Korean Drama Box

Han Ji Min to star opposite Yoochun in 'Rooftop Prince'

2012-01-22T01:36:00.000-08:00

JYJ's Park Yoochun and Han Ji Min will play in SBS's upcoming drama 'Rooftop Prince'.

"Rooftop Prince" is about a prince of Joseon Dynasty who loses his princess and travels to the future, where he meets a woman who looks like his princess.

The drama is set to air in March after the final episode of ‘Please Take Care of Us, Captain'.

Check Out the Poster and Trailer for SBS’s New Drama "Take Care of Us, Captain"

2011-12-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

f(x)'s Luna Finds Transition to TV Soaps a Big Step

2011-12-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

Luna, a member of the K-pop girl group f(x), made her acting debut on TV Chosun's new weekend drama. But despite it being her first shot at acting on TV, Luna has managed to acquit herself well and win over critics.

"I watched the first two episodes alone, and it was really awkward. I was very relieved that I watched them by myself," she said, while giggling shyly. "I heard that actors can't handle watching themselves at first. I think I went a little over the top, so now I'm trying to tone my acting down a little and not get overly excited."

Luna has already starred in two musicals, the Korean adaptations of the Hollywood films "Legally Blond" and "Coyote Ugly." But despite the misconception that acting in a TV drama is easier than singing and acting on stage, which requires a fuller range of skills, she said this was not the case.

"No way," said the young starlet. "A stage is a single space. But in a TV drama, each scene takes place in a different setting or location. And every little detail matters, such as the way you speak, and the way you move about for each scene."

"Singing and acting are both difficult, but I will do my best to be recognized in both fields," said Luna, who recently got admitted to Chungang University, where she will study musical theater. "I chose this major because I wanted to build a solid framework for acting, singing and dancing," she added.

Born the youngest daughter to a conductor father and a soprano mother, Luna has taken a slightly different path from the rest of her family. At university, her sister is studying vocal music and her brother musical composition.

"Since I was little, my dream has always been to become a singer," said Luna. "My family respected and supported my choice, so I will have to do my best not to let them down."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Jang Geun Suk and YoonA attend “Love Rain” press conference

2011-12-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

On December 13th, actor Jang Geun Suk and SNSD's YoonA appeared at the press conference for the upcoming drama "Love Rain".

This drama is a love stories between the modern times and the days of the 70s.

Love Rain was directed by Yoon Suk Ho, who is well known from his four seasons' dramas such as Autumn Tale, Winter Sonata, Summer Scent and Spring Waltz.

Photo credit: Sport Donga, TV Daily, ETO

SM Entertainment & JYP Entertainment Team Up For "Dream High 2"

2011-08-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

After a successful run of the idol-based TV drama, "Dream High", SM Entertainment is showing interest in a possible "Dream High 2".

The first series had featured a collaboration between Bae Yong-joon's KEYEAST Entertainment and Park Jin-young's JYP Entertainment.

KBS, the broadcaster that aired "Dream High 1", said that the presidents from both agencies are good friends (Kim Young-min of SM and Jung Wook of JYP). Thus they're interested in working together, combining resources, and hoping for the best outcome through a second series.

The producer of the first series, Lee Eung-bok, is said to be working on a second season for 2012.

On a side note, the DVD for "Dream High 1" will be available on September 4th.

source: KBS Global

'City Hunter' Couple Fall in Love Off-Camera

2011-08-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Life has imitated art for star couple Lee Min-ho (24) and Park Min-young (25), whose on-screen characters fell madly in love on the recently ended SBS drama "City Hunter" before the actors followed suit.

Their agencies confirmed on Tuesday that the pair started dating one month ago, after shooting wrapped up. They first met while filming the KBS drama, "I Am Sam," in 2007.

While Lee rose to stardom through his lead role in the KBS show "Boys Over Flowers" in 2009, Park caught the public eye the following year when she acted in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," broadcast by KBS. She is now busy filming the drama "Glorious Jane," also by KBS. It will air in October.

source: Chosun Ilbo

[ Korean Drama 2010 ] The Thorn Birds

2011-08-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: KBS2
Broadcast period: 2011-Mar-2 to 2011-May-05
Air time: Wed.& Thu 21.55
Cast:
Han Hye-Jin as Seo Jeong-eun
Joo Sang-Wook as Lee Young-Jo
Kim Min-Jung as Han Yoo-kyeong
Seo Do-Yeong as Choi Kang-Woo

Synopsis:
Jeong-Eun has been searching for her biological mother who had abandoned her since birth. Jeong-Eun and Young-Jo become close friends because they share the pain of growing up without a mother. Jeong-Eun's friend Yoo-Gyeong, however, is jealous of their relationship. At the age of 25, Jeong-Eun works as a part-time actress while waiting for her mother to find her. On the other hand, Yoo-Gyeong struggles for her debut as a film director and meets producer Young-Jo. Yoo-Gyeong seduces Young-Jo after discovering that he is an heir of a conglomerate and then gets pregnant. But when Young-Jo gives up on the family inheritance, she coldly cuts him off from her life. When Yoo-Gyeong goes into labor and is carried to the hospital due to premature birth, she registers herself as "Jeong-Eun". And when Yoo-Gyeong finally finds her biological mother, who is old, sick, and poor, she abandoned the mother and the baby. Jeong-Eun, who is desperate to have a family, takes Yoo-Gyeong's baby in and visits Yoo-Gyeong's mother Myung-Ja. And by doing so, Yoo-Gyeong changes her fate by pretending to be Myung-Ja's daughter.

[source: http://world.kbs.co.kr/english]

Gallery:

Jang Geun Seok Plays Double Role in 'Love Rain'

2011-08-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hallyu star Jang Geun Seok and director Yoon Seok Ho, who produced the drama "Winter Sonata," have decided to work together. PR agency Y Tree Media said on August 9 that Jang Geun Seok has been cast as the protagonist of director Yoon Seok Ho's new work entitled "Love Rain" (working title), which will begin airing from the first half of next year.

Writer Oh Soo Yeon and director Yoon Seok Ho, who worked together in the popular dramas "Autumn in My Heart" and "Winter Sonata" ten years ago, will work together again for the drama production. The agency revealed that the drama will be about love transcending the ages both in the 1970s and in the present time. Jang Geun Seok will play the double role of the character Seo In Ha, a sentimental artist who loves only one woman in the 1970s, and Seo In Ha’s son named Seo Joon, a photographer who is freewheeling in his work and love. “Love Rain” will begin filming from next month with a target air date of the first half of next year.

source: KBS Global

Nominees For The 2011 Seoul Drama Awards

2011-07-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

The preliminaries for the 2011 Seoul Drama Awards (SDA)have been conducted and the results are out!

The organizing committee for the SDAs announced on July 20th at 11 AM, the results of the preliminaries through a press conference. Under the theme of "Drama Road", this year's SDA ceremony has been confirmed to cover 204 works from 37 different countries.

Non-Korean dramas up for awards include the US mini-series "The Walking Dead", British mini-series "Luther", Chinese full-length piece "Three Kingdoms", and German short film "Shades of Happiness".

From the domestic works side, there are the mini-series "Dream High" and "My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho" and the full length projects "Twinkle Twinkle Shining".

In the Male Actors category, the nominees include Iris Elba from "Luther" and Chun Jenbin from "Three Kingdoms". In the Female Actress category, Maria Furtwängler from "Shaes Of Happiness", Laura Linney from "The Big C", and Na Moon-hee from the one-act play "Grandma, it's Me".

In the Hallyu Drama section, there will be seven awards given out. Nominated projects must have been aired from April 1st of 2010 to April 30th of 2011, with exports of $3 million or more. The contenders are "Sungkyungwan Scandal", "Baker King Kim Tak-gu", "Mary Stayed Out All Night", "Dream High", "Dongyi", "Queen of Reversals", "My Princess", "Kim Su-ro", "Giant", "Athena: Goddess of War", "Secret Garden", "My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho", and "Bad Guy".

Of course the category that always attracts special interest is the Grand Award for best actor and best actress.

The male nominees are Jang Geun-seok for "Mary Stayed Out All Night", Park Yoo-chun for "Sungkyungwan Scandal", Song Seung-heon for "My Princess", Hyunbin for "Secret Garden", and Kang Ji-hwan for "Coffee House".

The female nominees are Park Min-young for "Sungkyungwan Scandal", "Moon Geun-young for "Mary Stayed Out All Night", Kim Tae-hee for "My Princess", Lee Yo-won for "49 Days", and Ha Ji-won for "Secret Garden".

The soundtrack songs up for recognition are "Found It" by JYJ from "Sungkyungwan Scandal", "Please My Bus" by Jang Geun-seok from "Mary Stayed Out All Night", Jungyup's "Nothing Happened" from "49 Days", Baek Ji-young's "That Woman" from "Secret Garden", and "The One" by Lee Seung-cheol for "Baker King Kim Tak-goo".

The final results will depend 70% on the votes of the 1 million international Hallyu fans signed up for en.korea.com and 30% on the international broadcasting contents buyers' votes.

This is with the exception of the Hallyu Drama category's Director Award and Writer Award, which will be determined by the votes of domestic reporters.

source: KBS Global

Eric Makes Comeback to ‘Beautiful Spy’

2011-06-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

Actor Eric will make a comeback after a three-year break with his appearance in KBS 2TV’s new Monday and Tuesday drama “Beautiful Spy (written by Kim Eun Young and Kim Jeong Ah, directed by Hwang In Hyuk).” Actress Han Ye Seul will play the female protagonist in the drama by playing a beautiful North Korean spy named Myung Wol. “Beautiful Spy” will tell the story of a comic romance that happens when a beautiful North Korean spy meets Hallyu star actor Kang Woo in South Korea.

Eric fulfilled his military obligation as a public service worker right after he finished filming the drama “Chilwu, the Mighty” in 2008 and originally planned to make a comeback by appearing in the drama “Poseidon,” but the production of “Poseidon” was canceled. “Beautiful Spy” will be his first drama after making a comeback, and he will present melodrama and action acting in the drama. “Beautiful Spy” will air its first episode on July 4 as a follow-up drama to “Babyfaced Beauty.”

source: KBS Global

Kim Tae-hee Wins Over Viewers with 'My Princess'

2011-02-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Her stunning beauty is beyond dispute, but actress Kim Tae-hee has always been criticized for her wooden acting. She struggled even more in films than on TV, and none of her movies, including "The Restless," "Venus and Mars" and "Grand Prix," were a success at the box office.

But the soap "My Princess," currently on MBC, seems to have changed all that, and viewers have taken to Kim's adorable but comic character in a big way. They seem to enjoy seeing the inelegant side of someone who seems to have it all. And criticism of her acting skills seems on the wane.

"Viewers cheer when an actor shows a side that has never been seen before," one critic says. "But when the actor still gets criticized for their acting afterwards they tend to go back to their old image, and that can be fatal." In other words, the real test for Kim starts after "My Princess."

Of course, there are still some people criticizing Kim's acting on the web board of the "My Princess" homepage. In fact, Kim is perhaps the epitome of a star who appears in more commercials than films or TV series.

Others include Kim Hee-sun, Jeon Ji-hyun, Ko So-young and Lee Young-ae. More recently, Shin Min-a and Lee Min-jung also raised their profile through commercials before being cast in leading roles in films or TV series.

But while the financial rewards are great, viewers tend to disapprove. Woon Goon-il, a former SBS executive, said, "Actors should communicate with their audience through proper work with a story. If they shun it and bury themselves in commercials, their career is inevitably cut short."

source: Chosun Ilbo

[ Korean Drama 2010 ] My Girlfriend is a Gumiho

2011-02-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2010-Aug-11 to 2010-Sep-30
Air time: 2010-Aug-11 to 2010-Sep-30

Cast:
Lee Seung Ki as Cha Dae Woong
Shin Min Ah as Gumiho
No Min Woo as Park Dong Joo
Park Soo Jin as Eun Hye In

Synopsis:
Cha Dae Woong accidentally releases a gumiho, a legendary fox with nine tails who was trapped inside of a painting by Grandma Samshin, by drawing 9 tails to the fox painting. The gumiho wanted to be human before but was not able to fulfill the request of finding a husband because a rumor was spread claiming that she eats livers of humans. Dae Woong meets a pretty girl after he wakes up from a life threatening fall not knowing that she is the fox he released. When Dae Woong finds out about what he did, he must try to keep her happy and hide the fact that she is a gumiho from everyone. However, because Dae Woong has gumiho's Orb that saved his life, he has no choice but to let her stay with him. As the story goes on, the legendary gumiho (later called Miho) wants to be human. Miho is informed by a veterinarian named Park Dong Joo (who is half human) that she must drink his blood to become a human in 100 days while Dae Woong will have to keep her magical fox orb meanwhile. Moreover, Dae Woong will not be able to date anyone else but gumiho within the 100 days. However, Dong Joo doesn't tell Miho that in 100 days, in order to become human, Dae Woong must die. Trouble brews when Miho and Dae Woong eventually fall in love.

[source: Wikipedia]

Gallery:

Success of 'Secret Garden' Continues to Grow

2011-01-21T00:56:00.000-08:00

The massive popularity of the SBS hit drama "Secret Garden" is still reverberating even after the weekend series came to an end. Deals have been worked out to export the drama to several countries, and it is expanding its reach to other fields including music, film and theater.

SBS Contents Hub said on Thursday that it has sold broadcasting rights for 13 countries so far, including Japan, China and Thailand, at record-high prices for a combined US$3.5 million. It also recently signed a contract with a U.S. website which will offer the series as video-on-demand.

"We expect more profits once exports of merchandise such as dolls, comics and diaries begin sooner or later," an SBS Contents Hub spokesperson said. "The Japanese terrestrial channel that will broadcast the series expects the same blockbuster success as 'Winter Sonata' there."

Meanwhile, the soundtrack of "Secret Garden" is sweeping the pop charts here. The album has sold more than 30,000 copies, and a song from the album by main actor Hyun Bin has topped various online music charts.

