[News] Jeonju Film Fest Selects 10 Korean Films of Originality.

A poster of the 2013 Jeonju International Film Festival. [JIFF]

[News] Jeonju Film Fest Selects 10 Korean Films of Originality.
Cr. - kstar10

The upcoming 2013 Jeonju International Film Festival [JIFF] has announced 10 shortlisted Korean films in the Korean Features Competition section.

The event which is due to have its 14th edition announced on March 15 that a list of 10 films, of which there are 7 feature films and 3 documentaries, have been shortlisted for the Korean Film Competition, one of the three official competition sections of the festival.

The number of entries saw a drop of two compared to last year at 102 and the festival’s chief programmer Kim Young-jin explained that the jury focused on selecting films with a sense of originality.

The director of one of the shortlisted films, Lee Hyonjong of "Secret Paradise, Yongmun," told TenAsia English that she was ecstatic at the prospect of taking part in the event, adding "it's such an honor to have one's film screened at JIFF, let alone have the wonderful chance to compete with so many great films."

Last year the event introduced a variety of Korean films including director Lee Sang-woo's "Fire in Hell," Leesong Hee-il's "White Night" and Jang Kun-jae's "Sleepless Night," which scooped up two trophies at the festival, namely the JJ-Star Award and the JIFF Audience Award.

JIFF, considered as one of the three major film festivals in Korea, showcases alternative and independent films in the city of Jeonju. The festival, which will also feature short films and various cultural events, is to open from April 25 to May 3 this year.

List of Final Films in the Korean Film Competition section of the 2013 Jeonju International Film Festival (in alphabetical order)

- “51+” (Jeong Yong-taek, 2013)
- “Cheer Up Mr. Lee” (Lee Byung-hun, 2012)
- “Dancing Woman” (Park Seon-il, Park Joon-hee, Yoo Jae-mi, Cho Ji-young, Choo Gyeong-yup, 2012)
- “Dear Dolphin” (Kang Jin-ah, 2013)
- “December” (Park Jeong-hoon, 2012)
- “Grandma - Cement Garden” (Kim Ji-hon, 2012)
- “Groggy Summer” (Yoon Soo-ik, 2012)
- “Lebanon Emotion” (Jeong Young-hun, 2013)
- “My Place” (Park Moon-chil, 2013)
- “Secret Paradise, Youngmun” (Lee Hyonjong, 2013)

[News] Kim Min Hee shows a beautiful look at press conference of 'Temperature of Love'.

[News] Kim Min Hee shows a beautiful look at press conference of 'Temperature of Love'.
Cr. - http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/


Kim Min Hee showed a beautiful look at a press conference.

On February 28th, press conference of film 'Temperature of Love' was held at Lotte Cinema Kunkook University branch, and Kim Min Hee, Lee Min Ki, and director Roh Duk attended.

During the conference, Kim Min Hee appeared in a white sleeveless one-piece dress and white shoes. Especially, her slim body shape and simple but stylish outfit matches made her look even more beautiful.

Netizens who viewed her photo made comments, such as "She still looks amazingly beautiful", "She doesn't need much showy outfits", "Not that many people can look great in a white one-piece", and "Looking great."


On the other hand, movie 'Temperature of Love' will be released on March 21st.

[News] Korean films to screen at Irish film fest.

[News] Korean films to screen at Irish film fest.
Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Five Korean films will be screened at this year’s Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.
Korea Foundation announced that from Feb. 14 until Feb. 24, a segment titled “Korean Season” will present five movies, including “Pieta” (2012), “Mother” (2010), “Old Partner” (2008), “Hwacha” (2012) and “The King of Pigs” (2011).

Established in 2003, The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival is one of Ireland's premier feature film festivals and takes place in Ireland's capital city over the course of eleven days and nights each February.

[News] “Miracle in Cell No. 7” Reclaims its Throne on Weekend Box Office.

Actor Ryoo Seung-ryong (top) in a still of “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” which premiered on January 23, 2013. [NEW]

[News] “Miracle in Cell No. 7” Reclaims its Throne on Weekend Box Office.
Cr. - kstar10

Korean comedy pic “Miracle in No. 7” has taken back its crown on the weekend box office chart, proving its undeniable popularity across the nation.

