...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] Lee Joon Gi’s Year-End Fan Meeting Tickets Sell Out in 1 Minute. Cr. - enewsworld
Once again, it seems Lee Joon Gi fans just can’t get enough of the star.
On November 29, Interpark opened ticket sales for Lee Joon Gi’s upcoming year-end fan meeting JG TIME with you…. At home.
However, as soon as ticket sales opened up, within 60 seconds, all seats had been completely sold out, showing how in-demand the event is.
His agency IMX shared, “We are receiving countless requests from fans who weren’t able to secure tickets. Knowing just how heavily anticipated this event is, we will do our best to create a memorable year-end event so we ask for your continued anticipation.”
At the fan meeting, Lee Joon Gi is planning to meet and chat with fans, unveil new songs and carry out a few surprise events for fans as well.
The fan meeting will take place on December 29 at the Musical Center Theater in Seoul.
[News] Psy's Hong Kong performance to be broadcast to 85 countries. Cr. - http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/
HONG KONG (Yonhap) -- Korean pop sensation Psy's performance of his megahit single "Gangnam Style" in Hong Kong later Friday will be broadcast to 85 countries, concert organizers said.
The Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), in which Psy, along with other Korean pop (K-pop) singers, will participate, is scheduled to be held at the Convention and Exhibition Center in central Hong Kong at 6:00 p.m. (Hong Kong time), South Korea's conglomerate CJ Group said.
The MAMA is one of the major K-pop music award ceremonies being hosted by Mnet Media, an entertainment subsidiary of CJ Group.
It has been held annually in one of the Asian cities since 2009, with some of the most popular Korean singers participating.
The previous events were held in Singapore, Macao and Seoul. Hong Kong's largest commercial television station TVB, mainland China's most viewed Hunan TV and FOX International Channels have participated as media partners, simultaneously airing the awards event live, CJ officials said.
"This Year's MAMA will be aired live on terrestrial broadcast channels in Asia expanding its coverage in Europe, South America and the Middle East as well," said Mike Suh, the senior vice president of the 2012 MAMA secretariat.
"Proving its reputation increased over years and the recent trend of K-Pop, there has been much attention from overseas broadcasters."
The event will be broadcast live in 16 countries, including Korea, Hong Kong,
Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and the U.S., and will be later aired in an additional 69 countries, such as France, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.
The number of viewers could reach as high as 2.3 billion around the world, the officials expected.
Ahead of the show, Psy performed "Gangnam Style" on Thursday at the City of Dreams luxurious hotel in the neighboring city of Macau.
[News] Stars snapped in black and blue for ‘Cheongdamdong Alice’ and ‘School 2013′ press photos. Cr. - allkpop
ith a couple dramas reaching their end this week, photographers had a field day for not just one, but two press days in a row as the teams for ‘Cheongdamdong Alice‘ and ‘School 2013‘ promoted their new dramas on the afternoons of November 27th and 28th. Despite being two different dramas promoting on two different days, the stars of these upcoming dramas were all snapped in clean-cut blues and blacks that enhanced their sharp and classy outfit choices.
The stars of ‘Cheongdamdong Alice’ made their outing on the 27th. Actors Park Si Hoo, Kim Ji Suk, Moon Geun Young, and So Yi Hyun. Nation’s little sister Moon Geun Young especially caught the eyes of photographers as she showed off her mature side wearing a simple, yet interesting, black dress accented with pocket details- a dress perfectly complimented by her high ponytail and fringe bang. Her partner, actor Park Si Hoo, looked the part of his wealthy character with his navy, double-breasted suit.
The black and blue theme continued on the next day, the 28th, with the young stars of ‘School 2013′. Park Se Young flaunted her lean legs in black shorts that added fun to her fitted deep blue, collared, 3/4-sleeve peplum top. Kim Jong Suk also opted for a double-breasted suit that he made more casual with a black
tee, instead of Park Si Hoo’s shirt and tie.
New actress Ryu Hyo Young, on the other hand, appeared in an eclectic (and rather questionable!) ensemble. Wearing what looks like an aqua-blue, patent skirted top, denim jacket, and a knee-length navy skirt with an orange pattern, she definitely stands out against the more formal choices of her co-stars.
Check out all the looks from this week below, and tune in to see your favorite stars on the small screen!
‘Cheongdamdong Alice’ premieres Saturday, December 1st. ‘School 2013′ premieres Monday, December 3rd, taking over ‘Oohlala Couple’, which ended earlier this week.
