[News] Ha Ji Won & Lee Seung Gi’s roles in ‘The King’ explained.

[News] Ha Ji Won & Lee Seung Gi’s roles in ‘The King’ explained.
Cr. - allkpop

Upcoming drama series ‘The King‘ is drawing widespread attention for recently confirming the roles of Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung Gi, who will be starring as a pair of unlikely lovers in the dramatic romance drama.

Taking place in an imaginary modern-day world in which South Korea is still ruled by a royal monarchy, ‘The King’ follows the story of a prince and special forces instructor from North Korea.

Kim Hang Ah, played by Ha Ji Won, is the legendary top female instructor working in North Korea’s elite special forces unit. With stamina, training tactics and strength in all areas, she is the perfect female soldier; however, she has never fallen in love before. Pure and candid, Kim Hang Ah’s goal is to fall in love and get married to a man.

Lee Seung Gi steps into the role of Lee Jae Ha, the prince of South Korea’s monarchy. His personality reflects his royal position, with refined humor and a handsome face; however, he has little interest in pursuing politics. Though he seems perfect on the exterior, Lee Jae Hae is actually very materialistic and blunt about his own desires.

‘The King’ throws the elite North Korean special forces instructor and South Korea’s prince together in an unlikely romance, despite their prejudice against each other and the interference of people around them.

Though official promotions for the series have yet to begin, this is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated dramas for the first half of 2012. Will you be tuning in?

[Article] Worst Things to Hear Over Lunar New Year.

[Article] Worst Things to Hear Over Lunar New Year.
Cr. - http://english.chosun.com/

The Lunar New Year's holidays offer a chance for families to get together, but such reunions can also be notoriously stressful.

An online job-search portal asked users what nagging questions they dread most from their nearest and dearest. Jobseekers overwhelmingly cited, "Haven't you found a job yet?" as the worst question they face, while employed singles dreaded being asked, "When are you going to get married?" or "Do you have a girl/boyfriend?"

The website polled 1,395 people.

Among the unemployed, merely asking whether someone had found a job could cause considerable stress. Also, being told meaningfully that an acquaintance had found a new job was considered stressful, as was being told to lose weight and start taking care of themselves, and being advised to do any job that comes along.

Among the employed, "When are you going to get married?" topped the list of stressful questions. In fact, many singles chose to go on vacation overseas during the Lunar New Year to avoid probing relatives. "Did you save up a lot of money?" came in second. Many also dreaded being told how much money someone else makes.

"Even if such questions are asked out of genuine sense of concern, it's better not to ask them if the other person would end up feeling upset", the job portal said. "The holidays offer one of few chances in the year for families to gather so it would be preferable to exchange supportive words and enjoy each other's company".

[News] Han Ga In’s High School Graduation Pictures Revealed!

[News] Han Ga In’s High School Graduation Pictures Revealed!
Cr. - soompi

Han Ga In’s high school photos were revealed, proving once again her natural beauty.

On January 20, a thread was created on an online community board with the title, “100% Natural.” It contained many different pictures of Han Ga In that quickly became a hot issue among netizens.

The pictures seemed to document Han Ga In’s growth from childhood to when she was in uniform in high school. Her high school photos especially received much attention because of her youthful and poised appearance.

As expected, netizens' responses were hot. They left comments like “She was always pretty. College must be when she entered her goddess stage,” “What is this unni lacking?” “And she was a great student too keke. She is so pretty,” “She looks just the same” and many other similar envious remarks. It wasn’t just the females who were jealous of Han Ga In’s beauty - a popular comment amongst males was along the lines of, “And today, Yun Jung Hoon will once again get bashed for no reason at all.” (note: Actor Yun Jung Hoon is Han Ga In's husband)

Currently, Han Ga In is playing the role of Yeon Woo in the popular MBC drama “The Moon that Embraces the Sun.”

What do you think about Han Ga In’s childhood pictures?

[News] Sung Yuri Shows Off Her Perfect Skin Through Selca Picture.

[News] Sung Yuri Shows Off Her Perfect Skin Through Selca Picture.
Cr. - soompi

Sung Yuri revealed a selca picture of her showing her perfect skin.

