[News] Lee Byung-hun mulling historical film role.

[News] Lee Byung-hun mulling historical film role.
Cr. - 10asia

Lee Byung-hun is considering appearing in a historical film, according to his agency BH Entertainment on Friday.

"He's looking into the movie after being offered a role in it although nothing has been decided as of yet," an official at BH said of the pic tentatively named "I am the King of Joseon."

"Joseon," taking its motif from children's tale "The Prince and the Pauper," will tell of a man of low class of birth who pretends to be King Gwanghaegun, the 15th ruler of Korea's Joseon Dynasty.

"Joseon" was originally set to be famed director Kang Woo-suk's first historical pic but left the project over differences of opinion with production firm CJ E&M and was replaced by Chu Chang-min of "Mapado" (2005) and "Late Blossom" (2010).

Lee, one of Korea's most well-recognized actors and a household name in Japan as well, is currently filming the sequel to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" in the United States.

[News] "Deep Rooted Tree" holds up well on Wed-Thurs lineup.

[News] "Deep Rooted Tree" holds up well on Wed-Thurs lineup.
Cr. - 10asia

SBS' historical saga "Deep Rooted Tree" drew in steady ratings once again for its fourth consecutive win on TV charts during the first week of November.

According to the numbers from TNmS (Total National Multimedia Statistics) on Friday, "Tree" posted ratings of 17.3 on November 2 and saw a 1.2 percent uptick the following night.

Figures from AGB Nielsen Media Research also noted that the Han Suk-kyu and Jang Huk starrer fared well this week with scores of 17.4 percent on Wednesday night and 20.2 percent on Thursday.

This week's episode focused on how Sejong (Han) and Sohee (Shin Se-gyeong) try to clear the name of Garion (Yoon Jae-moon).

Park Min-young and Chun Jung-myung starrer KBS' "Glory Jane" saw a slight boost this week with viewership ratings in the 13 to 14 percent range on both charts.

E Ji-ah and Yoon Si-yoon starrer “Flower, Me Too” (translated title) will begin its run next week on MBC.

[News] Jang Keun-suk "busy busy" to Daegu.

[News] Jang Keun-suk "busy busy" to Daegu.
Cr. - hancinema

Accrued exhaustion from movie promoting and performances...

Couldn't extend drama schedules so enforced shooting...

One of the busiest stars in the entertainment business, Hallyu star Jang Keun-suk is suffering from his murderous schedule.

Jang Keun-suk suddenly postponed the interview for his movie "You're Pet" to next week on November 3rd.

There was an overload because of the constant movie promotion and drama shooting all this while, and he therefore postponed the interview.

He is currently handling movie promotions, drama shoot and a Japanese concert tour all at once.

He is active in promoting the movie "You Pet" with Kim Ha-neul as it is coming out on November 10th, and also shooting the KBS 2TV drama "Love Rides the Rain" with Yoona from Girl's Generation.

While the movie promotions are taking place mostly in Seoul, the drama location is in Daegu so it isn't easy. Amidst all this the Japanese production team for an advertisement came to Korea. He is also studying as he returned to school this September.

As he is handling more than he really can, he is bound to get sick. It seems the drama schedule is now at a red light as he missed the shooting for "Love Rides the Rain" on November 1st. After postponing the interview on November 3rd, he headed straight for the set in Daegu.

He managed to put out this fire, but there are more to come. As "You Pet" is being released on November 10th, he has to attend several stage appearances and events. On November 26th, he has a large scale concert at the Tokyo Dome, Japan. He also has to deal with "Love Rides the Rain" in between all that.

As the situation indicates, many are now worrying, "He's multi-talented but he's overloading himself".

[News] Bae Yong-joon turns down role in upcoming series.

[News] Bae Yong-joon turns down role in upcoming series.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon has turned down a role in an upcoming series, according to his agency KEYEAST on Thursday.

An official with KEYEAST told 10Asia over the phone, "He was offered a role in the drama 'Four Seasons' (translated title) but has decided to turn it down."

