...Hallyu began roughly 12 years ago when the rest of Asia discovered Korean soap operas. One of the breakthrough dramas was a series 'Winter Sonata' starring Choi Ji-woo & Bae Young-Joon. After that, more Korean dramas saw their way to foreign shores and Korean films and music started to follow suit. Korean marketing people started to see a Korea-centric trend. They dubbed this flow "The Korean Wave" or Hallyu....
[News] 2PM’s Taecyeon, Wooyoung & miss A’s Suzy share their thoughts on concluding “Dream High”. Cr. - allkpop
n the morning of February 28th, 2PM’s Taecyeon, Wooyoung, and miss A’s Suzy expressed their feelings on finally concluding their much-loved drama, “Dream High.”
Suzy, who played the role of ‘Hyemi’, expressed, “I feel both refreshed and upset. It was my first project as well as leading role, so I worried over a lot of things. Fortunately, I’m able to conclude ‘Dream High’ amidst the love and support of my drama family. I know I was lacking, but I’ll work on my skills in order to improve as an actress and meet you all again. My ‘Dream High’ family, my miss A unnis, and all of those who loved ‘Dream High’, thank you. I will never forget the winter I spent life as ‘Go Hyemi.’”
Ok Taecyeon, who played the role of ‘Hyun Shihyuk’, commented, “It was an opportunity for me to work with seniors, as well as grow as ‘actor Ok Taeyeon’. I was worried over whether I’d be able to do okay since I was playing the lead role in only my second project, but through the help and support of my friends, my acting junior J.Y. Park, and all of the staff members who helped the drama shine, I was able to take part in a meaningful project. It was very cold filming in the winter, but I spent a winter which was just as beautiful.”
Wooyoung, who played the role of ‘Jason’, concluded, “How could it be, ‘Dream High’ is already coming to an end!! I was nervous, especially since it was my first acting debut and because of the amount of English lines I had, but I was able to overcome it all thanks to the help of 2PM’s Taecyeon, and my seniors and directors. It was an extremely meaningful start and experience, so I’d like to thank all of those who supported and loved ‘Jason’.”
[News] J.Y. Park delivers a touching thank-you note for ‘Dream High’ fans and colleagues. Cr. - allkpop
J.Y. Park revealed his thoughts about his acting debut through KBS2TV’s “Dream High“.
On February 28th, the multi-entertainmer wrote on JYP Entertainment’s official homepage, “Hello, this is ‘Yang Jin Man‘. We finally finished filming ‘Dream High’. I had to cry comically for a scene but because I was thinking that this was the end, I cried very hard, though I didn’t put in artificial tears“.
He added, “Bae Yong Joon, who I co-produced this drama with, asked, ‘Are you happy? Sad?’ and I said, ‘I’m thankful. I’m thankful towards everyone’. I’m very thankful to my friend Yong Joon for liking my idea and developing it when it was just an insignificant idea of mine“.
J.Y. Park also thanked the production and film crews, as well as his fellow actors IU, Eunjung, Kim Soo Hyun, Um Ki Joon, and many others.
Turning towards his agency, J.Y. Park said, “I’m also thankful towards my kids Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Suzy, Joo, and the JYP family“.
He also added, “I’d also like to give my thanks to the viewers, who loved and stuck with ‘Dream High’ until the end, even though it lacked so many things. I learned so much by making my first drama. I’ll do my best to make my second drama a better work. Until then, all of you should ‘dream high’ to achieve your goals. Now we’ll start the last episode in a little while“.
He displayed affection for his character until the very end, closing his letter with “From Yang Jin Man“.
“Dream High” is set to air its last episode on February 28th at 9:55PM KST. Be sure to tune in!
[Spoiler] Ham Eun-jung also spills out "Dream High" spoilers? "Our ending". Cr. - hancinema
Ham Eun-jung also spilled out spoilers for the KBS 2TV drama "Dream High".
She uploaded pictures of what looks like pictures related to the last episode on her Twitter on the 27th.
In the picture was Park Jin-young in a chef costume holding a delivery case and Wooyoung wearing a policeman costume. Wearing a neat suit with glasses was Kim Soo-hyeon and Taecyeon.
She then wrote, "Yang Jin-man who opened a Chinese restaurant, transformed Kirin Art School students Sam-dong, Jin-gook and Jason. This is our ending".
Netizens say, "The drama isn't over, but why is she doing this?", "It's like she's doing this on purpose".
The first teaser for KBS’s upcoming Thorn Birds is out, and basically what I can tell from that is: tears, tears, and more tears. Seriously, that’s all there is. Crying, sobbing, weeping, the eye-sweats, call it what you like. All I know is: I’m pretty much out.
The teaser video’s narration tells us, “We’ll atone for that sin. I’m sorry…” I don’t know what she did, but I’m betting she cries about it. A lot.