The film industry also hopes to see ripple effects, as the movies "Late Autumn" and "Come Rain Come Shine" starring Hyun and "Sector 7" with the series' lead actress Ha Ji-won are soon to hit cinemas.

"Secret Garden" may be heading to the stage as well. "We had thought about making it into a musical, and thanks to its great popularity we've been inundated with proposals," said an insider at Hwa & Dam Pictures, the series' production company.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Jung Woo-sung Returns to TV with New Hit Drama

2010-12-28T06:54:00.001-08:00

SBS TV drama "Athena: Goddess of War," a kind of sequel to spy action soap "Iris," got off to a great start, with the first two episodes aired on Monday and Tuesday last week surpassing 25 percent viewer ratings. The show is Jung Woo-sung's first TV drama in 15 years.

Did he feel under pressure to build on the big success of "Iris?" "Now I can think beyond that, but I was extremely nervous until the first episode aired," he admits. Why did he decide to return to the TV screen after 15 years of absence? "Many fans said they would like to see me on TV as well. There was also a strategic side, because TV drama can help propel my career outside of Korea and earn a greater fan base overseas. I'd been looking for a suitable soap for the last four years, and then I got a proposal from the 'Athena' crew, who are familiar with filmmaking."

Unlike the intelligence agents portrayed in "Iris," according to Jung, it might take some time for the viewers to get used to the new style of humorous and warm-hearted agent depicted in the character he plays.

How has he managed to maintain his heartthrob image since his debut in 1994? "Maybe I've been able to do it because I constantly thought that I need to find my own unique appeal. I never wanted to be like someone else."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Kim Hyun Joong to Appear in Cameo in ‘Dream High’

2010-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Singer and actor Kim Hyun Joong (24) will make a cameo appearance in the KBS 2TV drama “Dream High,” which will air from next January.

In the drama, which Bae Yong Joon and Park Jin Young co-produced, Kim Hyun Joong will play a star actor who is coming back to the country after conducting overseas activities.

Kim filmed the scene in which he met Bae Young Joon, who plays the chairman of the board of Kirin Art School, the best star training school, at the Incheon international airport on December 7. It was the first time that Kim Hyun Joong and Bae Yong Joon appeared in a scene together after Kim had transferred to Bae’s agency, Keyeast. The production company of “Dream High” said, “Bae Yong Joon monitored Kim’s acting and carefully provided advice about his acting. We had actually planned to film the scene without advance notice as we had worried that too many people might gather at the airport, but many fans were waiting at the airport from the early morning anyway and the entrance of the airport was almost blocked.”

“Dream High,” which will air its first episode on January 3, will portray the process of how students at Kirin Art School become world stars through constant challenges.

source: KBS Global

Movie version of TV series "IRIS" to be released next week

2010-11-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Poster of TV series "IRIS" [Taewon Entertainment]

The movie version of Korean blockbuster TV series "IRIS" will be released next week.

A press release from the show's producer Taewon Entertainment announced Friday that "IRIS: THE MOVIE" will be available for download through contents distribution company cine21i on November 22.

"IRIS: THE MOVIE," reconstituted from the 20-part drama, will feature the truth about the death of character Hyun-jun (played by actor Lee Byung-hun) as well as new scenes.

Drama "IRIS," which aired in Korea on major broadcasting company KBS from October 2009 to December 2009, starred several of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim So-yeon and Big Bang member T.O.P.

The action-packed espionage series dominated the primetime lineup during its run, scoring viewership ratings of nearly 40 percent.

The movie will be available through IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), cable networks including PPV and 100 online websites next week.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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“Super Junior” Sungmin cast in new drama “PRESIDENT”

2010-11-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Actor Park Sung-min [Feel-Lime EG Entertainment]

Sungmin from popular 13-member boy band “Super Junior” has been cast in a new KBS drama which will premiere next month.

Feel-Lime EG Entertainment, producer of the drama, announced through a press release Monday that the singer will play the son of a president in an upcoming series titled "PRESIDENT” starring veteran actor Choi Su-jong.

Sungmin will star as a graduate student who wishes to follows his father’s footsteps to become a politician. In the story, however, his attempts to help with this father’s election campaign only gets him into trouble for using means that are less than justifiable.

“It’s an amazing coincidence that name of the president’s son in the drama is Sung-min too, and we believe he is made for the role,” officials with the show's producer were quoted as saying. “He a perfectly prepared actor, gifted not only in singing and dancing but also in acting.”

"PRESIDENT" will not be Sungmin's first attempt at acting -- he played the young-version of one of the main characters in MBC drama “Sea of Sisters” in 2005. The upcoming drama will be the first role he takes on as a grown-up.

“It’s been a while since I have acted so I can’t wait,” Sungmin said in the press release. “It’s different from the first time I acted. Stay tuned because I’d like to show how much I’ve changed.”

“PRESIDENT,” about civil rights lawyer Jang Il-joon's (Choi) journey to presidency, caught additional attention for the casting of actress Ha Hee-ra, the real wife of actor Choi, as the first lady.

The drama will air Wednesdays and Thursdays starting December 8 after “Fugitive: Plan B” starring Rain and Lee Na-young ends its run.

Reporter: Heidi Kim heidikim@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[ Korean Drama 2009 ] Heading to the Ground

2010-11-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

Genre: Romance, Sport
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: MBC
Broadcast period: 2009-Sep-09 to 2009-Nov-04
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Cast:
U-Know Yunho as Bong-gun Cha
Ko Ara as Hae-bin Kang
Lee Sang-Yun as Seung-woo Jang
Lee Yun-Ji as Yeon-lee Oh

Synopsis:
Heading to the Ground is a story about a talented but misfortunate soccer player.

Bong-gun, a soccer player with great potential, wants to become a member of the national soccer team. As he works towards his goal, he meets Hae-bin, an attractive and independent rookie sports agent who ends up bickering with him all the time. With Seung-woo, an elite attorney, as his arch-enemy, Bong-gun’s journey towards love and success is rough. To make matters more complicated, it turns out that Yeon-lee, Bong-gun’s childhood friend and the soccer team nutritionist, has a secret crush on him.

[source: http://content.mbc.co.kr ]

Gallery:

SHINee Minho to make acting debut through KBS drama

2010-11-09T04:39:00.000-08:00

Minho from boy band SHINee [Zoom Agency]

Minho, a member of a popular boy band SHINee, will make his acting debut through

"KBS Drama Special," a 24-part single-episode omnibus series showing on the major public network.

According to a press release distributed by PR agency Zoom on Tuesday, Minho will appear as Oh Je-ro, a man in his twenties who is gifted in music, in the show's final episode titled "Pianist" set to go on air November 20.

In the story, Je-ro is a young man who despite his musical talent, was unable to hone his skill due to financial reasons and has been forced to work in a piano factory in place of his sick father for years.

Then one day, Je-ro falls in love with music teacher Yoon In-sa, to be played by actress Han Ji-hye.
,
“It’s my first time acting so I’m very excited, happy and hopeful,” Minho was quoted as saying while filming the drama for the first time yesterday.

Minho, 19, debuted as a member of five-member boy band SHINee in 2008. He and his fellow bandmates Key, Jonghyun, Taemin and Onew have produced many hits songs since then including “Replay,” “Ring Ding Dong” and “LUCIFER.”

Han, a well-known actress in Korea, has appeared in several movies and dramas since debuting in 2001 as a supermodel.

Reporter : Heidi Kim heidikim@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

U-Know Yunho cast in upcoming action drama

2010-11-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

Singer and actor U-Know Yunho [SM Entertainment]

Korean singer and actor Jung Yunho, whose singing name is U-Know Yunho, will be making a comeback to the small screen, this time with a role in an upcoming action series.

According to the show's producer on Tuesday, Yunho will be playing the role of Oh Yoon-jae, a special forces soldier for the National Maritime Police Academy in a new series tentatively titled "Poseidon."

He will be joining the actors Kim Kang-woo who will take on the role of Yunho's older brother and graduate of the police academy, actress Kim Ok-vin who is one of the female special forces soldier and boy band Shinhwa member Eric who will play Kim Sun-woo.

"Poseidon," Korea's first TV series about the daily struggles coast guards face, will be co-produced by Oh Sang-won and director Yoo Cheol-yong, whose works include dramas "All In" and "Heat," and is written by scenarist Cho Kyu-won of blockbuster hit series "IRIS".

The cast will soon start receiving special forces and rescue training.

Making his debut through the boy band TVXQ in 2004, U-Know Yunho branched out into acting with his role in MBC's "No Limit," playing a soccer player named Cha Bong-goon.

He is currently starring as one of the male leads for musical production "Goong" which opened in early September.

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
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2PM Taecyeon cast in new KBS musical drama

2010-11-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

2PM member Taecyeon [JYP Entertainment]

K-pop idol Taecyeon will be showing off his acting skills once again, this time as one of the male leads in KBS' musical TV series "Dream High," a much-anticipated collaboration between Korea's top entertainment firms JYP Entertainment (JYPE) and KEYEAST.

JYPE announced in a press release Tuesday that Taecyeon has been cast as Jin-kook in the upcoming show, a skilled dancer that has been kicked out of a school for performing arts but transferred back by request from the chairman of the school.

"I am really excited and have high expectations for this new production. I have greater anticipation for this drama since it deals with music and I get to work with a lot of great people," Taecyeon was quoted as saying.

Just yesterday, the show's promoter revealed that Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has been cast as another one of the male leads, taking on the role of Song Sam-dong. Other cast members have not been confirmed yet.

"Dream High," also produced jointly with cable unit CJ Media, is about the dreams of students who attend a performing arts school with the storyline set to be relayed through song and dance.

Bae Yong-joon, KEYEAST's major shareholder, and Park Jin-young, founder and CEO of JYPE, will help in the production and musical arrangements for the show.

The musical drama, a 16-episode mini-series, is set to show on Mondays and Tuesday starting January 3 next year.

Making his debut in the six-member boy band 2PM, Taecyeon made his acting debut with a role in hit KBS2 TV series "Sister of Cinderella" alongside Moon Geun-young in June this year.

He is currently promoting the title track "I'll Be Back" from their latest mini-album "Still 2:00PM" with his fellow bandmates.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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Wedding photos revealed from "Marry Me, Mary"

2010-10-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Korean actress Moon Geun-young and Jang Keun-suk for KBS' "Marry Me, Mary" [Ytree Media]

Wedding photographs from upcoming KBS TV series "Marry Me, Mary," starring Korean stars Moon Geun-young and Jang Keun-suk, have been revealed.

The show's promoter Ytree media on Friday released several pictures of the main character Mary (Moon) donning a short white wedding gown with a pink sash and Moo-kyul (Jang) wearing a black tuxedo.

Earlier this week, Ytree unveiled a picture of Mary in her wedding attire placed between Moo-kyul and Jung-in (played by Kim Jae-wook).

"I thought Mary (Moon) looked very pretty today (laugh) and I thought I looked pretty good as well. I had so much fun on set and I hope the audience will enjoy watching the show," Jang was quoted as saying.

Based on the online comic by famed writer Won Soo-yeon, "Marry Me" is about Mary who makes realizations about love and herself while being in two fake marriages for 100 days to completely different men -- Moo-kyul and Jung-in.

"Marry Me, Mary" will premiere on November 8 after current drama "SungKyunKwan Scandal," starring Park Yuchun finishes its run.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[ Korean Drama 2010 ] Cinderella's Sister

2010-10-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Melodrama
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: KBS2
Broadcast period: 2010-Mar-31 to 2010-Jun-03
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Cast:
Moon Geun Young as Song Eun Jo
Seo Woo as Goo Hyo Sun
Chun Jung Myung as Hong Ki Hoon
Taecyeon as Han Jung Woo

Synopsis:

She has neither aspiration nor emotion and her smile is sarcastic. Eun-jo is a girl who has apathy toward life. Her mother, who has been living as a single mother for 18 years, finally found the right person to marry and brought Eun-jo into the stepfather’s house.
A decent house and a decent family…. Eun-jo feels that everything in this house does not fit for her. The most unbearable thing she faces is the stepsister Hyo-sun, who is the apple of her father’s eyes and beloved by everyone in the house. Hyo-sun also takes away the mind of Eun-jo’s mother, just like her bright and untainted character attracted all the other people. Eun-jo cannot tolerate this situation, since she lost the only one that she completely owned.
She sets her mind on getting even with Hyo-sun. ‘Cinderella shouldn’t be loved by her stepmother. You broke the rule! I’ll pay you back by taking away what you have and will have! But then… What should I do first?’
[source: http://world.kbs.co.kr/tv ]

Gallery:

Han Hyo Joo: ‘I Like to Sing Mess Songs’

2010-10-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Actor Han Hyo Joo sang her own song passionately when she appeared on the episode of “Yu Huiyeol's Sketchbook” that will air on October 22.

Han revealed that she liked to write and compose her own songs as her hobby.

She came to a café located in Samcheongdong in Seoul on October 20 for an interview with reporters, and said, “I cannot sing very well, but I do have a hobby to compose songs and sing those songs. I usually play the guitar while singing a butchered song at home alone while immersed in my own feelings.” She continued, “There are a few songs that I wrote and composed myself. I used to record melodies that suddenly came into my head when singing to myself, but after I had bought an electronic keyboard, I could easily compose songs by using the software that can write music simply by inputting the melody on the keyboard.”

She will sing three songs along with the group “No Reply” at the Green Mint Festival, which will be held at the Olympic Stadium from October 23 to 24. In addition, Han Hyo Joo also plans to appear on the KBS program ”Yu Huiyeol's Sketchbook,” which will be aired on October 22 at 12:35 pm. On the program, she will song her own song that she has written and composed entitled “You’re My Sweater.” Han, who had already filmed the program on October 19, said, “I usually sing alone at home, so it was the first time that I introduced my own song to the public. MC Yu Huiyeol evaluated my song as a ‘hook song’ that is lively and cheerful, and continuously repeated it.”

