...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] "Love Rain" Releases First Stills of Girls' Generation YoonA's Contemporary Character. Cr. - soompi
KBS’s upcoming drama “Love Rain,” starring Girls’ Generation’s YoonA and Jang Geun Suk, released first teaser stills of YoonA’s contemporary character Ha Na from Hokaido, Japan. In the photos, YoonA looks noticeably different from her 1970s Kim Yoon Hee character, who’s described as a pure, elegant “campus goddess.” With her hair tied up in a cute ponytail and dressed in casual, spunky clothing, YoonA portrays her bright, cheerful Ha Na.
A representative from Yoon’s Color, the drama’s production company, stated, “YoonA has immersed herself into her spunky 2012 character and showed off a completely different charm from her shy, quiet 1970s character.”
“Love Rain” is a melo-love story set in two different periods – the 1970s and 2012. Jang Geun Suk and YoonA play Seo In Ha and Kim Yoon Hee, two college students who fall in love with each other in the 1970s; unfortunately, the two do not get their happily ever after. Fast forward to the present, Seo Joon, In Ha’s son (also played by Jang Geun Suk) meets and falls in love with Ha Na, Yoon Hee’s daughter (also played by YoonA). Jang Geun Suk’s 1970s Seo In Ha is a romantic arts student who is willing to lay down his life for the love of his life. His son Seo Joon, on the other hand, is a carefree photographer who enjoys a freewheeling lifestyle. YoonA’s 1970s Kim Yoon Hee is a pure, elegant “campus goddess,” while her daughter Ha Na is a bright and lovable character.
Director Yoon Seok Ho and writer Oh Soo Yeon, the masterminds behind the sensational melodramas “Winter Sonata” and “Autumn in my Heart” have teamed up once again to produce “Love Rain.” With the combination of Jang Geun Suk, YoonA, director Yoon Seok Ho, and writer Oh Soo Yeon, it doesn't come as a surprise that “Love Rain” has already secured a Japanese broadcaster.
“Love Rain” will premiere on KBS on March 26. Stay tuned to soompi.com for more updates!
[News] "Love Rain" Jang Keun Suk reveals his doppelganger. Cr. - en.korea
Actor Jang Keun Suk will pull a 180 degree transformation both inside and out.
On March 8, the production company for KBS’s new Monday-Tuesday series Love Rain released new stills.
In the stills, which were taken in Hokkaido, Japan, Jang is showing off his double identity as he plays a double role for the series.
Jang plays the role of Seo In Ha in the 70s and Seo Joon in 2012.
Jang transformed into Seo Joon, who is direct and has a free spirit, unlike the soft and gentle Seo In Ha. His unbalanced hair cut, fashion, and charismatic eyes portray a character that is completely different in every way.
Jang will play the role of soft Seo In Ha in the 70s for the first part of the series but he will show off his manly charms as he plays Seo Joon in 2012. He will capture women’s hearts by playing the double role.
Jang said, “I’m so excited about playing the double role. I’m enjoying shooting the series in Hokkaido, where it snowed a lot, and my heart is fluttering just thinking about to show this beautiful view and story.” The series will portray an innocent love through the beautifully shot show. It will start airing on March 26 after KBS’s Monday-Tuesday series Dream High 2 goes off the air.
[News] So Ji-sub offered lead role in upcoming SBS TV series. Cr. - 10asia
Hallyu star So Ji-sub may return to the small screen as the male lead in an upcoming SBS TV series, according to his promoter's 3HW on Thursday.
A rep with 3HW told 10Asia over the phone that So was offered the lead role for SBS' drama "Ghost" (translated title) slated to make its premiere in May after the the 20-part series “Rooftop Prince" ends its run in May.
"The producers have explained that So is a strong candidate for the series although nothing has been finalized," the official said.
If So decides to take the role in "Ghost," which will be helmed by producer Kim Hyung-sik of TV series "Sign," "I am a Legend" and "Cain and Abel," it will his first small screen role in two years after starring in MBC's "Road No. 1."
So has become one of the most popular actors in Korea and appeared in numerous TV dramas and movies since his debut in 1996. He became a household name in the country and abroad in Asia region with his roles in 2004 hit series "Something Happened in Bali" and "I'm Sorry, I Love You."
