[Photos] Park Shin Hye, Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Hong Ki Host Charity Event.....21/08/2012

[Photos] Park Shin Hye, Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Hong Ki Host Charity Event.....21/08/2012
Cr. On Pics

[News] Lee Min-ho to be waxed by Tussauds.

[News] Lee Min-ho to be waxed by Tussauds.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Lee Min-ho will be made a dummy, a wax dummy that is, for the Shanghai branch of famed museum Madame Tussauds.

Lee’s agency announced yesterday that a crew from China and England had visited Lee in Korea to take his measurements.

About 500 pictures of facial expressions were required and Lee’s body was divided into 200 parts to get exact measurements.

“We were flooded with requests from fans for Lee,” said a Chinese representative from Madame Tussauds. “It took some six months of planning and production.”

“To get different angles for my smile, I had to have my mouth open for three hours. I thought my jaw would break off,” joked Lee. “But to think I will be immortalized is kind of awesome.”

Lee will become the second Hallyu star to be made into wax for the famed museum. The first was 2PM’s Nichkhun who is of Thai and American descent and was immortalized in wax form early this year for the museums’ Bangkok branch.

[News] "IRIS" producer confirms sequel.

[News] "IRIS" producer confirms sequel.
Cr. -10asia

KBS’ 2009 hit TV series “IRIS” producer is gearing up to produce the sequel to the drama aiming to hit the airwaves next year.

Taewon Entertainment, the original series’ production company, is in the pre-production stage of the action-packed TV series' second season, a rep from the firm talked to the magazine over the phone Friday.

“We are in the process of renewing and refreshing the original story [for the next season], so we have yet to to talk about the casting. We're aiming to air the show next year, but it has not been settled yet,” the official said briefly.

Industry watchers predict that producer Chung Tae-won will get his hands on the project after wrapping up filming the fifth installment of "Marrying the Mafia" series, a comedy pic due out this year.

"IRIS," which aired back in 2009, stars some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry including Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim So-yeon and Big Bang member T.O.P.

The espionage series dominated the primetime lineup during its run, between October 14 and December 17, with its viewership ratings reaching nearly 40 percent, and later turned into a big screen film, dubbed "IRIS: THE MOVIE" in 2010.

[News] Song Chang-eui to play male lead in new historical drama.

[News] Song Chang-eui to play male lead in new historical drama.
Cr. - 10asia


Actor Song Chang-eui has been cast to play one of the main characters in SBS’ new historical drama.

His agency WS Entertainment said in a press release Friday that Song will make his appearance on SBS' new TV series "Daepungsoo" [in Romanized Korean], his second historical screen work in four years after MBC's 2008 TV series "Yi San."

Aiming to air the first episode in October, the cast members already held the first script reading session on Wednesday, officials said.

To play the role of Lee Jung-geun, who has a profound knowledge in oriental fortune-telling, the 34-year-old actor has been practicing hard horseback riding and martial arts to perfectly act out his character.

Helmed by director Lee Yong-seok of "Iljimae" (SBS, 2008), the historical drama is set in the transition period from the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty, which was established by King Yi Seong-gye [played by actor Ji Jin-hee].

Song Chang-eui kicked off his acting career by starring in 2002 musical “Blue Saigon” and has since made his appearances on several dramas, movies and musicals.

[News] "Jang Hee-bin" to be remade in March next year.

[News] "Jang Hee-bin" to be remade in March next year.

Cr. - hancinema 

Femme fatale "Jang Hee-bin" will be remade into "Jang Ok-jeong, Lives in Love" through SBS. Drama productions Story TV announced on the 20th, "Historical femme fatale Jang Hee-bin will be made into a drama in March next year".

Story TV explained, "The cast for the role of Jang Ok-jeong (Jang Hee-bin) is in process and the drama will start being made at the end of the year. The difference in this drama is that it will be modernized with depth and imagination".

Meanwhile, Story TV was established in 2010 and has created dramas like, "Glowing She", "Immortal Classic", "While You Were Sleeping", "Couple Clinic - Love and War Season 2" and more.

[Photo & News] Kim Hyun-joong hangs out with co-stars on “City Conquest” set.

[Photo & News] Kim Hyun-joong hangs out with co-stars on “City Conquest” set. 

Cr. - 10asia 

Hallyu star Kim Hyun-joong has been seen enjoying his time with his co-stars on the shooting set of his forthcoming TV series, "City Conquest."

The drama’s promoter Feel Boy Entertainment revealed Tuesday, pictures of Kim shooting scenes on location in Japan for "City Conquest" with actress Jung Yu-mi and actor Park Hyo-joon. In the images released by the firm, the three actors, who play best friends in the series, are displaying their close relationship at a gathering in a restaurant.

