Big Big World

I was listening to my music playlist today and the song Big Big World by Emilia came up. Any fans of TVB series remember this song? It was played throughout the popular drama Detective Investigation IV. The drama showcased one of the most compatible and memorable couples in TVB series: Jessica Hsuan and Louis Koo. Listening to the song brought back alot of good TVB memories from those days. It also made me think about how this kind of chemistry is lacking between co-stars in TVB series nowadays, which is partly the reason why I now watch more K-dramas than TVB series. My favorite couples from that "era" were Jessica & Louis and Flora Chan & Bowie Lam. Unfortunately, the chances of these actors pairing up again in TVB land is nil.

To download Big Big World by Emilia, click here. Let's reminisce about those good times together!

Updates

Look to your right side bar and you'll see two new additions to the column: the "Features" section and the "Sweet or Sour?" section. It's a way to organize the blog a little bit better and also for you, dear blog visitors, to navigate easier.

"Features" section
The articles in this section primarily will be focused on Korean artistes. (Sort of like an introduction to Korean entertaiment and its star players for people who are new to K-entertaiment and would like to learn more about it.)

"Sweet or Sour?" section
The articles in this section are "my two cents" on the shows that I've seen. The ratings for the reviews will be based on a "sweet or sour" theme. Below are examples of ratings.

Eye Candy: Issue no.1

The Drool-worthy NamJa of Korean Entertainment
(NamJa = "man" in Korean)

Lee Dong Wook 

If you are a visitor of this blog and have been curious as to who is the man in the top banner, be curious no more! He is none other than Lee Dong Wook, the leading man of the K-drama My Girl. The picture above is one of my favorite pictures of him because he looks so calm and relaxing on the beach. Plus, it features one of his best assets: his side profile.

LDW has acted in several K-dramas, dated back to the year 2000. However, it wasn't until the airing of the My Girl that his popularity rose. His newest project is the horror movie Arang.

Looks: A
Lee Dong Wook has that boy-next-door appeal. His eyes have that gentle and friendly look to them. With his high nose and cheekbones, his side profile is beautiful.

Talent: B
I've only seen him in My Girl so my evaluation of his talent may not be as informed. However, as it was because of this drama that made me a fan of him, you can gather that obviously, he wasn't bad in the show. He played his role well, both in dramatic and comical scenes. His amazing chemistry with the leading lady was also an important factor that enhanced his performance.

Profile


Name: Lee Dong Wook
Date of Birth: November 6, 1981
Height: 185cm
Weight: 78kg
Blood type: B
Profession: Actor
Education: Saejung University
Credit: Soompi thread

Sweetness

          
          
Image credit: various sources

Arirang Showbiz Extra Coverage of Lee Dong Wook's Fan Meeting

Aren't his voice and personality just lovely?

Ji Jin-hee Transforms into Tough Guy

Actor Ji Jin-hee has shed his previous gentle image and transformed into a "tough guy" in his first action movie, Su.

Su is the first Korean movie by ethnic Korean director Choi Yang-il, who is globally renowned as the best filmmaker in Japan and the godfather of "hardboiled" films. In the movie, Ji charismatically portrays a cold-hearted man who avenges his brother’s death.

Su sets the standard for the new genre called “hardboiled classic.” The unveiling of the movie’s teaser-poster has drawn attention to how Choi’s powerful and sophisticated production techniques will harmonize with the passionate and talented acting of the movie’s cast.

Ji expressed a strong commitment to movie, in which he plays his first action role. During the photo shoot of the poster, he fully displayed his charisma and exquisite facial acting, and even used an axe that appears in the movie as the main weapon of his character.

Su a hardboiled classic that blends the cynical yet sensitive visual images created by director Choi Yang-il with powerful action and a well-knit plot, will open late this year.
Source: KBS Global

Click here to see bigger version of the teaser poster.

doozy: Anyone remember this actor as the brave and kind (not to mention handsome) government official in Dae Jang Geum with Lee Young Ae? The teaser poster looks very dark and intriguing. Jin Ji Hee is holding a knife. Watch out, everybody!

Bi's Adverstisements

Below is a compilation of Bi's 2006 adverstisements.


Click on images for bigger view. Enjoy!
Source: benamoo

"You are free to move about the country."

I took my comprehensive final today and as always, made stupid mistakes. Oh well. The important thing is that... summer school is over! Yippee!

Hyun Bin, casted in KBS Noon Eui Yeo Wang (Queen of Snow)

Actor Hyun Bin has been casted to be the leading actor of the KBS 2TV drama series Noon Eui Yeo Wang (Queen of Snow)' which is scheduled to air this coming November.