The comic drama pulled in 1,308,339 cinemagoers in its third weekend after opening and topped the weekend box office chart during February 8 to 10, Korean Box Office information System [KOBIS] showed Monday.

The father and daughter’s touching story set in a jail has gone over the 6 million mark thanks to a large number of family moviegoers wanting heartwarming stories to celebrate the Lunar New Year’s Day holiday weekend.

With a narrow gap between the chart-topper, Korean blockbuster “The Berlin File” slid down to No. 2 with 1,153,439 moviegoers during the same time frame.

The Berlin-set movie has been showing an upward trend with its spectacular action sequences and star-filled cast members which includes Ha Jung-woo, Han Suk-kyu, Ryoo Seung-beom and Gianna Jun.

“A Good Day to Die Hard,” Bruce Willis’ fifth transformation into an analogue action hero John McClane, sat at the third position after attracting 479,373 moviegoers.

“The Thieves” star Kim Yoon-seok’s new comedy “South Bound” debuted at No. 4 with 292,278 tickets sold, while the Russian animated movie “The Snow Queen” rounded off the top five with 73,355 admissions.

Other popular films in the top ten were Korean animation “Pororo, THE RACING ADVENTURE," 3D-reopened 2001 animation “Monsters. Inc,” Hollywood musical epic “Les Mierables,” Korean comedy “Man on the Edge” and bestseller-turned-movie “Life of Pi.”

[News] "Our Homeland" Wins 3 Awards in Japan.

Japanese actor Arata (left), Japanese actress Sakura Ando (center) and Korean director-actor Yang Ik-jun (right) in award-winning film "Our Homeland." [Mirovision]

[News] "Our Homeland" Wins 3 Awards in Japan.

Cr. - kstar10 

Second-generation Korean-Japanese director Yonghi Yang has been awarded the Best screenplay award for her film "Our Homeland" at the 64th Yomiuri Prize for Literature on February 1st. 

"Our Homeland" has so far won three screenplay awards in Japan. It was given the Best Screenplay Award at the 67th Mainichi Film Award and the 15th Kikushima Ryuzo Award from the Writers Guild of Japan.

The film`s excellence was also recognized at the 55th Blue Ribbon Awards where it was given Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress awards.

Director Yang said, “The continuous win is overwhelming. The story has been on my mind for more than 10 years, and it was reborn as a 100-minute film, thanks to the passion of production staff and actors.”

"Our Homeland" is an autobiographical film about the director herself and her brother who visits Japan from North Korea after being away for 25 yeas. The film stars Sakura Ando of "Ain`t No Tomorrow," Arata of "Air Doll" and Korean director Yang Ik-jun of "Breathless" plays a North Korean agent.

The film won the International Confederation of Art Cinemas Award at 2012 Berlin International Film Festival and was screened at 16 different international film festivals in 15 countries.  "Our Homeland" is set to be released in Korea on March 7.

Korean director-actor Yang Ik-jun (right) in award-winning film "Our Homeland." [Mirovision]

Second-generation Korean-Japanese director Yonghi Yang, who won the International Confederation of Art Cinemas Award at 2012 Berlin International Film Festival. [Mirovision]

Japanese actor Arata (top), Korean director-actor Yang Ik-jun (center) and Japanese actress Sakura Ando (bottom) in the international poster of "Our Homeland." [Mirovision]

[News] Ha Ji-won finishes three months of "Three Joseon Angels".

[News] Ha Ji-won finishes three months of "Three Joseon Angels".
Cr. - hancinema

"Three Joseon Angels" is done making at last.

Starring Ha Ji-won, Kang Ye-won and Son Ga-in, "Three Joseon Angels" was taken in Cheongju for three months.

The last scene included the three angels receiving an order that decided the fate of the Chosun. This day made up to 150 cuts and Ga-in's fan club presented everyone on site with chicken broth, coffee and blankets. The staff prepared flowers for the ladies.

The three actresses showed high performance of action like no other man and were able to pull of intense action.

Ha Ji-won is a well-known action movie actress, Kang Ye-won is a known comical actress and Son Ga-in declared becoming an actress from a singer. This movie will be released early next year.

[News] Why ′Tower′ is a Fitting Film for Christmas.

[News]  Why ′Tower′ is a Fitting Film for Christmas.

