monster, that is Jumong ended its run, most of the shows that premiered are so good and diverse in theme and storyline. Thus far, I've seen Hello! Miss, Witch Amusement, H.I.T., and The Devil. Based on high recommendations, I'm probably going to check out Thank you and Que Sera Sera. Wow, that's a lot of drama-watching. And I haven't even finished the shows that I started previously. Ah geez, otoke?

Also, I came across this great blog, which has episodic summaries of several of the latest dramas. Do check it out here! Thank you, javabeans dear for your time and effort in maintaining the blog.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

De-stressing...

I'm starting school this coming May and I've just received the paperwork, which include the usual orientation information, health record, etc. So, I was looking at the immunization form, thinking this is going to be easy since I still have access to my immunization form. Boy, was I wrong! It turns out that most, if not all, of my vaccinations have expired, which means that I would have to get these done all over again. And you know what that means, right? My two arms will most likely go limp from all those shots and since I have no health insurance, they'll burn a giant hole in my wallet at a time when I need to save money to prepare for my move to a different city, where the school is located. In addition, I have to go down to the school for a scholarship interview, come back home, and then go to the school again for some uniform fitting and to take a math test prior to entering the program. Math test? What the..? Do I even remember how to do math?! Damn, this sucks!

I need to do some major de-stressing. I must think happy thoughts... Hence, I shall go watch my K-dramas now. A good dose of it will lift my mood, I hope. That is, if I'm not going to watch People In Love because not only will it not help me, it will instead aggravate me and make me want to throw heavy objects or break something. My current addiction: Witch Amusement. Actually, I feel bad for not being into H!M as much as WA because my favorite girl is in H!M and I should give her my full support. But WA is so fun and entertaining! What a dilemma! Wait a minute, am I stressing myself out again? Aish, I need to stop. WA episode 2, here I come!

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Hello! Miss Episode 1


I finally was able to download the first episode and finished watching it last night. As previously mentioned, I was planning to do an episodic summary for Hello! Miss (H!M). However, ripgal (Jo), a wonderful Mukgu-er @ soompi, will take on this project instead. I'll just write about my thoughts on the drama and you can check out the details in Jo's summaries. The summary for episode 1 is already posted. You can read it by clicking here. Please drop her a thank you note to show your support for her effort if you do visit the soompi thread. Jo did an amazing job with the summary, so I was surprised to learn that this is her first time writing one. Thank you, Jo!

Episode 1

As with most dramas, episode 1 of H!M serves as an introduction to the lead characters and the supporting players. LDH as Soo Ha is super adorable while at the same time, very feisty. Yes, there are over-the-top expressions from her but I did not have any problem with that because they are hilarious. Soo Ha's facial expressions and gestures do remind me of Yoo Rin, but then again, it's just the first episode. Perhaps, once we get into the drama a little more, I'll begin to see Soo Ha in her own light.

The first episode is really all about SH. Everytime LDH appears, she lights up the screen. (Although, that observation might just be biased me raving about one of my favorited actresses so you'll have to check out H!M for yourself to see if you agree with me or not.) I love how SH can be sassy in one moment and soft-spoken in the next scene. And she does both equally well and made me laugh in both situations. When she's feisty, her expressions and tone of voice are so cute and hysterical and when she's soft-spoken and demure, I'd laugh because we all know that that's not the real SH because she's putting on a show to achieve something. One of my favorite scenes is when SH is on the phone trying to negotiate with the finance company. When things do not seem to be going her way, she starts yelling at them and of course, they hung up the phone on her. The phone rings again and thinking that it's the same company, she raises her voice. However, when she realizes that it was actually one of the elders of her village, her tone changes dramatically and immediately. Even though the elder on the other line really couldn't see SH's behaviors, she was bowing too when she talks to him. If you're not getting why I find it funny, watch the episode and you'll understand. (I hope.)