He last starred in director Song Il-gon's film "Always" opposite actress Han Hyo-joo and recently wrapped up filming movie "Office Worker" with actress Lee Mi-youn.
[VOD / Photo & News] Song Hye Gyo and John Park Release their Duet “Switch” MV. Cr. - soompi
The Commercial Music Video for “Switch” was released on March 8. The duet between Song Hye Gyo and Superstar K2 John Park is going to be used for the makeup brand "Laneige." The lyrics of the song "Switch" show that Song Hye Gyo and John Park want to light up your life, like a light switch."
Here is a description of what is going on in the Commercial MV. Song Hye Gyo says, “Phew... I want to sing.” Then she receives an invitation from John Park. Before she enters the studio, John Park looks at the camera saying, “Hello I am John Park, I am honored at the opportunity to sing with Hye Gyo nuna. I will focus on harmony.”
Next scenes are shown of the two recording together.
Scenes are also shown from the teaser where John Park is shown being surprised that he would be working with Song Hye Gyo.
At the end of the MV, Song Hye Gyo asks John Park “I’m good at singing right?” and John Park replies, “No.” The two laugh and Song Hye Gyo says, “I thought I was pretty good~”
[News] Jo In Sung Set to Be the First Guest on the "Go Hyun Jung Show". Cr. - soompi
Jo In Sung will be the first guest on SBS's upcoming talk show the "Go Hyun Jung Show." Since Jo In Sung recently signed a contract with Go Hyun Jung's agency I-OK Company and the two are known to be good friends, people already expected him to make a guest appearance on the show.
In 2005, Go Hyun Jung and Jo In Sun starred in SBS "Spring Days" and have been good friends since then. Go Hyun Jung has talked about her close relationship with Jo In Sung on many different TV and radio shows. In 2008, she talked about what a great person Jo In Sung is and said, "I sometimes jokingly tell him that I love him and ask him to marry me" on MBC radio "Park Kyung Lim's Starry Night." Also, on another radio show, she provoked Jo In Sung fans' jealousy by stating, "I want to date Chun Jung Myung, and marry Jo In Sung." She was also spotted enjoying private tea time with Jo In Sung right before he was enlisted to the military and their nature of relationship was under speculation.
Due to such close friendship between the two, many fans and industry officials are eager to see what kind of stories Jo In Sung and Go Hyun Jung have together to talk about on the show. An official from "Go Hyun Jung Show" mentioned, "Go Hyun Jung was so nervous to have her own show. Now that she knows her good friend Jo In Sung will be her first guest, she is relieved and very happy.
Since Go Hyun Jung is very frank in talking about anything, fans will be able to hear about the true nature of her relationship with Jo In Sung, interesting episodes, and many other stories." This official also mentioned that there will be two to three more guests other than Jo In Sung, but did not mention the names. These secret guests are also known to be Go Hyun Jung's good friends.
The filming of the first episode will take place at SBS Open Studio on March 24 and "Go Hyun Jung Show" will air on March 6 at 11:05pm KST.
[VOD & News] MBC releases the second teaser for ‘The King 2 Hearts’. Cr. - allkpop
MBC recently released the first official trailer for their highly-anticipated drama series, ‘The King 2 Hearts‘.
Male lead Lee Seung Gi will be playing the role of a South Korean prince in the series, while his co-star Ha Ji Wonwill be playing the role of a North Korean military officer.
The first episode is currently scheduled to air March 21st, but in the meantime, check out the second trailer below!
[Photo & News] Nichkhun and miss A's Spring Photo Shoot for "Edwin". Cr. - soompi
2PM's Nickhun and the lovely ladies of miss A have come together for a spring photo shoot for fashion magazine, "Edwin."
Nickhun, Suzy, Min, Fei and Jia all gave their best model poses to give off a trendy image that fits perfectly with the upcoming spring season. Nickhun, who has a charismatic smile, and the ladies of miss A, who have shown us a more feminine charm, express a chic and bright feeling through this pictorial.
Despite busy schedules from both 2PM and miss A with overseas concerts, promotions and album preparations, everyone came together with a bright and energetic aura for this photo shoot.
