17.3.12

[News] “The Moon Embracing the Sun” Hit drama ends with record ratings.


[News] “The Moon Embracing the Sun” Hit drama ends with record ratings.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

The popular MBC drama "The Sun and the Moon" ended its run on March 15 with its highest viewer ratings.
According to AGB Nielsen on March 16, the program had ratings of 42.2 percent nationwide, while the average was a bit higher in metropolitan areas at 45.8 percent.

In the drama's gripping final episode, Yang-myun and Bo-kyung meet their fate while the protagonists King Lee Hwon and Shaman Wol are united at last.

The drama, which features actor of the moment Kim Soo-hyeon-I and the pretty actress Han Ga-in, began airing in January and has had ratings of 18 percent since its first episode. Starting with the third episode, the program has had ratings of 25 percent, putting the program in first place against competing dramas in the same time-slot.

The final two episodes of the 20-part series were to air last week on March 7 to 8, but had to be put off for a week because of a strike that involved MBC and other major networks.

The rights to the drama have been purchased by seven networks in the Asian region, making it one of the most profitable exports in the drama genre to date.

[News] KBS releases another teaser for upcoming drama series, ‘Love Rain’.


[News] KBS releases another teaser for upcoming drama series, ‘Love Rain’.
Cr. - allkpop

KBS‘ new drama series ‘Love Rain‘ starring actor Jang Keun Suk and Girls’ Generation member YoonA has released another new teaser!

The new series will feature both actors in dual roles. Jang Keun Suk plays a handsome ’70s art student named Seo In Ha, and his son in the year 2012, a free-spirited photographer named Seo Jun. Meanwhile, YoonA plays Kim Yoon Hee, a quiet and innocent campus goddess from the 1970′s who falls in love with Seo In Ha (played by Jang Keun Suk). After forwarding to the modern world, YoonA will again appear as Yoon Ha Na (daughter of Yoon Hee), an energetic girl who attends an agricultural institution in Japan.

The highly-anticipated series begins on March 26th, but in the meantime, check out the newest teaser below!







[News] Only stars out of stars at Jun Ji-hyun's wedding.


[News] Only stars out of stars at Jun Ji-hyun's wedding.
Cr. - hancinema

Only 20 or so including Lee Yeong-ae, Kim Hye-soo, Han Seok-gyoo and more invited

"Who are the stars out of stars that will b e invited to this wedding?"

With less than a month to go, Jun Ji-hyun's wedding and who will be invited to it is a matter of interest at the moment.

Jun Ji-hyun will be getting married to finance businessman Choi Jun-hyuk on the 13th of April at the Shilla Hotel.

With the wedding being sooner because of Jeon Ji-hyun's movie "Berlin" scheduling, Jun Ji-hyun has started to make invitations. She is discussing this matter with her agency officials and wedding planner team.

Many are speculating that there will be all kinds of celebrities at this wedding to fit the reputation of a top star. However, it is known that she will only be inviting the closest relatives and friends. A fashion editor who has known Jun Ji-hyun since her debut said, "She has made many friendships with different stars in her 15 years of celebrity life, but she will only be inviting 20 or so of them".

According to this person, Lee Young-ae, the person who made this marriage possible will be invited. A friend of Lee Young-ae once mentioned that she set her heart on getting married when she saw how happy Lee Young-ae was after getting married. Other celebrities like Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-jae, Han Suk-Kyu, Ha Jung-woo and others some who are currently in the movie "Berlin" with Jun Ji-hyun will be invited. Close friends are actors Cha Tae-hyun and Jang Hyuk will also be on the 'invited' list.

Jun Ji-hyun will be leaving for Germany after her wedding. She is currently preparing to get into the making of it.

16.3.12

[Photo & News] ‘The Moon that Embraces the Sun’ reaches 51.8% in viewer ratings during last scene.


[Photo & News] ‘The Moon that Embraces the Sun’ reaches 51.8% in viewer ratings during last scene.
Cr. - allkpop

‘The Moon that Embraces the Sun‘ had record viewer ratings for its last episode.