[News] ‘My Daughter Seo Young’ Lee Bo Young’s Fashionista Look. Cr. - ohkpop
KBS drama “My Daughter Seo Young” Lee Bo Young’s fashion is drawing a lot of attention.
Lee Bo Young plays lawyer Lee Seo Young and is showing great chemistry with her partner Lee Sang Yoon. In the drama, she is pulling off her character perfectly and also has been crowned a fashionista.
She chooses knitted sweaters that are very stylish as innerwear during the colder seasons. She recently wore a white shirt and a grey knitted sweater with a coat, which was professional and very feminine.
Internet users said, “Lee Bo Young can wear anything!” “This look suits her.” “The simplicity is the best.”
[News]‘King of Dramas’ Choi Siwon’s Character Has His Own Fanclub. Cr. - ohkpop
“King of Drama” Choi Siwon’s character Kang Hyun Min acquired its own fan club.
On Thursday, the drama revealed photos of the gifts that the fan club for Kang Hyun Min prepared for the press conference of “Kyungsung Morning” (Kyungsung is the old name for Seoul).
In the picture, Kang Hyun Min’s fan club “Siwon Siwon” (which can mean “cool cool”) prepared boxes of a gift and the poster for the new drama.
What they prepared was the juice that the first episode of the series showed in the opening few moments. It was the juice box used in the ending of the drama within the drama.
One crew member revealed that it was an event they planned in order to draw more attention and to pay back the fans who have been very supportive.
[News] Posters for Bae Doo-na's Hollywood Debut Film Unveiled. Cr. - Chosun Ilbo
More attention is fastening on actress Bae Doo-na as a series of newly released promotional posters for her Hollywood debut film "Cloud Atlas" start doing the rounds.
The highly anticipated blockbuster directed by Andy and Lana Wachowski and Tom Tykwer consists of six interwoven stories set in different time periods dating from the 19th century to over 200 years in the future.
Bae is shown with Hollywood stars such as Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw. The actors' overlapping faces imply that they are all interconnected.
One of the posters shows Bae standing on a steel bridge as a flying object veers toward her, against the background of a futuristic vision of Seoul. It is scheduled to be released on Jan. 10.
[News] Moon Geun Young rides the subway: “She’s free and easy”. Cr. - http://en.korea.com/
Actress Moon Geun Young recently appeared on a subway.
An online community posted a picture with the comment, “Few hours ago.”
In the picture, Moon is showing off her free and easy spirit. She is clasping her hands and sitting right next to the door. Even though she is sitting among the public, she looks comfortable.
People who saw the picture responded: “She has a nice seat.” “I like her.” “It is different from pictures of other entertainers.” “She looks like an ordinary girl.” “She’s cute.” “People on the subway might have been surprised.” “I need a high definition picture.”
[News] Ku Hye Sun promotes International 3-D Festival. Cr. - http://en.korea.com/
Ku Hye Sun promotes International 3-D Festival
November 30, 2012 7:30 pm dkrogers
Actress and director Ku Hye Sun will promote the International 3-D Festival.
On November 30, Ku’s agency, YG Entertainment, said that Ku was selected as an honorary ambassador for the International 3-D Festival, which will be held on December 6 and 7 in Busan.
Ku, who has become popular online with her beautiful appearance, is currently keeping busy as a director by producing the movies Magic, Peach Tree, and Pieces of Memory.
Ku will hold a signing event on December 6 at the opening ceremony for the festival. Her 3-D short film Pieces of Memory, which was selected as an example of Korean 3-D content, will be shown at the little theater of Cine Mountain.
The festival, which is conducted by Korea Communications Commission and Busan Metropolitan City, will present various 3-D contents and conferences with celebrities from overseas.
[News] The “hottest” TVB artistes in China. Cr. - http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/
These TVB artistes have successfully carved a niche for themselves in the competitive showbiz industry in China!
Hong Kong TVB has always been popular for its top-rated drama series. Their homegrown artistes are also well-loved by the audience in the Asia region. TVB artistes have since been highly sought after by the Chinese producers in order to obtain top sponsorships and ratings for the production company.
However, many TVB artistes have been exploring greater opportunities overseas, and they are gradually diverting their entertainment careers to the China market.
They have mentioned that working in China is much better than in Hong Kong. The artistes are earning many times more than their current paychecks at TVB. In addition, they have more time to rest and manage their personal lives.
Is the grass greener on the "outside world"?
Click through the gallery to check out which TVB artiste is currently "a hot item" in the China entertainment industry.
