[News] Hyun Bin’s popularity soars in China with ‘Late Autumn’.

[News] Hyun Bin’s popularity soars in China with ‘Late Autumn’.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Hyun Bin is solidifying his status as one of the most well known Hallyu stars in China, with 50 percent of Chinese moviegoers viewing his latest film “Late Autumn.”

Just three days after being released in the world’s most-populous country, the drama has brought in 25 million yuan ($4 million) at the box office and may break sales records in the coming weeks.

The film is set to surpass the earnings of previous Korean hits “D-War” (2007) and “Sector 7” (2011).

The Korean film featuring Hyun Bin, who is currently serving in the military, also stars famed Chinese actress Tang Wei in the female lead.

“In the Chinese film market, comedies and action movies are the most popular genres,” said a spokesperson for Boram Entertainment, the company in charge of the film. “For a mellow drama to be this popular is unprecedented.”

“Late Autumn” premiered in Korea in February of last year and is currently being shown via on-demand television.

[News] Nakayama Miho, Mukai Osamu star in love story in Paris.

[News] Nakayama Miho, Mukai Osamu star in love story in Paris.
Cr. - tokyograph

Popular screenwriter Kitagawa Eriko (“Long Vacation”) is writing and directing a new film, starring actress Nakayama Miho (42) and Mukai Osamu (30). Titled “Atarashii Kutsu wo Kawanakucha,” the movie will be a love story about a couple with a large age gap, set in Paris. Iwai Shunji (“All About Lily Chou-Chou”) will serve as producer.

This will be the second film directed by Kitagawa, after “HALFWAY” in 2009. The new film has actually been in the works since 2006, and it was partly inspired by the fact that Nakayama was living in Paris since 2003.

Nakayama plays Teshigawara Aoi, a freelance writer living in Paris. The heel of her shoe breaks, and by chance she encounters a young photographer named Yagami Sen (Mukai), who has been brought along to Paris by his younger sister. The love story between the two unfolds over the span of three days.

The movie is being filmed entirely in Paris. Shooting started on March 15 but is already scheduled to finish on March 29. Theatrical release is planned for October 2012.

[News] Jung Il-woo invited to Korea-Japan diplomacy festival.

[News] Jung Il-woo invited to Korea-Japan diplomacy festival.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Actor Jung Il-woo will be the main attraction at this year’s fourth annual Japan-Korea Friendship Festival on April 8, headed by the nonprofit corporate body Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association.

The star from the hit MBC drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun” is currently decorating the organization’s Web site, which is promoting the event ahead of the date.

Other entertainers to attend the festival will be the groups Monday Kiz and the Japanese string orchestra Baradan. The two will perform theme songs from Hallyu dramas together.

The Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association was founded in 2008, and its event takes place every April. The theme for each year has always been based on Hallyu period dramas, and previous guests have included actors Choi Su-jong and Song Il-kook.

Meanwhile, Jung was in Japan earlier this year on Feb. 3 to promote the drama “49 Days.” Jung starred in the drama last year and attended a fan meeting for the show alongside co-stars Jo Hyun-jae and Nam Gyu-ri.

[News] Ryu Si-won, Hong Soo-hyun attend 1st script reading for new TV series.

[News] Ryu Si-won, Hong Soo-hyun attend 1st script reading for new TV series.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu star Ryu Si-won and actress Hong Soo-hyun has attended the first script reading for their upcoming TV series, according to the show's promoter Bliss Media.

A photograph of Ryu and Hong at the script reading for Channel A's new drama "Good-bye Wife," which is scheduled to hit airwaves on May 7, was revealed by Bliss through a press release on Wednesday.

"Both Ryu and Hong seemed enthusiastic during the first reading and they had a great connection. The pair looked like an actual married couple," an official with Bliss was quoted as saying.

Helmed by Kim Pyung-joon, "Good-bye Wife," chronicles the story of Cha (Ryu) and Kang's (Hong) marriage and the pair's break-up after Cha decides to leave his wife for his first love (played by songstress Park Ji-yoon).

The series was also pre-sold to Japan during the early stage of production after it has been announced that Ryu was cast to play the male lead.

[News] Lee Dong Gun is Discharged and in Talks for New Drama.

[News] Lee Dong Gun is Discharged and in Talks for New Drama.
Cr. - soompi

Lee Dong Gun (age 32) has finally been discharged from military service on March 28 and is already in talks for the male lead in an upcoming drama, "Can't Lose."

News agencies report that Lee Dong Gun is deeply looking through this upcoming drama, "Can't Lose," which is based on figure skating. The drama will be Kim Chul Kyu PD's new project. He has worked on "Hwang Jin Yi" and "Dae Mul" in the past.