The official then added that Bae is looking into other projects and will make his comeback soon.

"Four Seasons," written by famed scenarist Lee Kyung-hee of "I'm Sorry, I Love You," will tell the story about a female reporter and an orphaned man from a French mercenary.

The show was reported to air on KBS next year although an official with the major broadcaster explained that "nothing has been finalized on its scheduling."

Bae rose to stardom in Korea and throughout Asia through his 2002 hit KBS TV series "Winter Sonata" co-starring actress Choi Ji-woo. He last starred in historical epic "Four Gods" in 2007 and made an appearance in KBS' music series "Dream High" last year.

[News] Nichkhun Tweets 2PM Fan Art.

[News] Nichkhun Tweets 2PM Fan Art.
Cr. - soompi

Who loves 2PM caricatures? You have come to the right place!

2PM’s Nichkhun tweeted he and his fellow band members in full cartoon format via Twitter on November 4. The boy band, who is currently busy with their Japanese schedule, is seen “on a rescue mission” in the photo below.



“This is so cute. 2PM is on a rescue mission. Put Your Hands Up,’ if you need help," stated Nichkhun.

Fans responded to the fan art with messages like: “This is so cute”, “My hands are up, both of them… Save me”, and “You have made the fan who drew this very happy… she is a lucky girl.”

Do you think they resemble the original?

Recently, 2PM released their “Ultra Lover” single in Japan. This song was the follow-up to their “I’m Your Man” track in the country. The beastly are scheduled to debut their full-length Japanese album on November 30.

[News] 2PM participates in lighting ceremony at Venusfort.

[News] 2PM participates in lighting ceremony at Venusfort.
Cr. - allkpop

On November 3rd, 2PM participated in the lighting ceremony, “Venusfort Illumination 11-12” at Odaiba’s Venusfort 2F Kyoukai Hiroba.

As of 2011, this will be the 13th ceremony for “Venusfort Illumination” and the theme for this year is “the light of hope” in reference to the Great Tohoku Earthquake. For people fortunate to visit the venue, inside the building it appears as though “light” is raining down from the ceiling, granting dreams and hopes of the people visiting.

The 1,000 people invited to this premium event cheered as 2PM entered the venue. The group called out to the audience before the countdown, “This is our first time at a (lighting) event such as this and it’s a lot of fun. We’re really happy to be able to turn on these lights with all of you”. When the “Venusfort Illumination 11-12” was turned on, the beauty caused the crowd to applause wildly.

Additionally, 2PM prepared an early Christmas present for the crowd, “We’re going to perform our new single ‘Ultra Lover’ as a present for you all!”. With that, the “Venusfort Illumination 11-12” lighting ceremony ended with a great success.

[News] Lee Seung Gi Releases First Episode of "5-minute Music Broadcasts".

[News] Lee Seung Gi Releases First Episode of "5-minute Music Broadcasts".
Cr. - soompi

As previously reported, Lee Seung Gi has a new music show called "5 Minute Broadcasts" and the first episode has been unveiled at his YouTube channel recently.

In the 5 minute video, MC Park Ji Yoon hosted at event at the "Tonight Cafe." The place was jam-packed with excited fans that couldn't wait to see the live performance of Lee Seung Gi.

For this first episode, he performed "Because We’re Friends,” the title track from his new album and was accompanied by a live band. He also talked about the differences between his new album compared to previous album.

The show will be run for four weeks and will be aired on MelonTV and will also be made available on his YouTube channel. To add even more exposure to the show, it will be playing on large screens on trucks at selected universities in Korea.

[News] Calvin Chen wants to kiss Weng Tzymann?

[News] Calvin Chen wants to kiss Weng Tzymann?
Cr. - cpopaccess

Smile Weng Tzymann will soon be releasing her debut album titled, "Love Me". She was filming a MV for her new single, “It’s Okay”, at Yilan County yesterday. The MV is about a girl who has been dumped by her boyfriend but continues to be strong.

