http://www.hancinema.net HanCinema News, find the latest news on Korean movies, dramas and stars http://www.hancinema.net/korean_dvd.php?date=2008/05/13 Lovers of 6 Years - DVD Limited Edition - 2008/06/09, The Legend - DVD (TW - Ch Tr Sub) - 2008/06/05, The Legend - DVD + 2 Making Books (TW - Ch Tr Sub) - 2008/06/05, One Fine Day - DVD (US - En Sub) - 2008/05/27, Sangdo - DVD Vol. 1 of 3 Limited Edition (En Sub) - 2008/05/21, Forever the Moment - DVD First Release Limited Edition - 2008/05/21, Smile Babo - DVD Limited Edition - 2008/05/20, Off Road - DVD - 2008/05/20, With a Girl of Black Soil - DVD - 2008/05/20, Radio Dayz - DVD Director's Cut Limited Edition - 2008/05/14, May 18 - DVD - 2008/05/10, Devil - DVD Director's Cut Limited Edition (En Sub) - 2008/05/09, Miss Gold Digger - DVD Limited Edition - 2008/05/09, April Kiss - DVD (TW - Ch Tr Sub) - 2008/05/08, Bad Love - DVD Limited Edition (En Sub) - 2008/05/08, Evasive Inquiry Agency - DVD (No Sub) - 2008/05/08, Bae Yong-joon - Photo Documentary DVD (First Press Limited Edition) (JP) - 2008/05/07, The Aggressives - DVD HK - 2008/04/30, Time Between Dog and Wolf - Drama - DVD + Poster (HK - En Sub) - 2008/04/29, H.I.T - DVD (MY - En, Ch Tr , My Sub) - 2008/04/29,]]> 2008/05/13 http://www.hancinema.net/korean_dvd.php?date=2008/05/13 http://www.hancinema.net/new-play-to-be-staged-starring-actor-ko-soo-13767.html In 2004, a group of the nation's central theater figures pooled their strength and put on 15 carefully prepared works on the stage, one after another, in the span of one year. The response was amazing for a genre that has never been very popular, drawing some 170,000 people and an average 81 percent seat-occupancy rate. Those people have been at work again since late last year, this time to off http://www.hancinema.net/new-play-to-be-staged-starring-actor-ko-soo-13767.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/reporters-get-the-spotlight-13766.html MBC's upcoming drama "Spotlight", which airs this Wednesday night, promises to bring back a bit of excitement to the small screen. Following on the heels of its more-than-lackluster predecessor "Who Are You?", "Spotlight" focuses on the gritty and enterprising lives of city desk broadcast news reporters. The drama tracks one woman's rise to fame, from her struggles at the city desk to her event http://www.hancinema.net/reporters-get-the-spotlight-13766.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/korean-wave-brings-drama-to-the-nile-delta-13768.html By Amr Emam Investigative reporter, The Egyptian Gazette Mohamed Abdel Baki sticks to the radio for two hours every evening like glue to listen to a language his family members and friends fail to identify. When he tells them that the thing that keeps him entranced for hours is the Korean Program, they snigger at the "bizarre" interest he has developed over the last few years. "Some of t http://www.hancinema.net/korean-wave-brings-drama-to-the-nile-delta-13768.htmlhttp://www.korea.net http://www.hancinema.net/kwon-sang-woo-drops-lawsuit- -13763.html Korea's heartthrob Kwon Sang-woo dropped his $1.9-million lawsuit against his former agency. Kwon and his ex-agency Best Flow (formerly Yuri International) have been locked in an eight-month legal battle over the allegation of Best Flow pocketing Kwon's share of profit worth 1.9 million dollars. Best Flow had also sued Kwon for defamation and embezzlement, but this suit has been withdrawn as well. http://www.hancinema.net/kwon-sang-woo-drops-lawsuit- -13763.htmlhttp://world.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/jeewon-s-picks-wrap-13762.html Welcome back. It's time for our weekly culture corner and our resident reporter Lee Jeewon joins me in the studio. Good morning Jeewon. Hi Sunhee. Our first item is the latest rendition of a Korean poem written in 17-45 which later branched out to become novels songs and performing arts pieces. With more than 280 different editions the story of Chunhyang is titled either Chunhyang-ga or Chu http://www.hancinema.net/jeewon-s-picks-wrap-13762.htmlhttp://www.arirang.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/korean-film-festival-guide-13761.html A calendar of cinema on the peninsula and abroad Jung-yul Ogborne (junni) There are enough film festivals in Korea to satisfy even the most hardcore film fanatic, in fact too many some in the industry would say. Whilst the major festivals such as Busan and Jeonju attract the biggest crowds, for those interested in the latest trends in Korean Independent Cinema the smaller festivals are als http://www.hancinema.net/korean-film-festival-guide-13761.htmlhttp://www.ohmynews.com http://www.hancinema.net/7-eleven-japan-stocks-yon-sama-lunches-13760.html The largest convenience store in Japan, "7-Eleven", will sell special lunchbox sets of Korean food produced by Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon. On the 7th, a "7-Eleven" representative announced that they will be putting the lunchboxes on shelves for three days from June 13th to the 15th. The lunchbox sets are called "Gosire Bento", and they will be sold through orders collected from May 12th to June http://www.hancinema.net/7-eleven-japan-stocks-yon-sama-lunches-13760.htmlhttp://english.