[News] Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung Couple Up Again for Clothing Brand Mind Bridge.

[News] Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung Couple Up Again for Clothing Brand Mind Bridge.
Cr. - soompi

Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung continue as image models for clothing brand Mind Bridge on through the fall of 2012. Photos of the two actors taken at the set of their their spring-summer-fall campaign for Mind Bridge have recently surfaced online.

In the photos, Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung shed the dark colors of winter and don the brighter shades of the upcoming spring. The behind-the-scenes shots show the two stars being involved in monitoring themselves during the course of the shoot.

Both Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung have recently made achievements in film. Lee Min Jung’s “Wonderful Radio” was seen by 500,000 viewers within a week of release, while Gong Yoo’s “The Crucible,” based on true events, has become instrumental in passing legislation and the apprehension of offenders.

[News] Celebrities’ expensive homes are revealed to the public.

[News] Celebrities’ expensive homes are revealed to the public.
Cr. - allkpop

Ever wonder which Korean celebrities own the most expensive homes?

On an episode of KBS ‘YeoYooManMan‘ that aired on January 16th, the celebrities living in the most expensive and lavish homes were revealed to the public.

According to the reports filed by the Ministry of Land for 2010, in third place was couple Kwon Sang Woo & Son Tae Young who live in the Samsundong Apartments. Their home is estimated to be worth 3.4 million US dollars, and among one of the most high-priced common apartments in Korea.

In second place was actress Han Chae Young and her husband who live in a 6,000 sq. ft home that is estimated to be worth around 5 million US dollars. Their home is labeled as a ‘Dream Villa’ by many.

And at #1 was the home of singer Cho Young Nam, who cherishes many high end Asian paintings within his home. His home is estimated to be worth well over 5 million US dollars, and looks over the Han River. Within his home is an indoor golfing range, a movie theater, fitness club, and more.

[News] 2PM’s Junsu Celebrates Birthday without Nichkhun.

[News] 2PM’s Junsu Celebrates Birthday without Nichkhun.
Cr. - soompi

On January 15, 2PM’s Junsu shared a photo of his birthday party with the rest of his group members. To celebrate his 24th birthday, Junsu tweeted this photo with the comment, “Yesterday with my boys~a small birthday party over dinner~.”

In the photo, Junsu is seen with Chansung, Wooyoung, Junho, and Taecyeon, ready to blow out the candles on his birthday cake. It looks like they had some soju over Korean BBQ, as you can tell from the grill and soju glass in the right hand corner.




But fans have questioned where Nichkhun was, as he was nowhere to be found in the photo. It turns out Nichkhun was out of the country, busy with his overseas promotions. But that doesn’t mean he forgot to celebrate Junsu’s special day, as Junsu later shared a text message he got from Nichkhun.

The photo shows their brief conversation, with Nichkhun texting, “Junsu happy birthday~hope you get healthier and richer as well (heart) I love you~,” and in response Junsu saying, “I love you Nichkhung ^.^.”

Some true brotherly love! Happy birthday Junsu!

[VOD & Photo] Jang Keun Suk & YoonA Behind the scene of 'Love Rain / 사랑비'

Behind the scene of 'Love Rain / 사랑비'

[News] KBS eyes March broadcast date for YoonA & Jang Keun Suk’s ‘Love Rain’.

[News] KBS eyes March broadcast date for YoonA & Jang Keun Suk’s ‘Love Rain’.
Cr. - allkpop

KBS‘s highly-anticipated drama, ‘Love Rain‘, may hit the small screens in March!

A representative from the production staff spoke with TV Daily on January 16th and revealed, ”Although details haven’t been confirmed yet, KBS has expressed their wish to air ‘Love Rain’ in March. Scenes from the ’70s story arc have already been completed, and we are scheduled to continue filming in the beginning of March.”



Directed by PD Yoon Suk Ho (of ‘Autumn Fairytale‘ and ‘Winter Sonata‘ fame), ‘Love Rain’ exhibits the pure emotions of love during the ’70s, as well as the trendy love of today’s society. Both actor Jang Keun Suk and Girls’ Generation‘s YoonA play dual roles.

