...Hallyu began roughly 12 years ago when the rest of Asia discovered Korean soap operas. One of the breakthrough dramas was a series 'Winter Sonata' starring Choi Ji-woo & Bae Young-Joon. After that, more Korean dramas saw their way to foreign shores and Korean films and music started to follow suit. Korean marketing people started to see a Korea-centric trend. They dubbed this flow "The Korean Wave" or Hallyu....
[Photo & News] Won Bin's Cute and Chubby Past. Cr. - soompi
The actor Won Bin’s past pictures were revealed. They show an adorable and chubby Wo Bin!
The pictures show Won Bin when he was in elementary school. His cheeks are puffy but it appears as though he suddenly loses weight when he gets older.
The younger pictures show that his good looks haven’t changed much.
Netizens commented, “I think that was the fattest Won Bin has ever been in his whole life,” “OMG he is so cute even when he is chubby,” “Even though he’s chubby you can still see Won Bin’s features,” and “He has been doing photoshoots since he was young.”
Currently Won Bin is doing photoshoots for different brands such as “Chris, Christy,” and “K2.” Won Bin is currently reviewing the next acting project he will do.
[News] Soo Ae denies relationship with CEO of Taewon Entertainment. Cr. - allkpop Photos of actress Soo Ae enjoying “dates” with Taewon Entertainment CEO Jung Tae Won have recently surfaced online, but her representatives denied that such a relationship exists.
Soo Ae’s agency Star J Entertainment stated on the 2nd, “It is not true that Soo Ae is dating CEO Jung. They are merely close friends.”
Ahead of their official statement, SportsSeoul reported that Soo Ae was indeed dating Jung Tae Won whose agency produced mega projects such as ‘IRIS‘ as well as ‘Athena : Goddess of War‘. For those out of the loop, Soo Ae had a prominent role in Athena : Goddess of War.
The two were rumored to be pretty serious, but CEO Jung also made an official statement saying, “I have been asked a number of times regarding the nature of our relationship, but every single time I dismissed these suspicions because they simply did not reflect the truth. But this time, I consider it an invasion of privacy and I plan to take legal action.”
[News] Kim Yu Na Receives Service Award at the 17th Coca Cola Sports Awards. Cr. - soompi
Kim Yu Na was a part of the “17th Coca Cola Sports Awards,” (The direct translation of the word Sports was physical activity) where she received the “service” or “meritorious deed” award. She gave her thoughts on receiving the award at the awards event.
The “Coca Cola Sports Awards” is an amateur sports awards created in 1995 in order to improve sports in Korea and also find and train new talent.
Kim Yu Na received the award because of her service to the advancement of sports in South Korea through receiving a gold medal during the Vancouver Winter Olympics and also playing a big part in the allocation of the Pyeong Chang Olympics.
Also, on this day the girl group A Pink made an appearance to do a celebratory performance.
[News] Will Kim Ha Neul Appear Alongside Jang Dong Gun for "A Gentleman's Dignity"? Cr. - soompi
Kim Ha Neul is in strong consideration to act alongside Jang Dong Gun, who will be making his first small screen come back in 12 years for the new SBS drama "A Gentleman's Dignity." Things are not confirmed yet but it is reported that Kim Ha Neul is positively thinking about joining the cast.
When Jang Dong Gun's casting was not confirmed, many other actors were considered such as Kim Myung Min and Joo Jin Mo. The first episode was supposed to air in March but has now been pushed back to May. Jang Dong Gun, who recently finished filming overseas, was won over by writer Kim Eun Sook, who continuously asked him to join the cast.
Lee Na Young was strongly considered in the beginning, but she was not able to join due to time conflicts. Kim Eun Sook then made love calls to Kim Ha Neul, who acted in Kim Eun Sook's past drama, "On Air" in 2008.
Kim Ha Neul is receiving a lot of love these days and is being called the "Queen of Romantic Comedies." She also won awards for her movie, "Blind" last year, which made people acknowledge her acting skills as well. For these reasons, people say that she is well-suited to act alongside Jang Dong Gun.
"A Gentleman's Dignity" is written by Kim Eun Sook, who has worked on "Lovers in Paris," "On Air," "Secret Garden" and other top hits. The drama will be about the love lives that revolve around good-looking and single men in their forties.
[News] Stills from Won Bin's "Chris, Christy" Photo Shoot. Cr. - soompi
Stills from top star Won Bin's photo shoot for the 2012 Chris, Christy spring/summer line have been released.
