Korea for me is...

2010 The Year of the Tiger

2010-01-01T19:51:00.001+08:00

The tiger may well be Korea's most beloved animal throughout its history. The country was once dubbed the "nation of tigers" as it has mountainous areas that provided them with a good habitat.

The animal has been a symbol of bravery, strength and dignity, and hence 2010, the Year of the Tiger, according to Chinese astrology, will be fervently hailed as a year of good fortune and vigor.

Tiger as Time, Space and Zodiac Sign

The tiger is the third sign in the Chinese zodiac of 12 animals. It is also represented by the month "inwol", the first month of the year; and the hour "insi", the 3rd in the 24 hour clock ― 03:00-5:00 a.m. in the lunar calendar. It also points to the bearing east-northeast. The white tiger is one of the four guardian gods ― three others are the blue dragon, the red bird and the black tortoise. They protect the four major directions with the tiger taking care of the west.

From Myth to Everyday Life

People's perception of tigers has changed over time ― in the past, they feared becoming prey to them, but nowadays they probably only see tigers in a zoo.

But the process of that change is interlaced with mysticism. The tiger, a vicious and ferocious beast, is also considered a mystical creature that keeps away evil spirits.

"In ancient times, the tiger was deemed a scary animal, but our ancestors weren't consumed by that fear. What is rather mystifying is that people also saw it as a guardian that drove away evil spirits, keeping peace and well-being in the village", Gu Mun-hoe, curator of the National Folk Museum of Korea, said.

Gu said that in their daily lives, warding off evil spirits was one of the major duties of the tiger. "It means the animal keeps away bad luck and evil spirits and draws in good luck. So our ancestors made talismans, using patterns shaped like a tiger".

The tiger and the falcon have three heads on talismans as defense against three years of misfortune and natural disasters caused by water, fire and wind. Also people sought protection from evil things using paraphernalia that had tiger patterns such as tiger skin on a bride's palanquin, tiger skin folding screens, tiger leg shapes for dining trays, and ornaments with tiger claw pendants.

"Also, we can see many stone tiger sculptures installed around royal tombs in the belief that they guarded the dead", said Gu.

He said that because of its strongly positive image, historical relics related to tigers have remained relatively large in number compared to others.

Presently, the tiger is favorably used as a model for commercial products. After the animal was symbolized as the cute and adorable "hodori", the mascot for the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, the tiger has been used as an emblem and symbol of universities and at sports events.

Tiger in Folk Belief

In Korean fairy tales the image of the tiger traditionally symbolized the people's spirit. In folk stories, it appears as a sacry tiger, a tiger returning a favor, a foolish tiger and a violent tiger, having equally both, positive and negative sides to its character.

The beast is used in satire about the human world in the stories "A Tiger Repays Kindness", "A Filial Son", and "A Virtuous Woman Catches a Scary Tiger".

Having a tiger pattern on military uniform's chest insignia during the Joseon Kingdom symbolized wealth and fame.

A painting of a hunting scene "Horyeopdo" is one of the ways to express the bravery of the officers.

"Jakhodo", the painting of a magpie and a tiger, shows the joy of the New Year and the warding off evil spirits.

Also, in books on geomantic guidelines, the shape of a tiger lying down is one of the most fortunate places from a topographical point of view.

Exhibitions Featuring Year of Tiger

The National Folk Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition titled "From Myth to Everyday Life" to showcase about 100 tiger-related relics through March 1.

The event looks into the transition of the tiger, as a symbol of Korean culture and history through the Year of the Tiger. "With this, we can find out how closely the images of the tiger are connected with us in everyday life", said Gu.

The exhibition displays various items related to the tiger such as "Eo", the tiger-shaped wooden percussion instrument, stamps as talismen and the bride's palanquin and blankets with tiger-patterned designs and folk paintings. For more information, call (02) 3704-3152.

Gallery I presents a special exhibition of tiger folk paintings by Nam Jung-ye through Jan. 12. The gallery showcases the artist's experimental works that blend traditional subjects with modern touches. Tigers are portrayed in diverse spectrums in the folk paintings. For more information, call (02) 733-3695.

The Seongnam Culture Foundation will hold an exhibition of "bokjumeoni", Korean traditional coin purses to represent good fortune, at the outdoor plaza of the Seongnam Art Center through Feb. 28. Visitors can also view installation artwork inspired by the animal and folktales. For more details, call (031) 783-8000.

The Lotte Department Store's Avenuel Gallery offers a tiger exhibition through Jan. 27. Renowned folk painter Suh Gong-im's works, including a painting of a tiger 530 centimeters wide, which was shown during the Beijing Olympic Games in China last year, are on display. For more information, call (02) 726-4428.

Famous Tiger People

Tigers are believed to be courageous, active and self-assured, optimistic, passionate and independent but sometimes they are rebellious, unpredictable and quick-tempered.

In the Korean traditional belief, people who were born in the year of the tiger are believed to have such traits.

Male idol stars are among the stars born in the Year of the Tiger: Micky, Hero, U-Know of the top idol group TVXQ, Kim Hyun-joong from SS501 were born in 1986, the year of the tiger.

Celebrities who turn 37 this year include actors Eom Tae-woong, Sin Ha-gyoon, Joo Jin-mo, Moon So-ri and Kim Ji-young, who were born in 1974.

Also, stars born in 1962, Choi Min-sik, Choi Min-soo, Choi Soo-jong, Choi Yang-rak and Choi Myeong-gil are tigers.

Top singer Cho Yong-pil was also born in the year of the tiger in 1950.

Source: Chung Ah-young, koreatimes.co.kr

Rain: 'Bbaek-ga Is a Strong Person and Will Overcome'

2010-01-01T19:45:00.002+08:00

Actor and singer Rain expressed his concerned feelings regarding his close friend Bbaek-ga (real name: Baek Sung-hyun, 28) who has been suffering from a brain tumor, saying, "Bbaek-ga is a strong person and will overcome".

In a recent interview, Rain remarked about Bbaek-ga's fight against the disease. Rain said, "Since I met him when I was 15 years old, we danced together, and our relationship has been strong with trust for each other. These are not just comforting words. He will be fine just as before, because he is strong".

Bbaek-ga was diagnosed with a brain tumor during his service as a public servant at the Seoul Central District Court. He has been scheduled for tumor removal surgery on Jan. 22, 2010 at a general hospital located in Kangnam, Seoul.

A spokesperson for Bbaek-ga reported, "The size of the tumor is large, but fortunately it is not a malignant tumor. However, according to medical staff, the surgery will not be easy because it is in the cerebral meninges and the disease can come back".

The spokesperson added, "Bbaek-ga is receiving additional tests now before surgery, and he is being careful to think about positive thoughts. Meanwhile, Bbaek-ga left the message on his personal Cyworld homepage, 'My homepage was hacked by pornographic site ads after the news about my sickness and I did not want to deal with it', and he closed it".

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Rain at the airport

2009-11-13T21:39:00.001+08:00

He looks so hot even when he's wearing all black and is covering his face with a hoodie and sunglasses.

Rain is leaving for Washington for the "Ninja Assassin" promotion in the U.S.

The young hot star looks great even when he's trying to avoid all the attention.

Source: newscomm.nate.com

Rain Fueled by 'Fury' for 'Ninja Assassin'

2009-11-10T13:38:00.002+08:00

Ninja Assassin
(닌자 어쌔신 - 2009)

For his first Hollywood lead role in "Ninja Assassin", Rain had to forget he was a pop star and trained alongside stuntmen for six hours a day, over six months ― all when he could have been comfortably playing sweet TV roles or dancing onstage for staunch Asian fans.

His secrets to achieving zero percent body fat? Anti-fans and mom, said the 27-year-old in a crowded press conference Monday in Seoul.

"There were many times when I wanted to return to Korea, where I could be busy giving concerts and starring in TV dramas and movies. I seriously contemplated it many times over the eight months (of shooting `Ninja Assassin'.)", said Rain, who showed off his build in a fitted double-breasted suit.

But he stayed because he had made a promise to fans, and also because of his pride.

His trainers, who are now like family, would provoke him, saying that Matt Damon or Brad Pitt outperformed him in lifting 100-kilogram weights.

"I would also wake up in the morning and flip through the `very nice' newspaper articles that criticized me and read negative comments from anti-fans", he said about feeling compelled to prove himself. "I thought I had to show that I can make a debut in the United States rather than just talk about it".

The modern martial arts flick is the South Korean superstar's second collaboration with the creators of "The Matrix" series. He made his Hollywood debut in "Speed Racer", which was directed by the Wachowski brothers, and assumes his first lead role in the upcoming film, which is produced by the talented brothers and directed by James McTeigue ("V for Vendetta").

This is also the first time a local star is playing the title role in a major Hollywood franchise.

He said he pulled off 90 percent of the stunt roles, using minimal wire support. He was hurt on many occasions, and though he didn't break any bones he bears "many scars of honor".

Thinking about his late mother, however, fueled his "passion" for the project.

"My mother used to wake up at 5 a.m. every day and would work all day, come home at midnight and go to sleep at 1 or 2 in the morning. She did this for many years to support me and my sister. I thought if I can't survive this I can't do anything. This is the beginning of a new stage in my life and I cannot afford to be lazy", he said.

"I heard people get three chances in life, and I've had my three: first when I met (music producer JYP or Park) Jin-young, second when I met the Wachowski brothers through `Speed Racer' and third, when they offered me the part for `Ninja Assassin"', he said.

"I'd be lying if I didn't wish the movie to be a box office success, because everyone worked so hard. But regardless of the results this has opened a lot of doors for me, and I hope it will also open more opportunities for Asian actors, and particularly Korean actors", he said, since Asians still have "a low success rate" in Tinseltown.

In addition to Rain, the movie stars Korean-American actors Randall Duk Kim and Rick Yune.

Rain plays the role of Raizo, an orphan who is trained by a secret ninja clan to become a deadly killer. But when Raizo witnesses the murder of his good friend, he turns his back on his clan and plots revenge. When asked if he could relate to his character, he said he hopes he has nothing in common with such an introverted, violent persona but hopes fans will discover a new side to his conventional image.

Rain will continue his promotional tour Nov. 11 to 22 across the U.S., including New York and Los Angeles. He will then visit Hong Kong Nov. 28 and 29, Jakarta, Indonesia on Dec. 3 and finally Shanghai through the following week of December.

Meanwhile, the pop singer will hold concerts in the U.S. for the first time in three years next month, Dec. 24 and 25 at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas.

The movie, rated 18 and over, will open in theaters Nov. 26. 98 minutes. Distributed by Warner Brothers Korea.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

H1N1 Influenza A Claims Lee Kwang-gi's Only Son

2009-11-10T13:17:00.003+08:00

Lee Kwang-gi's only son died from H1N1 influenza A, according to the actor's agent, Sunday.

The seven-year-old had suffered from a long-standing cough and was taken to hospital Friday evening, but died Sunday morning.

There was confusion over the cause of death ― the agent first said that the child died of pneumonia and that his influenza A test was negative.

But, hours later, they said that Lee's son had tested positive, as the result came belatedly.

As with many flu cases, the child seemed to be recovering after being hospitalized but his condition grew worse Sunday morning. His time of death was around 10 a.m.

The news of Lee's death brought sorrow to friends and fans, as the elder Lee had been living as "goose father" for the past two years, while his wife took their son to the Philippines to help him learn English. They returned recently, not fulfilling their original plan of a five-year stay, mostly because Lee missed his son, according to reports.

Starting as a child actor, Lee is having his personal renaissance as a comedian, enjoying popularity for the dramas and movies he has appeared in. The 40-year-old also dabbled with a singing career, releasing his first single "Smile Smile" early this year.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Rain, Park JS to be Introduced on CNN

2009-10-22T14:07:00.001+08:00

South Korean singer Rain and professional soccer player Park Ji-sung will be aired on a special program series by U.S. cable network CNN.

CNN will broadcast "Eye on South Korea" from Monday through Friday to highlight various aspects of the East Asian nation, including its ongoing efforts to overcome the global financial crisis.

Rain and Park will be introduced in the "Talk Asia" section, which will be aired to some 250 million households around the world.

Park's interview will be aired on Wednesday, while Rain's interview is on October 28th.

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Kang In turns himself in for hit and run

2009-10-22T13:58:00.001+08:00

Kang In had been arrested for violence and this time he hit a car and ran off only to turn himself in after 6 hours.

The star was drunk on the night of 15th and ran into a taxi driving his vehicle.

At the time, taxi driver who was 54 years old was in the car with 2 passengers but luckily no one was hurt.

After the hit and run, he went to a police station on his own in the morning.

He has the low alcohol level of 0.081% which is less than 0.116%, the limit of alcohol to be persecuted at the time. However, because he hit a car and ran off, he must face legal consequences.

Source: news.nate.com

Rain interviewed by CNN

2009-10-22T13:54:00.001+08:00

Rain is on CNN with the soccer player Park Ji-sung for the CNN's special corner "Eye on South Korea" that is part of "Talk Asia".

Anna Coren, CNN anchor has visited Korea for this interview!

This interview is 40 minutes long on TV but the actual filming took 2 hours! They talked about Rain's success story as a singer, his Asia Tour, and "Ninja Assassin".

His Legend of Rainism concert's backstage has been filmed in a documentary style.

The interview will be showed this 21st and 28th.

Source: news.nate.com

So Ji-sub in Japan for a new drama

2009-10-08T11:04:00.004+08:00

Sad Love Story
(슬픈 연가 - 2005)

Sorry, I Love You
(미안하다, 사랑한다 - 2004)

Models
(모델 - 1997)

A preview for a Japanese drama starring hallyu (Korean wave) star So Ji-sub will take place in Tokyo next week.

The show, "I am GHOST", will be featured on BEE TV, a mobile phone broadcaster, starting Oct. 20. The preview will be held at the Tokyo International Forum Hall in Yurakucho, Oct. 13.

So, 32, who plays heroine Mitsuki Tanimura, director Toshiro Sonoda and other staff members will give a full account of the filming process during the preview, according to Yonhap News.