Thorn Birds stars Han Hye-jin (Je Joong-won) and Kim Min-jung (Strike Love) and is touted as “the revival of well-made melodramas” whose teaser video takes “a teary concept to stir viewers’ emotions.” Yeah, we got that. But how ’bout a little less with the sad, and a little more with the story?
The drama’s main character (Han Hye-jin) is Seo Jung-eun, a woman who makes some extreme choices in pursuing her career in the film industry, starting out as an extra and working her way up to actress. Jung-eun grows up as a yearning child, not having any memory of her mother. Han described her character as pure and kind, a woman who knows that the prick of a thorn will hurt but endures it in order to fly (an analogy tied to the drama’s titular thorn bird).
She added, “At first, Jung-eun was so kind that it was frustrating for me to understand how a person could be like that, but I decided to open my mind as I acted. Actually, I have a ‘nice-girl complex’ too, where I have a hard time sleeping if I say something bad about another person, but she’s even more extreme than that, so while this drama airs I’ll have to live as a fool. [Laughs]”
The drama follows the process as she tries to “untangle the entwined fates of Jung-eun and Han Yoo-kyung [Kim Min-jung],” who plays a movie producer and director. The two women are old friends and also rivals, but the way they live their lives are polar opposites. While Jung-eun embraces those around her as she pursues her dream, Yoo-kyung pursues her ambition with mad determination.
Thorn Birds premieres on March 2 on KBS, which follows President. It also stars Joo Sang-wook (Giant), Seo Do-young (Yacha), and Kim Ha-eun (Chuno).
[News] Oh Ji Ho, leader cast for co-produced drama 'Stranger 6' between MBC broadcasting, China and Japan. Cr. - hancinema
Oh Ji-ho has been cast for the lead role of Korea, Japan and Chinese collaboration drama "Strangers 6". A person in promotions says, "He is an agent in the National Intelligence Service and is the Korean representative Park Dae-hyeon in "Strangers 6"".
"Strangers 6" is a blockbuster drama about the things that will happen to the six representatives from the international agency that come together under orders.
Park Dae-hyun is a character that has superior ability to accomplish his missions and the will power, as well as fancy martial art moves. He works together with the Japanese and Chinese agents as a Korean representative.
Oh Ji-ho showed strong enthusiasm saying, "I'm honored to be working with the best staff and actors from Korea, Japan and China. I'm hoping this project will turn out to be a great one as much as it means to the three representative countries. I will do my best for this drama".
This drama is a matter of issue for its best staff in the three countries and actors as well.
Main productions will be done by the Chinese, and Fuji TV, WOWOW, Index from Japan, W Media Contents, BMC Investment and HnB Pictures from Korea will be participating in business.
Meanwhile, "Strangers 6" is due this later half of the year through MBC. Its production report conference will be this coming March 3rd.
[News] Park Min-young Catches Advertisers' Eyes. Cr. - hancinema
Park Min-young, who captured the hearts of audiences in the KBS2 TV drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", has drawn the attention of advertisers as well.
Park has recently become one of the most sought-after models for commercials, sweeping seven advertising deals for various products from cosmetics to underwear, clothing and liquor over the last three months.
Her management agency said her success in commercials is due to her ability to show a diverse range of charms according to each product's brand image. On her rising popularity, Park said, "I'm very thankful and want to continue doing my best in my career and show my versatility in future projects".
She is heading back to TV with the SBS TV drama, "City Hunter", which is scheduled to air in May.
[Photo & News] '49 Days’ Lee Yo-won in 'Sure' Magazine. Cr. - javabeans
Here’s a fashion spread with Lee Yo-won (Queen Seon-deok, The Recipe), star of the upcoming drama 49 Days. I love to see her looking so chic and polished, since most of the time she’s not very made-up for her roles. Well, minus the crazy ornate costumes and crowns when she was Princess Duk-man. But the preview for '49 Days' shows her as a low-key, lifeless character, which I’m assuming will change drastically once her body gets inhabited by a new soul.
I gotta say, I’m pretty damn excited by this drama, especially since the trailer promises something different from the current k-drama landscape. (Am SO not interested in the power struggles of the rich and richer.) And I’m also now obsessed with the idea that all reapers look like Jung Il-woo…because that would be GENIUS. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to their afterlife, if Jung Il-woo was motioning for you to come hither? Let’s go, Pretty! Screw this plane of existence…I’m going with you!
The production is helmed by writer-PD combo So Hyun-kyung and Jo Young-kwang (Brilliant Legacy and Prosecutor Princess), and also stars Jo Hyun-jae, Bae Soo-bin, Seo Ji-hye, and Nam Gyuri.
