[VOD / Photo & News] American TV Channels to Air “The Legend of Zhen Huan”.

[VOD / Photo & News] American TV Channels to Air “The Legend of Zhen Huan”.
Cr. - jaynestars

An American company expressed an interest to air Zhen Xiaolong’s (郑晓龙) highly popular 76-episode mainland Chinese television drama, The Legend of Zhen Huan <後宮甄嬛傳>, in the United States.

The Legend of Zhen Huan, which stars Betty Sun (孙俪) and Ada Choi (蔡 少芬), is an adaptation of a novel by Liu Lianzi. The story centers on the character, Zhen Huan, and her rise to prominence in the scheme-filled palace environment during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng.

Several Chinese-based American channels have already bought the broadcast rights to The Legend of Zhen Huan, but these channels will not be able to make the drama reach a wider audience.

The unnamed American company stated that the reason for importing the palace drama is because they believed that the show will be able to attract an English-speaking market.  The company plans to re-cut the drama into a series of six mini-films, which will be broadcasted by mainstream American television stations.

Chinese netizens were not very keen with this remake, reasoning that American audiences may not understand the show due to their cultural differences. They also feared that cutting up the show into six mini-films may affect the story line’s pace and development.

[News] Moon Geun Young sheds tears during final filming of ‘Chungdamdong Alice’.

[News] Moon Geun Young sheds tears during final filming of ‘Chungdamdong Alice’.
Cr. - allkpop


Moon Geun Young shed tears during the final filming of the SBS drama ‘Chungdamdong Alice‘.

Photos of the star on set during the last rehearsal were revealed on the 26th KST. It seems Moon Geun Young and her co-stars got a little emotional that the drama, which has two episodes left to air, is ending.

During a scene with Moon Geun Young and her on-screen mother, actress Lee Jong Nam, as well as her sister in the drama Hye Jung, the actress burst into tears, causing her fellow actors to cry along with her.

Fans who saw the photos commented, “What kind of conversation were they having? I’m curious”, “Don’t cry”, “They’re probably like a real family now after filming day and night for a few months”, and more.

‘Chungdamdong Alice’ airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:55PM KST.

[News] Yoo Seung Ho Is Charismatic in Black for Last Pictorial before Enlisting.

[News] Yoo Seung Ho Is Charismatic in Black for Last Pictorial before Enlisting. 
Cr. - soompi

Actor Yoo Seung Ho of “I Miss You“will show his handsome good look in his final pictorial before he enlists in the army.

His last pictorial is for designer Jo Sung Kyung. At the photo shoot, his charismatic presence rightfully matched the theme of the pictorial, “graphic black.” The staff at the photo shoot were particularly taken to his intense gaze, his trademark expression for “I Miss You.”

This isn’t the actor’s first time working with the famous designer. He had modeled for her before when he was in middle school. Jo Sung Kyung said, “When Yoo Seung Ho first came to the studio with a bright smile, he looked just as innocent as he looked in middle school…He promised to do another pictorial for me in ten years.”

[News] 2PM’s Jang Woo Young posts a picture with Nickhun in Nagoya.

[News] 2PM’s Jang Woo Young posts a picture with Nickhun in Nagoya.
Cr. -en.korea

Jang Woo Young and Nickhun of the group 2PM (composed of Jun. K, Nickhun, Taec Yeon, Woo Young, Jun Ho, and Chang Sung) posted a cute self-portrait.

On January 26, Jang tweeted the photo and commented, “Good bye, Nagoya. We’ve made beautiful memories here before we leave this place. But what are we supposed to when we miss this place already?”

In the picture, Jang is wearing a hoodie and looks toward the camera with Nickhun who is sitting on the chair. Jang’s sullen look and Nickhun’s cute V sign catch female fans’ hearts.

Netizens who saw the posting reacted: “They’re such cuties.” “He knows what to do when he wants to remember a place.” “When are you guys coming back to the domestic market?”

Starting with the concert at Fukuoka in Japan on the 11th and 12th of January, 2PM began their 2013 arena tour titled “Legend of 2PM.” The whole tour will take two months with 13 concerts in six different arenas throughout Japan. The total of 150,000 people are expected in the audience.

[News] So Ji Sub Transforms into an Adorable Cutie with Brownie Earmuffs.