The role that Lee Dong Gun is looking through is a figure skating coach who tries to push his own fail attempts of the past onto his student, who will be the female lead. However, Lee Dong Gun's sources stated, "We are looking through this project in a positive light but nothing has been confirmed." f(x)'s Krystal, who has shown her figure skating skills in the past in the variety program, "Kiss and Cry," is in talks for the female lead.

Meanwhile, Lee Dong Gun attended the "F1 Korea Grand Prix Ticket Launching" event as a PR representative as soon as he was discharged.

[Photo & News] Ju Ji-hoon begins shooting for upcoming historical film.

[Photo & News] Ju Ji-hoon begins shooting for upcoming historical film.
Cr. - 10asia

A historical comedy film starring actor Ju Ji-hoon started its shooting this month, according to the movie's promoter Delight on Wednesday.

Delight said in a press release that Ju's movie "I am the King" (translated title) cranked in earlier this month and will open in theaters in the second half of the year.

In "King," which is helmed by director Jang Kyu-sung, Ju plays a dual role in the story that revolves around King Sejong (Ju) who is disguised as a beggar by switching his place with a poor man (also played by Ju). The film also stars Kim Suro, Kim So-hyun and Honey Lee.

This movie will mark Ju's return in three years after being discharged from his mandatory military service in November 2011.

Ju is a former model who became popular after making his acting debut in the hit drama "Goong" in 2006. He followed it up by appearing in the KBS series "The Devil" in 2007, and films "Antique Bakery" in 2008 and "The Naked Kitchen" in 2009.

[News] Lee Byung Hun to Participate in New Campaign for Hyundai.

[News] Lee Byung Hun to Participate in New Campaign for Hyundai.
Cr. - soompi

Lee Byung Hun (age 42) will represent Hyundai with his charming, low voice.

His agency, BH Entertainment, stated on March 28, "Lee Byung Hun has been chosen as the voice of Hyundai. Hyundai will be starting a brand campaign called, 'Live Brilliant,' which is the first campaign to be broadcast all over the world at the same time. Lee Byung Hun will be providing the narration for this advertisement."

Lee Byung Hun is famous for his low and solid voice. His voice will be used to portray the various life milestones that can be experienced with a Hyundai vehicle such as, a journey to self-discovery, the rush of falling in love, the assurance of friendship, the encounters with family, re-birth and so on. The advertisements will have four parts of 30 and 60 second lengths and will air on TV starting from March 30.

As a top Asian star and now a well-known Hollywood star, Lee Byung Hun will have the responsibility to spread the brand image of Hyundai all around the world. In order to strengthen this message, Hyundai will also be releasing both print and digital advertisements all around the world, starting in April.

These print and digital advertisements will be seen on CNN, The Economist, Monocle, FaceBook, YouTube and other social media outlets.

Sources from Hyundai say, "Because we want to create a brand image for Hyundai as a car that shares each life milestone, we thought Lee Byung Hun would be a perfect candidate to represent us since he is acknowledged as a top Asian star as well as a Hollywood actor. We believe that his voice will strengthen the impact of our campaign."

Meanwhile, Lee Byung Hun is currently busy filming for his first historical movie, "I Am The King Of Chosun."

[News] Park Shi Yeon Wishes To Have Seven Kids.

[News] Park Shi Yeon Wishes To Have Seven Kids.
Cr. - soompi

Park Shi Yeon, who got married last November to Park Sang Hun, talked about her plans on having children. In a recent interview with Ilgan Sports, she mentioned how many kids she would like to have.

When asked about her baby plans, she stated, "Even before I got married, I always wanted to have seven kids. However, I think realistically that would be hard. Instead, I believe two or three would be enough."

Park Shi Yeon, who has one older brother and one younger sister, knows a lot when it comes to having a loving family. She got to experience it herself while growing up with her siblings. After getting married, Park Shi Yeon realized the importance of a family's love even more. She wants to have a baby as soon as possible. Yet, she remarked, "Rather than making plans that put work first or having a baby first, I want it to happen naturally."

She continued on by talking about the inaccurate information stated about her husband in the news. When she was getting married, stories about her husband being a stockbroker was released. Park Shi Yeon revealed, "He is not a stockbroker. My husband is an average employee at a small company." She went on showing her exceptional love towards her husband during the interview. She noted, "My husband is caring and thoughtful. He even takes care of the trash on the weekends. Also, he believes in me."

Park Shi Yeon got married last year on November 19 with her husband, who is four years older than her. They started dating in March of 2011 and got married after eight months. This all happened while she was filming for the upcoming movie, "The Scent," which will be out on April 11.