She added, “I am worried about whether people regard me as a good singer and a good music composer. I just like to sing as my own hobby and I have no plans to release an album.”

site: KBS Global

CNBLUE member Kang Minhyuk to make small screen debut

2010-10-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Korean rock band CNBLUE member Minhyuk will be making his debut on the small screen through a role in an upcoming SBS drama.

A press release from the show's promoter J Story announced that Minhyuk will play the role of Hwang Yeon-doo for the new Monday and Tuesday series, whose title is translated into "Dad, Your Daughter is Okay."

"Dad" is about Eun Chae-ryong (played by Moon Chae-won) who makes sacrifices to help her family after her father's accident. Minhyuk's character is a drummer of an unknown band feeling one-sided love for Chae-ryong.

"I am excited to be making my small screen debut. I will try to do my best in putting on good acting skills and even though I may lack in some areas, I hope the audience will watch my acting with an open mind," Minhyuk was quoted saying.

"Dad, Your Daughter is Okay" will premiere on November 22 after current series "Doctor Champ" ends its run.

Minhyuk made his debut as the drummer of the four-member rock band CNBLUE, releasing two singles in Japan before their debut in Korea early this year.

He recently attended the Pusan International Film Festival with bandmate Jonghyun to promote their film "Acoustic."

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kim Tae-hee, Song Seung-hun to star in new drama

2010-10-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Korean actress Kim Tae-hee (left) and actor Song Seung-hun (right) [Namoo/Storm S]

Top Korean stars Kim Tae-hee and Song Seung-hun have been cast in a new drama by the creator of popular MBC TV series "Pasta."

The show's producer Curtain Call said Wednesday that Kim and Song will star in an upcoming show tentatively titled "My Princess" by director Kwon Suk-jang.

"My Princess," a love story between a regular female college student and a conglomerate, is set to premiere on MBC early next year.

Kim will be playing the role of a college student whereas Song will take on the role of a conglomerate.

Kim rose to fame after appearing in the SBS TV series "Stairway to Heaven" in 2003 alongside Hallyu stars Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo and has since starred in several dramas and movies.

Her most notable roles were in last year's blockbuster hit drama "IRIS" opposite Lee Byung-hun.

Song is one of the most popular stars in the Asian region for his roles in smash-hit series "Autumn Tale," "Summer Scent" and "East of Eden."

He recently starred in "The Invincibles," a Korean remake of the Hong Kong classic "A Better Tomorrow," with Joo Jin-mo, Kim Kang-woo and Jo Han-sun.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee named best actor at Tokyo Drama Awards

2010-10-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun will be named the Best Actor in Asia at the Tokyo Drama Awards, according to his agency BH Entertainment, Wednesday.

The 40-year-actor has become the first to win the award, which was set up for the event this year.

The drama "IRIS’’, which starred Lee and fellow actress Kim Tae-hee, will also receive the Best Foreign Drama award at the annual event.
"The Best Actor in Asia award was made to celebrate an actor’s outstanding performance and contribution, who appeared in a foreign work,’’ the Tokyo Drama Awards organizing committee said.

"Lee was appreciated for not only his acting in the drama 'IRIS,' but also for the fact that the series has received acclaim from countries that aired the show,’’ the committee added.

Lee has had a wild ride for the couple of past years, enjoying paise and support from both fans and the entertainment and film industry. The actor appeared in the hit drama "IRIS’’ and also worked with Hollywood stars Sienna Miller, Channing Tatum and Dennis Quaid for the blockbuster film "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’’ last year. He also won Best Actor in a Hallyu Drama category at the Seoul Drama Awards in September.

Lee will attend the ceremony to receive the award on Oct. 25.

credits: Han Sang-hee (sanghee@koreatimes.co.krr)
source: koreatimes.co.kr

Jang Keun-suk to play Indie rocker in new drama

2010-09-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Korean actor and singer Jang Keun-suk [Tree J.Company]

Korean actor and singer Jang Keun-suk has signed on for a role in an upcoming KBS drama, according to his agency Tree J. Company on Friday.

Tree J. announced in a press release that he will be playing the role of an Indie rocker in the series, based on the web-based cartoon by writer Won Soo-yeon, tentatively titled "Mary is Staying Out Overnight.

Won Soo-yeon is the writer of the comic series "Full House" whose small screen adaptation in 2004 starred top Korean star Rain and actress Song Hye-kyo.

"Mary" is about a girl named Jung-in who has never been in a romantic relationship and instead has two fake marriages with two separate guys, a perfectionist and a leader singer of a band, with completely different personalities.

"I feel more pressured choosing a project that involves singing. It makes me wonder if I have a set image as an actor who only plays musicians in dramas," Jang was quoted as saying, adding that he enjoyed reading the synopsis for "Mary."

"I feel like I am making a return and as an actor I get the most joy in starring in a new drama," Jang continued to explain. "I am putting everything into 'Mary' and hope to show the audience something new."

"Mary is Staying Out Overnight" will premiere in the country in November.

Jang, 23, rose to fame with his roles in MBC's sitcom "Nonstop 4" (2003) and "Beethoven Virus" (2008). He became a household throughout Asia last year through his role of the eccentric lead singer in the hit SBS' series "Minamishineyo."

He recently wrapped up his Asia tour in Korea last weekend, which kicked off six months ago, where he met with numerous fans in Taiwan, Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kim Hyun Joong: ‘I Am Trying to Be Cynical”

2010-09-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

"I have too placid of a temper, so I am trying to be cynical.” -Kim Hyun Joong

Kim Hyun Joong, who became a star actor by appearing in the drama “Boys Over Flowers,” will make a comeback to the small screen by appearing in KBS’s new Wednesday and Thursday drama “Mischievous Kiss" (written by Ko Eun Nim, directed by Hwang In Roi and Kim Do Hyung). The drama is about a genius but cynical male protagonist named Paek Seung Jo, who has an IQ of 200 and meets an impatient troublemaking female protagonist named Oh Ha Ni (Jung So Min). They will present a pleasant and cheerful love story in the drama.

Kim Hyun Joong had played Yoon Hi Hoo in “Boy Over Flowers,” and he made a comeback after a one year and six month break after finishing “Boy Over Flowers.” He explained about the character Paek Seung Jo, whom he will play, by saying, “The character is a mixture of Koo Joon Pyo and Yoon Ji Hoo in ‘Boys Over Flowers.’”

In the production presentation held in the Imperial Palace Hotel in Nonhyundong on August 26, Kim said, ”He has a warm heart inside, but he becomes a cynical person because he cannot express his genuinely warm temperament. I am trying to act as cynical as possible, but the director wants me to act more cynically, so I am studying how I can become more cynical.”

The production company Group Eight explained Paek Seung Jo is an “entirely different kind of genius,” who can read 20,000 letters and memorize 400 words in a single minute. Kim Hyung Joong said with a smile, “Honestly, it is very difficult to play a character with an IQ of 200. I am actually speaking lines of some totally new vocabulary that I have never known so far, and the words such as 'equation' and 'log' appear in the script, so it is like studying again in high school.”

About the question regarding his somewhat delayed comeback to acting after “Boys Over Flowers,” Kim answered, “I had performed very hard as a singer so far by releasing an album.” He added, “Before taking this role, I was worried about how I can play a high school student because I am already 25 years old. But I had been informed that the production director Hwang In Roi would direct this drama, so I applied to have an audition and earned the role of a high school student. While acting, I am trying to speak as aggressively as possible. I sometimes have to shout and show a disheveled appearance in the drama, so I might be able to present more interesting acting than I did in ‘Boys Over Flowers.’”

Kim Hyun Joong, who belongs to the group SS501, had been caught up in controversy over his acting ability due to his rather inaccurate pronunciation. He said, “I am practicing speaking while biting a cork stopper to create more accurate pronunciation. I still feel ashamed when people call me an actor. I am acting as an actor, but it is still more natural for me to stand on the stage as a singer. As I am trying very hard to acquire qualifications to become a real actor, I think that I might be able to say confidently that I am an actor someday in the future. I will be happy if I can hear people’s evaluation saying, ‘He put more effort on acting in this drama than when he appeared in ‘Boys Over Flowers.’”

Kim Hyun Joong had signed an agency contract with Keyeast, in which star Hallyu actor Bae Young Joon is the largest shareholder, last June when his next appearance in a drama had not yet been decided. Kim explained, “I moved to the new agency because I thought that I could get a lot of help for my further activities both as a singer and an actor. I mostly talk about personal matters in conversations with Bae Yong Joon, and I am learning many things about self-management from him.”

Kim Hyun Joong also candidly said, “I actually feel pressured because the drama ‘Mischievous Kiss’ is my first TV appearance after the hit ‘Boys Over Flowers.’ If I say that I have no pressure about the viewer ratings, it would be a lie. It is the same as the activities as a singer. For singers, the second album is more important than the first album, and I think that acting is the exactly the same because the second work is more important than the first work. So, I am trying my best to show a better performance. I know that the competing drama ‘Bread, Love, and Dreams,’ which airs on the different broadcasting station, has high viewer ratings, but I want you to watch my drama because it will be much more exciting and interesting.”

source: KBS Global

[REVIEW]TV series "Naughty Kiss" - First episode

2010-09-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

A scene from MBC TV series "Naughty Kiss" [MBC]

"Naughty Kiss" - First episode (MBC TV, 9:55 PM)

The lighting was bright and the colors eye-blindingly brilliant. The picture shown in "Naughty Kiss" was as warm as a spring day, enough to capture the mellow and shy sensitivity teenage girls feel when reading romantic comics. However, a drama is not a painting of a landscape. A drama only comes to life when the people in the picture move about and form relationships. This is why the first episode did not leave any impression other than confirming the skills unique of its producer. During its hour-long run, the drama failed to describe the characters in the show. It was difficult to differentiate whether the character Baek Sung-jo (played by Kim Hyun-joong) was being arrogant or is level-headed and the portrayal of Oh Hani (played by Jung So-min), with her flat personality which is typical of the main female characters in romantic comics, failed to deliver any refreshing elements.

Too add on, there was not a single character including friends, family and teacher who seemed to have been created after much thought into. Even the use of exaggerated and incoherent regional dialect of the reckless and idiotic Bong Jun-gu (played by Lee Tae-sung) was enough to make the viewer feel complacent. Such issues seem even more problematic since "Naughty Kiss" has neither an elaborate plot nor dramatic composition.

The characters are the foundation, pillar and roof to comedies, and even more so in romantic comedies are made of. The colorful spoons in a restaurant, the imagination scenes which are as free as the heart of a female high school student and shiny school grounds will not be enough to capture the hearts of the audience. Because dramas exist due to viewers accepting the made-up lives in dramas as if it is their own business. Before becoming like one's diary which does not matter if left unread, will the drama be able to create a memorable kiss that will leave the viewers wanting to re-watch the show?

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[ Korean Drama 2009 ] Will It Snow For Christmas?

2010-09-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Melodrama
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2009-Dec-02 to 2010-Jan-28
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Cast:

Go Soo as Cha Kang Jin
Kim Soo Hyun as Kang Jin (teen)
Han Ye Seul as Han Ji Wan
Nam Ji Hyun as Ji Wan (teen)
Sun Woo Sun as Lee Woo Jung
Song Jong Ho as Park Tae Joon

Synopsis:

Cha Kang Jin is the son of barmaid, Cha Chun Hee. His life is difficult as he gets into fights and has to watch other people push his mother around yet he can't do anything to stop it. He meets Han Ji Wan when they were teens but they weren't able to continue their relationship as Ji Wan ran away after her older brother's death. He meets Ji Wan 8 years later when he's attending her engagement ceremony to Park Tae Joon. However, he is heartbroken as Ji Wan pretends to not remember him at all.

Gallery:

Will ‘Athena’ Exceeds Popularity of ‘IRIS’?

2010-09-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

The spy-action drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War,” in which actor Jung Woo sung and actress Soo Ae will appear as the male and female protagonists, will be broadcast from this coming winter in December on SBS. The drama is a spin-off of the original “IRIS” drama and it is based on the original story of the KBS drama “IRIS,“ which had aired last year on KBS. “Athena: Goddess of War” is very similar to the original “IRIS” as the production company Taewon Entertainment, which had produced “IRIS,” will also produce this drama, and it has been equipped with an all-star cast and large-scale action and melodramatic storyline. But the backdrop of the drama has been expanded from the Korean peninsula and Asian countries into the whole world, and the relationships among cast members have become more complicated.

“Athena: Goddess of War” will depict espionage activities of members of the National anti-Terror Service (NTS), the same organization in “IRIS,” fighting against the secret organization named “Athena” concerning the new energy source “TWR.” The drama has become a hot topic as actors who used to appear in movies, such as Jung Woo Sung, Cha Seung Won, and Soo Ae, have been cast as the main protagonists, and it already has begun filming from last June in six different countries including Italy and Japan.

In the preview, which was released in the showcase event held at the Garden stage in Lotte World on August 30, the scenes depicting an explosion and gunfight, which reminded viewers of action movies, filmed in Italy were unveiled to the viewers.

Actor Jung Woo Sung will make a comeback to the small screen after a fifteen-year break since his dramas “1.5” and “Asphalt Man” in 1995. He will play the elite special agent named Lee Jung Woo who will confront the huge shadowy conspiracy. Jung Woo has been transferred from the National Intelligence Service to the NTS, which is the special organization preventing any crisis with international undertakings, as he had been recognized for his excellent strategic performance during his work. At NTS, he meets his former colleague Yoon Hye In (Soo Ae), whom he once loved, and becomes confused after finding out that Hye In had been involved in a secret organization within NTS. In the showcase, Jung Woo Sung said, “In this drama, I have to present both a love story and an action performance. While I had been searching for my next work, I had been informed that this drama was under planning, so I willingly decided to appear in this drama because I thought that it would be a good opportunity to participate in producing a good drama.”