She especially invited Calvin Chen, her co-host on “Apple Entertainment News”, to be her MV’s male lead. There were many scenes of the two affectionately gazing at each other, but it wasn’t enough for Calvin as he requested to the director to add a kissing scene, which gave Tzymann a shock.

Tzymann has starred in Fahrenheit’s “Stay” MV before. And now that she and Calvin co-host NextTV’s entertainment news show together, they have developed a deeper friendship; Tzymann described themselves as “buddies”. As a result, Calvin agreed to film the MV at no charge.

Tzymann expressed, “We had a lot of trouble deciding on whom we should ask to be the male lead of the MV. I couldn’t believe that after Calvin heard about it, he recommended himself.” As for whether there is any possibility for their friendship to turn into a “love relationship”, she answered like all other celebs do, “I haven’t thought about it much. We are only good friends right now.” Tzymann’s mom, who was accompanying her during the shoot, expressed that she did not know how to respond to that question, but complimented Calvin for being a nice guy.

Calvin was much more playful on the other hand and kept shouting on the set, “Let’s fall in love!” He also said to Tzymann affectionately, “I risked being bashed by the public and hunt down by the fan boys to film this MV, so you must go out to dinner with me!”

[News]Shin Min Ah becomes first Asian model for American brand, ‘rag & bone’

[News]Shin Min Ah becomes first Asian model for American brand, ‘rag & bone’
Cr.- allkpop

Actress Shin Min Ah was chosen as the new model for a ‘DIY’ project with American clothing brand, ‘rag & bone’.

‘Rag & bone’ is a brand that selects big stars like Miranda Kerr, Caroline Murphy, Karolina Kurkova, and Sasha Pivovarova as their models. What’s interesting about this ‘DIY project’ is that it shows the models as their natural selves without using any makeup artists, hair dressers, or wardrobe crews.

Shin Min Ah is the first Asian model to take part in this project; the designers reportedly liked her natural features and lean silhouette.

Her agency stated, “[The designers] contacted us first because they were interested in working with Shin Min Ah as the Korean style icon. They began shooting in Busan last month and even then, they kept praising her.”

While the brand doesn’t exist in Korea, it’s very popular amongst high-end fashion designers.

Check out the pictures below!

[News]Jung Il Woo & Kim Bum encourage one another while proving themselves to be close friends

[News]Jung Il Woo & Kim Bum encourage one another while proving themselves to be close friends
Cr.- k-popexpress

In the early morning of November 3, Jung Il Woo, a popular Korean actor, posted a photo with the comment: “My friend Kim Bum visited the set for me. He as well must be on the go these days for the shooting of an upcoming drama series. I was really impressed by his surprise visit. I am crossing my fingers that your new drama series will appeal to a wealth of viewers.”

In the photo, Jung Il Woo and Kim Bum are taking a friendly pose, putting arms around each other’s shoulders. Jung is wearing a bright, soft smile, while Kim reveals his charismatic, manly appeal with his hair clearly slicked-back.

People who saw the photo left various responses: “You’re so cool!” “Your friendship is very touching.” “You guys are real eye candies. Thanks a lot!”

Jung is currently playing Cha Chi Su, a good-looking, cool-headed junior of a wealthy father who owns a conglomerate, in Flower Boy Ramen Shop, tvN’s new drama series that airs every Monday and Tuesday.

[News]Choi Si Won Poses with Producer Melvin Brown

[News]Choi Si Won Poses with Producer Melvin Brown.
Cr.- soompi

"Poseidon" goes "Gaga" for Melvin Brown!

The producer, known for his work with chart topper Lady Gaga, visited the watery set of the drama "Poseidon" on November 3. Actor and Super Junior member Choi Si Won posted greetings and a photo of the two on his Twitter. Check out Si Won and Melvin's tweets below:

Melvin Brown: " I'm on the drama tv set with @siwon407"

Choi Si Won: "Thanks for visiting our set brother, and hope you have a good time in Korea :)"

Melvin Brown: "I welcome the love Korea"

Choi Si Won: "It was very good time :) - with Melvin Brown"

Melvin Brown traveled to Korea in May to work with girl group JQT. He helped produce an international album for their possible debut in the United States.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong wins 3rd consecutive Style Icon Award

[News] Kim Hyun Joong wins 3rd consecutive Style Icon Award.
Cr.- allkpop+OSEN

Singer / actor Kim Hyun Joong took home the ‘KIA Soul People’s Choice‘ award at the 2011 Style Icon Awards that took place on November 3rd.