The actress uploaded the selca picture on her SNS “Weibo” with the caption: “Ski slope lift selca. Is everyone doing well? I recently finished filming for the movie ‘Detective Cha’ and currently am filming the drama ‘Feast of the Gods.’ When I am not filming, I enjoy the winter season by skiing.”

In the picture, Sung Yuri is wearing a fur hat and snow goggles on her head while doing the popular “crab pose” to show off her cute charm.

Sung Yuri especially gained interest for her perfect, porcelain-like skin.

Netizens and fans who saw the picture reacted with diverse responses: “Are you sure that is the skin of a woman in her thirties?” and “She has clear skin like a yuri (meaning glass in Korean).”

[VOD & News] Kim Hyun Joong Releases Japanese MV for “Kiss Kiss”.

[VOD & News] Kim Hyun Joong Releases Japanese MV for “Kiss Kiss”.
Cr. - soompi

Two weeks after releasing the jacket photos for his Japanese debut album, “Kiss Kiss/Lucky Guy,” Kim Hyun Joong has released the music video for his title track, “Kiss Kiss.” Unlike the Korean version of the MV, which had a mixture of BTS shots and concert footage, the Japanese version follows a sweet storyline of dating and hosting a surprise party for his girl friend.

Kim Hyun Joong’s Japanese debut album will be released on January 25. The album will come with “Kiss Kiss,” “Lucky Guy,” “Break Down,” “U,” and his DATV charity theme song for the “Miso Project.”

Following the release of his Japanese album, Kim Hyun Joong will have a fan meeting titled, “Premium Live 2012,” for 20,000 fans on February 5.

Enjoy the music video below!

[News] A Time-Traveler Appears in Hit Drama “The Moon that Embraces the Sun”.

[News] A Time-Traveler Appears in Hit Drama “The Moon that Embraces the Sun”.
Cr. - soompi

MBC’s “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” set another personal record for viewership ratings with yesterday’s episode, achieving 24.9% (AGB Nielsen). The fifth episode was a tearjerker as Yeonwoo (Kim Yoo Jung) was cursed and fell ill, eventually getting kicked out of the palace.

As she suffered through her illness, her father, mother, and brother were flooded sadness and helplessness as no doctor could diagnose her disease. Yeon Woo’s father eventually sends Heo Yeom (ZE:A’s Im Si Wan) to a relative’s, stating that because he is the Crown Prince’s teacher, he must stay as far away from the disease.

Several viewers were given a slight break from the emotional roller coaster as they noticed yet another anachronism in the scene where Yeom reluctantly obeys his father and mournfully leaves his sister behind. Apparently, a random woman in modern-day clothes was captured in the frame.

Netizens commented, “She’s a time-traveler” and “Am I the only one who misses these mistakes? How can anyone spot them when they go by so fast?”

Meanwhile, many fans and netizens are excited for tonight’s episode, as Kim Soo Hyun, Han Ga In, Jung Il Woo, and others will finally make their grand appearance. “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” will air its sixth episode tonight on MBC at 9:55PM KST. Check out the preview here.

[News] "The Sun and The Moon" Han Ga-in.

[News] "The Sun and The Moon" Han Ga-in.
Cr. - hancinema

Han Ga-in announced an impressive first appearance in the MBC TV drama "The Sun and the Moon" as a beautiful and mysterious female shaman.

On the fifth episode of "The Sun and the Moon" on the 18th, Yeon-woo (Kim Yoo-jeong) parts with Lee Hwon (Yeo Jin-goo) and is on the verge of death after being chosen as the Crowned Princess but gets sick after drinking a dark magic drink made by Nok-yeong (Jeon Mi-seon).

Kim Yoo-jeong will step down from the drama starting on the 19th and Han Ga-in will appear as a female shaman who reappears 5 years later under the name of Wol.

Drama fans claim that Han Ga-in's goddess-like beauty and intelligent image is much synchronized with bright and thoughtful Yeon-woo's image.

Han Ga-in's management J One Plus said, "It's a hard job wearing only a thin Hanbok in this weather but the cast are being supported by their fans".

Meanwhile, "The Sun and the Moon" will start afresh with adult casts starting from the sixth episode and mellow-up the drama with Yeon-woo the female shaman, Hwon (Kim Soo-hyeon-I), Yang Myeong-gun (Jeong Il-woo) and warrior Woon (Seong Jae-rim).

