Lee Jin-seok (이진석)

Fresh Japanese Wave Threatens Korean Pop Culture

Source | 2007/03/26 | Permalink |

What the film "200 pounds beauty", which drew 6.6 million viewers late last year, and MBC's recent hit drama "White Tower" have in common is that they were remakes of Japanese originals. The success of these and other Japanese works in Korea is raising concerns that Japanese pop culture could once again dominate Korea.

◆ Dependence on Japanese stories

Another drama based on a Japanese original is scheduled to air on SBS from March 30. "Lover - drama" stars Yoo Oh-seong and Yoon Son-ha and is the remake of the 1995 Japanese series written by Hisashi Nozawa. Nozawa is also the author of the novel that was the basis of last year's SBS drama "Alone in Love", which was very popular among viewers in their 20s and 30s.

Korean drama production companies are competing to secure the rights to Japanese novels and mangas. KimJongHak Production and JS Pictures each have already bought the rights of three Japanese works to turn them into dramas here. "We have taken a serious interest ...| More

Entertainment companies curb the power of producers

Source | 2005/02/16 | Permalink |

February 16, 2005 ㅡ Around six years ago, drama producers, or "PDs", wielded absolute power in the broadcasting industry. To actors and actresses, they were the route to fame and fortune.
If they aspired to be on television again in the next drama series, the actors had to maintain close relations with the PDs. Some people at the time said the relationship was that of master and servant. It is easy to see why scandals between actresses and PDs always hit the headlines.
But times have changed. PDs are no longer kings of the jungle; the tables have been turned with the arrival of television superstars and the increasing role of entertainment companies. With the rise in the status of actors, there is even the belief that once a "name" actor is cast in a drama, the show's viewing rate will be at least 15 percent.
It is now almost mandatory for PDs to attend the weddings and funerals of stars and their families. They send Christmas cards and make regular phone calls giving seasona...| More

'TaeGuKGi: The Brotherhood of War': selection as This Year's Movie by CGV audience

Source | 2005/01/09 | Permalink |

'TaeGuKGi: The Brotherhood of War' was selected as 'This Year's Movie, last year' by CGV audience.

'This Year's Movie Award' by CGV audience was proceeded in virtue of netizens' vote through CGV homepage (www.cgv.co.kr) from Dec. 6 through Dec. 31, 2004.

A total of 75,970 people took part in This Year's Movie Award vote and as a result of this vote, 'TaeGuk Gi: The Brotherhood of War' has done with 28,771 votes than 'Old Boy' (26,748 votes) as well as 'Silmido'(13,907 votes).

Such a result reflects that an audience is giving high marks to films with popularity and work value.

When brothers Lee Jin-tae and Lee Jin-seok are drafted into the military to fight in the Korean War, older brother Jin-tae tries to protect his brother from the harsh realities of war, resulting in conflicts that wear away at his own humanity.

The two stars of movie 'Old Boy', Choi Min-sik and Kang Hye-jeong were selected The Best Actor as well as The Best Actress in 2004.

The Source : Choi Sun...| More

Blockbusters fly higher with 'Taegukgi'

Source | 2004/02/05 | Permalink |

It is said that the history of Korean cinema can be divided into before "Shiri" and after "Shiri", a testament to the significance of the 1999 blockbuster that opened an era of big-budget, high-grossing spectacles in Korea.
If Kang Je-gyu, the man behind "Shiri", has his way, Korean cinema will be divided into before "Taegukgi" and after "Taegukgi" from now on. The hugely ambitious Korean War epic will finally be unveiled at theaters across the nation today, seeking nothing less than to write the next chapter in the development of Korean cinema.

"Taegukgi" was breaking records even as it was in production. The film is the most expensive ever made in Korea with a colossal budget of nearly 15 billion won. Shooting took place in 18 locations with 25,000 extras and marvelous sets of the streets of Seoul and Pyongyang in 1950. The film will open on 430 screens around the nation, another record.


If Kang wanted to show that Korean cinema could play like Hollywood with "Shiri", he...| More