Actor Cha Seung Won will play the heartless character Sohn Hyuk, the head of the branch office of the United States Department of Homeland Security in East Asia, and he also leads the secret organization “Athena,” and confronts Jung Woo Sung in the drama. Cha Seung Won said, “The role that I play is a so-called villain who forms an alignment with a third force to hatch a wicked plot. But as the story of the drama develops, the character will be changed dramatically. This drama is a spy action drama like “IRIS,” but it will contain more various scenes to enjoy watching and it will present a more complicated storyline with various characters. It is not just a simple spy action drama, but a more interesting and exciting spy action drama.”

Actress Soo Ae has shown her pure and graceful beauty so far, will this time transform into a cold-blooded spy. The character whom she will play is a double agent, Yoon Hye In, who belongs to the National anti-Terror Service (NTS) as a profiler and also takes a role within a secret organization as a special agent. She is a character who locks a secret away in her mind. Soo Ae said, “I really enjoyed watching ‘IRIS.’ I had confidence in performing action scenes, and I received the casting request at an appropriate time.”

Actress Lee Ji Ah will play a special agent, Han Jae Hee, who is a colleague of Yoon Hye In. She hides her feelings of love towards Jung Woo, and has to have an inevitable confrontation with Yoon Hye In. Lee explained about the character, whom she will play, by saying, “She is a very rational and thorough person when performing her work, but at the same time, she is very honest in expressing her love.” She added, “I worry, as I heard that my action looked too bloody and spiteful, but actually I had taken much care about performing action scenes not to receive an evaluation saying female actor’s action scenes look too weak.”

Actor Kim Min Jong, who will play a former North Korean intelligence agent coming from a rich labor party named Kim Ki Soo, said, “Kim Ki Soo is a very freewheeling character with manly charms and charisma. There was no indication about a North Korean dialect on the script, but I tried to express the language of a North Korean defector while acting.”

Choi Si Won, a member of the idol group Super Junior, will play a rookie NTS agent named Kim Joon Ho. Choi said, “At first, I was very nervous due to pressure, but as other senior actors are taking care of me as if I am their real nephew, I am filming the drama with no more pressure. Other members of Super Junior are very envious of me about acting together with great senior actors.” He was smiling while making his comments.

In addition, singer BoA and actress Lee Bo Young will appear in “Athena: Goddess of War” as guest stars.

A spokesperson for Taewon Entertainment said, “The story is based on the war on energy, which is not an absurd story, but can happen in the real world. We will attract viewers’ eyes with a solid story line reflecting world policy and a grand scale.”

source: KBS Global

‘The Slave Hunters’ Wins Seoul International Drama Award

2010-08-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

The KBS drama “The Slave Hunters” has won the Grand Prize in the category of Hallyu drama, which was a newly established award from this year, in the Seoul International Drama Awards 2010.

The organizing committee of the Seoul International Drama Awards held a press conference in the Seoul Press Center on August 20 and selected the Grand Prize winner among Hallyu dramas, and “The Slave Hunters” was ultimately chosen as the best Hallyu drama. The actor Jang Hyuk, who appeared in “The Slave Hunters,” and the actor Lee Byung Hun, who appeared in the drama “IRIS,” were chosen as the best actors.

“The Slave Hunters” was also awarded in the category of best director (Kwak Jeong Hwan PD), so the drama made the achievement of winning three awards. Actress Ko Hyun Jung in the MBC drama “The Great Queen Seondeok” and Han Hyo Joo in the SBS drama “Brilliant Legacy” were awarded as the best actresses. And the writers of “The Great Queen Seondeok,” Kim Young Hyun and Park Sang Yeon, won the Best Writer awards.

The organizing committee had first decided the nominees among dramas airing from April 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 (excluding dramas aired in the morning time) considering the recommendations from the Corea Drama Production Association, the Korean Television Actors Association, and the Korean Radio & TV Writers Association, and then they thoroughly examined those selected nominees, which had been exported to more than ten countries, and finally decided the award winners.

The Seoul International Drama Awards, the awards ceremony for dramas all over the world hosted by the organizing committee of the Seoul International Drama Awards and the Korean Broadcasters Association (president Kim In Kyu), is now in its sixth year since its opening in 2005.

The largest number of dramas ever -- 172 dramas from 43 countries -- were entered in this year’s awards. The award ceremony will be held at the KBS Hall on September 10 at 6:35 pm. The awards will be presented by being categorized into the Drama Category, which specify awards for Single Drama, Mini-Series, and Drama Series, and the Individual Category, which will select the Best Director, Best Writer, and Best Actors and Actresses. The Jury’s Special Awards will also be presented.

Drama Tackles ‘Presidency’

2010-08-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

A drama is about to tackle the topic of the presidency.

Korean dramas about politics and historical stories had featured the president mainly as a background character so far, but these days the president has been the protagonist of a few mini-series dramas in a row, and the president has suddenly stood out as a “popular job” in dramas.

SBS TV’s new drama “Dae Mul,” which will begin airing from October, and KBS 2TV’s new drama “President,” which will begin airing from December, are stories of politicians who run for the presidency. Both dramas will focus on the process to run for the presidency, and the stories happening after being elected as the president will be unfolded as well. To be specific, the presidential candidate will be the main character, and in the process of running for the presidency, the dramas will portray the job of the president itself and the lifestyle of the president from various angles. The drama “Dae Mul” has cast the actress Ko Hyun Jung as the female protagonist and tells the story of the first female president, and the drama “President” has cast the actor Choi Soo Jong as the protagonist.

◇Showdown of Korean and Japanese original cartoons - Is a former human rights lawyer the ideal president? Both dramas will be produced based on the original cartoons.

The original cartoon of the drama “Dae Mul,” which has the same title and was written by Park In Kwon, tells the story of the first female president of Korea. The former prosecutor Seo Hye Rim runs for the presidency and becomes the elected president after a circuitous path. The drama “President” is based on the Japanese cartoon writer Kaiji kawaguchi’s cartoon entitled “Eagle.” Even though the original is a Japanese cartoon, it deals with the election of the US president because Japan has a prime minister system instead of a presidential system. This drama will be about the protagonist named Jang Il Joon who will run for the presidential election in 2012 for the election of the 18th president of Korea.

As both dramas deal with the presidential election, they will naturally discuss the type of ideal president, and it is very interesting to find that both dramas have chosen human rights lawyers as the protagonists. The character Seo Hye Rim in “Dae Mul” was initially a prosecutor who fought against social evils, and she decided to resign from the prosecutor position after taking the responsibility for arresting a "heavy hitter" who had been the de facto power behind political gangs. After that, she starts to work as a lawyer and gains popularity as a human rights lawyer, and she decides to run for the presidency based on her popularity as a human rights lawyer.

The character Jang Il Joon in “President” is the brightest man who had come from an ordinary family and had been accepted by a prestigious university, majoring the law. In the university, he participated in the student movement during the Yushin regime and came to have a new dream. He gained a good reputation as a human rights lawyer and ran for the National Assembly, and finally succeeded in becoming elected as a member of the National Assembly after his third attempt. After that, he runs for the presidency to create a whole new country where there will be no conflict among people with different ideologies, regional sentiments, and social class.

◇"Telling a story about the President is no longer taboo.” - Before these two dramas, the movie “Good Morning President,” in which the actor Jang Dong Gun appeared, had been a hot topic by setting the president as the protagonist last year. In “Good Morning President,” three presidents, played by Jang Dong Gun, Lee Soon Jae, and Ko Doo Shim, presented humane characters with wit. The movie had shown comical stories about the president, but these new dramas will have more of a political tinge by describing the process of running for the presidency, which is actually a "battlefield without gunfire." That is, those dramas will deal with the president more actively. Production staff members all say that there is no other job as attractive and dramatic job as the presidency.

The production director of “President,” Kim Hyung Il said, “There has been a desire to look at the story of the president closely, and the desire has finally been realized. The fact that we can freely talk about the president in a drama means that our society has become mature.” He continued, “Up until now, any work had been prohibited that dealt with a story about the president, so the president had only been dealt with in documentary programs within dramas set in the Republic era or in stories of unofficial history, but now that has been changed and the atmosphere of society allows any work describing the president, whoever the person is, what kind of worries the president has in mind, and how the president has been living.”

The section chief of the SBS drama, Park Jong, also said, “Our society has become candid enough to allow dramas pick up the subject of the president. Among various incidents, a murder case is the best material to deal with, and among people, the president is the best character to express dramatic settings. For this reason, many foreign movies and dramas have also chosen the president as the protagonist.”

The bellwethers of the change have appeared gradually. In the drama “Lovers In Prague,” the female protagonist, played by the actress Jeon Do Yeon, was a daughter of the president, and the drama presented the humane relationship between father and daughter. In the drama “City Hall,” the male protagonist, played by Cha Seung Won, was a politician dreaming of running for the presidency, and at the end of the drama, the protagonist actually ran for the presidential election. In addition, in the drama “Boys Over Flowers,” actor Lee Jung Kil played a doctor who was once the president of Korea, and enabled viewers to look at the ordinary life of the president after his presidential term. In the drama “IRIS,” the president agonized over the fight against a terrorist organization.

The section chief Park Jong added, “The drama ‘Dae Mul’ will tell a story about the presidential election, but the elements of the melodrama will also be highlighted, so as a whole, the genre of the drama will be the fusion of melodrama and political drama.” In “Dae Mul,” an attractive politician named Kang Hyun Suk and a former Casanova named Ha Ryu will star and be involved in a love triangle with the female presidential candidate, and the love story between them will be covered with much importance.

◇"We are waiting for the great president.” - The consecutive appearances of dramas with the topic of the presidency reflect the desire to have a great president. The production director Kim Hyung Il said, “Apart from the party, the leadership of the president is very important as it will decide the fate of the country. Everyone has a desire to have a great president in Korea, and the drama will channel those wishes into presenting an ideal presidential character in the drama.”

source: KBS Global

Kim Hyun-joong "Naughty Kiss" to air in Japan starting Dec

2010-08-24T07:36:00.001-07:00

Official poster for MBC TV series "Naughty Kiss" [MBC]

SS501 member Kim Hyun-joong starrer "Naughty Kiss" will air in Japan starting December, according to the show's producer on Tuesday.

Park Rae-hyun, in charge of the PR & Promotions team at production company Group 8, told 10Asia over the phone that cable music channel Mnet Japan will broadcast the TV series twice a week in about three months time although additional details have yet to be set.

Park also added that several other countries in Asia are "actively showing interest" in the drama which has been garnering much hype since its casting stages due to its heartthrob male lead.

Kim, already famous as the leader of his popular five-man band and at the height of his career after starring in last year's hit drama "Boys Over Flowers," will play the role of Baek Sung-jo, the all-around Mr. Perfect-type character who ends up falling in love with a girl always getting into trouble, to be played by actress Jung So-min.

Famed director Hwang In-roi will helm the show based on Japanese comic series "Itazura na Kiss," which sold over 27 million copies in Japan and has been made into animation in Japan and a top-rated television drama in Taiwan.

Hwang, who previously directed "Goong" (MBC, 2006) and "The Return of Iljimae" (MBC, 2009), will team with noted television writer Go Eun-nim for the small screen adaptation of the comic.

The romantic comedy will premiere on public network MBC starting September.
Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Micky Yoochun Debuts as Actor: ‘I Felt Pressure’

2010-08-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

"I had felt pressure before I began acting.” -Micky Yoochun

In the production presentation of the KBS drama “SungKyunKwan Scandal,” which was held at the W Hotel located in Kwangjingu on August 17, Micky Yoochun confessed that he had felt pressure before he had made his debut as an actor. He seemed to be nervous as he said, “If the feeling was just the pressure that people tend to feel when they start something new, I would have felt glad, but it was more likely the pressure coming from the stress; I had a heavy heart before I began acting.”

Micky Yoochun will take a shot as an actor for the first time by playing the role of Lee Sun Joon, the only son in a noble family during the era of King Jeongjo in the Chosun dynasty. Sun Joon is a principled person with the sprit of scholarly fidelity and he combines both a good appearance and knowledge.

Micky Yoochun revealed that he himself had an open-minded and liberal personality, so he was far from a principled person, but when he considered that Sun Joon felt pressured from something unknown, he could say that he might be very similar to the character Sun Joon. He said, “The reason why Sun Joon had become a principled person was his father. I felt empathy with Sun Joon, who was feeling pressured by his surroundings. I also had felt pressure from my work so far. It was not the pressure originating from the feeling as a star singer, but it was more like the feeling that I was losing myself, which was not what I wanted to and intended to. But, I could reduce the pressure while I was acting. Right now, I am feeling very pleasant because I can act and involuntarily fall into acting while filming this drama.”

Since his debut in 2004, he has kept the top place as a member of the most popular male singing group, so adjusting to acting was not an easy task for him at all.

Micky Yoochun said, “As I am acting for the first time, I feel that acting for filming is totally different from acting for practicing. Expressing emotions is very difficult, but at the same time, it is very exciting. When I learned how to perform action scenes from the action director, I could picture the action scenes in my mind like dance choreography. But, as I cannot express the movement like the choreography, I tried my best to perform the actions like a real character by accepting advice from the action director.”

Regarding the name that he used in the drama title, Park Yoochun, he said, “I do not think that you need to differentiate the singer Micky Yoochun in the group Dong Bang Shin Ki from the actor Park Yoochun.”

And he did not hide his longing to stand on the stage as a singer. He said, “Not long ago, I held a concert in Japan and I could hold the microphone for a long interval after that. At that time, I felt a longing for the stage and singing. I really miss performances as a singer, and I still cannot get over the feeling of longing. My fans might have to wait for a long time from now on, and I hope that they will just enjoy this situation instead of thinking that they are waiting for me.”

Micky Yoochun said that he did not have any specific character that he wanted to play because he just wanted to be devoted to whatever role that he takes.