They are seen chatting with one another and putting their arms around each other's shoulders while waking the streets. The officials noted in the statement that the threesome created a harmonious atmosphere on the shooting set which the staff and crew enjoyed.

"City Conquest," the TV adaptation of the comic of the same name, will center around Baek Mir [played by Kim] going through difficulties in life as an orphan. After finalizing its negotiations with local broadcasting firms, “City Conquest” organizers will announce which channel will air the new action drama later this year.

[News] Jang Nara cancels upcoming activities due to manager's sudden death.

[News] Jang Nara cancels upcoming activities due to manager's sudden death. 

Cr. - 10asia 

Korean actress and singer Jang Nara is suffering the pain of the loss of her manager who died of a sudden heart attack during their stay in China. Jang's agency posted an official statement on the singer's website early this morning saying that the "Sweet Dreams" songstress stopped all her scheduled events in China after her manager, Kim Hyo-shik, suddenly died of a heart attack.

According to the statement, Kim suffered a heart attack on Tuesday while accompanying the artist in China to promote her first Chinese-language film "Flying With You" and to celebrate the release of her fourth Chinese album "Journey of Love."

 The officials said he was rushed to the hospital to undergo emergency procedures but was later pronounced dead. Kim was known for his sincerity and hardworking attitude and was expecting his first child in October.

Meanwhile, halting all promotional events will likely damage the singer's activities this year as it has been less than a month since she released her latest album and the film opened in the country on Tuesday.

Before going to China, Jang and Lin have been in Korea together to promote their feature at the 16th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival held between July 19 and 29.

[News] Won Bin’s Photo from 10 Years Ago Surfaces.

[News] Won Bin’s Photo from 10 Years Ago Surfaces. 

Cr. - soompi 

Won Bin is in the news again as his photo from 10 years ago resurfaces online. Local news agencies picked up on this photo, titled “Won Bin’s past” that recently circulated on online community boards. The picture attracted interest for Won Bin’s good looks, even from 10 years ago.

Netizens noted that in the photo, the A-list actor looked barely awake, unadorned and his hair seeming like he has just gotten out of bed. His dour expression, wearing a white tank also did not escape the notice of the netizens. Those who have seen the pictures commented with “Such a hottie,” “His good looks are not changing, even after 100 years, I think he’ll remain perfect,” “Won Bin 10 years ago” and other such reactions.

Won Bin has yet to announce his new project, though he was once rumored to star in well-known scenarist Noh Hee Kyung’s winter drama, “The Wind Blows.”

[News] Psy and Jang Keun Suk’s Friendly Hang Out Time Captured.

[News] Psy and Jang Keun Suk’s Friendly Hang Out Time Captured. 

Cr. - soompi 

On August 19, Psy uploaded a picture on twitter and commented, “Here goes the picture~! It came out good, right~?” The uploaded picture shows Psy and Jang Keun Suk in comfortable outfits hanging out, sitting on a couch, laughing with one another. Their laughters seem genuine and friendly.

Jang Keun Suk responded to Psy’s initial post on twitter, “Are we making a broth together or what? It’s free until 5 o’clock in the afternoon.” In this post, Jang Geun Suk is making a joke about Psy’s excessive sweating when he said, “Are we making a broth together?” Previously, Psy garnered much attention on MBC “Infinite Challenge” with his excessive sweating and sweat marks.

 Netizens commented on this unexpected friendship, “The two major cultural icons of today come together,” “They really are friends. I guess both of them are super social,” and “They look so comfortable with each other.”

[News] Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-jung admit romantic relationship. 

Cr. - 10asia 

Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun and actress Lee Min-jung have admitted that they are in a romantic relationship, which turns out to have begun early this year. On Sunday, both Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung posted handwritten statements on their official websites acknowledging their budding romance.

The pair have finally admitted to being together after reports and rumors surfaced as they were spotted together having dinner at a wedding in March. However, their relationship regained spotlight earlier this week when news broke out that the two were planning on a November wedding after visiting a Hanbok [traditional Korean costume] shop.

Lee Min-jung's statement read, "As a woman, an actress and a daughter, I had many worries and concerns but now I have the courage to speak out about our relationship. I hope that with the support of the public that we can continue on with our relationship as a happy couple." "We are still careful about the future, and we are quite serious about one another and we will be the first ones to announce to the public on any other news about us."

Additionally, Lee also left a personal message on his official website saying, "I am writing this letter just a few weeks before leaving Korea to focus on my acting activities overseas in 2012. I have found someone that I want to be with. That is why we have both made the decision to tell our fans about our relationship.

" Lee continued, "I first got to know Lee Min-jung at a gathering with other actors and slowly yet carefully began our relationship after we met each other again early this year. But we were taken aback and extremely hesitant once rumors broke out about relationship."

