[News] Jang Keun-suk makes record debut on Oricon chart.

[News] Jang Keun-suk makes record debut on Oricon chart.
Cr. - http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

Actor-singer Jang Keun-suk made a record debut on Japan's Oricon Chart, ranking No. 1 during the first week of his single's release. It is the first time a non-Japanese artist has topped the comprehensive music chart in an opening week.

According to Oricon, Jang's single "Let Me Cry", which was released on April 27, has sold 119,000 copies during its first week of sales. The last time a male solo artist debuted at No. 1 on the Oricon chart was over 30 years ago, by Mashihiko Gondo, in December 1980. No foreign artist, neither a solo singer nor a band, has ever achieved such sales, the chart's newsletter said Tuesday.

The best previous record among non-Japanese artists is when another Korean signer, Ryoo Si-won, made a No. 2 debut with his first Japanese single "Sakura", in April 2005.

Jang's ranking was followed by K-pop band Girls' Generation's third Japanese single "Mr. Taxi/Run Devil Run". Having sold 100,000 copies, the single marks the best turnout for the band since its debut in the neighboring country last September.

The last time Korean singers topped the singles chart was in October 2008, when TVXQ's "Mirotic" and Lee Byeong-Heon's debut recording "Itsuka" ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

Jang is currently appearing as a model for Korean advertisements in Japan, including a "makgeolli" (rice wine) brand and a line of cosmetics. His popular TV drama, "Marry Me, Mary!" co-starring Moon Geun-yeong, is due to air on TBS in Japan beginning May 20.

[News] Jo In-sung to Be Discharged from Military on 4th May.

[News] Jo In-sung to Be Discharged from Military on 4th May.
Cr. - hancinema

Hallyu star Jo In-Sung will complete his twenty five months-long military service and will be discharged from the military on May 4.

According to his agency's announcement made on May 2, Jo In-Sung, who has served at the military band of the air force as a sergeant will be discharged from the Air Headquarters located in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do on May 4 at 10:00 am.

He joined the air force in April, 2009 and has served as a publicity ambassador at the air force and he even appeared on KBS 1TV's quiz program "The Golden-Bell Challenge" as a sergeant. He will reportedly take a rest right after being discharged from the air force and will review his next works to appear.

[News] Leading females cast for Warrior Baek Dong-soo.

[News] Leading females cast for Warrior Baek Dong-soo.
Cr. - javabeans

With Ji Chang-wook (Smile, Dong-hae) and Yoo Seung-ho (Flames of Desire) already in place as hero and villain for the fusion sageuk drama Warrior Baek Dong-soo, now we turn to the ladies, who have just been confirmed.

Yoon So-yi (above) is most recently from the MBC drama Hero (which performed dismally, despite an avid — but small — audience), though I still prefer to think of her in terms of Goodbye Solo, because that’s the strongest I’ve seen her. (Other roles: Try To Remember, City of Glass, Auction House.) Caveat: I see some reports calling her casting unconfirmed, but another one states that she has not only been cast but also attended the drama’s first script reading.

The other lead goes to Yoon Ji-min (below), who was recently in SBS’s Paradise Ranch playing the cold ex-supermodel. No word yet on the description of their characters, but there will be one more actress selected to fill out the main cast, whom the producers plan to find via open auditions. (Generally I take that to mean that the actor will be talented, to offset their obscurity. I suppose it doesn’t always work that way, but it ought to yield better odds than taking a crapshoot with a B-list idol with zero experience. Sigh, Daddy’s Girl…)

I wonder whether these two will play characters who are involved in romantic storylines with either or both of the leading men, because the most glaring issue to me seems to be the vast age differences at play here. It’s not so noticeable between Ji Chang-wook (23) and Yoon So-yi (26), but the other two occupy opposing extremes: Yoo Seung-ho is 17, while Yoon Ji-min is 33. Of course, just because they’ve been cast in leading roles doesn’t mean they’ll automatically be paired off (although, it IS a K-drama…), but it’s interesting to note how noticeably younger the men are in relation to the ladies. I guess it really IS the age of the noona. May it never end.

Warrior Baek Dong-soo premieres in July, following upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama Lie To Me.

[Photo & News] Lee Min Ho shooting Fights in Mud for “City Hunter”.

[News] Lee Min Ho shooting Fights in Mud for “City Hunter”.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Hallyu Star Lee Min Ho fought against twelve men for a scene in his upcoming drama "City Hunter." In early April, he shot a muddy fight sequence, and photos of the shoot have been released.

Lee currently plays the role of an MIT graduate scholar/doctor, ‘Lee Yun Sung’. Despite the harsh, cold weather where he was filming, the actor braved through it all as he fought against 12 guys for an action-packed martial arts scene.

