[News] Yoon Eun-hye to meet with fans in Japan on Valentine's Day.

[News] Yoon Eun-hye to meet with fans in Japan on Valentine's Day.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean actress Yoon Eun-hye will be spending Valentine's Day with her fans in Japan, according to her agency The House Company Entertainment.

An official with The House Company told 10Asia that she will meet with several hundred fans in Fukuoka on February 14.

He then explained that they are currently planning out the events for the fan meeting with Yoon's agency in Japan.

The upcoming visit to the country will be Yoon's first in over a year since her last fan meeting in September.

Yoon made her debut as a member in the girl group Baby VOX in 1997 and later expanded her career into acting once the group disbanded.

She has since starred in hit TV series "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" (MBC, 2007) with Gong Yoo, "My Fair Lady" (KBS, 2009) opposite Jung Il-woo and Yoon Sang-hyun and recently in "Lie to me" alongside Kang Ji-hwan.

[News] Kim Tae Hee's High School Photo Prove Her Natural Beauty Once Again.

[News] Kim Tae Hee's High School Photo Prove Her Natural Beauty Once Again.
Cr. - soompi

A picture of actress Kim Tae Hee from high school appeared on an online community forum. The revealed photo is of Kim Tae Hee and her classmates from when she was attending Ulsan Girls High School.

Kim Tae Hee is wearing a yellow P.E. outfit and squatting in the very front row, smiling at the camera. Other than her short school-girl haircut, the young Kim Tae Hee in the picture looks exactly like herself today. Her petite stature, small face and sharp countenance has not changed since high school.



Netizens commented on the picture, "You were so pretty back then, too," "You still got the same smile, "So pretty," "I can spot you right away," and "You're pretty even with your hair like that."

Kim Tae Hee finished working on "Me and My Star's 99 days" in Japan and is currently taking a break in Korea.

[News] It's Official: Park Min Young & Lee Min Ho's Agencies Confirm Break Up.

[News] It's Official: Park Min Young & Lee Min Ho's Agencies Confirm Break Up.
Cr. - soompi

We reported earlier today about Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young's breakup.

After days of speculations and rumors, their respective agencies have finally spoken up.

Park Min Young's agency was the first to step up and released an official statement earlier, saying, "It's been a while since they saw each other. It was really embarrasing for her to just go and reveal their break-up, and she didn't want to put her agency in a sticky stituation. So, she held the news a little longer. Also, because of her busy schedule, it was almost impossible for her to even rest. She had to film KBS's 'Glorious Jane' while Lee Min Ho was busy with his activities overseas and CFs. We knew that both were really busy to even catch up with each other."

Lee Min Ho's agency Starhaus still remained silent as to whether the star couple had really broken up and decided to wait and to confirm the information. A representative of Starhaus stated, "Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young are back to just being friends and have indeed parted ways."

Park Min Young's agency added when asked to confirm the information, "The news of their breakup
is the truth." Their respective agencies revealed, "Although both stars met during the filming of hit drama 'City Hunter' where their feelings for each other grew, their busy schedules kept them from seeing each other often. It seems that they naturally grew apart."

They further explained, "Lee Min Ho pursued promotional activities overseas immediately after the end of 'City Hunter' while Park Min Young was busy filming for her next project 'Glorious Jane,' and because of these circumstances they didn't have time to spend time together."

Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young played the main parts in SBS drama "City Hunter" and their relationship evolved from being friends and co-workers to being lovers.

The news of them being in a relationship was revealed last August.

[News] MBC's "The Moon that Embraces the Sun" Expected to Make a Killing Overseas.

[News] MBC's "The Moon that Embraces the Sun" Expected to Make a Killing Overseas.
Cr. - soompi

MBC's Foreign Business Administration Headquarters discussed sending "The Moon That Embraces the Sun" to foreign countries after the first episode's airing. Previous MBC historical dramas such as "Queen Seon Duk," "Jumong," and "Jjak Pae" have all been successes. The viewer rate after the first episode, which was an impressive 18% according to AGB Nielsen Media Research, has added fuel to the discussion.

"The Moon that Embraces the Sun" is expected to have a profit of over $100,000 USD (per country). It's even been predicted to surpass those of "Queen Seon Duk" and "Jumong."

