[News] ′Tower′ Takes Over ′Les Miserables′ with 1 Million Moviegoers.

[News]  ′Tower′ Takes Over ′Les Miserables′ with 1 Million Moviegoers.

Cr. - enewsworld

Tower has overcome Hollywood.

Within just four days since its premiere, Tower has gathered a million moviegoers, taking over the top spot at the Korean box office and proving that Korean films are still going strong.

According to the Korean Film Council′s Compiled Ticket Computer Network, a total of 182,231 moviegoers across the country saw Tower on December 28, placing the film at the top of the box office with 1,003,745 tickets sold.

The film debuted at first place on December 25, gathering about 400,000 people, and has since been battling it out with Hollywood films like Les Miserables and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The recent record sets Tower ahead of Les Miserables.

Tower is about how people try to survive a large fire that breaks out in a 108-story tall tower and stars Sul Kyung Gu, Son Ye Jin and more.

Photo credit: The Tower Pictures

[News] ‘School 2013’ Cast Weathers the Cold With Puffy Coats, Heaters and Hugs.

[News]  ‘School 2013’ Cast Weathers the Cold With Puffy Coats, Heaters and Hugs.

Cr. - enewsworld

While students in the real world may be on winter break, recent behind-the-scenes photos from the KBS drama School 2013 set show the cast is still hard at work, powering through freezing temperatures on location.

A series of photos were released on December 29, capturing the actors, from teachers Choi Daniel and Jang Nara to the students, using whatever means necessary to stay warm this winter season.

Down jackets are clearly a must, but when all else fails, the actors seem to agree that nothing beats a warm hug.

A source from the set said, “Although the sharp drop in temperature is making things difficult, we’re having fun filming thanks to the actors’ vibrant energy and friendly atmosphere.”

School 2013 airs every Monday and Tuesday on KBS. 

[News] Moon Geun Young Looks Cute as a Button in New Pictures.

[News] Moon Geun Young Looks Cute as a Button in New Pictures. 
Cr. - soompi

New pictures of actress Moon Geun Young peering through a window has recently been shared online.

The pictures were taken when the actress, who plays the character Han Sae Kyung in the SBS drama “Alice in Cheongdamdong,” gave cute greetings from inside a bus during the drama shooting. In the pictures, Moon Geun Young looks like an adorable child with her bright eyes and bangs. She beams brightly at the camera and in another she seems to be distracted by something to do the side.

It’s been said that despite their busy schedules, Moon Geun Young and the other actors of the drama have been diligently working on portraying their characters.

Recently in “Alice in Cheongdamdong” Park Shi Hoo’s character confessed that he knew the truth to Moon Geun Young and further drama and complications are expected to arise between the characters.

[News] Won Bin and Sooyoung Involved in a Dating Rumor?

[News] Won Bin and Sooyoung Involved in a Dating Rumor? 

Cr. - soompi

Through the Korean Celebrity X-files (X-Files created by people working in the finance industry in South Korea about celebrities) a dating rumor that involves Won Bin and Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung is spreading like wildfire. Portal websites and news sources are reporting about the rumor.

This rumor has been festering since the morning on December 28, now it is spreading through different social networking services.

It appears that this rumor will be officially reported on by a news source on January 1.
A representative of SM Entertainment has expressed that the agency is surprised and will not give an official response because they find no need to.

Representative of the Korean entertainment industry are stating that many people seem to believe these “Celebrity X-Files” rumors because some of them turned out to be true. However, these representatives are stating that most of the time, these rumors are just that, rumors.

[News] Han Ga In Shines Brightest in ′The Sun and the Moon′ Special in Japan.

[News] Han Ga In Shines Brightest in ′The Sun and the Moon′ Special in Japan. 

Cr. - enewsworld

It seems no one can beat Han Ga In when it comes to looks.

A series of screencaps were recently uploaded on an online community website under the title ′Han Ga In in a Recent Japan Show′. The screencaps are from the special broadcast for The Sun and the Moon aired through BS Premium, which features interviews with child actress Kim Yoo Jung, actors Kim Soo Hyun and Han Ga In, and highlights from the drama.

In the caps Han Ga In draws attention with her large eyes and distinct features.