Cr. - enewsworld

With the peak season of Christmas and the end of the year approaching, many moviegoers have been turning their sights to the premiere of the upcoming film, Tower.

Tower is a blockbuster film about how people trapped inside a burning 108-story building fight to survive. It is a monster film, which cost 13 billion won to produce.

Les Miserables, the Hollywood musical film, is currently the strongest film in the box office. According to the Korean Film Council′s Compiled Ticket Computer Network, the film, which premiered on December 19, has gathered 1,265,747 people up to December 23. On December 23 alone it managed to gather 302,999 people. It′s especially managed to leave a good impression on Korean audiences as Hugh Jackman visited the country to promote the film himself.

At no. 2 in the box office is Band Aid, a Korean film that stars Go Soo and Han Hyo Joo. This film also premiered on December 19, and managed to gather 703,270 in total up to December 23.

Tower will premiere on December 25. It′s especially boasting how its mood fits the Christmas season, going well with its premiere on Christmas Day.

The film is even set to take place on Christmas. The disaster comes to take place when a fire starts at a luxurious Christmas party that had been taking place in the tower′s 108th floor. The characters of the film each enjoy Christmas in their own ways; some propose to their lovers, while others confess their love.

There′s another reason Tower is fitting for Christmas. It is a film that can be enjoyed by audiences across all age groups. Most of the films that managed to gather more than 10 million people to its screens was easily approachable by everyone, even the young, the old and entire families. Haeundae, a disaster film that passed the 10 million mark, is one example.

Tower is especially expected to appeal as no films of its kind are currently screening, meaning it may be able to draw audiences looking for such films. Les Miserables is a dramatic musical film, while Band Aid is a romance. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is in the fantasy genre, Marrying the Mafia 5 is a comedy and My PS Partner is a romantic comedy. There are no disaster blockbusters currently in theaters.

Tower stars Sul Kyung Koo, Kim Sang Kyung, Son Ye Jin and Kim In Kwon.

[News] Son Ye-jin at “Tower” Press Conference.

[News] Son Ye-jin at “Tower” Press Conference.

Cr. - kpopfever

Son Ye-jin press conference for “Tower” at a theatre in Seoul, South Korea on December 18, 2012.

The production report press conference of the movie ‘Tower’ was held at the Wangshipri CGV with actors Son Ye Jin, Sul Kyung Gu, and Kim Sang Kyung on December 18th.

Actress Son Ye Jin fashioned an elegant mini dress for the press conference. The pearl white dress was hung by two thin threads over her shoulder and it almost looked precarious as if it’d snap at any moment.

Son Ye Jin’s elegance and beauty captured everyone’s attention at the event and the dress also added a little sexiness to her overall look of the day.

‘Tower’ will tell the stories of survival and courage of everyday people in a disaster situation, when a fire breaks out in a 108 story skyscraper building. The film is set to premier on December 19th.

[News] Chun Jung-myung, Kim Min-jung to Pair Up for New Rom-com Movie.

[News] Chun Jung-myung, Kim Min-jung to Pair Up for New Rom-com Movie.

Cr. - kstar10

“Glory Jane” actor Chun Jung-myung and “The 3rd Hospital” actress Kim Min-jung is to pair up for an upcoming romantic comedy film.

The pair is revving up to start shooting a new romantic comedy “Queen of the Night” [translated title] on December 17, slated to hit local theaters next spring, the pic’s production firm Ivision Entertainment said Tuesday.

The love story focuses on a timid yet innocent man Yeong-su [played by Chun] who accidentally finds out secrets about his seemingly perfect wife Hee-ju’s [played by Kim] secret and decides to track down her past life.

Chun made his acting debut in 1999 and has appeared in a number of projects including the SBS drama "Fashion 70s", "Sister of Cinderella on KBS and MBC’s "Partner" and most recently“Glory Jane” on KBS>

He also has starred in films such as "The Aggressives" (2005), "Les Formidables" (2006) and "Hansel and Gretel" (2007). His latest film "Hindsight,” also starring Song Kang-ho and Sin Se-gyeong, opened in August 2011 but scored less than one million moviegoers.

Kim, who started her acting career when she was eight years old, made a successful transition to grown-up actress in melodrama pic “L`Abri” (2001) and romantic drama film “Flying Boys” (2004).