[News] Jang Keun-suk Releases Two New Team H Songs Ahead of Schedule.
Cr. - ohkpop
Jang Keun-suk has rounded off his ‘2012 Jang Keun-suk Asian Tour,” which started in July, with a grand finale in Saitama, Japan.
Jang successfully performed two concerts in Saitama, Japan, the last date of his tour, on Nov. 26 and Nov.27, attracting audiences of 15,000 and 30,000 respectively.
He held a final concert in Saitama on Nov. 29 to end his tour.
In the latest concert at Saitama Super Arena held during the week, over 30,000 tickets for his performances sold out, proving his great popularity. He drove fans into a frenzy by singing, as an encore performance, two unreleased new songs from the album of project group Team-H, which was originally scheduled to be released next year.
During the concert, when the video image of Team-H, consisting of Jang and his music partner Big Brother, was displayed, fans danced to the energetic beat and melody, giving thunderous applause.
In the three-hour-long Saitama concert, fans were wowed by special events to commemorate the finale tour performance. Behind-the scenes video images from the previous performances in Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya and Hukuoka were played on a specially decorated stage.
An audience of 30,000 flew colorful paper planes during the first day concert and colorful balloons during the second day concert, each, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Jang’s debut. Moved by tributes prepared by fans, Jang responded to fans’ cheers with his unique hand kiss.
Jang said before the finale performance, “I achieved a lot and exchanged more with fans through this tour, which was firmly rooted as the brand of CRI show. I will do my best in the last performance.”
“2012 Jang Keun-suk Tour”, which had 16 concerts in nine Asian cities, ended with the finale performance in Saitama on Nov. 29.
[News] Yoon Shi Yoon to Appear at ′2012 MAMA′ as a Presenter with Park Shin Hye. Cr. - enewsworld
Yoon Shi Yoon will be handing out awards with his ′flower girl′ Park Shin Hye at this year′s Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
The actor recently left for Hong Kong in order to attend the 2012 MAMA, which is scheduled to be held on November 30. He appeared in jeans, a black coat and sunglasses, drawing attention with his trendy airport style.
A rep from Yoon Shi Yoon′s agency, Taxi Entertainment, said, "He left the country after receiving a request from MAMA to appear as a presenter. He will be staying in Hong Kong for three days."
His appearance at the ceremony will be his first official appearance since his MBC drama last year Me Too, Flower!.
Park Shin Hye will be joining him as a presenter at the same time to boast their chemistry for the upcoming tvN drama My Flower Boy Neighbor.
Fans will be able to see just how well the two go with each other as a couple in advance before the drama starts airing in January.
My Flower Boy Neighbor is a 16-part drama based on a webtoon titled I Watch Him Everyday. It starts when Go Dok Mi (Park Shin Hye), a woman who′s locked herself up in her room, is caught spying on the boy next door by Enrique Geum (Yoon Shi Yoon).
[News] Nakama Yukie to return as an enchantress in new drama ‘Saki’. Cr. - tokyohive
On November 30th, Fuji TV announced that actress Nakama Yukie will reprise her role as the beautiful, yet scary and malicious ‘Meyer Saki’ from the 2011 winter drama ‘Utsukushii Rinjin‘ (‘Beautiful Neighbor’).
In the upcoming winter season, ‘Meyer Saki’ will be the protagonist in the same-named drama ‘Saki‘. Her goal in ‘Utsukushii Rinjin’ was to deceive a married woman and to destroy her peaceful life. This time she will ruin the lives of several men.
According to the producers, we will see the same ‘Meyer Saki’ we got to know, hate, and love in ‘Utsukushii Rinjin’, but they want to tell us a completely different story rather than forcing a direct sequel. Therefore, it has been also necessary to replace every character except for ‘Saki’.
This time ‘Meyer Saki’ will work as a nurse at the pediatrics department of a general hospital. The young patients and all men love her because of her angelic smile, her perfect cooking skills, and the sheer beauty she radiates in everything she does. However, none of them know of her amazing ability to ruin other people’s lives while keeping her hands clean all the time. Her targets this time are the reporter of a major magazine (Miura Shohei) who is searching for his older sister, a famous lawyer (Hagiwara Masato) who is fighting for justice, and her main target – the devoted husband and board chairman of said hospital, played by Takashima Masanobu.
Uchida Yuki will play a female reporter who becomes suspicious of Saki’s behavior. Other characters will be played by Shonozaki Ken and Ishiguro Hideo, among others. The theme song titled “Catch Me -If you wanna-“ will once again be provided by the Korean group Tohoshinki.