The Style Icon Awards took place at the CJ E&M Center and Cha Yae Ryun, Kim Min Jun and Park Young Rin served as MCs.

Kim Hyun Joong had earned the most votes for the People’s Choice award, and it was his third consecutive award that he had been honored with at the particular event.

He stated, “I’m so glad to be able to receive this award three years in a row. If it weren’t for all my fans, I wouldn’t have been able to win this award. Thank you to all my fans.”

The event is an annual event that awards the figures that have produced the newest paradigms of style for the past year.

[News] Bae Yong Joon turns down offer to star in new drama, “Four Seasons”.

[News] Bae Yong Joon turns down offer to star in new drama, “Four Seasons”.
Cr. - allkpop

Bae Yong Joon‘s agency, KeyEast Entertainment, clarified rumors concerning the actor and the upcoming drama, ‘Four Seasons‘.

A KeyEast representative stated, “It’s true that Bae Yong Joon has engaged in talks about his potential casting in ‘Four Seasons’. However, he has decided not to participate in the end.”

Though Bae Yong Joon recently acted in the popular teen drama, ‘Dream High‘, but he hasn’t starred in a drama as a protagonist since 2007. Reports say that fans were disappointed by the news, as it’s been almost 5 years since the actor has starred in a series.

Bae Yong Joon is currently reviewing possible projects.

[News] Yoon Eun Hye and Lee Dong Wook for "Wild Romance?"

[News] Yoon Eun Hye and Lee Dong Wook for "Wild Romance?"
Cr. - soompi

This would make my day, if the casting gets confirmed: Currently two top rom-com stars, Yoon Eun Hye and Lee Dong Wook, are reported as likely candidates for "Wild Romance" — that recently announced romantic comedy series written by Park Yeon Seon, she of "Alone in Love," "Mixed-up Investigative Agency," and "White Christmas" fame.

I’m fully expecting a round of “It’s only a rumor” and “S/He is considering the project, but nothing is confirmed” declarations, because that seems to be the way casting news flies these days. But with Lee Dong Wook returning to TV screens after his two-year army service and Yoon Eun Hye making some drama choices that ended badly in recent years, I would be thrilled to see them in a cute, well-written project. And I have a lot of faith in writer Park to deliver a solid script.

The plot: The hero is a baseball player, the heroine a former judo athlete and current bodyguard. Their initial meeting doesn’t go so well, characterized by “unpredictable bad luck,” but develops into a romance that unfolds over the course of a baseball season. The drama incorporates the standard rom-com storyline, but also encompasses a broader vision by expanding on the characters’ lives and dreams in a fun, touching way. Or so goes the PR-speak.

(That sounds like a vague explanation, but I can already see it. I recall that concept being a fun quirk of "Mixed-up Investigative Agency," and in fact, one of that drama’s trademark ending skits was based on that very idea. At the end of Episode 14, we see each of the recurring minor characters going about their daily lives, as the captions tell us: “There’s no need to force yourselves to remember these people. It’s just that they’re all the main characters in their respective lives, so they’re too busy to participate in this story, that’s all.”)

Plus, these two actors are fully capable of bringing out big laughs and wringing tears. Yes, their character descriptions sound pretty standard, but I could totally see Yoon as a judo-practicing, butt-kicking bodyguard. She didn’t get that reputation for physical strength for nuthin’, as I recall from those old days of "X-Man."

"Wild Romance" will air on KBS on Wednesdays and Thursdays. As the follow-up to "Man of Honor," it premieres in January and will run for 16 episodes.