He said, "I have never cared about the viewer ratings. It is my first time, so I am very nervous. It would be very good if the ratings reach as high as fifteen percent. I do not have any desire for an award, but as I have already felt as a singer, I do not want to be listed as a nominee for any award if I do not win that award (laugh). But if I can win a prize with acting, the feeling would be very good and something new.”

source: KBS Global

[ Korean Drama 2009 ] You're Beautiful / Minami Shineyo

2010-08-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2009-Oct-07 to 2009-Nov-26
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Cast:

Jang Geun Suk as Hwang Tae Kyung
Kang Soo Han as young Tae Kyung
Park Shin Hye as Go Mi Nam (Male) / Go Mi Nyu (Female)
Lee Hong Ki as Kang On Yu / Jeremy
Jung Yong Hwa as Kang Shin Woo

Synopsis:

The management company of the idol group A.N.JELL insisted on adding a new singer to the group as the lead vocal, Tae Kyung's voice was hurting. However,the new member, Mi Nam, had to go to the States to repair a botched eye job just before signing the contract. His agent came up with the idea of having his twin sister, Mi Nyu,to stand in for him and pretend that she was her brother. The two of them grew up in an orphanage and Mi Nyu, who was all set to become a nun, agreed to this charade as she didn't want to spoil her brother's chance of fame which would make it easier to look for their mother.

Gallery:

BoA to make special appearance in TV series "Athena"

2010-08-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Korean pop star BoA [SM Entertainment]

Korean pop star BoA will be making a special guest appearance in the spin-off of last year's blockbuster drama "IRIS," according to her agency SM Entertainment on Wednesday.

SM announced in a press release that in upcoming action drama "Athena," BoA will be playing the role of a top female singer who will be faced with a hostage situation by terrorists before her concert, while being protected by her bodyguard Jung-woo (played by Jung Woo-sung).

BoA's scenes for "Athena" will be shot in mid-August and go on air after the show's premiere in November on major broadcaster SBS.

"Athena," featuring other cast members Cha Seung-won, Soo Ae, E Ji-ah, and Kim Min-jongChoi Si-won of idol group Super Junior, will be about terrorist acts and threats against the Korean Peninsula and the whole world.

The drama finished filming on location in Italy last month and will continue on into Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Switzerland.

BoA does not have any previous acting experience but was recently cast as the female lead in a Hollywood dance film which will be written and helmed by famed screenwriter Duane Adler. Filming for the dance flick will begin early next year in the U.S.

BoA made her singing debut at the age of 13 and known as the first Korean artist to make a breakthrough into the Japanese music scene.

She made her comeback to the Korean music scene for the first time in five years with her sixth studio release "Hurricane Venus" last week.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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Star couple seeks to lure more fans with new soap

2010-08-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

A scene from “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.” Singer-turned-actor Lee Seung-gi and actress Synn Min-a will appear in the upcoming drama “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.” The 16-episode romantic series about a stuntman-wannabe and a legendary fox with nine-tails starts airing tonight at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.

By Han Sang-hee

Television fans all recognize singer and actor Lee Seung-gi for his perfect guy-next-door image with a sweet smile and attractive personality but can he pull off a stuntman wannabe university student who has a thing for mysterious creatures?

The makers of the new drama "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho’’ (working title) would want a yes for an answer, as he is matching up with actress Synn Min-a and aiming to create yet another successful romantic drama series for television viewers.

"My Girlfriend is a Gumiho" is like a gift box: It has funny, heartwarming and even heartbreaking elements all in one shot. We are all sure the series will be able to offer a bit of happiness to viewers,’’ Bu Seong-cheol, the producer, said during a press conference last week at SBS headquarters, in Mok-dong, northern Seoul.

The storyline is simple: Cha Dae-wung, played by Lee, accidently wakes up the legendary gumiho, or the nine-tailed fox, that seeks revenge and lives on human flesh and livers. Surprisingly, the fox/human is nothing like the legendary character that appears in ghost stories, but a cute and clueless girl who prefers hanwoo, homegrown cattle beef, and is searching for true love with a man who will love her despite her haunting condition. Lee, not knowing what to do with the gorgeous "monster,’’ helps her along her journey of soul searching and looking for love and discovers his true feelings for her.

"The gumiho in the drama is so innocent and pure that she seems a bit dumb. It was hard for me to act because it was a character I have never experienced,’’ Synn said.

It will take a bit more than effort to perfectly bring out the role assigned to her, as Synn is better known as an advertisement star here, complete with the looks, body and charms. She may have appeared in various dramas and films for the past 12 years since her debut, but it’s hard to pinpoint a memorable character or work that establishes and highlights her acting career. Amid the ongoing worries and criticism, the 26-year-old admitted her lack of acting experience on both the small and big screens.

"I may have been criticized for not being fully devoted to my acting because of the numerous commercials I worked on, but that’s something I will have to develop and prove to viewers in the future. I hope to break that stereotype of me through 'My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,’’’ she said.

Fellow actor Lee will also have to break from his usual image of being the ultimate good guy in order to transform himself into a true actor.

He started out as a singer in 2004, but he was given the chance to prove his versatility through the popular drama "Brilliant Legacy’’ (2009, SBS). From there, he became one of the most sought after commercial star and hosts, appearing in various ads for home appliances, beverages and clothing brands and hit shows such as "One Night Two Days’’ (KBS) and "Strong Heart’’ (SBS).

"I was not the one and only person who made the popular shows popular. The most important thing was teamwork and I think I was lucky in that area. I think this drama will also be a success as we all have great teamwork,’’ he said.

Teamwork will be needed, indeed, but will Lee be able to bring something new to the table aside from his signature smile and smooth emceeing, and try to work on his overall acting for a change?
"I believe I’m not the only one who wants to discover a new image of me, something completely different from the old `Lee.’ My previous work for `Brilliant Legacy’ was a bit more serious than this one and I will do my best to bring out a more comical and cute character this time,’’ Lee added.

Written by the writers for hit soaps such as "My Girl’’ (2005, SBS) and "Couple or Trouble’’ (2006, MBC) Hong Jeong-eun and Hong Mi-ran, the drama will hopefully reach to the top as a trendy and fun soap with catchy characters.
The 16-episode "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho’’ starts airing tonight at 9:55 p.m. on SBS.

credits: chungay@koreatimes.co.kr
source: koreatimes.co.kr

Who Will Be Action Queen?

2010-08-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

Actresses will have a showdown while performing wild action sequences in TV dramas to be aired in the second half of Fthis year.

In the SBS TV drama “Athena: Goddess of War,” actress Soo Ae (30) and Lee Ji Ah (29) will play heroines; in the SBS TV drama “Secret Garden,” actress Ha Ji Won (32) will be a female warrior; and in the KBS 2TV drama “The Fugitive,” actress Lee Na Young will play an amazon.

The special agents in National anti-Terror Service, Soo Ae and Lee Ji Ah

Soo Ae and Lee Ji Ah will play special agents in the National anti-Terror Service (NTS) in the drama “Athena: Goddess of War,” which will begin airing in November, and they will have a head-to-head showdown in the drama. Soo Ae will play double agent Yoon Hye In, who belongs to the National anti-Terror Service (NTS) as a female profiler and also takes a role within a secret organization as a special agent. Soo Ae has revealed her pure and graceful beauty until now, but this time, she will transform into a cold-blooded killer and will perform difficult action scenes in the drama.

Lee Ji Ah will play a special agent and Yoon Hye In’s colleague, Han Jae Hee. She is a first tier special agent who had worked in the National anti-Terror Service's (NTS) branch office in Europe and comes back to the headquarters in Korea. When she appeared in MBC TV's “The Legend,” which is her debut drama, she had already been given a challenge in performing action scenes by playing the role named Soojini, and she will show off her action performances in this drama once again.

The two actresses had trained for two months in an action acting school, and they recently began filming the drama at six overseas locations starting from Italy and moving to countries like Switzerland, Singapore, New Zealand, and Japan. “Athena: Goddess of War,” which is a spin-off of last year’s original and popular drama "IRIS," will portray the remarkable activities of NTS agents fighting against the international terrorist organization called Athena. Actor Jung Woo Sung and Cha Seung Won have been cast as the male protagonists.

Ha Ji Won to perform as stunt woman

Actress Ha Ji Won has already consolidated her position as a top actress utilizing physical movement, and she is expected to transform into a stunt woman in the drama “Secret Garden,” which will be broadcast around November. The casting has not yet been decided, but the production staff members are trying to cast Ha Ji Won without considering other actresses for the role. A spokesperson for the production company said, “We are preparing for the drama having only Ha Ji Won in mind for the role, and we expect to have good news if we can adjust the filming schedule.”

At this moment, Ha Ji Won is participating in filming the 3D movie “Section 7.” When she appeared in the previous movies “Sex Is Zero” and ”Miracle On 1st Street,” she played the roles of an aerobic dancer and boxer, respectively, and she also successfully performed the action scenes in the movie “Duelist “ and the MBC TV drama “Damo.”

“Secret Garden” will portray the fantasy melodrama between the owner of a department store (Jang Hyuk) and a stunt woman named Gil Ra Im, and Ha Ji Won is expected to showcase various stunt action scenes in every episode. The spokesperson said, “We will show the stunt woman’s remarkable activities in details. As Ha Ji Won is a ‘prepared female warrior,’ we do not worry about her stunt acting.”

Unidentified official, Lee Na Young

Actress Lee Na Young will make a comeback with the KBS 2TV drama “The Fugitive,” which will begin airing at the end of September, after a six year break by playing a secret official named Jin Yi. A spokesperson for the production company said, “Jin Yi belongs to a national organization, but the title of the organization has to be kept a secret, and Jin Yi’s mission is also a secret in the drama.”

A romantic comedy action drama, “The Fugitive” will tell a story of an astronomical amount of money which had disappeared during the Korean War and resurfaced some sixty years later in 2010. Jin Yi is an unpredictable character showing off a beauty characterized by purity and sexiness at the same time. When she is chasing the vanished money, she shoots guns, fights barehanded against the enemy, and sometimes jumps from high buildings. Lee Na Young has usually played calm roles so far, but this time, she will challenge herself by performing action scenes. The drama, which has cast star actors including Rain and Daniel Henney, will film dynamic and realistic chase scenes in overseas locations such as Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Macao.

source: KBS Global

On-set photos of upcoming TV series "Domangja s1" revealed

2010-07-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

Korean actress Lee Na-young shoots a scene for upcoming TV series "Domangja s1" at the Port of Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan [Domangja s1]

On-set photos of Korean actors Daniel Henney and Lee Na-young from their Japan shoot for upcoming blockbuster TV series "Domangja s1" have been revealed.

In the photos released by the show's producers on Thursday, the two actors recently shot a scene for the romantic comedy-intelligence drama at the Port of Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan.

Playing the role of a mysterious woman named Jin-yi, actress Lee is seen wearing a simple, white cruise stewardess uniform while Henney is clad in a sophisticated semi-casual outfit as a shipping tycoon who falls in love with Lee's character.

"Domangja s1," about a hefty sum of money popping up sixty years after it disappeared in times of the Korean War, boasts a star-studded cast led by Korean entertainer Rain and including Lee Jung-jin, Kong Hyung-jin, veteran Japanese actor Takenaka Naoto, J-pop singer Uehara Takako and Hong Kong star Eric Tsang.

The series will be directed by noted television producer Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, the creative duo behind the hit TV series "The Slave Hunters" (KBS) earlier this year.

Filming will take place in various Asian cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau and Hong Kong.

The shoot at the famous Japanese port attracted a huge group of local fans who gathered around to watch the Korean actors.

Lee, 31, first rose to stardom with TV series "Ruler of Your Own World" (MBC, 2002) and has since starred in several notable films such as "Please Teach Me English" (2003) and "Maundy Thursday" (2006) and "Someone Special," for which she won best actress at the 25th Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Henney, 30, was born in Michigan to a Korean-American mother and an American father of British descent. He made his debut in the Korean entertainment business as a model and gained fame appearing in television commercials alongside top Korean actresses Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Tae-hee.

He became a phenomenon around the country after appearing in the hit TV series "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon" (MBC, 2005) and made his Hollywood debut last year in the Hugh Jackman action pic "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." He also scored his first gig on a U.S. television drama "Three Rivers" (CBS), which was cancelled after eight episodes due to low ratings.

"Domangja s1" will premiere in Korea around late September.

Korean-American actor Daniel Henney shoots a scene for upcoming TV series "Domangja s1" in Yokohama, Japan [Domangja s1]

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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Kim HyunJoong "Mischievous Kiss" First Filming Photos Released

2010-07-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

source: allkpop
related news : Kim Hyun Joong to Play Handsome Genius Boy

Kim Hyun Joong to Play Handsome Genius Boy

2010-07-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

SS501 member Kim Hyun Joong has been cast as the male lead in the “MBC drama Mischievous Kiss" (written by Ko Eun Nim, directed by Hwang In Roi and Kim Do Hyung), which will begin airing from September.

According to a spokesperson for his agency Keyeast on July 16, Kim Hyun Joong will play the male lead named Paek Seung Jo in the drama. The character he will play is a handsome genius boy who can learn anything one hundred times faster than others.

In the original Japanese comic book, the name of the character was Arie Naoki.

Production director Hwang In Roi revealed reason why he cast Kim Hyun Joong for the role by saying, “Kim Hyun Joong has an appearance that looks like he just came out of the romance comics and he also has purity in his mind, so he is very suitable for the character Paek Seung Jo.”

The drama “Mischievous Kiss“ is based on the original Japanese comic book which has been very popular in Japan, selling more than 27 million copies. The original comic book has been evaluated as the best romance comic book ever along with another Japanese comic book, “Boys Over Flowers.”

The story is about a genius but cynical male lead who has an IQ of 200. He meets an impatient troublemaking female lead and they fall in love.

The original comic book was already made as a drama in Taiwan with star actor Cheng Yuan Chang as the male lead, so the drama has gained huge popularity not only in Taiwan, but also in Korea and Japan.

The Korean version of the drama will be produced by the production company Group Eight, which made the drama “Boys Over Flowers,” along with star production director Hwang In Roi, who made popular dramas such as “Nymph Of Shampoo,””What Women Live By,” and “Princess Hours,” and star writer Ko Eun Nim, who has written famous scripts for the movie “Bungee Jump Of Their Own” and the TV dramas “Rebirth – NEXT” and “Soul,” so the big production team has drawn attention.