"I am GHOST", BEE TV's first action drama, consists of 24 five-minute episodes.

The drama tells the Sad Love Story of a young girl (Mitsuki Tanimura) who contemplates suicide, and a wounded ghost (So Ji-sub).

So Ji-sub debuted as a model for a clothing company in 1995. Two year later, he made his television acting debut in the SBS drama "Models". He gained fame in 2004 when the KBS drama "Sorry, I Love You", co-starring actress Im Soo-jeong, became a smash hit.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Actor Bae Yong-joon to Have Medical Check

2009-10-08T11:01:00.003+08:00

Winter Sonata
(겨울연가 - 2002)

Top hallyu star Bae Yong-joon cut short his stay in Japan and returned home earlier than scheduled due to a sudden deterioration in his health, his agency BOF said.

Bae came home Friday, cancelling some events to meet with his fans. He was originally scheduled to stay there until Sunday.

His agency said the actor seemed to have overworked during his stay in Japan to promote his book "A Journey in Search of Korean Beauty" and the animated version of the mega-hit TV drama "Winter Sonata" he starred in.

Bae, diagnosed with a drop in his blood sugar level and blood pressure, was advised to relax for a while by doctors after his return. He has shown improvement after resting the past days, his agency said, adding he will undergo a medical checkup soon to see whether he needs to be hospitalized.

The 37-year-old actor shed more than 10 kilograms during his travels around the country for the compilation of essays on Korean culture and travel.

Bae fainted on Sept. 17 due to the same ailments he currently suffers from and was hospitalized for five days. He was then diagnosed to be in the early stage of sepsis.

He had been advised by doctors against visiting Japan but pressed ahead with the plan and had a large-scale promotional event in the Tokyo Dome at the end of last month.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Actor Shin Accused of Assaulting Manager

2009-09-25T18:39:00.002+08:00

Barefoot Ki-bong
(맨발의 기봉이 - 2006)

The General's Son
(장군의 아들 - 1990)

The manager of movie actor Shin Hyeon-joon filed a complaint with the police against the 41-year-old for assault, according to the Gangnam Police Station, Thursday.

Police said that the manager, only identified as Jang, who has been working with the actor for the past five years, claimed that he was assaulted by Shin after having a conversation at a bar in Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, early this month.

"The content of the written complaint is not enough to prove Shin's charges, so we need additional investigations", a police officer said. "After confirming the complaint with Jang, we will summon Shin and investigate further".

Shin made his debut in 1990 in the movie "The General's Son" and has appeared in numerous films and dramas ever since.

Two of his most famous works include the drama "Stairway to Heaven" (2003, SBS) and the film "Barefoot Ki-bong" (2006). He published a photo-essay "Shin Hyeon-joon's Confessions" last year, which documented his personal story about life and religion.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Rain Joins F1 Rocks Concert in Singapore

2009-09-25T18:31:00.001+08:00

Korean pop star Rain has filmed a segment for the F1 Rocks show, the only officially F1 endorsed concert during the Grand Prix week in Singapore.

The three-day music festival, which began at Fort Canning, Thursday, will be recorded and repackaged as two music and entertainment shows that will air to 600 million viewers in about 200 countries, Rain's agency J. Tune Entertainment said in a statement.

The concert is bringing some of the biggest names in music to the island city state, with the concert being broadcast on the eve of the "2009 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix" that starts Sunday.

Rain filmed the clip in the Chinese and Japanese Garden, one of the most popular tour sites in Singapore, along with Mark Webber, the 2008 German Grand Pix winner. They performed as racers fighting for an F1 championship.

Rain's filming is also designed to promote his upcoming movie "Ninja Assassin", which will hit theaters around the world Nov. 26.

Among other stars participating in the concert are Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, DJ Havana Brown and Jacky Cheung.

Rain returned home Thursday to prepare for his concert scheduled for Oct. 9-10 in Seoul, the first leg of his 2009 Asian Tour.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Lee Seung-gi becomes MC!

2009-09-23T13:35:00.000+08:00

The first talk show lead for the nation's MC Kang Ho-dong will be partnering with the young actor Lee Seung-gi for the new SBS show, "Kang Sim Jang".

It is first time that Lee will be MC for a talk show and everyone around him encouraged him for this position!

The two MCs have already worked together for a different variety show and will be great coworkers for this new show also.

Good luck on the new show!

Source: news.nate.com

Kang In quits from "Human Network Miracle" MC position

2009-09-23T13:11:00.001+08:00

He has been in the scenes and possibly part of the violent fight. Kang In had to quit from his MC position in the cable channel KBS drama "Human Network Miracle".

Kang In's last filming has been last 8th and starting 28th, he will not be in the show aired.

Other stars like Eteuk, Shin Dong, and Eun-hyeok are still in the show!

Source: news.nate.com

Isn't that the train station from 'My Sassy Girl'?

2009-09-17T14:54:00.001+08:00

Thirst (박쥐 - 2009)	Full House (풀하우스 - 2004)
Hi, Dharma 2: Showdown in Seoul (달마야, 서울가자 - 2004)	Silmido (실미도 - 2003)
Stairway to Heaven (천국의 계단 - 2003)	My Sassy Girl (엽기적인 그녀 - 2001)

Moviegoers and drama lovers flipping through photos of Incheon and may think certain places seem vaguely familiar. With beaches, islands, an amusement park, Chinatown and Korea's largest airport, it's no wonder this metropolitan city has established itself as a filming location for movies such as the recent Cannes favorite, "Thirst".

"There seem to be all kinds of interesting sites in Incheon", says Yook Sang-hyo, director of the 2004 film "Hi, Dharma 2: Showdown in Seoul". "The beautiful roads by the seaside and the busy ports make it possible for the city to be a great background for any kind of movie".

He's not kidding. According to the Incheon Film Commission, a total of 27 movies and dramas were filmed in various locations around Incheon in 2008. Thirst, for instance, found the perfect spot last year in a factory near Incheon International Airport.

But fans may also remember the locations of some popular hits from a while back.

One of the most famous on-screen sites in the Incheon area is "Full House", named after the eponymous 2004 KBS-TV drama featuring singer Rain and actress Song Hye-kyo. The beautifully constructed set near Sugi Beach on Si Island, Ongjin County, attracted many visitors even after the drama ended.

SBS-TV's "Stairway to Heaven", which starred Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo, also featured a gorgeous house by the seaside on Muui Island in Incheon. It is a well-known tourist site, with shellfish covering the seashore.

Muui Island was also the backdrop for the 2003 hit film "Silmido" directed by Kang Woo-seok. The movie, set in the 1960s and 1970s, is based on the true story of a group of criminals who were brought to an uninhabited island and trained to kill North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.

And remember "My Sassy Girl"? You can't forget Jeon Ji-hyeon, drunk and asleep on a subway station bench, making Cha Tae-hyeon give her a piggyback ride to a cheap motel. That was Incheon's Bupyeong Station. The film also includes scenes shot at Incheon Station.

"What's attractive about Incheon is there is such variety to this city", comments Yi Hyun-shik, an administrator at the Incheon Foundation for Arts and Culture.

"We can still see the 1970s in downtown Incheon, while the 1980s, the years of Korea's transformation, are left in parts of the city here and there. Incheon is a place where you can see the newly changing 21st century".

By Lee Hae-joo Contributing writer
____________________________
Incheon offers a number of on-screen sites including "Full House", named after the eponymous 2004 drama. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com

Boy Band Leader in Bar Brawl

2009-09-17T14:50:00.000+08:00

Kang In, a member of the popular boy band, Super Junior, was booked without physical detention after a bar brawl in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Wednesday.

According to Gangnam Police Station, Kang, whose real name is Kim Yong-un, got into a fight with a patron, identified as a Kim, in a bar early Wednesday morning.

Kang and his friend moved outside the bar and continued to fight with Kim and his friend.

Police said that Kang was fully intoxicated.

"I was provoked without any reason", he was quoted as saying.

However, Kim claimed that it was not he but Kang In that started the fight.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

"Paju" - prohibited love

2009-09-15T20:47:00.002+08:00

Movie stars Lee Seon-gyoon and Seo Woo are expressing the prohibited love.

This film will be released on October 29th and the teaser poster has been released! The poster shows Lee and Seo on holding each other firmly.

Lee doesn't have the same gentle and sweet image, but now carries the strong and secretive look. Seo Woo looks like she is mysterious and has a lot going inside her mind.

The two character's love story is not sweet!

Director Park Chan-ok has been working on this film since 2003 and has been almost 7 years. Finally, the story of wanting older sister's man is being revealed!

Source: news.nate.com

Rain Says Al Pacino Is His Hero

2009-09-08T14:59:00.001+08:00

Korean singer and actor Rain said he wants to work with his"hero" Al Pacino someday.

MTV presented a question and answer session between the Korean pop star and his fans in time with the release of the first full clip from the action flick "Ninja Assassin", in which Rain plays a starring role.

Asked whether there is any action star he would like to team up with for a movie, Rain said, "When I was young, `Scarface' was my favorite film. Al Pacino is my hero. I want to work with him".

Rain said he sustained lots of cuts on his body while acting for the new film, "Ninja Assasin", which hits theaters Nov. 25.

"I have lots of cuts on my body. When I was doing a stunt, even though everyone took care of me, I still got hurt a lot", he said.

Rain told his fans that diet was the hardest part of the training he went through for the movie.

"I ate chicken breast for eight months with vegetables. That was terrible. No sugar. No salt. I don't want to eat chicken breast anymore. I like junk food, French fries, hamburgers ― I love it", he said.

He indicated that in the future he will make an English-language album for international fans.

"I don't have plans yet for an English album, but I will. Please wait for me", he said.

The young Korean actor is already a pop-culture phenomenon in Korea. Now, with his first starring role, he seems poised to earn some new fans in the States.

Filmed in Berlin, Germany, the action adventure movie is produced by Joel Silver and the Wachowski brothers.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Tablo & Kang to Tie the Knot in October

2009-09-07T17:25:00.003+08:00

Hip hop group Epik High leader Tablo and actress Kang Hye-jung will tie the knot in October.

A source from Tablo was quoted as saying Saturday, "Tablo is preparing for the October wedding. The couple will become father and mother next year". "They had planned to wed next year but Kang's pregnancy caused them to advance the wedding date". Kang is reportedly in her fifth week of pregnancy.

Tablo, 29, and Kang, 27, have been dating since they had a first meeting at Epik High's Christmas concert last year.

Unlike other celebrity couples who usually keep their love stories secret, the Tablo-Kang couple has been showing their love through various TV shows and press interviews.

Tablo is a leading Korean hip hop musician, rap artist, songwriter and lyricist.

Kang made her debut as a magazine model while attending a high school. She gained fame through her role as "Mido" in "Old Boy", the critically acclaimed film directed by Park Chan-wook.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

'World's Saddest Wedding'

2009-09-03T12:59:00.000+08:00

'World's Saddest Wedding'

Jang Jin-yeong said good-bye to her husband in his arms as she left this earth. It is known that she had married Mr. Kim 4 days before her death!

Mr. Kim has made their marriage official through turning in documents last 28th. Jang's cancer has been worsening yet, the marriage procedures were continued.

The disease did not stop these two lovers from getting married. They did not tell anyone of their secret marriage and have been able to make their love official.

The wedding took place in America soon after they went last July.

When Jang had received news that she had cancer, she decided to break up with her boyfriend last September. However, Mr. Kim has been by his side ever since. This love grew stronger as they went hiking, visited concerts, and made as many memories as possible.

Mr. Kim was able to fulfill his promise that he would be her man as long as she lived. Mr. Kim did not leave her side even after her death. He has nursed her and was able to let her go with her smiling and at peace.

Source: news.nate.com

Jang Jin-yeong Dies of Cancer at 35

2009-09-02T12:19:00.004+08:00

Korean actress Jang Jin-yeong passed away Tuesday evening after losing a battle against stomach cancer. She was 35.

Jang had been hospitalized in Seoul after her condition recently worsened and doctors had reportedly been giving her morphine and other drugs to relieve the pain.

The news of the actress' sudden hospitalization Tuesday startled fans, as it was thought that she was recovering after resting for a month in Los Angeles.

Jang was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September last year when she paid a visit to the hospital for a regular checkup. What she thought was a stomach ulcer turned out to be cancer, and Jang has been out of the public eye ever since.

"Actress Jang Jin-young passed away today at the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital at Catholic University of Korea. Even after she was diagnosed with cancer, she was always positive and tried to pay back the love and support her fans sent her. We will remember her passion toward films and we hope she stays in our hearts forever", Jang's agency, Yedang Entertainment, said through a press release.

After winning the Miss South Chungcheong Province beauty pageant in 1992, Jang started her career as a model. She made her first appearance as an actress in 1997 in the television miniseries "The Angel in Me" (KBS). She continued to appear regularly on television before making her big screen debut in the 1999 horror film "Jaguimo" starring Kim Hee-seon. Her first big hit was the movie "The Foul King" in 2000, and from then the actress was seen in numerous films such as "The Siren" (2000), "Sorum" (2001), "Over the Rainbow" (2002), "The Scent of Love" (2003) and "Singles" (2003).

In the horror film "Sorum", Jang played a mysterious wife with a secret and won the Best Actress Award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. The hit movie "Singles", where she played the quirky character Na-nan, also got her the same recognition at the 2003 awards. Her character in "Singles" was a big hit among young women, with many changing their hairstyles to the short and curly hairdo the actress wore in the film.

"The Scent of Love" was also one of her best known works, where Jang played a patient diagnosed with stomach cancer.

In 2006, Jang joined fellow actor Kim Seung-woo for the movie "Between Love and Hate" ("The Unbearable Lightness of Dating") and won the Best Actress Award at the Korean Film Awards.

The actress returned to the television screen in 2007 in the drama "Lobbyist" with fellow actor Song Il-gook. She was diagnosed right after the drama finished.

Along with numerous films, the actress also appeared in various commercials ranging from cosmetics to electronic goods.