Netizens commented, "I didn′t even know Kim Soo Hyun was there because of Han Ga In" and "Beautiful looks that can′t even be made with Photoshop."

The Sun and the Moon will start airing in Japan through BS Premium from January 20.

[News] Park Shin Hye Shares Selca of Herself Enjoying the Snow.

[News] Park Shin Hye Shares Selca of Herself Enjoying the Snow. 

Cr. - soompi

Actress Park Shin Hye‘s selca of her standing in the snow was released.

On December 28, Park Shin Hye uploaded her selca on twitter with the caption, “Did everyone enjoy watching ‘Niko & The Way to the Stars‘ (The Flight Before Christmas)? I hope it was a fun Christmas present for everyone.”

In the picture, Park Shin Hye poses outside with the snow falling in the background while sticking her tongue out.  Her innocent charm is apparent with thre star’s long curly hair and pure smile.

Bloggers who saw this heartwarming picture commented, “She looks so lovey in the picture,” “Wow… What a beautiful snowy day,” “I hope she gets even prettier next year” and “She is such a cutie.”

[News] Lee Jiah Will Not be Appearing in ′Lee Tae Baek′

[News] Lee Jiah Will Not be Appearing in ′Lee Tae Baek′. 

Cr. - enewsworld

Lee Jiah turned down an offer for a role in the upcoming KBS2 drama Lee Tae Baek.

A rep from Lee Jiah′s agency Will Entertainment told enews on December 28, "[E Jiah] will not appear in Lee Tae Baek. She does plan to make a comeback soon, but not with Lee Tae Baek."

A media outlet had reported on the same day that Lee Jiah had been cast as the female lead of KBS2′s Lee Tae Baek, set to air February 2013. It turned out, however, that the reports were not true.

The rep added, "It seems it′s too early for a comeback. Lee Jiah is currently preparing herself physically and mentally for her return, but it′s not now. She will work hard to return as a better person."

Lee Tae Baek is about youths who work at an ad firm.

Lee Jiah has been at the center of controversy since her divorce case with Seo Taiji was made public in April 2011. The case was closed with an agreement on both sides in July.
 

[News] ‘Jeon Woochi’ Continues to Lead, ‘I Miss You’ Chases Closely.

[News] ‘Jeon Woochi’ Continues to Lead, ‘I Miss You’ Chases Closely.

Cr. - enewsworld

With both MBC’s I Miss You and KBS’ Jeon Woochi rising in numbers, the ratings battle gets even closer.

Jeon Woochi led the pack with 12.9 percent, but right behind the drama was I Miss You with 11.2 percent.

The competition didn’t settle down as both dramas rose 0.7 percent from Wednesday, keeping things slightly more interesting.

Meanwhile, SBS’ The Great Seer also gained numbers with 9.8 percent. 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Dramas

8:25 PM

KBS Cheer Up, Mr. Kim! 27.7 percent

10:00 PM

1. KBS Jeon Woochi 12.2 ->12.9 percent

2. MBC I Miss You 10.5 ->11.2 percent

3. SBS The Great Seer 8.5->9.8 percent

[News] Tohoshinki’s “I Know” chosen as ending theme for ‘Catherine Sansei’.

[News] Tohoshinki’s “I Know” chosen as ending theme for ‘Catherine Sansei’.

Cr. - tokyohive

 
Tohoshinki’s new song, “I Know“, has been chosen as the new ending theme for Kansai TV/Fuji TV’s ‘Catherine Sansei‘.

‘Catherine Sansei’ is a talk variety program hosted by Mizuki Arisa, Matayoshi Naoki (Peace) and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. “I Know” is described as a dramatic medium-tempo ballad, and it will be included in Tohoshinki’s new single, “Catch Me -If you wanna-“, that’s scheduled for release on January 16th.

“Catch Me -If you wanna-” is already available for download via mu-mo in both Chaku-Uta and Chaku-Uta Full forms. “I Know” can also be downloaded via various music distribution sites.

[News] Fukuyama Masaharu to play his first role as a father in upcoming movie.

[News] Fukuyama Masaharu to play his first role as a father in upcoming movie.

Cr. - tokyohive

Actor/singer-songwriter Fukuyama Masaharu will be teaming up with director Koreeda Hirokazu for a new movie called ‘Soshite Chichi ni Naru‘.