New actress Jung So Min has been cast as the female lead Oh Ha Ni (Aikara Kotoko in the original), who loves Paek Seung Jo in the drama. Oh Ha Ni does not have an interest in studying, but she has positive personality and loves Peak Seung Jo.

The drama “Mischievous Kiss” will begin filming in July and will air its first episode on September 1 as the follow-up drama to MBC’s “Road No.1.”

source: KBS Global

Lee Seung-gi, Shin Min-ah to play couple in new TV series

2010-07-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Korean singer and actor Lee Seung-gi will be romancing actress Shin Min-ah in a new SBS TV series tentatively titled "My Girlfriend is Gumiho," according to the show's PR firm IM Company on Wednesday.

IM announced in a press release that Lee and Shin have been cast as the male and female lead for the upcoming drama, where Lee will play an unlucky guy named Cha Dae-woong who falls in love with a nine-tailed fox, or 'Gumiho,' to be played by Shin.

Lee and Shin garnered much attention after photos of the two taken on set surfaced on the Internet.

"They seem to create a lively atmosphere on the set even with their [Lee and Shin] busy schedules," explained a staff member on the show, adding that the two spend their free time going over their lines and asking the crew for advice.

"Gumiho," written by sisters Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran who previously wrote hit dramas "Minamishineyo" (SBS, 2009) and "Hong Gil-dong" (KBS, 2008), is a fantasy love story between Cha Dae-woong and Gumiho, who was unleashed by Cha after being imprisoned for 500 years.

Meanwhile, girl band T-ara member Jiyeon will be making her acting debut in the series with a supporting role.

Lee, 23, made his debut as a singer after being discovered and trained by one of Korea's top female vocalists Lee Sun-hee. He rose to stardom with his first single "Because You're My Girl," which created a huge older female fan base.

The ballad singer crossed over into acting in 2005 with a role in MBC's sitcom "Nonstop 5" and "Famous Princesses" (KBS, 2006). He solidified himself as an actor with his role as Hwan Sun-woo in the hit series "Shining Inheritance" (SBS, 2009).

Shin, 27, has appeared in numerous movies and television dramas since her debut in 2001. Her most notable works include KBS' drama "A Love To Kill" (KBS, 2005) with Korean entertainer Rain and movie "A Bittersweet Life" (2005) and "The Naked Kitchen" (2009).

"Gumiho" will premiere on August 11 after "Bad Boy" finishes its run.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
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[ Korean Drama 2009 ] Princess Ja Myung Go

2010-07-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Historical, period, Drama
Episodes: 50
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2009-Mar-10 to 2009-Jul-21
Air time: Monday & Tuesday 21:55

Cast:

Jung Ryu Won as Princess Ja Myung
Park Min Young as Princess Ra Hee
Jung Kyung Ho as Prince Hodong

Synopsis:

Ja-myung and Ra-hee were born as princess in Nakrang Country in the same hour as half sisters. An oracle warns that one of two would save the country and the other would destroy it. Ja-myung almost becomes assassinated by Wang Ja-sil, the ambitious mother of Ra-hee. But miraculously, she escapes to Shandong Province at the last minute. Ja-myung grows up to be a top artist of the Artist Group in Shandong. She meets Prince Ho-dong and realizes that she was meant for him. She returns to Nakrang Country as a royal princess. Her return provokes the conflict over the right to the throne. Her mother makes Ja-myung the priestess of the sanctuary to save Ja-myung’s life. She invents the Ja-myung-gogak System to defend Nakrang Country from the attack. She leads and turns the Nakrang Army into an invincible army after winning many battles. Afterwards, her life is threatened by Ra-hee and her mother, Wang Ja-sil. Ja-myung becomes furious at her half sister, Ra-hee, when Ra-hee marries Prince Ho-dong. Prince Ho-dong manipulates Ra-hee into destroying the Ja-myung-gogak System to strengthen his political position as a prince of Goguryeo Dynasty. Ra-hee is forced to pull out her sword to kill her half sister Ja-myun

Gallery:

Daniel Henney hops aboard "Domangja" cast

2010-06-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Korean-American actor Daniel Henney [Apple Of The Eye]

Korean-American actor Daniel is the latest actor to be cast alongside Rain and Lee Na-young for upcoming TV series "Domangja s1," according to his agency Apple Of The Eye on Monday.

Apple Of The Eye announced in a press release that the actor will play the role of a shipping tycoon, who falls in love with Lee's character Jin-yi and tries to help her with his wealth and power.

"We are happy that Henney will be appearing in a high-quality drama that will be a collaboration between the best director and writer," an official at Apple was quoted as saying. "Daniel Henney is focusing on studying his character and is highly looking forward to meeting viewers on the small screen for the first time in a long while."

The series will be directed by noted television producer Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, the duo behind the recent hit TV series "The Slave Hunters" earlier this year.

Chun has revealed that he "had Henney in mind" since first creating the character, whom he described as having "a cold-blooded charisma underneath a warm smile."

So far, the A-list line-up for the romantic comedy-intelligence action drama includes multi-talented entertainer Rain, actress Lee Na-young and actor Lee Jung-jin.

Filming for "Domangja s1," about a hefty sum of money popping up sixty years after it disappeared in times of the Korean War, will take place in various Asian cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau and Hong Kong.

Born in Michigan to a Korean-American mother and an American father of British descent, Henney made his debut in the Korean entertainment business as a model and gained fame appearing in television commercials alongside top Korean actresses Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Tae-hee.

With his good looks and mild personality, he became a phenomenon around the country after appearing in the smash hit drama "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon" in 2005. He had no Korean-speaking lines in the show.

Last year, he had a supporting role alongside top Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman in the action film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and scored his first gig on a U.S. television drama "Three Rivers" (CBS). Medical transplant drama "Rivers" was cancelled after the first eight episodes.

"Domangja s1" will premiere in Korea around late September.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Jung-jin joins Rain, Lee Na-young for "Fugitive"

2010-06-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Korean actor Lee Jung-jin [Jambo Entertainment]

Korean actor Lee Jung-jin has joined Rain and Lee Na-young as the main cast of upcoming KBS TV series "The Fugitive," according to his agency Jambo Entertainment on Friday.

Jambo announced that the actor will be playing the role of Do-soo, an ambitious investigator who chases after Rain and Lee's character regarding a mysterious incident.

"Undoubtedly I am lucky to be getting to take part in the drama 'The Fugitive,'" the actor was quoted as saying. "I will make a very strong impression on the viewers who have high expectations."

Filming for "Fugitive," about a hefty sum of money popping up sixty years after it disappeared in times of the Korean War, will take place in various Asian cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau and Hong Kong.

The series will be directed by noted television producer Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, who collaborated on the recent hit TV series "The Slave Hunters" earlier this year.

Lee, 32, made his debut in 1998 through popular sitcom "Soonpoong Clinic" (SBS, 1998) and has since starred in many television dramas and films including "9 End 2 Outs" (MBC, 2007), "Love Story in Harvard (SBS, 2004)" and "Mapado" (2005).

He is currently a regular cast member in the popular variety show segment "Qualification of a Man" on KBS2 TV's "Happy Sunday."

Reporter : Ko Jae-wan star@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
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Choi Si-won to join the cast of "IRIS" spin-off

2010-06-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Singer and actor Choi Si-won [SM Entertainment]

Super Junior member Choi Si-won will be joining the A-list cast of upcoming action TV series "Athena," the spin-off to last year's hit blockbuster drama "IRIS," according to the show's producer Taewon Entertainment on Friday.

Taewon announced in a press release that Si-won will be gracing the small screen as Kim Joon-ho, a new recruit at intelligence agency NTS, who dreams of becoming a spy, in the show starring Korean stars Jung Woo-sung, Cha Seung-won, Soo-ae and E Ji-ah.

Choi is currently receiving training for the action sequences although he is also promoting "BONAMANA," his boy band's fourth studio release.

Taewon plans on airing "Athena,” about terrorist acts and threats against the Korean Peninsula and the world, during the latter half of this year.

It will go into production starting in June in Italy and Switzerland and continue on into six other countries including Singapore and New Zealand.

Choi made his music debut in the 13-member boy band Super Junior, known as one of the most popular K-pop acts in the country and throughout Asia.

He made his acting debut in 2005 in the KBS TV series "Eighteen, Twenty-Nine" and action picture "A Battle of Wits." The pop idol recently played the role of Sung Min-woo in the SBS hit drama "Oh! My Lady" alongside Hallyu star Chae-lim.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Na-young to star in new TV series with Rain

2010-06-07T03:57:00.000-07:00

Korean actress Lee Na-young [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Lee Na-young has been cast in upcoming KBS TV series tentatively titled "The Fugitive," making her first small screen comeback in six years.

According to various industry sources, the actress is set to play the female lead opposite Rain, who is also returning to the small screen for the first time since starring in the 2005 SBS drama "A Love To Kill."

Lee's agency remained cautious about the news, however, saying they are "in negotiations" but has not yet finalized the deal.

"Fugitive" will be directed by noted television producer Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, the duo behind the recent hit TV series "The Slave Hunters."

Lee, 31, first rose to stardom with TV series "Ruler of Your Own World" (MBC, 2002) and was last seen on the small screen in "Ireland" (MBC, 2004).

She has also starred in several notable films such as "Please Teach Me English" (2003) and "Maundy Thursday" (2006) and "Someone Special," for which she won best actress at the 25th Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[ Korean Drama 2006 ] Trees in Heaven

2010-05-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 10
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2006-Feb-08 to 2006-Mar-09
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday at 21:55

Cast:

Lee Wan as Yoon Suh
Park Shin Hye as Hana
Asami Reina as Maya
Uchida Asahi as Fujiwara Ryu

Synopsis:

One afternoon when there was a very heavy snowstorm, Hana, (18, 11th grade in high school) was sitting on the 2nd floor restaurant where one can see the airport runway from a distance.

It was the day that her mother was coming back with her new husband from Korea. Hana, who was waiting in the airport, saw a snowman that someone had made. It was a snowman that was in the midst of all the snow that fell around it… Hana went to the 1st floor and there was her mother with her new father. Hana greeted him, and then turned her gaze to the snowman outside. At that moment, her new father called someone over. The guy turned around to see her. Her mother introduced him to her as her new brother. Yoon-seo… The moment she saw his empty stare with snow all around his body, her heart began to beat fast. Her warm breath blew out of her mouth in a white mist.

source: SBS Global

Gallery:

T-ara Hyomin to Act in a Drama This Summer

2010-05-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

Expect to see T-ara's Hyomin on the small screen this summer. T-ara's agency, Core Contents Media, released information saying that Hyomin received offers from two different mini-series drama projects. She will be selecting one to play a role in to air this summer.

Hyomin already has some experience in acting after having starred in the drama "God of Study" and "Hon" or "Soul". She is also currently a part of the cast for the drama "Coffee House". It's actually been known that Hyomin has a passion for acting despite her debut as a part of the singing girl group T-ara. She even studied Theatre and Film at her university.

source: KBS Global

Song Seung Hun to Star in Drama 'My Princess'

2010-04-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Actor Song Seung Hun’s agency Storm S Company announced on April 22 that Song Seung Hun has been cast in the drama “My Princess" (working title).

The drama is written by Kim Eun Sook, who has written famous drama scripts such as “Lovers in Paris,” “On Air,” and “City Hall,” and the producer and broadcasting company have not yet been decided. The agency said, “He will begin filming from August after finishing casting, and the drama will be filmed with the target date for airing in the second half of this year.”

Song Seung Hun revealed his mind, saying, “I am highly anticipating this drama because I might be able to show a different image from the tough and manly image that I have shown so far.” He appeared in the MBC TV drama “East of Eden” last year and is now working on the final stages of filming the movie “Outlaw.”
source: KBS Global

Poster for new TV series "Road No.1" revealed

2010-04-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

The official posters for upcoming television series "Road No.1," starring Hallyu stars So Ji-sub and Kim Ha-neul, were unveiled today.

The show's poster is in three different versions featuring each of its main characters; Jang-woo (played by So), Soo-yeon (played by Kim) and Tae-ho (played by Yoon Kye-sang).

The war drama has been garnering much hype prior to its airing due to its blockbuster scale and star-studded cast, led by So who is making his comeback to the small screen since last year's "Cain and Abel" (SBS).

Actress Kim Ha-neul portrays a strong-willed doctor in the series, who sacrifices her love for So's character to provide for her family.

Yoon Kye-sang, a former member of boy band G.O.D. who has crossed over to acting, plays an elite military officer named Tae-ho. His character falls in love with Kim's character only to be turned away when her first love, played by So, comes back alive from the war.

"Road", produced on a whopping KRW 13 billion won budget, is an epic drama set during the Korean War.

It is set to premiere in Korea on June 23.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@

E Ji-ah locked in as female lead for "Iris" sequel

2010-04-15T23:32:00.000-07:00

Korean actress E Ji-ah has joined the main cast of upcoming action TV series "Athena," the sequel to last year's hit blockbuster drama "Iris," according to the show's producer Taewon Entertainment on Thursday.

"E will be playing the role of Han Jae-hui, a special agent under the European branch of the national anti-terror services," explained a producer with Taewon.

He went onto explain that she was chosen as one of the lead female characters even though she is new to the entertainment industry because she showed great strength and charisma with her previous roles in MBC's "The Story of the First King's Four Gods" and "Beethoven Virus."

Taewon is eyeing the latter half of this year for the airing of "Athena," about terrorist acts and threats against the Korean Peninsula and the world.

It will go into production starting in June in Italy and Switzerland and continue on into six other countries including Singapore and New Zealand.