She also made impressive appearances on TV dramas MBC’s “Ireland”, SBS’ “Fashion 70s,” MBC’s “New Heart” and most recently tvN’s “The Third Hospital.” She is currently promoting her new film “Marrying the Mafia 5” [tentative title] which will hit the local theaters on December 19.

[News] Ha Jung-woo, Gang Dong-won Cast in Period Action Pic.

[News] Ha Jung-woo, Kang Dong-won Cast in Period Action Pic.

Cr. - kstar10

Korean film star Ha Jung-woo is to team up with another A-list actor Kang Dong-won in an upcoming period-set action movie.

The film’s distributor Showbox confirmed that the actors will take leading roles in director Yoon Jong-bin’s next big screen project “Gundo” [tentative title].

Set in the 19th century Korea, the action film is set to portray a group of Robin Hood-like men who steal from corrupt officials to help the poor.

While Ha is to depict a butcher named Dol Moo-chi who later becomes a member of the righteous outlaws, Kang is to turn into an outstanding warrior Cho-yoon who has a twisted personality due to position as a concubine`s son.

Ha Jung-woo is considered as one of the hottest male stars in the Korean film scene after scoring two box office hits “Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time” and “Love Fiction” early this year.

He recently wrapped up shooting new spy film “Berlin,” co-starring actor Han Suk-kyu, Ryu Seung-bum and actress Jun Ji-hyun. The action flick will open in local theaters in the first half of next year.

Kang Dong-won is said to have been receiving a barrage of calls from filmmakers after being discharged from the mandatory army service one month ago. He also graced the December issue of the “High Cut” magazine, a project done in collaboration with film director Lee Myung-se of “The Duelist” (2005) and “M” (2007).

Kang starred in many box office hits such as “Woochi”(2009), “Secret Reunion” (2010) and “Haunters” (2010) before entering his military service.

Considered as one of the most-anticipated Korean films of next year, "Gundo" is slated to begin shooting  in the first half of 2013.

[News] Yu Ah-in’s New Movie Cranks in.

[News] Yu Ah-in’s New Movie Cranks in.

Cr. - kstar10

The “SungKyunKwan Scandal" star Yu Ah-in has kicked off shooting of his new big-screen project.

Yu and other main cast of the film, tentatively named after the pic’s hero “Kkangcheori,” began shooting in Busan, the host city of the annual Busan International Film Festival, on December 4, the pic’s producing firm CJ Entertainment said Monday.

Helmed by director Ahn Gwon-tae of the touching drama “My Brother” (2004), the 25-year-old actor will take the role of Gang-cheol, the devoted son who gets involved with gangsters to be able to afford his mother`s hospital fees.

“I have no doubt that Yu is the best choice for the main character Gang-cheol. We’re very excited about the interesting combination of an outstanding director and actors,” an official from CJ said.

Veteran actress Kim Hae-sook, who impressed film lovers with her swindler character in the action blockbuster “The Thieves,” is to portray the warm-hearted mother with Alzheimer’s disease.

Yu Ah-in has recently drawn media attention in Korea for his outspoken political criticism about Korean politics. He has also made several such comments in the past and is considered to be one of the most outspoken and politically-minded actors of his generation.

Co-starring Jeong Yu-mi, Kim Jeong-tae and Lee Si-eon, the “Punch” actor’s upcoming human drama is set to crank up next March and open at local theaters in the second half of 2013.

[News] "Pieta" Picks Up Award in Dubai.

[News] "Pieta" Picks Up Award in Dubai.

Cr. - kstar10

Korean director Kim Ki-duk`s "Pieta", a film about the evils of a capitalist society, has picked up yet another major accolade, this time at the 9th Dubai International Film Festival.

Kim was awarded the Best Director Award in the middle eastern city by a jury led by his countryman, director Lee Chang-dong.

The top honor of the Best Film went to "Inside" from director Zeki Demirkubuz.

"Pieta" has been doing well at on the international festival circuit after it picked up a Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival in September this year.

Kim was not present to receive the award in person as he had to come back to Korea to attend an event at the Seoul Art Cinema in Jongro, Seoul.

The 9th Dubai International Film Festival screened 158 films over 8 days and is fast emerging as one of the region`s most important film events.