[Photo & News] So Ji Sub's Sensual Cover for Personal Magazine "SONICe". Cr. - soompi
As we reported earlier, So Ji Sub will publish his personal magazine “SONICe” on March 14. So Ji Sub is the first South Korean actor to release his personal magazine. “SONICe” is a combination of “So Nice” and the attachment of an “e” to his nick name “Soni C.” The magazine will be released in two versions, one large version and one that is the size of an iPad.
The cover of “SONICe” is very sensual! It shows So Ji Sub half naked with women that are covered in what looks like mesh.
As one can see on the cover of the magazine, everything is about So Ji Sub! The titles are his “Choice,” “Eyes,” and “Behind Story.” The magazine will contain SO Ji Sub’s favorite music, movies, food, books, and date courses.
[VOD & Article] Magha Puja Day The Light Of Peace Ceremony on 7 March 2555 BE at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Cr. - http://www.dhammakaya.net/
Magha Puja Day The Light Of Peace Ceremony Wednesday, 7 March 2555 BE at Wat Phra Dhammakaya Pathum Thani Province, Thailand.
You are cordially invited to join the Magha Puja Day ceremony at Wat Phra Dhammakaya!
Magha Puja Day is one of the most important Buddhist holy days in Thailand. Every temple across country holds ceremony to celebrate the occasion. The ceremony at Wat Phra Dhammakaya is one of the largest held in Thailand which main Light For Peace.
The Grand Meditation Square will be filled with 100,000 candle-lights to illuminate the light of peace of every participant.
Nearly 200,000 people will practice meditation and spread their loving-kindness throughout the world in this fabulous full moon night.
About 2,500 years ago, on the day of the full moon of the third lunar month, the Lord Buddha assembled with his disciple monks at Veluvana Bamboo Grove and following four marvelous events occurred:
1. It was the day of the full moon. There were 1,250 Arahant monks who had gathered together without prior arrangement.
2. All of them were Arahant (enlightened disciple monks) and all of them had been ordained by the Lord Buddha himself.
3. The Lord Buddha delivered a sermon called the Ovada Patimokkha which includes the fundamental ideology, the moral standards and the conducts of Buddhism.
The Buddhist ideology is the ultimate objective of every Buddhist. As outlined in the Lord Buddha’s sermon, Buddhist ideology comprises the following:
1. We should be patient in order to reach our achievement. As our life may be burdened by suffering, we should be patient. Furthermore, patience toward sensual desire can prevent us from sensual indulgence.
2. All the Lord Buddhas have taught that Nirvana is the state of supreme bliss.
3. Monks who kill or harm other living beings do not deserve to be monks.
Subsequently the Lord Buddha suggested the following moral standards:
1. Abstaining from misdeeds because the Law of Karma still controls us. If we break precepts or commit bad deeds, karmic retribution will return to us either in this lifetime or during a future lifetime.
2. Doing only good deeds. When the karma from good deeds bears fruit, our life will be joyful, prosperous and successful.
3. Purifying our mind by practicing meditation. This is the only way that we are able to attain true happiness and Nirvana.
Finally, he recommended the conducts which his disciples should obey.
1. The propagation of Buddhism should be made without insulting or making slanderous allegations against each other.
2. The propagation of Buddhism should be made without assaulting or harming each other.
3. Buddhists should observe the precepts. In particular, Buddhist monks must observe all 227 precepts.
4. One should be content in consuming food.
5. One should live in a tranquil place which is suitable for meditation practice.
6. One should always practice mindfulness even when standing, walking, sitting, or sleeping.
Lighting Lanterns to Cultivate Faith and Wisdom:
The light of faith and wisdom that we light up in homage to the Triple Gem represents our faithful heart with realization in the Lord Buddha’s virtues. We humbly offer the light to worship his compassion, purity and wisdom as he knew the truth of life thoroughly. Nothing could conceal his insight power. As we worship him with respect, we will receive merit in return. The merit from paying homage to the wholesome one will enable us to be prosperous and successful in our lives. The gift of light will allow us to have beautiful eyes, superb vision, beautiful radiance, a bright mind, luminous wisdom and, ultimately, attain the Buddhahood or Dhammakaya inside ourselves.