"However, we apologize for not telling our fans first about our relationship......we extend our deepest apologizes to our families, fans and our agencies for not coming clean with the truth though we ask for your understanding." He ended his letter saying, "Now, I can surely say that I have found that important person in my life and we hope to seriously maintain our relationship.

" Lee Byung-hun, one of Korea's most well-recognized actors and a household name in Japan as well, made his Hollywood debut in 2009 through the first “G.I. Joe" flick as character Storm Shadow. He recently attended a press conference to promote his forthcoming film "Masquerade" and will be heading overseas to shoot "Red 2."

Lee Min-jung is best known for playing the role of Ha Jae-kyung in SBS' hit teenage series "Boys Over Flowers" and landed her first lead role in SBS' weekend drama "Smile, You" opposite actor Choung Kyung-ho.

The actress has also appeared in films "Searching for the Elephant (2009)," "White Night (2009)" and "Cyrano Agency (2010)." She last starred in KBS' romantic comedy "Big" opposite actor Gong Yoo.

[News] Lee Byung Hun Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Kang Byung Kyu for Talking Slanderously about Recent Relationship News. 

Cr. - soompi 

Adding onto the years of their fuel, Lee Byung Hun has decided to file a defamation lawsuit once again against Kang Byung Kyu, ex-sports star and TV personality, for posting a slanderous tweet.

Lee Byung Hun’s lawyers stated, “We are suing Kang Byung Kyu for going against the ‘Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Data Protection’ (defamation).” They continued, “Despite the fact that Kang Byung Kyu is in trial as a defendant in ongoing cases, he is continuing to post false information on his Twitter. This is not something he should do as a defendant.”

Finally, they said, “When Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung‘s relationship was confirmed yesterday, Kang Byung Kyu posted on his Twitter and called Lee Byung Hun ‘Pervert Lee’ and also posted false and slanderous information such as ‘You will hear news on pregnancy soon.’

This is not the only case where Kang Byung Kyu has posted things about Lee Byung Hun in this matter. However, Lee Byung Hun said that this time, he could not take this kind of abuse and has taken legal action.”

The tweets read from top to bottom: 

“Twitter friends, please stop begging me to tell you stories about Pervert Lee. I’m in a lot of psychological pain because of my phone. Pervert Lee clearly said that he wasn’t dating her. But now, he wrote a heartfelt letter? You’ll probably hear news of pregnancy soon.”

 “How many ‘precious persons’ and ‘precious memories’ does this bastard exactly have? Exactly who are you with and what do you want to do with them? Who exactly is that b-tch? Kekeke.”

 “A movie about Pervert Lee’s scandals would be a lot of fun… There is clearly a lot of interest in this matter.”

 “A central point of the Pervert Lee case revolves around the son of a sunbae actor from Yang Pyeong. They are in-laws.”

 [Photo & News] Lee Min Ho’s “Faith” Already Popular in China. 

Cr. - soompi 

Actor Lee Min Ho has again proved his popularity in China. On August 20, Lee Min Ho’s new drama “Faith” was shown to be the drama with the most hits in China’s video streaming site Youku.com and revealed on letv.com.

“Faith” premiered only recently and thus its status as most-streamed video has caused interest. On the main page, “Faith” was shown to take on the No. 1 spot, while another Lee Min Ho drama, “City Hunter” took No. 2. The two dramas were also the top-rated dramas in the international competition.

This is one of the times that a South Korean drama took the top rank in the letv.com site. Lee Min Ho’s “City Hunter” has already surpassed 100 million hits on Youku.com, so netizens in China are keen and watching with interest how “Faith” will fare. With his dramas doing very well in China, Lee Min Ho has been christened a “Prince of the Continent.”

[News] Rain’s "R2B: Return to Base" presold to 30 countries.

Cr. - 10asia

Rain’s action film “R2B: Return to Base” has garnered enormous attention from foreign film buyers, being sold to 30 countries before it opens in local theaters.

CJ Entertainment, the movie’s domestic distribution company said in press release Tuesday that the film has been presold to foreign buyers from 30 different countries including Asian and European countries.

The firm explained that due to Rain’s popularity in the regions that they have struck up deals early on with Asian countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

European buyers are also set to release the film in England, France, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, while expressing their surprise in the action sequences that were shot in high altitude just like Hollywood blockbusters.

To meet the high expectations from overseas countries, CJ will hold a special Asian screening at a theater in Seoul on August 14, where they will invite 2,000 Asian fans to enjoy the film that will be subtitled in English, Japanese and Chinese.

The action pic, co-starring actor Yoo Jun-sang of “My Husband Got a Family” (KBS, 2012) and actress Shin Se-gyeong, tells the story of the life, love and comradeship of fighter pilots amid a risky situation in Korea.

Rain's long-awaited film will open in local theaters on August 15.