In the film, Fukuyama will play his first father role and his wife will be played by actress Ono Machiko. The second couple will be played by Maki Yoko, who has co-starred with Fukuyama in ‘Ryomaden‘, and Lily Franky.

The story of ‘Soshite Chichi ni Naru’ will revolve around the growth and hardships of a man named Ryota (Fukuyama) and his family. One day, he receives a phone call from the hospital and finds out that his 6-year-old son is someone else’s son.

Director Koreeda commented, “I discussed each scene one by one with Fukuyama-san, and together, we constructed this three-dimensional character named Ryota. Both the good points and the bad points. It was very fun group work.” He continued, “By creating a contrast between Fukuyama-san and Lily-san’s father roles as well as Ono-san and Maki-san’s mother roles, I think we were able to portray it as humanly as possible. I am confident that I was able to draw out Fukuyama-san’s charm that people have never seen before.”

On working with director Koreeda, Fukuyama reflected, “He’s like a singer-songwriter. He’s a type that will show his unconscious mind that he’s not aware of through his works. I think he’s a person that will arrive at a place that he cannot control.”

Ono expressed, “Since entering this world, I’ve paid attention to Koreeda-san, and I’ve wanted to be in his film, so I was genuinely happy. While working with him, my lines and feelings changed rapidly. I was excited, and I had fun. My co-stars were all people I love, so I was very happy.”

Maki, who stated he admires director Koreeda, said, “It was a calm place. With a calm mind, I was able to sincerely face my role. I was embarrassed to play a married couple with Lily-san, but my mock married couple experience wasn’t bad.” On Fukuyama, she stated, “I think people will be able to see a Fukuyama-san they’ve never seen before. I’m looking forward to its completion as a part of the audience as well.”

The movie will also star Fubuki Jun, Kunimura Jun, Kiki Kirin, and Natsuyagi Isao. Filming for the movie started back on May 6th.

‘Soshite Chichi ni Naru’ is scheduled to open in theaters on October 5th of next year.

[News] Kim Ki-duk and Lee Byung-hun Annual KFAA nominations announced.

[News] Kim Ki-duk and Lee Byung-hun Annual KFAA nominations announced.

Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Director Kim Ki-duk and actor Lee Byung-hun will be one of the few candidates to take home high achievement awards at this year’s Korea Film Actors Association ceremony.

The event to take place today at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, central Seoul, will recognize the feats of some of the best performing actors and personnel over the last year.

Along with Kim and Lee, actors Cho Min-soo and Lee Jung-jin from Kim’s gory masterpiece “Pieta” will be up for awards.

The film’s success abroad - winning best film at the 2012 Venice Film Festival - will be acknowledged at the awards ceremony.

Ahn Sung-ki will also be handed an award for becoming one of the first Koreans, along with Lee Byung-hun, to leave their handprints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June.

Various entertainers, committee members and industry heavyweights will be in attendance.

[News] Bae Doo-na talks Park Ji-sung ‘date’.

[News] Bae Doo-na talks Park Ji-sung ‘date’.

Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Bae Doo-na has at last opened up about the scandal that rocked her and football player Park Ji-sung over the summer.

Bae told Sports Seoul that the two go back a long time, having been friends even before they were spotted together in London in July.

Looking back on the fiasco that unfolded when the two were spotted by a netizen who claimed they were sharing an umbrella in London, Bae said she wanted to clear the air once and for all.

“We are just friends and no doubt we’ll probably hang out again, so I thought it might be best to own up to our London outing,” said the 33-year-old actress.

She said that in July she was studying in London and knew that Park had recently moved from Manchester to the capital city and thus called him up to grab some ramen together.

Bae’s agency slammed the claim straightaway without even consulting Bae, she said.

“They didn’t even call me to check if it was true or not.”

[News] Kim Yu-na Mania Causes Championship Tickets to Sell Out in Minutes.

[News] Kim Yu-na Mania Causes Championship Tickets to Sell Out in Minutes. 

Cr. - Chosun Ilbo

Tickets sold out within minutes on Thursday for the 2013 Korean Figure Skating Championships that will be held at Mokdong Ice Rink on Jan. 5-6, with 2010 Olympic gold medalist Kim Yu-na the main attraction for most fans.