49 Days premieres Wednesday, March 16, following Sign on SBS.
[News] Micky Yoochun comes back with drama in six months "Goodbye Miss Ripley". Cr. - hancinema
Micky Yoochun will be returning to home screens after 6 months absence.
After imprinting himself as an actor last year in KBS 2TV drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" he is being chosen as top candidate for lead male role for this May MBC drama "Goodbye Miss Ripley".
Someone in the biz said, "Micky Yoochun is likely to be in this drama because he seems very interested and has had a few meetings with the crew. I know them to be talking about details about him coming on board".
Micky Yoochun became very popular with the drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" last year. Therefore his next project is an issue within the entertainment industry.
A person in the party revealed, "It's a matter of issue whether or not he will be imprinted as a top star actor and not a singer, with the drama 'Goodbye Miss Ripley'".
Meanwhile, in one part of the entertainment biz, there has been a rumor that he is to be the lead act for KBS 2TV drama "Housekeepers" due this May with Yoon Eun-hye.
However, his management denied the fact. On a phone interview with News N, they said, "It's not true. There hasn't been anything confirmed with that drama. He is currently on a break". It seems that even Yoo Eun-hye's management is denying this.
"Housekeepers" is a romantic comedy drama about revealing the truth about some strange housekeepers going around rich houses.
[News] Weekend sageuk King Geunchogo extended. Cr. - javabeans
'King Geunchogo' fans will be happy to hear that the big-budget historical drama will be getting an additional 10 episodes, which brings its run through June.
The KBS weekend drama starring Kam Woo-sung as a Baekche-era (4th century) warrior king was initially planned for 50 episodes, but has been granted the extension by the broadcast station. KBS was reportedly looking at an extension of 20 to 30 episodes in total, but ultimately decided on 10 instead, and will then make way for its successor drama, King Gwanggaeto, which will begin filming in March. The weekends love ‘em their sageuks.
The drama has not been performing particularly strongly in the ratings, holding steady in the 10% to 12% range. Ordinarily those numbers wouldn’t merit extending, but sageuk dramas tend to play by slightly different rules, and I’ve heard generally favorable remarks about the series. Perhaps consideration for its follow-up series also plays a role, although that much is purely speculation on my part. (It wouldn’t be unheard-of, though; Queen of Reversals owed the filming delays of The Duo for its extension much more than it did its middling ratings.)
The drama also stars Kim Ji-soo, Lee Jong-won, Lee Ji-hoon, and Ahn Jae-mo.
[NEWS] David Choi’s song featured in a Samsung ad with Lee Seung Gi! cr: allkpop
Talk about a killer combination! star David Choi and everyone’s favorite Hallyu entertainer/boy-next-door Lee Seung Gi in one ad!
That’s right – David Choi’s song, “By My Side“, was used in a 30-second ad for a Samsung Zipel refrigerator.
David Choi confirmed it on his Twitter, saying, “I would have never guessed that I would have a song in a Samsung refrigerator commercial in Korea (한국) lol -“.
내가 그토록 원했던 사랑이 내 앞에 있는데 เน กา คือ โท โรค วอน เฮท ตอน ซา รา งี เน อา เพ อิน นืน เด 아무 말도 하지 못 한 채로 바라만 보내요 อา มู มาล โด ฮา จิ โมท ทาน เช โร พา รา มาน โพ เน โย
Oh just hold me now and kiss me now At this moment think of us only I’ve only thought of you the entire day Did you know the way you give me laughter Is only by you?
Oh just hold me now and kiss me now At this moment think of us only I’ve only thought of you the entire day Did you know the way you give me laughter Is only by you?
I’ve only thought of you the entire day Did you know the way you give me laughter Is only by you? I only dream of you What should I do, you already know
[NEWS] The ‘Yongseo’ couple have a wedding shoot together cr: allkpop
On this week’s episode of MBC’s “We Got Married”, the “Yongseo” couple took part in a goregeous wedding photoshoot, which got CNBLUE’s Yonghwa making comments about how proud he is of his beautiful “wife”.
The moment Yonghwa saw Seohyun enter in her elegant wedding dress and natural waves in her hair, he couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping. Even his fellow band members complimented her beauty, as they said, “She looks like a goddess.”
Yonghwa then said, “Your legs look longer in the wedding dress. What is your body length to head size ratio?”, to which Seohyun wittily replied, “22:10″.
Many viewers are hoping for a kiss scene next week, as the teaser for the next episode shows the couple lying together on the ground and Yonghwa nervously saying to the director, “Pl… Please shoot it in one go!”
Having appeared in a couple of fashion shows in America over the past weeks, the Wonder Girls jetted to Shanghai recently to attend Chloé’s 5th anniversary celebrations.