A ceremonial funeral hall will be set up at the ASAN Medical Center in southern Seoul.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Stars come to say Good-by to Jang Jin-yeong

2009-09-02T12:13:00.002+08:00

After hearing the devastating news of actress Jang Jin-yeong's death, they have all come to say goodbye to her.

They are all shocked to hear this and are grieving for the abrupt death.

The actress' health has deteriorated so badly after a year fighting cancer.

She came to Korea in August when the battle against cancer became harder. Her funeral will be on the 4th.

Source: news.nate.com

Rain injures his knee

2009-09-01T11:36:00.000+08:00

Rain also known as Jeong Ji-hoon has returned to Korea with an injured knee.

He was performing a concert in Japan where he injured his knee and had to return to Korea in haste. He jumped as a routine for his performance where he landed incorrectly.

It is not very serious but he will definitely need some time to rest. It is unknown as to whether he can attend the Incheon Korean Music Wave this 5th.

Source: news.nate.com

Happily in Love!

2009-08-28T15:02:00.002+08:00

Worlds Within
(그들이 사는 세상 - 2008)

Hyeon Bin is so lucky to be loved by the top actress Song Hye-kyo!

She has been in a magazine shoot and interviewed through HIGHCUT magazine's 11'th issue.

The staff say that she is always smiling, light hearted, and happy just like a person in love! After "Worlds Within" drama the relationship between Song and Hyeon grew and became lovers that became a hot topic!

The two are the same age born in 1982 and they made public their relationship to the press last July.

Source: news.nate.com

Rain forecast for this weekend

2009-08-27T14:00:00.001+08:00

Korean pop star Rain will be kicking off his Asian tour this weekend in Japan.

The singer will perform both Saturday and Sunday at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama City. Tickets for the concert, titled, "Legend of Rainism 2009: Rain Asia Tour in Japan", are already all sold out according to J.Tune Entertainment, Rain's management agency.

After his performances in Japan, the singer will stage concerts in Seoul and Hong Kong in October and December, respectively.

"Because he'll be promoting his Hollywood movie 'Ninja Assassin' in November, he only has a few dates on his tour schedule", said an official at J.Tune.

"But though there are only a small number of concerts, we're all doing more to increase the quality of the performances".

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com

So Ji-sub in romantic comedy with Zang Ziyi

2009-08-22T09:37:00.003+08:00

Sophie's Revenge
(소피의 연애 매뉴얼 (菲常完美) - 2009)

So Ji-sub and Zang Ziyi are in their first romantic comedy film, "Sophie's Revenge" which is being a hit in China!

Last 14th, the film was released and for the first week it has hit the box office chart's number 1. And among other films released in the same genre, this film has received the best ratings and reviews!

This film will be released in more than 800 theaters because of its great popularity. It will be soon released in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries.

It is about a famous actress who wishes to find revenge for her lost love, a doctor, to Sophie.

Source: news.nate.com

First public event as a couple, Hyeon Bin and Song Hye-kyo

2009-08-22T09:32:00.007+08:00

Worlds Within
(그들이 사는 세상 - 2008)

Hyeon Bin and Song Hye-kyo will be in Yokohama, Japan on the 26th of September for the promotion of their drama, "Worlds Within".

The two have revealed their relationship to the world and will be attending this event as a couple and coworkers! It is definitely bringing so much attention to them from their fans!

They have been in a relationship starting this June after they have met through working in the drama together.

Song has recently been in China for a apparel brand commercial shoot and has returned on the 19th!

Source: news.nate.com

HOT NEWS: Song Hye-kyo and Hyeon Bin, a couple!

2009-08-07T08:19:00.006+08:00

Friend, Our Story
(친구, 우리들의 전설 - 2009)

Worlds Within
(그들이 사는 세상 - 2008)

Song Hye-kyo and Hyeon Bin are in a relationship!
Last October in the drama, "Worlds Within" they have met and worked with each other that led them to become a couple! It has been 10 months since they have met, and they have been in a relationship since last June! It has been two months now!

They two have been interviewed and confirmed that they are an official couple.

It is a first that the two stars both loved all around Asia are in a relationship. They are definitely busy, but were able to make time for each other and trust one another as their relationship developed.

Song and Hyeon have first met through the drama, "Worlds Within" where their characters were a couple and that's when it all started.

However, after that Hyeon Bin was in Busan for a new drama, "Friend, Our Story" and the two have been separated for 6 months. Yet, they were able to love each other more through this separation.

It is known that they have dated in cafes a lot and have been hanging out in groups with friends rather than being alone. They also enjoyed taking drives and watching dramas together.

Song monitors the drama that Hyeon Bin is in and gives constructive criticism. The two are both actors so they share a lot about acting and works.

The entertainment companies did not deny their relationship but rather was very positive about their connection. Many eyes are watching the two stars and are expecting more good news from them!

Source: news.nate.com

Kwon Sang-woo in Hollywood!

2009-07-28T08:50:00.002+08:00

Kwon Sang-woo has received a lovecall from the Hollywood film "Green Hornet" for the character Kato that was supposed to be Stephen Chow's role. Stephen Chow was to direct the film. He stepped off due to miscommunication issues. Michel Gondry will replace Stephen Chow as the director.

Asia's star Kwon Sang-woo has been able to break through the language barrier and take part in this film!

It is known that Kwon's English hasn't been perfect throughout the audition with the main actor Seth Rogen, however, it was successful.

The filming will begin this September and will be released in 2010.
Other stars in this film are Nicolas Cage and Cameron Diaz.

Green Hornet has been a popular radio drama of 1930s and has been made into a film in 1940. It has also been loved as comic books and TV series.

Green Hornet's main character is about a hero who works in a newspaper company as an editor which she inherited from her father and in the night living as a green hornet wearing a black mask defeating enemies.

Kwon's role will be that of a driver of the green hornet. Kwon will be driving Black Beauty which is a top rate automobile.

Source: news.nate.com

Jang Dong-gun for President?

2009-07-25T13:40:00.003+08:00

Star director Jang Jin got Korea's leading man Jang Dong-gun to try his hand at comedy for the first time. JANG is set to play a young charismatic president in the upcoming KnJ Entertainment production "Good Morning President". The explosive combination of Jang Jin and Jang Dong-gun turns it into a highly anticipated fall release.

Han Chae-young has been cast in the female lead role. The story will be about three persons who get to meet the president. With Jang Jin at the helm, the film will be spiced up with Jang Jin's characteristic peculiar humour. Jang Dong-gun told reporters that except the young age of the president, the film has no similarities to current U.S. President Obama's story. "Good Morning President" is scheduled for an October release in cinemas.

Jang Dong-gun has been absent from the big screen for four years, since he appeared in 2005's "Typhoon". He's best known for the films "Friend" and "Taegukgi". Jang Dong-gun returns this year with two films. Besides "Good Morning President", his English language film debut "The Warrior's Way" – alongside Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush – is also set for a 2009 release.

Source: koreanfilm.or.kr

Long Awaited Tsunami Movie "Haeundae" about to Hit Korea

2009-07-25T13:29:00.003+08:00

For what maybe the longest possible wait for an internationally released movie to hit its own shores, "Haeundae" is about to be released in Korea. Back in April the film sold to a number of territories at the Hong Kong Film Mart. The CJ released film then went on to repeat its success at Cannes. Given its star pull and its sizable success overseas, there is much anticipation for the film here in Korea.

The film headed by director Youn J.K. (Yoon Je-kyoon) is set in the southern tip of South Korea in the city of Pusan. The city which is the name sake of Asia's largest international film festival also boasts the seaside resort of Haeundae a beach which can attract a million people a day at the height of summer. This sets the scene for gigantic tidal wave that is about to engulf the city at just this time – Summer, as it is in Korea now. Ironically the film, which was filmed partly in California, is a more human story focusing on Man-sik, a local who runs a small seafood restaurant. After losing a friend to the sea a year before he can never go back. Later, while running into a stream of complications he is forced to confront his fear in the shape of a 500 mph wall of water.

"Haeundae" stars Seol Kyeong-gu ("Public Enemy", "Voice of Murderer") as the title character and Ha Ji-won of "BA:BO" fame. It was released on July 23.

Rain to Get Exclusive IPTV Channel

2009-07-25T13:23:00.003+08:00

Singer and actor Rain now has his own Internet protocol television (IPTV) channel where fans can catch glimpses of the star from morning to night, starting next month.

The singer's agency, J. Tune Entertainment, announced Friday that SK Broad & TV has decided to open an exclusive channel for him. This is the first time for a local celebrity to have his or her own channel on IPTV. The channel name has yet to be made.

Rain's channel will offer various categories that will reveal everything about the singer.

The "History" category will have music videos from his latest five albums, along with clips of his videos, while the "Designer Rain" category will offer fans the chance to peek behind the scenes of the singer's fashion brand, Six to Five.

Other categories will include commercials, performances, live concerts, photo shoots and other clips of Rain working as a singer, actor and designer, including unreleased material.

"As this is the first time for a local celebrity to have an exclusive channel on television, we feel a great deal of responsibility. We will put forth our efforts to bring more exclusive channels for artists in the long run. This channel has given us the opportunity to look for ways artists can get closer to and communicate better with fans", J.Tune Entertainment said.

Rain, who is the goodwill ambassador for Seoul city, will hold his 2009 Global Fan Meeting in Seoul Sunday at Kyung Hee University. It will be the first time for the singer to appear in front of fans in a year. His upcoming movie, "Ninja Assassin", will be in theaters in November.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

New drama starring Jang Hyeok and Oh Ji-ho

2009-07-20T15:45:00.001+08:00

Jang Hyeok and Oh Ji-ho are casted for the new drama, "Slave Catcher" as main characters.

Jang Hyeok is the slave catcher and Oh Ji-ho is the runaway slave. Jang Hyeok's last historical drama was in 2003, SBS. Jang Hyeok will be looking for the woman he loves dearly while he chases the runaway slave.

For Oh Ji-ho, it will be his first historical drama ever. Oh's character has been framed thus ended up as a slave unfortunately.

The drama will be aired Wednesdays and Thursdays on KBS 2TV starting this October!

Source: news.nate.com

Rain to Return With Asian Tour

2009-07-16T12:29:00.001+08:00

Singer and actor Rain will wipe away the summer heat with his upcoming Asian tour "Legend of 'Rain"' this August.

Starting in Japan, the concert will tour China and Southeast Asia, where the 27-year-old singer is popular, according to the singer's agency J.Tune Entertainment.

"(The title) shows his determination to become a legendary icon representing this period", the agency said through a press release.

The event has been in preparation ever since 'Rain"s fifth album release, which was a year ago, and the singer is planning to show his multiple talents as an entertainer by participating in the overall concert planning.

"Legend of 'Rain"' is his first tour in two years, and the agency stressed that they are planning a grand event to not only wow Asian fans, but fans around the world as well.

An agency official added that the event was to originally to visit more countries, but was downsized due to the promotion tour for the singer's upcoming film "Ninja Assassin". The movie is slated for release on Sept. 25.

Rain is planning to meet fans from regions he has never been to, and was quoted as saying that he hoped to meet as many fans possible through the concert. Organizers added that a Seoul concert will take time to confirm.

Meanwhile, Rain is holding a special fan meeting on July 26 at Kyung Hee University to meet fans prior to the concert.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Rain to Help Hansik Globalization

2009-07-14T18:17:00.002+08:00

Singer Rain will join Korea's efforts to help the world enjoy its indigenous food, other wise known as "hansik".

The international acclaimed singer, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, was appointed Monday as a point man for the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in leading the hansik globalization initiative.

"Hansik is seriously making its debut on the world stage but, with 'Rain"s help, it will in no time become food everybody can enjoy, like the world enjoying 'Rain"s music", Minister Chang Tae-pyong said, while presenting the singer with a plaque and certificate at his office in the Gacheon Government Complex.

The minister said that Rain would participate in hansik banquets for foreign dignitaries and help them to learn and enjoy Korean food.

Rain will serve as "Hansik Ambassador" for the next year, starring in promotional videos and taking part in related events. His hit number, "I do", was played as background music during the ceremony and for a video clip entitled, "Rain Soaked in the Beauty of Hansik".

A ministry official said that inviting Rain to assist in the globalization of hansik shows that Korea is very serious about turning the food industry into its future growth engine.

Under Minister Chang's leadership, Korea is pushing hard with a variety of related efforts from the standardization of hansik dishes to the provision of incentives for big hotels to open up hansik restaurants. In the ministry's annual food expo in October, a competition is scheduled for new and aspiring chefs.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Actress' Husband Kills Himself Over Debt

2009-07-10T13:57:00.001+08:00

The husband of actress Kim Da-hye was found dead in a motel in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, in what is believed to be a suicide, police said Thursday.

The man, identified as Jang, 34, was also the former manager of comedians Nam Hee-suk and Kim Ji-sun. He used briquettes to inhale toxic gases, police said.

Jang ran an entertainment agency and managed a number of comedians.

He married Kim, who starred in the 2006 movie "Silk Shoes", in May 2007.

Jang left a suicide note to his wife, police added. According to close associates, he disappeared in May. He is said to have been suffering from debt problems and overdue payments owed to comedians contracted to his firm. An autopsy is to be carried out.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Kim Jeong-hoon In Comical Role

2009-07-01T19:09:00.003+08:00

The premiere of the Korean-Japanese movie "Cafe Seoul" starring singer Kim Jeong-hoon from the duet UN was held June 28 in Tokyo. It was attended by filmmaker Masaharu Take, actor Kim Dong-wook from the TV drama "Coffee Prince", up-and-coming actor Takumi Saito, Jang Seo-won and Koo Bon-woong.

Prior to his military service, Kim Jeong-hoon said in a video message that he chose that role in "Cafe Seoul" because he had always wanted to play a cynical role. He added that he received injuries while filming scenes where he is beaten by gangsters.

He also added that he enjoys the movies produced by Takeshi Kitano and Satoshi Miki, and that he would want to try his skills in a comical role someday as well as the role of a detective or murderer.