Noon Eui Yeo Wang (Queen of Snow) is a sad fairy-tale like love story about a genius boxer fighting against a terminal disease and a daughter of a wealthy family that meet and fill each other's hearts. Hyun Bin has been casted for the role of the lead male character Han Tae Woong.

Tae Woong used to be labeled a boxing genius, but is now a high school drop-out that works as a sparring partner at a third-class boxing gym. Lackluster and without a dream, he one day meets a woman and feels destined love.

The drama has also gathered attention due to the participation of writers Kim Eun Hee and Yoon Eun Gyeong who were part of the team of Winter Sonata as well as the producer and director Lee Hyeong Min of I'm Sorry, I Love You.

Lee Hyeong Min commented as the reason for casting, "I thought Hyun Bin would be the perfect fit for the role of the 'unfortunate genius' Han Tae Woong who, while possessing pureness, must also be able to express childish rebelliousness. Through two characters that hold a twisted view of the world, the drama will tell a beautiful yet sad story that sets it apart from former trendy drama series."
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Photos: cafe.daum.net

doozy: Hyun Bin filming a new drama?! Woot woot! No news yet of who the leading lady will be. Many fans are hoping for Hyun Bin to be paired with Song Hye Gyo in a drama, although it doesn't necessarily have to be this one. Heck, there's even an online petition for this coupling. However, I don't think the chances of that happening are high for this drama as Song Hye Gyo is currently busy preparing for her movie. We'll stay tune for news on the remaining cast members.

Once again, the storyline revolves around a main character whose remaining days are numbered and is trying to achieve a goal, similar to I'm Sorry, I Love You. Although I did not like Winter Sonata and I'm Sorry, I love You (despite its many praises) and the storyline here seems to be unoriginal, I'll watching anything that Hyun Bin stars in. He's a good actor and makes for lovely eye candy! Samshiki, bbashya!

Updates

Finish the review for Which Star Are You From?

Off topic: I came across this hilarious clip in Youtube. If you haven't seen it already, hope you enjoy it!

"Yellow Fever" by Wong Fu Productions

My Girl: Favorite Moment

I love this K-drama!! My Girl replaces Full House and ties with My Name is Kim Sam Soon as my favorite dramas. I laughed so much while watching it. If I have time, I'll do a pictorial summary of each episode. In the meantime, you can enjoy the clip below.



Special thanks to:
WITH S2 for providing English subtitles!
Kirsten (pinklilysilverstars) for uploading the clip with hardsubs!

Korea's Greatest Acting Beauty

Choi Ji-woo Named Korea's Greatest Acting Beauty

Top star Choi Ji-woo has been selected by 100 movie industry insiders as the country’s most beautiful actress in the 2006 Timeless Beauty Awards sponsored by cosmetics maker Christian Dior. The awards, which were based on surveys of 100 movie industry insiders, seek to raise the status of Korean actresses and encourage their passion for the craft.

Also honored at the first awards were Um Jung-hwa, Kang Sung-yeon, Choi Kang-hee and Shin Mi-na. Meanwhile, Monica Bellucci was selected as the timeless beauty representing Dior's new rouge this September.
Source: english.chosun.com

Note: For those who don't know or remember who she is, Choi Ji Woo starred in popular K-dramas such as Winter Sonata, Beautiful Days, and Stairway to Heaven. She also acted in several movies, but I'm not sure of their titles.

doozy: Choi Ji Woo = Korea's Greatest Acting Beauty? The queen of melodrama? Really?! Oh, come on, people! There are plenty of better candidates out there. What about, say, Lee Young Ae or Son Ye Jin? Is this because Choi Ji Woo is now a spokesperson for one of Christian Dior's products? *scratch head*

The Birth Of A Family

The Birth Of A Family Invited to Toronto Film Festival


The movie The Birth Of A Family directed by Kim Tae-yong has been invited to the “Discovery” category of the 31st Toronto International Film Festival slated for September 7 in Canada.

The Toronto festival is the largest non-competition film festival in North America. Last year, Kang Yi-kwan’s film Sakwa was invited to the Discovery category, which shows films of promising filmmakers.

This year, 13 films will compete in this category for the prize of 10,000 dollars. Though the Toronto festival is non-competition, sponsors have prepared awards for each category.

Other Korean films that were invited to this year’s festival include Kim Ki-deok’s Time in the Vision category and Bong Jun-ho’s The Host in the “Midnight Madness” category.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: There's a good chance that I'll watch this movie since the poster looks interesting and the cast looks good. And hey, the fact that it's invited to a film festival must mean something, right?

