Jang Hee-jin (장희진)

[DVD Review] A look at the girls' side of gundae

2008/05/02 | Source | Permalink |

How crazy is it to wait 730 days for a lover?
A recently released Korean DVD, "Crazy Waiting" ("The Longest 24 Months" - Gidarida michyeo) portrays the painful separation period that young Korean couples endure due to the mandatory military service imposed on men here.
For patient people, 730 days might not seem that long, but it can be an eternity for young lovers.
As one of the last divided countries in the world, Korea sends its young, healthy men in their early 20s — typically the prime of their lives — into the military. The length of the service is generally two years but varies slightly depending on the armed branch.
In this film, four couples have to go through tearful goodbyes. It's sad for the guys, but even more heartbreaking for the girls, who must send their loved ones to some countryside training camp where they don't even have a decent heater.
After the initial, emotion-ridden phase, however, the girls' worries about their boyfriends soon dissipate into a tidal wave...| More

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Various origins of female stars… 'Miss Korea' group falters

2008/03/13 | Source | Permalink |

On a breezy spring day in March 2008, the entertainment investigation team of Sports Khan sensed an emergency. The argument between female stars about their influence has become fierce, almost to the point of battle. Accordingly, under the supervision of Detective Choi, the entertainment investigation team had a briefing on the 'Map of Various Powerful Female Stars'. A record of the questions and answers from the briefing are provided.

Detective Choi: As you all know, we've gathered here to discuss the toppling balance of the influence of top female celebrities. Firstly, the 'super model' group has almost taken over the 'Miss Korea' group and has become the 'big sister' of the entertainment industry. Also, the new 'internet beauty' group is extended its boundaries. Contrary to these changes, the 'horror story' group is still steadily on the top.

Chairman Oh: Surprising. 'Super models' are not only tall but are growing in power? What is their weapon? Sushi knives? Wooden sticks?
...| More

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Ex-G.O.D. members Fly High on Screen

2008/01/01 | Source | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Entertainment in 2007 was all about versatility. Fans could watch news anchors dance and sing, while some singers created their own shows and even starred in movies. Among these talented and ambitious celebrities, former G.O.D. members are leading the way toward true multi-entertainment.

Park Joon-hyung, Son Ho-young, Yoon Kye-sang, Danny Ahn and Kim Tae-wu are all former members of the hit five-member pop group formed in 1999 by producer and singer Park Jin-young (also known as JYP), and released hits "To My Mother" and "Lie". The group announced their withdrawal in 2004. While lead singer Kim Tae-woo is serving in the military, the other members have gone a long way from their original pop career.

Park, also known as Joon Park in the United States and former leader of the group, has literally crossed borders with his acting. He has already filmed a role in "Speed Racer", directed by the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix), as a Yakuza racer who co...| More

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[MOVIE REVIEW] '24 Months' sheds light on conscription

2007/12/20 | Source | Permalink |

No phones. No MP3 players. No girlfriends. For Korean men, a nightmarish experience is often compared to the compulsory military service. Many say their freedom is suppressed and they are not allowed to meet their loved ones often enough.

Still not sure about how dreadful it is to serve in the Korean military? Just ask Psy, who was conscripted this week -- the second time in his life -- after months of futile court battles over whether he served his duties properly.

Exploring this theme is the movie "The Longest 24 Months" (Gidarida micheo), directed by Ryoo Seung-jin. It delves into the typical angst of Korean youth related to the military service -- the inevitable relationship problems stemming from the "out of sight, out of mind" rule.

Most male students head for the military barracks after finishing their first or second year in college, and many of them go through relationship troubles when they leave their girlfriends behind.

The film presents four different couples a...| More

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