E, 29, made her debut in the 2007 historical epic "Four Gods" as Suzini, the love interest of Hallyu star Bae Yong-jun. She also appeared in the big screen with "My Love, Ugly Duckling" alongside actor Kang Ji-hwan.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[ Korean Drama 2003 ] Stairway to Heaven

2010-04-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

Genre: Romance, Drama
Episodes: 20
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2003-Dec-03 to 2004-Feb-05
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday at 21:55
Official site: http://tv.sbs.co.kr/paradise/

Cast:

Kwon Sang Woo as Cha Song-ju
Choi Ji Woo as Han Jung-suh
Kim Tae Hee as Han Yu-ri
Shin Hyun Joon as Han Tae-hwa

Synopsis:

Song-ju (Kwon Sang-woo) and Jung-suh (Choi Ji-woo) were destined to be together even before they were born. Both of their parents were close friends, they have almost grown up together since their childhood. They even looked alike as if they were twins. They even try not to be sick because one may worry the other. Song-ju, being the only son of a multi-national cooperation, begins his business training and prepares himself to study abroad. Before Song-ju’s departure, Jung-suh and Song-ju exchange necklaces as if they are exchanging parts of their souls. Time passes and Song-ju returns from his studies to get back with Jung-suh. But a tragic accident happens. Jung-suh gets hit by Yoo-ri’s car and becomes amnesiac. Jung-suh doesn’t remember Song-ju, who she loves the most and is not even able to identify his existence. She does not even remember her name…

Gallery:

Soo Ae to Star as Double Agent in ‘IRIS Season 2’

2010-04-12T03:38:00.000-07:00

Actress Soo Ae is cast as the heroine of the spy-action drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War,” the production company Taewon Entertainment announced on April 9.

In the drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War,” which is a spin-off of the original IRIS drama, Soo Ae will play a double agent, Yoon Hye In. She belongs to National anti-Terror Service (NTS) as a female profiler and also takes a role within a secret organization as a special agent.

Soo Ae has revealed her pure and graceful beauty until now, but this time, she will transform into a cold-blooded spy and will perform difficult action scenes in the drama.

As soon as she finishes filming the movie “Late Night FM,” she will join the shooting of the drama.

The drama already cast Jung Woo Sung and Cha Seung Won as the lead actors before it cast the female lead. As it has now finished casting the female lead, the drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War” will begin filming in June.

source: KBS Global

Micky Yoochun to star in TV series "Sungkyunkwan Scandal"

2010-04-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

Micky Yoochun of Korean idol group TVXQ has been set to star in an upcoming television series tentatively titled "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," according to the show's promoter YTREE MEDIA on Wednesday.

YTREE announced in a press release that the pop idol has been cast in the historical drama, set in the Chosun Dynasty, to play a Confucian scholar named Lee Seon-joon who falls in love with a woman in disguise as a man.

"I had so much fun reading the synopsis," the singer-turned-actor was quoted as saying. "It is an honor to play such an attractive character for my first acting role."

The singer expressed his ambitions for his solo acting debut, saying "I am actually very excited and nervous too because this is my first drama. I am going to learn a lot of things, work hard and do my best in acting."

The historical drama, based on a best-selling novel by Korean writer Jeong Eun-kwol, will go into shoot early next month and air later during the year.

Micky Yoochun, whose real name is Park Yoochun, debuted in 2004 as part of five-member boy band TVXQ. The group became one of the most phenomenal K-pop acts in the country and throughout Asia, selling numerous records and recently making history in the Japanese music scene.

TVXQ has been making headlines this week for announcing over the weekend that they will no longer be working in Japan as a group and that the members will go their separate ways to pursue individual careers.

The band had officially quit working as a group in Korea last July due to a legal dispute between three of its members -- Xiah Junsu, Hero Jaejoong and Micky Yoochun -- and talent agency SM Entertainment over their 13-year exclusive contract.

Micky had previously appeared in several television shows including "Banjun Theater", "Vacation" and popular sitcom "Nonstop - Season 6" (MBC, 2006).

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

Actor Kang Ji-hwan to star in new SBS drama "Page 1"

2010-04-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

Korean actor Kang Ji-hwan has been tapped to play the male lead role in upcoming SBS drama "Page 1," according to the drama producer's Core Contents Media on Friday.

"Kang was chosen because he did an impressive job in the movies 'My Girlfriend Is An Agent' and 'Rough Cut,'" Core Contents CEO Kim Kwang-soo was quoted as saying in a press release.

"We also determined that the recent controversy regarding Kang and his former agency is not an issue," Kim explained, addressing an ongoing legal spat between the two parties over the actor's working contract.

This will mark Kang's comeback to the small screen for the first time in two years, where he will play the role of Lee Jin-soo, a writer who rose to stardom at an early age because of his bestsellers.

Actress Park Si-yeon will also appear in the drama, playing the role of a publication house CEO who Jin-soo is in an undefinable relationship with.

"Page 1" will be helmed by director Pyo Min-su, whose other works include hit series "Full House" and "The World That They Live In."

"Page 1" will go into shoot beginning early April and is set to premiere after current Monday and Tuesday drama "Oh! My Lady" ends its run.

Kang, who debuted in 2001 through the Korean version of the musical of "The Rocky Horror Show," has appeared in several TV dramas including "Be Strong, Geum-soon!" "Scandal in Old Seoul" and "Hong Gil-dong, the Hero."

He shot to stardom in Korea and throughout several countries in Asia after starring in "My Girlfriend is an Agent" alongside actress Kim Ha-neul.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Min Ho : 'I Want Favorable Evaluation for Splendid Acting'

2010-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Actor Lee Min Ho, who came back to dramas after a one-year break following the KBS TV drama “Boys Over Flowers,” revealed his ambition of obtaining a "favorable evaluation for splendid acting" on his new MBC TV drama “Personal Taste,” which will broadcast its first episode on March 31.

In the production presentation of “Personal Taste” held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on March 25, Lee said, “I have distressed myself about how to play the character in the drama. I feel pressure because I want to be praised for good acting by viewers.”

The drama “Personal Taste” tells exhilarating stories about two characters. An easygoing woman, Park Gae In (Son Ye Jin), wants to have a gay male friend, and a charismatic man, Jeon Jin Ho (Lee Min Ho) is mistaken by her to be a gay man. These two create entertaining stories while they are living together.

Lee explained the character he plays: “He is a competent architect and when it comes to work, he always aims for perfection, so much so as to be regarded as a cold-hearted person. He does not want to be interrupted nor to interrupt others.“

Jeon Jin Ho is similar to Goo Jun Pyo, which is the character he played in his previous drama “Boys Over Flowers,” in that he is also a charismatic character. Lee Min Ho continued, “It is true that the two characters have similarities, but I do not care too much to differentiate this character with that of Goo Jun Pyo. I have rather concentrated on making a character who is very much faithful to the script. If I have to compare the character to Goo Jun Pyo, Jeon Jin Ho is a mature and thoughtful person and has a pride in his work as a professional.”

Asked about his one year break, he answered, “I had a tight schedule at home and abroad after the drama ‘Boys Over Flowers,’ so I actually took a break only for three months. During the break, I had seriously agonized about how to make a comeback to dramas, and with what kind of image. In the end, I decided to play a pleasant character in a drama, since I am still young, and chose ‘Personal Taste’ as my next drama.”

Lee Min Ho entered stardom with “Boys Over Flowers,” so it is natural that he feels stress about the viewer ratings for “Personal Taste” which has to compete with other outstanding dramas such as “Cinderella’s Stepsister (KBS)” and “Prosecutor Princess (SBS)”, which will air its first episode on the same day.

Lee Min Ho commented about the viewer ratings: “Honestly, I cannot afford to care about other competitors because I am only concentrating on playing my role in the drama. But, it would be great if the ratings came to around 18 percent for the first episode. Then, if the viewer ratings increased by one percent for each episode, the ratings for the final episode would be around 34 percent, since our drama has a total of 16 episodes for the series.”

source: KBS Global

Korean comic "Full House" to become animated 3D film

2010-03-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Korean comic "Full House," better known throughout Asia by its TV adaptation starring Asian pop sensation Rain and top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, is set to be developed into a 3D animated movie, according to its producer on Thursday.

Dream Pictures 21 announced that the big screen version of "Full House" would combine both 2D and 3D animation techniques, making it the first Korean comic to be turned into a 3D production.

Dream Pictures also added that Rain will be taking part in the production of the film and K-pop idol group MBLAQ, who is under Rain's record label Company J. Tune Camp, will participate in recording the original soundtrack for the movie.

Dream Pictures will hold a press conference on March 30 to reveal further details about the movie which is set for a simultaneous release in Korea and Japan in November. The animated feature will be dubbed in both languages.

Originally a 16 volume series by Won Soo-yeon, "Full House" was popular amongst Korean readers from when it started being published serially in 1994. The drama version was a smash hit in Korea during its airing in 2004 and was sold to several Asian countries including China, Japan and the Philippines.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

2AM’s Seul-ong Debuts in TV Drama

2010-03-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

2AM member Seul-ong is testing his luck in acting by joining the cast of new TV drama “Personal Taste.” At Monday’s showcase where 2AM introduced the music drama and music video for their new release “I’ve Done Wrong,” Seul-ong spoke about how he was nervous about acting in a TV show. He admitted that it was difficult for him, because he had never acted before. He had been a child actor, but said that he doesn’t remember anything about the experience because he was so young.

In “Personal Taste” he stars opposite of Son Ye-jin of “My Wife Got Married” and Lee Min-ho of “Boys over Flowers” and plays a spoiled rich kid. In the meantime, 2AM will release a repackaged album, “I’ve Done Wrong,” both on and offline and plans to continue dominating the music scene.

source: KBS Global

Lee Jun-ki to star in new TV series "Faith"

2010-03-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

Korean actor Lee Jun-ki will star in an upcoming historical drama tentatively titled "Faith" in English, according to his agency on Friday.

The actor will play the male lead in the drama, playing a young student of Eastern medicine who grows up be a legendary doctor during the Koryo Period.

The series will be helmed by famed Korean director Kim Jong-hak, who is known for his blockbuster scale dramas such as "Taewangsasingi" (MBC, 2007), which starred top actor Bae Yong-joon, and "Sandglass" (SBS, 1995), which scored the highest viewership ratings in local television history.

Kim is said to have thought highly of Lee's solid acting and his status as a Hallyu star throughout Asia for the role.

Lee, 27, became a household name after appearing as a woman-like clown in the 2005 hit film "The King and the Clown" and most recently appeared in MBC TV series "Hero", where he portrayed a passionate magazine reporter.

In December 2009, he was voted top Hallyu Star of the year in a survey conducted by a Korean business news publication Finance and Economy News.

"Faith" is scheduled to air in Korea in the second half of this year.

Reporter : Kang Seung-hun tarophine@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

'Iris' Season 2 Cast Revealed

2010-03-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

The lineup for the spin-off series of the hit drama "IRIS'' has been revealed.

Titled "ATHENA,'' the highly anticipated drama will feature some of Korea's top stars and another thrilling tale of terrorism, spies and secret agents, similar to the original but with a twist.

Jung Woo-sung, 36, who is returning to the small screen after 15 years, will appear as Lee Jeong-woo, a secret agent who gets tangled up in a conspiracy that threatens the safety of the Korean Peninsula. Taewon Entertainment, the production company, explained that the character holds all the characteristics and abilities that are found in Lee Hyun-jun, the protagonist of "IRIS,'' with the charm and charisma of James Bond.

Lee's nemesis, Son Hyeok, the ruthless leader of the terrorist group ATHENA, will be played by model-turned-actor Cha Seung-won. The merciless role will hopefully bring out the charisma and brutality hidden beneath the 39-year-old Cha's comical and likable character he is famous for, according to Taewon Entertainment.

The two main actors have been revealed, but the company is yet to announce the heroine and other supporting roles. The attention is now on the heroine, which will take an important role in the drama, considering the title that translates to the "goddess of wisdom and war.''

Filming will begin in June in Italy or Switzerland. The shooting will continue in six other countries, including Singapore and New Zealand, following the footsteps of "IRIS,'' which was filmed around the world as well.

"ATHENA'' is scheduled to be aired late this year.

"IRIS'' aired last year with high expectations thanks to its star-studded cast, dramatic storyline and cinematic action scenes. Starring Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee, the soap took local dramas to a whole new level, garnering both male and female fans here and abroad with its distinctive story involving secret agents, South and North Korea, and betrayal.

credits to: Han Sang-hee (sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr)
source: koreatimes.co.kr

[ Korean Drama 2009 ] My Fair Lady

2010-03-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: KBS2
Broadcast period: 2009-Aug-19 to 2009-Oct-08
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55
Official site: http://www.kbs.co.kr/drama/ladycastle/

Cast:

Yoon Eun Hye as Kang Hye Na
Yoon Sang Hyun as Seo Dong Chan
Jung Il Woo as Lee Tae Yoon
Moon Chae Won as Yeo Eui Joo

Synopsis:

Kang Hye Na, the only successor of Kang-san Group, is the owner of the ‘Lady Castle’ and lives a ‘princess-like’ life with her servants. Hye-na’s parents died from a plane accident and her grandfather brought her up. Hye-na is strong-headed, selfish and world revolves around her; it is because she could not experience the warmth of family when she grew up. One day, she comes across Dong-chan. He makes Hye-na to do community service, kidnaps her, and now appears in front of her as the new household manager! Hye-na makes every effort to throw him out from the Castle, but this guy has tenacity in him!
Gallery:

Lee Minho and Son Ye Jin for Personal Taste

2010-02-24T02:53:00.000-08:00

With March nearly upon us, it’s the time where a load of new dramas make their debut and we have another one to introduce to you. The new MBC mini series, Personal Taste, starring Lee Minho and Son Ye Jin recently revealed their promotional stills, generating interest among fans.

Just like Lee Minho’s last drama, Boys Over Flowers, he will be romancing his co-star who is older than him by five years off the screen.

The photos were recently taken at MBC Dream Center at Ilsan on the 18th which portrays them living together under one roof as roommates. The story is adapted from a novel of the same name and is about a guy called Jeon Jin Ho who is a straight guy but pretends to be gay in order to become a roommate to his female friend, Park Kae In. Sounds familiar but what matters most is the process.