[News] 2PM to be featured in new educational program teaching Korean to Japanese viewers.

[News] 2PM to be featured in new educational program teaching Korean to Japanese viewers.
Cr. - allkpop

Popular boy group 2PM will be featured in a Korean lecture program on Japanese TV station NHK to teach viewers more about the Korean language.

NHK’s educational program, ‘Korean Lecture through TV‘ will begin airing in April, and 2PM will record a 5-minute corner titled ’2PM’s One Point Korean’ to teach viewers various Korean words they can use when they visit Korea.

The boys will also be releasing 2PM’s Korean ‘Best-Of’ album, ‘2PM’s Best – 2008~2011 in Korea‘ on March 14th. This album consists of the songs that fans’ requested, as well as songs that have been carefully hand-picked.

In related news, 2PM debuted in Japan towards the end of last year, and successfully completed a large-scale tour performing in front of 100,000 fans. Additionally, members Taecyeon and Chansung have been cast in Japanese dramas.

[News] Kim Hyung Jun Drama Stills Look Like a Photoshoot.

[News] Kim Hyung Jun Drama Stills Look Like a Photoshoot.
Cr. - soompi

The new KBS drama “Glowing She” features Kim Hyung Jun who appears as the top star “Kang Min.” Photos from the filming set were revealed on January 19. The pictures show Kim Hyung Jun looking like he is on a solo photoshoot.

In the pictures Kim Hyung Jun is shown wearing a brown leopard pattern suite and black leather pants. In another picture he is shown wearing a white suit. For this role he had nearly dropped 8kg of weight.

Netizens who have come across the picture stated, “Kim Hyung Jun acting is just like a photoshoot in itself,” “He is good looking in a suit,” “These are only pictures from filming of a drama but he looks great.”

Currently the drama will broadcast its 4th episode on January 21.

[News] Lee Seung Gi Is NOT Confirmed for "The King".

[News] Lee Seung Gi Is NOT Confirmed for "The King".
Cr. - soompi

We recently reported that Lee Seung Gi will be joining Ha Ji Won for upcoming drama “The King.” However, Lee Seung Gi’s management agency has announced that while they are looking at the project favorably, nothing has been set in stone.

A representative of Hook Entertainment stated, “We are still working on the deal. Once everything has been finalized, we will make an official announcement through Kim Jong Hak Productions.”

“The King” is a romantic comedy set in fictional contemporary Korea where the monarchy exists. The story is about an arranged marriage between North Korean Special Forces female operative Kim Hang Ah (Ha Ji Won) and Crown Prince Lee Jae Ha (Lee Seung Gi).

The drama has had a difficult time securing its male lead. There have been several reports in the past about Lee Byung Heon, Jo In Sung and Cha Seung Won as the possible lead, but none of them had been confirmed. As such, many fans expressed their doubts about Lee Seung Gi joining the cast. This news comes as a downer to both Lee Seung Gi and the drama's fans.

If it manages to find its male lead, “The King” will premiere once “The Moon that Embraces the Sun,” starring Kim Soo Hyun, Han Ga In, and Jung Il Woo, ends in March.

[News] Lee Min Ho Continues to Rule Chinese TV Ratings.

[News] Lee Min Ho Continues to Rule Chinese TV Ratings.
Cr. - soompi

China loves Lee Min Ho! On January 14, the actor appeared on a Hunan Satellite TV's variety program called "Happy Camp." This New Year's special episode featuring Lee Min Ho took the number one viewership spot throughout China, and was also the highest rated program in the past two years.

"Happy Camp" is a variety show that's been on air since 1997, and has featured celebrities from Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. During the episode, the guest participates in interviews and games. The ratings for this episode bested the ratings for last year's "national" (in China) drama, "Startling by Each Step." The final episode of that drama took a 1.93% viewership. Compare that with Lee Min Ho's show which took 6.49%, according to the Chinese audience survey system, CSM27.

The producers of the show were so happy that they even wrote on their social networking site, "We got a 6.49% viewership thanks to Lee Min Ho!".