‘Saki’ will air every Tuesday at 10:00 pm and is slated to premiere with an extended episode on January 8th, 2013.
[News] Jang Keun-suk Asia tour comes to an end. Cr. - jongang Ilbo
Jang Keun-suk’s “The Cri Show 2” came to an end at Saitama Super Arena on Nov. 29.
The Asian tour, which kicked off in Seoul in July, made its way around Yokohama, Shanghai, Taipei, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka before calling it a wrap at the Super Arena, with an additional show squeezed in to meet demands.
Jang took part in every stage of preparation from brainstorming, stage direction and developing the tour’s concept, “an amusement park for adults.”
Although he was the entertainer, fans of the artist dubbed “Prince of Asia” took to entertain Jang with various events. On the first day in Saitama, multi-colored paper airplanes were flown and on the following day a colorful balloon was launched, both to commemorate Jang’s 20 years in the industry.
To return the favor, Jang promised that he’d return with “The Cri Show 3,” next year and also treated fans to a never-before-heard song that he recorded with his sub-unit duo partner Big Brother.
[News] Eita to star in new Fuji TV drama ‘Saikou no Rikon’ Cr. - tokyohive
On November 30th, it was announced that Eita is going to star in the upcoming Fuji TV winter 2013 drama ‘Saikou no Rikon‘.
Eita is playing a just-divorced salesman who is still living together with his ex-wife. One day he happens to run into his now-married former girlfriend from his student days and feels attracted to her again. His ex-wife will be played by actress Ono Machiko, his former girlfriend by Maki Yoko, and the latter’s husband by actor Ayano Go.
This is going to be Eita’s second starring role in the upcoming winter season, which is an exceptional circumstance for any actor.
‘Saikou no Rikon’ is an original romantic comedy written by Sakamoto Yuji (‘Tokyo Love Story’, ‘Mother’). Sakamoto and Eita already teamed up last year for the drama ‘Soredemo, Ikite Yuku‘ (Fuji TV).
Eita is playing Hamasaki Kosei, a likable yet incapable salesman who is married to the very abrasive Yuika (Ono). They both seem to have a strained relationship with each other, therefore it’s no surprise that Yuika suddenly wants to get a divorce. At the same time, Kosei happens to run into his former girlfriend Akari (Maki) from his college days. Akari is married as well and is living in an open marriage with her freewheeling husband Ryo (Ayano). Aside from all the lover quarrels and some shocking secrets, the drama is going to depict the troubles of married couples and families in a light and easy way.
Off-screen, Eita married singer Kimura Kaelaback in 2010, and the couple had their first baby boy. He commented, “When I heard that Sakamoto is writing a family-themed comedy, I was hoping that the timing would match with me, so I could play the role. I absolutely didn’t want anyone else to get this role and became really impatient.”
He just knew by intuition that this is going to be perfect, and the script confirmed his hunch. He added, “It’s nothing like any drama you’ve seen before!”
Fuji TV will broadcast ‘Saikou no Rikon’ every Thursday at 10:00 p.m. starting in January of 2013.
[News] Jung Woo-sung talks about Lee Ji-ah relationship. Cr. - Jongang Ilbo
Actor Jung Woo-sung told all about his short love affair with Lee Ji-ah during taping of the return episodes of Kang Ho-dong’s “Knee-drop Guru.”
In a two-part series which will begin on Nov. 29, Jung apparently said he knew well in advance that his girlfriend of last year was once married to rocker Seo Taiji.
A source close to Lee confirmed with Yonhap on Nov. 28 that it was indeed true that Jung knew of the whole ordeal before the public announcement about E and Seo’s marriage from 10 years ago broke for the first time last year.
“She told Jung Woo-sung as soon as they began dating and he knew all about it,” said the source.
Although Jung and Lee also tried to keep their relationship a secret, when a picture of the two on a trip to Paris surfaced online early last year, everyone found out.
Then another bombshell hit the entertainment world in April when the fact that Lee and Seo tied the knot 15 years ago in the United States. The two filed for divorce in L.A back in 2006.
When Jung and Lee broke up short after the secret marriage news, the public just assumed Jung couldn’t handle the truth.
Yoon Eun-hye let fans know how she was doing; she’s very tired due to work.
On Nov. 29, Yoon posted a picture of herself with the caption “Sleepy,” because she was “filming until 4 a.m.”
She also urged fans to keep watching “I Miss You,” her current drama.