Of course, with any romcom (romantic comedy), you have your share of quirky characters. In H!M, there is SH's village family and her new friend Jung Sook, the girl who has a questionable fashion sense. Also, there are many familar faces whom we've seen from past dramas, which I'm always excited to see. For example, there's "mandoo ajumma" from Bad Family, "Gong Shil Jang" from Fantasy Couple, and "the King" from Goong and Hwang Jin-Yi. Mandoo ajumma is now the housekeeper for SH; Gong Shil Jang is the assistant to a high ranking executive, which is funny because it's similar to his job title in Fantasy Couple. So while watching him, I was thinking, "Hey man, how's Billy doing? You don't work for him anymore?" He also keeps his special way of saying "ne." The King is SH's father, so in a way, he's still "king" as he's the patriarchal figure of the family.

In addition, the way the characters are set up are somewhat similar to My Girl, or perhaps it's not really similar but I'm just reminded of My Girl because of LDH. For example, we have the good guy played by Lee Ji Hoon, the player who will grow fond of this "strange" girl that he's just met, and the quirky friend.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. There are characters that I already sense I will dislike and ones that I will root for. And of course, LDH is breathtakingly gorgeous, but we know that already, right, fellow Mukgu-ers?!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Jumong Song Il-Guk Has Fallen In Love

Song Il-Guk (35) is currently seeing a 5 year junior "future prosecutor" Miss A (30).
The two first met late last year, introduced by a reporter from Star News, and have been dating for 5 months since.

Miss A, who has grasped song il-guk's heart, is currently in training for justice admistration. She is said to be of elegant height and slender figure, who is beautiful and cute in image.

Because the two have been separately busy with their work and studies, they have thus far communicated mostly by phone, but upon the end of jumong filming and Miss A's acceptance to exam for justice administration, they can focus more on cultivating their relationship.

Song Il-Guk's attraction to Miss A is based on her genuine and pure, cautious yet free spirit. Meanwhile, Miss A's attraction to Mister Song is due to SIG's wholesome lifestyle despite being a star, his modesty and masculinity.

Neither wants to interfere with each other's career, and the two are carefully cultivating their love.

Song, who was raised in a strict and disciplined family with christian religion, has found himself a woman with a good heart who plans to serve the public.
Source: Star News
Translation by: dramaok @ soompi


doozy: First Hyun Bin and now Song Il Guk?! These news are so heartbreaking because they're such fantasy killer. ahn dwe!!!!!

Although, if news came out that two of my favorite onscreen pairs are dating in real life, I'd be very happy.

Monday, March 19, 2007

H.I.T.

Cast
Go Hyun Jung
Han Jung Woo

Airs
March 19, 2007 (Replacing Jumong)

Episodes
20

Broadcasting Station
MBC

Official Website

Soompi Thread

H.I.T. stands for Homicide Investigation Team. The premise of the drama is similar to C.S.I. For more in-depth description of the drama and its characters, please click here.

Currently, there's no fansubbing group for H.I.T. because this type of professional drama can be quite difficult to translate due to its terminology and jargon. Although I will not be comprehending much, I'll still be watching H.I.T. because I like this genre and I want to see how it compares to C.S.I.

Also, I like Go Hyun Jung because she was very endearing in What's Up, Fox? so I'm interested in her new project.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Jun Ji-hyun to Debut in Hollywood

Actress Jun Ji-hyun is gearing up to debut overseas. Jun, who has gained popularity not only in Korea but also in Hong Kong, China and Japan for her sometimes sassy, sometimes naive roles in movies, will make her Hollywood debut in the movie Blood: The Last Vampire.

Blood: The Last Vampire is based on the same-titled popular animation novel by famous Japanese writer Oshii Mamoru. Jun plays the role of the vampire hunter Saya, who is half-human, half-vampire but who disguises herself as a human being in order to destroy vampires. The actress is expected to display impressive action stunts in the movie.

Playing opposite Jun will be actress Allison Miller, who has gained popularity for her role in the TV show Desperate Housewives. In the movie, Miller’s character teaches Saya what it’s like to be a human.

Interest in movies starring Jun has been on the rise in Hollywood. Jun has drawn notice in Hollywood through the movie The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. The movie is a remake of the Korean movie Il Mare, which stars Jun. Jun’s hit movie My Sassy Girl is also currently being remade in the United States, with actress Elisha Cuthbert playing the lead.