Which Star Are You From?

Main Cast:
Kim Rae Won - Choi Seung Hui
Jung Ryeo Won - Lee Hye Su and Kim Bok Sil (she plays twins in the drama)

Notes:
Apparently, the PD (production director) for this drama is the same guy that directed Attic Cat and Full House (not sure, though). Kim Rae Won's previous K-drama was Love Story in Harvard (which I gave a pass because Kim Tae Hui's stare scares me and because, well, I'm just not interested). Recently, I saw him in the movie Mr. Socrates, where he was quite good. This guy has really good comedic timing, although the movie was really violent! Jung Ryeo Won gained popularity when she played Sam Soon's "rival" in My Name is Kim Sam Soon.

Why did I choose to watch this?
I chose to watch this drama because 1) I like Kim Rae Won in Attic Cat and he's not bad to look at either. Plus, I don't mind Jung Ryeo Won. She's cute, great smile, and most importantly, she can act. And 2) It was out during the time when I "left" TVB and became "obsessed" with K-dramas. Hence, I must watch everything that came out. (Granted, subtitles must be available. Hey, I'm not patient and obsessed enough to just stare at the screen, not understanding what the heck is going on, just to get my "fix.")

So... Is is any good?
Initially, I wasn't going to write a review about this drama because, well, too lazy to write anything that won't be graded by a teacher. However, it's gotten to a point where I can't keep my feelings in anymore. Thanks to Which Star Are You From?, I've realized several things:

1. I'm bothered when I don't finish something that I've started.
2. I have masochist tendencies. (the opposite of sadist, where you like to hurt yourself, not others)
3. Why, hello TVB! Long time no see!
4. Obsession, like alcohol, may impair your judgement.
So obviously, the answer to the above question is: NO.

What is it about?
From episode 1 to around episodes 3-5 (or maybe earlier): Boy meets girl A --> they fall in love --> girl A's family objects but, of course, they stay together despite this obstacle --> unfortunately, girl A dies in a tragic car accident --> boy is very sad.

From episodes 3-5 to infinity, I mean, episode 16: Then, boy meets girl B who is a country girl and who just happens to look like girl A because... *drum rolls, please* she is girl A's long lost sister --> of course, they fall in love --> family objects, again --> they refuse to break up --> girl B's real mother becomes sick --> they break up (yes, boo hoo, I know. Pass the kneenex please... umm, I just clumsily knocked over my soda!) --> but then, they got back together at the end. Woop tee doo!

Really? That's all?
No, porky pig...heehee. That is not all. In every episode, the same song is playing over and over again and the audience gets to watch a grown woman dress her hair up in Pipi Longstocking-like pigtails, acting like she is 10 years old. In addition, girl B adds to the soundtrack by crying in probably every other scene. What's the dealio, here? Is it really that sad? After careful analysis, I've come up with the following possibilities.

A) She's too hydrated and her body must somehow get rid of the extra water. What better way to do it than something that may elicit viewers' sympathy at the same time.
B) She went to the Onion Festival and enjoyed it so much that she wants to recreate the experience and bring back fond memories by crying.
C) Dang, those allergens!
D) Seoul, Korea is so dusty that her eyes can't help but tear up.
E) Believe it or not, it is really that sad.
F) Geez, can't a girl just cry because she just feels like crying? What's up with all these reasons?
Or
G) None of the above.

What about the acting? It must be better than the storyline, right?
Well, it's not bad considering the material that the actors had to work with; but, it's not good, either. The roles are not complex or even interesting. Simply put, one word: boring. Kim Rae Won was hilarious in Attic Cat and Jung Ryeo Won gave a good performance in MNIKSS. However here, there is something lacking, something that would make the audience care about their characters enough to keep watching even though the storyline sucks.

The plot stinks and the acting is mediocre. But is the scenery/cinematography good?
No. Cinematography wise, don't expect anything similar to the "Four Seasons" dramas. Those dramas aren't good but at least, they look beautiful.

Who should watch this?
A super duper fan of either or both lead actors. Or an insomniac who can't seem to fall asleep. (Believe me, it works!)

But summer's here and I'm so bored! What are the alternatives?
There are several recent dramas that are quite good. I recommend Goodbye Solo, Alone in Love, Bad Family, and Mr. Goodbye.

Conclusion
Which star are you from? Please, let me know so I can shoot you back to wherever that is! Leave Earth in peace.

Sweet or Sour?

Bertie Bott's jelly beans.