Despite fatigue, Yoon’s fans marveled at how good she looked and were quick to cheer her on with messages of support.
“I Miss You” is an MBC drama that features Yoo Seung-ho and JYJ’s Park Yu-chun. Yoon plays the role of budding fashion designer Lee Soo-yeon, who is Park’s first love.
[News] Lee Byung-hun named Star of the Year. Cr. - Jongang Ilbo
Lee Byung-hun has been named the 2012 Star of the Year, an honor that will be made official at the CineAsia Awards in Hong Kong on Dec. 13.
Lee will attend the ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center during the film trade show that brings together leading experts in the industry.
“Lee Byung-hun is honored to be awarded by the best Asian film event,” a spokesperson from Lee’s agency said. Lee will become the second Korean entertainer to be honored as Star of the Year after Rain in 2007. Last year’s winner was Chinese actress Li Bingbing.
As the sister event of both ShowEast and CineEurope, CineAsia maintains the same standards of programming, seminars, special events and suppliers as its counterparts that take place in Europe and the United States every year.
This year has been a big one for the 42-year-old Hallyu star. As well as spending most of his time filming Hollywood blockbusters “G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation” and “Red 2,” Lee starred in the Korean film “Masquerade.”
[News] ′I Miss You′ Releases Next OST by Boohwal′s Jung Dong Ha. Cr. - enewsworld
The next single for MBC′s I Miss You′s OST has been released.
At noon on November 29, the I Miss You OST Part 2Just Look At You was released. The song was sung by Boohwal′s vocalist Jung Dong Ha.
His emotional voice and the song′s calm melody are expected to set the mood for the sad story of the drama.
The song especially stands out for its sad melody and its string arrangement. It was composed by the hitmaker Shin In Soo, who participated in many OSTs including those for the dramas Winter Sonata, Personal Taste and My Fair Lady. Lyricist Jo Eun Hee added to the sad mood, expressing the sadness of separation in the lyrics.
[News] Moon Geun Young Says She′s Scared to Act. Cr. - enewsworld
Moon Geun Young showed she′s feeling the pressure by all of the expectations raining down on her for her comeback.
The November 28 broadcast of SBS′ One Night of TV Entertainment featured the cast of Cheongdamdong Alice, which includes Moon Geun Young, So E Hyun, Park Si Hoo and Kim Ji Suk.
Reporter Jo Young Goo first welcomed Moon Geun Young back, saying, "There′s something we all have to celebrate. Moon Geun Young is back after a two year hiatus."
When asked why it took so long for her to return, the actress answered with a smile, "I don′t know. Two years just passed by. I just took some time off."
She then said, "I felt so laid back when I was taking my break, and I thought I should just take it easy when I′m acting, but today I′ve heard the words ′two years′ so much. I′ve become scared to start acting again."
Park Si Hoo said about his new partnership with Moon Geun Young, "I was so happy. I feel like her looks are unreal during our shoots. It′s like she′s jumped right out from a romance comic; I can′t tell whether I′m in a dream or reality when we′re shooting."
[VOD & News] Son Ye Jin’s New Movie “The Tower” Press Conference. Original - http://twssg.blogspot.com/
Actress Son Ye-jin smiles at a press event for her new film "The Tower" on Tuesday.
Son Ye Jin back on big screen, her up-coming movie “The Tower” is ready to be released on December.
“The Tower” is a heroic movie that describes people who struggle to survive on big fire accident at the peak floor of the building on Christmas eve. The charismatic posters has been revealed since last month. Not only Son Ye Jin as the main character, the posters also revealed Kim Sang Kyung as heroic father, Lee Dae Ho, and Seol Kyung Gu as the brave fire fighter Kang Yeong Gi.
On the Christmas eve, on 108th floor a big fire accident occurs and threatening many lives, they are trapped. Not only the firemen who are struggling on this accident, but also the victims, who are just ordinary people have to survive for those people they love.
[Interview] Kim Hee Sun, After 5 years, TV beauty has ‘Faith’ in comeback. Cr. - JoongAng Ilbo
Kim Hee-sun was synonymous with beauty in 1990s and 2000s when she effectively ruled the brown screen. Unlike most actresses whose public images were built up as prim and poised ladies, Kim’s signature roles were typically young women who stayed true to their heart.
When Kim got married in 2007, however, she left the entertainment scene to devote her time to being a wife and a mother to her daughter.
After five years, Kim ended her hiatus with a role in the drama series “Faith.”