[News] Hong Sang-soo's "Nobody's Daughter Haewon" Invited to Berlin Film Fest.

[News] Hong Sang-soo's "Nobody's Daughter Haewon" Invited to Berlin Film Fest.

Cr. - kstar10

Award-winning film director Hong Sang-soo`s latest film "Nobody`s Daughter Haewon" has been invited to the competition section of the 63rd Berlin Film Festival, which will open on Feb. 7, 2013.

The Berlin International Film Festival announced the first six titles in its competition lineup which also includes "Promised Land" by Gus Van Sant.

"Nobody`s Daughter Haewon" depicts the life of a college girl after her mother leaves for Canada.

It will be the fourth time for Hong to screen a film at Berlin; his "Night and Day" was invited to the competition section in 2008, in 2007, "Woman on the Beach" was shown in the Panorama section and his 1997 debut, "The Day a Pig Fell into a Well" was screened in the Forum section at Berlin.

His last film, "In Another Country" was in the competition section at the Cannes International Film Festival but did not win any awards.

Officials from the film`s overseas distributer, Finecut, said Berlin programmers decided to invite "Nobody`s Daughter Haewon" after watching its unfinished version before the official selection period began.

There is currently a lot of buzz in the local media with many hoping that Hong will bring home another major award from one of the top three international film festivals, following Kim Ki-duk`s win at Venice with "Pieta."

[News] Korean Filmmakers Unveil Clip to Urge Public to Vote at Presidential Election.

[News] Korean Filmmakers Unveil Clip to Urge Public to Vote at Presidential Election.

Cr. - kstar10

Acclaimed movie makers have unveiled a campaign clip to urge the public to vote at South Korea’s presidential election.

The clip entitled “Congratulations on Voting” [translated title], uploaded on YouTube last Sunday, features directors Park Chan-wook of “Old Boy,” Bong Joon-ho of “The Host,” Kim Ji-woon of “I Saw the Devil,” Lee Joon-ik of “The King and the Clown” and actor Jung Jin-young.

In the two-minute long movie, the six sing “Congratulation on Voting” to the tune of "Happy Birthday" and emphasize the absolute need for everyone to cast a vote.

The directors and actor are also well-known for their passionate support for the Seoul Art Cinema, Seoul’s only non-profit theater and film archive.

Produced by director Jung Yoon-chul of “Marathon,” the clip has been the talk of the town as it was made with videos that the movie makers filmed themselves with their smart phones.


Meanwhile, South Korea’s presidential election is set to be held on Wednesday.

[News] Kim Sun Ah in Discussion to Make Her Big Screen Return Through ‘The Five’.

[News] Kim Sun Ah in Discussion to Make Her Big Screen Return Through ‘The Five’.
Cr. - enewsworld

Kim Sun Ah is preparing to make her return to the big screen.

Though initially reported on November 28 as having been locked for the leading role of the upcoming movie, The Five, Kim Sun Ah is reportedly still mulling over the role, albeit positively.

'The Five' is based on a gritty webtoon of the same name, in which one woman hones her skills and carries out her revenge after losing her family to a serial killer.

If Kim Sun Ah chooses to join the production, she will play the main lead, which will mark a stark contrast from her more humorous roles seen in her recent dramas such as I Do I Do

The webtoon’s writer, Jung Yeon Shik, will take direct helm of the movie’s directing.

[News] Kim Rae-won "My Little Hero" (2012) Poster Released.

[News] Kim Rae-won "My Little Hero" (2012) Poster Released.
Original - http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Kim Rae-won's movie "My Little Hero" (2012) Poster Released.

"My Little Hero" is about an impossible mission Yoo Il-han (Kim Rae-won), a third-rate music director, undertakes with a boy named Y0ung-gwang (Ji Dae-han-I) who has zero percent chance in a major musical audition program.

This being Kim's first movie in four years after his military service, "My Little Hero" challenges him with a new character that's full of himself and has a strong will to win. Young-gwang is played by rookie actorJi Dae-han-I who passed the audition.

Other than that the cast is made up of Lee Sung-min, Kwang Soo, Jo An and others and the movie will be released in January next year.

"My Little Hero" Release date in Korea January 2013.

[News] “Wolf Boy” Keeps Its Top Place at Box Office.