Lee Min Ho is currently taking part in various activities overseas. You can see a clip of his appearance on "Happy Camp" here:

[News] Choi Ji Woo comes out to celebrate 10th anniversary of ‘Winter Sonata’.

[News] Choi Ji Woo comes out to celebrate 10th anniversary of ‘Winter Sonata’.
Cr. - allkpop

The drama series Winter Sonata was the one that sparked the Hallyu craze all over the world, and many of the actors/actresses who were the stars in the series celebrated it’s 10th anniversary on stage of ‘Winter Sonata’ the musical.

On the 14th, actress Choi Ji Woo who played the female lead in the series as ‘Eugene’ reminisced of the past by paying a visit to the ‘Winter Sonata’ musical stage to congratulate them

Actress Kim Hae Suk who played Eugene’s mother in the drama series, as well as actress Lee Hae Eun who played Eugene’s best friend and Park Hyun Suk who played the role of Eugene’s sunbae were also present to create a positive, supportive atmosphere on stage.

PD Yoon Suk Ho who directed ‘Winter Sonata’ remarked, “Winter Sonata was the single greatest project of my lifetime, and it is one with which I was truly blessed. It’s both amazing and strange to think that ten years has already passed, and seeing Choi Ji Woo, Kim Hae Suk, Lee Hae Eun, and Park Hyun Suk helped make it feel like a ‘Winter Sonata’ reunion.”

Choi Ji Woo who stayed to watch the musical remarked, “As an actress that played the role of Eugene, I feel so proud that the show was so successful and it feels so new to see it as a musical. I remember some of the lines I had in the drama, and it makes me miss Park Yong Hwa.”

Kim Hae Suk remarked, “I teared throughout the performance, as it made me remember the days we filmed the drama series.”

In related news, PD Yoon Suk Ho who created both classics ‘Winter Sonata’ and ‘Autumn Story‘ served as the overall producer as well as the arts director for the musical, and director Yoo Hee Seung who directed projects such as ‘Mozart‘ served as the director for the musical. ‘Winter Sonata’ is currently being performed at Myungbo Arts Hall.

[News] Jinwoon: "Dream High" Senior Taecyeon Helped Me a Lot.

[News] Jinwoon: "Dream High" Senior Taecyeon Helped Me a Lot.
Cr. - soompi

2AM’s Jung Jinwoon, who is playing one of the lead characters in the highly anticipated “Dream High 2,” revealed that he got a lot of help for his role from one of the first season’s cast members, 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon.

“Taecyeon gave me a lot of tips in fighting the cold weather while shooting,” Jinwoon said. “He and Wooyoung (who was also in the first season) shared their know-how on being on set.”

Jinwoon’s big brothers in 2AM also gave their help and support, especially Jo Kwon and Seulong who have taken on acting projects previously. “Dream High 2” is the acting debut for Jinwoon, the youngest member of the ballad quartet.

“2AM members have a better understanding of acting and how to take on a character,” he said. “Seulong share with me a lot of know-how, too.”

In “Dream High 2,” Jinwoon plays Jin Yoo Jin, a rebellious student who aspires to be rock star. The competition shifts focus from individual star students in “Dream High” to teams in “Dream High 2.” Kirin Arts High School, where both seasons are set, has also fallen from its former glory and into dire financial straits.

“Dream High 2” airs its first episode on KBS on January 30.

[News] Yoshinaga Fumi’s “Ooku” to get both a movie & TV adaptations.

[News] Yoshinaga Fumi’s “Ooku” to get both a movie & TV adaptations.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

On January 17th, it was announced that Yoshinaga Fumi’s manga ‘Ooku’ will receive two live-action adaptations: it’ll be picked up for a movie once again, and will also have a TV drama for the first time.

Set in the world where the roles of men and women are switched, this drama (titled “Ooku (Arikoto – Iemitsu Hen)”), will be broadcasted via TBS starting in October. The 2010 film with Ninomiya Kazunari and Shibasaki Koh only covered the first volumes with Mizuno Yunoshin and Tokugawa Yoshimune. However, this drama is said to cover volumes two to four of the manga.

Actor Sakai Masato was revealed to have accepted two roles for these upcoming works. Sakai’s first role will be in the drama, where he will play ‘Arikoto‘, while actress Tabe Mikako plays ‘Tokugawa Iemitsu‘.