According to the Buddhist scripture, there was once a lady who faithfully lit lanterns to pay homage to the Lord Buddha. Later on, her good karma caused her to be reborn as a beautiful lady with a golden subtle complexion. Radiance glowed from her body constantly. Even when she was in the dark, she was able to see things because of her own radiance. After she ordained to become a Bhikkhuni (female Buddhist monk), she managed to attain enlightenment quickly and went on to become a female disciple monk who was recognized by the Lord Buddha as the one who was excellent in recalling past lifetimes.
From this story, we can conclude that the act of worship to the Triple Gem is indeed the opportunity to develop our own mind by realizing and welcoming the wholesomeness of the Triple Gem into our own heart, similar to opening the lid of a crystal jar to receive drops of clean rain from the sky. We do not only believe in what we do, but we also understand why we do it. This is why the act of worship allows us to cultivate both faith and wisdom simultaneously.
[Photo & News] "The Slave Hunters" Kim Ji-suk discharged Today! Cr. - hancinema
Kim Ji-suk is being discharged on the 7th.
Kim Ji-suk is being discharged from military duties in front of the Ministry of Defense on the 7th at 8AM. He joined the army on the 24th of May 2010 and served in public relations while he was driving an armored vehicle at the 17 division.
After having risen to stardom with movie "Take Off" and "Lady Daddy" and drama "The Slave Hunters", Kim Ji-suk joined the army right after "Personal Tastes".
With March coming up soon, Kim Ji-suk had been getting several love calls from entertainment companies but he chose Ahn Tae-ho, chairman of the Clover Company where Han Seok-gyoo belongs to. He is looking through his next piece of work.
Meanwhile, Kim Ji-suk received an appreciation plaque for the excellent and voluntary performance during his time.
[Photo & News] So Ji-sub launches magazine for fans, bringing Japanese trend home. Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/
Hallyu actor So Ji-sub will launch a magazine for his Korean fans entitled SONICe on March 14, bringing a trend from the Japanese K-pop market back home.
The publication will consist of various stories told by So as well as recipes and books all endorsed by the star. Its name is a combination of "so nice" and "Sonic", which is So's nickname.
"In Japan, various Hallyu stars have launched magazines, but this is the first time that such a publication is being created for the Korean market", said a representative from the public relations company 3HW.
The theme of the first edition is "His Eyes", and will analyze the many personas of the actor by examining his eyes.
So's popularity has been growing recently, with the actor in the headlines several times this year. In February, So drew attention for a good deed, having donated some 170 personal items that were later sold to benefit the Korea Foundation for Persons with Disabilities.
[News] Main Poster for "The King 2hearts" Unleashed. Cr. - soompi
The main poster for “The King 2hearts” which stars Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won was unleashed.
The backdrop of the drama has an interesting concept that South Korea has maintained its constitutional monarchy. The story is about South Korea’s king (Played by Lee Seung Gi) falling in love with a North Korean Special Forces instructor. (Played by Ha Ji Won) The story will show how the two push away their prejudice and differences for their love.
Lee Seung Gi is showing off his uniform look while Ha Ji Won is showing off a more “pure” charm in her pink clothes.
A representative of the production team stated, “Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung Gi had great synergy since day one of filming. The staff members were very satisfied. ‘The King 2hearts’ will be a drama that will surpass the anticipation for it.”
[News] Kim Bum to cameo in ‘High Kick 3′. Cr. - allkpop
Kim Bum will be making a cameo appearance on MBC’s ‘High Kick 3‘!
Kim Bum was part of the original series in which he played the role of a student lodger. Fast forward three seasons, and he’s now climbed the rungs of the social status ladder by becoming a wealthy businessman, whom Krystal falls in love with upon first sight.
The two first meet on the elevator of a shopping mall. Krystal immediately notices his handsome looks and the fact that he’s a shopping mall CEO to boot, makes him irresistible in her eyes.
Representatives of Kim Bum stated, “Upon being called by PD Kim Byung Wook, Kim Bum dashed to the set to make a cameo, out of friendship.”
Kim Bum added, “I met up with so many friends that I was able to finish the filming on a positive note. I can’t believe the show is already on its third season. As someone that was a part of its first, it’s an honor to take part again. I was worried about whether I’d be able to participate because the series is almost coming to an end so I’m glad the director called me just in time.”
On the evening of March 6, the VIP premiere of "Gabi" was held at the CGV theaters in Seoul.