Should everything go as planned, ‘Love Rain’ could broadcast on March 26th, after the conclusion of ‘Dream High 2‘.

[News] GACKT discusses difficult filming of Hollywood debut movie, “BUNRAKU”.

[News] GACKT discusses difficult filming of Hollywood debut movie, “BUNRAKU”.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

On January 14th, GACKT’s Hollywood debut movie “BUNRAKU” was released in Japan. Despite his busy schedule, GACKT appeared for a stage greeting to promote the movie.

“BUNRAKU” is a martial-arts action movie directed by Guy Moshe. GACKT plays a Samurai,”Yoshi”, who becomes partners with a drifter played by Josh Hartnett.

During the stage greeting, GACKT revealed how rough the filming was. According to GACKT, he fainted, hitting his head during an action scene with Josh. He was then transferred to the hospital by ambulance. Not only fainting, he also had an extremely high fever, and broke his several teeth.

GACKT said, “In my whole life, I’ve never thought that I could not accomplish something, but during the filming, I had a feeling that ‘I might give up on this’ for the first time.” He also said, “The expectation of the directer was quite big, including toward my action skills, so I wanted to meet the expectation, and wanted to make a great work. Thus, I decided to do things as best as I could. To be honest, I was glad I did not get injured anything worse than those.”

When asked if there is any plan to make an appearance on another Hollywood movie, GACKT answered, “Hmm…I can’t tell exactly yet, but if my schedule matches and as long as it’s interesting, I would like to appear on any movie not only Hollywood movies, but also Japanese movies. I’m sure I would be able to show something interesting to the fans.” About the character he would like to play, “I’ve always thought that I wanted to express insanity, but comedy might be interesting too. Recently, I’m also interested in Yankee movies as well, so please look forward.”

“BUNRAKU” will be shown for a limited time until on the 27th.

[VOD / Photo & News] Abe Hiroshi, Aragaki Yui & Co. attend preview screening for “Kirin no Tsubasa”.

[VOD / Photo & News] Abe Hiroshi, Aragaki Yui & Co. attend preview screening for “Kirin no Tsubasa”.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

Today, a preview screening of the upcoming movie and continuation of ‘Shinzanmono‘ (TBS drama), “Kirin no Tsubasa“, was held in Tokyo.

Just like the drama and the drama special, “Kirin no Tsubasa” is based on the popular ‘Kaga Kyoichiro‘ novel series by famed author Higashino Keigo. The screening was attended by lead actor Abe Hiroshi, as well as some of his new castmates for the movie – Aragaki Yui, Tanaka Rena, Matsuzaka Tori, and Miura Takahiro. Singer JUJU, who provides the theme song for the movie, also appeared at the event.

In the movie, Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe) will have to unravel a complicated murder case that happened right in front of the statue of the winged giraffe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

This year is a very special year for Abe, since he was born in the year of the dragon. He vowed, “My first goal this year is to make this movie a success. Then I want to challenge embarrassing things, like taking off my clothes (laughs), without hesitation.” The latter was referring to his other upcoming movie, “Thermae Romae“.

Aragaki and Matsuzaka, both born in 1988, also share the Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon.

“My body has gotten a bit out of shape due to my love for anything made with animal fat, therefore I’d like to change my eating habits first,” said Aragaki. “It’s just way too muddled inside my stomach. By working out and eating more vegetables, I want to become more beautiful from the inside out.”

Matsuzaka made a comment full of ambition. He said, “I never want to catch a cold, that’s what I will devote myself to everyday. It would be great if I could rise like a dragon this year.”

Meanwhile, Tanaka is going approach the critical age of a woman and an unlucky year by turning 32 this year. “However,” she said, “it’s said that for actors the critical years are the best.”

“Speaking of which, I filmed ‘Kekkon Dekinai Otoko‘ during my unlucky year,” Abe agreed. Tanaka smiled, “So it will be ‘Kekkon Dekinai Onna’ for me then…”

Miura was humble with his resolution for 2012. He said, “I never want to lose that nice feeling I have now and live a peaceful life.”

“Kirin no Tsubasa” will open for the public on January 28th.

[News] MOGEF slams Huh Gak, Kim Hyun Joong, and more for dangerous content in MVs.