[News] So Ji Sub Transforms into an Adorable Cutie with Brownie Earmuffs.  
Cr. - soompi

Actor So Ji Sub showed off his cute side by wearing earmuffs styled with the Brownie character.

On January 23, the actor officially released his second mini-album “6PM…Ground.” Through the music video for his new track, So Ji Sub showed an aspect of himself that fans had never seen before until now.

While resting in-between the shooting, So Ji Sub tried on the Brownie earmuffs that he discovered and looked very satisfied with himself. With a smile full of playfulness, the actor made his hands into fists and tried to act like Brownie.

Words are also going around that So Ji Sub made the crew laugh while he yelled, “Brownie! Bite!”

So Ji Sub’s “6PM…Ground” was released to the public on January 25.

[News] Moon Geun Young explains why she has cheated Park Si Hoo on 'Cheongdamdong Alice'.

[News] Moon Geun Young explains why she has cheated Park Si Hoo on 'Cheongdamdong Alice'.
Cr. - en.korea

Will Se Kyung (played by Moon Geun Young) be able to make Seung Jo (played by Park Si Hoo) come back to her?

In the episode of SBS TV’s Cheongdamdong Alice that aired on January 26, Se Kyung explains to Seung Jo why she has cheated him.

Se Kyung takes Seung Jo to the place where she broke up with her ex-boyfriend In Chan, saying that her ex-boyfriend In Chan didn’t want her anymore and she wasn’t also welcomed to her work at the time. She says she started dreaming of becoming a wife of a rich man living in Cheongdamdong because she felt that she was useless even after all the hard work she had done. She says she thought Seung Jo would be able to save her life.

Se Kyung tells Seung Jo, “But I’m the one who is to save you. You asked me to project you. You said I’m like a house to you and I’m your everything . You said you mean nothing without me,” saying that she felt loved and welcomed by Seung Jo.

She says, “I gave up on everything, but you gave me hope. You mean so much to me,” implying that she has sincerely fallen in love with him although she approached him on purpose at first. At Se Kyung’s honest confession, Seung Jo gets confused.

Will Se Kyung and Seung Jo be able to keep their love?

[News] Lee Jong Suk says, “I think I’ll be running a cafe ten years later”.

[News] Lee Jong Suk says, “I think I’ll be running a cafe ten years later”.
Cr. - en.korea

Actor Lee Jong Suk recently talked about how he would change after ten years.

On the episode of KBS 2TV’s Weekly Entertainment, Lee gave an interview. Regarding the question about what he wants to do after ten years,” Lee said, “I think I’ll be running a cafe in an isolated place after ten years.”

However, he soon showed off a confident look by saying, “Or I’ll be still working as a famous actor.” He also wrote a letter to himself after ten years, “I feel like I’m starting all over again as an actor. I hope you do your best all the time.”

Lee also said he wants to shoot a melodrama series with actress Lee Na Young.

[News] Kim Jae-joong’s “CODE NAME: JACKAL” Japan Poster Unveiled.

Actress Song Ji-hyo (left) and singer-actor Kim Jae-joong (right) in an official Japanese poster of “CODE NAME: JACKAL.” [Lotte Entertainment]

[News] Kim Jae-joong’s “CODE NAME: JACKAL” Japan Poster Unveiled.

Cr. - kstar10

Hallyu star Kim Jae-joong excites fans with the Japanese poster of his first film “CODE NAME: JACKAL.”

After opening its official Japanese website in December last year, the comedy film unveiled its Japanese poster image on January 24 before it opens at theaters there on May 3.

Kim participated in writing the lyric of the film’s ending theme song “Stay” and composed two of original soundtracks “Kiss Be” and “Healing for Myself,” which are listed in his first mini-album “I.”

The 107-minute movie centers around a mysterious female killer Bong Min-jeong [played by Song Ji-hyo] kidnapping a top idol star Choi Hyun [played by Kim].

When the killer begins tries to kill the celebrity, the police becomes involved and Bong’s initial plan encounters obstacles.

[News] Lee Seung-yeon’s TV show pulled after drug charge.

[News] Lee Seung-yeon’s TV show pulled after drug charge.
Cr. - Joonggang Ilbo

Lee Seung-yeon’s TV show “Lee Seung-yeon and 100 women” has been cancelled for the time being after news broke that the actress is being investigated for illegal propofol usage.