According to the data compiled by AGB Nielsen Media Research, the last episode of ‘Moon-Sun’ which aired on March 15th had an average of 42.2% in viewer ratings, which topped its previous record and proved its explosive popularity once again.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, according to another media research company, TmnS, the most popular moment/scene in the drama took place at 11:07 PM KST, with a whopping 51.8% in viewer ratings.

The scene that drew in more than half the nation was the last kiss between Hwon (Kim Soo Hyun) and Yeon Woo (Han Ga In), as they listen to Hyung Sun (Jung Eun Pyo) play the gayageum (traditional Korean stringed instrument) at Hidden Moon Court.


[News] 2PM Nichkhun's Japanese Film Trailer Released.


[News] 2PM Nichkhun's Japanese Film Trailer Released.
Cr. - soompi

"Ouran High School Host Club," the Japanese film featuring 2PM's Nichkhun, released its trailer. On March 17, the trailer of the film appeared on several Korean and K-Pop related online community forums.

"Ouran High School Host Club" is based on a popular manga series and has been made into a TV animation in 2006 and TV drama in 2011. Both TV animation and drama were very popular, too.

"Ouran High School Host Club" is about a student organization "Host Club," where a group of six male students gathered to entertain female "clients," at a privileged private school Ouran Academy and a boyish looking heroine's accidentally joining of the club.



In the film, Nichkhun plays the role of young entrepreneur Lawrence, brother of a short-term study abroad student from Singapore Michelle, played by AKB48's Mariko Shinoda.

Netizens commented, "Nichkhun is prettier than any other girls in this film," "Although he's a minor character, I'm definitely watching this," "Nichkhun is popular in Japan, too."

Check out the trailer of "Ouran High School Host Club" below!



[News] Uhm Jung-hwa apologizes for not attending preview of Eom Tae-woong's movie.


[News] Uhm Jung-hwa apologizes for not attending preview of Eom Tae-woong's movie.
Cr. - hancinema

Uhm Jung-hwa showed apologies for not attending the preview of her brother Eom Tae-woong's movie "Architecture 101".

She posted on her Twitter on the 14th, "I didn't go to the press preview of the movie "Architecture 101". I am his sister".

She continued, "I am happy about the good reviews that have been coming up. I will watch it on the day it's released my brother! I am sorry I didn't go!"

Netizen's who have seen this say, "You are a good brother and sister", "I hope the both of you and the movie succeed!" and more.

Meanwhile, Eom Tae-woong's "Architecture 101" will be released on the 22nd.

[VOD & News] Chinese Media’s Coverage of Lee Da Hae Draws Anti-Hallyu Criticism.


[News] Chinese Media’s Coverage of Lee Da Hae Draws Anti-Hallyu Criticism.
Cr. - soompi

A recent report on plastic surgery by a conservative Chinese media has drawn the ire of many Korean fans for its supposedly biased anti-Hallyu reporting.

On March 15, a Chinese press outlet called Xin Won Wang published an article titled “A check up on female stars that failed with plastic surgery.” The report, however, used multiple photos of Korean actress Lee Da Hae, explaining, “Lee Dae Hae’s failed surgery is the most evident.”

The article listed a number of different photos of Lee Dae Hae from her past to present, including her school day and Miss Chun Hyang photos. “Lee Da Hae’s face looks drastically different from her childhood photos.



When you compare it to her school day photos, you start to suspect she went under the knife. Also, photos of her from the Shanghai Film Festival look completely different from her previous photos, and netizens believe she’s received multiple plastic surgeries,” the report said.

But the report didn’t stop there. It went on to list other Korean female stars, such as Chae Rim, Yoon Eun Hye, Kim So Yeon, Jun Hye Bin, Jung Ryeo Won and Kim Jung Eun, as well as Yooni, who committed suicide in 2007 after suffering from depression caused by negative netizen comments. However, it didn’t include any celebrities from China on its list.

Korean netizens who saw the news commented, “Why do we see more and more anti-Hallyu news?” “No need to respond to this type of biased journalism,” and “Plastic surgery or not, Lee Da Hae looks beautiful to me.”




[Photo & News] Jang Keun Suk's Spring Pictorial for "@Star1" Magazine.