Takumi Saito, who also appears in "Cafe Seoul", said the movie is a masterpiece of an innovative genre, and that he was impressed to see the production crew of the movie eat from the same pot and discuss the movie over lunch when it was filmed in Seoul.

Kim Dong-wook said he decided to take the role because it was interesting to see how Japanese writers and director dealt with Korean culture and traditions and because it was an opportunity to learn. Kim added, "Saito and I received energy from stamina drinks".

Director Masaharu Take, for his part, said the movie had presented him with a valuable experience and added jokingly that he still craved the Korean chicken and ginseng soup "samgyetang".

"Cafe Seoul" is a story about the conflicts, strong ties and love of three brothers whose traditional bakery "Morandang" is threatened to be demolished soon. The movie will open in Japan on July 18, starting in Tokyo.

Source: kbs.co.kr

Actor Kim Tae-ho-I killed in motorcycle accident

2009-06-26T08:17:00.001+08:00

Another star lost in an accident!

In the dawn of the 24th, actor Kim Tae-ho-I has been in a motorcycle accident and has been taken to the hospital in critical condition. However, he never recuperated and died at 11AM.

There is no specific story told of this accident yet which is being investigated.

The actor has been in "Chosun Police Season 2" and many other films and dramas.

Rest in peace Kim.

Source: news.cyworld.com

Japanese Police Arrest Late Actress Jang's Ex-Manager

2009-06-25T07:29:00.002+08:00

Kim Sung-hoon, head of the late actress Jang Ja-yeon's former management agency, was apprehended in Japan, police said Wednesday.

Kim has been placed on wanted list on suspicious of forcing obscure actresses including Jang to provide sexual favors to showbiz VIPs.

Gyeonggi provincial police said the 42-year-old was caught at a Japanese hotel Wednesday afternoon by police that were tipped off his presence.

Kim has been staying in Japan, defying repeated requests to return to Seoul for questioning.

He left the country after Jang was found dead in an apparent suicide in March, leaving after a letter containing names of public figures who allegedly had sexual relations with the 30-year-old in exchange for raising her media exposure.

Kim has been suspected of masterminding behind such deals.

"It will take about two months for Kim to return to Korea", a police officer said. "Once his arrival, we will resume the stalemated investigation into figures allegedly involved in the scandal".

Following her death, police launched a large-scale investigation, pledging to discover who had received such nasty favors from the actress regardless of their social positions.

Police concluded the investigation in April. They booked nine people out of the 20 questioned but failed to identify who the late actress was forced to provide entertainment and sexual intercourse to.

None of the corporate figures and media executives suspected of having sex with the late Jang have been booked. At that time, police said they were unable to find concrete evidence to the claim that the late actress was forced to provide sex in completing their investigation.

Jang hanged herself at her house in Bundang, south of Seoul, on March 7.

A few days later, her agent disclosed a seven-page suicide note, supposedly written by Jang, which stated that a former agent had forced her to provide sex and entertainment to several VIPs, including CEOs of two print and online media organizations, program directors and a bank CEO. The other bigwigs allegedly include owners and presidents of chaebol.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Actor Joo Gets Suspended Jail Term for Drug Use

2009-06-24T06:29:00.003+08:00

Actor Joo Ji-hoon, was given a suspended jail term and community service after he was convicted of illegal drug use.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced the 27-year-old Tuesday to a six-month prison term suspended for one year, 120 hours of community service and 360,000 won in fines.

Joo was indicted without physical detention last month for taking ecstasy tablets and ketamine at model-turned-actor Ye Hak-yeong's home in Seoul in April last year.

"The drug use of a celebrity like Joo can exert an evil influence on society, because people, especially juveniles, can follow his behavior, and ecstasy and ketamine are relatively cheap and easy to obtain compared with other narcotics", the court said.

"However, we decided to give the suspended term because he took the drugs only on a couple of occasions, has no previous criminal record and is reflecting on his wrongdoing. We also took many petitions asking for a lenient punishment for him into consideration", it said.

The court handed down a three-year jail sentence to actress Yoon Seol-hee for smuggling 280 ecstasy tablets and 280 grams of ketamine from Japan and using the drugs with Joo and others.

Ye and another female model, identified as Jeon, were also indicted for taking the drugs and each given 30-month jail terms suspended for four years, two years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

After making his debut as a model, Joo starred in the dramas "Princess Hours" and "Devil" and movies "Antique" and "The Naked Kitchen".

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Rain Settles US Concert Lawsuit

2009-06-18T09:58:00.002+08:00

Korean pop star and actor Rain, also known as Jung Ji-hoon, has settled a lawsuit over a cancelled concert in Honolulu in 2007.

The Hawaiian court ruled in March that Rain and his agency must pay $8 million to Click Entertainment, the U.S.-based firm that organized and promoted the concert.

The case was settled in just two hours on June 10 with Rain's two lawyers, a lawyer from his then-agency JYP, planitiff Lee Seung-soo of Click Entertainment and his lawyer attending a hearing, according to AP and other reports.

The settlement details were not made public due to a court order.

Experts estimate that both were tired of the long legal dispute and the Hawaiian court tried to arbitrate, resulting in the agreement. The settlement amount is expected to be less than the original $8 million.

Rain's Hawaii concert, supposed to be the first stop on his U.S. tour, was originally scheduled for June 15, 2007 at Aloha Stadium and tickets were sold for a maximum of $300. But the concert was cancelled a few days before the scheduled date.

Click Entertainment claimed $1.5 million in losses from the cancellation and reputation damage, while the 26-year-old singer accused the promoter of not preparing the concert properly.

Rain can now focus on his concert tour in Asia and promotion of the movie "Ninja Assassin", produced by the Wachowski brothers.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Se7en confesses love for actress Park Han-byeol

2009-06-12T08:13:00.004+08:00

Singer Se7en Wednesday confessed his love for actress Park Han-byeol.

The K-pop artist acknowledged on his personal blog that widespread rumors about the union had not been groundless.

"It is true that I and Park Han-byeol have been more than just friends for more than seven years since we debuted. I sincerely apologize for having had to deny the rumors", Se7en said in an online message, titled "Let me tell you everything".

"We have been best friends since senior year at high school. Our friendship has remained strong and gradually turned into love".

Se7en, 24, and Park attended the same high school.

He explained that he kept their relationship secret to protect Park's privacy.

Se7en denied the courtship when photos of them dating were recently leaked from her private Internet message board.

Se7en became a household name in 2003 with his debut album, "Just Listen". He made his acting debut in 2007 in "Prince Hours", the sequel of the mega-hit drama, "Princess Hours", but the ratings for the series were poor. He has tried to enter the American music market, but has yet to find success.

Park made her acting debut in the 2003 hit horror film, "Wishing Stairs". She is also the star of the new film, "Yoga School".

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

One-Year Jail Term Sought for Actor Joo

2009-06-10T13:04:00.002+08:00

The prosecution sought one year in prison and 440,000 won ($350) in fines, Tuesday, for popular actor Joo Ji-hoon, who was indicted on charges of illegal drug use.

Three other entertainers prosecuted along with Joo on the same charges also face a possible prison term ranging from five years to seven years.

Joo, 27, was indicted without physical detention in late April on charges of taking ecstasy in March 2008 during parties with fellow entertainers.

Joo was present at the Seoul Central District Court at 2 p.m. along with his lawyer and security guards to participate in the first court hearing.

He pled guilty to all charges against him. He said his first experience took place by accident while intoxicated in a house party with other entertainers.

"I'm sorry", Joo said in a low voice. "I consumed drugs while I was drunk".

He asked for leniency from presiding Judge Han Yang-seok, saying, "I will never do this again. If I am given the chance, I will fulfill my military service in earnest".

The court's ruling will be handed down on June 23.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Settlement Sought in Rain's Hawaii Lawsuit

2009-06-10T12:59:00.002+08:00

Singer/actor Rain, who has lost a lawsuit filed against him by a Hawaiian agency, is trying to settle the suit. According to the U.S. Federal Court on June 7, Rain and JYP Entertainment are negotiating with Click Entertainment, the plaintiff. The two sides signed an agreement to keep the details of their negotiations confidential. The judge, Kevin Chang, ordered the CEO of Click Entertainment to attend the settlement conference slated for June 10.

The U.S. judicial circles say it is quite unprecedented for parties to negotiate a suit after the Federal Court has issued a verdict, but they are not ruling out the possibility of reaching a compromise given the judge's order to attend the conference and the parties' agreement to keep the details strictly confidential.

The damage suit that was filed in Los Angeles over Rain's cancellation of his concerts has returned to a Californian civil court after two months. Sources say the plaintiff, Andrew Kim, filed the suit in March with the state court, but Rain's attorneys transferred the suit to the California Central District Court in April because the involved parties lived in different areas. However, the plaintiff opposed the move and the federal court judge sent the suit back to the State Court last month.

Rain's side said the other defendants did not agree to the suit's transfer because they failed to receive written accusations, but the judge rejected Rain's argument because of lack of evidence. Rain's side wanted the suit to be handled by the Federal Court because its procedures are simpler and swifter compared to the State Court while its juries are typically less biased against defendants who are not from California, but the plan was not realized.

Meanwhile, JYP Entertainment, one of the defendants in the LA suit, has designated its own attorney separately from Rain just as in the Hawaii suit.

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Rain to Promote Seoul's Global Image

2009-06-10T12:50:00.003+08:00

Renowned actor and singer Rain, also known as Jung Ji-hoon, was appointed the first global goodwill ambassador for Seoul City, Tuesday.

Rain was featured in "Hip Korea, Seoul Vibes", a documentary co-produced by Seoul City and Discovery Channel promoting the city and its pop culture. The 45-minute program aired in Asia and Australia earlier this year, showing the young and dynamic aspects of Seoul with Rain motorcycling through the Hongik University area, Cheongdam-dong and along Cheonggye Stream.

After shooting the documentary, Seoul City asked Jung to become its global goodwill ambassador, to better publicize the city as a part of its overseas promotion.

Mayor Oh Se-hoon thanked Rain for his role in publicizing the city and asked Jung to promote the capital's vibrant charms at the appointment ceremony.

"I am glad to join promoting Seoul as a native Seoulite", Rain said.

Jung donated T-shirts he designed himself bearing the slogan for the city this year, "Infinitely Yours, Seoul". The shirts will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to charity.

The city also plans to hold associated promotions at his Asia concert tour stops, such as distributing souvenirs and establishing a promotion booth.

Moreover, Rain will again appear on a documentary of Seoul that will be broadcast on CNN later this year.

The global goodwill ambassadors will appear in the capital's promotions and publicize the city during their work abroad ― different from previous goodwill ambassadors.

After making his debut in 2002, the 26-year-old singer gained popularity both inside and outside the nation and also starred in several hit dramas including "Full House" (2004).

He also appeared in Hollywood movie "Speed Racer" last year ― another movie, "Ninja Assassin", produced by the Wachowski brothers will be released this year.
________________________
Rain, a renowned singer and actor, holds a T-shirt designed by him (above photo) with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon at an appointment ceremony at Seoul City Hall, Tuesday. Rain was appointed as the first global goodwill ambassador for the capital to better publicize the city overseas.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Successful surgery for Lee Min-ho

2009-06-09T12:41:00.003+08:00

Actor Lee min-ho had a surgery on his knee to remove a metal plate for which he was hospitalized.

He had the surgery last 5th and will be resting in the hospital for two weeks for recovery.

The first event he will go to will be on the 21st to the Children's Great Park for a fan club meeting.

All commercial film or any activities related to the drama, "Boys Over Flowers" will be pushed to late June.

He will start a new drama or movie soon, also!

Let's pray for Lee's quick recovery!

Source: news.cyworld.com

Who wore it better?

2009-06-09T12:36:00.001+08:00

Yoon Eun-hye and Jang Seo-hee wore the same dress!

The flower prints fad has been throughout Spring and has come to summer, also. The romantic mood with flower prints have been all around the apparels this season.

Here, the black and white flower printed one piece dress is worn by both Yoon and Jang!

Yoon wore it last July and Jang wore it two months later.

Who do you think looks better?

Source: news.cyworld.com

Jeon Ji-hyeon Shines but 'Blood' Disappoints

2009-06-07T12:35:00.006+08:00

After blockbuster vampire movies like "Twilight" and "Thirst", here comes another movie about those bloodsuckers. This time, hallyu star Jeon Ji-hyeon, also known as Gianna Jun, plays a half-vampire, half-human demon hunter in her first English-speaking role in the film "Blood: The Last Vampire".

Based on a popular Japanese anime film, series and manga, "Blood" follows Saya (played by Jeon) as she tracks down and brutally kills those nasty demons in human disguise throughout Tokyo in 1970. Saya does the dirty work for a group of mysterious men in black suits, but she is on a personal mission to hunt down the "oldest and vilest of all demons" Onigen, who she blames for the death of her father.

The youthful but age-less Saya goes undercover at high school at a U.S. military base in Japan, even though one of the characters pointed out "she's older than all of us combined". She soon rescues Alice, an American student, from two mean girls who turn out to be actual demons.

Directed by Chris Nahon ("Kiss of the Dragon"), "Blood" suffers from a convoluted plot (especially for someone who has not watched the original anime), cheesy special effects and overacting from the supporting cast.

Some of the stunts are impressive but reminiscent of other Chinese martial arts films, which is probably not surprising since the film's producer is Bill Kong, who also produced "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Hero".

The title "Blood" should be a clue for how much blood and gore is in the film, but much of the violence seems gratuitous. Do viewers really need to see a close-up of a man gruesomely slashed in half? How many scenes of demons being killed does the viewer really need to see to get that Saya is a fierce fighter? It probably would not have been as bad if the computer-generated effects were better.

Kong defended the violent scenes, saying the film needed stronger, edgier action scenes since it is competing with other action-packed TV series and movies around the world.

The film bombards viewers with non-stop action and violence, but the much-anticipated showdown between Saya and Onigen (played by Japanese actress Koyuki) lacks any real excitement.

Jeon is probably the only bright spot in this film. Clad in a Japanese schoolgirl uniform for most of the film, Saya doesn't speak much, preferring to hide her pain behind a tough, almost emotion-less facade.