StoryOn, the cable channel which airs the beauty show hosted by Lee, said that filming has been cancelled after the network found out that Lee was summoned by the Prosecutors for use of the drug that is popular among entertainers.

Meanwhile Lee’s agency JI Story Entertainment issued a press release saying that the 44-year-old actress had legitimate reasons and prescriptions for the drug.

“Lee Seung-yeon injured herself on the job back in 2003. She fracture her spine as a result and was given prescription for it by doctors,” explained the agency, stating that Lee’s condition recurred during winter.
“So she takes it [the drug] for medical reasons when she needs to, and she’s never used it for any other reason.”
In regards to allegations that Lee asked for the drug at skin care clinics, the agency said that she was administered the drug as an anesthesia.

Lee’s case was highlighted after actress Jang Mi In Ae was probed for the use of the same drug earlier in the week.
Since Jang’s investigation, Lee and another unidentified entertainer is being probed by the prosecutors.

[News] Song Joong-ki writes the book on skin care.

[News] Song Joong-ki writes the book on skin care.
Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Pretty boy actor known for his flawless skin, Song Joong-ki will impart his knowledge on skincare to his Japanese fans.

Through Nikkei BP, the Hallyu actor will unveil a Japanese version of “Beautiful Skin Project for Men” on Monday.

In Korea, Song’s beauty book released in 2010 with the help of beauty editor Hwang Min-young was a huge success.

To shake things up, Song has thrown in some special message to fans and some never-before-revealed pictures into the bargain for the Japanese reader.

The 27-year-old who rose to fame through the drama “Sung Kyun Kwan Scandal” (2010) has long been heralded for his perfect skin.

His trademark pale and blemish free face has helped him land the job of being the face of Seoul Milk last year.

It seems that even females are envious of Song’s smooth appearance.

Last year, his co-star from the hit-movie “Werewolf Boy,” Park Bo-young said that working with Song brought out the green-eyed monster in her.

At a press conference for the film Park said that she even asked Song for skin care advice and he let her in on the secret: an apple a day.

[Interview] JYJ′s Kim Jae Joong Says Park Yoo Chun is a Genius.

[Interview] JYJ′s Kim Jae Joong Says Park Yoo Chun is a Genius.
Cr. - enewsworld

JYJ′s Kim Jae Joong believes fellow member Park Yoo Chun is a genius.

The singer said in a recent interview with enews, "[Park] Yoo Chun is a genius. I would write him songs, but actually he′s more talented," to a question asking whether he would write a song for Park Yoo Chun if he was to release a solo album.

He said, "Yoo Chun is actually the most talented one of the team in music; it′s just that he doesn′t write songs. I really think he′s talented because he writes great songs even when he composes as a mere hobby. He′s smart, as he learns everything quickly, including languages."

Kim Jae Joong released his first solo mini album on January 17. All of the tracks for Mine, which are in the rock genre, have lyrics written by Kim Jae Joong, and he even participated in composing them.

He said about the album, "I never thought my first mini album would contain rock, but I wanted to try putting my voice on traditional rock sounds. I was scared of taking on a new genre, but I was happy I could sing the music I like."

[News] “The Thieves” Opens Successful in China.

Korean actor Kim Yoon-seok (left) and Jun Ji-hyun (right) at Chinese press event of “The Thieves,” which opened at the Chinese theaters on January 15, 2013. [Showbox]

[News] “The Thieves” Opens Successful in China.
Cr. - kstar10

Korean box office smash “The Thieves” has recorded impressive opening scores at the Chinese box office.

The most-watched Korean film opened at some 3,000 Chinese screens on January 15 and debuted at the fifth spot after raking in 18.6 million Chinese Yuan [about 2.99 million U.S. Dollars], the film’s Korean distributor Showbox said on January 25.

This score is the second biggest opening sales figure amongst Korean films which opened in China since the melodrama “Late Autumn,” from 2011 starring Korean actor Hyun Bin and Chinese actress Tang Wei.

Actress Jun Ji-hyun (left) at Chinese press event of “The Thieves,” which opened at the Chinese theaters on January 15, 2013. [Showbox]

The caper fillm’s first weekend score already surpassed the overall Chinese box office gross of several Korean hits “The Host,” “The Man from Nowhere” and “The Hottie & The Nottie,” which grossed an overall sales of 14 million Yuan, respectively.

