Emperor of The Sea (Drama - 2004)

Another side to Empress Myeongseong

Source | 2009/08/26 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Film focuses on her possible love affair

Empress Myeongseong of the Joseon Dynasty is one of the most talked-about figures in Korean history due to her extraordinary life, which was highlighted by political ambition and tragic death.

So it's no wonder that she's been at the center of various productions such as the acclaimed musical "The Last Empress" and the 2001 hit TV series "Empress Myeongseong".

A new film to be released late next month is tackling her story again, with a twist.

The movie, called "The Sword with No Name", examines the life of the empress through the lens of a love affair between her and a bodyguard.

"The productions depicting the life of Empress Myeongseong so far have shown the charismatic side of her, but I think there must have been a soft side to her, because she was a woman after all", Kim Mi-hee, the producer of the film, said during a press conference Tuesday.

"In the film, we focused on the more personal aspects of the life of the empres...| More

Warrior empress rules over TV ratings with an iron fist

Source | 2009/01/14 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Elegant actresses rarely get the chance to play aggressive characters in a drama - for instance, as a war leader - so Chae Si-ra makes the most of her titular role in KBS 2TV's history drama, "The Iron Empress".

Chae plays Empress Cheon Chu, a general who fights against the Georan tribe of Manchuria to fulfill her dreams of reclaiming the lost land of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), and her heroics have translated into a ratings bonanza.

Last Sunday, the drama, which started on Jan. 3, attracted 22.6 percent of viewers, according to TNS Media.

But it hasn't been easy. Playing a battle-hardened military commander is hard work.

"I bet that of all the actors playing warriors [like Empress Cheon] I've probably spent the most time on horseback, sword in hand and shooting a bow and arrow", Chae said at the drama's outdoor set in Danyang, North Chungcheong.

Despite the challenging role, there wasn't a glimpse of fatigue.

Chae's choice of such a manly and aggressive role might...| More

Wonder women, eye candy herald TV's New Year

Source | 2009/01/01 | 0 comments | Permalink |

State-run broadcaster KBS is greeting the New Year with not one but two dramas: a remake of the iconic classic "Boys over Flowers" and the epic "The Iron Empress".

Historical romance "The Iron Empress" hatches its 80-episode-long tale tomorrow night, spicing up the Goryeo Dynasty with the bloody escapades of a warrior woman played by veteran actress Chae Si-ra.

Chae, the feline beauty who enchanted and frightened audiences in KBS' "Emperor of the Sea" (2004), reprises her role as a ruthless Amazon in the upcoming drama.

"Men have been playing the lead in historical romances", said Chae, 40, at a press conference held on Dec. 19. "Now, I think it is time for women to do so. This drama will show people that there was an awesome and brave female leader during the Goryeo Dynasty".

Fearsome would be a more accurate description of the heroine, who is aptly called the Iron Empress. The fourth wife of Goryeo Dynasty founder Taejo Wanggeon, the empress ruled as the regent for her so...| More

'Fabulous Five' to Promote Seoul

Source | 2008/12/03 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Korean heartthrobs Daniel Henney and Choi Soo-jong, folk singer Lee Moon-se, musician Kim Yong-woo and explorer Park Young-seok were appointed goodwill ambassadors to publicize Seoul metropolitan city, Wednesday.

The "fabulous five" will be promoting different sides of the capital: Lee and Kim will be promoting culture while Henney, Choi and Park will publicize the international aspect of the city.

"They are all top-notch celebrities in their fields, with charm and intelligence that could represent Seoul to not only other cities in the nation but to the world", Seoul brand manager Hong Sun-seong said.

Park is a renowned mountain climber who has completed The Adventure Grand Slam, from the 14 8,000 meters Himalayan peaks, the seven summits and the three poles challenge, a world first. Kim is a traditional singer who has released rows of albums mixing Korean and Western tunes and musical instruments.

Choi starred in hit TV dramas such as "Em...| More

Drama festivals and pop concerts galore

Source | 2008/10/11 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Can't get enough of good soap operas? Here's the complete list of everything from drama awards to a Korean pop star festival in the coming weeks.

2008 Seoul Drama Festival

The Seoul Drama Festival is scheduled to take place at KBS Hall in Yeouido, downtown Seoul next Tuesday on Oct. 14. The festival first took place in 2006 as the Seoul Drama Awards. It was decided to re-name the event as a festival and increase the entertainment program.

The festival proudly paints itself as the world's first television drama festival, hosted by the Seoul Drama Awards Organizing Committee and Korean Broadcasters Association, and sponsored by major local broadcasters KBS, MBC, SBS, EBS as well as Seoul Metropolitan City.

With this year's slogan "Enjoy, Star & Story" the competition part of the festival received a total of 152 entries from 33 nations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The award ceremony is divided into the categories of drama film, mini-series, drama series ...| More