[News] Son Ye Jin's Next Project is Upcoming Film, "Accomplice".

[News] Son Ye Jin's Next Project is Upcoming Film, "Accomplice".
Cr. - soompi

After her successful film, "Chilling Romance," actress Son Ye Jin has chosen her next project, "Accomplice," which will be directed by a rookie director.

While "Chilling Romance" was also shot by a rookie director, "Accomplice" will be Son Ye Jin's third straight project with a rookie director. People are wondering whether this is mere coincidence or if Son Ye Jin has certain preferences.

Son Ye Jin first entered the silver screen industry with her 2002 film, "Strokes Of Fire." With her upcoming films, "Tower" and "Accomplice," which will both be released this year, Son Ye Jin has a total of 13 movies in her filmography. Almost half of her filmography, six of her films, have been shot by a rookie director.

"Wandeugi" director Lee Han's debut project was "Lover's Concerto," in which Son Ye Jin was one of the female leads. "The Classic," "Crazy First Love" and "A Moment To Remember" were all done by rookie directors as well.

In her newest film, "Accomplice," Son Ye Jin plays a fearful daughter who suspects her father to be a serial child kidnapper. The film will show the battle of intelligence between daughter and father, who is played by Kim Gap Soo.

Sources from the film's distributor, CJ Entertainment say, "It's not easy for a famous actress like Son Ye Jin to partner up with a rookie director. This means that she has deep intentions for the future of the Korean film industry. This also means that she has an eye for things that have great potential.

[News] Lee Dong-gun to be discharged from military service.

[News] Lee Dong-gun to be discharged from military service.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean actor Lee Dong-gun will be discharged from his military duties this week, according to a press release from his agency Mask Entertainment.

On Tuesday, Mask announced that Lee will have completed his mandatory two-year military service, which is required of all Korean men, on March 28.

Lee entered the military in June 2010 and has been active as a celebrity military officer in Korea's Defense Media Agency.

Lee made his debut as a singer in 1998 and rose to stardom after starring in TV series "Lovers in Paris" (SBS, 2004), "Sweet 18" (KBS, 2004) and "Smile Again" (SBS, 2006).

He has also made several big screen appearances including "My Boyfriend is Type B" (2005) and "Love Now" (2007).

[News] Girls’ Generation YoonA’s “Love Rain" Ratings Continues to Drop.

[News] Girls’ Generation YoonA’s “Love Rain" Ratings Continues to Drop.
Cr. - soompi

Despite high hopes from both producers and fans, KBS’s newest series “Love Rain,” starring Jang Geun Suk and Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, isn’t doing so well with its domestic audience. On March 26, “Love Rain” premiered to low ratings, with only 5.8% (AGB Nielsen). Ratings dropped even further last night, recording 5.2%.

Many critics and netizens began criticizing the producers for focusing too much on selling the series abroad through hallyu actors rather than creating a well-made drama with a strong plot.

Meanwhile, MBC’s “Light and Shadow” recorded its personal high with 23.2%. SBS’s “Fashion King” also saw a slight increase in ratings, achieving 9.6%.

[News] 60 Bodyguards Recruited for Jeon Ji Hyun's Wedding.

[News] 60 Bodyguards Recruited for Jeon Ji Hyun's Wedding.
Cr. - soompi

As we reported earlier, top actress Jeon Ji Hyun has officially started planning for her wedding. On April 13th, she will be holding her wedding at Seoul's Shilla Hotel with her boyfriend Choi Jun Hyuk.

However, contrary to the news about a rather quiet and small ceremony, sources from Sports Seoul are telling us a completely different story. It is said that the actress has recruited 60 bodyguards alone for her ceremony. Due to the continuous questions from reporters, she even has her own PR team.

An official from her company stated, "Since there has been a huge amount of attention from the public and fans concerning top star Jeon Ji Hyun's wedding, we have prepared her personal PR team. We plan on delivering news about her wedding as well as her scheduled activities through her PR team."

Her wedding, which will still be held in private, will include both sides of their family. In addition, 600 guests from the fashion and entertainment industries will be invited. To prepare for the fans and reporters who will show up, the actress has also hired 60 bodyguards.

At 3 PM on the day of the ceremony, Jeon Ji Hyun will hold a press conference in her wedding dress. Her husband-to-be will not be attending this press conference. It is also said that Jeon Ji Hyun will be wearing a hanbok made directly from her grandmother-in-law, the famous hanbok designer Lee Young Hee.

Right after her wedding ceremony, the actress is scheduled to return to the shooting site for her upcoming movie "Berlin."

[News] Rain Returns on Stage for the "2012 Seoul Peace Music Festival".