Showbox officials stressed that when director Choi Dong-hoon’s fourth commercial picture released at 22 screens in North America, it scooped up fine box office record about 685,000 Dollars.

The realistic action and star-studded cast of Korean stars Kim Yoon-seok, Lee Jung-jae, Jun Ji-hyun as well as big Chinese names Simon Yam and Angelica Lee and the mega-hit movie is set to open in Japan, India, Spain and Russia in the first half of this year.

[News] The only thing Won Bin doesn’t have.

[News] The only thing Won Bin doesn’t have.

Cr. - en.korea

It’s recently been found out that actor Won Bin is not a perfect person.

A picture was recently uploaded on an online community board under the title of “The only thing Won Bin doesn’t have.”

Along with the picture, the person who uploaded it wrote an anecdote about Won Bin and his fan.

According her, a fan of Won Bin once wrote, “I love you, Won Bin ♥♥,” on the official fan cafe of Won Bin. At this, Won Bin responded, “I love you, too. How do I type the heart shapes?” as he couldn’t find a heart emoticon.

People who read the comment responded: “Won Bin is so cute.” “I guess Won Bin doesn’t really spend time on the Internet.” “She’s so lucky to receive a reply from Won Bin.”

[News] Jang Hyuk Will Be Showing Spectacular Action Scenes in “IRIS 2”.

[News] Jang Hyuk Will Be Showing Spectacular Action Scenes in “IRIS 2”.

Cr. - soompi

On the upcoming “IRIS 2,” which will air its first episode on February 13, actor Jang Hyuk will play Jung Yoo Gun, who is the team leader of  NSS’s TF-A. In this new drama, Jang Hyuk is expected to show his incredible martial art skills.

Jang Hyuk is already a well-known action star among Korean actors. In “IRIS 2,” Jang Hyuk hopes to show even better actions scenes than he has created in his past works.

Staff from the shooting later revealed that Jang Hyuk did not require a stunt man for any of the dangerous scenes. As well, he was meticulous about every movements, and made many helpful suggestions.

Jang Hyuk stated, “There are so many things to consider when working in action thriller, including movements, breathing, facial expressions, and gazes. Playing the character Yoo Gun requires incredible rhythm and timing, and I find his role to be very challenging.”

[VOD & News] Ha Jung Woo, “Although I Played Jeon Ji Hyun’s Husband, There Were No Skinship Scenes”.

[VOD & News] Ha Jung Woo, “Although I Played Jeon Ji Hyun’s Husband, There Were No Skinship Scenes”.

Cr. - soompi

Ha Jung Woo recently held an interview with “eNEWS” with fellow cast members Han Suk Kyu and Jeon Ji Hyun from the film “The Berlin File.” (Berlin) During the interview Ha Jung Woo was asked what it was like appearing in a film with Jeon Ji Hyun as her husband.

Ha Jung Woo stated, “Although I portray Jeon Ji Hyun’s husband in the film, there was no scenes showing skinship. I don’t know who was more disappointed because of that fact.”

The “Berlin” film itself will involve lots of spy games and action scenes. In the film, Ha Jung Woo will play a North Korean spy named “Pyo Jong Sung” who lives in Berlin. The tvN “eNEWS” interview will broadcast on January 24, 2013.

The film “Berlin” will open on January 31, 2013.

[News] Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin show off their well-proportioned figures.

[News] Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin show off their well-proportioned figures.

Cr. - en.korea

Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin recently attracted a lot of attention with their well-proportioned figures.

Some pictures of Lee and Kim were recently uploaded on an online community board under the title of “Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin’s well-proportioned figures.” The pictures were snapshots from KBS 2TV’s drama series School 2013.

In the snapshots, Lee and Kim are showing off their well-proportioned figures in sweatsuits. As they used to be fashion models, their body proportion looks perfect. They’re also attracting a lot of attention with their handsome faces.

Lee and Kim are currently playing the role of Go Nam Soon and Park Heung Soo, respectively, in the series. They used to be very close friends but became unfriendly to each other as Go Nam Soon hurt Park Heung Soo’s legs. However, they meet again at Seungri High School and become friends again.

People who saw the pictures responded: “Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin are so perfect.” “They not only have nice bodies but also have good-looking faces.” “Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin are so handsome.”

[News] Yoon Kye-sang and Lee Ha-nui didn’t travel together.