Held at the Shanghai Expo Center on February 25th, the Wonder Girls were among the special guests invited, and wore outfits from Chloé’s 2011 Spring/Summer fashion line.
Chloé also marked its 5th year in China with a groundbreaking webcast to showcase luxury fashion from China to the world, plus organizing a series of interactive activities through its event website.www.jesuischloe.com
[News] Korea’s Top Stars Get Honest Acting Critique From Experts
Cr : ockoala
Recently a panel of experienced entertainment veterans ranging from the former head of SBS to an acting professor at Seoul University got together and critiqued the pure acting ability of the top-paid stars in Korean entertainment. I found all the criticisms valid, the rankings based on acting ability pretty much dead on, and some of the critiques so funny I was rolling on the floor.
If you think that liking a star means not being able to be honest about your beloved’s skills, then I suggest you not read on. Otherwise, check out the sad but true reality – some stars really aren’t great thespians. But at least they all try hard. The post tags will show which 10 actors got the full scrutiny.
I’ll translate in the order they were ranked.
Jang Dong Gun: pros – has a masculine charisma and a great ability to convey it, the performance is honest, is not a poser; cons – kind but cannot do vicious, needs to strength the ability to make a dramatic impression and to touch the viewers hearts. (Next up – play a serial killer, Jang Dong Gun – leave the President stuff to someone else).
Jung Woo Sung: pros – exceptional ability to understand and convey a character; cons – like a long time lover or a “newbie” who has been in the industry for quite some time, feels somber and without passion. (Tru dat).
Yoon Eun Hye: pros – finding the right character, can surpass any acting threshold; cons – after Coffee Prince, has lost her way, cannot rely on being cute. (She’s so hit – dead center, or miss – not even hitting the target, much less the bullseye).
Bae Yon Joon: pros – everlasting Hallyu star image; cons - always and forever there are two performances, wearing glasses and not wearing glasses. (MWAHAHAHAHA!, I’m dying here).
Kim Tae Hee: pros – in My Princess, showed a glimmer of hope that acting can improve; cons – appears to have a fundamental confusion about the skill of acting, expressions of anger, expressions of sadness, its always locked into a form. (I definitely see the glimmer of hope).
Shin Mina: pros – has the potential to express any character naturally; cons – always puts the other side in a passive position, dry line readings and expressions makes even the best male actor unable to fully engage.
Choi Ji Woo: pros – has a unique, pure charisma; cons – since Winter Sonata, with her aging, her allure has decreased, needs to learn to act with her entire body rather than just with her face. (So true, but that crying face does work well).
Song Seung Heon: pros – since Happy Together, the freshness has carried over to subsequent projects, acting is mature; cons – acting does not leave a strong impression, whether dialogue or characters. (He usually skims the surface of his characters, which is why most don’t make an impression).
Kwon Sang Woo: pros – has experience and honesty in his acting; cons - its very immature to think that he can overcome his line reading impediments by choosing to do physical roles.
Jeon Ji Hyun: pros – for CFs which require an instantaneous explosion and concentration, she displays an incredible charisma and connection with the camera; cons – has an aura of mystery, even giving off a sense to the viewer that she fades from the screen and into the background.
Whenever idols-turned-actors get eviscerated for their limited acting ability and fans counter that people should cut them some slack, I contend that acting is hard hard work. Even the most experienced and highest-paid actors are judged on their talent and improvement. I love an honest look at my favorite actors, because liking someone means being cognizant of their shortcomings.
[News] Noh Min Woo reflects on his career as an actor. Cr. - allkpop
The drummer turned actor, Noh Min Woo, reflected on his acting career through a recent interview with Mnet’s ‘Wide News‘.
At the start of the interview, Noh Min Woo revealed, ”Because I have been constantly moving around, I’ve been losing a lot of weight, but I think since I am busy doing something I want to do, I feel very good.”
He then continued by introducing his character in the new drama, SBS’s ‘Midas‘. He explained that his rich playboy role of Yoo Myung Joon required kissing scenes, bed scenes, and lines such as, “It’s not like I’m asking to get married, I’m just trying to have some fun. What’s wrong with that?“.
His preparation for the ‘Midas’ role differed significantly from the preparation he did for his role on MBC’s ’Pasta‘ (2010). For his role of Phillip in ‘Pasta’, he and the other chefs worked at the original pasta restaurant for one month, and went from washing dishes to mastering five entrees prior to filming.
As for his minuscule role in the movie ‘Frozen Flower‘ (2008), he rigorously trained in sword-fighting, archery, and horseback riding for two months. Many asked why a musician like him chose to do such a hard work, but he explained that he wanted to feel/see Joo Jin Mo and Jo In Sung’s presence on the set in person.
