Lee In (이인)

No Wave, just a Korean breeze in Poland

2008/04/28 | Source | Permalink |

The Korean Wave has been spreading Korean pop culture across Asia and beyond for more than a decade, although it has barely reached Poland, in the centre of Europe. It is sad to admit, but Korean culture (traditional as well as the "new wave") does not exist in Polish minds as a distinctive identity. It is often mixed in with Chinese and Japanese cultures, which are more defined in Poland yet still often confused with each other.

Still, it is trendy nowadays in Poland to go to an East Asian restaurant, buy Chinese souvenirs, own Japanese-style furniture, follow feng-shui rules, watch an Asian movie or send kids to taekwondo or karate classes.

Although Polish knowledge of Korean culture is minimal, the present article aims to show that there is a gentle Korean wind that is blowing into Poland faster than the mainstream Wave.

There is, however, still no trace of: (1) the Korean entertainment industry invading the Polish media market; (2) any Polish fans adopting the lifestyles o...| More

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Cosmic crisis hits intergalactic star

2007/11/21 | Source | Permalink |

It's not often that you find yourself identifying with creatures from another planet.
But that's what happened to actress Grace Park in the American television series "Battlestar Galactica".
Park, 33, plays pilot Sharon Valerii who discovers that she is actually a Cylon from the furthest reaches of space.
Cylons were created by humans, and, understandably, Valerii is faced with an identity crisis when she discovers the truth.
In her own life, Park has faced her own identity issues, though none as dramatic as discovering she comes from another planet.
But the show's storyline ― the space battle between the Cylons and Earth ― has taught Park a lot about identity, love and politics, the actress said.
Park was born in Los Angeles, raised in Vancouver and is ethnically Korean. But she considers herself more Canadian than Korean, even though her parents brought her up with a strong sense of her Korean identity.
And when she visits Korea, Park said she doesn't feel li...| More

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[MOVIE REVIEW] Lee Myeong-se's psychodrama 'M' big on the glitzy visuals

2007/10/18 | Source | Permalink |

Lee Myeong-se's latest psychodrama "M" got a lot of attention at the Pusan International Film Festival which ended on Friday, partly because there were only a handful of "new" Korean films making their formal debuts. Another, more important reason was that "M" features top-rated stars such as Kang Dong-won.

He is a heartthrob in Korea, and director Lee, who became famous for his stylized features like "Nowhere to Hide" and "Duelist". The two were a big draw during a press preview held in Seoul on Tuesday.

The film revolves around the experience of a writer of a bestseller, Min-woo (played by Gang), and his dreamy journey into the past where he attempts to reunite with his first love, whose existence is shrouded in mystery.

Min-woo has a bad case of writer's block; to break out of this artistic stalemate, he immerses himself in flashbacks involving his first love, Mi-mi (Lee Yeon-hee). But this psychological quest involves several obstacles, one of which is the suspicion of his...| More

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[HERALD INTERVIEW]Stage actor steals the spotlight

2007/03/12 | Source | Permalink |

Musicals have become a popular art form that Koreans have started to enjoy instead of going to movie theaters (even with discounts) or watching soap operas safely at home.

Although there is a dispute about the amount of money that theater-goers have to pay, it is quite amazing to see passionate fans, mostly in their 20s or even 40s, waiting for a glimpse of live stage stars outside of the theater, just like teenagers hanging around the residence of the popular boy group "Super Junior".

It is obviously not their looks, but their many talents that captivate musical theater fans.

Recognizing this new fandom in the country's performing arts industry, local TV and film productions are trying to inject the trend onto TV and movie screens. The result is, so far, quite successful, providing a fresh impact upon the existing pool of celebrities who depend largely on their looks.

Following in the footsteps of some musical actors appearing on TV or movie screens - like Park Geon-hyeong...| More

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Lee Min-woo Named PR Ambassador for Chinese Music Show

2006/08/30 | Source | Permalink |

Lee Min-woo, a member of the band Shinhwa, has been named PR ambassador of the Chinese music show "M. Music Club", produced by Chinese production firm Enlight Media. Lee will participate in the opening show of the program and a news conference September 3 in a large studio of Enlight Media in Beijing.

"M Music Club", which will air every evening for 20 minutes beginning September 10, is a result of a partnership with China Mobile, a subsidiary of the Chinese telecom service provider China Telecom. The show will introduce the best new songs popular in mobile media and events for artists and fans.

In the opening show of the program, Chinese singer CiCi will perform her song "Cinderella's Magic", which was selected the most recommended song of China Mobile in September. CiCi's music video featuring and produced by Lee in May will also be introduced for the first time.

Enlight Media says the show is yet additional evidence that the Chinese music market has been transforming into a...| More

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