In the period romance, Kim plays a plastic surgeon named Eun-su, who travels back in time 700 years to the Goryeo Dynasty. There, she meets and falls in love with Choi Young who is the leader of the royal guard, played by Lee Min-ho who is 10 years younger than Kim.
Although the drama series ended last month with a 10.1 percent audience share, “I’m happy with it because I didn’t expect that much,” said Kim during an interview with Ilgan Sports, the sports daily of the JoongAng Ilbo.
Q. This is your comeback performance after five years’ hiatus.
A. It has indeed been five years, but it doesn’t really feel like it because I had been preparing for “Faith” for three years.
Still, wasn’t everything new again for you?
On the first day of shooting, I went out to the set two hours early to see Lee act. I really thought that my heart was going to burst because I was worried whether I could fit in. But when it was my turn to shoot, I really got into it. I even told the director, “I’m doing better than I thought.”
Fortunately, there weren’t any controversies about your acting.
Well, I worked in this industry for 20 years (laughs). I filmed 10 dramas during the 1990s and six of them had reached more than 30 percent viewer share. I wasn’t just lucky. There is a reason why I have been acting throughout all these years. I do my very best every time.
Wasn’t the viewer rating for “Faith” quite low compared to your previous works?
Don’t a lot of people watch TV through their phones and Internet these days? For me, it was not bad at all, and it also helped that in the beginning expectations were low. I mean, there were controversies over the pairing of Han Ga-in and Kim Soo-hyun when they did the drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun.” Many viewers complained they couldn’t get into the love story because they didn’t look like a couple at all. I was worried that would happen to me, as well. Lee is such a top star and our age gap is so big that I thought a lot of drama fans were going to criticize me. But still, I went for it because life is all about being adventurous.
Was there a particular reason why you had waited for “Faith” for such a long time?
Isn’t the character of Eun-su realistic? I think that up until now, every single doctor character has been unrealistically portrayed in dramas. It’s too idealistic that a doctor is so selfless and only cares for the patients, even in dangerous situations. But Eun-su is not like that and that’s why her character was so appealing. Nobody would just pass by a 30 billion ($26 million) ancient celadon. Having that would change one’s destiny. I really liked that Eun-su kept holding onto that celadon until the end and was ignoring her patient. But when that aspect of Eun-su was shown to the audience, they didn’t seem to like it that much.
How was acting with Lee?
He is by far the nicest actor I’ve ever met. He is also very gullible, so he believes everything I say (laughs). He’s also the one who helped me the most while filming this drama. I’m not really baby-faced, but the reason why our age gap didn’t seem too big is that Lee looks older than he actually is.
How did your husband react when you and Lee were playing a couple in the drama?
He used to watch every single episode, but stopped when there was a kissing scene with Lee. I think he said that he didn’t like the way Lee was looking at me. I laughed so much when he said, “I don’t like you and him kissing.” Also, he suddenly started to work out a lot. That’s when I felt that women need to go out and work. Seeing my husband get tensed up made me feel so proud. For my next production, I think I have to work with an ever hotter idol.
Is there any drama you like to watch these days?
I’m actually a fan of “Ohlala Couple.” Even when “Faith” was still being broadcast, I always changed the channel for “Ohlala Couple.” Shin Hyun-joon’s acting in that drama is really the best.
What is your plan for the future?
My husband wants a second child, but seeing how hard it is to go without seeing my daughter, I think it will be a while before we have another child. Right now, I’m just trying to carefully choose what I want to do for the near future.
[News] Park Si Hoo Says Moon Geun Young is So Pretty Cr. -enewsworld.mnet
Park Si Ho gets surprised whenever he sees Moon Geun Young because she′s just so pretty.
The actor attended the press conference for the upcoming SBS drama Cheongdamdong Alice with his cast on November 27.
There, he said, "I often see Ms Moon Geun Young on set, and I′m always surprised. Her looks are so unrealistic. It′s like she′s come from a romance comic."
He added, "I′m expecting a lot because Ms Geun Young is so kind. It′s great because we seem to fit well together, too."
Park Si Hoo appears in the drama as Cha Seung Jo, the youngest president in the history of Artemis, a global designer brand distribution company. He hates girls who put on airs and talks in a cold manner, but deep inside he′s a romantic who dreams of unconditional love.
Cheongdamdong Alice will start airing on December 1 after the conclusion of Five Fingers.
Shin Hyun-joon has carried out an unusual promotional activity: cooking for lucky viewer of his latest drama “Ulala Couple.”
According to the public relations company behind the KBS 2TV program, Shin cooked a traditional feast for a fan who lives in Mapo District, western Seoul.