Personal Taste will premiere on March 31st.

credits to Allkpop

Kim Hee-seon, Lee Jun-ki being considered for new drama

2010-02-17T03:30:00.000-08:00

Top Korean actors Kim Hee-seon and Lee Jun-ki are being considered as the main cast for a new historical drama based on medicine helmed by famed director Kim Jong-hak of the "Taewangsasingi" series.

"We are still in the process of discussing whether she will appear in 'Faith' -- nothing has been set as of yet," actress Kim's agency told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Friday.

A source close to the producers of the show also said discussions are still underway with the cast to be confirmed by late February at the earliest.

Meanwhile, an official with a broadcaster said Lee's appearance in the drama has almost been set with the actor himself showing "great interest in the show."

The drama, tentatively titled "Faith," will be director Kim's comeback production set to air on the small screen near the end of the year.

Actress Kim, 32, has been one of the most popular actresses in the country since her debut in 1993. She was last seen on the screen in SBS' 2006 TV series "Smile Again" until she married in 2007.

Lee made a splash into the acting industry, appearing in the 2005 hit film "The King and the Clown" which is the second-most watched Korean film to date. His latest work was MBC TV series "Hero," which ended its run mid-January of this year.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Han Hye-jin Embraces Challenge of Historical Role

2010-02-09T03:36:00.000-08:00

The actress Han Hye-jin looked beautiful in Korean traditional dress or hanbok on the set of TV series "Jejungwon." Set in the final years of the Chosun Dynasty in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, the clothes she wears for the drama are not completely traditional in their flamboyant colors and patterns, but they suited the actress to a T.

Han plays a role of the first woman doctor of Western medicine in Korea. Costume is essential for the character, so Han has to get changed at least five times a day during shooting. Although she is happy with the hanbok, she confessed that the clothes could be inconvenient.

"Because I have to wear heavily wired and layered petticoat, it is very uncomfortable every time I go to the toilet. It takes such a long time for just one trip," she said. "Another difficulty is that a lot of the shooting takes place outdoors. But it's still very fun process when you shoot a TV series together with many people and carry the story forward. Because the script is so interesting, I get totally immersed in the story rather than thinking about how hard it is. I'm a bit scared because I'm least confident in historical drama, but I go to work every day in the hope that I'll be able to see that I've made some progress."

Han made her comeback to both TV and cinema early January with "Jejungwon" and the film "No Mercy," her first starring role on the big screen. "Many people ask me why I hadn't starred in a film after all these years, but I still think it's a huge honor," she said. "There are many talented actors and actresses who are forced to rest for prolonged periods because there aren't many opportunities. I'm very grateful that I was able to do both the TV series and the film at the same time."

Han has been in an open relationship with the singer Naul for five years. "Many people tell me that things get harder when you have a long-term romance, and encourage me to get married soon. But we are so comfortable the way we are now. As I've worked hard in my career, I want to let my boyfriend work as he wishes," she said.

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun

TV series "Goong" to be made into musical production

2010-02-07T03:30:00.000-08:00

Official poster for musical "Goong" [Group 8]

Hit television drama "Goong" is set to be made into a musical, according to a press release by the show's producer Group 8.

Group 8 explained that they had long planned on creating the musical version of "Goong", originally based on a comic series before being made into an adaptation on the small screen in 2006.

The musical "Goong" -- the first of the "Group 8 Musical Collection" series -- will be filled with fancy art direction, which the TV series was also famous for, and include various music genres and dance sequences.

The producers are currently casting the lead actors for the musical through an open audition on www.group8tv.com/audition.html.

"Goong" (MBC, 2006) is a story about an average high-school girl marrying a royal prince in 21st century Korea, which is in fiction a monarchical country. The drama was a huge success and turned its two lead actors, Yoon Eun-hye and Joo Ji-hoon, into household names.

The musical will premiere on September 3 at the National Museum of Korea.

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

Park Han Byul to romance Super Junior's Choi Siwon

2010-02-07T03:08:00.000-08:00

Actress Park Han Byul has been added to the cast of SBS’s Oh! My Lady which stars Super Junior’s Choi Siwon and veteran actress Park Chae Rim.

Siwon plays the role of a rude celebrity actor, and Chae Rim plays the manager of Siwon. Park Han Byul will play the role of a former lover of Siwon, she leaves him to study abroad and returns to Korea as a director of a fashion house. Siwon will come in contact with her once again as he becomes a model for the fashion house.

I’ve never seen Park Han Byul act before and to be honest I don’t know much about her besides the fact that she’s the girlfriend of Se7en. This drama seems interesting though and SBS may have a big hit on their hand. This might be the venue launching Park Han Byul to the next level as she advances her career as an actress.
source: Allkpop

[ Korean Drama 2008 ] Worlds Within

2010-02-05T04:56:00.000-08:00

Genre: Romance
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: KBS2
Broadcast period: 2008-Oct-27 to 2008-Dec-16
Air time: Monday & Tuesday 21:55
Official site: http://www.kbs.co.kr/drama/worlds/

Cast: Hyun Bin as Jung Ji Oh
Song Hye Kyo as Joo Joon Young
Uhm Ki Joon as Song Gyu Ho
Seo Hyo Rim as Jang Hae Jin

Synopsis:

Broadcasting station, especially television drama production, is often called as the core of desire and materialism. TV station is the place of envy for many people, but they also criticize it as the place where unethical thoughts are generalized. However, those who work in drama production team are not different from us; they are common people who need love and care just like others. Most of Korean dramas are focused on family problems and troubled relationships between lovers. However, for the moderners, workplace is where they spend most of their time. If one fails to build decent relationships with others in his workplace, it would be hard to read his life as a success. “Worlds Within” will bring out the stories of drama production staffs; the warm, touching stories of their love and life.

Hyeon Bin (Jung Ji Oh )
He is acute, righteous, humane, warm-hearted, and passionate. He is also the envy of his juniors. Two miniseries, which he produced in the last three years, had good ratings and were highly acclaimed for their quality. Now, he is producing another miniseries which has a good quality and high ratings.

Song Hye-kyo (Joo Joon Young)
She finished the harsh period as an assistant producer six months ago. Two short dramas which she produced lately received a favorable evaluation and enjoyed high ratings. As she was awarded a prize at a drama festival held in foreign country, she became a new producer of note.
She is straightforward, passionate, delightful, firm, and cool. But, through her parents, she has learned early how thin and futile trust can be between people. Knowing that, she cannot decide what to do in the relationship with Jio which obviously has ended while her heart just aches.
source: www.koreanmovie.com

Gallery:

Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo reunite for "Winter Sonata" anime

2010-02-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

Top Hallyu stars Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo will be reuniting as co-stars in the final scene for Japanese animation “Winter Sonata~ Another Story~”, according to a press release by Bae’s agency KEYEAST.

KEYEAST explained that the two actors -- who provided voice-overs for their famous fictional characters in “Another Story~”-- are set to make an actual appearance in the ending scene for the animated version of their hit TV series “Winter Sonata”.

“More Japanese viewers are becoming interested in the animation with every episode,” an executive at the animation production company was quoted as saying. “So the producers and actors agreed to shoot an actual [non-animation] ending scene to repay the viewers for their support of the series.”

“Another Story~” was created with a newly-structured story with many of the cast members from the original TV show lending their voices for the anime characters.

The promotional event for the series made headlines last September when some 50,000 fans showed up at Tokyo Dome to see Bae, Choi and other supporting cast members.

Korean actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo became household names throughout Asia with the success of “Winter Sonata”. Bae, in particular, gained a huge following in Japan and earned the nickname “Yonsama”

“Another Story” currently airs in Japan every Saturday on three channels -- Ch.750 (DATV), Ch. 190 and Ch. 800 (SKY PerfecTV!). The final episode is schedule to air on April 24.

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

Son Ye-jin to star in new drama with Lee Min-ho

2010-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Korean actress Son Ye-jin [Barunson Entertainment]

Korean actress Son Ye-jin is set to play the female lead role opposite actor Lee Min-ho in a new MBC drama this coming April, Son's agency said on Monday.

Barunson Entertainment announced through a press release that the actress has been cast for the role of Park Gae-in, a furniture designer in her late 20s, in the drama tentatively titled "Personal Taste."

The TV series, to be based on a novel of the same name by Korean writer Lee Se-in, will focus on the story between a woman and man living together, with the woman thinking the man is homosexual.

Son stated, "The reason I chose this role is because this year, I wanted to be a part of a bright and happy drama. I fell in love with the character because she seems confident while lacking in some ways but at the same time charming. Overall, the drama seems light and I feel it will be fun to shoot."

The 28-year-old actress gained popularity in Asia after appearing in TV series "Summer Scent" and was commended for her role in films "The Classic" and "My Wife Got Married", both of which she won awards for Best Actress.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kim So Eun to star in a new drama, A Good Day for the Wind to Blow

2010-01-19T03:45:00.000-08:00

If you guys remember how cute Kim So Eun was as Ga Eul from Boys Over Flowers, you should get excited for this.

This actress is set to star in a new daily drama A Good Day for the Wind to Blow. I’m kind of ecstatic for this one because I’m a huge fan and she is going to play the main character for once!

Kim So Eun’s character, Kwon Oh Bok, dreams of being the best illustrator. She is poor and helpless but she has a big dream and is very determined. She will share a love triangle with a design company’s boss and a hometown oppa.

Kim So Eun said, “I’ve done a lot of bubbly characters in the past but this one is cheery and realistic. Look forward to new side of actress Kim So Eun.”

This drama will also star Jin Lee Han, Seo Hyo Rim, Kang Ji Sub, Kim Mi Suk, Na Moon Hee and more. The drama is set to air in February.

source: Allkpop

Lee Min-ho to make comeback in new drama

2010-01-11T02:41:00.000-08:00

Korean actor Lee Min-ho is set to make a comeback to the small screen in April, according to television broadcaster MBC on Monday.

The actor has been cast for the lead role in a new MBC TV series, tentatively titled "Personal Taste", which is based on a novel of the same title by Korean writer Lee Se-in.

Lee will play the role of Jun Jin-ho, who pretends to be a gay man in order to become roommates with a woman who wants to live with a gay male friend.

An MBC drama executive explained that Lee's combination of "a sophisticated image and the appeal of a man" was perfect for the part and for fulfilling female viewers' fantasies. He also added that Lee's "gripping dramatic presence and his shameless acting" will be convincing for the viewers.

"I decided to do the drama as soon as I read the script", the actor was quoted as saying.

The 22-year-old actor, who debuted in 2005, rose to stardom after starring in the smash hit "Boys Over Flowers" last year. The drama co-starred Korean actress Koo Hye-sun and idol group member Kim Hyun-joong of SS501.

"Taste" is scheduled to air around April after "The Woman Who Still Wants To Marry" ends its run.

Reporter : Ko Jae-wan star@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

2009 Drama Awards Wrap Up With No Surprises

2010-01-07T03:14:00.000-08:00

There were no big surprises at the Drama Awards held by the three major networks ― KBS, SBS and MBC ― last year.

The Grand Prizes each went to Lee Byung-hun for his work in "Iris'' (KBS), for "Jang Seo-heeCruel Temptation'' (SBS) and Ko Hyun-joung for "The Great Queen Seondeok'' (MBC).

Year-end drama awards have been criticized for being too generous when giving out awards and also not meeting the public's consensus. Last year's events were indeed generous, yet there were no decisions that caused anyone to shake their heads. However, there were distinctive trends that made the three events different from the past.

'30s Reigning the Small Screen

Unlike the pop industry where young idol bands are main stream, the older crowd is on top in the drama scene.

Lee, Jang and Ko are all in their '30s, beating their younger colleagues with their charisma, experience and impeccable acting skills.

Top prizes, including the Best Acting Awards, also went to actors and actresses in their thirties, including Chae Si-ra ("The Iron Empress,'' KBS), Yoon Sang-hyun ("My Wife is a Superwoman,'' MBC) and So Ji-sub ("Cain and Abel,'' SBS).

Most of the dramas aired last year featured 30-something actors. Notable exceptions included hit drama "Boys Over Flowers,'' but many television series dealt with more mature characters who were caught up in love triangles and hip trends.

Thanks to the superb acting, numerous dramas, such as "Style'' and "Cain and Abel'' managed to receive critical acclaim, even though they failed to mark high ratings.

Actresses Shine

Last year saw numerous actresses bloom, thanks to dramas that depicted love and battles between the two sexes.

Along with Ko, Lee Yo-won also received the Best Acting Award for her role as Great Queen Seondeok, while Kim Nam-joo took home the same prize as the smart yet silly housewife from "My Wife is a Superwoman.''

Kim Tae-hee and Kim So-yeon also made a lasting impression for their tough and distinctive roles in the popular drama "Iris,'' and their work paid off with awards at the KBS Drama Awards. Kim Tae-hee, who has been continuously criticized for her poor acting throughout her career, thanked viewers in tears as she received the awards, while Kim So-yeon also cried as she thanked her loved ones.

Couples Galore

Dramas of 2009 also displayed numerous couples on the small screen, and of course awards were given to the best ones.

MBC's Best Couple Award went to Lee Yo-won and Kim Nam-gil from "The Great Queen Seondeok," while SBS awarded singer-turned-actor Lee Seung-gi and Han Hyo-joo from "Brilliant Legacy.'' Lee and Kim's characters in the period drama failed to find happiness on the small screen, but their tragic love and affection toward each other moved the audience. KBS gave out awards to a number of couples: Lee Byung-heon and Kim Tae-hee ("Iris''), Yun Eun-hye and Yoon Sang-hyun ("My Fair Lady''), Ku Hye-sun and Lee Min-ho ("Boys Over Flowers''), and Lee Pil-mo and Yoo Seon ("My Too Perfect Sons'').

The year 2009 has come to an end, and so has the excitement of last year's soaps.
With high hopes and keen anticipation, the three major networks are expected to provide yet another exciting year, filled with talented actors, interesting storylines and catchy trends.

credit to: Han Sang-hee (sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr)
source: koreatimes.co.kr