His more recent work in SBS’s ‘My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox‘ raised his recognition in the industry, as he went on to receive a ‘New Star Award‘ at the 2010 SBS Drama Awards. He expressed his satisfaction regarding his rock performance at the awards ceremony, and explained how his mother was the first person to introduce him to rock when he was 12-years-old.
He also addressed the many shocked reactions he received from people who only recently found out about his blonde-haired rocker TRAX days. He said, “Some people say that it’s scary, but it’s just another ‘me’ that’s inside of me. I like it.”
Lastly, he discussed his latest mini music drama, KBS’s ‘Rock Rock Rock‘, where he was able to show off his guitar skills as he played the role of Boohwal’s guitarist, Kim Tae Won.
He ended the interview by stating his goals for the future, saying,
“There is so much to do. I’m becoming more greedy regarding acting, and I’m working harder. I want to show viewers a more focused actor. I also want to reach people through the music I’ve been preparing.
[News] Jo Seung-woo, Daniel Choi cast in Gu Hye-sun film. Cr. - javabeans
Gu Hye-sun has scored another big-name actor in her next directorial feature: Jo Seung-woo (Tazza, Sword With No Name, pictured above) has signed on to Peach Tree, which has already secured Nam Sang-mi (Life Is Beautiful).
This is something of a coup (kind of?), as Jo has been serving in the military for the past two years and his comeback project has been rather anticipated. He has already returned to acting life via theater, but this will be his first screen project back.
Furthermore, Peach Tree has also secured Daniel Choi (High Kick Through the Roof) and Lee Jun-hyuk (I Am Legend), who have agreed to appear out of friendship to Gu. Daniel Choi, you may recall, is her co-star from her upcoming drama The Musical, which is trying to find a slot on a broadcast schedule for the upcoming year. I can see where being a well-known actor can be a boon in casting one’s directorial project, as you can secure bigger names than you might otherwise. For a rookie director, this is a pretty solid cast, in particular with regards to Jo, who is almost exclusively a movie star (though he does perform in stage musicals).
Peach Tree is described as a “fairy-tale-like fantasy” and aims to begin shooting this spring. Perhaps it’ll do better than her previous (and debut) feature, Magic. One thing in her favor is that Gu’s directorial Achilles heel appears to be overambitiousness/ pretentiousness (rather than, say, a lack of talent or banality of vision), which is something that added experience can go a long way toward alleviating.
[News] So Ji-sub and Yoo Ah-in cast starring the boxer in "Only You" new movie ...who's better? Cr. - hancinema
So Ji-sub and Yoo Ah-in starring cast absorbed in boxer. So Ji-sub is currently preparing for the lead role of the movie "Only You". This movie is a heartwarming and affectionate sad love story about an ex-boxer who has a strong will to survive and a blind woman.
So Ji-sub, who is the ex-boxer, is practicing boxing for the movie. His management said, "He is working hard with his boxing coach every chance he can. He is looking forward to the shoot in March so he's analyzing his part as well as building his body".
Movie "Only You" is the new project of director Song Il-gon who has done "Flower Island" and "Spider Forest".
Yoo Ah-in is looking forward to shooting the movie "Wandeugi" with Kim Yoon-seok. Based on a best selling novel, this movie is about the growth process of seventeen-year old Wandeugi, who is poor, not that smart and a rebel but doesn't lose in a fight with anyone. He meets his sworn enemy teacher oddball Dong-joo who slowly changes to a lovable enemy and Wandeugi gets a dream and hope as he learns kickboxing.
Yoo Ah-in in the movie is Wandeugi, the poor rebel. As much as his role is about learning and maturing through kickboxing, he is working hard at training himself.
Recently Yoo Ah-in uploaded a video of him practicing on Twitter. In the video, he was charismatic, swift and fast.
[News] So Ji-sub cast for 'Businessman" movie ?. Cr. - hancinema
Hallyu Star So Ji-sub's management drew a line saying "There hasn't been anything decided yet" about the discussion of him being cast in the movie "Businessman".
So Ji-sub's management 51K chairman Kim Jung-hee said on the phone with News N, "There have been no decisions made about the movie. He just has the scenario and is considering it. It's not the time to be talking about his next project when "Only You" hasn't even started shooting".
So Ji-sub is looking forward to mellow movie "Only You" (directed by Song Il-gon and produced by Hb Entertainment), which is cranking in this March.
"Only You" is a sad love story about an ex-boxer who has a strong will to survive and a blind woman. This movie was an issue among actors as it draws the sacrificial love of a man who throws down his destiny for a woman he loves. Ha Ji-won, Moon Geun-young and Kim Ah-joong were offered the lead female role, but Han Hyo-joo got it.
[News] 2PM’s Taecyeon expresses his gratitude to the “Dream High” team through Twitter. Cr. - allkpop
With the last episode of KBS 2TV’s “Dream High” nearing, 2PM’s Taecyeon expressed how he felt through his Twitter account.