[News] Rain Returns on Stage for the "2012 Seoul Peace Music Festival".
Cr. - soompi

Singer Rain has returned on the stage for the first time in Korea since his military enlistment.

Rain, who is currently serving as a National Defense PR Officer (celebrity soldier), has participated in the "2012 Seoul Peace Music Festival" on March 26. He showed a passionate and strong performance in front of the war memorial in Seoul's Yongsan.

Rain was enlisted in October of last year and he performed in the "Vietnam Friendship Concert" on March 22. However, this was his first stage performance in Korea, which drew many eyes.

Rain, who took off his military uniform and sported a suit, started off his performance after saluting the audience. Rain displayed a strong performance with his powerful dance moves, which showed that he did not get rusty even during his enlistment.

During this music festival, other artists such as Park Hyo Shin, Insooni and Maya gave performances along with a variety of choirs from all over the country.

Meanwhile, the "2012 Seoul Peace Music Festival" will air on KBS on April 1.

[News] Yoon Si-yoon offered role in Chinese TV series.

[News] Yoon Si-yoon offered role in Chinese TV series.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean actor Yoon Si-yoon may star in an upcoming Chinese TV series, according to his agency Taxi Entertainment on Tuesday.

An official with Taxi told 10Asia over the phone that Yoon was offered the main role in a 24-part series tentatively titled "Happy Noodle" though they are still in discussions with the firm in China.

"The show will be about a cook that works at a noodle shop that dreams of becoming a famous chef and the lines will be in Korean while the setting is in China," the official explained.

The rep added that Yoon is looking over several other projects such as local movies and dramas and will soon make a final announcement on a later date.

Yoon made his debut in 2009 with MBC’s sitcom “High Kick 2,” rose to stardom last year as the male lead in “Bread, Love and Dreams” (KBS, 2010) which breached viewership ratings of 50 percent and won him second prize in acting in the area of special drama production at KBS' year-end awards.

He last starred in MBC's TV series "Flower, I Am" opposite actress Lee Ji-ah which recently began its air in Japan.

[News] Yuri’s ‘Fashion King’ beats YoonA’s ‘Love Rain’ in TV ratings.

[News] Yuri’s ‘Fashion King’ beats YoonA’s ‘Love Rain’ in TV ratings.
Cr. - allkpop

Before SBS‘s ‘Fashion King‘ and KBS‘s ‘Love Rain‘ even aired, people were highly anticipating both dramas because they would each be starring a member from Girls’ Generation. At the same time, there were all sorts of predictions flying around the internet on which drama would come out on top in ratings. TV ratings of both series from AGB Nielsen were recently revealed, and according to the results, ‘Fashion King’ triumphed over ‘Love Rain’–big time!

On March 27th, AGB Nielsen revealed that the first episode of ‘Love Rain’ recorded 5.8% in viewer ratings, much lower than what most had predicted.

On the other hand, ‘Fashion King’ drew in 9.2% in its latest episode, and did a good job hooking its audience with a fast paced story and an interesting plot. It also needs to be taken into account that ‘Fashion King’ aired a week before ‘Love Rain’, which could have been one of the factors behind its higher rating.

It’ll be interesting to see how the ratings will change as the two dramas go on.

Meanwhile, MBC‘s ‘Light and Shadow‘ recorded a whopping 20.6%, grabbing first spot in this time slot.

[News] Jang Keun Suk and Yoona has a heart-fluttering encounter on Love Rain.

[News] Jang Keun Suk and Yoona has a heart-fluttering encounter on Love Rain.
Cr. - en.korea

Heart fluttering scene of Jang Keun Suk and Yoona meeting at the library for the first time, will be one of the memorable scenes of Love Rain.

On KBS’s new TV series, Love Rain, the romantic meeting of the leading actors Jang Keun Suk (plays the role of Seo In Ha in the 70s) and Yoona (plays the role of Kim Yoon Hee in the 70s) at the library, will be similar to that of
Romeo and Juliet.

In Ha (played by Jang Keun Suk) who was looking for a book at the library, meets Yoon Hee (played by Yoona)’s eyes by chance through the gap between the books. They looked shy and almost felt as if one can hear their heartbeats. They looked like a couple who has just begun to love.

Yoona revealed her thought about the shooting, “I could feel the sentiment in my heart and it fluttered during the shooting of romantic meet between In Ha and Yoon Hee. It will be one of the most memorable scenes in my life.”

A representative of the production crew revealed, “This scene is back in the 70s where there were no cell phones. In Ha and Yoon Hee’s accidental encounter sprouts their love. I think that their thrilling love story and excitement will empathize with the readers.”