[News] MOGEF slams Huh Gak, Kim Hyun Joong, and more for dangerous content in MVs.
Cr. - allkpop

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (‘MOGEF‘) have just revealed their first batch of ‘dangerous material’ for 2012.

On January 16th, the MOGEF announced that they’ve censored the music videos for Huh Gak’s “Hello” and Kim Hyun Joong’s “Lucky Guy” due to its inappropriate content for minors.

The MOGEF claims that Huh Gak’s “Hello” is too violent, while Kim Hyun Joong’s “Lucky Guy” encourages recklessness.

Joining Huh Gak and Kim Hyun Joong on the list are Simon D, Tablo, and Yoon Mi Rae. Simon D’s “Cheerz” has been censored because of the MV’s inclusion of “hazardous substances” and “immoral lodgings”, while Tablo’s “Bad” contains “portrayals of violence and appearance of hazardous substances”. Yoon Mi Rae’s “Get It In” has likewise been struck out for its scenes of violence.

The censorship will go into effect starting January 23rd.

[VOD] 'Dream High 2 ' Trailer Released.

[Dream High 2 - Trailer





[BTS/TEASER] Dream High 2 (ft. JYP, Jinwoon, Kang Sora, Kahi, Yoo Soyoung)

[Photo & News] "Dream High 2" Releases Last Official Poster of its Six Leads.

[Photo & News] "Dream High 2" Releases Last Official Poster of its Six Leads.
Cr. - soompi

Earlier today, CJ Media has released its last official poster for the highly anticipated series “Dream High 2.” Two posters, featuring the six main leads and the entire cast, released last week have stirred a lot of interest and anticipation online. This last poster also features the six leads of the drama – Park Seo Joon, JB, T-ara’s Park Ji Yeon, Kang So Ra, 2AM’s Jung Jin Woon , and SISTAR’s Hyorin – displaying their character’s personalities through their expressions. Park Seo Joon, JB, and Park Ji Yeon look cool and confident, just like their characters; while Kang Sora, Jung Jin Woon, and Hyorin have slightly goofy expressions and smiles.

Park Seo Joon, JB, Park Ji Yeon, and Hyorin take on the roles of Si Woo, JB, Lian, and Nana respectively - four of Korea’s best idol stars. Jung Jin Woon and Kang Sora play Jin Yoo Jin and Shin Hae Sung – two knucklehead music students.



Si Woo (Park Seo Joon) is a good-looking, devilish idol who can easily make a girl’s heart flutter with his killer smile. JB (JB) is a talented perfectionist with a hint of arrogance. Lian (Park Ji Yeon) is a member of popular girl group Hershe, who aspires to one day be the “Queen of the Cannes Film Festival,” but lacks the acting ability to do so. Nana (Hyorin) is a cool and relaxed girl who has a natural talent for singing. Jin Yoon Jin (Jung Jin Woon) is a troubled student, who’s full of himself, aspiring to be a rock star. Shin Hae Sung (Kang So Ra) is an awkward student from an unfortunate background who learns music solely through books, writing, and effort.



Park Jin Young will reprise his role as one of the teachers at Kirin Arts High School, which is in dire financial situation and in danger of shutting down. The second season will showcase the fierce music/dance battles between the top idol stars, who are about to have nervous breakdowns, and the school's troubled students. The upcoming drama also stars Ailee, After School's Gahee, Kim Ji Soo, Choi Yeo Jin , and others.

“Dream High 2” will air January 30 on KBS at 9:55PM KST.

[News] Hebe and Ella make generous cash contributions at company dinner.

[News] Hebe and Ella make generous cash contributions at company dinner.
Cr. - http://asianfanatics.net/

The two S.H.E members contributed cash for the lucky draw during their company's annual dinner

Taiwanese record label HIM International -- which manages girl group S.H.E and boy band Fahrenheit -- recently held their annual dinner.

Upon arrival, S.H.E member Selina Jen quipped, "It's like attending a wedding banquet," after seeing her colleagues dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos.

That night, the artistes from HIM International pooled in a total of NT$2 million (S$86,000) for the lucky draw cash prizes.