[News]“You’re my Pet” press conference

[News]“You’re my Pet” press conference.
Cr.- jangkeunsukforever+Innolife

On 2 Nov afternoon, “You’re my Pet” (YMP) press conference was held. The leads Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun Suk and director Kim Byung-kun attended.

In the romantic comedy adapted from Japanese manga, Kim Ha-neul acts as Chi-eun and JKS acts as coquettish and absolutely faithful pet In-ho.

Based on the novel by Japanese author Yayoi Ogawa, the plot has already been affirmed. The movie describes the meeting, mutual understanding and friendship between owner and pet – the socially passive Chi-eun and popular and talented classical ballet In-ho.

JKS said, “I watched the movie very seriously. Up til now, I don’t have a work which I’m 100% satisfied with. There’s always some regrets. But amongst all my works, I’m most satisfied with YMP, really fortunate. This is a movie that can be watched relaxingly without any burden.”

“I worked harder in this drama, though I’m not sure whether it was enough. But considering it’s a comedy and should make everyone happy, the effect of too much acting skill may not be good. Luckily In-ho is very similar to me, I feel that In-ho in the movie is Jang Keun Suk, a performing JKS that adheres to the preference of the director and Kim Ha-neul.”

When asked what happens if the movie plot happens in real life, JKS answered laughingly, “Although the movie filming has completed, we still maintain the owner-pet relationship. It’s interesting being a pet in real life.” As for KHN, she said, “During the filming process, I was very envious of Chi-eun, but there is no choice but to return to KHN in real life. I feel that this is the best romantic comedy I’ve acted in.”

Having displayed world-class dance in the movie, JKS said, “The movie OST is really great. During this period, I keep searching for my identity amidst my roles as a singer, actor and dancer. It’s indeed hard being the little Prince of Asia.”

Given the title of “romantic comedy queen” by JKS, KHN said, “Amongst all the genres, my acting skill seems best shown in romantic comedy, because the filming process was happy. But when I saw the movie, I have a regret that I should be more comical.”

When asked to make a choice between Yu Seung-ho in “Blind” and JKS in YMP, Kim Ha-neul was in a dilemma and after some thinking, finally answered that “both cannot be compared. It was more formal with Yu Seung-ho as there was no romance involved (in filming), and filming with JKS was too comical. In short, I am not able to choose.”

JKS added a question playfully. “If Yu Seung-ho and I fall into the water at the same time and there is only one life vest, who will you throw it to?”

KHN chose Yu Seung-ho, with the reason that “Yu Seung-ho is young and has more of his life to live”.

The movie airs in Korea on 10 Nov.

[News]Kim Sun Ah, Sung Yuri, Park Min Young and Other King Kong Entertainment Artists Participate in Diabetes Campaign.

[News]Kim Sun Ah, Sung Yuri, Park Min Young and Other King Kong Entertainment Artists Participate in Diabetes Campaign
Cr.- soompi

Kim Sun Ah, Sung Yuri and Park Min Young lead other stars under the management of King Kong Entertainment in lending their voices and talents to encourage persons with diabetes. These artists recorded a series of radio public service announcements in support of International Diabetes Day.

Along with Kim Sun Ah, Sung Yuri and Park Min Young, Kim Bum, Lee Jin, Lee Jeong Ah, Lee Kwang Soo, Han Chae Ah, Yoo Yun Suk, Song Min Jung and Ji Il Joo also contributed to the project.

Radio station TBS FM 95.1 is airing these messages of support and encouragement every two hours during the daytime beginning November 2 until International Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14.

The Korean Diabetes Association chairman Park Seong Woo acknowledged the significance of the campaign. He said, “We thank the stars for willingly giving their voices to this campaign. During this time, many people will be listening to the programs on the radio. The artists’ messages of hope to patients with diabetes will hopefully help them overcome their disease, and also awaken awareness of the illness among the listeners.”

King Kong Entertainment said, “We hope to make this positive contribution in the cause and give hope to many people.”