The movie, or “Ooku (Emonnosuke – Tsunayoshi Hen)”, will immediately follow the last episode of the drama and will begin playing in theaters on December 22nd. This film will be based on volumes four through six of the manga. Sakai will play Emonnosuke as well as Arikoto, while actress Kanno Miho will play Tokugawa Tsunayoshi.

Director Kaneko Fuminori will take on the role as the director of this franchise once again, and the script will be written by Kamiyama Yumiko.

The rest of the cast will be announced in July.

[News] Lee Bum Soo is a Good Samaritan.

[News] Lee Bum Soo is a Good Samaritan.
Cr. - soompi

Various news sources are reporting on an Internet post made by a young man who lost his wallet-- and the good-deed done by actor Lee Bum Soo. This past Christmas Eve, the man went to COEX shopping mall in Seoul to see a movie.

After the movie, he realized that his wallet was missing and spent the next two hours searching around the movie theater. During his search, he discovered a note that read, "If you lost your wallet, call the number below."

The man dialed the number and arranged to meet the author of the note. As a token of his appreciation, he brought a box of red ginseng rice cakes with him.

However, imagine his surprise when none other than Lee Bum Soo showed up with his missing wallet. As someone who had lost his wallet before, Lee Beom Soo left the note in an attempt to find the wallet's owner.

The young man also tried to give the actor a gift card that was in his wallet, but he was refused. The young man wrote that he felt he truly received a Christmas present that day.

Netizens were touched by the story and noted that Lee Bum Soo was a kind-hearted person and that it's quite hard to get your wallet back if you lost it.

You may know that Lee Bum Soo is currently starring in the SBS drama "History of a Salaryman." There's a thread on Soompi that's being updated with lots of information.

[News] Jang Nara begins promotions for new Chinese single & drama.

[News] Jang Nara begins promotions for new Chinese single & drama.
Cr. - allkpop

The internationally popular singer and actress Jang Nara is currently in China promoting her new single as well as her new drama.

Jang Nara recently released her new Chinese single, “Thank You for the Happiness”, and on the 16th of January had an interview with a major Chinese broadcasting company. The above photos were snapped at the event, showing off the singer’s daring outfit that showed off her sexier side.

After completing her interview in Beijing, she went to the Hubei Province where the Chinese Zhengzhou Henan TV station is located and began promotions for the “My Bratty Princess” spinoff drama.

Jang Nara who has always been known for her cute image received more attention during this promotion because of her daring outfit that showed off her shoulder line and played up her sexiness.

After finishing all her promotions in China, Jang Nara has returned to Korea for a brief break. She stated, “I will try my best to quickly greet my Korean fans once again.”

[News] Femme Fatal Kim Tae Hee Stuns in Toyota Commercial.

[News] Femme Fatal Kim Tae Hee Stuns in Toyota Commercial.
Cr. - soompi

Kim Tae Hee was recently chosen as a model for Toyota's new Camry in Korea. However, it's not the car that people are talking about, it's the actress' lovely figure that has the net buzzing. In the Camry commercial, Kim Tae Hee wears a tight, one shoulder black dress. Together with her smoky-eye make-up, she looks like a total femme fatal.

Her lovely figure is enviable; sexy, but elegant at the same time. Filming for the commercial took place in Korea and the U.S. Netizens who viewed the commercial left comments such as, "Kim Tae Hee is the best," "She's so pretty, I forgot what I was going to write," and "She's perfect, from head to toe."

Check out the commercial and leave your thoughts. Lee Min Ho has also appeared in US Toyota commercials, so in case you missed, make sure you check it out here!

[News] ‘Dream High 2′ cast express the need for laws protecting minors in the industry.

[News] ‘Dream High 2′ cast express the need for laws protecting minors in the industry.
Cr. - allkpop

SISTAR‘s Hyorin and T-ara‘s Jiyeon who have been cast in the new ‘Dream High 2‘ drama expressed the need for special laws protecting minors in the entertainment industry.

At the ‘Dream High 2‘ press conference that was held at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul on January 17th, Jiyeon remarked, “In the drama, there are special laws protecting minors in the entertainment industry, and I wish those laws existed in reality.”