For his role, Lee Min Ho has been practicing and learning martial arts consistently for the past few months from Kali Arnis, the same man who taught Won Bin for “The Man From Nowhere.”

Representatives of the drama said, “In this cold weather, Lee Min Ho pulled through filming this action scene with his passion and energy. You can really feel ‘City Hunter’ from Lee Min Ho’s more masculine and mature image. Please look forward to the new drama.”

Lee Min Ho received formal martial arts training for several months. He practiced Arnis and Kali, a class of Filipino martial arts that emphasize weapon-based fighting. Many Korean fans became aware of Arnis and Kali through 2010's blockbuster movie "Ajusshi" starring Won Bin.

Meanwhile, the new SBS drama 'City Hunter' is a drama originally based on Tsukasa Hojo's worldwide hit manga, which especially attracts a worldwide attention because it's being produced as a TV drama series for the first time.

Lee Min Ho is acting the role of 'Lee Yoon Sung', who works at the Blue House's National Communication Network Team and received his Ph.D at M.I.T. He is putting his best effort and passion to his comeback drama after a year of break. Until now, he showed a soft image from 'Boys over Flowers' and 'Personal Taste', but this time he will demonstrate the more mature and strong Real man's image.

“City Hunter” first episode will be air on 25th May 2011.

[Article] “The Greatest Love” : TV soap to peek into celebrity life.

[Article] “The Greatest Love” : TV soap to peek into celebrity life.
By Kwon Mee-yoo@www.koreatimes.co.kr


A drama featuring the life of entertainers when they are not in front of the camera begins today, starring top actors and actresses such as Cha Seung-won, Kong Hyo-jin, Yoon Kye-sang and Yoo In-na.

“The Greatest Love” revolves around Dokgo Jin (Cha) and Gu Ae-jeong (Kong). Gu was the most popular member of girl group Gukbo Sonyeo, literally meaning “National Treasure Girl,” some 10 years ago, but fell from grace after becoming embroiled in scandals.

She makes appearances on television programs to eke out a living for her troublemaker father and brother.

On the other hand Dokgo is the most beloved star in the nation, topping all kinds of popularity polls and appearing in many commercials, but has several character flaws. Gu discovers a secret about Dokgo by chance and reveals it on a talk show, incurring his fury. However, their ill-fated relationship unfolds in an unexpected way as Dokgo falls for Gu and tries to win her heart.

Yoo plays the role of another star Se-ri, who was in the same group with Gu 10 years ago, while Yoon portrays Pil-ju, a gentle, handsome Oriental medical doctor who meets Gu on a dating game show.

The drama draws from gossip people hear about entertainers.

“For instance, there are rumors such as Gu being the mistress of a gang member or having a secret son, who actually is her nephew, in the drama. These episodes come from rumors, but do not allude to anyone in particular. There are no role models for the characters,” Kong said at a press conference for the drama last week.

Kong said her character is wounded, who cannot love someone because of scandals.

“When Dokgo confesses his love to her, she rather steps back wondering why he likes her. She was also worried that her ‘unfavorable’ image might harm her love interest,” she explained.

Cha said he wants to show a bright, healthy side of the entertainment scene in Korea through this drama.

“I had an interview with high school students for their school paper and the thought struck me. They adore and admire actors and singers just because they like the entertainers — there is no specific reason,” he said. “I thought we should be more responsible for such popularity and show them the entertainment scene is not such the harsh, dark place described in recent news.”

He admitted that entertainers do hide behind their image due to their job. “However, this drama will show they are just genuine people off-camera,” Cha said.

Yoo shot to stardom after landing principal roles in MBC’s sitcom “High Kick Through the Roof” (2009) and SBS drama “Secret Garden” (2010) within a year of making her debut.

“I am still a rookie and totally different from the arrogant Se-ri. But it is somewhat gratifying to play such a character,” Yoo said. “I will try to remember how I felt when I first began even if I become a big star someday.”

Yoon is the only singer-turned-actor in the drama, but he plays the role of an Oriental doctor, not an entertainer.

“The script is very realistic, giving a fun sneak peek into what is going on behind the scenes,” he said.

“However, the situation is totally different from when I was a singer — we were not even allowed to go out of our waiting room to meet other singers.”

Park Hong-kyun, the director of “Queen Seondeok,” takes command of the drama and Hong Jeong-eun and Hong Mi-ran, aka the “Hong Sisters,” wrote the script. The sisters are known for their witty lines in dramas such as “Fantastic Couple” (2006) and “You’re Beautiful” (2009). Their most recent hit was the 2010 drama “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho,” starring Lee Seung-gi and Synn Min-a.

“They are very good at character comedy and we will differentiate from other romantic comedies on the small screen in May through brilliant episodes,” the director, Park, said.

“The Greatest Love” will air on Wednesday and Thursday at 9:55 p.m. on MBC.