And just five episodes later, the viewer rate rose tremendously to 30%! This may not seem like a lot, but keep in mind that MBC's most famous historical drama, "Jewel in the Palace," averaged a 47% viewer rating. (Do you remember the craze over that one?)

A TMTETS ("The Moon that Embraces the Sun") drama representative said to Sports Korea via telephone conversation on January 25, "TMTETS is well made and has a high viewer rate that is more than sufficient enough to place it on the foreign market. It's expected to do even better than its predecessors."

Similar to MBC's "Jewel in the Palace," "Queen Seon Duk," "Damo," and the like, "The Moon that Embraces the Sun" is good as it was promised to be. It features a cast of actors who are new to the Hallyu world, but talented nonetheless. Kim Soo Hyun, who plays the role of King Lee Hwon, was already well known for his acting in KBS's popular "Dream High." He travelled to Singapore and Japan for promotions, making fans along the way. Jung Il Woo (plays the role of Prince Yang Myung, King Lee Hwon's half brother) has a few works on his acting resume, starting with the MBC sitcom "Unstoppable Highkick," KBS's "My Fair Lady," and tvN's "Flower Boy Ramen Shop." And don't forget actress Han Ga In (Yeon Woo), who acted in MBC's "Dr. Kkang," SBS's "Witch Yoo Hee," and "Bad Guy."

"The Moon that Embraces the Sun" is also garnering attention for the big bucks that it rakes in. It's an estimated $20 million USD so far, and is predicted to go over that number as the episodes progress. And just think about how much it would make if it went overseas! Countries like Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam would bring an added sum of $8 million dollars to that total. (This is an estimate calculated by 4 countries times 20 episodes times $100,000 USD per country.) Add in DVD's, OST soundtracks, and other various profit, and we've got us some serious cash.

An MBC representative said, "'The Moon that Embraces the Sun' is built on a strong script, as well as a talented cast. There is no doubt that it will surpass your expectations."

TMTETS airs episodes every Wednesday and Thursday, so don't miss out on this next highly anticipated drama!

[News] Lee Min Jung to Cut Her Hair or Not, That Is the Question.

[News] Lee Min Jung to Cut Her Hair or Not, That Is the Question.
Cr. - soompi

The ever-so-beautiful Lee Min Jung shared a “selca” picture on her mini homepage, January 24. (Selca is a picture taken by the person him/herself) She wrote, “This was when I had some front hair. I want to cut some of it but I am getting too much opposition. In order to do my next project I think I will leave my hair alone for now…”

In the picture Lee Min Jung has cute bangs and she is making a cute face. Even in casual clothes she still looks gorgeous.

Netizens that have come across the picture stated, “You are cute like a puppy,” “I think you would still be cute even if you cut your front hair,” and “You are the terminator of looking young.”

[News] Kim Hyun Joong’s “Lucky Guy” MV Ruled “Hazardous for Children”.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong’s “Lucky Guy” MV Ruled “Hazardous for Children”.
Cr. - soompi

The infamous Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MGEF) has done it again by ruling Kim Hyun Joong’s casino-inspired “Lucky Guy” music video “hazardous for children.” The reason for their ruling? Apparantly, the ministry believes the casino scene could stir up the children’s gambling spirit and encourage them to “try for a quick and easy profit.”

When Kim Hyun Joong filmed the “Lucky Guy” MV, he already had some concerns of the MGEF interfering. So he made the gambling table out of “Blue Marble,” a Korean board game similar to “Monopoly,” and used his “Uzu Shin” anime character for the chips and cards to create a more comic setting. Since the overall concept of the MV was supposed to be based on the U.S. film, “Ocean’s Eleven,” he couldn’t take out the entire casino scene, so that’s why he went with the comic concept instead. But with today’s ruling, the “Lucky Guy” MV will not be allowed to air during the early morning hours of 7AM to 9AM and during the day from 1PM to 10PM.

In fact, this is not the first time Kim Hyun Joong had problems with the MGEF. “Please” from his debut solo album, “Break Down,” was also classified as “hazardous for children” by the ministry last August, mainly because of some of the lyrics that contained “drunk” and “smoke” in it. Key East Entertainment later filed a complaint disputing the ruling. In December, the court ruled in favor of Key East reasoning, “Pop music must be given freedom of expression. It’s hard to justify that the lyrics are encouraging smoking or drinking.”