On February 25th, Taecyeon tweeted, “The ‘Dream High’ special concert has ended, but we’re still filming for the 16th episode” – revealing that the cast was still in the midst of shooting the final episode.
He also expressed his gratitude, pride, and affection for the ‘Dream High’ team. “To all the actors and staff who ran with us until now, you have all worked very, very hard. Even when people pointed fingers at us saying that we would fail because it’s a drama made up of idols, you kept filming diligently, and to the ‘Dream High’ team who stayed together through snow and rain, I love you!”
Meanwhile, the 16th and final episode of ‘Dream High’ will air on February 28th, and the special concert will air on March 1st.
[Spoiler] "My Princess" Kim Tae-hee and Song Seung-heon marry, resolves with Park Ye-jin, 'perfect happy ending'. Cr. - hancinema
Kim Tae-hee and Park Ye-jin settled their conflicts.
On the last episode of MBC drama "My Princess" on the 24th, Lee Seol (Kim Tae-hee) and Oh Yoon-joo (Park Ye-jin) resolved things between each other after a long time of being hateful.
The episode started with Lee Seol becoming princess and years after the national vote. Being a grad student, Lee Seol took professor Oh Yoon-joo's class.
United as teacher and student, argued over scores but their conflicts were settled.
Oh Yoon-joo was especially a big help in Lee Seol finding the diary of a prince which was kept in the English Imperial Museum. Lee Seol fought for the redemption of her grandfather's diary and the English Imperial family trusted Oh Yoon-joo.
Lee Seol said to Oh Yoon-joo, "You might hate me but you love history" and Oh Yoon-joo might've looked like she was going to reject but actively helped. In the end the English Imperial Family decided to lend the diary permanently without condition and the diary was actually returned to the imperial family.
Oh Yoon-joo acknowledged Lee Seol's talent by telling Hong Sang-goong, "She might be dumb but she has talent for making people hers. I was afraid I was going to be disadvantageous but I guess nothing like that happened".
Having been sworn enemies in the entire drama, they finally acknowledged each other and settled things. They didn't become friends completely but at least it was a happy ending.
Meanwhile, Park Hae-young was called to Washington by the President and before he left he proposed to Lee Seol. She hesitated for a second, then accepted the proposal and they displayed the last scene with a kiss in the plane to Washington.
[Article] Korean Wave`s focus in Tokyo shifting to music. Cr. - donga / hancinema
A Korean restaurant named "Goshire" opened in August 2006 by Korean actor Bae Yong-joon in Tokyo will be closed next month.
Grabbing more attention, however, is "K Theater", a performance hall exclusively for Korean pop music that has emerged as the mainstream of "hallyu (Korean Wave)". The theater will open in the Japanese capital's Shibuya and Ebisu districts, which are major hotspots for shopping and youth fashion.
This case illustrates that the Korean Wave's focus in Japan has shifted from "Yonsama", Bae's nickname in Japan, to K-pop.
Goshire became the Korea Wave hub in Japan after Bae opened the restaurant in Tokyo's Minato district to create "an upscale Korean Wave restaurant". Business was so good at one point that fans would say people who do not visit Goshire could hardly join chats between Korean Wave fans.
Fans would wait in long lines extending hundreds of meters even on rainy days to get into the restaurant. Recently, however, complaints have mounted that visitors have few chances to see Bae there or that prices are too high.
Ethnic Koreans in Japan also expressed regret, with one saying, "The restaurant likely won't last long".
Eventually, Goshire announced suspension of business on its Web site, saying, "We will only continue operations until late February due to aged facilities". Whether it will reopen was not clarified.
News of Goshire's closure was immediately followed by reports on the opening of K-Theater scheduled for April. The theater has paid-in capital of 1 billion yen (12 million U.S. dollars) from an entertainment management company run by Park Seok-ryol, a third-generation ethnic Korean in Japan.
Investment also came from Fuji TV, Japan's largest private broadcaster and variety show powerhouse. Other stakeholders in the theater include a former chairman of Avex, Japan's largest entertainment company, and the heads of movie studios.
The theater will exclusively stage performances featuring Korean acts twice a day year-round. It will also reportedly invite not only known Korean stars but also new faces and proactively hold fan meetings and news conferences for Korean stars.
The hope is that K-Theater grows into a hub of Korean pop music in Japan represented by TVXQ, Kara, Four Minutes and Girls' Generation, who are carrying on the Korean Wave first generated through hit TV dramas in the early 2000s.
Park said, "Hallyu previously reminded people of somewhat chaotic districts including Shinjuku and Shinokubo. But we now need to pursue a strategy to upgrade its quality in Shibuya and Ebisu", adding, "We will ensure that K-Theater will take root as a permanent hub of the Korean Wave (in Japan)".