[News] GTV Presents the Leads of Absolute Darling Gu Hye Sun and Jiro Wang to the Media.

[News] GTV Presents the Leads of Absolute Darling Gu Hye Sun and Jiro Wang to the Media.
Cr. - koalasplayground

GTV confirmed the news today in a small press conference, and trotted out lead actors Gu Hye Sun and, no surprise here, Jiro Wang.

GTV are still furious at Wu Zun, and showered praise upon praise for Jiro’s loyalty and willingness to accept the project on such short notice. Both Jiro and Hye Sun discussed how they were confident that the scripts were excellent and believe in the quality of this drama.

The second leads for AD are supposedly Penny Xie (Xie Kun Da) of the boyband Energy and Cherry Hsia. As for Wu Zun dropping out, people drop of acting projects on a regular basis, It’s not like he dropped AD to do another drama anytime soon.

However, Wu Zun drop AD pretty much means he burned his bridges with GTV and the producer of AD, who really helped vault Zun to stardom by casting him in his drama productions of Tokyo Juliet, Romantic Princess, and TW-HanaKimi.

[News] Jang Keun Suk Debut Oricon weekly top-ranking of Asian record in 30 years.

[News] Jang Keun Suk Debut Oricon weekly top-ranking of Asian record in 30 years.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Jang Keun Suk's Japanese debut single, topped on 'Oricon' weekly ranking.

Jang Keun Suk’s debut first album 'Let me cry' was the bestseller last week. And he is the first and only foreign artist who made the largest number of weekly sales as one’s 'debut' album, It means that he made a Japanese music history. Further, even including Japanese male artists, this feat is for the first time in 30 years.

In the week since top-ranked male solo artist’s debut single, blue sneakers [1980] In the 30 years since the record debuted at Kondou Masahiko, a feat of the Oricon ranking second in history. Jang Geun Suk has worked as an actor with concrete, since its debut, the buzz around a record of exceptional standing.

Jang Geun Suk said 'The heart is filled with news of the week ranked first, at first unable to speak. Ranked first week, a really big gift I gave my fans” and that “from now on be able to showcase good music, you work harder.'

Recently, Jang Geun Suk finished behind Singapore and Hong Kong performances success, Jang Keun suk Asia Tour 2011 continues on 28th May in Thailand. After Cri Show in Thailand he have Cri Show event in Malaysia and Taiwan.

Jang Keun Suk - 'Let me Cry'

[News] 47th Baeksang Arts Awards (2011) Nominees.

[News] 47th Baeksang Arts Awards – Nominees and Blue’s predictions.
Cr. - 47th Baeksang Arts Awards


47th Baeksang Arts Awards (2011)nominees and blue’s predictions, As the only award ceremony in Korea for both television and films, Baeksang Arts Awards is considered one of the biggest awards ceremonies in the industry. The event is scheduled to be held on 26th May 2011, official nominees for 47th Baeksang Arts Awards were announced.



List of nominees - FILM SECTION :

Best Picture: The Unjust, Poetry, Ahjussi (a.k.a. The Man from Nowhere), Moss, The Yellow Sea / Blue’s pick: Poetry

Best Director: Kang Woo Suk (Moss), Na Hong Jin (The Yellow Sea), Ryu Seung Wan (The Unjust), Lee Jung Bum (Ahjussi), Lee Chang Dong (Poetry) / Blue’s pick: Kang Woo Wuk (Moss)
Best New Director: Kim Gwang Shik (My Gangster Boyfriend), Kim Young Tak (Hello Ghost), Kim Jung Hoon (Petty Romance), Jang Yoo Jung (Finding Kim Jong Wook), Jang Chul Soo (Bedevilled) / Blue’s pick: Jang Chul Soo (Bedevilled)

Top Excellence, Actor: Ryu Seung Bum (The Unjust), Won Bin (Ahjussi), Lee Byung Hun (I Saw the Devil), Cha Tae Hyun (Hello Ghost), Ha Jung Woo (The Yellow Sea) / Blue’s pick: Won Bin (Ahjussi)

Top Excellence, Actress: Seo Young Hee (Bedevilled), Soo Ae (Midnight FM), Yoon Jung Hee (Poetry), Jo Yeo Jung (The Servant), Tang Wei (Late Autumn) / Blue’s pick: Yoon Jung Hee (Poetry)

Best New Actor: Song Sae Byuk (The Servant), Eom Ki Joon (The Demolished Man), Jo Jin Woong (Glove), Choi Daniel (Cyrano Dating Agency), Choi Seung Hyun (71: Into the Fire) / Blue’s pick: Song Sae Byuk (The Servant)

