Lee Ji-ah (이지아)

Scene-stealing stunt stars thrive off-camera

Source | 2008/10/01 | Permalink |

'Growing up, I preferred the bad guys in action films who had spectacular falls to the good guys who beat them up'.

You think actress Lee Ji-ah played the violin herself in the new television drama "Beethoven Virus"? Fat chance. And those chef characters in "Gourmet" that prepared sushi with incredible dexterity? Not themselves, either.

It's a remarkable era of TV performance that we're living in today. The same actor who was a top surgeon in one drama becomes an eccentric orchestra conductor in his next show. Another actor who was a gangster in his previous gig turns into a chef who wields a blade for wholly different reasons.

As more and more dramas deal with professionals, actors and actresses are under increasing pressure to learn the necessary skills. And more often than not, they need expert help.

Enter the stunt guys.

The JoongAng Ilbo met with three individuals who have recently pulled off stunts in cooking, fighting and music. They told us the story of their liv...| More

[ChanMi's take] Lee Ji-ah vs. Kim Ah-joong, same dress different look

Source | 2008/09/12 | Permalink |

One gold dress, hot actresses.   

Lee Ji-ah currently in drama, "Beethoven Virus" and Kim Ah-joong previously from "200 Pounds Beauty" are wearing the dress for a photoshoot and an award ceremony in these pictures.

Who looks better?

Lee Ji-ah or Kim Ah-joong?...| More

[ChanMi's drama news] 100 Million dollar violin played by Lee Ji-ah

Source | 2008/09/10 | Permalink |

She debuted through "The Legend" is acting the new role as a violinist with the 100 million dollar violin.

This drama, "Beethoven Virus" will be aired on the 10th.

She has been working so hard to play the violin never letting it go all day for this role. Lee Ji-ah will be playing according to Kim Myeong-Min's conducting....| More

Dramas Bring Hero, Gamblers and Orchestra

2008/09/09 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Summer is coming to an end and broadcasters are getting ready for a chilly season full of colorful dramas depicting historical heroes, musicians and gamblers.

Starting today is KBS's "Land of Wind", and MBC's "Beethoven Virus", while next week will see the start of SBS's "Tazza".

The three programs have already made headlines several times because of their star-studded casts, interesting plots and distinctive settings.

"Land of Wind" stars Song Il-gook, the 36-year-old actor who rose to stardom as Jumong in "Jumong-Prince of Legend (2006)". Interestingly enough, Song will play Jumong's grandson Mu-hyool, who later becomes King Daemushin of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668) in the upcoming drama.

At the press conference of the drama last Thursday, KBS revealed a clip showing the team shooting in China. The backdrop of the war scene resembled Petra, Jordan in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". With sharp cliffs towering the area, th...| More

TV Dramas Gear Up for Post-Olympics Race

Source | 2008/08/19 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The Beijing Olympic Games will end Sunday, so what is worth seeing after the Olympic flame goes out? For TV fans, major networks are gearing up for a competition with their most anticipated dramas.

MBC will start the race off with "East of Eden" Monday. The drama has made headlines with its star-studded cast even before shooting, with big names like Song Seung-heon, Yeon Jeong-hoon, Lee Da-hae and Han Ji-Hye and veteran actors Yoo Dong-geon and Lee Mi-sook.

The drama is the first for Song and Yeon since they got out of the Army.

The 50-part series cost 25 billion won and tells of the brothers Dong-chul (Song) and Dong-wook (Yeon). Their fates diverge after the murder of their coal miner father, with one joining the mob and the other becoming a successful lawyer.

Next is "Beethoven Virus", a treat for classical music lovers. The drama depicts the world of musicians, from a charismatic conductor to a stubborn trumpet player and a pretty vio...| More