[Photo & News] Jang Keun Suk's Spring Pictorial for "@Star1" Magazine.
Cr. - soompi

"Asia's Prince" Jang Keun Suk's spring photo shoot was revealed on March 15.

In order to partake in this photo shoot for the star lifestyle magazine, "@Star1" Jang Keun Suk spent seven days last month for this pictorial, despite the freezing weather. On the first day of the photo shoot, it was reported that Jang Keun Suk was up till dawn on the previous day to work on his album. However, he showed no signs of negativity and brightly greeted the staff to create an energetic vibe throughout the set.

In order to create a lovely spring feel, Jang Keun Suk had to wear only a thin t-shirt even when temperatures were very low. However, he displayed great professionalism as he was perfectly focused during the photo shoot. It is said that even the fans who were watching from afar were cheering him on.

The main photographer, Jo Sun Hee said, "I tried to capture Jang Keun Suk's vital and dynamic personality. It was even difficult to press the shutter because it was so cold but he never lost his focus and energy - he was definitely a pro. I got to know why he was called the greatest star of Asia."

The streets of Hyoja-dong (where the photo shoot took place) was packed. At one point, even the traffic was too jammed and became immobilized. It became to the point where Jang Keun Suk and the staff had to move to a different location for the time being.

This issue of "@Star1" will be released on March 21.



[News] The Thin (Eye) Line Between Kim Tae Hee and T-ara’s Jiyeon.


[News] The Thin (Eye) Line Between Kim Tae Hee and T-ara’s Jiyeon.
Cr. - soompi

Since her debut, T-ara’s Jiyeon has been noted for looking like actress Kim Tae Hee. Now, through the power of photoshop, one Netizen has shown how makeup can transform Kim Tae Hee into Jiyeon.

On an online community, a photo was uploaded with the caption, “All it takes is ten seconds to go from Kim Tae Hee to Jiyeon.” In the photo, through a series of transformations, Kim Tae Hee is given the same eye makeup application that Jiyeon is famous for. In the end, Kim Tae Hee looks remarkably like Jiyeon.

Netizens who saw the photo commented, “All Kim Tae Hee did was put on thick eyeliner but now she really looks like Jiyeon” and “I finally see how Kim Tae Hee and Jiyeon look alike.”

15.3.12

[News] Asia’s Prince Jang Keun Suk shows up, traffic for miles around blocked.

[News] Asia’s Prince Jang Keun Suk shows up, traffic for miles around blocked.
Cr. -en.korea

Despite a crimpy weather, Jang Keun Suk showed up in downtown Seoul on February 7 to take a pictorial for the first issue of @star1, the stars’ lifestyle magazine.

That day Jang appeared with big bags under his eyes because of a tight album recording schedule, but he livened up the atmosphere of the set by greeting all the staff members there with a bright smile.

Amid the penetrating cold, he flaunted down the streets in a thin shirt to express a refreshing spring day in the pictorial. With the cameras shut off, the biting weather forced him to crouch, but as soon as the cameras start rolling, he became immersed in the character for the spring pictorial. That’s why he received honorable mentions by all the staff and fans who gathered like clouds around the set.

Photographer Jo Seon Hee delivered her feelings about working together with Asia’s Prince Jang Keun Suk by saying, “I have focused on featuring Jang’s energetic spirit.

It was too cold even to press the camera shutter, but I was deeply moved by his professional attitude of immersing himself into the work. I felt all the more keenly the reason why he climbed up to where he is standing now.”

When Jang showed up, the traffic for miles around the set was blocked. Regardless of genders and ages, all the hangers-on around the set from elderly men and women to students on their way home from school congregated to watch the star in the flesh.

Jang’s pictorial for the first issue of @star1 will hit the shops on March 21.

[News] Lee Jun Ki's Airport Fashion.


[News] Lee Jun Ki's Airport Fashion.
Cr. - soompi

Lee Jun Ki left for Japan through the Kimpo Airport on March 15 for his Japanese fan meeting “Coming Back.” As we reported earlier, “Coming Back” will be held at Nagoya on March 16, Yokohama on March 18, and Osaka on March 19. During the fan meeting he will reveal his single album “Deucer” and also perform the upbeat modern-rock title track “Together.”