You can watch the “Lucky Guy” music video below. Is it “hazardous for children”?

[News] Jang Keun-suk's "You're Pet" at 6th place in Japan.

[News] Jang Keun-suk's "You're Pet" at 6th place in Japan.
Cr. - hancinema

Comedy romance "You're Pet" is in sixth place at the box office after its first week of release in Japan.

According to the Japanese Film Council, "You're Pet" came in sixth in Japan on January 21st and 22nd.

Based on an original Japanese story and starring Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suok, "You're Pet" is about the story of an unmarried woman and a young handsome guy living together.

"My Way" with Jang Dong-gun and Joe Odagiri finished 9th. "My Way" was released in Japan under the title, "My Way: The Truth of 12000KM".

[News] Kim Jung Hoon to create animated film.

[News] Kim Jung Hoon to create animated film.
Cr. - 10asia

Kim Jung Hoon will create an animated film, according to his agency on Friday.

A press release by Mersenne stated that Kim wrote the script to "Harmony of the Winds" (translated title)and will also serve as the chief director to it.

"Winds," a 30-minute film shot in 3D format, will tell of a man who takes revenge on the villain that killed the woman he loves.

A minute-long teaser for the pic and its theme song, to be sung by Kim himself, will be revealed at his birthday party later today.

"I had taken interest in animations since a long time ago. Hence I'm so happy that I've gotten the chance to make one myself and would like to show the world Korean 3D animation," Kim was quoted as saying in the statement.

Kim, who made his debut in male duo UN in 2000, later expanded his career into acting and also began his solo singing career which gained him popularity in Japan.

Just las tyear, Kim starred in cable network tvN's Wednesday and Thursday drama "In Need of Romance" and shot movie "Punchline."

[News] Shin Ha Kyun, "Marriage? It's harder than work".

[News] Shin Ha Kyun, "Marriage? It's harder than work".
Cr. - hancinema

"Marriage? It doesn't work the way I want it to. It's harder than work".

Shin Ha Kyun honestly spoke about marriage. He successfully put the country in a 'Ha-gyoon craze' after the KBS 2 drama "Brain". He indirectly created many slang words such as 'Ha Kyun God' and 'Brain-day' as well as parody titles like, "High Kick: Revenge of Brain" and "The Brain and The Moon".

Another one of his parodies is "Shin Ha Kyun Public Goods". It means that Shin Ha Kyun should remain a public good. He laughed hard when he was told what it meant during an interview with the reporter.

When he was asked about marriage and being a public icon, he said, "Marriage isn't easy. It's harder than work. I don't think I should meet someone just to get married. I think relationships come first. But it's been such a long time".

When he was asked if he was pressured at home to get married, he replied, "I don't get that from home. They think about what I want first so I don't get stressed. I haven't thought about marriage yet".

Meanwhile, Shin Ha Kyun won the "2011 KBS Grand Prize" for his excellent performance in the drama "Brain", which ended on January 17th.

[VOD / Photo & News] Period C-drama Ru Yi with Hawick Lau and Yang Mi to Premiere Next Week.

[VOD / Photo & News] Period C-drama Ru Yi with Hawick Lau and Yang Mi to Premiere Next Week.
Cr. - ockoala

Hunan TV has decided to strike while the iron is red hot, confirming this week that the upcoming period C-drama Ru Yi will be moved up from it’s previously scheduled Spring premiere, and will instead premiere next week. Yes, next week on Monday. Thank god the drama has finished filming already.

Starring Hawick Lau and Yang Mi, with a bevy of hard core Taiwanese old-school melodrama actors (the two moms in this drama, played by Liu Xue Hua and Yu Xiao Fan, become Asian sensations in the 80s as Chong Yao drama leading ladies), the drama is set in my favorite Republic period that blends the traditional with the modern.

A story of family secrets, business conflicts, and a love story that spans class differences and hidden identities. Watch the gorgeous opening credit below, and the official production MV of the ending credits. Ru Yi reads and feels like a throwback melodrama with there is romance and angst in equal measure, plus plenty of suffering to finally reach a happy ending.

