Han Sang-hee (한상희)

More Viewer Participation in TV Shows

Source | 2009/06/16 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

An array of programs by cable channels are presenting programs that beckon viewers to stand in front of the camera themselves.

Cable music channel Mnet leads these programs, with a total of three programs open for viewers to join in and become a part of them. One of the most anticipated is "Superstar K", which is the Korean version of the United States' hit program "American Idol". With a winning prize of more than 100 million won and the chance to make a debut this coming fall backed by music mogul Mnet, more than 5,000 viewers applied on the first day of admissions.

"There were plenty of similar music programs that held auditions for aspiring singers but the problem with most of them was the lack of support and interest given to the winners after the program. Another important feature we focused on is that literally anyone can participate and try out to become the next top singer of Korea", the makers of "Superstar K" said through a statement....| More

Two Members of Wonder Girls Quit School for US Debut

Source | 2009/06/15 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee, Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporters

Ahn So-hee and Sun-mi (or Mimi), the two youngest members of the five-member K-pop group Wonder Girls, have withdrawn from high school to pursue the group's American debut this summer, their management agency confirmed Monday.

Sun-mi, 17, and Ahn So-hee who turns 17 on June 27, decided earlier this month to leave Cheongdam High School and Changmun Girls' High School, respectively, after discussions with their parents, Han Soo-jung, PR manager of JYP Entertainment, told The Korea Times.

"They found it difficult to balance their careers and schoolwork, so they discussed (the prospects of leaving school) with their parents. It isn't unexpected news", she said. Han said the girls will consider the possibility of home schooling and taking "geomjeonggosi" or a qualification exam that would be the equivalent of a high school degree as they pursue their careers in the United States.

The Wonder Girls' U.S. album will be released around ...| More

'Iris' to Bring Spy Story to Small Screen

Source | 2009/05/24 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

"Iris" is gearing up for a new genre of drama ― espionage action. The new series, expected to air in September, has fans anticipating where it will refuel the passion for hallyu.

"Iris" is not only based on the hit movie "Shiri" (1998), but also stars some of Korea's best-known actors.

Lee Byeong-heon, Kim Tae-hee, Jeong Joon-ho, Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon and Big Bang member T.O.P. (Choi Seung-hyeon) will appear in the "blockbuster action melodrama", and even the actors said they were worried how the drama makers will pull out all the charms from the colorful actors.

"We approached `Iris' like it was a spy film, so viewers will get to watch movie-like scenes along with the emotional details that have made Korean drama so popular over the years at the same time", Kim Gyoo-tae, the director, said.

"One of the most interesting issues here is the division of South and North Korea. It's something that the world is interested in, but we t...| More

Stars' Blogs as Tool of Communication

Source | 2009/05/05 | Permalink |

Korean stars, seeking to protect their privacy, are turning to the online to speak their minds or clarify stances on certain issues.

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

As one of the most wired countries in the world, it is hard for anyone here to stay offline for long, and now even the busiest singers and actors manage to squeeze their time to communicate with fans and express themselves through the Web.

Many celebrities each have their personal blogs, mostly on the famous networking Web site Cyworld. More than 20 million Internet users have joined the site, and thanks to its easy-to-use features and popularity, it has become one of the easiest and effective ways for celebrities to openly express their thoughts.

It started with actors who wanted to show more of themselves as ordinary people, not as the fashionable stars they were presented as through the media.

Actors Lee Hye-young, Hwang Ci-ne and singers Park Jun-hee and Ock Joo-hyun's blogs were some of the most popular,...| More

Kim and Hwang Team up as 'Accidental Couple'

Source | 2009/04/28 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The new drama "The Accidental Couple" may seem cliched or predictable, but with its stars each having blockbusters under their belts, things may turn out differently.

The drama, which screens for the first time today, features movie icon Kim Ah-joong ("200 Pounds Beauty", 2006) as top actress Han Ji-sun and musical star Hwang Jeong-min ("You are My Sunshine", 2005) as post office employee Gu Dong-baek.

When Han gets into a car accident, she's not worried about Gu, who was almost hit, but only herself and her secret boyfriend who was driving the car. Desperate to cover up their relationship, she drags Gu in front of the wheel, letting her boyfriend escape, and lets the paparazzi take their photos. This incident instantly brings Gu to public attention, but things take a turn as Han asks Gu to continue acting as her boyfriend.

"Our drama also has F4", Jeong Jin-yeong-I, the writer, said, referring to the four pretty boy characters in the hit dra...| More