Choi Hwa-jeong (최화정)

Scene from "Seungseungjanggu" [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

First, there was rumor it would be the "Kim Seung-woo show". But viewers began to wonder what role Kim would play on show when the names of the supporting show hosts were revealed -- namely TV personality Choi Hwa-jeong, comedienne Kim Shin-young, 2PM member Woo Young and Girls' Generation member Taeyeon. But people then started taking interesting in the talk show "Win Win" when it became known that Kim Seung-woo played the traditional jjanggu in the middle of downtown Myeong-dong one day to 'keep the promise' he made with viewers. Then when it premiered on February 2, the show left a not-so-bad impression, showing promise of becoming competition for other shows aired in the same time slot. Below are exercpts from a joint press conference attended by the cast of the show and producer Yoon Hyun-jun....More

MC Kim Seung-woo on "Seungsungjanggu" [KBS2]

"Seungseungjanggu" - First Episode, KBS2 (Tue, 11:05 P.M.)

The first episode of talk show "Seungseungjanggu" presented viewers with 'talk' and much more. A song which was sung by the emcees at the opening of the show, was sung again with revised lyrics and at the end of the show. And those who made surprise appearances in the show started with main show host Kim Seung-woo's friend from army to those related to Kim Nam-joo, the first main guest of the show....More

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

The "Yeongeuk Yeoljeon 2 (A Series of the Best Plays)", which began on Dec. 7, 2007, finally drew its curtains Monday, reinvigorating the faltering theater scene in Daehangno.

For the last 13 months, ten plays were performed under the motto of "popularization of the theater arts" by veteran actor and programmer Cho Jae-hyun, along with Dongsoong Art Center's Theater Company to save the sagging theater industry with the star-studded cast.

Scoring a big success in economically hard times, the project came four years after 2004's " Yeongeuk Yeoljeon", which put 14 plays on stage.

In the closing ceremony at Dongsoong Art Center, actor Song Yeong-chang, who starred in the play "University of Laughs" written by Japanese dramatist Koki Mitani, won the award for best acting and the play (University of Laughs) received the best play award judged by participating acto...More

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

1. The Death of Celebrities in 2008

The suicide death of actor Ahn Jae-hwan because his debt shocked the nation. Then, the suicide death of Korea's commercial queen and sweetheart, Choi Jin-sil, friend to Ahn and his wife/comedian Jung Seon-hee, jolted the nation. Choi's death hit the nation hard, with fellow celebrities following suit, including transsexual actress

Jang Chae-won, model Kim Ji-hoo, and vocal group M Street's leader Lee Seo-hyun.

Many stars passed away, leaving the entertainment industry and its fans grieving.

The first celebrity to leave fans was Kim Chang-ik, youngest member of the group Sanulrim. He was followed by famed composer Lee Young-hun, who died in February after suffering from colon cancer. In April, Turtleman from the pop group "Turtles" died from a heart attack, while Kim Min-soo, member of the pop group Monday Kiz, passed away after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Model Ion also died in a motorcycle accident. Most recently, actor Park Kwang-jeong passed away after suffering from lung cancer.


2. The Popularity in "Real" Reality Shows

This year welcomed various reality shows, some new and some simply upgraded. The key factor of this year's reality programs is that the shows represent raw realism. MBC's "Infinity Challenge" showed its group practicing for a Latin dance competition and also a nationwide aerobic competition. KBS' "One Day Two Nights" presented a celebrity group visiting villages and carrying out tasks and games along the way. MBC's "We've Got Married" put popular celebrity couples in "marriages" and showed them living in the same house, and spending time together like other married couples. SBS joined in the fun with "The Family is Out", which brought a number of celebrities to the country picking fruits and vegetables, working in the fields and cooking things for themselves.


3. The Comeback of Big Stars and Rise of Idol Groups

The pop scene this year was busy with the return of big stars as well as the rise of hip pop idol groups. Singer Kim Gun-mo appeared with his new album, which was made with composer Kim Chang-wan for the first time since their split 13 years ago. Ballad singer Shin Seung-hun also returned after holding concerts in Japan. Singers Kim Jong-kook and Jo Sung-mo returned after finishing their military service, while "JYP" Park Jin-young, Rain and even Seo Tai-ji returned to their loyal fans. Female singers were also strong, with Baek Ji-young and Lee Soo-young gracing the stage with new tunes.

The rise of the idol groups ― Big Bang, Wonder Girls, Girls' Generation and newcomer SHINee ― wowed fans with distinctive styles and catchy songs. Individual ...More

Choi Hwa-jeong, Uhm Jung-hwa, Lee Yeong-ha, and Sin-ae are still in grief and mourning that they could not make it to work even after a week since Choi Jin-sil's death.

Of course it would be too early to get over the grief. The celebrity friends are all in shock they cannot put on a smile right away and return working.

Actress Choi Hwa-jeong is in bad shape, she nearly collapsed...More