The shoot took place in a sunny cafe at Samchung-dong and despite the cold weather and the tedious hours, Won Bin stayed bright and positive throughout the process. He gave his best poses and smoldering eyes to send out a message for each cut.
Won Bin elevated his elegant, classy and trendy image by wearing several pieces such as a trench coat, a suit, colorful cropped pants and more. His short bob is difficult to pull off, especially for men. Due to his stunning good looks, Won Bin managed to look edgy and masculine at the same time.
Sources from the shoot say, "These dramatic and movie-like stills and clips are bound to be a hot topic once they are released. You can look forward to seeing Won Bin."
[News] Goo Hye Sun to Retire from Acting After "Take Care of Us, Captain" Ends? Cr. - soompi
Goo Hye Sun has shown interest in entering the field of movie production rather than acting. She has been showing her talents through the small screens for a while, but it has been reported that she told people around her, "I think 'Take Care of Us, Captain' might be my last drama as an actress."
Goo Hye Sun is currently playing Han Da Jin, a novice pilot, in "Take Care of Us, Captain." Before she started this drama, she stated, "I know people say that I look the same in every drama. They might get sick of the same type of character that is portrayed through myself every time." Then, she was asked why she chose this particular role that seems so similar once again. To that she answered, "I wanted to hear, 'If Goo Hye Sun is in the drama, it will be piece of work that is filled with dreams and hope.'"
However, despite Goo Hye Sun's optimistic outlook, the viewers' responses were lukewarm to cold. Viewers are saying that her acting in previous dramas such as "The King and I," and "Boys Over Flowers," seem to be the same. So it's no wonder that Goo Hye Sun's dilemma about this is further escalating.
Goo Hye Sun already has past experiences with short film productions. She started directing with the short film, "The Madonna" in 2008 and continued to direct in full-length films like "Magic," "The Peach Tree," and "You." Her name as a director further rose as she received an invite to the Moscow Short Film Festival.
Sources say, "Since she is an actress with many talents, she has many thoughts. Even on the set of 'Take Care of Us, Captain,' she is called 'Director Goo' since she has so much interest in the production process."
Meanwhile, Goo Hye Sun will participate for the "Take Care of Us, Captain" soundtrack. The track is called, "Fly Again" and it is composed and written by Goo Hye Sun herself. "Fly Again" will be revealed through online music portal sites on February 3.
[News] Yoo Seung Ho reveals that he suffered two injuries while filming his new drama. Cr.- allkpop
It has been reported that actor Yoo Seung Ho (19) injured himself while filming for his new drama.
At a press conference for TV Chosun‘s ‘Operation Proposal‘ that took place at the Ramada Hotel in Seoul on January 31st, the actor remarked, “I hurt both my heel and my wrist while filming the drama. Thankfully my heel has healed completely, but my wrist is still recovering so it’s a little uncomfortable when filming.”
In this particular drama, the actor plays the role of Kang Baek Ho, a man who realizes a little too late that he is in love with his friend, and is full of regret when he attends her wedding. Baek Ho who is a professional baseball player goes back in time to rekindle his first love.
The actor who plays a character that is bright and optimistic but passive when it comes to love has injured himself twice already while filming this drama series.
“There was a scene where I sneaked out of class. It was really cold that day and i didn’t realize how high the fence was at the school. I twisted my foot in a awkward position and hurt my heel, but it’s much better now,” he explained. “I continued to film with my injured foot, but then I happened to injure my wrist too. I play the role of a baseball player, so its a little hard when I have to throw the baseball. My wrist hurts a lot when I have to film those scenes.”
TV Chosun’s ‘Operation Proposal’ is a spin-off of the popular Japanese melo-fantasy drama that Yamashita Tomohisa and Nagasawa Masami were in, and Yoo Seung Ho plays the male lead while Park Eun Bin plays the female lead. The first episode airs on February 8th.
[News] Jang Dong Gun Joins “Secret Garden” Writer for First TV Drama Appearance in 12 Years. Cr. - soompi
Jang Dong Gun will make his first come back to TV drama in 12 years through SBS’s upcoming series, “A Gentleman’s Dignity.”
On January 31, Jang Dung Gun’s agency told local media, “Jang Dung Gun confirmed his casting in ‘A Gentleman’s Dignity.’ This will be his first TV drama since MBC’s ‘Eve’s Warning’ 12 years ago.”