Best New Actress: Kim Sae Ron (Ahjussi), Shin Hyun Bin (He’s On Duty), Shim Eun Kyung (Happy Killers), Lee Min Jung (Cyrano Dating Agency), Ji Sung Won (Bedevilled) / Blue’s pick: Lee Min Jung (Cyrano Dating Agency) or Kim Sae Ron (Ahjussi)

Best Screenplay: Kim Dae Woo (The Servant), Kim Hyun Suk (Cyrano Dating Agency), Park Hoon Jung (The Unjust), Yook Sang Hyo (He’s On Duty), Lee Chang Dong (Poetry) / Blue’s pick: Lee Chang Dong (Poetry)




Popularity Award, Actor:

Kang Dong Won (Psychic),
Go Soo (Psychic),
Gong Yoo (Finding Kim Jong Wook),
Kim Myung Min (Detective K),
Kim Yoon Suk (The Yellow Sea),
Kim Ju Hyuk (The Servant),
Ryu Seung Bum (The Unjust),
Song Sae Byuk (The Servant),
Song Seung Hun (The Invincible),
Song Joong Ki (Heart is… 2),
Eom Ki Joon (The Demolished Man),
Uhm Tae Woong (Cyrano Dating Agency),
Won Bin (Ahjussi),
Yoo Ji Tae (Midnight FM),
Lee Byung Hun (I Saw the Devil),
Lee Seon Kyun (Petty Romance),
Lee Jung Jae (The Housemaid),
Jung Jae Young (Moss),
Jo Jin Woong (Glove),
Joo Jin Mo (The Invincible),
Cha Tae Hyun (Hello Ghost),
Choi Daniel (Cyrano Dating Agency),
Choi Seung Hyun (71: Into the Fire),
Ha Jung Woo (The Yellow Sea)

Blue’s pick: Choi Seung Hyun (71: Into the Fire)



Popularity Award, Actress:

Kang Ye Won (Hello Ghost),
Gong Hyo Jin (Rolling Home With a Bull),
Kim Hae Ron (Ahjussi),
Park Shin Hye (Cyrano Dating Agency),
Seo Young Hee (Bedevilled),
Soo Ae (Midnight FM), Shin Hyun Bin (He’s On Duty),
Shim Eun Kyung (Happy Killers),
Uhm Jung Hwa (Best Seller),
Eom Ji Won (Bad Couple),
Yoo Seon (Glove),
Yoon Jung Hee (Poetry),
Yoon Jin Seo (Secret Love),
Lee Min Jung (Cyrano Dating Agency),
Im Soo Jung (Finding Kim Jong Wook),
Jeon Do Yeon (The Housemaid),
Jo Yeo Jung (The Servant),
Ji Sung Won (Bedevilled),
Jiyeon (Death Bell 2),
Choi Kang Hee (Petty Romance),
Tang Wei (Late Autumn),
Han Ji Min (Detective K),
Han Ji Hye (Blades of Blood)

Blue’s pick: Lee Min Jung (Cyrano Dating Agency)




List of nominees - TELEVISION SECTION :

Best Drama: Dong Yi (MBC), Sungkyunkwan Scandal (KBS), Secret Garden (SBS), Giant (SBS), Baker King Kim Tak Gu (KBS) / Blue’s pick: Baker King Kim Tak Gu

Best Cultural Program: Documentary 3 Days (KBS), Tears of Africa (MBC), The Last Tundra (SBS), What is School? (EBS), Road for Hope (KBS) / Blue’s pick: What is School?

Best Director: Shin Woo Chul (Secret Garden), Yoo In Shik (Giant), Lee Byung Hoon (Dong Yi), Lee Jung Sub (Baker King Kim Tak Gu), Jung Eul Young (Life is Beautiful) / Blue’s pick: Yoo In Shik (Giant) or Jung Eul Young (Life is Beautiful)

Best New Director: Kim Dae Jin (Enjoy Life), Kim Won Suk (Sungkyunkwan Scandal), Lee Dong Hoon (Daring Woman), Lee Eung Bok (Dream High) / Blue’s pick: Kim Won Suk (Sungkyunkwan Scandal)

Top Excellence, Actor: Kwon Sang Woo (Daemul), Yoon Si Yoon (Baker King Kim Tak Gu), Lee Bum Soo (Giant), Jung Bo Suk (Giant), Hyun Bin (Secret Garden) / Blue’s pick: Lee Bum Soo (Giant) or Jung Bo Suk (Giant)

Top Excellence, Actress: Kim Ah Joong (Sign), Park Min Young (Sungkyunkwan Scandal), Jeon In Hwa (Baker King Kim Tak Gu), Ha Ji Won (Secret Garden), Han Hyo Joo (Dong Yi) / Blue’s pick: Ha Ji Won (Secret Garden)

Best New Actor: Kim Sung Oh (Secret Garden), Kim Soo Hyun (Dream High), Park Yoochun (Sungkyunkwan Scandal), Park Jin Young (Dream High), Ok Taecyeon (Cinderella’s Sister) / Blue’s pick: Park Yoochun (Sungkyunkwan Scandal)