Jeon delivers her lines in fluent English, although at times stiffly, while in comparison, Koyuki's thick accent makes it difficult to understand her lines.

Jeon, who gained fame for her role in "My Sassy Girl", also does well with the action stunts. In a press conference after the film's preview at CGV Yongsan, Thursday, Jeon admitted having a hard time preparing for the action scenes, but is pleased with how the movie turned out.

Kong praised Jeon for her commitment to the film, and even leaves open the possibility for a sequel.

"When we embarked on this movie, I asked Gianna whether she is willing to commit to doing a movie in English because this is very important. … The second most difficult thing was if she's willing to commit to the time to train to become the biggest action star in the world. It takes a lot of time and devotion and commitment. Looking at the film, I think she did more than we asked for. If there is any sequel to this movie, there's nobody else in the world that can fill the role better", he said.

"Blood", jointly produced by Hong Kong and France, hits theaters in Korea on June 11.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Actress' Heirs to Compensate Advertiser for 'Disgrace'

2009-06-07T12:28:00.001+08:00

A court has ruled that the heirs of the late actress Choi Jin-sil must compensate an advertiser since she failed to maintain her dignity as a model when pictures of her after a beating by her then-husband Cho Sung-min were publicized in media. A construction company sued Choi in 2004 for W3 billion (US$1=W1,250) for damages incurred and the modeling fee paid.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reversed a ruling that cleared Choi of responsibility and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court.

The company paid Choi W250 million in March 2004 for modeling for apartment buildings. The contract included a clause that if Choi disgraced the image of the company by damaging her social and moral image through her own fault, she would repay the firm twice the modeling fee. Five months later, pictures of her beaten and of the inside of her house in a chaotic state were released.

Because Choi died in October 2008 when the case was under Supreme Court review, her status passed to her eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter. Choi's mother is acting as legal guardian.

Source: www.chosun.com

Jeon Ji-hyeon's fashion error

2009-06-03T13:18:00.002+08:00

Jeon Ji-hyeon was in Hong Kong for promotion of her new film.

The film will be released on June 4th in Hong Kong and 11th in Korea. She has wires all over her spandex body suit for action scenes.

However, is this really necessary?

Even her red dress that she changed into for the official press meeting was not classy.

Rain's hot photoshoot

2009-05-28T09:58:00.001+08:00

The cosmetics brand Nature Republic's model Rain has been shooting the commercial film for the launching.

He is taking the mysterious and strong image in a monochrome photo.

The slogan is "from earth" and the filming has been in New Zealand. Doesn't Rain look so masculine?

Source: news.cyworld.com

Actress Yeo Woon-kye, 69, Dies of Lung Cancer

2009-05-24T20:36:00.002+08:00

Actress Yeo Woon-kye, who had been battling lung cancer, passed away around 8 p.m., Friday, at Incheon Catholic Medical Center. She was 69.

In 2007, the veteran TV personality had been diagnosed with kidney cancer while shooting the SBS drama "King & I", but continued taking on her signature feisty grandmother roles. She had apparently recovered, and the husky-voiced actress had been starring in the ongoing "Janghwa and Hongryeon" (KBS2).

She had to quit the show however due to pneumonia, which was later determined to have been a side effect of cancer metastases. The kidney cancer had apparently spread to her lungs and Yeo was checked into an intensive care unit earlier this month. According to local reports she is said to have lost consciousness a few days ago and had since been on life support.

Yeo stepped into the world of acting while she was a high school student and continued her passion as a literature major at Korea University. In the 1950s and `60s she was known, along with other veteran actors including Lee Soon-jae as the original stars of "daehakgeuk" or amateur student theaters.

In 1962 she made her professional debut as part of a theater troupe and then moved to TV. She is famous for having assumed "grandmother" roles since her 20s, from "Toji" (1986) to "Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang-geum - 2003).

A ceremonial funeral hall for Yeo will be set up in Yonsei University Severance Hospital.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Kwon Sang-woo opens up a coffee shop!

2009-05-19T21:51:00.001+08:00

Actor Kwon Sang-woo has opened his own coffee shop, "TEA'US"!

He is tasting his own brand of coffee as he is being interviewed in this picture.

Kwon has opened this coffee franchise which is expected to be a big business with a few of his best friends.

Fans, let's go and help his business!

Source: news.cyworld.com

Yeo Woon-kye fighting lung cancer

2009-05-19T21:10:00.003+08:00

Yeo Woon-kye, an actress who has been working hard all these years as an actress has been fighting lung cancer.

She has been placed in the ICU recently and is being cared for.

Yeo has been suffering with her health conditions since 2007 but with her successful surgery she was able to act.

The actress has debuted in 1962 and has hits such as "My Name is Kim Sam-soon", "Dae Jang-geum", "Mapado" "Mapado 2" and "War Of Money".

Let's hope that this great actress will recover and be back on the screens!

Source: news.cyworld.com

Actor Park Shin-yang Wins Legal Battle

2009-05-10T13:20:00.004+08:00

Actor Park Shin-yang won his lawsuit against a drama production firm for a performance fee.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled Friday that the drama production agency should pay 386 million won ($306,700) to Park for starring in four additional episodes of the hit TV drama "War Of Money" in 2007.

The 41-year-old filed the suit against the agency last December after it refused to pay the contracted fee for the additional episodes.

The agency alleged Park tried to capitalize on the drama's high popularity by asking for too much money. It also claimed the fee he had received per regular episode be equally applied to the additional episodes because they are part of the drama.

In 2006, Park signed a contract with the company worth 45 million won per episode of the drama, initially made up of 16 episodes. As the drama enjoyed high popularity, the company decided to film four extra episodes. Park agreed to appear in the extra productions in exchange for 155 million won per episode.

Judge Park Gi-joo said in the ruling, "The two contracts are independent cases, meaning the first one cannot influence the second contract. The new fee set three times higher than original one is legally acceptable".

Since last December when the suit made headlines, Park has come under fire for demanding too much money from penny-pinching drama production agencies. Corea Drama Production Association banned Park from appearing in any dramas produced by members of the association for an indefinite period.

Following the decision, about 5,600 overseas fans issued a joint protest statement to denounce the decision.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Farewell, my darling, I'm off to serve my country

2009-05-09T23:40:00.002+08:00

Lee Jin-wook bid farewell to his fans and long-term girlfriend as he went off for mandatory military service this Wednesday. The 28-year-old actor, who postponed enlistment last year because he was appearing in SBS-TV's "City of Glass" drama waved to 100 well-wishing supporters at the 306th draft in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi.

Many were hoping Choi Ji-woo Lee's girlfriend of two years, would show up at Uijeongbu to say goodbye, but the actress was nowhere to be seen.

Lee will serve for two years, leaving fans, and presumably Choi, anticipating his return in 2011.

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com

Jae Hee in military service

2009-05-09T22:32:00.002+08:00

Actor Jae Hee is doing well serving the country.

He said that he is getting bolder and more courageous through this experience.

Jae Hee has also been in a musical in the military service as an extra club that they have in the camp.

The actor misses his single mother so much after he has entered the military service last August.

Doesn't he look like he is from a model shoot even through it's just a picture of his daily life in the camp?

Source: news.cyworld.com

'Cyborg She' : My Sassy Girl-Turned-Robot

2009-05-08T06:42:00.004+08:00

Director Kwak Jae-young urges viewers not to compare his Japanese movie "Cyborg She" to his previous production "My Sassy Girl". But the latter comes to mind when watching "Cyborg She". The robot-girlfriend in the film, played by Japanese star Haruka Ayase, is like an updated version of the "sassy girl", who was played by Jeon Ji-hyeon. This bizarre character seems to have no limits when it comes to eccentricity.

Jirou, played by Keisuke Koide, resembles the innocent boy who was played by Cha Tae-hyeon in "My Sassy Girl". His naive behavior, silly facial expressions and the way he responds to the erratic behavior of his girlfriend mimic those of Cha's character.

Though "Cyborg She" is a fantasy movie, its emotional aspect is in many ways similar to that of "My Sassy Girl". The female characters of both these movies are proactive in their relationships but don't want to invest their feelings, whereas the male characters are very dedicated to their girlfriends despite being kept under their thumbs.

"Cyborg She" is about a woman from a distant future who buys a cyborg – the spitting image of herself - at an auction. She uses the cyborg's memory to travel back in time using a time machine to the year 2007. She meets Jirou, a student, and falls in love with him, but disappears without notice the next day. One year later, she shows up in front of Jirou again, but this time she talks in a strange way and is unusually strong. The reason for this is that she is not a human but a cyborg. She brings Jirou a video message from his future self and the two decide to live together.

"Cyborg She" is a combination of the fantasy, melodrama, sci-fi, tragedy, action and comedy genres. Events that occur between Jirou and the cyborg are depicted in a comical and funny way, while the portrayal of their romantic relationship is reminiscent of a melodrama. The movie also contains scenes about the future and a powerful earthquake. Because too many eye-catching elements are included in the movie, its story flow is often interrupted.

Blending sci-fi with melodrama seemed to be a bad idea from the very beginning. The sad background music does little to move viewers, while the appearance of the human version of the robot-girlfriend only adds confusion to the movie, as her story is simply redundant.

The only thing that makes this movie attractive is the charm of its cast. Just as Jeon Ji-hyeon and Cha Tae-hyeon played a decisive role in making "My Sassy Girl" a hit, so too does the cast of "Cyborg She". Haruka Ayase perfectly plays a cute and vibrant robot, while Keisuke Koide skillfully portrays a naive and simple-hearted boy.

"Cyborg She" opens on May 14. Not rated.

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Lee Min-ho taking surgery

2009-05-06T05:43:00.003+08:00

Boys Before Flowers actor Lee Min-ho, will be having a surgery in June.

He has an iron brace being removed from his leg which he had since his car accident in 2006. He had it put in his leg for fixing it.

Lee was planning to have the surgery to remove the iron brace in his leg in May, however with overflowing work schedule he had no time to cancel anything.

He will need 2 weeks of rest after this surgery.

He has recently been in Sydney for a photoshoot and now he will continue his work until June.

Source: news.cyworld.com

Poster for "Ninja Assassin"

2009-05-05T06:09:00.004+08:00

Actor Jeong Ji-hoon aka Rain's first poster for Hollywood film, "Ninja Assassin" is released!

The film will be released this coming Thanksgiving Season in November.

Jeong looks so muscular and fit. Can't wait till the movie comes out!

Source: news.cyworld.com

Coffee Prince made into a movie!

2009-05-02T08:03:00.003+08:00

The hit drama "Coffee Prince" will be made into a film!

Sadly, Yoon Eun-hye nor Gong Yoo will not be in this film. The scenario is being made and cast being interviewed!

The filming will start this October and hopefully be released next year!

Source: news.cyworld.com

Kim Jeong-hoon, holding back tears

2009-04-30T09:31:00.002+08:00

He is leaving the public for military service of two years...

Kim Jeong-hoon's fans from Japan, Korea, and China have come for a small and brief fan meeting and to see him off to serve the country.

Kim has been a singer as well as an actor gaining much love and experience in different entertainment fields.

Most recently, he has been in a movie by a Japanese director titled, "Cafe Seoul".

This film will be released in July this year in Japan.

Source: news.cyworld.com

Young Actress Woo Found Dead

2009-04-28T17:05:00.008+08:00

A young South Korean actress has been found dead at her home in southern Seoul in what appears to be a suicide, Yonhap News Agency reported Tuesday, quoting a police source.

The body of Woo Seung-yeon, who played a supporting role in several films and worked as a model, was discovered by her live-in friend, police said, noting she appeared to have hanged herself. The 26-year-old actress left an alleged suicide note, saying "I love my family. I'm so sorry to leave early."

A family member said on the 28th that she had recently received treatment at a hospital for her depression, but “she couldn’t handle the pain and made an extreme decision.” The relative requested that the deceased be allowed to rest in peace, given the current turmoil of scandals and accidents within the entertainment industry.

Woo's family members and friends told police investigators that she has been under severe stress after recently failing to pass auditions for new roles.

Celebrity suicides are on the rise in South Korea, which witnessed suicides of top movie actress Choi Jin-sil, young TV actress Jang Ja-yeon and actor Ahn Jae-hwan over the past year.

Woo Seung-yeon got her start as an internet uljjang, after which she began to model, and then branched out into acting in the movie Herb and the mobile sitcom Yap. Her most recent role was with Hwang Jung-min in the film Private Eye [그림자 살인], which was released on April 2.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Joo Ji-hoon arrested for...!

2009-04-27T12:30:00.009+08:00

Barely after the dust has settled with Japanese star Kusanagi's Indecent Exposure scandal in Japan, we now hear of a drug scandal in Korea.The handsome star, Joo Ji-hoon, (27) was caught with drug abuse!

The celebrity network is in surprise and shock! The stars life has been quiet after the death of the actress Jang Ja-yeon from "Boys Over Flowers". However, there is another shock in this world. It is more a hot sopic because the star has actually personally acquired the drug abuse.

He has been a hot star as a model and an actor in "Princess Hours" along with other hits in musicals and film.

Joo Ji-hoon was also supposed to star in the new drama, "Tokyo Tower" starting next month. However, this drug scandal has brought his career to a disaster.

It is known that he has been in a slump and depression for not having any more hit dramas of film after his first success of "Princess Hours".

The three celebrities involved: Joo Ji-hoon, Yoon Seol-hee and Yeh Han-young. According to police, Yoon purchase the drugs via contacts from Japan and hid the drugs in her underwear. Yoon has traveled to Japan over 14 times since August 2007 purchasing Ecstasy and Ketamine. This is the result of initial investigation. Police will reveal more later and it could be one huge drug bust involving more celebrities. The five involved (including three celebrities) will be put on trial early next month.

This all happened in 2008 and has been under investigation until it has become evident now by the police.

Joo Ji-hoon has admitted to drug use and will go on trial early next month. He was last photographed in public at the Prada Transformer Waist Down opening ceremony on April 23.