“A Gentleman’s Dignity” is written by Kim Eun Sook, whose previous works include, “Secret Garden,” “Lovers in Paris,” “Lovers in Prague,” “On Air,” and “City Hall.” It’s a melodrama depicting the romance of a single man in his 40s.
The first episode of “A Gentleman’s Dignity” is scheduled for May. Other castings confirmed so far include Kim Soo Ro, Kim Min Jong, Kim Min, and Yoon Sae Ah.
[VOD & News] miss A Suzy Tweets “Samdong Left Hyemi…” and Cheers for "Dream High 2". Cr. - soompi
Last year, miss A’s Suzy garnered attention for her role as Go Hye Min in the popular drama series “Dream High,” also starring Kim Soo Hyun, T-ara’s Eunjung, 2PM’s Taecyeon, IU, and more. Its huge success both at home and overseas prompted producers to make a second season, which premiered last night, January 30.
Earlier today, Suzy expressed her excitement and well wishes for the second season. She tweeted, “‘Dream High 2’ hope you make it big! It’s so funny! But Samdong….Samdong…left Hyemi…Humph,” amusing fans.
During last night’s episode, “Dream High’s” Kim Soo Hyun made his highly anticipated cameo appearance. During his cameo scene, Kim Soo Hyun and T-ara’s Ji Yeon reenacted the famous kiss scene between Kim Soo Hyun and Suzy from the first season.
KBS’s “Dream High 2” recorded 10.5% (AGB Nielsen) ratings for its first episode. MBC’s “Light and Shadow” and SBS’s “Salaryman Chohanji” recorded 16.3% and 13.7% respectively.
[News] Lee Seung Gi announces his official Japanese debut date. Cr. - allkpop
Singer Lee Seung Gi‘s first Japanese single “Alone in Love” is scheduled to be released on March 6th.
According to a Press Release posted by Oricon on January 30th, Lee Seung Gi revealed at a press conference in Japan on the same day, “My first single, the Japanese version of “Alone in Love” will be released on March 6th, and I am also planning on a performance at Nippon Budokan in June.”
The Japanese media showed their high interest in the singer’s official Japanese debut, and immediately began reporting the story. Not only is he labeled the ‘crown prince’ in Korea, he would also be the first Korean artist to perform at the Nippon Budokan just three short months after his debut.
The singer also stated at the press conference, “It was really hard to pronounce Japanese words but I have readily prepared myself so that people who hear me speak and sing will not feel awkward. I know that not everyone is able to perform at the Nippon Budokan, but I am so grateful that I am able to perform at such an honorable venue.”
He also spoke of singer IU who recently completed a successful showcase in Japan to announce her own debut. “I am also aware that I am debuting around the same time as IU. I think that as solo singers, we will be able to show you sides that are different from group artists, and I look forward to our promotions.”
[Photo & News] Pictures of Won Bin Photoshoot for K2 Revealed. Cr. - soompi
Won Bin is currently working exclusively as a model for the outdoor brand K2. Recently in a Nonhyeon Dong studio, a K2 photoshoot was going on with Won Bin.
Pictures were revealed of the photoshoot. In some pictures he is shown doing is hair while in other he is shown making different poses. It is being said that the atmosphere was very friendly because of Won Bin.
The official K2 photoshoot with Won Bin will be released in the middle of February. Next month Won Bin will be leaving South Korea to film a TV commercial.
In other Won Bin news, it seems that he will promote the new LG 3D TV alongside SNSD. The commercial featuring both SNSD and Won Bin was expected to be revealed at the end of January, 2012.
[News] IU Becomes a Cosmetics Brand Model. Cr. - soompi
IU has become a model for the cosmetics brand, “The Saem.”
Representatives for the company stated, “IU is receiving a lot of love as the ‘nation’s younger sister,’ and her bright and clear skin is envied by many females. IU will help promote ‘The Saem’ to a wide consumer base, age-wise and gender-wise.”
IU responded, “As I turned 20 years old this year (in Korean age system), I have become more interested in cosmetics. I am happy to have become a model for a cosmetics brand. I will work hard to promote the brand and deliver to my fans the best that I can.”
While IU is currently busy promoting in Japan, fans will be able to see her often in Korea when IU officially starts promoting the brand in February. She will be joining her fellow singer, Lee Seung Gi, who is also a model for the company.