Best New Actress: Nam Gyu Ri (Life is Beautiful), Park Ha Seon (Dong Yi), Bae Suzy (Dream High), Yoo In Na (Secret Garden), Lee Si Young (The Birth of the Rich) / Blue’s pick: Park Ha Seon (Dong Yi)

Scriptwriting Award: Kang Eun Kyung (Baker King Kim Tak Gu), Kim Kyu Wan (Cinderella’s Sister), Kim Eun Sook (Secret Garden), Jang Young Chul (Giant), Jung Ha Yeon (Flames of Ambition) / Blue’s pick: Jung Ha Yeon (Flames of Ambition)




Popularity Award, Actor:

Kwon Sang Woo (Daemul),
Kim Sung Oh (Secret Garden),
Kim Soo Hyun (Dream High),
Kim Hyun Joong (Playful Kiss),
Park Shi Hoo (Prosecutor Princess),
Park Yoo Chun (Sungkyunkwan Scandal),
Park Jin Young (Dream High),
So Ji Sub (Road No. 1),
Song Seung Hun (My Princess),
Song Joong Ki (Sungkyunkwan Scandal),
Song Chang Eui (Life is Beautiful),
Ok Taecyeon (Cinderella’s Sister),
Yoo Ah In (Sungkyunkwan Scandal),
Yoon Doo Joon (All My Love),
Yoon Sang Hyun (Secret Garden),
Yoon Si Yoon (Baker King Kim Tak Gu),
Lee Bum Soo (Giant),
Lee Seung Gi (My Girlfriend is a Gumiho),
Jang Geun Suk (Mary Stayed Out All Night),
Jung Bo Suk (Giant),
Jung Ji Hoon/Rain (Runaway: Plan B),
Jo Kwon (All My Love),
Joo Sang Wook (Giant),
Joo Won (Baker King Kim Tak Gu),
Hyun Bin (Secret Garden)

Blue’s pick: Hyun Bin (Secret Garden)



Popularity Award, Actress:

Ga In (All My Love),
Go Hyun Jung (Daemul),
Kim Sa Rang (Secret Garden),
Kim So Yeon (Prosecutor Princess),
Kim Ah Joong (Sign),
Kim Jung Eun (I Am Legend),
Kim Tae Hee (My Princess),
Nam Gyu Ri (Life is Beautiful),
Moon Geun Young (Cinderella’s Sister),
Park Min Young (Sungkyunkwan Scandal),
Park Ha Seon (Dong Yi),
Bae Suzy (Dream High),
Seo Woo (Flames of Ambition),
Seo Ji Hye (Kim Soo Ro),
Soo Ae (Athena),
Shin Min Ah (My Girlfriend is a Gumiho),
IU (Dream High),
Yoo In Na (Secret Garden),
Lee Na Young (Runaway: Plan B),
Lee So Yeon (Dong Yi),
Lee Si Young (The Birth of the Rich),
Jeon In Hwa (Baker King Kim Tak Gu),
Ha Ji Won (Secret Garden),
Han Hyo Joo (Dong Yi),
Ham Eun Jung (Dream High),
Hwang Jung Eum (Giant)

Blue’s pick: Moon Geun Young (Cinderella’s Sister)

[News] "Poseidon" on hold for 5 months... will it resume?

[News] "Poseidon" on hold for 5 months... will it resume?
Cr. - hancinema

Drama "Poseidon" hasn't been able to resume even in April.

Eric Moon's return drama, "Poseidon" was put on hold after the December Yeonpyeong Island bombing and hasn't been able to continue with the shoot.

A manager for one of the actors in the drama said, "They are saying now that the shoot will begin in June. Other than that we have not heard anything else from the production. Whether or not we can start in June as well is something we will find out when the time comes".

The productions said in December, "The shoot has been put on hold due to weather conditions and such but we will resume in March" but has been postponing the shoot again and again without specific notification to the acting crew.

Some actors and actresses have already decided to step down and are now currently in other projects. However, some actors and actresses who have completed the contract can't do so and they are just wailing away the time being postponed.

The biggest reason for the hold is in scheduling. "Poseidon" was initially supposed to come right after "Midas" but it went haywire in the end.

The productions is therefore looking at pre-production.

[Photo & News] Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suk 'You're Pet' photo shoot.

[Photo & News] Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suk 'You're Pet' photo shoot.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Hallyu star Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suk leader cast couple of 'You're Pet' movies photo shoot has been released.

On 3rd May photo fliming show on You're Pet's facebook site and show photographs of the exercises were scenarios, two star in the photo alongside the pose takes the perfect picture of older woman attracted to younger boy.