[News] Bae Yong Joon, “Even though I’m sick, if ‘Dream High’..!” Cr. - suehan
Bae Yong Joon decided to complete his role as a producer even though he is ill.
In January, Bae Yong Joon was hospitalized due to a recurring ruptured cervical disc and received treatment for 17 days. Fortunately, the treatment result was good, so he was discharged from the hospital. Since then, he has been receiving treatment as an out-patient. It’s known that he is concentrating in receiving treatment and has refrained from business activities.
But he is showing lots of interests in the production team and casts of KBS 2TV’s Mon-Tue drama “Dream High (writer Park Hye Ryeon, producer Lee Eung Bok)” which is his first production. Bae Yong Joon will be attending the wrap-up party of “Dream High” with Park Jin Young, co-producer, at a restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul on the afternoon of March 1st.
Someone related to his agency, Keyeast, explained that, “He didn’t attend the additional filming of ‘Dream High’ due to a ruptured cervical disc, but, he’ll definitely be attending the wrap-up party where all of the staff will be going. He takes it seriously because it is the wrapping-up of the drama which he has planned for a long time.”
All of the main casts of “Dream High”, Kim Soo Hyun, Bae Suzy, Ok Taec Yeon, and Jang Woo Young, will be attending the wrap-up party. The production team decided to have a private wrap-up party to applaud all of the staff and casts who participated with the Dream High production.
[News] '49 Days' SBS new drama trailer released. Cr. - javabeans
'49 Days' Trailer released, which is looking more and more promising.
The SBS series has released its first teaser (watch below), which gives us (very) brief glimpses into the lives of its main characters. And there are a lot of them, most of whom I’m eager to see acting: Lee Yo-won as the woman whose body is taken over by the soul of a woman whose body is in a coma (Nam Gyuri), Jung Il-woo as the handsome young reaper, Bae Soo-bin as the fiancé to the soul (not the body), Seo Ji-hye as a frenemy, and Jo Hyun-jae as…well, I’m not so sure who he is. But he’s our main lead and therefore, one presumes, main love interest.
The teaser itself is meant to tantalize more than give any concrete answers, and if the series is able to maintain the interesting, mysterious atmosphere of the preview, I’m in. The story itself has got a lot of appeal, and I’m intrigued to see how it all fits together. Plus, well, those are some pretty, pretty boys in the cast — never enough to sustain a drama alone, but always a nice bonus.
49 Days premieres following Sign on March 16, and airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays on SBS.
[News] Choi Siwon & Donghae back out of Extravagant Challenge because of Ariel Lin? Cr. - cpopaccess
Extravagant Challenge hasn't even had the chance to recuperate from it's three-year-delay before being hit with more problems.
Since Ariel Lin announced that she was dropping Extravagant Challenge for another GTV series, 我可能不會愛你 (roughly I Might Not Fall In Love With You,) fans have been bombarding the station with threats saying that they will boycott both series if Ariel is not the lead of Extravagant. Not only that, it is also rumored that Super Junior's Donghae and Siwon might have also dropped out due to the female lead being changed.
GTV current statement is that everything out there are still rumors and they will be making an official announcement about the cast at the end of the month as the series can no longer be postponed due to copyright restrictions.
[News] Bae Yong Joon filed an invasion of private property lawsuit against a monthly magazine reporter. Cr. - suehan
“Yonsama” Bae Yong Joon filed a lawsuit against a cameraman of the monthly magazine who took pictures of the inside of the house which he purchased in Seongbuk-dong last year.
On 23rd of February, someone related to Keyeast, his agency, had a telephone conversation with Newsen and said that, “On the 18th, Bae Yong Joon filed a lawsuit against a reporter who invaded Bae Yong Joon’s privacy by taking pictures of his house in Seongbuk-dong.”
The same person above said, “We kind of understand the outside pictures since they’re already released before, but he even came into the yard to take pictures. Unfortunately, he invaded privacy and private property without the owner’s permission.”
He also added, “He took pictures of inside of the house including the yard and published them in the magazine. We filed a lawsuit for the invasion of private property. We’ve no idea how he entered the house because there were workers remodeling the house and the main entrance must be used to enter the house.
Bae Yong Joon bought a 5 billion won worth house in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul last autumn, and it became a topic. His house is currently under interior construction and he plans to move into the house as soon as the construction is completed.