[News] Movie "Love" selected for the Berlin Film Festival. Cr. - hancinema
The cast of the movie, including Ethan Ruan, Shu Qi and Zhao Wei, are all delighted with the nomination
Taiwanese movie Love had its first taste of success when it was selected for the Berlin Film Festival recently. The movie has not been released in cinemas.
This is movie director Doze Niu's second feature film to make it into the festival after his 2010 movie Monga.
When told of the good news, the director excitedly said, "I'm very happy that Love is selected for the Berlin Film Festival, because it's a commercial film that talks about love. I really feel that heaven has been good to me, and I'm grateful to the cast and crew for their hard work."
Doze later informed the cast the good news via his microblog.
Actor Eddie Peng replied happily, "Good omen in the year 2012. [I'm] setting off the firecrackers."
Shu Qi also wrote, "Awesome."
While the production team is doing their best to coordinate everyone's schedule, only Mark Chao has confirmed that he will attend the festival on Feb 16.
Ethan is due for military enlistment next month. If he does attend, the Berlin Film Festival will be his last event before entering the army.
Love is scheduled to open in cinemas in Taiwan on Feb 10, and four days later in China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Cast members are expected to begin promotion of the movie abroad for a week, beginning Feb 9, before flying straight to Berlin for the film festival.
[News] Jang Keun Suk Surprises the Public with His Perspective on Anti-Fans. Cr. - soompi
Jang Keun Suk revealed his thoughts on anti-fans attracting much attention from viewers.
On the recent episode of KBS2’s “Entertainment Weekly,” footage of Jang Keun Suk during a photo shoot with actress Go Jun Hee was shown.
At the end of the shoot, Jang Geun Suk sat down for an interview. He commented saying, “Once the broadcast aired I had a lot of anti-fans. Yet I was surprised with how many people were actually on my side,” as he expressed his feelings of gratitude towards those who stood up for him.
Jang Keun Suk, surprisingly, had a positive attitude toward anti-fans saying, “I believe that someday they will ultimately fall for me. They will join my fans and together they will cheer for me,” his confidence in his anti-fans sparked laughter.
Before the photo shoot, Jang Geun Suk had participated in the documentary, “I am The Center of The Hallyu Wave, Jang Keun Suk.” The film focused on the spread of the Korean wave as it followed Jang Keun Suk around.
The piece received much acclaim from audiences. Jang Keun Suk, like many other celebrities, had issues with anti-fans in the past. This documentary attempted to show Jang Geun Suk in a positive light, though in some instances it may have only exacerbated the issue with anti-fans.
What are your thoughts on Jang Keun Suk’s perspective of anti-fans?
[News] Jung Il Woo Dyed His Hair in the Chosun Dynasty? Cr. - soompi
Viewers of MBC's hit drama, "The Moon That Embraces the Sun," noticed a slight flaw in the drama's recent eighth episode involving a hair change with actor Jung Il Woo.
The January 27 episode featured Han Ga In being reunited with Jung Il Woo while running away from being taken hostage. Unfortunately, Han Ga In didn't recognize him because she suffers from amnesia, leading Jung Il Woo to pitifully ask, "Do you really not recognize me?"
During the scene, however, viewers noticed that Jung Il Woo's hair was light brown and not black, making many amused with the possibility of there being hair dye or bleach back in the Chosun dynasty.
Netizens commented, "I was surprised to see Jung Il Woo's dyed hair," "This isn't actually that bad of a mistake," "His dyed hair is hilarious," and "I love spotting things like this in dramas."
[News] “Dream High’s” Kim Soo Hyun and Suzy’s Rehearsal Clip for Kiss Scene Surfaced. Cr. - soompi
“Dream High,” starring Kim Soo Hyun, miss A’s Suzy, 2PM’s Taecyeon, and more, was a phenomenal success last year, detailing the lives of six students aspiring to be Korea’s top music artists. Its huge success has led producers to make a second season, which premieres tonight, January 30.
With the upcoming broadcast of the second season just hours away, netizens were able to dig up past rehearsal clips of the last scene from the first season where Sam Dong (Kim Soo Hyun) is on the bus. During the scene, Sam Dong is on his way to New York when he opens the window and pulls Hye Mi (Suzy) in for a kiss.
While they didn’t really lock lips during the rehearsals, they were extremely close to each other. Once they received the ok sign from the director, the two awkwardly smiled at each other, both clearly embarrassed and shy.
Netizens commented, “Suzy looks very nervous,” “I don’t know why but I have butterflies in my stomach,” and “I can’t wait for the second season to air.”
