Actor Kim Tae-ho-I killed in motorcycle accident

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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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

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?

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

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'

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

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.