"Gabi" (or "Russian Coffee") is a historical mystery thriller about Illichi (played by Joo Jin Mo), who is Russia's best sniper and dual spy, Tanya (played by Kim So Yeon), who is a barista as well as the possessor of the key to Kim Gojong's assassination, Sadako (played by Yoo Sun), who has left her home country to live in Japan and Gojong (played by Park Hee Soon), who is the last king to reign and the first king to ever taste coffee in the Joseon era.
Top stars such as Jang Dong Gun, Park Si Yeon, Han Jung Soo, Chi Chi, Jeon Hye Bin, Yoo Hae Jin, ALi and others attended the VIP premiere. The film will hit theaters on March 15.
[VOD & News] Lee Mi Sook added to cast of ‘Love Rain’ & Teaser. Cr. - allkpop
Lee Mi Sook has been added to the cast of the upcoming KBS drama ‘Love Rain‘ to portray a middle-aged ‘Kim Yoon Hee,’ whose younger version is being played by YoonA.
In the drama, Lee Mi Sook will play the mother of ‘Lee Hana‘ (also portrayed by YoonA) as an older ‘Kim Yoon Hee,’ which means she will be portraying YoonA’s character from the 70s in the present day. She is planning on showing her heart-touching melodramatic acting skills, and building on the innocent ‘Kim Yoon Hee’ YoonA portrayed in the 1970s time period of the drama.
Lee Mi Sook was a famous melodramatic actress in the 1980s, and brings weight to any production she participates in. Her addition to the cast, and the news that she will be returning to portraying a gentle, emotional character is catching fans’ attention, as she has only played fierce and strong roles recently.
Director Yoon Suk Ho praised Lee Mi Sook, saying “She is one of the best actresses in Korea, and I believe that her ability to synchronize with other actors and her focus, along with her acting that exhibits the depth of life, will allow her to portray an older ‘Yoon Hee,’ who experienced heart-breaking love, very well.”
‘Love Rain’ is scheduled to air in the ‘Dream High 2‘ time slot after ‘Dream High 2′ is finished, and will portray a pure love story with beautiful cinematography. The first broadcast will be on March 26th.
Meanwhile, check out the teasers below featuring YoonA and Jang Keun Suk!
[News] Kim Soo Hyun Wants the Big Prize. Cr. - soompi
Kim Soo Hyun recently revealed his wish of winning a prize during the year end award ceremonies.
On an episode of Mnet's "Wide Entertainment News" that aired on March 5, a short interview was held with "The Moon that Embraces the Sun's" big star, Kim Soo Hyun.
They found Kim Soo Hyun on set, shooting for an advertisement. They asked, "Is your popularity hitting you these days?" Kim Soo Hyun humbly answered, "I think so, due to all the viewers who gave so much love to 'The Moon that Embraces the Sun.'" When asked about the kiss scene with co-star Han Ga In, he replied, "It was good. Very good," with a big smile.
Finally, the reporter asked, "What is your wish?" After a short moment of pondering, he responded, "I want to aim for a 'big one' at the end of the year," which revealed his honest wish of winning a big prize at the year end award shows.
Meanwhile, only two episodes remain until Kim Soo Hyun's "The Moon that Embraces the Sun" draws to an end. Viewers are on the edge of their seats, as they watch King Lee Hwon try to place Yeon Woo on the Queen's throne.
[News] Park Yoochun's Fans Donate 11.5 Tons of Rice to Support "Rooftop Prince". Cr. - soompi
JYJ’s Park Yoochun, soon to be seen on the small screen again on “Rooftop Prince,” received a lot of best wishes for the success of his drama from his fans. His fans donated 11.5 tons of rice as a means to pray for the success of the drama, which is set to premiere on March 14.
The singer-actor, along with co-star Han Ji Min and the cast, met the press on March 5 to formally present “Rooftop Prince.” In celebration of the occasion, Park Yoochun’s fans sent a wreath and a donation of 11.5 tons of rice. The amount of rice was a new record as his agency said it broke the previous record held by Jaejoong's fans. This support from his fans was revealed at the press conference.
“Thank you to the fan club who sent a wreath and a generous donation of rice to pray for our success,” local news agencies quoted his management agency’s statement.
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