Kim Haneul and Jang Geun Suk will star in a new film titled, “You're Pet” a story about growing up through understanding and caring for one another as pet owner and her pet. The original story was written by the Japanese writer Yayoi Ogawa and was later adapted into a popular TBS drama starring Matsumoto Jun.

“You're Pet” Kim Ha-neul plays ‘Eunee,’ a beautiful and successful woman who is socially awkward. Jang Keun-suk plays ‘Inho,’ an aspiring danseur / ballerino extremely popular amongst women. Through certain circumstances, Inho will live with Eunee as her pet and display various sides of a pretty boy.

[News] Kim Ha-neul, Yeom Jeong-ah, Choi Ji-woo, Kim Soo-mi,Lee Hye-young and Seo Woo confirms "1 Night 2 Days".

[News] Kim Ha-neul, Yeom Jeong-ah, Choi Ji-woo, Kim Soo-mi,Lee Hye-young and Seo Woo confirms "1 Night 2 Days".
Cr. - hancinema

6 Heroines meet "1 Night 2 Days"!

Kim Ha-nuel, Yeom Jeong-ah, Choi Ji-woo, Seo Woo, Kim Soo-mi and Lee Hye-young have confirmed to be in the KBS 2TV entertainment program "Happy Sunday-1 Night 2 Days", actress special.

According to a spokesperson in KBS on the 3rd, they have recently confirmed to appear in the program.

The 6 actresses appearing in the "Actress Special" will be leaving on a trip with the original members of "1 Night 2 Days", Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Lee Seung-gi, Eun Ji-won, Kim Jong-min and Eom Tae-woong.

This is something "1 Night 2 Days" hadn't done at all yet so it's been an issue.

Producer Na Yeong-seok recently told Star News, "We are planning on showing the viewers a different kind of fun through the concept of 6 macho males and 6 actresses".

The main writer for the program Lee Woo-jeong was also a corner composition writer for the late program "Happy Sunday – 6 Heroines". Therefore this journey with 6 actresses and the members of "1 Night 2 Days" is being looked forward to by many.

Meanwhile, the taking of the special episode will take place on the 6th and 7th.

[News] Super Junior Donghae and Siwon shoots drama in Taiwan.

[News] Super Junior Donghae and Siwon shoots drama in Taiwan.
Cr. - 10asia

Super Junior members Donghae and Siwon have been busy shooting their drama in Taiwan, according to their agency SM Entertainment.

On Tuesday, SM announced in a press release that the two idol stars who have been cast as the male leads in Taiwanese drama "Extravagant Challenge" began shooting the series in mid-April.

Siwon portrays the role of talented top actor Don Ha-ryeon while Donghae plays the musically-talented self-centered playboy Bul Pa-sang in "Extravagant Challenge," an adaptation of the popular Japanese manga “Skip Beat.”

"Extravagant Challenge," scheduled to air on Taiwan's GTV later this year, is helmed by famed producer Doze Niu and also stars Chinese actress Ivy Chen and Taiwanese actress Bianca Bai.

In early April, Donghae and Siwon attended the press conference for the show alongside Doze Niu, Ivy Chen and Bianca Bai and held their first script reading for the upcoming series.

Meanwhile, the group has been dominating Taiwan's KKBOX's music chart for 49 consecutive weeks with their title track "BONAMANA" from their fourth full-length album of the same name and have performed in front of 30,000 fans during their "SUPER SHOW 3" in Taiwan in March.

The two singers made their debut in the 13-member boy band Super Junior in 2005, releasing their first album "SuperJunior05" and has since produced numerous hit songs such as “Sorry, Sorry,” “It’s You,” “Rukkugo” and “BONAMANA.”

Donghae and Siwon have expanded their careers into acting, starring in SBS' Monday and Tuesday drama "I'm Ok, Daddy" and "Oh! My Lady" and "Athena," respectively.

[News] KEYEAST appoints head of Japanese subsidiary as co-CEO.

[News] KEYEAST appoints head of Japanese subsidiary as co-CEO.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean culture and talent agency KEYEAST announced today that it has appointed the head of its Japanese affiliate as one of its chief executive officials.

According to a press release by KEYEAST, Bae Sung-woong, the head of KEYEAST’s Japanese subsidiary Digital Adventure (DA), was officially designated as the co-CEO for KEYEAST alongside existing CEO Shin Pil-soon.

DA is a digital contents distribution company based in Japan which is in charge of Korea-Asia exclusive entertainment channel DATV established in 2009.

“We decided to appoint Mr. Bae Sung-woong who has much experience and expertise in both countries as co-CEO to maximize the synergy between KEYEAST and cable channel DATV which is our main business in Japan," Shin was quoted as saying in the statement.

Bae who spearheaded the establishment of DATV, won an award at the 2009 Korea Contents Award for his achievement.