In the drama series, there are laws that protect under-age celebrities, making it illegal for minors to work more than 30 hours at a time, and those who are not enrolled in school are forbidden from even becoming a celebrity.

Practices and TV appearances are forbidden after 10PM, and under-age minors are also required to attend 20 hours of classes on a weekly basis.

The ‘special laws’ in the drama series apply to hot fictional idol group HUSH & EDEN who need to transfer schools, and the same laws also apply to them when they are in Japan.

T-ara’s Jiyeon was born in 1993, and she is currently a high school student. She added, “I want to attend school with my friends, and want some time for myself. I like being a celebrity, but I do feel I need a break from time to time.”

SISTAR’s Hyorin agreed with her saying, “When you’re a celebrity, it’s so hard to keep a regular sleep schedule and it’s hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My schedule is so jam-packed that I have less time to practice singing then back when I was a trainee.”

2AM‘s Jung Jinwoon however had a different opinion stating, “If those laws were actually signed, there will be definite limitations on what we could do as artists. There are a lot of things I learned as I worked. I made my debut when I was a minor too, but I feel like if you really wanted to, you can both work and go to school at the same time.”

In the drama, Jinwoon plays the role of a devious student who dreams of becoming a rock star, while Hyorin plays the role of a lead vocalist named NaNa, and Jiyeon plays the role of an idol as well.

‘Dream High 2′ tells the story of students who dream of becoming top stars in the industry. The series stars Kang Sora, Jung Jinwoon, Park Jiyeon, JB, Hyorin, Park Seo Jun, Yoo Soyoung, Kim Jisoo, Ailee, Jr, Jung Yeon Joo, Park Jin Young, Kim Jung Tae, Kwon Hae Hyo, Choi Yeo Jin, Kahi, and more. The first episode airs January 30th.

[News] Lee Jung Jae Denies Rumors of Marrying Lim Sae Ryung.

[News] Lee Jung Jae Denies Rumors of Marrying Lim Sae Ryung.
Cr. - soompi

Rumors surfaced that Lee Jung Jae would be marrying “Lim Sae Ryung” the daughter of a conglomerate in South Korea. However, Lee Jung Jae denied the rumor.

A media source had said that they had a phone call with someone close to Lee Jung Jae. The friend had said, “I heard that Lee Jung Jae’s parents gave permission for the wedding. After the lunar new year both families will begin talking on when the marriage should be hold.”

The individual continued by stating, “The two have continued to meet with good feelings, everyone around Lee Jung Jae knows that now there is only marriage left for the couple.”

The dating rumors between Lee Jung Jae and Lim Sae Ryung have been going on since 2009 when the two of them went to the Philippines together. Lee Jung Jae had stated that it was because she provided help with business.

However, Lee Jung Jae denied this rumor stating, “I am just good friends with Lim Sae Ryung, it is not true that we are getting married.”

Lee Jung Jae continued, “I did not take any action when articles were made about our relationship. However this time around, my father was included in these articles. I don’t agree with this at all. I was even scolded by my parents. They asked, ‘Why don’t you accurately state that you are just friends?’”

Currently Lee Jung Jae is taking a break after finishing filming for the film “Thieves.”

[News] Dwayne Johnson praises Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun.

[News] Dwayne Johnson praises Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Pro-wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opened up about working with his co-star, Hallyu actor Lee Byung-Hun, at a press conference in Taiwan.

Johnson was in Taiwan on Jan. 17 to promote his new film "Journey II: The Mysterious Island", and took a moment to talk about his experience working with Lee.

"It was a great experience working with Lee", Johnson said. "We became good friends while filming 'G.I. Joe II'. As an actor, he has such a tremendous aura about him. I was drawn to him from the first time we met. He's also very humble yet sure of himself and has such a presence in the film".

The Hollywood actor said that he also liked Lee's other action movies and that he expected Lee to become a big star in Hollywood.

Johnson rose to fame as a professional wrestler and began his pursuit of acting with a starring role in the hit movie "The Mummy Returns" alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachael Weisz in 2001. Since then, he has appeared in various Hollywood blockbusters.

Meanwhile, Lee was named as one of the top 10 Korean actors of 2011 according to a poll conducted by Gallup Korea.