When the host of the event asked the audience to help raise the amount, he specially mentioned Hebe Tien. She was recently ranked third in the 'Top Female Celebrity Earners under 30 years old' list.

"I heard that there's a young female millionaire here today. Where is she?" he asked.

Everyone turned to Hebe immediately. The singer stood up, waved and laughed, "Yes, it's me! Thank you."

Hebe generously agreed to top up another NT$200,000 (S$8,600) for the lucky draw.

S.H.E member Ella Chen's boyfriend Alvin Lai, the marketing manager of L'Oreal Group, was also present. He had attended the event as a client, because Hebe endorses their product.

The host did not let Alvin off the hook either. The latter was called on stage, to make a contribution.

Alvin initially wanted to donate NT$30,000 (S$1,296). However, Ella egged on her boyfriend to contribute more. Alvin's final contribution for the night was NT$60,000 (S$2,591).

At the audience's request, S.H.E also sang the acapella version of their song 'Wifey', which received roaring applause.

[News] Show Luo named most generous celebrity boss.

[News] Show Luo named most generous celebrity boss.
Cr. - http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Taiwan singer Show Luo was named the most generous celebrity boss in Taiwan by Taiwan entertainment tabloid "Apple Daily", with Jay Chou and Singapore's own JJ Lin in second and third place respectively.

Luo reportedly gave out some NT$10 million (S$431,500)in year-end bonuses (including an all-expense paid two day one night vacation in Taiwan) to the 120 employees of his fashion store chain Stage.

He also gave out about NT$4 million (S$172,000) in red packets to the production staff of "100% Entertainment", a popular television show he hosts, and will take them to Bali for a five day four night holiday worth at least NT$1 million (S$43,100).

"It's worth it, because everyone had been very hardworking and gone through tough times over the past year," said Luo of his massive NT$15 million (S$647,000) cash haemorrhage.

Chou, who runs a music company, four restaurants, a fashion store called PHANTACi, and more recently, a karaoke outlet, came in a close second.

The star gave out NT$5 million (S$215,700) in bonuses to his restaurant and fashion store staff, with another NT$3 million (S$129,000) going to the staff of his music company JVR Music.

He also put up NT$2 million (S$86,300) to bring JVR Music's staff to Italy for vacation after the Lunar New Year, bringing Chou's cash outflow to a total of NT$10 million (S$431,500).

Homegrown singer Lin, the owner of three SMG fashion stores, is also a generous boss, paying out some NT$6.1 million to his staff and the people he worked with.

His SMG staff got about NT$3 million (S$129,000) in bonuses, and a portion of the NT$2 million (S$86,300) in red packets Lin distributed to his staff, as well as the people he worked with at his music label Warner Music.

Lin has also promised to bring some Warner Music employees on a trip to the Philippines worth about NT$1.1 million (S$47,400).

"You cannot skimp on the year-end bonus and red packets because everyone worked really hard and helped out.

"This is a form of recompense and an expression of gratitude," Lin told the publication.

[Photo & News] 2PM’s Nichkhun to make acting debut in upcoming Thai movie project.

[Photo & News] 2PM’s Nichkhun to make acting debut in upcoming Thai movie project.
Cr. - allkpop

For the first time, 2PM’s Nichkhun will be acting in a Thai film production!

JYP Entertainment revealed, “Nichkhun will be participating in Thailand’s major filmmaker GTH’s 7 year anniversary movie project. Starting from the beginning of January, Nichkhun has been in Thailand filming. It will be Nichkhun’s first time acting since his debut and the agency, the Thai staff, and Nichkhun himself are all very excited for this production.”

GTH is well known for their movies such as ‘Phobia2’, ‘Hello Stranger’, and ‘Bangkok Traffic Love Story’. For their 7th anniversary project, three directors will be drawing a story about life and love and will be released in three parts in an omnibus format.

Nichkhun will be in one of the three parts along with a famous Thai movie star. Nichkhun will play a major supporting character who helps the hero search for the meaning of love and life. Even though it is Nichkhun’s fist time acting, his passion and hard work had led to endless praises from his seniors working with him on the set.

Nichkhun revealed his first thoughts on acting. He said, “Being an actor was my dream and I am giving my all to this production. Every time I go on set I get ambitious to work harder each day. Filming in front of a camera is a totally different experience from when I’m in front of a camera singing and that is why I am working twice as hard. I will comeback as a great actor.”