The heart-fluttering encounter between Jang Keun Suk and Yoona will be revealed on the first episode of Love Rain on March 26 at 9:55 p.m.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong to record tvN’s ‘The Wedding Scheme’ OST.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong to record tvN’s ‘The Wedding Scheme’ OST.
Cr. - soompi

Kim Hyun Joong will be contributing to the creation of tvN‘s ‘The Wedding Scheme‘ OST!

After hearing that Lee Min Woo would be directing a new romantic comedy drama, Kim Hyun Joong immediately volunteered to give a hand by singing the OST for the drama. Lee Min Woo is famous for his past project, drama ‘Boys Over Flowers‘, which was immensely popular. Kim Hyun Joong befriended director Lee Min Woo and has been in close contact ever since.

Kim Hyun Joong will be singing the drama’s main theme song, “If You’re like Me“, which is described as sorrowful, yet elegant. Different from the rougher and more powerful sounds Kim Hyun Joong displayed in his previous title tracks, “Breakdown” and “Lucky Guy“, he will be showcasing a softer and sweeter voice this time around.

The OST will be revealed through Mnet‘s homepage and other online music sites. The official release date is April 3rd.

Meanwhile, check out the short preview featuring Jaejoong’s song below!

[News] Thai Prime Minister Names Her Favorite K-Pop Star and TV Drama.

[News] Thai Prime Minister Names Her Favorite K-Pop Star and TV Drama.
Cr. - soompi

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, picked her favorite K-Pop star and TV dramas, reflecting the growing presence of Hallyu content in the Southeast Asian country. She sat for an interview with TV Chosun’s “Choi/Park’s Current Affairs Talk Board,” and talked about Korea and Thailand’s economic/cultural relationships, her political ideas, and passion for K-Pop.



“The Korean dramas I’ve seen so far are ‘Full House’ and ‘Dae Jang Geum.’ Among Korean celebrities, I like Rain and 2PM,” she said. In particular, she expressed her love for 2PM’s Nichkhun, who comes from Thailand as well.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently in Korea for the “2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.” She also had the chance to meet Nichkhun during a tea time ceremony with special guests on March 26. The interview with TV Chosun took place on March 24 and will air on March 26.

[News] Park Shin Hye Represents Korea at TGC Girls Collection in Shanghai.

[News] Park Shin Hye Represents Korea at TGC Girls Collection in Shanghai.
Cr. - soompi

Park Shin Hye participated in "2012 TGC Girls Collection in Shangai" as Korean beauty representative. She also had the honor of walking the runway as the grand finale model, representing Korea, China, and Japan.

TGC Girls Collection is an event that combines music and fashion to promote cultural exchanges and creation of new fashion trends among Korea, China, and Japan. This is the second year of TGC Girls Collection, following its successful first show in Beijing last year. Park Shin Hye participated as the grand finale model in Beijing, as well.

Chinese fans filled the arena to see Park Shin Hye at this event. She instantly grabbed everyone's attention with her beauty and walked the runway so confidently as if she was a professional fashion model. Fans could not take their eyes off her and continuously cheered.

An official from TGC Girls Collection commented, "Park Shin Hye once again surpassed our expectations. She is adored in Asia because of her beauty, talent, and fashion. She's matured since last year and we would like to applaud her for her beautiful and successful grand finale stage."

Park Shin Hye's agency 4HIM Entertainment commented, "It was a stage where Park Shin Hye revealed all her charms without restraining herself. It is our honor, as well as hers, to participate in 'TGC Girls Collection' as the grand finale model."

[Photo & News] Lee Mi Sook says, “I was more beautiful than YoonA”.

[Photo & News] Lee Mi Sook says, “I was more beautiful than YoonA”.
Cr. - allkpop

Veteran actress, Lee Mi Sook recently made a brave statement saying that, “I was more beautiful than Girls’ Generation‘s YoonA“.

On March 24th, KBS 2TV‘s ‘Entertainment Weekly‘ broadcast featured a special interview with the cast of KBS’s upcoming drama, ‘Love Rain‘. The featured interviewees were YoonA, Jang Geun Suk, Jang Jin Young, and Lee Mi Sook.

During the interview, the interviewer of the show asked Lee Mi Sook, who plays the mother of YoonA’s character, to raise a yes or no sign if she acknowledged the phrase: “I was more beautiful than YoonA in my 20′s“. Lee Mi Sook confidently raised the yes sign and admitted she was.

The actress also made a funny remark about her answer which caused the cast and interviewers to crack up. ”I’ve always lived my life, believing that I am beautiful. I want to be reborn again as a Hallyu star through this project.”