The feast was something that Shin promised at the press conference ahead of the show’s airing. At the time Shin said that if the program became No. 1 in its time slot he would treat a fan with a “special event.”
As the program was No. 1 on its first episode Shin followed through on his promise.
“He even went grocery shopping and did the dishes after the meal,” said the PR company.
Shin said he also had a good time that “it was like visiting family.”
[VOD & News] Teaser revealed for Kim Hyun Joong’s first Japanese solo album ‘Unlimited’. Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/
Kim Hyun Joong is set to release his first Japanese solo album, ‘UNLIMITED‘ on December 12th. Earlier today, a teaser for his upcoming album was revealed through the official YouTube channel of Universal Music Japan.
The album will come in 3 different versions: Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and Regular Edition. The Limited Edition A will include a DVD that contains the PV and making of “Your Story” while Limited Edition B will include a DVD that contains the PV and making of “Save Today“.
[News] Past photo of Kim Tae Hee and possible ex-boyfriend surfaces. Cr. - allkpop
A past photo of actress Kim Tae Hee and a mysterious man has been gaining attention online.
On November 28th, a post was uploaded on an online forum with the photo above under the title ‘Kim Tae Hee pre debut’, and quickly spread through SNS and made its way onto news portals as well.
In the picture, a younger Kim Tae Hee is seen smiling while being held in the arms of a man, who is presumed to be a former boyfriend judging by their closeness and pose.
Netizens commented, “I don’t know who he is, but he’s very lucky,” “Kim Tae Hee hasn’t changed at all,” and ”A past boyfriend?“
[News] Cyndi Wang receives diamond ring from fan. Cr. - http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/
The Taiwanese singer revealed that a middle-aged fan once gave her a diamond ring as a gift.
Taiwanese pop princess Cyndi Wang, who is set to release her latest album Love? Or Not? on November 30, revealed that the inspiration for one of the songs in her new album titled Anonymous Consolation came from a middle-aged male fan.
According to the singer, said fan has almost never missed a single event that she attended in China, and has always prepared local products as gifts for her. There was once when he hid a box wrapped with newspapers, among his usual presents for her.
The 30-year-old did not realize that the box contained a diamond ring worth NT $100,000 (S$4,200) until she returned to the hotel. Cyndi asked her manager to return the ring immediately, insisting that she would not accept such expensive gifts that are meant for the fan's girlfriend or wife.
However, when she met the fan again, he said, "I just want to give Cyndi a gift that she would remember. I doubt I'd have a chance to give anybody a diamond ring in this lifetime." His words were said to have moved the singer greatly.
[News] Andy Lau is addicted to being a judge? Cr. - http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/
The heavenly king expressed his hope to remain part of the Golden Horse Awards committee next year.
After the 49th Golden Horse Awards ceremony concluded last Saturday, Hong Kong veteran star Andy Lau confessed that despite the immense pressure from heading the judging committee, he is keen to resume the post.
The “heavenly king” spent 10 days in Taiwan reviewing a total of 36 nominated films, and held a meeting with all members of the panel on the night before the award ceremony. He joked that he annoyed the rest of the judges by asking each of them to tell him their favourite nominees and the reasons for their choices.
Andy Lau’s dedication and professionalism towards his work has always been respected. He shared that though it was stressful, being on the judging panel this time was a learning journey that would benefit him for a long time to come.
As he was less familiar with the technical awards prior to this, he now has a better understanding and recommended fellow actors to join the committee if given the opportunity.
When asked if he were ‘addicted’ to being a judge, he nodded strongly, “Yes!” The 51-year-old also expressed his desire to attend next year’s Golden Horse Awards.
[News] Jang Nara shows off a more mature look for ‘Lady Kyunghyang’ magazine. Cr. - allkpop
Jang Nara recently showed off a more revealing and mature look for ‘Lady Kyunghyang‘ magazine’s December issue.
The singer and actress is seen perfectly pulling off the ‘high class sexy’ concept by gracefully donning a black shimmery dress from designer Lie Sang Bong‘s F/W collection and revealing her bare back, surprising fans and netizens alike.
Jang Nara’s official fan club stated, “Jang Nara is working hard to show a more diverse image. Please look forward to Jang Nara as she works hard to meet her fans and viewers with an upgraded version of herself.”
In other news, Jang Nara will be starring in the upcoming drama ‘School 2013‘ to premiere on December 3rd.