Such a sad and tragic end for Joo Ji-hoon. All the fantasies that the fans might have had is broken!

Source: newscomm.cyworld.com, dramabeans.com

2 Indicted for Spreading Rumors About Late Actress

2009-04-24T10:30:00.003+08:00

Prosecutors said Thursday they have indicted two Seoul residents without detention on charges of spreading false rumors that apparently led to the suicide of actress Choi Jin-sil in October last year, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The two - a 35-year-old male employee of a securities company and a 25-year-old unemployed woman - are accused of spreading allegations over the Internet holding Choi responsible for the September suicide of actor Ahn Jae-hwan by pressuring him to repay huge personal debts to her.

Choi, a fixture of Korean prime-time television dramas spanning more than two decades, killed herself at her southern Seoul apartment last October, prompting her family to claim her suicide was largely caused by the groundless online rumors.

The man is accused of receiving an Internet memo containing a rumor about Choi last September and relaying it to about 150 netizens, including the indicted woman who in turn posted the rumor on the bulletin board of her online community. The woman had also worked for a securities company in Seoul but quit after Choi's suicide.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Yoon Eun-hye takes off the cute image

2009-04-22T09:18:00.003+08:00

Actress Yoon Eun-hye has been in the 'W' magazine photo shoot as an actress who has a secret lover.

She has portrayed the loneliness as an actress who cannot be free to go anywhere or meet anyone without attracting people's attentions. She is wearing revealing outfits for a secret love affair concept.

They seem very professional in their acting for this photo shoot.

You can see this full photoshoot on May edition of the magazine.

Source: news.cyworld.com

Jo In-seong as a soldier

2009-04-22T09:11:00.002+08:00

Top star Jo In-seong has entered military service as a pilot! He is in the air force division.

Jo's official air force pictures have been taken and we can see him as a serious soldier serving the country.

He will be trained for 5 weeks to enter the official Air Force base where he will be staying for 25 months.

Source: news.cyworld.com

Rain to Join Charity Concert in Beijing

2009-04-19T08:46:00.002+08:00

South Korea's top pop idol and actor Rain will perform at a charity concert to be organized by Hollywood star Jackie Chan in Beijing May 1.

The "Good Friend Concert" will be staged at the Beijing National Stadium with nearly 100,000 seats. All the proceeds from the performance will be donated to charities.

Rain, 27 and Jackie Chan, 55, met last year, when they performed during the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony at the stadium.

J.Tune Entertainment, Rain's agency, said, "Jackie Chan invited Rain ― who has a lot of interest in charities ― to appear in the concert. We are pleased to be in an event organized by Jackie Chan who is famous for his good conduct".

Meanwhile, Rain will hold a fashion show for his brand of "Six to Five" in Hong Kong in early June.

Rain to Hold Fashion Show in Hong Kong

2009-04-17T13:57:00.003+08:00

Singer and actor Rain will hold a fashion show for his fashion brand "Six to Five" in Hong Kong in June, according to J.Tune Creative on April 10.

Working as a designer and model for the brand, Rain will also give a performance himself at the F/W show, which he wants to use as an opportunity to promote the brand, as many Chinese fashion people are expected to attend.

In another effort to promote the brand, J.Tune Creative opened a Six to Five teddy bear museum in Jeju Island on April 3 in cooperation with the Korea Teddy Bear Association. It is set to build a similar museum in the Indonesian resort island of Bali after finalizing a contract, and is working to sign a deal to open another museum in Phuket.

J.Tune said that it will develop other projects using the teddy bear theme for "synergy effects".

Meanwhile, Rain held an autograph session at the Nowon branch of Lotte Department Store on April 5, and plans to hold the event at other local branches.

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Police seek extradition of Jang Ja-yeon's ex-manager

2009-04-17T13:49:00.002+08:00

Chosun Ilbo files lawsuit after head named in scandal

An official request for the extradition of late actress Jang Ja-yeon's former manager from Japan has been sent to Japan's Justice Ministry through the Korean Embassy in the country.

Lee Myeong-gyun, a senior officer from the Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency, told reporters yesterday that police sent the document, which asked for the extradition of Kim Sung-hoon, to the embassy on Sunday. It was then forwarded to the ministry.

Lee said it could take about three months to force Kim return to Korea because Japan has to go through its own legal procedures after Kim is arrested.

The Japanese courts have to make a decision on whether to approve the request within two months after Japanese prosecutors ask for an examination of the case. He will be extradited within 30 days if approval is granted.

Kim fled to Japan in December and has not returned since.

Officer Lee pledged to make an interim report on the investigation into the case soon.

"We are heading to the finish line with the probe, as about 80 percent of the investigation has been completed", he said. "We are trying to get Kim extradited, and figures who allegedly exploited Jang are still being questioned".

The police said they completed last week the first of a series of interrogation sessions with the unidentified head of an online news company. Jang was allegedly pressured to serve drinks and have sex with the man in room salons in the Gangnam area of southern Seoul.

He said that similar sessions with other people suspected to have been involved in exploiting Jang will happen this week.

Meanwhile, prosecutors at the Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office said yesterday that they have begun examining a lawsuit filed by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper firm on Friday.

The company filed a defamation suit against Democratic lawmaker Lee Jong-kul, Democratic Labor lawmaker Lee Jung-hee and the head of Seoprise.com, an online political news outlet.

Lee Jong-kul mentioned the name of the president of the Chosun Ilbo during the National Assembly inquiry into the administration, Lee Jung-hee said it on a live TV debate show and the head of Seoprise posted it on the site.

They all claimed the name of the newspaper head is listed in an accusatory document written by Jang before her suicide.

A Chosun Ilbo official, requesting anonymity, said, "Three people defamed the president of the company even though he has nothing to do with the case".

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com
By: Jang Joo-young, Park Yu-mi

Ahn Jae-wook Underwent Throat Surgery

2009-04-17T13:37:00.002+08:00

Singer/actor Ahn Jae-wook underwent surgery to remove an intracordal cyst in his throat in late March. He was recording a mini album to be released simultaneously in Korea and Japan when he felt something was wrong with his throat. Doctors found a cyst, which had to be taken out immediately. He is currently recuperating from the operation.

Ahn is advised not to use his voice for at least a month. His entire schedule had to be adjusted, for his voice may change after operation. He was originally scheduled to go on a three-city tour in Japan on May 27th in the wake of a mini album release in Japan. Ahn had wanted to go ahead with the recording and concerts, but his doctors were dead set against it. Ahn's agent relayed the singer/actor's message in which he said that he's sorry he caused so much trouble and worry for his fans and promised to come back as soon as possible to resume the recording and concert preparation.

Source: world.kbs.co.kr

Kim Jeong-hoon enters military service

2009-04-15T09:30:00.003+08:00

The Hallyu star, Kim Jeong-hoon is entering the military service this 28th!

The actor has been in a singer since 2000 and an actor in the MBC drama "Princess Hours" which has been a hit all over Asia in 2005 and now.

He has been in 2008 Seoul Hallyu Festival where his fan meeting was full of 600 foreign fans to came to see him in person.

Source: news.cyworld.com

Today is Black Day

2009-04-14T12:32:00.004+08:00

Black Day - April 14 is a South Korean informal tradition for single people to get together and eat Jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce; shown above), sometimes a white sauce is mixed for those who did not celebrate White Day.

The idea is that those who did not give or receive gifts on Valentine's Day or White Day (March 14) can get together and eat Jajangmyeon (짜장면), white Korean noodles with black bean sauce (hence the name), to commiserate their singledom.

Jang's former manager arrested for defamation

2009-04-13T13:38:00.003+08:00

Yoo Jang-ho, the head of the late actress Jang Ja-yeon's agency at the time of her suicide, was arrested without detention yesterday on a charge of defaming the head of Jang's former agency.

Lee Myeong-gyun, a senior police officer in charge of the investigation at the Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency, said during a press briefing that the police booked Yoo on a charge of defaming Kim Sung-hoon by leaking the existence of a document, which was written by Jang, to the media.

On behalf of Kim, his sister and lawyer filed a defamation suit against Yoo on March 25. "We are assuming that Yoo let the media know of the document's existence in order to denounce Kim with the excuse of helping Jang", said Lee.

The officer also said that it was difficult for the police to press charges of defamation against Jang.

The bereaved family filed a defamation lawsuit against Yoo on March 17. Jang's older brother sued three people for defaming the late actress. Two others were reporters from the Korean Broadcasting System.

The police said they would decide whether to seek a detention warrant or not against Yoo as soon as Kim is extradited from Japan. "We believe that the nature of Kim's crime is more serious than Yoo's. It is not right to press criminal charges against Yoo first as Kim has not been prosecuted", Lee said.

Kim, who allegedly forced Jang to serve drinks and sex to high-profile figures, has not returned to Korea since he fled to Japan last December.

Lee added that the police are still questioning suspected figures who exploited Jang in room salons in the Gangnam area, southern Seoul. The police did not identify who they were.

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com
By: Heo Jin, Lee Min-yon

Daily Sues Lawmakers Over Late Actress Jang

2009-04-13T13:29:00.004+08:00

Chosun Ilbo, a major Korean conservative daily, has filed a libel against Rep. Lee Jong-kul of the Democratic Party, Rep. Lee Jung-hee of the Democratic Labor Party and Shin Sang-chul of online newspaper Seoprise for linking its executive to the late actress Jang Ja-yeon.

The daily said that the two lawmakers mentioned the name of the senior executive and the name of the newspaper during a parliamentary hearing, although the executive is not related to Jang's suicide.

Actress Jang was found after committing suicide on March 7 and the police investigation found that she was allegedly forced to have sexual relationships with men of power. She left a note including names of individuals whom she was said to have been coerced into entertaining, and the list included the name of the paper's executive.

Both lawmakers refuted the libel. Rep. Lee Jong-kul said Chosun Ilbo should not ridicule lawmakers rights, which are guaranteed by the Constitution, referring to their immunity from any legal action over remarks made inside the National Assembly.

The lawmaker said, "Chosun Ilbo usually mentions the names in their articles to satisfy the people's right to know and now it tries to conceal the right, saying it is a defamation when the situation is against it", Lee said Saturday.

Rep. Lee Jung-hee criticized the police for being lukewarm in investigating the VIPs' alleged actions involving the late actress. The lawmakers made the briefing at the National Assembly, Sunday.

"Police are slow in probing the sexual exploitation case. If the police had not yielded to power and investigated thoroughly, the lawmakers who indicated the reason wouldn't be sued", Lee said.

The paper is also suing the president of the progressive Seoprise for posting an article concluding that Chosun Ilbo's executive is related to Jang's list.

Some media outlets made public the real name of the executive and the actual name of the paper while others chose not to.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Fans can't wait for Won Bin's return!

2009-04-12T16:19:00.005+08:00

Won Bin is returning through a new film directed by the famous Bong Joon-ho director. The film, "Mother-2009" has its teaser trailer released on the 7th and has been greatly anticipated since.

Mother-2009 is about a mentally challenged young man who is accused of a murder which his mother denies and fights to prove him innocent. This film is about a mother's unconditional love and passion to save his son. The mother character is acted by the talented actress, Kim Hye-ja

Won Bin's last film My Brother in 2004 has been so long ago that the fans are waiting for the release of this new film with big hopes.

We can see Won Bin's great acting even through this teaser trailer. Fans are also greatly awaiting for his transformation into a new character which is so different from any other characters he has been.

The trailer itself is being a hit online!

Source: cyworld.com

Kim Rae-won enters military service in August

2009-04-12T16:12:00.003+08:00

Well known and loved actor Kim Rae-won will be entering military service in August. He has been contemplating whether the time is right for him to go to military service at this time in his career.

His most recent work will be "Insadong Scandal" which is also his last for two years that he will be in military service.

The film stars Kim as antique art restorer Lee Kang-joon. He will be the character who unveils the secrets of a masterpiece which also brings scheme and black marketing of art pieces.

Source: media.daum.net

Rain and JYP Call for Retrial

2009-04-10T15:18:00.002+08:00

Korean singer Rain and his former agency, JYP Entertainment, currently facing a lawsuit regarding the cancellation of the singer's Hawaii concert, hired new lawyers and requested a retrial last Thursday.

According to the federal court in Hawaii Tuesday, the popular singer and agency separately applied for a retrial on April 2. They also requested the suspension of the decision issued last month by the federal court.

Rain and JYP Entertainment also stated that there was no evidence that the contract between Hawaii-based promoter Click Entertainment and Revolution Entertainment, owners of the North American rights to Rain's concerts, was on the behalf of JYP.

Judge Kevin Chang of the federal court in Hawaii will deliberate the singer's and agency's claim for suspension on May 4.

The agency replaced the original five lawyers with seven appeal lawyers as of April 2, while Rain also appointed attorney Terrence O'Toole as of Tuesday.

The popular singer got himself into a multi-million dollar lawsuit when his concert, part of his world tour "Rain's Coming", was canceled several days before its scheduled date in June 2007. Click Entertainment testified that they lost nearly $1.5 million due to the cancellation and argued that Rain and his crew never intended to perform in Hawaii in the first place.

In the ruling, the federal court ordered Rain and JYP to pay $2.4 million each in punitive damages, $1 million for damages related to fraud and $2.2 million for breach of contract.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Hugh Jackman to 'Date' Local Actresses in TV Show

2009-04-08T20:07:00.010+08:00

Hollywood screen star Hugh Jackman and Korean-American heartthrob Daniel Henney will appear in a local matchmaking TV program, organizers of the SBS show "The Gold Miss Are Coming" said Monday. The two actors will be in town Thursday to promote the action film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in time for its release April 30.

After appearing at a press conference Friday morning, they will meet actress Yang Jeong-ah 37, and the other members of "Gold Miss", a matchmaking program for eligible female celebrities. The group includes comedienne Shin Bong-seon and singer Jin Jae-young, among others. Two will have the opportunity to watch a movie with either Jackman or Henney.

The show will air on April 19.