Lee Jun Ki wore a trench coat and a trench coat underneath. For pants he wore shiny black jeans. The overall look

Netizens that came across the picture stated, “Where is Lee Jun Ki going?” “After being discharged from his military service he looks more manly,” “When will he begin his projects,” and “I like his sunglasses.”





[News] “Rooftop Prince’s” Park Yoo Chun to Return to Filming on March 19.


[News] “Rooftop Prince’s” Park Yoo Chun to Return to Filming on March 19.
Cr. - soompi

With the sudden death of his father, JYJ’s Yoo Chun hurried to his mother and brother’s, Park Yoo Hwan, side as soon as he landed at Incheon International Airport. Jaejoong, Junsu, Song Ji Hyo, and other members of C-Jes Entertainment stayed by Yoo Chun’s family throughout the night as friends and family came by to pay their respects. Those who attended the service included celebrities Alex, JUNO, Kara’s Nicole, Park Sung Kwang, and several members of the cast of Yoo Chun’s upcoming drama “Rooftop Prince.”

Yoochun has canceled his entire schedule until the funeral service on March 16. His brother, actor Park Yoo Hwan, also canceled his filming schedules for his latest drama Channel A's "Strongest K-Pop Survival."

A representative of the production staff for “Rooftop Prince” stated, “Once he recollects himself after the funeral service, Park Yoo Chun will return to filming on March 19. We have already shot the first four episodes, so the original broadcast date will not be affected.”

“Rooftop Prince” is about a Chosun era Crown Prince Lee Gak (Park Yoo Chun) who was in the midst of investigating the death of his Crown Princess (Jung Yumi) when he mysteriously gets sucked into the future and meets his destined love (Han Ji Min). The historical-fusion-contemporary-fantasy drama “Rooftop Prince” will premiere on SBS on March 21 at 9:55PM KST.

[Photo & News] Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won Armed in Authentic Military Gear for “The King 2hearts”.


[Photo & News] Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won Armed in Authentic Military Gear for “The King 2hearts”.
Cr. - soompi

With less than a week until the premiere of MBC’s newest Wednesday-Thursday drama, “The King 2hearts” unveiled more teaser stills of its two leads, Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won. The stills are from the upcoming third episode and show both Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won armed in their military uniforms and equipment.

The scene was shot last month at Jeju Island and shows the South and North Korean team of soldiers in the midst of a “World Military Officer Championship.” In order to make the scene look as realistic as possible, the crew equipped the cast with the authentic state-of-the-art MILES: Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System used in the military. While the shoot spanned over eight hours in the cold, Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won maintained their characters’ spirits and showed no signs of fatigue.

“The King 2hearts” takes place in a fictional contemporary South Korea, which is still ruled by monarchy. The story is about an arranged marriage between North Korean Special Forces female operative Kim Hang Ah and South Korea’s Crown Prince Lee Jae Ha. Initially, the two are blinded by their pride and prejudice against each other, but they manage to get past their differences and fall in love.

“The King 2hearts” will premiere on MBC on March 21 at 9:55PM KST.


[Photo & News] Lee Ji Ah Puts the Past Behind Her.


[Photo & News] Lee Ji Ah Puts the Past Behind Her.
Cr. - soompi

Lee Ji Ah finally revealed the reason to her living a secretive life. The actress poured out her heart during an interview after the “First Look” magazine photo shoot.

Lee Ji Ah said, “Whenever people approach me, I would take a step or two backwards because if they asked about me I had nothing to answer in return. I had no choice but to make distance between myself and the others since I am not used to lying or hiding.”

She also added that she feels more comfortable with a computer than socializing with people and is used to living a life closed up in her home than going outside.

She further noted, “Times that seem to rip apart my heart have passed. I believe the most important thing in life to worry and care about is yourself. I forgot the comfort and happiness of being myself. I took it for granted, and now it became something to be thankful and special about.”








[News] So voluptuous how So Ji-sub eats strawberries.


[News] So voluptuous how So Ji-sub eats strawberries.
Cr. - hancinema

So Ji-sub's magazine has been published.

The magazine "SONICe" is all about So Ji-sub's various appeals and attractions with information coming directly from him.