[News] Yoon Kye-sang and Lee Ha-nui didn’t travel together.

Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Actress and former Miss Korea Lee Ha-nui has denied that there’s anything between her and Yoon Kye-sang.

Because the two were spotting leaving for Bali on Jan.17, many were left wondering if they were an item and travelling together.

In response to the rumor Lee’s people came out to say that after checking with the beauty queen, “she was travelling along.”

Lee also denied dating Yoon. Meanwhile Yoon’s people also said that the former g.o.d member was in Bali with his family.

[News] China censors chop ‘Cloud Atlas’.

[News] China censors chop ‘Cloud Atlas’.
Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Bae Doo-na’s Hollywood debut film “Cloud Atlas” is making news for all the wrong reasons online.

The Hollywood blockbuster starring Halle Berry, Tom Hanks and China’s Zhou Xun has undergone some intensive editing by China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and only 75 percent of content made the cut and the movie is now 40 minutes shorter.

According to Xiaoxiang Morning Post, a lot of nudity, gore and sexual scenes were taken out.

Last year’s Bond flick “Skyfall” shared a similar fate under the rigid censorship enforced by the government of the People’s Republic of China.

Most fans are unhappy with the deletions, but some Chinese media claim the film is easier to understand.

The film directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer is based on the novel by the British author David Mitchell. Partially set in a dystopian Korea in the future, the plot weaves in and out of six stories.

Bae and American actor Jim Sturgess play lovers in the film, and although there were some language barriers, Sturgess said that the two meshed well.

[News] Park Jin-young loses plagiarism appeal.

[News] Park Jin-young loses plagiarism appeal.
Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Park Jin-young has lost his appeal in the case where he was accused of plagiarizing an original work by singer-songwriter Kim Sin-il.

The Seoul High Court ruled yesterday that the music mogul must compensate Kim to the tune of 56,930,710 won ($53,558) for ripping off the song “To My Man,” which Kim wrote for singer Ash in 2005.

The court said Kim deserved to be paid for profit from the song “Someday” which Park wrote for IU for the drama “Dream High.”

Kim brought the case against Park in 2011 when the TV show aired the song which sounded like his work. Kim asked for 110 million won in damages.

At the first trial, the court sided with Kim but readjusted the compensation to 21.67 million won.

Park then asked for a retrial, saying he never copied Kim’s song and “it’d be like suicide to plagiarize another person’s work.”

Park is the founder and chief executive of JYP Entertainment, a major artist management and record production company.

[News] Ueto Aya to star in a new movie with Kora Kengo.

[News] Ueto Aya to star in a new movie with Kora Kengo.

Cr. - tokyohive

On January 24, it was revealed that actress Ueto Aya (27), who married EXILE leader HIRO (43) last September, will star in the film “Bushi no Kondate.” The film will open in theaters this winter.  This is her first film since her marriage to HIRO and she will play the supportive wife named “Oharu” of on-screen husband Kora Kengo.

Ueto spoke with anticipation, “Although this film is a period film, I hear that the film will be both painful longing and humorous as it depicts how relations between man and wife have not changed much now compared to then.”

The film is based on historical happenings in the Kaga Domain during the Edo period.  Oharu (Ueto), who has great sense with his tongue with superb cooking skills, is discovered her skills by Funaki Tennai (Nishida Toshiyuki) and marries into the Funaki family, which has served as chefs for the domain from generation to generation.

 With the help from Man (Yo Kimiko), her mother-in-law, she tries hard to teach her husband “Yasunobu” (Kora) who is supposed to be the successor, but lacks cooking skill.  Through giving the cooking lessons for the husband, the couple begin to establish an emotional bond with each other, and the two mature together as husband and wife.

Ueto, who will start filming in Kyoto, talked about the various dishes that appear in the film with, “As it is called ‘Bushi no Kondate’(Samurai’s Menu), please look forward to the various menus of the time period that appear in the film.” She appealed for the film with, “I hope that the film would be enjoyable for many people, especially for women.”

The film will be directed by Asahara Yuzo, who directed the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series.  He spoke about the film with, “In order to make it enjoyable for people living in this era, especially women, it will be painful longing, beautiful, but also bright and humorous.”  The script will be written by Kashiwada Michio, who also wrote the script for the popular film “Bushi no Kakeibo” (opened 2011), which starred Sakai Masato.