The filming of Blood: The Last Vampire will begin March 15. The movie has drawn significant attention for its impressive scale as it involves famous film production firms and filmmakers. After shooting several scenes in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the filming location will switch to China before the movie opens in 2008.

The movie is expected to make Jun another hallyu star in Hollywood, like Kim Yun-jin. Jun will go by the name "Gianna Jun" in the United States.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: In addition to Il Mare and My Sassy Girl, I think Hollywood also bought the remake rights to JJH's latest film Daisy.

Am I the only one here who doesn't like the fact that JJH will debut with an American name? The movie's storyline also doesn't appeal to me, but most likely, I'll catch it in the theatres to support her. In any case, I wish her the best of success.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Song of the Moment

This song is performed by Lee Ha Na in When Spring Comes. LHN sings it beautifully. She's really talented. Enjoy!



To download, click here.

Lyrics
Translation by: ai* (WITH S2)

Even though I was young and didn’t know much.
But I understand it now what it means to leave.

Mother’s arms are so warm...
But when it was time, she left...
no other choice...

Goodbye... goodbye... goodbye...

When I let go my hand,
She left like a dandelion.

Never coming back...
like a dandelion...

Like a dandelion...

Like a dandelion...

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Random Rant

I'm not feeling well at the moment. I think I got food poisoning or something along those lines. Note to self and those who are reading this: do not consume leftover pizza that is four days old, no matter how "normal" it looked or tasted. I repeat, do not! Trust me on this one.
-----
I finally finished watching Save the Last Dance for Me after it has been taking space on my computer for months. I also finished The Snow Queen. So that's a total of 36 hours of my life, mostly wasted on nothing more than eye candies. Surprisingly, I liked the former more than the latter even though it doesn't have Hyun Bin. I'm not that shallow, you know. I can be objective too, sometimes.
-----
I'm also done with Hwang Jin Yi and I loved it! One of the best dramas I've seen to date. I've been wanting to write a review of sort for the drama but it's quite difficult coming up with right wording and organizing all my thoughts into one that's coherent and detailed. I'll try and see if I can get one together because I really want to get the word out on how great this show is. Highly recommended!
-----
The premiere for Witch Amusement will be pushed back as Surgeon Bong Dal Hee will be extended to 18 episodes due to its high ratings.

I also read that the airing date for Time Between Wolf and Dog will be further delayed until September. Aish, really. Let this be the official date. Please, no more delays!
-----
Thanks to this blog, my respect for Hollywood has changed dramatically. Not that Hollywood cares about what a little person like me thinks about them, but I'm writing this as a kind of "just so you know.." type thing.
-----
I'm probably going to do episodic summaries and/or screencaps of Hello!Miss because this blog is, afterall, "mukgu-fied." March 19th is the premiere. It's next Monday! Woot woot!

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Previews

Witch Amusement
Uploaded by: hirohiroH2

It looks like a fun drama from the preview. Han Ga In is oh so gorgeous but Jae Hee's hairstyle is odd, much different than his look in Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang. Anyway, I'm definitely watching this one!

The Devil
Uploaded by: Lunasy

The clip looks intense. Although I'm still slightly annoyed at the fact that Uhm Tae Woong is second lead, I guess we'll have to see how much screen time he has.

I'm loving the March line-up this year. In addition to the two dramas above, we also have Hello!Miss with Lee Da Hae, H.I.T. with Go Hyun Jung, and Lee Dong Wook in a new drama if he accepts the role. I'm considering doing a episode summary for one of these shows but won't know which one yet until I see the first episode of each drama. Or perhaps an episodic project is too ambitious since I still haven't finished the first one that I started. Heehee. I guess we'll see how determined I am this time around.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

LDH for J Polack 2007



Images courtesy of JPolack and pinklily @ soompi.