 

[News] “Wolf Boy” Keeps Its Top Place at Box Office. 
Cr. - soompi

The recent movie featuring Song Joong Ki and Park Bo Young, “Wolf Boy” is consistently keeping its first place at the box office since October 31.

On the opening day, the film was screened around 3000 times in 500 theaters attracting 130 thousands of audiences.

The movie has attracted more than 2.5 million viewers in nine days in total. The film is now played in 730 theaters. Comparing to the second ranked “I Am the Murderer,” the ticket reservation rate for “Wolf Boy” is approximately three times greater.

“Wolf Boy” is about a wear wolf boy, who cannot exist in the real world, falling in love with a human girl. The movie also carries the Park Bo Young’s side of the story.

Song Joong Ki is currently starring in the popular drama “Nice Guy.” His role in the drama and the movie is very distinct that the role of the actor within the movie attracts more attention.

[VOD / Photo & News] Korean Film “Azooma” Invited to 3 Intl’ Film Festivals.

[VOD / Photo & News] Korean Film “Azooma” Invited to 3 Intl’ Film Festivals.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean drama pic “Azooma,” a story about a mother's tearful revenge against social crimes, is garnering attention from global movie fans.

The mother’s revenge pic has invited to the 6th Costa Rica International Film Festival, which will be held in Montezuma, Costa Rica between November 9 and 13, the pic’s production firm Cinema Factory said in press release Wednesday.

Korean actress Jang Young-nam’s maternal love story is then flying to the United States to be screened at the 2012 Nevada Film Festival in Last Vegas late November and jump to Beloit, Southern city of Wisconsin where the film will be played at the 2013 Beloit International Film Festival next February.

Premiered in this year’s Busan International Film Festival, “Azooma,” which refers to a married woman in Korean, goes around insurance saleswoman Yoon young nam [played by Jang] who finds her 10-year-old daughter raped on her way home.

She confronts the indifference of the police and her husband while going through a series of failures to catch the criminal. The mother finally determines to catch the criminal by herself.

Meanwhile, “Don’t Cry Mommy,” another sex crime movie by director Kim Yong-han, will open in local theaters in the first half of 2013.

[VOD & Article] “Confession of Murder,” “Dirty Blood” and “Don’t Cry Mommy, ”Three films zero in on the limitations of legal system.

[VOD & Article] “Confession of Murder,” “Dirty Blood” and “Don’t Cry Mommy, ”Three films zero in on the limitations of legal system.
Author - Park Eun-jee
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Forty-four high school boys were convicted of being involved in serial gang rapes of a middle school girl over the course of a year. The accused filmed the acts and threatened to distribute copies of the clip if the girl talked.

The case wound up with only 10 boys sent to a juvenile corrections facility. Years later, the others are said to have led “normal lives,” attending college or serving in the military. The young victim dropped out of high school after the mother of one of the convicted attackers came to the school and demanded that she file a petition to mitigate her son’s sentence.

As unrealistic as all this may sound, it happened to a 15-year-old girl in 2004 in Miryang, South Gyeongsang, and will be the basis of the upcoming film “Don’t Cry Mommy.”

Kim Yong-han’s debut feature already has garnered a lot of attention from the public and media, with many wondering whether it will wield the extraordinary real-world impact of last year’s “Silenced” - also known as “The Crucible.”

As an adaptation of Gong Ji-young’s novel, “Silenced” is based on a rape case in which four teachers and an administrator at Gwangju Inhwa School for the hearing impaired were convicted of sexually abusing at least eight students, some orphaned or mentally challenged, from 2000 to 2004.

What outraged the public in addition to the sordid details of the crimes themselves, was the way it was handled by the Korean justice system. Only two of the four accused served any jail time and one of them was freed when an appeals court suspended his sentence.

“Silenced” set off such strong public resentment that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology shut down the school and lawmakers pushed for tougher punishments after the courtroom drama attracted more than five million viewers.

“Don’t Cry Mommy” also confronts what the movie describes as an unbalanced justice system in Korea often criticized for an entrenched, insular culture that panders to the social elite.

The film, scheduled for release Nov. 22, revolves around You-lim (You Sun) and her only daughter, Eun-ah (Nam Bo-ra).