[VOD & News] Still cuts of Kim Soo Hyun’s cameo in ‘Dream High 2′ released.

[VOD & News] Still cuts of Kim Soo Hyun’s cameo in ‘Dream High 2′ released.
Cr. - allkpop

Still cuts in ‘Dream High 2‘ were recently released featuring Kim Soo Hyun‘s cameo!

Kim Soo Hyun will appear in the pilot episode of ‘Dream High 2′ on January 30th as Song Sam Dong, the first of various special cameos during this series.

The actor rose to popularity as he revealed his acting potential and excellent dance skills in the first ‘Dream High’. He granted fans’ wishes as they voted him as the most wanted actor from Season 1 to reappear in ‘Dream High 2′.

As Kim Soo Hyun will reprise his role as the top actor Sam Dong, Rian (acted by T-ara‘s Jiyeon) will reenact the bus farewell scene that miss A‘s Suzy had previously done.

Even with his busy schedule with MBC‘s ‘The Moon that Embraces the Sun‘ where he plays the leading role, Kim Soo Hyun decided to make a cameo and stated enthusiastically after the filming, “I enjoyed completing the filming in the atmosphere that was no less friendly than the last ‘Dream High’ filming site. I’m anticipating that the drama and its feeling will be different from the first.”

[News] Han Chae Young Criticized for Sending New Years Greetings in a Supercar.

[News] Han Chae Young Criticized for Sending New Years Greetings in a Supercar. Cr. - soompi

Han Chae Young gave her New Years greetings through a photo of her sitting in a "supercar" but she deleted it only after a day it was posted.

On January 22, Han Chae Young posted on her Twitter, "Happy New Year - I came out for a drive for the first in a long time during this holiday. I pray that everyone will have a great year. Always be happy and healthy."

She posted a picture of herself in a purple padded jumper and her hand on the car steering wheel. The interior of the car clearly showed that it was an extremely luxurious car. Netizens have figured out that Han Chae Young was inside a Lamborghini Gallardo. This car is a famous supercar that is said to be worth around $300,000 USD.

As netizens started to leave many replies saying that it is a bit out of place to post such a photo, Han Chae Young immediately deleted her tweet and the photo. Opinions split into two; while one side commented, "Is it a sin to drive a luxurious, international car?" where as the other commented, "I don't think it's right to show off your international car during a Korean national holiday."

[Photo & News] Kim Ha Neul Goes Sexy for "Singles" Magazine Shoot.

[Photo & News] Kim Ha Neul Goes Sexy for "Singles" Magazine Shoot.
Cr. - soompi

Kim Ha Neul shows off her slim figure in a photoshoot for fashion magazine "Singles." The "You're My Pet" star is featured on the cover of the Februrary issue.

The photos feature a sexy looking Kim Ha Neul in knit sweaters and shorts. Since the shoot took place in Hawaii, she was able to get away from the frigid winter air in Korea and reveal some skin.

In the first picture, she is wearing a printed cardigan that is only buttoned in the center, revealing a sexy pink bra. The shorts feature a pair of long, slender legs. The bright blue chain handle bag she holds adds a nice color contrast to her look.

This look features a winter and summer feel simulataneously. The cropped sweater reveals a slim stomach. She wears a classic brown leather messenger bag.

Kim Ha Neul's hair seems to blow in the wind as she stands near a beach wearing a red and white plaid dress. This style is reminiscent of the classical American beach girls.

This issue of "Singles magazine" that features Kim Ha Neul will donate 5% of its proceeds to a charity project run by fashion brand Daks, which helps parentless children.

[News] Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young break up.

[News] Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young break up.
Cr. - allkpop

To many fans’ sadness, it has just been revealed that ‘City Hunter‘ couple, Park Min Young and Lee Min Ho, have broken up.

After completing SBS‘s ‘City Hunter’, the duo had revealed their relationship to the public during the summer last year. Although Park Min Young and Lee Min Ho called it quits a while ago, they were reluctant to reveal their separation as they had to consider their agencies’ positions.

Park Min Young’s side stated, “It has been a while since the two met. Because it was embarrassing to directly reveal that they broke up and she had to consider the agency’s position, she did not reveal that she cleaned up their relationship.”