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/korean-stars-to-build-school-in-himalayas-13759.html Singer Lee Moon-sae and 17 other Korean entertainers are planning a week-long trip to a remote Nepalese village to help build a school. Lee organized the volunteer group for the trip, which has been dubbed the Seollebal Himalaya Expedition. "Seollebal" is a portmanteau of the Korean words "seolleda", meaning "feeling expectant", and "balgeoreum", meaning "footsteps". From left, singer Lee Mo http://www.hancinema.net/korean-stars-to-build-school-in-himalayas-13759.htmlhttp://www.chosun.com http://www.hancinema.net/korea-s-d-war-targeting-chinese-theaters-13758.html This Sunday, director Shim Hyun-rae's sci-fi flick "D-War" will be opening in theaters across China. There is great interest about whether this movie will be able to break records of past Korean films at box offices in China. D-war is set to open at 500 theaters in about 100 cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. When D-War was released in Korea, over 7 million people went to see i http://www.hancinema.net/korea-s-d-war-targeting-chinese-theaters-13758.htmlhttp://english.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/rain-makes-into-encyclopedia-britannica-13765.html World star "Rain" (real name Jung Ji-hoon) has been listed in the Year in Review 2007 of the Encyclopedia Britannica Online. He is only the third Korean figure to be included in the biographies section of the Britannica. The other two are poet Ko Un and President Lee Myung-bak. However, "Rain" is the first Korean entertainer to be mentioned in the annual review. Britannica Online described "Rai http://www.hancinema.net/rain-makes-into-encyclopedia-britannica-13765.htmlhttp://world.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/barcelona-sun-shines-on-lee-chang-dong-and-jeon-soo-il-13757.html The Barcelona Asian Film Festival's (BAFF) jury awarded "Secret Sunshine" (Miryang) the Cinematik prize. The winner of Cinematik is also secured of a release in Spain. "Secret Sunshine" is directed by LEE Chang-dong and stars JEON Do-yeon and SONG Kang-ho in a tale about a single mother's mental struggle after losing her young son. Director JEON Soo-il is also successful at BAFF, his "With a Gi http://www.hancinema.net/barcelona-sun-shines-on-lee-chang-dong-and-jeon-soo-il-13757.htmlhttp://www.koreanfilm.or.kr http://www.hancinema.net/choi-dong-hoon-casts-im-soo-jung-and-kang-dong-won-13756.html CHOI Dong-hoon, the director of the major hit films "Tazza: The High Rollers" ("The War of Flower") and "The Big Swindle" is preparing his next project with the assistance of IM Soo-jeong and KANG Dong-won. KANG is set to play an undisciplined womanising Taoist from the Joseon era (the name of Korea previous to the Japanese occupation) who ends up in present day Korea, causing mayhem with his http://www.hancinema.net/choi-dong-hoon-casts-im-soo-jung-and-kang-dong-won-13756.htmlhttp://www.koreanfilm.or.kr http://www.hancinema.net/charlize-theron-contemplates-a-visit-to-korea-13755.html Major Hollywood star Charlize Theron said that her project to remake PARK Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (Chinjeorhan Geumjassi) has sparked a great interest in Korea and Korean culture. She is discussing the possibility to visit Korea during her promotion tour for her upcoming film Hancock, an action comedy with Will Smith as a fallen action hero who receives counselling to win the http://www.hancinema.net/charlize-theron-contemplates-a-visit-to-korea-13755.htmlhttp://www.koreanfilm.or.kr http://www.hancinema.net/bae-chang-ho-s-impressive-oeuvre-in-the-spotlight-13754.html One of Korea's most influential directors BAE Chang-ho will be honoured with a retrospective of his entire body of films at the arthouse cinema Cinematheque in Seoul. The showcase will open on May 20 and close on the first of June. BAE is one of the most successful directors of the 80s. In addition, his social dramas are critically acclaimed. Among his classics are "Whale Hunting" and "Our Hap http://www.hancinema.net/bae-chang-ho-s-impressive-oeuvre-in-the-spotlight-13754.htmlhttp://www.koreanfilm.or.kr http://www.hancinema.net/[review]-indecision-strikes-gals-of-all-ages-13746.html "Hellcats" is not as provocative as its trailer implies. What audiences bring home, instead, are the problems that befall each character in the story. Based on Kang Mo-rim's comic strip "10, 20, and 30", Hellcats presents various aspects of life and relationship struggles through the three main characters in different age groups. Ah-mi (Kim Min-hee) could be the typical leading character for any http://www.hancinema.net/[review]-indecision-strikes-gals-of-all-ages-13746.htmlhttp://joongangdaily.joins.com http://www.hancinema.net/[review]-all-flash-and-no-substance-but-a-fun-ride-13745.html When I told my colleagues about which movie I'd review this week, one editor at this paper fondly recalled how he'd loved the original anime cartoon version of "Speed Racer" as a 4-year-old. But the Speed Racer in theaters now is hardly the cutely clunky cartoon of the 1960s. This version, written and directed by the Wachowski brothers, transfers the antiquated anime into slick, futuristic live a http://www.hancinema.net/[review]-all-flash-and-no-substance-but-a-fun-ride-13745.htmlhttp://joongangdaily.joins.com http://www.hancinema.net/-speed-racer-crashes-13744.html Cult cartoon gets a big screen wedgie Brian Orndorf (briano) The Wachowski Brothers have proven their skill with visual gymnastics and their affinity for high-octane action, but an ability to assemble a suitable family film will most likely always elude them. "Speed Racer" is an ocular slap, but it's strictly empty calories; a joyless, over-plotted nostalgia machine that barely limps out of t http://www.hancinema.net/-speed-racer-crashes-13744.htmlhttp://www.ohmynews.com http://www.hancinema.net/rain-in-dance-battle-on-the-colbert-report-13743.html Singer and actor "Rain" finally met the popular U.S. comedian Stephen Colbert, the same man who lampooned him on national TV. "Rain" was in L.A. for the premiere of his Hollywood debut in "Speed Racer", and on the night of the 5th, he showed off his dance skills on the nationwide TV program, "The Colbert Report". The program had been pre-recorded on the 28th at the New York City studio for cabl http://www.hancinema.net/rain-in-dance-battle-on-the-colbert-report-13743.htmlhttp://english.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/[briefly]-d-war-to-hit-chinese-screens-13742.html "D-War", a sci-fi flick directed by former comedian Shim Hyung-rae, will be released in China on May 11 at more than 500 theaters in about 100 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenchen. The movie was a commercial success in Korea last year, drawing more than 7 million people. It also earned over $11 million in the United States, despite being panned by critics. The Korean producers of http://www.hancinema.net/[briefly]-d-war-to-hit-chinese-screens-13742.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/-unforgettable--return-to-innocence-13740.html By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter In tune with Family Month comes a heartwarming tale about cherished childhood memories, "Unforgettable". Set in an obscure village during the 1970s, the film captures the beauty of simplicity and signals a return to an age of innocence. The old becomes new and#8213; the retro story will be like a breath of fresh air to computer game-addicted urbanites. It's a sm http://www.hancinema.net/-unforgettable--return-to-innocence-13740.htmlhttp://www.koreatimes.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/bada-to-attend-the-2008-korean-film-festival-in-vietnam-13764.html Singer Bada, formerly of female pop group S.E.S., has been invited to attend the 2008 Korean Film Festival in Hanoi, Vietnam, held to celebrate the 16th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Vietnam. She will perform in the opening ceremony at the festival to be held at the National Convention Center in Hanoi from May 8th through 10th. She plans to give a powerful and spectac http://www.hancinema.net/bada-to-attend-the-2008-korean-film-festival-in-vietnam-13764.htmlhttp://world.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/oh-jeong-hae-spreads-korean-beauty-through-music-acting-13720.html Traditional Korean music singer cum actress Oh Jeong-hae is one of the true artists of today. Her refined appearance and heartrending voice embody traditional Korean beauty. Debuting through the old fashioned Miss Chunhyang pageant and best known for her appearance in the film 'Seopyeonje', she is foremost associated with a tidy image after donning hanbok (Korean attire). But casual Western clo http://www.hancinema.net/oh-jeong-hae-spreads-korean-beauty-through-music-acting-13720.htmlhttp://english.