"SONICe" shows greed, arrogance, stinginess, envy, rage, sensual appetite and indolence in his point of view. On the 'greed version' of the magazine, the voluptuous and fatal sexiness is what draws the eyes.

After having taking pictures of eating several things from cakes to fruits, So Ji-sub decided the one of him eating strawberries was the most sensual.

So Ji-sub's mini album "The North Throne" and the title song "A Year Ago Today" which is about not being able to forget a lover even after a year, has been released as well.

Meanwhile, So Ji-sub will be coming back with the new SBS drama "Ghost - Drama" in May.

[News] Yoo A-in says "Fashion King" casts know what they are doing.


[News] Yoo A-in says "Fashion King" casts know what they are doing.
Cr. - 10asia

Actor Yoo A-in has said that the four main casts in the upcoming SBS’ melodrama “Fashion King” knows what they are doing despite their young age.

“I know we are still in our twenties but that doesn’t mean we are amateurs,” Yoo told reporters at the drama’s press conference held in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, on Wednesday. “I have confidence that we all know what we are doing in the drama.”

“Fashion King,” which will be meeting its viewers for the first time on March 19, is a romance story surrounding four characters that all come from very different backgrounds. Their passion and aspirations for higher goals in life to become the best in the fashion industry added some spice in the preview for the show.

“It’s a large-scale series, shot in New York, Las Vegas and Seoul, which embraces people in their twenties that are running towards their goals and love,” producer Lee Myung-woo said as he introduced the main cast.



Fashion and Passion

Yoo A-in plays Young-gul, the owner of a small clothing factory near the Dongdaemun shopping district, who grew up moving from a house to house after his mom left the family for a guy and his dad becomes an alcoholic and abuses him.

Young-gul relentlessly saves money and studies English in order to move to the United States, which he thought was the exit from his ill-fated life. One day, Ga-young (played by actress Shin Se-kyung), an orphan who was raised by a wicked character named Madam Jo, knocks on Young-gul’s factory door to find a job as a seamstress after she runs away from Madam Jo’s house.

Accidently finding out that the talented seamstress and designer Ga-young was accepted to Parsons the School of Design in New york, without hesitation, he hands over all the money he had for her dream and happiness.

Just when everything seemed to end as a happy ending, Yoo gets into a trouble through a number of events, losing everything in life and then flies to New York to meet Ga-young.

The other two main cast members, actor Lee Je-hoon and Girls' Generation's Yuri, play characters who seem to have everything they need in life but hold deep pain inside.



Lee characterizes Jung Jae-hyuk, the cold-hearted successor of a fashion company, who literally has everything in life. Jung’s past girlfriend Choi Anna (played by Kwon) suddenly appears in his life again while he changes into someone with a strong desire for success and love.

“Young-gul is a very outgoing character which allowed me to express every characteristic a human can have. In ‘Fashion King,’ I cried my eyes out when the character was feeling sad and I laughed hard when he was being happy......I feel that all my past roles in other dramas are being shown at once in this one,” Yoo said while describing his character.

"I would definitely watch it if I was a viewer "

“Fashion King is a drama targeting a younger generation but our show is not like others. For other romance dramas, usually, it has a bit of comic side and tells lovely stories. Adding to that, the four main characters will show how they move forward with their strong identities,” Lee told the reporters.

Chiming in to Lee's comment, Yuri, who is making her debut as an actress through “Fashion King,” said “I think the drama reflects a lot on how people in their twenties think nowadays. It shows how they hold onto their real dreams. They are able to speak out for themselves and express love very well."

She added that the younger viewers will sympathize with the characters in the drama and emphasized once again that she would surely choose to watch "Fashion King" if she were one of the viewers.

Written by famed scriptwriters Lee Sun-mi and Kim Gi-ho, the pair who also wrote for SBS drama "Something Happened in Bali" (2004), "Fashion King," a 20-part series, also stars veteran actress Jang Mi-hee as Madam Jo, Han Yoo-yi as Shin Jung-ah and Cha Seo-won as Miss Go.

[Photo & News] "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" Special from 2 years ago, so random.


[Photo & News] "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" Special from 2 years ago, so random.
Cr. - hancinema

Viewers have been showing different opinions about the "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" Special.