Nickhun will be in Thailand until the end of January and will come back to Korea after finishing filming and ending the movie promotions.

[Spoiler] "Ojak Brothers" Joo Won in shock, avoids UEE.

[Spoiler] "Ojak Brothers" Joo Won in shock, avoids UEE.
Cr. - hancinema

Joo Won was shocked. On the latest episode of KBS weekend drama "Ojak Brothers", aired on January 15th, Tae-hee (Joo Won) found out that it was Ja-eun's (UEE) father who caused the hit and run accident that killed his own father.

Tae-hee found out that Ja-eun's father Baek In-ho (Lee Yeong-ha) was the criminal who killed his father while trying to prove that Ja-eun didn't make an illicit admission.

Not being able to believe this, Tae-hee went to find the detective who was in charge of this case then and asked for the inside story, and he logically explained step-by-step what happened.

Still not being able to accept the truth, Tae-hee became angered at the detective and asked, "Why wasn't the case solved when there was hard evidence here!" Tae-hee tried to deny the truth but he just left, stumbling all over the street from the shock.

Ja-eun was worried when Tae-hee didn't come home and he didn't reply to her calls or texts. She went to the police station to find him but Tae-hee saw her first and hid himself.

Hwang Chang-sik (Baek Il-u) told Tae-hee to break up with Ja-eun and it seems that their love will indeed face another obstacle.

[News] Ha Ji-won heats up this spring with "Korea".

[News] Ha Ji-won heats up this spring with "Korea".
Cr. - hancinema

"Action is hard but it's alluring, so I don't fear it" (Lee Na-young from movie "Howling"). "I want to become like Ha Ji-won" (Ko Ah-ra from movie "Pacemaker").

It's unusual for actresses to have a thing for action. Most women pick Ha Ji-won as their role-model. There are well-known stories of her practicing to walk on a tightrope in front of her house for a scene that lasted only 3 minutes in the drama "Hwangjin-i" and practicing how to ride a motorbike for ten days in preparation for a scene in the movie "Sector 7".

Ha Ji-won is coming back this spring with another action movie. The movie "Korea" has confirmed its release date and started promotions. It has been confirmed to be released in May.

"Korea" is a human drama based on the true story of the 1991 Chiba International Table Tennis Championships, where the North and South Koreas had their first victories. It's a new sports drama that joins the ranks of movies like "Forever the Moment" and "Take Off". The movie will translate hopes of unification between the North and South through the friendship between Hyeon Jeong-hwa and Lee Boon-hee, representatives of each nation.


Ha Ji-won is Hyun Jung-hwa in this movie. Li Boon-hee will be played by actress Bae Doo-na. As soon as she was cast for the role, Ha Ji-won trained under the real-life character Hyeon Jeong-hwa. She cried tears and sweat hearing stories of the moment. Ha Ji-won was said to even be ready to compete with a young table tennis player.

It was only recently revealed that Ha Ji-won would appear as Hyun Jung-hwa. She was being trained by coach Hyeon Jeong-hwa and standing shoulder to shoulder with actress Bae Doo-na. Ha Ji-won said, "Bae Doo-na has been a table tennis athlete since she was young so I tried to keep up with her".

Ha Ji-won is currently on break after making the movie. She has never had a break longer than six months since the year 2000. She is the only actress in the county that isn't picky about her films' genres: action, thriller, comedy or melodrama. She said, "My trainer tells me my muscles are quite impressive for an actress". She has been injured several times but she still carries on with the action.

Recently she has been on the casting list for the drama "The King". Her management said nothing's been confirmed yet but fans are waiting. A company recently named Ha Ji-won "The Rising Lady of 2012" along with the launching of its own products, proving that fans out there show her a lot of attention and love.

[News] Jo Seung-woo to join "Doctor Zhivago" after "Zorro".

[News] Jo Seung-woo to join "Doctor Zhivago" after "Zorro".
Cr. - hancinema

Jo Seung-woo, who has finished the musical "Zorro", will be playing the leading role of Yuri Zhivago in the musical "Doctor Zhivago". He revealed this on January 15th at Blue Square in Seoul, "I am leaving for Russia tomorrow. I will bring the whole of Russia when I come back".