To view more, please go here.
Wow, I really like the concept of this catalog. LDH is so elegant and gorgeous! heart eyes

Sunday, March 04, 2007

The Devil

Cast
Uhm Tae Woong (Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang, Resurrection)
Shin Min Ah (A Love to Kill)
Joo Ji Hoon (Goong)

Airs
March 21, 2007 (Replacing Dal Ja's Spring)

Episodes
20

Broadcasting Station
KBS2

Director
Park Chan Hong (Resurrection)

Writer
Kim Ji Woo

Produced By
Olive9

Official Website

Soompi Thread

Synopsis
The tragic event of their childhood connects the fates of two men and a woman who has an ability in psychometry into a love triangle. (Psychometry is a form of extra-sensory perception wherein a psychic holds an object in his or her hands in order to obtain information about the object or its owner.)

Joo Ji Hoon will be acting as a lawyer Oh Seung Ha, who is destined to meet a police detective, Kang Oh Soo (Uhm Tae Woong). Shin Min Ah plays Seo Hae In, a 25 year old mysterious librarian with an ability in psychometry. She is at the level of being diagnosed with amnesia/sleeping disorder and she tends to be in full concentration when she becomes too absorbed/focus into something. Kang Oh Soo, who is from a rich family, had accidentally caused Oh Seung Ha to lose his brother and mom when they were young. Oh Seung Ha later grows up to be a lawyer who wants to seek revenge on Kang Oh Soo, who is now a police detective.
Oh Seung Ha and Seo Hae In will have feelings for each other while Kang Oh Soo has a one sided love for Seo Hae In.
Credit to: yeohweping

Arirang Showbiz Extra
Uploaded by: Lunasy

Special thanks to Rebby @ soompi for the clip.

doozy: Uhm Tae Woong playing second fiddle and doesn't get the girl? Again?! A love triangle? Again?! Despite those two dislikes, I'm still looking forward to watching The Devil. Why? Because it's from the folks who brought us that amazing drama called Resurrection, it's produced by Olive9 (the production company behind the drama Hwang Jin Yi), and it has Uhm Tae Woong. I really hope they focus more on the part about supernatural powers and the theme of vengeance because I don't know how many more pretty people love triangles I can watch in K-dramas.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Weekend Box Office Chart in Seoul

1. Miracle on 1st Street
Director: Yoon Je-gyun
Starring: Ha Ji-won, Lim Chang-chung

Click here for more info on the movie.

2. The Masked Dalho
Director: Kim Sang-chan, Kim Hyun-soo
Starring: Lim Chae-moo, Cha Tae-hyun

3. A Good Day for an Affair
Director: Jang Moon-il
Starring: Kim Hye-soo, Yoon Jin-seo

4. Voice of a Murderer
Director: Park Jin-pyo
Starring: Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Nam-ju

5. Flags of Our Fathers
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Adam Beach

For the rest of the list, go here.

doozy: Congratulations to Ha Ji Won for having the no. 1 movie after a successful television drama!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

LDW's New Project

Lee Dong Wook has been selected as the lead for JS pictures new drama I love you.
The drama will be adapted from Kim Se Myung popular manhwa I love you which is about a thirty-something comic writer who marries a girl younger than him by 14 years when she gets pregnant. The production company plans to start filming in March when the female lead is selected.

The broadcast date and station are still unknown at the moment.


Credit to: yeohweping

doozy: Woot woot! LDH's Hello! Miss in March and now, LDW is going to film a new drama?! I'm beyond excited.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

The Korean-American Who Is Hollywood's Link to Asia

The Departed, the Hollywood remake of the Hong Kong film Internal Affairs starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung, won four Oscars including best director for Martin Scorsese, best picture, best adapted screenplay and best editing, at the 79th Academy award in Los Angeles on Sunday (local time). This also brought a Korean American into the spotlight: Vertigo Entertainment CEO Roy Lee, who was an executive producer on the movie.

Hollywood studios rely on Lee's Asian sensibility and network to find Asian movies suitable for remakes. He has had a hand in introducing almost all Asian horror movies that found an enthusiastic audience in the U.S., including The Ring and Ju-on: The Grudge from Japan. An adaptation of A Tale of Two Sisters, a Korean horror film Lee picked up, will be completed by the end of this year. Lee was also involved in The Lake House, the remake of Il Mare, the first Hollywood remake of a Korean film. A remake of another Korean movie, Addicted with Lee Byung-hun and Lee Mi-yeon, will start shooting soon with Grudge' star Sarah Michelle Gellar. Lee also introduced My Sassy Girl and My Wife is a Gangster to DreamWorks and Miramax.