Meanwhile, the "X-Men" stars will meet Korean fans on Friday evening. A performance will begin 7:30 p.m. at Cheonggye Plaza, downtown Seoul, and the red carpet ceremony will take place at 8:30.

Jackman has appeared in the other three films of the "X-Men" franchise, and the Australian actor visited Seoul in 2006 fall to promote "X-Men: The Last Stand". The superhero franchise marks Henney's Hollywood debut. The model-turned-actor became popular here and in other Asian countries through TV soaps like "My Lovely Sam-soon" (aka. "My Name Is Sam-soon"), and received critical acclaim for his role in the film "My Father".

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Actor Joins Air Force

2009-04-07T10:43:00.003+08:00

Actor Jo In-seong entered a training program Monday before joining the South Korean Air Force in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province.

The star of "A Frozen Flower" appeared before the press sporting a short haircut and wearing black sportswear. Some 200 reporters and 300 fans, including over 100 Japanese women, crowded the venue.

"I'm not the only one entering the military, and so many fans have come to support me", he said. "I apologize for inconveniencing others by becoming a soldier. I'm actually feeling much more at ease now that military service has become a reality. I sincerely thank everyone who came today and I will come back after doing my best in the military"

The 27-year-old entered a weeklong session, including physical exams, a personality test and other formal procedures. Afterward, he will participate in a five-week preliminary training program before entering the Air Force for a 25-month stint of service. South Korean men are obligated to complete a mandatory two-year period of military service before the age of 29.

The actor qualified for the Air Force last November as a soldier specializing in military music. Jo is said to have often expressed his wish to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was an Air Force officer.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Thieves Nabbed for Robbing House of Actor's Mom

2009-04-07T10:27:00.002+08:00

Three burglars who robbed the house of popular actor Kim Rae-won's mother were apprehended three months after the break-in, police said Monday.

Yongsan Police Station said the thieves stole money and valuables worth about 150 million won ($120,000) in January. Among the stolen items were medals, checks, luxury watches and other jewelry.

Since last October, they had robbed dozens of houses in wealthy districts in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Police said the three thieves, who got to know each other when they were in jail three years ago, spent all the money mostly on entertainment.

Among them, a 41-year-old Chung and 29-year-old Lee were arrested, while another thief Park, 42, was booked without physical detention.

The robbers used some of the stolen checks at a gas station in Seoul, allowing police to trace their car as it was recorded by surveillance cameras there.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Rain visits Korea

2009-04-06T06:10:00.003+08:00

He is going through court because he is being sued by companies in Hawaii for cancelling his concert due to some difficulties that Rain faced.

Rain's fans are cheering for him to have strength and courage to win the court!

He has appeared at a fan signing to promote a certain cosmetics brand. Rain looks like he's been stressed. His complexion is pale, he hasn't shaved, and he has lost some weight! Here he is waving to his fans with a big smile.

Source: cyworld.com

Rain-JYP Mired in Another Lawsuit

2009-04-02T10:13:00.000+08:00

Korea's superstar Rain and his former management company, JYP Entertainment, just seem to get deeper and deeper into legal troubles. In the wake of the stunning verdict in Hawaii, Rain and JYP are sued this time by Star M, a Korean concert production company, for 4.57 billion won or nearly 3.4 million dollars in damage compensation.

Star M claims that Rain and JYP failed to uphold their end of the bargain in 2006, when the singer cancelled 16 out of 35 concerts planned. At the time Rain and Star M had agreed to hold concerts in China, the U.S., Vietnam, Australia, Japan, and Korea over the period of one year from October, 2006. However, the American patent office had denied the registration of Rain's concert trademark "RANY" for its similarity with another America singer's trademark. The rejection had made it impossible for Rain to hold any concerts in America. Star M claims that Rain and JYP knew about the problem, but didn't tell them about it.

Meanwhile, Rain lost in a lawsuit filed by a Hawaiian entertainment firm that was in charge of his concert in 2007. The Hawaiian court ordered the singer and JYP to pay more than 8 million dollars in damages. Rain's legal team is getting ready to appeal the court's decision.

Source: world.kbs.co.kr

'Female Big Bang' About to Be Revealed

2009-03-28T13:37:00.000+08:00

A new girl group groomed by YG Entertainment, one of Korea's biggest entertainment agencies, will reveal themselves in a commercial where they appear alongside the idol boy band Big Bang.

Referred to as the "female version of Big Bang", the group consists of four members -- Sandara Park, a Korean who became a star in the Philippines show business; Park Bom, who appeared in a commercial with singer Lee Hyo-lee; Kong Min-ji, a granddaughter of legendary traditional Korean dancer Kong Ok-jin; and rapper CL, who is fluent in four languages.

The commercial featuring the group is scheduled to go on air on Saturday, and before that on Friday, the new group's digital single "Lollipop" will be released. The commercial is also part of an ad series for LG Cyon's Lollipop mobile phone, created in music video format. The whole series will be completed by early April.

YG said, "G-Dragon, a member of Big Bang who also writes, composes and produces songs for his group, is producing the girl Big Bang's album. Although they will appear in a commercial first, they will officially debut in May. Since they have prepared for their debut for as many as four years, they will be able to show all the best they have".

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

Rain Faces Provisional Seizure of Property

2009-03-25T09:54:00.000+08:00

A building in Southern Seoul, in Cheongdam-dong; (as seen above) owned by K-pop star Rain may be provisionally banned from being disposed of following his loss in a compensation lawsuit in the United States over a concert cancellation.

But Rain's agency, JTune Entertainment, said that any provisional seizure of the building would be impossible according to domestic law.

Last Thursday, a federal court in Hawaii ordered the 26-year-old star and his then-agency, JYP Entertainment, to pay more than $8 million (11 billion won) in compensation to Honolulu-based promoter Click Entertainment. They also have to pay lawyers' fees for Click, with the total compensation reaching $9 million (12 billion won).

The concert, part of his world tour "Rain's Coming", was canceled several days before its scheduled date in June 2007. Click President Lee Seung-su testified that he lost about $1.5 million and suffered damage to his reputation and business due to the cancellation.

After the verdict, Lee said Monday that he will take a step to provisionally seize Rain's and JYP's property, including Rain's building in Cheongdam-dong, which he purchased last year. The price of the building is estimated at over 15 billion won. Lee said he would also seek authorization to attach all earnings that Rain has made with the William Morris Agency, an entertainment company with which Rain signed a contract last year for his U.S. activities.

JTune and Click, however, have different opinions about whether the latter can seize the building.

JTune said Tuesday that even if Click starts a provisional seizure process, the seizure is impossible.

"The seizure of JYT's real estate in the U.S. and here may be possible, but the request to attach Rain's Korean property is impossible according to Korean law. Click may be able to seize Rain's earnings through William Morris", an official of the company said.

Meanwhile, Click said a "provisional" seizure was possible while actual seizure was impossible, saying a Korean court would likely allow the former if the company submits the U.S. court's ruling as evidence.

In the ruling, the federal court ordered Rain and JYP to pay $2.4 million each in punitive damages, $1 million for damages related to fraud and $2.2 million for breach of contract.

Rain's lawyer said they cancelled the concert because a proper stage was not ready and Rain could not use his name in the U.S. due to a copyright challenge from a Beatles tribute band named Rain. The star also testified that he had every intention to perform and he had no hand in the cancellation.

JTune said it is preparing an appeal. It is said that Rain and JYP spent more than 500 million won in fees for five lawyers.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

U.S. Court Orders 'Rain' to Pay $8 Million

2009-03-24T14:15:00.000+08:00

A court in the United States has ordered Korean entertainer Rain to pay more than US$8 million for cancelling a scheduled concert in Honolulu in 2007.

A federal jury in Hawaii said the 26-year-old and his agency should pay Click Entertainment, the Hawaiian promoter, compensation including punitive damages of nearly $5 million.

However, Rain and JYP Entertainment say they fulfilled their obligations for the concert and Click's contract was with another promotion company called Revolution Entertainment, which then owned the North American rights to Rain's concerts.

Source: arirang.co.kr

So Ji-sub more popular than the pretty boys?

2009-03-23T17:09:00.000+08:00

Although Lee Min-ho, Kim Beom and Kim Hyeong-jeong's popularity is higher than ever, the popularity of So Ji-sub beats it!

So Ji-sub had narrated the film, "Gift" and in the survey that went along with this film, the fans have chosen So as a man to be in their dreams where they would give a gift to over the actors from "Boys Ovr Flowers".

The film, "Gift" will be released on the 26th of March and is anticipated greatly.

Source: www.cyworld.com

U.S. Acts Quickly to Grab the Rights of Another Korean Comedy

2009-03-20T08:06:00.000+08:00

Kang Hyeong-cheol's "Scandal Makers" ("Speedy Scandal") barely three months after its Korean release is set to be remade in the U.S. The William Morris Talent Agency, one of the biggest above the line talent agencies in the U.S snapped the film up after seeing a screener. The Agency represents and has represented some of the biggest in Hollywood including actors Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Richard Gere and directors Quentin Tarantino Ridley Scott and Clint Eastwood. Barry Sonenfeld director of Men in Black, TV drama Pushing up Daisies and producer of many other U.S TV dramas is set to direct and produce.

The Korean release stars Cha Tae-hyeon, who also appeared in "My Sassy Girl" (2001), another major comedy to be bought up by the U.S. Cha plays a popular radio host in his thirties who used to be a star in his teens. One of his young female listeners turns up on the scene claiming to be his daughter and her son - his grandson.

In Korea, "Scandal Makers" ("Speedy Scandal") overturned "200 Pounds of Beauty" as the biggest selling comedy in Korean history with 8.2 admissions. Despite its box office pull in Korea, it remains to be seen how Hollywood can rework it into U.S cinema gold as was not the case with the remake of "My Sassy Girl".

Source: www.koreanfilm.or.kr

Rain looks stunning even for court!

2009-03-19T10:46:00.000+08:00

Korean star, Rain also known as Jeong Ji-hoon has been in Hawaii for court! He has been sued for his cancellation of a concert. However, even to court, Rain looks stunning in the black suit and sunglasses!

Source: www.cyworld.com

Rain Questioned Over Cancelled Hawaii Concert

2009-03-18T12:31:00.000+08:00

South Korean pop star Rain appeared at a federal court in Hawaii Monday to testify on his abruptly cancelled concert there in 2007, which cost a Honolulu-based concert agency $1.5 million.

His appearance in the courtroom was made on the last day of the hearing, which began March 10, according to AP and other international media.

Rain ㅡ whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon ㅡ testified he had every intention of performing in Hawaii and other U.S. states but a series of abrupt concert cancellations were out of his control.

"I was not the person that canceled the concerts", Rain was quoted as saying. "I would love to perform in North America. The cancellation was regrettable".

He was poised, polite and seemed at ease as he answered questions for about 90 minutes in Korean through a court interpreter, it reported.

The 27-year-old singer and his producers are being sued over the abrupt cancellation of a June 2007 concert in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hawaii-based Click Entertainment Inc. alleges in the suit that Rain and his producers defrauded it of more than $500,000 paid in licensing fees. It's also seeking additional damages for the cost of staging the event, including the rental of Aloha Stadium, stage production, travel, hotel accommodations, merchandising and advertising.

The company also claims it has sustained losses of valuable business opportunities, earnings and income in amounts to be proven during the trial. In addition, the company has suffered serious and lasting harm to its business goodwill and professional reputation, the lawsuit said.

But the allegation was refuted by an official at JYP, a South Korean entertainment agency backing the singer and producers, during a separate session.

Byun Sang-bong, JYP's vice president and chief financial officer, blamed the cancellation and other problems on promotion company Star M. Byun said a legal copyright challenge in Nevada over the name "Rain" was another issue the company faced at the time.

Even though Rain's trip to Hawaii this time was motivated by an undesirable situation, it allowed Korean fans and his staff to be confident that the Korean entertainer has a substantial fan base, needed to succeed in the United States, the world's largest entertainment market.

Local media reported Rain was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport and bombarded with flowers, gift baskets, and fans who just wanted to touch him.
_________________________

South Korean pop star and actor Rain, 26, flashes a Hawaiian "shaka" sign as he arrives at federal court on Monday, Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, and his producers are being sued over the performer's abrupt cancellation of a June 2007 concert in Honolulu.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr / Park Si-soo, Staff Reporter

Late Actress Was Forced to Have Sex With Showbiz VIPs

2009-03-17T09:36:00.000+08:00

Police have started investigating the authenticity of a note actress Jang Ja-yeon allegedly left before committing suicide on March 8. The note said she was unable to withstand the pressure of entertaining and having sex with program directors and corporate and media executives.

The former manager of the 30-year-old actress made public her alleged handwritten letters. Jang, who recently starred in the hit drama, "Boys Over Flowers" was found dead in an apparent suicide at her home in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province.

According to the Bundang Police Station, Jang's letter said she was beaten, forced to serve drinks, act as an escort at golf matches and coerced into sex with several program directors, CEOs and media executives.

Police said they obtained the list of names mentioned in the document but would decide on making them public after confirming whether the document in question is "authentic".

The police searched nine places including Jang's former and current agencies and her residence and seized the document from a broadcasting station, Saturday. The document will first go through a graphology test to confirm her handwriting and then police will investigate the content.

The letter also had some 10 names of program directors and other VIPs, but the police said they must conduct further investigation to verify the credibility of the document before summoning those mentioned.

"The document had thumb prints and a social security number and seems to have been written by Jang", a police officer said.

Her family members first opposed revealing the document but changed their minds and asked for further investigation since some contents of the letter had already been disclosed.

Yoo Jang-ho, Jang's former manager and head of management agency Hoyaspotainment, were in possession of the document and first leaked it to the public. He was hospitalized after a failed suicide attempt, Friday.

However, police said they are not sure whether the document they have found is the one Yoo disclosed and presumed the possibility of the existence of more than one document. Yoo said he burnt the letter in front of Jang's family and does not have any copies of the letter.

Kim Sung-hoon, head of Jang's last agency, was quoted as claiming that the documents are fabricated, adding that Jang's former manager "fabricated" the letters out of his disgruntlement over four criminal and civil lawsuits filed against him.