OD Musical Company, the producers of "Doctor Zhivago" mentioned, "Jo Seung-woo will be alternating with Hong Kwang-ho for the role of Zhivago". It seems that the production team quickly offered Jo Seung-woo the role as Joo Ji-hoon had to step down due to vocal cord distress.

[News] Kim Soo Hyun to Make a Cameo Appearance in the Pilot Episode of “Dream High 2” .

[News] Kim Soo Hyun to Make a Cameo Appearance in the Pilot Episode of “Dream High 2” .
Cr. - soompi

“Dream High” breakout star Kim Soo Hyun will make a cameo appearance in the pilot episode of “Dream High 2,” scheduled to air January 30. Currently, Kim Soo Hyun is busy filming his latest drama “The Moon that Embraces the Sun,” and many fans were skeptical as to whether he would have the time to film the cameo. However, it’s been announced that Kim Soo Hyun had already filmed the scene early on during the beginning of production stages. He will reprise his role as Song Sam Dong, a naïve country boy who goes on to become the first Korean to win a Grammy.

Producers of the upcoming show stated, “Kim Soo Hyun is very fond of the show, especially because he received so much love from the first season. When we asked him for a cameo, he agreed and completed the shoot early on.” “Dream High 2” has a long list of season 1 cast lined up to make a cameo appearance.



“Dream High 2” stars T-ara’s Ji Yeon, SISTAR’s Hyorin, 2AM’s Jin Woon, Kang So Ra, and rookie actors Park Seo Joon and JB. The second season will showcase the fierce music/dance battles between the top idol stars, who are about to have nervous breakdowns, and the school's troubled students.

KBS will air the first episode of “Dream High 2” on January 30 at 9:55PM KST.

[News] Park Min Young Rocking Her Couple Ring with Lee Min Ho?

[News] Park Min Young Rocking Her Couple Ring with Lee Min Ho?
Cr. - soompi

On January 14, Park Min Young, posted a picture of herself on twitter with the text, “Ta da! See long haired Min Young after a long time. Bbyo Ro Rong~.”

In the picture, we no longer see the short haired Park Min Young from her recent dramas. Her short hair has been replaced by long brown locks. Her hair and her white, furry coat with the hood up, creates an altogether feminine and cute image.

Her followers responded to this tweet with, “Is it a wig? You look so pretty,” “You look good with long and short hair,” and “So cute!"

But the main focus on the photo seems to be on the ring. Through the mirrored image, her left hand (the hand holding the cell phone) proudly sported a thin white gold ring. (The fourth finger on the left hand is typically reserved for couple rings or wedding rings.) Earlier last year, Park Min Young and Lee Min Ho revealed that they were currently in a relationship. Therefore, it is natural to assume that the ring may be a couple ring with Lee Min Ho!

Netizens who noticed the ring on her hand commented, “Is it a couple ring?” “The ring catches my attention first,” and “She now belongs to Lee Min Ho!"

What do you think? Is it a couple ring? Or just a fashion accessory?

[Interview] Jang Dong-gun with Korean Cinema Today.

[Interview] Jang Dong-gun with Korean Cinema Today.
Cr. - http://koreanfilm.or.kr/

After starring in Korea’s biggest budget war movie of all time, actor JANG Dong-gun met with Korean Cinema Today’s LEE Hwa-jung to talk about his work.

Based on a true story, is about the unbelievable journey of a Korean man who was drafted by the Japanese army during World War II. He was captured by the Russians and put in a labor camp, then became a soldier in the German army, and finally was captured by the US army in Normandy. A record of the spectacular struggle of an individual in history, director KANG Je-kyu’s latest action dramastars Jang Dong-gun in the role of Jun-shik, a young marathoner who just wants to get back home.


KCT: Watching the film, it looked like the shooting must have been an ordeal.What was it like?