Born to a doctor father and a teacher mother, Roy Lee worked as a lawyer after graduating from George Washington University and American University’s Washington School of Law.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
Source: english.chosun.com


doozy: Okay, so the article above is interesting and all.. But, the MAIN reason why I posted this article is because of the gross mistake of mispelling the title of a movie. People, for the umphteen time, the US film Departed is a remake of the HK movie titled INFERNAL AFFAIRS. The original movie is from Hong Kong, not Japan; and that's Infernal Affairs with an "f" and not Internal Affairs with a "t."

Seriously, it's not like Infernal Affairs is some indie, low-budget movie that wasn't a huge success and isn't well-known. If even a non-movie buff like myself know the correct title, then shouldn't people who are in the biz know more than I do?

Geez, I wonder how Hollywood would feel if foreign countries called the remake The Deported, instead of The Departed.

Here's a poster of the HK movie for confirmation, in case you think I'm on some halucinogen.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Witch Amusement


This is not the poster for the drama. It's a New Year's greeting from the cast.

Cast
Han Ga In (Dr. Kang, Super Rookie)
Jae Hee (Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang)
Dennis Oh (Sweet Spy)
Jung Hae Bin
Kim Jung Hoon (Goong)
Hwang Ji Hyun (Please Come Back, Soon Ae)

Airs
March 14, 2007

Episodes
16

Broadcasting Station
SBS

Director
Jun Ki Sang (Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang, My Girl)

Synopsis
Han Ga In plays the heroine Ma Yoo Hee hinting that the character is like a "Witch". Yoo Hee has independent personality and is the only daughter of the owner of an advertisement company and is working as an advertisement planner. After she is introduced to Jae Mo Ryong (Jae Hee) who is a student learning cooking, she falls in love with him. Dennis Oh will play a famous French Chef from America. He is perfect guy named Johnny Kruger from New York. He plays a big part in hooking up Ma Yoo-Hee and Jae Mo Ryong.
Source: soompi thread

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Hyun Bin No Longer Single and Available

Hyun Bin has been dating Hwang Ji Hyun for almost a year. Reportedly, they broke up in the middle and then got back together again.

Those who are wondering who Hwang Ji Hyun is, she was in New Nonstop 3 and recently, Come back Soon Ae as Park Jin Hee's stewardess friend.
Source: yahoo.co.kr
Translation by: lilshinhwafreak @ soompi


doozy: As a crazy fan girl, my reaction is: Why?! Why her and not me?!
As a realistic person with her head on straight, my reaction is: Why?! Why her and not me?! Haha. I'm kidding! Honestly, as long as he's happy, I'm happy.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Cast of Hello! Miss


Lee Da Hae


Lee Ji Hoon; Ha Suk Jin


Yoon Mi So

Image source: as labeled
Special thanks to yeohweping

Monday, February 19, 2007

So Pretty

Below are some screen caps from LDH's vitamin cf. To view more, please click here.



Call me, Wookie oppa!

I love her smile. There's a certain innocence and genuiness in it. Just look at the picture. She's adorable, yet at the same time, gorgeous.
I'm looking forward to March 12, which is the premiere of LDH's new drama, Hello! Miss.

Special thanks to pinklily @ soompi for providing these images.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Oink

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

It's the Year of the Boar!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Rain, Song Hye-kyo Promote Drama in China


Actress Song Hye-kyo and singer/actor Rain will visit China to promote their drama Full House, which aired on KBS 2TV a few years ago in Korea.

They will leave Seoul Thursday for a 3-day visit to Hunan, China, where a news conference and a fan meeting are scheduled ahead of the drama's local airing.

Song's manager Na Byung-jun of Sidus HQ says inquiries by Chinese fans about their visit are pouring in.

The hit drama was exported to 14 countries including Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Actress Song has recently finished filming her latest movie, a film about the famous Korean courtesan Hwang Jini, while Rain is on his global concert tour.