Kim recently marked her return to competitive skating by winning an event in Germany after 18 months away from the sport.

All That Sports, the agent dealing with ticket sales, sold 3,400 tickets for the 5,000-seat venue in the first batch as it excluded lower-level seats that offer only partial views of the rink. Some 1,200 seats on the second floor went for W19,800 and 2,200 seats on the third floor were sold for W15,400. The Korea Skating Union said all of the proceeds will be spent on nurturing talented young figure skaters.

Kim will perform her short program to "The Kiss of the Vampire," taken from the original soundtrack of the 1963 British vampire film of the same name, on Jan. 5. Her free skating routine will run in tandem with a compilation of songs from "Les Misérables" one day later.

The winners of the men's and ladies' singles events on the senior circuit of the championships will each receive W5 million in prize money and a berth at the World Championships in March in Ontario, Canada.

[News] Choi Soo-jong hurt on KBS set again.

[News] Choi Soo-jong hurt on KBS set again.
Cr. - Joongang Ilbo

Choi Soo-jong has again hurt himself while filming the KBS period drama “A King’s Dream.”

His agency SnH Entertainment announced that the 50-year-old was shooting a riding scene in North Gyeongsang when the horse slipped on an icy road.

Choi fell down hard and injured his hands and shoulders. He was taken to a hospital nearby immediately.

“To get a thorough checkup, he will check into a hospital in Seoul,” the agency said.

Choi hurt himself in a similar manner back in October when he fell off a horse and injured his right shoulder.

The drama’s original female lead Park Joo-mi was also in a car crash as soon as the show began airing. She was travelling on the highway when her vehicle collided with a 25-ton truck.

Although she seemed OK at the time, a detailed examination showed she had some internal damage.

The network tried at first to put the show on hold to give her time to recover. After four weeks, she was replaced by Hong Eun-hee.

[News] Ji Sung shows a great acting in 'The Great Seer'.

[News] Ji Sung shows a great acting in 'The Great Seer'.

Cr. - en.korea

The TV series The Great Seer has reached its second turning point and the new plot develops with the passionate acting of actor Ji Sung.

In the episode of SBS’s Wednesday-Thursday drama series The Great Seer that aired on December 26, Ji Sang (played by Ji Sung) who has gone through many difficulties is faced with his unfortunate destiny again; he is blamed to have killed Hyo Myung (played by Lee Young Bum) and his lover Hae In (played by Kim So Yeon) leaves him because of a misunderstanding.

In the freezing weather, the actor was only dressed in a prison garb with a pair of shabby straw shoes. He showed mournful, desperate acting, shedding tears. After the scene went on broadcast, people were astonished and highly praised his outstanding acting. Moreover, as living up to his status as the leading actor of the series, he makes a perfect harmony with every single character of the series, allowing viewers deeply concentrated in the story.

In some of the revealed photos, Ji Sung’s eyes are full of tears and such a mournful scene vividly describes the complicated, desperate situation he is faced with.
In the preview that followed, Ji Sang has his mustache and hair grown long, indicating that some time has passed after that.

The 23rd episode of The Great Seer broadcast at 9:55 p.m. on December 27.

[News] Lee Min Ho (19) makes his first appearance in The Great Seer as King Woo.

[News] Lee Min Ho (19) makes his first appearance in The Great Seer as King Woo.

Cr. - en.korea

Actor Lee Min Ho (19), made the first appearance as King Woo and confronts Lee In Im.
In the episode of SBS’s Wednesday-Thursday series The Great Seer that aired on December 27, King Woo, King Gong Min’s son, indulges himself in alcohols and women, so government officers in Koryeo are concerned with him.

An envoy from Myung Dynasty questions Lee In Im about things. “What’s the cause of King Gong Min’s death and    how come you haven’t obeyed the Emperor of Myung’s order to send an envoy?”

Lee In Im tries to hide King Gong Min’s having been murdered, saying “He passed away because of his chronic illness.”

King Woo, who suspects Lee In Im murdered his father, secretly visits the envoy from Myung by himself and says, “The cause of King Gong Min’s death is not clear. I believe he was murdered by Lee’s family.”