Upon arriving at a new school in the wake of her parents’ divorce, Eun-ah has feelings for classmate Jo-han (Dong-ho). But her crush turns into a gang rape nightmare after Jo-han and his friends attack her and threaten to upload footage of the rape online to keep her quiet.

Unable to cope with her emotional distress, Eun-ah commits suicide. Because they are minors, her attackers receive only the limited punishment allowed by law. The story unfolds as You-lim sets out to avenge her daughter’s rape and death.

The movie’s director was outspoken about his intention to deliver a social message.

“Sexual abuse is like devastating a human’s soul. But most people don’t know [the pain of rape victims],” said Kim. “On the surface, ‘Don’t Cry Mommy’ is about a mother who gets back at the rapists who sexually assaulted her daughter. But in a deeper way, I tried to describe the tragic course of the lives of victims and their families as vividly as possible because I wanted to raise awareness of sex crimes.”

Members of the cast also empathized with the pain of victims of sexual assault.

“I couldn’t hold back tears thinking how devastated victims’ lives might have been,” said Nam Bo-ra, with tears rolling down on her cheeks during a press conference at the 17th Busan International Film Festival.

“I can’t understand why victims should suffer more pain than criminals,” said Yoo Oh-seong, who played Eun-ah’s father.

Kang Hyo-jin’s “Dirty Blood,” which opened yesterday, explores the effects of sexual abuse in a different light.

The movie tells the story of In-seon (Yoon Joo), who lives with her terminally ill mother (Seol Ji-yoon). When she prepares to leave for Spain as a foreign exchange student, her mother reveals that her father, who In-seon thought was dead, is alive and that she was born after he raped her. In-seon falls into despair and poses as a relative of one of her father’s previous wives. She starts living with her father and seeks revenge.

“I wondered if a child born of rape can have self-dignity. I also wanted to show the destructive aftermath of sexual abuse,” said director Kang Hyo-jin. “Sexual abuse is still widely considered as an unfortunate personal incident, and the social safety net for the sexually abused is not well established.”

Public discontent over justice system’s treatment of sex criminals is not confined to lenient penalties, rather it encompasses a long-running debate over the statute of limitations. There has been a slew of high-profile cases involving serial murders and rapes that have been closed due to the statute.

Jung Byung-gil’s “Confession of Murder” taps into a growing anger over the statute of limitations by featuring a serial murderer who cashes in on his crimes by publishing a book on the murders he committed. The movie hits theaters next Thursday.

On the day the 15-year statute of limitations expires on a serial murder case involving 10 women, a family member of one of the victims jumps to death in front of the detective (Jeong Jae-young) in charge of the case.

Two years later, Lee Du-seok (Park Si-hoo) publishes a book titled “I Am the Murderer,” claiming responsibility for the killings that took place 17 years ago. The controversial book rises to the top of best-seller lists, and Lee becomes famous.

The detective attempts to surmount legal obstacles to bring the murderer/author to justice.

Critic Jeon Chan-il sees the series of films as mirroring public frustration with the legal system.

“The movies fulfill people’s wishes by allowing victims to take on the perpetrators, and it has become a trend for movies to contain a social message,” said Jeon.

“I think the trend is something to encourage. Movies with a message are more meaningful than those that only entertain.”

'Confession of Murder' Official Trailer (English Subtitles)

 

'Dirty Blood' Official Trailer (English Subtitles)

'Don't Cry Mommy' Official Trailer

[VOD / Photo & News] ‘A Werewolf Boy’ Challenges James Bond and Becomes No.1 Movie on Opening Day.

[VOD / Photo & News] ‘A Werewolf Boy’ Challenges James Bond and Becomes No.1 Movie on Opening Day.
Cr. - http://enewsworld.mnet.com/

The Song Joong Ki effect must be working with A Werewolf Boy becoming the number one movie on opening day.

A Werewolf Boy premiered on October 31 and according to the Korean Film Commission, the total number of audience members on opening day at the box office came out to be 129, 251 people, coming out as number one.

The movie, starring Song Joong Ki and Park Bo Young, easily slid the new James Bond movie 007 Skyfall to second place, which had 91,001 people watching on its fifth day of release since October 26.

Ben Afflect’s Argo which also premiered on Halloween, gathered around 10,633 people, while Ku Hye Sun’s The Peach Tree gained 4,547 people.