One of the most popular festivals in early November is the Loy Krathong Festival. It tales place at a time when the weather is fine as the rainy season is over and there is a high water lever all over the country.
"Loy" means " to float" and a " Krathong" is a lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually contains a candle, three joss-sticks, some flowers and coins.
In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin in which people offer thanks to the Goddess of the water. Thus, by moonlight, people light the candles and joss-sticks, make a wish and launch their Krathongs on canals, rivers or even small ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs carry away sins and bad luck, and the wishes that have been made for the new year due to start. Indeed, it is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are floated away.
The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky People of all walks of life carry their Krathongs to the nearby rivers. After lighting candles and joss-sticks and making a wish, they gently place the Krathongs on the water and let them drift away till they go out of sight.
A Beauty Queen Contest is a important part of the festival and for this occasion it is called " The Noppamas Queen Contest" . Noppamas is a legendary figure from the Sukhothai period. Old documents refer to her as the chief royal consort of a Sukhothai King named "Lithai". Nuppamas was said to have made the first decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.
In November some may wonder what is going on in Thailand when seeing travel magazine ads, posters at your hotel of Thai girls dressing in traditional Thai clothing with a beautiful floating object. That's a sign indicating that Loy Krathong is on its way. All these are related to Loy Krathong, an event which does not occur on the same date every year; instead it counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month.
Loy Krathong Festival (English Version)
In this year 2012 it will be held on November 28, a romantic night. People look forward to going out and launching Krathongs together to predict the romance future by the direction the Krathongs float. However, this season is also good for strengthening relationship in family.
The history of Loy Krathong is rather obscure. Some believe that Krathong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak or Nang Noppamas in Sukothai.
Others overlook its origin yet focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong,
also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future. Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted in this festival, such as, contests of Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.
If you are in the North of Thailand, you can join this spectacular occasion at Chiang Mai where it is specifically called Yee Peng -floating of lanterns into the sky. Or you can go to Tak where a line of thousand glittering lights are seen on the Ping River. When looking closer, you see that Krathongs here are made of coconut shells, threaded together to make chain and that's the story of Loy Krathong Sai.
Moreover, this year you can see Loy Krathong Sai made from banana trunk in Samut Songkram too. For sure, the festival in old cities is so famous and attracts a herd of visitors. Glory and ancientness of the kingdom is utterly alive in Phao Thian Len Fai in Sukhothai. In Bangsai District, Ayutthaya, you can feel the grandeur of Loy Krathong Tam Pratip and long boat race at Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Staying at Bangkok you never miss a shot as well. Popular places for Loy Krathong evening include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen's Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities. These venues tend to have a lot of people and it could be very crowded.
Many of hotel and waterside restaurant offer Loy Krathong dinners and cruises. Or if you don't prefer going out into the crowd, you can virtually Loy krathon at http://www.loikrathong.net. The end of the year is near; this festival is set up for the occasion. Have fun!
[News] Psy Nominated for TIME's Person of the Year. Cr. - Chosun Ilbo
Rapper Psy was shortlisted for TIME magazine's Person of the Year 2012 on Monday along with 39 others including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, China's new leader Xi Jinping, Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
"Korean rapper Psy's slick, wickedly satirical video 'Gangnam Style' broke all kinds of sound barriers this year, clocking more than 820 million YouTube views -- and counting," the U.S. magazine wrote, "The über-ambitious Seoul music industry watched in amazement as the eccentric 34-year-old hip-hop artist, gleefully skewering the music machine that made him, managed to go where no Korean performer had gone before. The rest of us just danced."
The winner is chosen by online voting on the TIME website.
Previous people of the year include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2010, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama in 2008, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2007.
[News] 'I Miss You' will be dubbed in English. Cr. - en.korea
MBC’s Wednesday-Thursday series 'I Miss You' will be dubbed in Korean.
On November 28, an official for MBC said, “The series will be dubbed into English. Voice actors will dub the series at a local studio in the United States.”
According to the official, MBC Global Business team is in charge of the dubbing project and they thought that the series will be popular in foreign countries. They haven’t set the exact date for the recording but they will arrange the date considering the conditions.
An official for the series says, “K-pop is popular in the world and that has raised interest in Korean cultural content. We think that the series is very promising and we want to sell it to the United States and Europe.”
The series is a classical melodrama about a man and woman who have wounded hearts from their first love. Child actor and actress Yeo Jin Goo and Kim So Hyun and adult actors and actress Park Yoo Chun, Yoo Seung Ho, and Yoon Eun Hye are receiving many favorable reviews through the series.