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/se7en-holds-first-live-performance-in-hollywood-13718.html Korean singer Se7en held a preview party for his album debut in the U.S. at Highlands, a famous nightclub in Hollywood, Los Angeles on May 2. During the party, Se7en showcased his first live performance in the United States, demonstrating his will and desire to challenge the American pop market as an Asian artist. The party was attended by a wide range of ethnic groups, including Asian, African http://www.hancinema.net/se7en-holds-first-live-performance-in-hollywood-13718.htmlhttp://english.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/new-drama-series-you-are-my-destiny-off-to-a-fresh-start-13717.html 'You Are My Destiny', a brand new drama series on KBS 1TV has kicked off to a great start. According to AGB Nielsen Media research, 'You Are My Destiny', which debuted on May 5 after the previous drama series 'Likeable or Not' ended, recorded 24.8 % nationwide viewer ratings. The viewer ratings in the Seoul area alone were 29.1%. KBS explained that the viewer ratings of the new drama series http://www.hancinema.net/new-drama-series-you-are-my-destiny-off-to-a-fresh-start-13717.htmlhttp://english.kbs.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/producer-on-long-gestation-of-n-korean-refugee-film-13716.html A film depicting the misery faced by North Korean defectors struck a chord with the audience gathered for a screening at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. last month. Scheduled for release on June 5 here in Korea, the movie starring actor Cha In-pyo is produced by Patrick Cheh, the Korean-American president of Unity Media, who gave a presentation about the film's genesis at the event. http://www.hancinema.net/producer-on-long-gestation-of-n-korean-refugee-film-13716.htmlhttp://www.chosun.com http://www.hancinema.net/[the-high-tide-of-the-korean-wave-35-]-mongolians-fascinated-by-the-korean-wave-13715.html "Hallyu" seems to be on the wane. It is ebbing in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, where the fascination with Korean TV dramas, pop music and films known as the Korean Wave, peaked in the last few years. However, the Korean Wave is still flourishing in Mongolia. Several Korean TV dramas are broadcast every day at prime time. The number of people learning the Korean language is increasing remar http://www.hancinema.net/[the-high-tide-of-the-korean-wave-35-]-mongolians-fascinated-by-the-korean-wave-13715.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/[briefly]-grand-bell-movie-awards-on-june-27-13713.html The Grand Bell Awards, Korea's major movie award ceremony, will announce this year's winners at the COEX Convention Hall in southern Seoul on June 27, organizers said at a news conference yesterday. A total of 56 Korean movies have so far joined the competition, and the jury will whittle the list down to about 30 in the preliminary stage, with the remaining films to compete for the top prizes. http://www.hancinema.net/[briefly]-grand-bell-movie-awards-on-june-27-13713.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/[briefly]-kim-moon-saeng-to-head-ants-project-13712.html Korean filmmaker Kim Moon-saeng ("Wonderful Days") will head the movie adaptation project for "Empire of the Ants", a best selling book by French author Bernard Werber. Studio 3303, a local production house, said yesterday that it will share half of the production budget, estimated at about 10 million euros (16 billion won), while the remaining half will come from a French production partner. http://www.hancinema.net/[briefly]-kim-moon-saeng-to-head-ants-project-13712.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/chungmuro-film-fest-gets-competitive-13711.html The 2008 Chungmuro International Film Festival in Seoul will introduce a competition section this year in a bid to expand its coverage and attract more foreign movies for local moviegoers, organizers said yesterday. "The Chungmuro festival will feature the international feature film category as a competition section so that local fans can enjoy watching more quality foreign films", festival pla http://www.hancinema.net/chungmuro-film-fest-gets-competitive-13711.htmlhttp://www.koreaherald.co.kr http://www.hancinema.net/rain-appears-on-colbert-show-[with-videos]-13708.html By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Top Korean singer "Rain" met his match during his visit to Los Angeles for the promotion of his movie, "Speed Racer". The 25-year-old singer appeared on top comedian Stephen Colbert's show "The Colbert Report". Many Korean fans are familiar with the 43-year-old host who once imitated "Rain" on one of his shows. In 2007, "Rain" topped the "Time 100 Poll", t http://www.hancinema.net/rain-appears-on-colbert-show-[with-videos]-13708.html