[News]Jang Seo Hee, “I’m still 40 but I still have much more to show”

[News]Jang Seo Hee, “I’m still 40 but I still have much more to show”
Cr.- Starnews, korea.com

Jang Seo Hee said she still had much more to show even though she was 40.

At a press conference for her new movie The Secret of Things (directed by Lee Young Mi and produced by Film Front), which took place at Konkuk University Lotte Cinema on the 2nd, Jang said, “I just became 40 years old today. I was 39 when I was filming this movie.”

The Secrets of Things is a movie about desire and love described by a 40-year-old female professor and a 21-year-old college student through episodes happening while writing a thesis together. With its unique storytelling method, which is done from the perspectives of a copy machine and a digital camera, it was acclaimed for both its cinematic quality and its popularity and was also invited to Jeonju International Film Festival, Moscow International Film Festival, and Montreal International Film Festival.

Jang said, “I sympathized with the role I played. The line that says, ‘I still have so much more to show, but how come I am already 40?’ was actually what I have always wanted to say. But I don’t imagine sexual things while watching erotic videos like the character in the movie.”

She also said, “Even if I try to show diverse looks of myself, many people still remember my previous dramas such as Miss Mermaid and Temptation of Wife. I am very thankful that I may be able to show many other looks of myself through this film.”

The Secret of Things is released on the 17th.

[News]JQT volunteers with Korean Red Cross to aid flooding victims in Thailand

[News]JQT volunteers with Korean Red Cross to aid flooding victims in Thailand.
Cr.- allkpop+My Daily

Girl group JQT became the latest group of celebrities to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand to Thailand, who’s been fighting off severe floods for weeks. JQT worked with the Korean Red Cross on October 30th to help sort and deliver food, water, and other relief supplies.

A representative of GP Entertainment said, “JQT was recently in Bangkok to attend a launch event for ‘The Skin Shop,’ a brand that they’re modeling for. They felt that they couldn’t just stand by during this period of crisis and decided to help. Although it’s a small effort, they wanted to do whatever they could.”

In related news, JQT will be working with Lady Gaga‘s producer, Melvin Brown, on their American debut album.

[News]Stars Turn Out for the VIP Premiere of "You're My Pet"

[News]Stars Turn Out for the VIP Premiere of "You're My Pet"
Cr.- soompi

On the evening of November 2, the VIP premiere of "You're My Pet" was held at the Lotte Cinema in Jayang-dong, Seoul.

A variety of top stars attended this premiere to support and cheer for their fellow actresses and actors in this film including: Yoo Seung Ho, SS501's Kim Hyung Jun, After School's Jung Ah, Park Shin Hye, Jang Hyuk, Choi Ji Woo, Choi Kang Hee, Kang Ye Won, Kim Seung Woo, Hong Soo Ah, Go Na Eun and more. The film's leads, Jang Geun Suk and Kim Ha Neul looked very happy and excited for this grand event.

"You're My Pet" is based on a Japanese manga and is about Ji Eun (played by Kim Ha Neul), a woman who has everything in terms of power and beauty but lacks social skills and In Ho (played by Jang Geun Suk), a younger man who was always popular with the ladies in the past. In Ho becomes Ji Eun's "pet" and the story unravels as they get to know each other and build their relationship.

"You're My Pet" will open in theaters on November 10.

Check out the photos below:

[News]Cube Entertainment artists donate $45,000 to flooding victims in Thailand

[News]Cube Entertainment artists donate $45,000 to flooding victims in Thailand.
Cr.- allkpop+starnews

It was revealed earlier today through the Thailand media and Twitter that Cube Entertainment artists B2ST, 4minute, and G.NA donated roughly $45,000 to the people in Thailand currently suffering from the current flooding crisis.

Their donation through the Korean Red Cross was wholly voluntary and a means for them to partially repay all the love they have been receiving from Thailand as artists.

Grateful Thai fans commented, “We are truly thankful for such a heart-warming and generous gesture. Thank you K-Pop.”

4minute is currently preparing to release their newest song in Japan in early December. The entire Cube family will also be heading to London and South America soon for their United Cube Concert series.