Meanwhile, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) will provide standardized contract forms to entertainment agencies in the first half of the year.

"Jang's letter aroused concern toward the unfairness of entertainers' contracts once again", a FTC official said. "We found several unfair contracts at big agencies last year, but it's almost impossible to investigate hundreds of small- and medium-sized companies".

The FTC will continuously supervise management agencies to rid them of unfair contracts in addition to the enforcement of standard contract terms.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Rain expected to testify in his Hawaii trial

2009-03-12T08:52:00.000+08:00

HONOLULU - Korean pop star and actor Rain is expected to testify in his civil trial stemming from his canceled concert in Hawaii.

A five-man, three-woman jury was selected among a pool of 52 Tuesday. Opening arguments were scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Among the potential jurors who were eliminated was a University of Hawaii student who indicated to the court he was a fan of Rain, but could remain objective.

Rain - whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon - and his producers are being sued over the performer's abrupt cancellation of a June 2007 concert in Honolulu. Attorneys for both sides listed the 26-year-old performer, who was not in court Tuesday, as one of the witnesses they intended to call. He isn't expected to be in court until next week.

Senior U.S. District Judge Alan C. Kay told jurors the trial is expected to last about two weeks.

Hawaii-based Click Entertainment Inc. alleges in its lawsuit that Rain and his producers breached a contract and defrauded the company of more than $500,000 paid in licensing fees. It is seeking additional damages for the cost of staging the event.

The company also claims in the suit that it has lost business opportunities, earnings and sustained damage to its reputation.

The concert was canceled just days before a scheduled June 15, 2007 performance at Aloha Stadium, disappointing many fans who paid as much as $300 for a ticket and flew to Honolulu from as far as away as Japan and Korea.

It was supposed to be the first stop on the "Rain's Coming" U.S. tour.

Performances in San Francisco, Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles were also canceled. All ticket holders were offered refunds.

Concert organizers at the time said they called off the performances because of a copyright challenge from Nevada-based record company Rain Corp. A Nevada District Court later dismissed the case.

Also named in the lawsuit are Korea-based companies JYP Entertainment Co. and Star M Entertainment, in addition to other parties.

Rain is widely popular across Asia where his smooth dance moves and sculpted body have earned him the nickname "the Justin Timberlake of Asia". He also gained popularity with his roles in Korean TV drama series, such as the hit "Full House".

He has been dabbling in Hollywood in recent years. Rain is scheduled to appear in a leading role in the upcoming action film "Ninja Assassin", directed by James McTeigue and co-produced by the Wachowski brothers. Rain made his Hollywood debut last year in a supporting role in the brothers' film "Speed Racer".

Source: http://joongangdaily.joins.com

Fatal Fame

2009-03-10T10:41:00.000+08:00

Last year Korea's entertainment industry was hit by a rash of suicides, including four in just the month of October. These deaths shocked South Koreans and drew the spotlight on social pressures and stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment here.

So far in 2009, there have been two deaths. The most recent suicide was 26-year-old actress Jang Ja-yeon, who had a role in the very popular TV drama "Boys Over Flowers".

She hanged herself in her home at the weekend.

Family and friends have told reporters Jang was "depressed" and having contract difficulties with her management company, in addition to being dissatisfied about her role's "slipping significance" in Boys Over Flowers. She played one of the three "nasty school girls" who antagonize the protagonist character Jandi.

According to reports, when Jang was 16 her parents were both killed in a traffic accident. She had been living with her elder sister ever since.

According to the Korean blog "Hub of Sparkle" (http://www.koreasparkle.com), there have been "at least 10 suicides" by actors and actresses over the last couple of years. These include:

Actress Lee Eun-joo, 24, February 2005.
Actress and singer U Nee, 25, January 2007
Actress Jeong Da-bin, 26, February 2007
'Weight loss star' Lee Eun-ji, 16 June 2007
Actor Ahn Jae-hwan, 36, September 2008
Actress Choi Jin-sil, 39, October 2008
Quiz show participant Jang Chae-won, 26, October 2008
Actor Kim Ji-who, 23, October 2008
Singer Lee Seo Hyun, 30, December 2008
Actor Kim Seok-gyun, 30, January 2009

Reasons for these prominent entertainers to kill themselves included depression, business difficulties and rumors of adultery, blackmail and homosexuality spread via the Internet.

Back in 2007, OhmyNews citizen reporter Tania Campbell looked at suicide rates in South Korea.

"Suicide is the fourth cause of death in South Korea. A government report released at the end of 2006 stated that South Korea's suicide rate was the highest among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2005", she wrote.

You can read the rest of the article, including quotes from Dr. Daniel Fisher, an American psychiatrist who visited South Korea at the invitation of the National Human Rights Commission in that year.

Source: www.ohmynews.com

Jang Ja-yeon found dead

2009-03-08T19:55:00.000+08:00

Jang Ja-yeon who plays in "Boys over Flowers" was found dead on Saturday March 7. She was found hanged in an apparent suicide.

Nok doo si roo ddeok (Sweet rice cake with mung beans)

2009-02-25T21:46:00.000+08:00

1 and 3/4 cups nok doo (mung beans)

1 lb sweet rice four

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups water

more water for boiling mung beans

9x13 inch baking dish

baking spray

Wash beans, put in a big bowl, add water, and let sit for overnight. The beans going to soak up lots of water, so add plenty.

You have to peel the beans by rubbing them with your hands in water. Discard floating shells, and repeat until all the shells are gone. Or you can purchase split mung beans without any covering. It is easy to use, just soak for over night and cook. But sometimes the split beans have weird yellow tone and when they soaked in water they tend to release very yellowish water. I don't know how they turn into that yellow. There are some choices. Try oriental markets.

Drain beans, transfer to a big pot, add 3-4 times of water and 1/4 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil. When you boil mung beans, they make forms, that similar to the soft peak whipped cream, so you don't want to cover the pot, otherwise it's going to boil over. When it starts to boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 50 minutes to an hour. Skim off the foam. Take one bean out, and press with your finger, if it is crushed, it's done. Be careful with the hot bean. You don't want your beans to cook completely so they're mush.

Drain very well, mix with 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Spread to a cookie sheet to cool and dry slightly. At this stage, you can freeze them, and use later.

Preheat oven to 350F.

Pour the sweet rice flour into a large bowl, add 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon salt, stir. Add 2 cups water and mix well.

Lightly spray the baking dish, add a half of the beans, spread well and press a little bit, then add whole rice flour mixture, spread evenly, add remaining beans, and press the top slightly. Cover with foil, bake for 1 hour. If the skewer comes out clean, it's done. As soon as it came out from the oven, press the top with spatula so the beans can be stick to the rice cake. Cool for 20-30 minutes, inverted to a board, and slice.

a very steep stairwell

2009-01-09T14:08:00.000+08:00

hongdae heart

2009-01-09T14:04:00.000+08:00

Sam gye tang (Chicken soup with ginseng)

2009-01-08T13:59:00.000+08:00

1 small chicken
3-4 roots ginseng
4-5 pcs. chestnut
6-7 pcs. chinese dates
1/3 cup sweet rice, washed and drained
8 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 inch piece ginger, peeled
salt and pepper to taste

Clean the chicken inside and out. Trim any visible fat as much as possible. Wash rice, ginseng, chestnut and dae choo (Chinese dates). Put rice, ginseng, chestnut and dates inside the chicken and seal.

In a pot, add chicken, ginseng, Chinese date, chestnut, garlic and ginger. Pour water to cover the chicken.
Bring to a boil and turn down to simmer. Cook about 2-3 hours until the bones fall apart. Skim out the fat on top occasionally. Serve with salt and pepper.

* You can purchase "Sam Gye Tang Package" contains all 4 ingredients in Korean market.

Jja jang Myon (Jja jang noodle)

2008-09-19T07:34:00.000+08:00

8 oz pork (any lean part), small diced
8-10 small shrimps, peeled
1 medium onion, small diced
1/4 cabbage, small diced
1/3 zucchini, small diced
1 pack saengmyon (fresh noodle)*
1/4 cup jja jang (black bean sauce), fried in oil**
2 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup water
thin julienne of cucumber and some peas for garnish

Put a large frying pan on a high heat, add vegetable oil, and cook pork for 2-3 minutes , add onion and salt, cook for 5 minutes or until almost translucent. Cook shrimp for a minute. Add cabbage, saute for another 1 or 2 minutes, jja jang goes in, stir well to mix with vegetables.Then add water and sugar, let boil and add starch mixture, stir quickly or it will lump up.

Serve over cooked noodle or rice.

Tips!
* I recommend Korean fresh noodle from Korean market, you can find in the refrigerator section.but if you're not near Asian market, you can use regular spaghetti, pasta or any choice of your noodle. Enjoy~ ^^
**There are two kinds of jja jang. One is plain(raw) bean paste and the other is sauteed version. You can buy plain one and cook with some vegetable oil. The reason to fry the paste is that raw bean paste has slightly bitter and sour taste.

if you don't like the smell of pork, add some cheong ju(rice wine, sake) or white wine before you put vegetables in. You can add shrimp, squid, and sea cucumber etc...

Korean Trivia (cooking)

2008-09-17T09:03:00.000+08:00

Ssal (Rice)
Use Calrose rice. It is sticky short grain rice. In Korean cooking, we don't use fluffy rice which used in many asian countries.
You can add green beans, barleys, red beans, and sweet rice etc...
The beauty of rice is to stick together. Perfectly cooked rice has a shine to it. The best way to serve is to cook just before the meal.
Fall is the season that new crops are harvested, it is the time for the best taste rice of all year.

Kim chi, Kim chee
Kim chi is one of the most signature dishes of all Korean food. It is fermented vegetables with chilies, garlic, ginger, green onions, and fish sauce etc...
There are over hundred kinds of Kim chi, the most famous one is Bae chu kim chi which is made with nappa cabbage. There are many varieties in making Kimchi.
You can add different kinds of ingredients for example, use fish sauce or just leave it out or make it very spicy or not spicy at all.

Here's some sources about Kimchi:

Gan jang
"Gan jang" is the soy sauce. There are two types of soy sauces. One is called "gook gan jang" which is used in seasoning soups. It is light color and saltier and has distinct flavor. The other is regular store bought one. It is used in other dishes such as "Mu chim (salad)" and "Jo lim (hard-boiled dish)". No manufacturer makes good "gook gan jang" so far, so instead of trying to find one I recommend just use regular soy sauce for color and salt for the taste in soups.

Go chu ga ru
It is a powdered red chilli. "Go chu ga ru" is one of the essential ingredients in Korean cooking. Almost all spicy dishes have "go chu ga ru" or "go chu jang" in it. It is one of the main ingredients of "Kim chi". There are many varieties in flavor. Some are very hot and some are not. Sun-dried red chillies are the best. Store bought one is quit useful. Most of households in Korea buy dried chillies and have them ground for them. It is the same as other spices. Don't buy them if you have the access to a raw ingredient.

Go chu jang
"Go chu jang" is red chilli paste. It is hot and salty. You can easily find it in a Korean grocery store or asian store.

Dwen jang
Fermented soy paste. This is a base for famous "Dwen jang jji ge" which is a stew with beef, vegetables and tofu etc...

Manle
Garlic. Korean garlic is slightly spicier and has more tang to it. It is ok to use any garlic you can find if it is not from the jar with water. I just buy whole heads and peel them, grind to a rough paste in a food processor. Store in a small plastic container, put it in a freezer. They last for weeks. Just transfer to a refrigerator 2-3 hours before using. Or store flat in a zipper back, score with a back of a knife, so you can take straight out from the freezer, break and use.

Pa
Green onion. There are several kinds of green onions that should be used in Korean dishes. "Dae pa" is larger one which is sweeter and has more flaver. It can be used in a soup. "Jjok pa" is more like a garlic flavor green onion that is good for "pa jeon (green onion pancake)" or "pa kimchi", which is green onion kimchi. "sil pa" is the thinner one that used for sauce, dressing and as a garnish. Unfortunately, it is hard to find different types of green onions in the US, so it is ok to substitute with regular green onion that can be found in a super market.

Myeol chi
Dried anchovy. The usage of this small fish is quite versatile. One important role is to make the broth. Add Myeol chi in a cold water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer for 5-10 minutes. You can add a chunk of radish or a piece of kelp. There are several kinds of Myeol chi from tiny ones to fairly large fishes. The small ones usually used to make fried anchovy in soy sauce (Myeol chi bok eum and Myeol chi jo lim). Big ones are better to make a broth.

Ggaet nip
Sesame leaf. This is a very fragrant leaf that used in many ways. The look is very similar to Japanese Siso(shiso?) but the flavor is different. Ggaet nip is relatively larger and thicker. It can be put in a stew at the last minute, used as a wrap, can be cooked in a soy sauce to preserve, and many more.

Boo choo
Korean chives. This vegetable is mostly used in "Boo choo jeon (Boo choo pancake)" and "Boo choo kimchi". The leaf is flat and slightly larger than regular chive. The picture is a longer version that you can find in the U.S, shorter one is traditional Korean chive. Similar kind is Chinese chive which has more white top part and a little tough in texture. It can be bruised easily, so wash with care and less handling while rinsing is preferred.

Mi na ri
The leaves look like watercress, stems are long, lean and crunch. It has wonderful aroma. It can be used in a stew, salad, or blanch and serve with cho go chu jang(sweet and sour Korean chili paste sauce). I usually trim off the leaves and put it in a fish stew at the last minute. You can find in a swellfish restaurant, they serve stews with lots of mi na ri. It is really good, goes well with the fish.

Ssuk gat
Crowndaisy. Add in a stew with the heat off.

Jeot gal
Salted seafood. There are more than thirty kinds of "Jeot gal" or "Jeot" in Korea. The seafood is salted and fermented for 2-3 months then spices are added later to give more flavor. Some like "Sae woo jeot (salted shrimp)" is used as salt in kimchi making and etc...Some like "O jing eo jeot (salted spicy squid)" is served as a side dish.