Teaser posters of Hwang Jin Yi

News source: KBS Global
Images source: songhyegyo.net


doozy:
If you're interested in the latest updates regarding this joyous event, go to AgentP's Headquarters.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

LDH Fans Rejoice

So it's finally confirmed! LDH is going to be in Hello! Miss (formerly known as Pride) afterall. I also like the change of the male cast. This is so exciting. I really hope that this time, it's for real and not just a rumor.

Do check out the Soompi thread for additional info and images.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Showbiz Suicides Alarm Management Agencies

Alarm bells are ringing in Korea's entertainment business after the apparent suicides of pop singer U;Nee and actress Jeong Da-bin within three weeks of each other.

Agencies are clearly worried. While the stars ostensibly enjoy wealth and fame, they are also more at risk than ordinary people because their kudos can vanish in an instant. The fickle nature of the business brings its attendant anxieties, especially for women, experts say.

The actress Choi Jin-sil recalls the envy of other performers when she was a teen star. "You may think that the happiest moments come with the 'golden time' of celebrity," she says. "But the mental stress is extreme as well." She admits she suffered from great insecurity not knowing if her fame would last.

Then there is the threat of litigation. As a star's popularity soars and their fees rise, lawsuits become commonplace, especially from management agencies. Jeong was being sued for pulling out of a contract with her former management agency in February 2005. Already in 2002, she was accused of failing to hand over part of her pay to the agency. She lost.

Min Sung-kil, a psychiatrist from Severance Hospital said celebrities in many cases are more exposed to stress than ordinary people. "As a last resort, depressed celebrities may choose to kill themselves."

Management agencies are reassessing their role to protect the celebrities they represent. Namoo Actors, the agency of the actress Lee Eun-ju, who committed suicide in 2005, is taking more time with its star entertainers. Fantom Entertainment Group, which represents the actresses Han Hyo-joo and So Yu-jin and singer Ivy, is taking particular care with its female clients, including ample consultation time.


Jeong Da-bin, U;Nee and Lee Eun-ju

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Scientific Investigation (NISI) after a postmortem on Monday tentatively concluded the death of Jeong Da-bin was suicide. It said there was no evidence of foul play and Jeong’s body showed clear evidence of death by hanging. Jeong's boyfriend, identified by his last name Lee, who discovered the body and called police, said the actress first tried to kill herself by cutting her wrist in Sept. 2006. Jeong's family and her new agency had requested the postmortem, asserting that the scar on her wrist was the result of a suicide attempt in her teens, not last year, and saying she had no reason to kill herself.

Jeong's funeral service was delayed by a day due to the postmortem and will now be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Asan Medical Center.
(englishnews@chosun.com)
Source: english.chosun.com


doozy:
This makes me angry and sad at the same time.

Bi for Tea

New CF
(In case you're wondering, I think "cf" stands for "commercial film.")

Source: Daum news, yeohweping

Saturday, February 10, 2007

In Remembrance

Actress Jung Da Bin, whom most people know from the drama Attic Cat with Kim Rae Won, was found dead in her boyfriend's house yesterday. Police are still investigating to confirm whether or not it was suicide.

-Update-
The latest news confirms that it was suicide. Oh dear! Why, oh why?
To read an article on Jung Da Bin's untimely death, click here.

The last note that she left on her Cyworld:

I thought I was going to die because it was so frustrating.
I kept getting mad with no reason..and it was driving me crazy.
I was so tired..as if I would always get naseous..
My head hurt so much, I cried.
I almost became a slave to bad-temper and moodiness.
Lauging, then crying..it was enough to drive me crazy.
I finally began to think that I was losing myself..
And I began to lose touch.
Suddenly, like being electrocuted..Suddenly, I became peaceful.
The lord came.
He gives me strength, he strengthens my foolish self..
He teaches me strength, and makes me realize things that are close to me.
He raises me up when I was about to give up..
And he tells me that it's now alright.
I'm alright.

Translation by: Fallencorruption @ soompi


Happier days

I read in soompi that she was depressed due to lack of work, among other reasons. She was only 27 years old. This is so sad! Goodbye, Jung Da Bin sshi.