The second season, featuring 2AM’s Jung Jin Woon, T-ara’s Park Ji Yeon, SISTAR’s Hyorin, Kang So Ra, JB, and Park Seo Joon, will showcase the fierce music/dance battles between the top idol stars and the school's troubled students. KBS’s “Dream High 2” will air its pilot episode tonight, January 30, at 9:55PM KST.
[News] Kim Ha Neul says she’d like to keep her love life private. Cr. - allkpop
On the January 28th episode of KBS‘s ‘Entertainment Weekly‘, actress Kim Ha Neul was asked a series of ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ questions about relationships.
The reporter began by asking if news about celebrity couples made her jealous, to which Kim Ha Neul replied, “YES. I am jealous because I’m not in a relationship now.”
Kim Ha Neul then had to answer a question about whether she wanted to be in a relationship that was public. The actress said “NO”, signalling her determination to keep her public and private lives separate.
As a final question, Kim Ha Neul was asked, “Was there any truth to the rumors or scandals that you were involved in?” The actress quickly replied, “PASS”, and declined to comment.
Upon hearing her answer, netizens wondered if there was indeed a hidden truth to one of her scandals. Looks like it’s another celebrity mystery that we may never know the answer to.
[Photo & news] Yoon Si Yoon Looks Dashing for "Singles" Magazine. Cr. - soompi
For the February issue of “Singles” magazine, actor Yoon Si Yoon channels a distant and cosmopolitan look.
In the interview following the photo shoot, Yoon Si Yoon spoke frankly about the low ratings for his recent drama, “Me Too, Flower.” The drama’s ratings stayed the single digits, which brought stark comparison to Yoon Si Yoon’s other drama, “Baker King Kim Tak Goo,” which was a huge hit that shot him to fame and brought in around 50% ratings.
Yoon Si Yoon stated, “Because my career has been defined by ratings (of “Baker King”), I can’t ignore them. But the response the character of Seo Jae Hee (of “Me Too, Flower”) has been the same or more than the response to Kim Tak Goo. I am happy because a lot of people in their teens and 20s like the character.
He also added, “If I could turn back time, and know that the results would still be the same, I would pick this drama again. The only thing I would change is that I would work even harder.”
[News] Ha Ji-won and Lee Seung-gi's first script reading. Cr. - hancinema
The MBC drama "The King" had started script reading.
The cast including Ha Ji-won and Lee Seung-gi met at the Ilsam MBC Dream Center and completed their first script reading.
On a phone call with the spokesperson for "The King" on the 27th said, "It was the first time all the cast for the drama "The King" got together in one place and it was fun".
"Producer Lee Jae-gyoo who is known to be gentle and Lee Soon-jae as well as Yoon Yeo-jeong who are known to be strict and well-balanced attended the script reading and was an interesting time. The reading went on for about five hours from 7PM to 11PM".
"The King" is a black comedy about the completing love between North Korean Prince Lee Jae-ha and Special Forces female sergeant Kim Hang-ah, overcoming the prejudice and interference around them during a so-called time of constitutional monarchy.
This movie is an anticipating one with the leading cast of Ha Ji-won who is a fixed box office hit and Lee Seung-gi. "The King" will start shooting on the 31st and start airing on the 14th of March after "The Sun and the Moon".
[News] Han Hyo-joo highly considered by actor 'Ryan Gosling'. Cr. - hancinema
Han Hyo-joo has won high praise from actor Ryan Gosling from America who is famous for the movie "The Notebook".
Han Hyo-joo attended the "1st Hua Hin International Movie Festival" on the 27th in Thailand. She was very welcomed by the local fans as she visited the country with So Ji-sub as the leading characters for the movie "Always".
Ryan Gosling, who was in Thailand with the movie "Drive" said "I was greatly impressed by the inner act in the movie "Always". It was incredible". Han Hyo-joo replied to his comment by saying, "I think he did a great job in the movie 'Drive' as well as 'The Notebook'".
At the "1st Hua Hin International Movie Festival", 4 Korean movies such as, "Always", "Moby Dick", "Mr. Idol" and "The Client" stood along 50 other movies from all over the world. The event was also attended by directors John Woo, Luc Besson, actress Michelle Yeoh and other international artists.
Meanwhile, Han Hyo-joo is currently looking forward to the making of the movie "I am The King Of Chosun" with Lee Byeong-Heon and "Band Aid" with Ko Soo.