“I feel more responsible as now is the time we have finally begun to put things we have long prepared, into practice. From now on, KEYEAST will widen on its spectrum to take part not only in managing actors but also in producing dramas and music to the Asian market,” Bae was quoted as saying in the statement.

KEYEAST, where Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon stands as the largest stockholder, is one of the top talent firms in Korea that manages the careers Lee Na-young, Choi Gang-hee, Joo Ji-hoon, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Soo-hyun and E Ji-ah among others.

The firm has also produced a wide range of entertainment content for several years including the animation version of mega-hit TV series “Winter Sonata,” Bae Yong-joon’s photo essay “A Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty” and most recently TV series “Dream High” which was a collaboration between KEYEAST and major K-pop talent agency JYP Entertainment (JYPE).

The company has also joined in the establishment of a joint global agency for singers and actors named United Asia Management (UAM) formed with five other Korea’s top-class talent agencies including SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYPE, Star J Entertainment, and AM Entertainment.

[News] Lee Seo-jin cast in “Gyebaek” MBC new historical drama.

[News] Lee Seo-jin cast in “Gyebaek” MBC new historical drama.
Cr. - 10asia

Lee Seo-jin has been cast as the main lead in a new historical drama, revealed his agency Core Contents Media on Monday.

According to a press release by Core Contents, Lee who is returning to the small screen for the first time in two years, will play General Gyebaek in MBC’s upcoming historical series tentatively titled “Gyebaek.”

The drama, about true leadership exerted by a courageous leader, will be helmed by Kim Geun-hong famous for producing other Korean historical dramas including “Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace),” “Jumong,” “Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown,” “Queen Seon-deok,” and “Yi San” and written by scenarist Jung Hyung-soo who has written shows such as “Damo” and “Jumong.”

General Gyebaek was the last military commander of Korea’s ancient kingdom of Baekje that ruled the middle region of the Korean Peninsula from 18 B.C. to A.D. 660. Record says he and his 5,000 men fought the Silla kingdom till the end despite lacking in the number of troops.

MBC plans to shoot some of the large-scale scenes for the series in China and the drama, composed of 32 episodes, is expected to go on air by late July of this year, after series “Ripley” airs after current primetime series “The Duo.”

Lee, whose most recent TV project was MBC's horror series "Soul" (2009), has appeared in over a dozen films and movies since his debut in 1999 and gained popularity through hit series "Damo" (MBC,2003) and "Firebird" (MBC, 2004).

[News] Lee Ji-ah drops suit against Seo Taiji.

[News] Lee Ji-ah drops suit against Seo Taiji.
Cr. - 10asia

Lee Ji-ah has dropped a suit asking for alimony and division of assets from her former husband, rocker Seo Taiji.

Barun Law, Lee's legal representative, said Saturday that the actress withdrew the lawsuit "upon judging it would be difficult to continue with the case with herself, her family, and people around her suffering from extreme psychological pain."

Lee had prompted a suit in January which demanded 500 million won in alimony and a five billion won share of assets from Seo whom she divorced in 2006 but with nobody having been aware of neither their marriage nor divorce until late last month, Korea's cyberspace became swamped with speculation and rumor surrounding the ex-couple and particularly Lee.

The same day, through a press release issued by his agency Seotaiji Company, Seo for the first time spoke about his relationship with Lee.

While admitting that two married in late 1997, Seo said they separated in 2000 and their divorce went into effect in 2006 despite their efforts to mend their differences. All regarding their divorce had "concluded smoothly" at the time so the recent suit was "unexpected," Seo said.

This contradicts E's earlier claim that the two divorced in 2009 after filing for it in 2006, although papers too have shown that they officially split in 2006 and that Lee had also waived her rights for spousal support from the singer.

Separately, Seo wrote a message on his official website, apologizing to his fans and asking for their understanding for keeping his such past a secret.

"After retiring in 1996, I wished to go back to being Jeong Hyeon-chul (Seo's real name) and live not as singer Seo Taiji but as an ordinary person who marries and has kids. So I wanted to protect my hard-gained home and regular life I was enjoying for the first time," Seo said.

Seo, Korea's cultural icon from the '90s, had kept his private life in close wraps after heading to the U.S. after his retirement as a member of boy band Seotaiji & Boys.



However, he ended his relationship with E in 2000 after which he returned to Korea and resumed his singing career. "After that, I couldn't tell the public about someone who I have already split and gone separate ways with so everything became a secret I had to keep to myself," Seo explained.

After Seo's message, E too addressed the issue directly through a posting on her official website on Sunday.

Lee said she had "lived a life that is not understandable " because she "respected and conformed" to Seo's wishes to not reveal his life to anyone. "I thought that was what love was about so I deserted my parents as well as myself."