The Seven Types of Men

Brought to you by: The ladies from the K-drama My Name is Kim Sam Soon

1. Good men are ugly.

2. Cute guys have lousy personalities.

3. Cute guys with good character are married.

4. Cute guys with good character and single... are poor.

5. Cute, good character, single, and rich guys... aren't interested in us.

6. Cute, good character, single, rich, and interested in us...
Those guys are players.

7. Cute, good character, single, rich guys who are interested in us and are not players... will turn out to be gay.

Kim Jung Hoon

Kim Jung-hoon (a.k.a. Yul in the popular MBC teen drama Goong) to Release Album in Japan


Kim Jung-hoon, a member of the male duet UN who has made a successful debut as an actor on the MBC TV drama Royal Palace (a.k.a Goong), will release his first solo album in Japan in October.

A person from Kim’s agency said August 4 that Kim has decided to release an album in Japan after receiving an offer from a Japanese record company, but will not perform the songs from the upcoming album in Korea. He also added that the album will contain mostly ballads targeting a wide audience that feature outstanding melodies.

Kim will visit Japan August 6 to prepare for the release of the album.
Source: KBS Global

doozy: Woot woot! Go Yul! Heehee... In Goong, I liked his character more than Shin, the crown prince and was rooting for him to end up with Chae Kyung throughout the drama. He's very cute, and looks quite young for his age. (I believe he's 26 or 27.) Wish him the best in everything!!

Lee Moon Sik

Ordinary Man Hits the Big Time


The soaring popularity of actor Lee Moon-sik is proven by the number of movies in which he recently appeared. He was the lead in Mapado released last spring, Detective Mr. Gong and Troublesomes. He even played the male lead in a TV melodrama, The 101st Proposal, for the first time in his life.

His latest production is the movie Fly, Daddy, Fly, in which he plays a timid father who learns to box so he can avenge his daughter. “My second son was born on the day shooting for the film started,” Lee says. “The movie is about paternity. But I’m a negligent father who can’t go home regularly.” He lost 12 kg and developed his six-pack for the role. Viewers will understand how much physical pain he suffered when they see him racing a bus and observe his desperate match against a high school champion.

His appeal comes from his ordinary looks and natural, innocent smile. Born in a remote village in Sunchang, North Jeolla Province that only got electricity when he was a sixth grade, the countryman is now a national star. In response to the barbed remark that he seems to capitalize excessively on his image as an ordinary man, he takes a key ring out of his pocket, a gift from his fans. On it are engraved the words (don’t forget) “the initial intentions.”

Source: english.chosun.com

doozy: I'm currently watching 101st Proposal and I must say, although Lee Moon-sik obviously isn't the typical hunk you'd see in K-drama, he does have a certain charm. That ordinary, realistic appeal that everyday people like ourselves can relate to and emphatize with.

Please Come Back, Soon Ae

Please Come Back, Soon Ae is currently airing Weds/Thurs on SBS. The premise is similar to the American movie Freaky Friday, as the two main characters of the drama swap bodies after a car accident. For more info on this show, check out this thread.

I believe there is 16 episode for this drama. Fan subtitles are provided by the wonderful WITH S2.

I've seen the first episode and it's quite good. Will post comments on it.

Image source: www.twitchfilm.net

Testing...testing

First post on a first blog, ever! Since everyone is blogging these days, might as well jump on the bandwagon and go with the trend. (may be this is a good way to kill time...)
The last time I played around with Html coding was around 4 years ago so my memory of this whole "publishing" on the Internet thing is not as clear as I would like. Hence, please excuse any awful, weird-looking arrangement and/or formatting as I'm learning while doing.
Picked this template because of the green theme.

Purpose of this blog: Since Korean entertainment is becoming so popular nowadays, this blog's aim is to be a collection of news that I happen to stumble across while surfing the Net. Plus, throw in there some reviews about K-dramas that I'm currently watching and perhaps movie reviews/rantings, and go from there.

What does "mukgu-fied" mean? This blog's name is inspired by the K-drama My Girl, starring Lee Da Hae, Lee Dong Wook, Park Si Yeon, and Lee Joon Ki. "Mukgu-fied" is a termed coined by us fans of the show and of Lee Da Hae. (In short, in the drama LDH's character Ju Yoo Rin works at a tourism agency called Mukgu.com). Anyone who hasn't seen this drama, please do! It's highly recommended! For more info on this wonderful show, you can visit soompi.com or d-addicts.com.
--The picture on the right is of Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae from My Girl--
Edit: Just saw my post online and heehee...this is so cool!!