The agency continued, “They became strangers before the 2011 Acting Awards. With this reason, Park Min Young and Lee Min Ho had attended two different award ceremonies… Lee Min Ho went to SBS Acting Awards, while Park Min Young had went to the KBS Acting Awards.”

The biggest reason the two parted ways laid in their busy schedules. Park Min Young’s side stated, “Park Min Young had to film for KBS‘s ‘Man of Honor‘, she did not have time to rest for a while. Lee Min Ho also had to film for his advertisements and attend his oversea activities, and we know that he is very busy… The two could not meet often and naturally broke up.”

Lee Min Ho’s agency is still confirming the news with the actor as a representative stated, “After we saw the reports that Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young broke up, we haven’t yet confirmed it with him… If the two had broken up, Lee Min Ho would have told us and there has been no story yet.”

[VOD / Photo & News] Park Min Young Models for 'Basic House'.

[VOD / Photo & News] Park Min Young Models for 'Basic House'.
Cr. - soompi

Park Min Young proves her status as one of the country’s top endorsers with her recent endorsement deal with a clothing brand. The actress is the newest face of Basic House, joining its current roster of big-name endorsers Won Bin and Moon Geun Young.

Park Min Young will be featured in Basic House’s spring-summer catalog, which was shot recently. The “Glorious Jane” star is noted to have showcased the bright and floral colors of spring through her quiet sophistication.

The actress is currently on hiatus after a busy 2011. Her star-making turn in 2010’s “Sungkyungkwan Scandal” led to two dramas last year, “City Hunter" and “Glorious Jane.” She is yet to announce her next project.

Meanwhile, aside from Park Min Young, Won Bin and Moon Geun Young, among Basic House image models in the past are top celebrities Yoon Eun Hye and Kim Hyun Joong.

[Photo & News] MBC’s upcoming weekend sageuk 'God of War'.

[News] MBC’s upcoming weekend sageuk 'God of War'.
Cr. - dramabeans

MBC’s preparing another big-budget special production sageuk drama, titled God of War, to occupy weekends starting next month, and recently released a full set of promotional posters.

The drama is set in the Goryeo (Koryo) era, which preceded the Joseon Dynasty (Goryeo spanned 918–1392) and stars Kim Joo-hyuk as a man named Kim Joon who was born to the slave class and rose to power. He’s based on a real historical figure, and in several of the posters below his tagline reads, “I’ll break the chains of fate. From slave to the height of power!”

Also in its cast are actors Kim Gyu-ri (Portrait of a Beauty), Jung Bo-seok (Can You Hear My Heart, Park Sang-min (Giant). Kim Gyu-ri plays the granddaughter to the most powerful man at the time, and daughter to Jung Bo-seok. It’s love at first sight — or maybe it’s attraction — when she spots Kim Joo-hyuk.



MBC recently announced the timeslot for the drama, which was a bit of a surprise: It airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:40 pm, apparently making it the first sageuk to air in that timeslot. There was a bit of a disgruntled reaction from some quarters, since God of War is being touted as a blockbuster period drama and that hour is usually home to contemporary family shows. The bigger productions take up the 10 pm hour, and with God of War’s 25 billion won budget, they were probably expecting a grander timeslot.

There’s also the understanding that shows that air earlier are home to more family-friendly content, not blood and guts and battle. I wonder if this shift is an attempt to grab a new audience, or a blunder by the broadcaster. You never can tell with MBC.

Well, I can’t say I’m terribly intrigued; it sounds like most sageuk dramas, really. Which could be a great thing if you’re a sageuk buff. I don’t really care for Kim Gyu-ri, but I do have newfound appreciation for Kim Joo-hyuk after his SNL stint, where he was fabulous.

God of War is written by Lee Hwan-kyung (of sageuks Tears of the Dragon and Wild Days), and directed by Kim Jin-min of Road No. 1 and La Dolce Vita. It premieres on February 11 and will run for 50 episodes.

[News] Han Chae Young deletes tweet after netizens leave negative comments.