[News] Jang Keun Suk to Perform on Hunan TV’s Year-End Special Concert.

[News] Jang Keun Suk to Perform on Hunan TV’s Year-End Special Concert. 

Cr. - enewsworld

Jang Keun Suk has been invited to a special year-end concert in China.

According to Jang Keun Suk’s agency, the singer/actor will perform on Hunan TV’s year-end special concert. The yearly concert invites China’s top stars to appear and aired on 16 different broadcasting stations in China last year.

In this year’s concert, Jang Keun Suk and his project group Team-H will appear where they will perform three songs, hold an interview time and show a surprise performance as well.

Jang Keun Suk also has the distinction of being the lone Korean singer to be invited on the show.

[News] So Ji Sub Reveals True Personality “I Am an Introvert” .

[News] So Ji Sub Reveals True Personality “I Am an Introvert” .

Cr. - soompi

So Ji Sub revealed what his true personality is like through an interview and his answers are gaining attention. He appeared on the December 27 broadcast of SBS’ “Good Morning.” The interviewer asked So Ji Sub what he believed his charms were. So Ji Sub answered, “I don’t know.”

Then So Ji Sub was asked if his personality was similar to the characters he portrayed on the SBS drama “Ghost.” So Ji Sub said, “I am an introvert and I don’t really like to be in front of people. The characters that I portrayed in the drama are always in front of people and have strong convictions. They are leaders. But, I am not like that. I actually like to stay hidden and observe from a distance.”

A week ago So Ji Sub appeared in a photoshoot for 1^st Look magazine.

[News] Lee Byung Hun Chosen As Movie Star Who Shined the Brightest in 2012.

[News] Lee Byung Hun Chosen As Movie Star Who Shined the Brightest in 2012.

Cr. - soompi

 
Lee Byung Hun was listed as first place on Korea’s Gallup “Movie Stars Who Shined the Year of 2012” for his appearance in the film “Kwang-Hae: the Man Who Became King.”

Between November 15 to 30, Korea Gallup ran a poll. Those who participated in the survey, which consisted of men and women 13 years and older, 37.6% of the people voted Lee Byung Hun for the title.  The actor was awarded first place for the second time. He took home the title back in 2009. 

Lee Byung Hun played a double role in the film “Kwang-Hae, the Man Who Became King” as Kwang-Hae Kun and storytelling drinker Ha-Sun.  The movie exceeded 12 million views and took third place in domestic box office history.  Furthermore, Lee Byung Hyun won best actor award at the 49th Dae Jong Film Festival. 

Lee Byung Hun received much love from all age groups, with the exception of women in their teens.  Ratings were particularly high with men in their 20s and women in their 30s.  Song Joong Ki took second place with his role in “Werewolf Boy.” 

Song Joong Ki won 15.0% of votes.  On December 24, the actor was first place on the Korea Gallup list of “Talents Who Shined in the Year of 2012,” making the year his own.  His co-star Park Bo Young received 4.2% votes, taking home eighth place.

At fourth place was Jang Dong Gun, who starred as Casanova Seipan in “Dangerous Affair,” while testing his love between Zhang Ziyi and Jang Baek Ji. The actor won 7.4% of the votes. Ha Jung Woo from “Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time” received a total of 6.4% votes, making it to  the top five list as well. 

This survey was conducted in a manner of individual interviews with a total sampling error of ± 2.4% points (95% confidence level).

[News] Kim Bum Thanks Fans for Christmas Gifts.

[News] Kim Bum Thanks Fans for Christmas Gifts. 
Cr. - soompi

Actor Kim Bum showed his handsome face to fans in a selca (Self Taken Camera Picture)  fashioned like a Christmas card.

On December 25, he updated his me2day saying “Thank you everyone for the gifts! They made my Christmas a very special one. Thank you and I love you all!” and uploaded the following photo.

In the photo, Kim Bum poses merrily next to the piles of gifts that fans have sent him with a bright smile on his face. He looked handsome with his styled hair, black leather jacket, and faux animal print patterned scarf. He used a photo editing feature to place reindeer antlers on his head and wish fans a Merry Christmas so they could save the photo as a keepsake.

In related news, Kim Bum joined the cast of drama “That Winter, The Wind Blows” that is scheduled to air its first episode this upcoming February.