[Photo & News] "Masquerade" main stars Lee Byung-hun, Han Hyo-joo speak at presser

[Photo & News] "Masquerade" main stars Lee Byung-hun, Han Hyo-joo speak at presser.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu actor Lee Byung-hun and actress Han Hyo-joo were in attendance for the press conference for their upcoming historical film "Masquerade" held at a movie theater in Seoul, South Korea on August 13, 2012.


With director Choo Chang-min at the mic, "Masquerade" focuses on the story the episodes that a low class man goes through in order to become king of the country.

Lee plays the double role of Gwanghae, the 15th King of the Joseon Dynasty, and Ha-sun, a man born into low class.

Unlike the other historical figures in Korean history, King Gwanghae is known to be one of the misfortunate figures in the Joseon Dynasty's history. As he was deposed by the Westerners faction in a coup, historians did not give him a temple name like Taejo or Sejong.

Meanwhile, Han plays the queen and actor Ryu Seung-ryeong helps Ha-sun rise to sit on the King's throne.

Both Lee and Han's first historical film, "Masquerade" is slated to open in local theaters over the Korean Thanksgiving holidays.

[News] TVXQ!, Kim Hyun-joong achieve gold status in Japan with latest singles.

[News] TVXQ!, Kim Hyun-joong achieve gold status in Japan with latest singles.

Cr. - 10asia

Top K-pop acts TVXQ! and Kim Hyun-joong have achieved gold status in Japan after selling more than 100,000 copies their latest singles.

TVXQ!’s 11th Japanese single “Android” and Kim Hyun-joong’s second Japanese single “HEAT” have both achieved the gold status after moving a big number of over 100,000 albums, according to the Recording Industry Association of Japan's (RIAJ) July report.

The success of both records was predictable, as they easily moved over 100,000 records in just a week after the album’s release.

TVXQ!'s latest single "Android" scored the No. 1 spot on Oricon's weekly singles chart after moving 152,000 copies since going on sale on July 11.

Kim has also registered high sales of around 183,000 copies in just a week after the album went on sale on July 4, Oricon's website showed.

Meanwhile, TVXQ!'s DVD titled "TOHOSHINKI LIVE TOUR 2012 TONE" has also reached gold status according to RIAJ’s July report.
The DVD was released in Japan on July 25 and topped Oricon's weekly DVD chart after selling over 151,000 copies during the first week of sales.

TVXQ! and Kim Hyun-joong are handful of artists that are receiving overwhelming popularity in both Korea and Japan.

The two stars have been breaking numerous records which have been built by themselves or former Hallyu stars on Oricon’s chart.

[Article] National Mother’s Day of Thailand.

[Article] National Mother’s Day of Thailand.Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

The 12 August is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday or วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าฯ พระบรมราชินีนาถ in Thai language. This public holiday is celebrated nationwide as Mother's Day ("WAN MAE HENG CHAT" - วันแม่แห่งชาติ). The Queen is considered as the mother of all Thai people.

Starting a few weeks before the Queen's birthday, all buildings are covered up with Royal symbols and portraits of Her Majesty all over the Thai kingdom.

Born in 1932, Her Majesty the Queen has captured the hearts of the Thai people through her devotion to improving the welfare and well-being of her subjects. The Queen is also known for her efforts in reviving Thailand's folk arts and crafts. Her Majesty's SUPPORT Foundation (Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques) has been established in 1976 to include craft shops in the city and popular tourist areas. It also includes two Thai Folk Arts and Crafts Training Centers at Chitralada Villa and at Bangsai in Ayutthaya.

Every year in August, huge portraits of Her Majesty are raised in temples, administrative buildings, schools, houses, shops by individual people and organizations.

Despite her high office as Queen of the nation, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit is a mother highly regarded by her children. She brought them up in the mold of traditional Thai values in which the junior pay respect to the elder, obey their seniors and learn to be self-sufficient. The benevolence of Her Majesty the Queen praised by her subjects explains the love she has earned from her people who regard her as Mother of the Nation.



On the 12 August early morning time, Thai Buddhist people go to temple and make offerings to monks as usual.

On 12 August, jasmine, symbolic of the selfless virtue of a mother who gives life to her children, is seen everywhere in Thailand. Charitable activities, food offering to monks and donations are part of the events of the day to express children's gratitiude to every mother.

National flags decorate buildings to wish Her Majesty many happy returns of the day and a long life ("SONG PHRA CHAROEUN" - ทรงพระเจริญ).

In civil administrations, there are specific gatherings for the Queen's birthday. On this occasion, civil servants wear their most beautiful clothes. Then they listen to Buddhist sermons and to their director's speech.

During this day or the day before, mothers go to Thai schools. Children say little speechs about their love to their mother. Then every child stand in front of his mother, greet her feet ("WAI" - ไหว้) and say their love towards their mother.