[News] Han Chae Young deletes tweet after netizens leave negative comments.
Cr. - allkpop

Han Chae Young greeted her fans on Twitter yesterday with the message, “HAPPY NEW YEAR! Taking a drive for the first time in a while this holiday weekend. I pray that in the new year, everyone will be prosperous with everything they do. Always remember to be happy and healthy.”

With her tweet, she also shared a photo of herself driving what looked to be a Lamborghini, a high-end Italian sports car.

Although there were a few fans that responded positively to her tweet, even wishing the actress the same blessings in the new year, there were a few that criticized her for driving such a luxurious car.

The netizens’ comments apparently proved to be too much, as the tweet had been removed as of 4:00PM January 23rd (KST).

[News] Kim Jung Tae Reveals a Photo with Kahi for KBS "Dream High 2".

[News] Kim Jung Tae Reveals a Photo with Kahi for KBS "Dream High 2".
Cr. - soompi

Actor Kim Jung Tae revealed a "couple-shot" taken with Kahi on the set of KBS drama "Dream High 2." Kim Jung Tae posted a picture of Kahi and himself on twitter and commented, "With the Dance Goddess, Kahi."

In the released photo, the two are standing arm in arm and yet, their expressions are very different. Kahi look comfortable as she is smiling and signaling V with her hand, leaning into Kim Jung Tae. On the contrary, Kim Jung Tae is looking rigid and nervous, with both hands put politely in front of him. In "Dream High 2," Kim Jung Tae and Kahi each play Kirin High School's principal and dance instructor.

Fans commented on the revealed photo, "What is your relationship to Kahi?" "Jung Tae ssi looks nervous," "Kahi is a 'Dimple Goddess.'"

[News] "The Moon That Embraces the Sun" Lee Min Ho Apologizes to "City Hunter" Lee Min Ho's Fans.

[News] "The Moon That Embraces the Sun" Lee Min Ho Apologizes to "City Hunter" Lee Min Ho's Fans.
Cr. - soompi

19-year-old actor Lee Min Ho ("The Moon That Embraces the Sun") sent his apologies to the same-name, 25-year-old actor Lee Min Ho's ("City Hunter," "Boys Over Flowers") fans.

Lee Min Ho received a lot of love for his role as Yang Myung on "The Moon That Embraces the Sun." However, on January 23, he left an apologetic message on his Twitter to the "City Hunter" Lee Min Ho fans.

He said, "It seems like there is a misunderstanding due to an article that was published recently. When I was being interviewed, I just shared a funny story regarding our same names. But I think the title of the article as well as the content was slightly exaggerated."

The younger Lee Min Ho continued to say, "I always respected the older Lee Min Ho and I never wanted to receive attention this way through these articles. I never had any intentions of using him. I should have thought more and watched what I said so I am sorry. I will try to emulate Lee Min Ho hyung to become a better actor."



Previously, the younger Lee Min Ho was interviewed and asked, "How do you feel about surpassing the older Lee Min Ho and appearing on many different portal sites?" To that the younger Lee Min Ho answered, "I guess that kind of stuff is important to fans. After I started receiving attention for having the same name, all of Lee Min Ho hyung's fans turned into my anti-fans.

It was hard because I even received threat-like messages to change my name. I'm still thinking about it these days on whether or not I really should change my name. I want to meet him though. Or it'd be really fun to play Lee Min Ho hyung's younger role in a drama. I even dream of becoming a more mature actor and acting besides him as a main character."

[News] Joo Ji Hoon to star in upcoming movie “I Am A King”.

[News] Joo Ji Hoon to star in upcoming movie “I Am A King”.
Cr. - allkpop

After being discharged from the army last November, actor Joo Ji Hoon was scheduled to make his comeback with a role in the musical, “Doctor Zhiyago“.

However, due to issues with his vocal chords, his management Key East has confirmed that Joo Ji Hoon will instead be starring in the upcoming movie, ‘I Am a King’.

With a story similar to ‘The Prince and the Pauper’, ‘I Am a King’ takes place in the Chosun era and follows Sejong (Joo Ji Hoon), a man of royalty who exchanges identities with a beggar (also played by Joo Ji Hoon) with the goal of experiencing a different life with different people before taking the throne.

The drama is directed by Jang Gyoo Seong and is scheduled to begin filming in February.