Empress Myeongseong (19 October 1851 – 8 October 1895), also known as Queen Min, was the first official wife of King Gojong, the twenty-sixth king of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. In 1902 she received the posthumous name 'Hyoja Wonseong Jeonghwa Hapcheon Honggong Seongdeok Myeongseong Taehwanghu' (Korean Hangul: 효자원성정화합천홍공성덕명성태황후, Hanja: 孝慈元聖正化合天洪功誠德明成太皇后), often abbreviated as Myeongseong Hwanghu (Hangul: 명성황후, Hanja: 明成皇后), meaning Empress Myeongseong.
The Japanese considered her as an obstacle against its overseas expansion. Efforts to remove her from the political arena, orchestrated through failed rebellions prompted by the father of King Gojong, Heungseon Daewongun (an influential regent working with the Japanese), compelled the Empress to take a harsher stand against Japanese influence.
After Japan's victory in the First Sino-Japanese War, Queen Min advocated stronger ties between Korea and Russia in an attempt to block Japanese influence in Korea, which was represented by Daewongun. Miura Gorō, the Japanese Minister to Korea at that time and a retired army lieutenant-general, backed the faction headed by the Daewongun, whom he considered to be more sympathetic to Japanese interests.
In the early morning of October 8, 1895, sword-bearing assassins, allegedly under orders from Miura Gorō, entered Gyeongbok Palace. Upon entering the Queen's Quarters (Okhoru Pavilion), the assassins "killed three court [women] suspected of being Empress Myeongseong. When they confirmed that one of them was the Empress, they burned the corpse in a pine forest in front of the Okhoru Pavilion, and then dispersed the ashes." She was 43 years-old.
The assassination of the Korean Empress ignited diplomatic protest abroad.[citation needed] To appease growing international criticism,[citation needed] the Japanese government "recalled Miura and placed him under a staged trial at the Hiroshima District Court, while the military personnel involved were tried at a military court. All were given the verdict of not-guilty on the grounds of insufficient evidence."
After the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910, Miura was honored and awarded a seat at the Privy Council (Sumitsuin), the advisory board to the Emperor.
The Empress's role has been widely debated by historians. Some Koreans who survived the Japanese occupation[who?] criticize her for failing to militarily resist the Japanese. The Japanese portrayal of Empress Myeongseong forms part of the recent controversy over allegations of revisionist history in Japanese school textbooks.
In South Korea, there is renewed interest in her life because of recent novels, TV drama and musical. In Korea she is viewed by many as a national heroine, for striving diplomatically and politically to keep Korea independent of foreign influence. She had planned to modernize Korea.
[Article] Moon Geun Young from 'The Last Korea Empress (KBS 2001)'. Original :http://twssg.blogspot.com/
'The Last Korea Empress (KBS 2001)' or 'Empress Myeongseong' based on the life of Empress Myeongseong (1851 - 1895), the first official wife of King Gojong, the 26th king of the Joseon dynasty. She was killed on October 8, 1895 by Japanese assassins.
One of the highest rated Korean TV series of 2002, KBS period drama The Last Empress follows the amazing life and times of Korea's last empress, Myeongseong. The consort of Emperor Gojong, Empress Myeongseong is remembered in Korean history as a national heroine. Presiding over a tumultuous period in modern Korean history (late 19th century), she was actively involved in politics and diplomacy, seeking to modernize Korea and resist Japanese imperialism. Lee Mi Yeon (Typhoon) portrays the title role with grace and gravity, alongside Lee Jin Woo as Emperor Gojong. Moon Geun Young (Tale of Two Sisters) plays the Empress as a young girl.
Moon Geun Young - The Last Korea Empress
The story opens in 1863 with the ascension of child emperor Gojong, amidst a flurry of court intrigue and political power play. Gojong (Lee Jin Woo) comes of age under the guidance of his father and regent Daewongun (Yoo Dong Geun), whose fair rule wins widespread support in the court. A commoner by birth, Min Ja Yeong (Lee Mi Yeon) enters the palace to become Gojong's concubine. She should have been nothing more than another powerless piece in the puzzle, but the beautiful and quick-witted Ja Yeong attracts Emperor Gojong's favor and rises above the conspiracies and obstacles to become Empress Myeongseong.
[MV] If I Leave (Korean Version) - The Last Korea Empress OST.
This song is all about korean last Queen Myeongseong who killed by japanese soliders. She knew she will die but she didnt run away so...this song is about how did Myoung sung feel like...
She is the queen who tried save Korea from Foreign countries especially from the Japan by trying to modernize the Korea. While she was the queen, she formed the first modern soldiers of Korea and tried buy modern weapons from foreign countries such as rifles, cannons, and machine gun (rare during that time of period) to modernize the korean military.
But, that dream didn't come true due to her assasination by cruel and brutal Japanese government's greed. Queen Myeongseong tried to save Korea from Japanese modernization. More like she herself was trying to modernize Korea, to protect Korea from Japanese imperialism. I compare her favourably to that stupid evil woman Empress Cixi.