"We ended everything in 2006 without proper discussion because I wanted to relieve myself of my pain as soon as possible and I believed that was the way we would leave things on a good note. But reality was different," Lee wrote.

"My pain only deepened over time, becoming incurable...... This is where I ended up because I wanted to be understood for the many dark years I spent and because I wanted to find my true self," Lee said of the reason for pushing for legal action.

"But I did not know we would be at such odds with each other...... And I have come to think it has become meaningless because our dispute has come to be only about tarnishing the other's reputation. I do not want to sacrifice my past or future life for it, nor hurt everybody around me so I have dropped the suit," Lee explained.

However, several questions remain to the scandal including why the actress filed the lawsuit despite the toll it could take on her current life -- she has maintained a good reputation during her four-year acting career and recently made headlines after admitting to dating top Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, her co-star of TV series "Athena."

Jung is said to have been unaware of Lee Ji-ah and Seo's relationship while being "extremely confused and taken aback" but has yet to state his stance on the matter officially.

[News] Jo In Sung to be discharged from the military on Wednesday.

[News] Jo In Sung to be discharged from the military on Wednesday.
Cr. - hancinema

Hallyu star Jo In Sung will be discharged from his two-year mandatory military service this week, according to his agency Sidus HQ.

On Monday, Sidus announced through a press release that Jo, who served as an air force officer for the past 25 months, starting April 2009, will be discharged from his post on May 4.

"Jo will hold an on-the-spot gathering that day with his fans and the media to speak about being discharged," an official from Sidus told 10Asia over the phone.

The official went onto explain that Jo In Sung had made an appearance on KBS' variety show "Golden Bell" in March while the episode is set to air this weekend.

He had led an active career as an officer, playing the saxophone in the air force band as well as emceeing various military events with TV personality Boom and actor Kim Jae-won.

Upon entering the military, Jo In Sung starred in a number of TV series debut in 1998 including "What Happened in Bali (SBS, 2004)," "Nonstop 2 (MBC, 2001)" and films "Classic (2003)," "A Dirty Carnival (2006)" and "Frozen Flower (2008)."

[VOD] Jang Keun Suk...News HongKong Entertain Cri Show..

cr:kawaiifrog0216

[News] Jung Woo-seong "Jeju-do with Lee Ji-ah?".

[News] Jung Woo-sung "Jeju-do with Lee Ji-ah?".
Cr. - hancinema

While Seo Taiji and Lee Ji-ah pulled a surprise twist on Saturday Jung Woo-sung chose to leave to Jeju-do.

Unexpectedly having been meddled in between the Seo Taiji and Lee Ji-ah scandal, Jung Woo-sung relaxed in Jeju-do from the 27th of April to the 30th. In shock of discovering that his lover was the wife of Seo Taiji, he hasn't been clear about his views and just watched.

The day Lee Ji-ah dropped charges on Seo Taiji, Jung Woo-sung was in a resort in Jeju-do with the chairman of his management.

He spent some relaxing time and relived his heart of everything he had been through because of the unexpected scandal.

There was also rumor that he had left to Jeju-do with Lee Ji-ah which turned out to be untrue. Chairman Kim Yeon-hak from Taurus Films explained, "He did not travel with Lee Ji-ah".

Jung Woo-sung will leave for Japan next month for the Japanese drama "Good Life".

[VOD & Lyrics] Good Morning Beautiful - Steve Holy

Good Morning Beautiful
Artist: Steve Holy

Good morning beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderful
With you by my side
And when I open my eyes
And see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day

I didn't see the light
I didn't know day from night
I had no reason to care
But since you came along
I can face the dawn
Cause I know you'll be there

Good morning beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderful
With you by my side
And when I open my eyes
And see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day

I'll never worry
If it's raining outside
Cause in here with you girl
The sun always shines

Good morning beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderful
With you by my side
And when I open my eyes
And see your sweet face
It's a good morning beautiful day, yeah

A good morning beautiful...day

Good morning beautiful
A beautiful day
Good morning beautiful
Good morning beautiful
A beautiful day
Good morning beautiful day
A beautiful day
Good morning beautiful


--------------------------

[Photo & VOD] Won Bin and Moon Geun Young for 'Basic House' magazine.

Won Bin & Moon Guen Young - 'Basic House' photoshoot making film

Won Bin and Moon Geun Young’s lookbook for Basic House Fall 2011 is finally out! As previously tweeted on Kokokoreano’s Twitter, Won Bin and Moon Geun Young have replaced Kim Hyun Joong and Yoon Eun Hye as the new face of Korea’s Basic House.

While Won Bin and Moon Geun Young do look impeccable in these smart casual looks, the fun and youthful image of Basic House seems to have lost in this photo shoot this time round. Check out the entire lookbook below and tell us what you think!

[Photo & News] Won Bin and Moon Geun Young for 'Basic House' magazine.