KBS 2TV broadcasted 2 hours of a special during the usual time of a drama.

"Sungkyunkwan Scandal" is a 20-part drama that was aired from the 30th of August to the 2nd of November in 2010. The name "TV Movie" was there but it was actually a short cut of the entire drama in 2 hours. Viewers show different opinions about the random choice of topic from 2 years ago.

They wrote on the bulletin, "Why such a sudden recap of a drama that ended 2 years ago?", "I was surprised to see this when I turned on the TV. It's such an old drama", "SBS and KBS must be afraid of "The Sun and the Moon" seeing that they are playing 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' special and "Salaryman'", and more.

Meanwhile, "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" is a youth drama about Kim Yoon-hee who enters the no-female, Sungkyunkwan undercover as Kim Yoon-sik in struggle of life with her sick brother. It was nominated in the Mini Series Category at the 2012 New York TV Festival.


[News] Lee Dong Wook confirmed as the new MC of ‘Strong Heart’.


[News] Lee Dong Wook confirmed as the new MC of ‘Strong Heart’.
Cr. - allkpop

Previously, Lee Dong Wook was revealed to have been in discussion for the MC position on ‘Strong Heart‘ following Lee Seung Gi‘s departure.

Representatives have revealed that Lee Dong Wook has confirmed his position and has agreed to take on the role. Starting April 11th, Lee Dong Wook will be greeting viewers as the newest MC of SBS‘s ‘Strong Heart’.

According to the representative, “Lee Dong Wook has finally made his decision. He’ll be able to show off some variety skills he’s never shown before.”

Lee Seung Gi will be participating in his last recording on March 15th. Lee Dong Wook is expected to bring in foreign viewers due to his popularity overseas.

[News] Kim Soo Hyun Cancels CF Shoot Due to Health Issues.


[News] Kim Soo Hyun Cancels CF Shoot Due to Health Issues.
Cr. - soompi

Since completing shoots for popular series “The Moon that Embraces the Sun” on March 8, Kim Soo Hyun has been scheduled to film various CFs everyday until March 19. With his rising fame from the drama – throwing much of the female population into a “Kim Soo Hyun” syndrome – Kim Soo Hyun has signed a total of fifteen endorsement deals, earning him the nickname “CF King.” However, Kim Soo Hyun had to cancel his shoot on March 14 because he developed a sty in his eye from the accumulated fatigue.

A representative of Key East Entertainment stated, “At first, he didn’t worry about it and wore glasses. However, his eyes swelled up so much that he had to choice but to cancel.”

Once he completes shooting his CFs on March 19, he will meet one-on-one with various media outletss for interviews. The representative continued, “While he has received much love through ‘The Moon that Embraces the Sun,’ he wanted to meet and greet everyone individually to express his gratitude.”

14.3.12

[VOD & News] “Love Rain” Japanese poster released.


[VOD & News] “Love Rain” Japanese poster released.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

First Japanese poster “Love Rain” Korea drama released. "Love Rain" began filming September 24, 2011. The first day's shooting took place at Keimyung University in Daegu, South Korea.

On February 28th, 2012 filming for "Love Rain" moved to Hokkaido, Japan for 10 days. Scenes filmed in Hokkaido, involved main character Seo Joon (Jang Keun-Suk) who works as a popular photographer. He goes to Hokkaido for a photo shoot and there meets Ha-Na (Yoona) for the first time.

"Love Rain" storyline set on depicts a 1970's pure love and a love from the present day at the same time. It shows how the offsprings of a previous ill-fated couple, who met in the 1970s, managed to meet and fall in love. Seo In Ha (Jang Keun Suk) and Kim Yoon Hee (Yoona), a fine art student who devotes his love to only one woman and a shy, elegant beauty, met and fell in love with each other during college in the 1970s but unfortunately their love was fated to never be. Now in the present 21st century Korea, Seo In Ha's son, Seo Joon (a liberal photographer) meets and falls in with the daughter of Kim Yoon Hee, Yuri, a cheerful and energetic girl whose personality is the opposite of that of her mother's. Will their love for each other keep them together or will they have to face the same fate as their parents?

"Love Rain" will be air at KBS2 Broadcast network on March 26, 2012.