Jang: Even when a shoot is strenuous, when I check out the monitor and see the camera on me, it gives me strength. (Laughs.)When they took full shots and I could hardly be seen, the energy would drain even more. I knew what I was getting myself into, but the hardest part about this film was fighting the cold. It was the worst when we were shooting the first battle scene. Later on, we wore thick military uniforms for real winter scenes, but at first we had to wear thin summer uniforms.


KCT: This is your second film with director Kang Je-kyu. (The first was 2004’s ).

Jang: When I heard that director Kang was producing this film, I told him, “I’ll do it if you direct.” The trust I have in him came before the character or thefilm itself. It’s good that he knows and is familiar with my strengths, but if you put it another way, the director might not find any of my ways of expression fresh. Director Kang Je-kyu and I kept in touch steadily after our previous film together and we have personal trust between us. But when we worked on he felt like a completely different person on set.


KCT: Jun-shikclings on to his beliefs throughout the fire of World War II. Looking at the dynamics of his character, he could be seen as a rather unrealistic person.

Jang: It’s difficult not to compare this film to . While followed a storyline focused on brotherhood, concentrates on these characters in this epochal situation of war. When we were shooting, I had a great urge to perform in a way that would stand out dramatically in the frame or scene and attract the attention of the audience.But Jun-shik is not the kind of character you can express that way.He isn’t a character that creates situations, but one that reacts to them and requires that kind of acting. This was the exact opposite of my previous work, so it was really frustrating at first.


KCT: How did you overcome that frustration?

Jang: What’s certain is that Jun-shik doesn’t change. It’s the characters around him who change because of him. In that sense, Jun-shik as a character has a clear goal. I think as an actor, it is matter of choice whether to play this kind of character or not. Even the title of the film is“My Way”, isn’t it?From a broader perspective of the film, Jun-shik is the most important character and is determined by necessity. My job was to figure out the details within that [set-up] and find ways to express them.


KCT: Your previous film and Hollywood debut (2010) did not do as well asexpected. Do you see as an opportunity to make up for it?

Jang: The thing is, withthe focus was not on debuting in Hollywood. Back when I did , it wasn’t my aim tolaunch into Chinaeither. Personally, I felt something lacking, but it was still worthwhile as it was a good experience.


KCT: You’ve practically become an icon of large-scale movies.

Jang: I hadn’t planned on it, but I find that whenever a large-scalefilm is being planned I end up getting offered a part. I’ve refused some, while I couldn’t participate in others even though I wanted to. But I feel a kind of sense of emptiness after completing eachlarge-scale film. So I end up looking for a film that’s different afterwards. The reason why I did [dir. KIM Ki-duk, 2002] was because I went out insearch ofsomething different after finishing <2009 Lost Memories> [dir. LEE Si-myung, 2002], and it’s along the same lines that I was attracted to work with director HUR Jin-ho next.


KCT: There’s a concern that you are doing too many large-scale films in contrast to the more adventurous choices of your past.

Jang: To be honest, I didn’t personally have any desire[to pursue this direction]. Roads kept going that way. Itwas never a roadI set for myself, but they kept opening up in front of me. There are people who want to walk this road but can’t. I’m just there.Sometimes I went just because I was curious. So I may have seemed less eager and enthusiastic in some ways. Now I know that all those experiences have become a valuable part of me, and help me when choosing my next films. It’s become more fun. There was a time when I felt confined. I’ve become freer now after my marriage and the birth of our child. I have more confidence that I can do what I really want to do.

[News] Joo Won in Consideration for KBS "1N2D".

[News] Joo Won in Consideration for KBS "1N2D".
Cr. - soompi

According multiple officials, actor Joo Won was contacted by the producers of KBS "1 Night 2 Days" and is considering whether to appear or not. He had a long relationship with KBS by appearing on a few KBS dramas like "King of Baking, Kim Tak Goo" and "Ojakyo Brothers." His acting and good looks have instantly brought him stardom. Whether Joo Won will be cast for "1N2D" is not certain, but both sides are positively looking into it.

Everyone has their eyes on the propects of "1N2D" because one of the show's main MC Kang Ho Dong temporarily retired show business. The producers are looking for new members for a follow-up show, which will go along the same format. According to some sources there might not even be a second season. Some reports say Kim Hyun Joong is also strongly considered for the main MC spot. For all "1N2D" fans, let's hope for the best.