Actress Han Hye-jin, the heroine of the hit television drama "Be Strong, Geum-Soon!", was one of the biggest breakthrough stars in 2005, which according to the Chinese zodiac was the Year of the Rooster.
Han was born in 1981, also the Year of the Rooster according to the zodiac, which runs on a 12-year cycle. And she certainly made it her year, as her career soared throughout the drama's run and finally peaked at the year-end awards when she walked off with a best actress prize.
And though only a few days into what is the Year of the Dog, several celebrities who were born under the dog sign _ in 1970 and 1982 _ are already showing a strong presence.
The two actors in the title roles of the film "The King and the Clown" just so happen to share the same canine zodiac sign _ Kam in 1970 and Lee in 1982.
The silver screen version of the play "Yi", which tells the story of Yonsan, a Choson Kingdom king, and his favorite jester Kong-gil, drew in the most audiences New Years weekend. At the end of its first week, the film attracted 1.1 million moviegoers.
Those who were born in the Year of the Dog are said to be loyal and hard workers and known for their perseverance. Which may explain why there are so many celebrities of this sign that are on the top or else slowly starting to be recognized.
The following are some of the actors and musicians who were born in the Year of the Dog.
Newcomer Lee Joon-ki, whose only previous experience in film was a small role in "Flying Boys" in 2004, plays Kong-gil, a court jester favored by the king, while veteran Gam takes on a completely new role as the leader of a jester troupe in the New Years weekend box office hit "The King and the Clown".
Many would consider actresses in their mid-30s to have passed their prime. However interesting scripts seem to continue Kim's way. Recently there was last year's "Red Shoes" and the year before she gave a critically acclaimed performance in "Hypnotized". Kim is currently going over scripts and has yet selected her next piece.
His delivery in 2004's "Ireland" won him the lead role in last year's most popular drama "My Lovely Samsoon" - "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" Whether his popularity will translate onto the big screen is yet to be seen. But fans don't have to wait too long as "A Millionaire's First Love", which Hyeon Bin is in his first title role, hits theaters next month.
Last year "Rain launched his successful first pan-Asian "It's Raining" tour. Next month the singer/actor takes his act to New York City to perform a double bill at the Madison Square Garden. Rain, whose fourth album is waiting local release this spring, has also been cast in "Old Boy", director Park Chan-wook's next film "Saibogujiman Kwenchana".
Han has taken part in hit dramas like "All In" and "Jewel in the Palace" - "Dae Jang Geum" even if they were minor parts. Last year she landed her first two major roles one in TV drama "Life Again" and movie "Blue Swallow". She starts off 2006 in the soon-to-premiere drama "Nukdae" opposite Eric Moon, the Shinhwa rapper who currently is one of today's most sought after actors.
Lee Byeong-Heon, with Bae Yong-joon is considered as one of the most popular Korean celebrities enjoying popularity in other Asian countries. The Chinese media last month reported the star of TV drama "All In" and movie "A Bittersweet Life" was cast in an upcoming Chinese soap opera. However his agency Pan Entertainment has denied such reports and said that he is still choosing his next role.
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