Han Sang-hee (한상희)

TVXQ Dispute Causes Conflict Among Members

Source | 2009/11/03 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Amid the ongoing battle between three members of K-pop group TVXQ and their agency, SM Entertainment, held a press conference Monday to announce their stance on a recent interim court ruling prior to a final verdict.

The agency of the troubled boy group stressed that the legal case regarding the three members ― Xiah, Micky and 'Hero' ― was not about "slave contracts" or human rights, but "financial temptation that started with a cosmetic business".

"The petition is based on financial temptations that started with a cosmetic business", Kim Young-min, the head of SM Entertainment, said during a press conference at the 63 Building, Yeouido, southern Seoul. Along with Kim, Nam So-young, head of SM Entertainment Japan, and executives Han Se-min and Jeong Chang-hwan, were also present at the conference. This was the agency's first official statement after the legal quarrel began.

The other two members issued a statement saying that t...| More

'Iris' to Finally Unfold on Small Screen

Source | 2009/10/06 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The upcoming drama "Iris" is expected to be about more than top stars, sleek suits and action scenes.

The 20-episode television soap will finally air next week, and the actors and crew got together one last time for a press conference Monday, at Sogong-dong, central Seoul, to offer what they have in store,

"It's already our third press conference. I have never seen a drama that held so many promotional events", quipped Lee Byeong-heon, who stars as the National Security Service agent Kim Hyun-jun.

The espionage series will deal with love, hate and betrayal between spies from both South and North Korea and the dangerous tasks and choices the protagonist, played by Lee, must accomplish. "Iris" follows the recent trend in film and drama making, according to the two directors Kim Kyoo-tae and Yang Yoon-ho.

"`Iris' is fast paced and there are no cliché coincidences like soaps we see on local television today. Everybody enjoys the espionage genr...| More

'Korea, Important Market for Content Creators'

Source | 2009/09/20 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The Broadcast Worldwide (BCWW) Exhibition is an annual event where broadcasters and exhibitors gather to attract buyers from all over the world. The British Broadcast Company (BBC) Worldwide was among the participants at this year's event.

"BBC Worldwide has 50,000 hours of programs. You can always find something depending on genres and target audience. We have basically found something for every broadcaster", Joyce Yeung, the senior vice president and general manager of Sales and Distribution Asia at BBC Worldwide, told The Korea Times last week at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, southern Seoul.

The owner of some of the most popular programs, including "Strictly Come Dancing", the original version of the hit program "Dancing with the Stars" and also "Doctor Who", has tasted success in attracting Korean viewers and are looking into bringing more.

According to Yeung, documentaries and natural history programs are popular here, as we...| More

New Drama to Bring Modern Princess With Edge

Source | 2009/08/18 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Following the success of "Boys Over Flowers" early this year, KBS is bringing yet another stylish drama to television fans with leading stars Yoon Eun-hye, Yoon Sang-heon and Jeong Il-woo.

According to the producer Ji Yeong-soo, the drama "will offer humor and laughs, perfect for the summer season".

The storyline is simple: A former playboy, played by Yoon, gets himself a job as a servant of one of the richest and pickiest girls in town, and struggles to win both her money and heart. His plan takes a turn as a talented and rich lawyer, played by Jeong, steps between the two characters.

The three actors showcased their new styles and personalities at a press conference last week in southern Seoul, and fans can expect an interesting transformation from the trio.

The Fierce Heir

Yoon Eun-hye (the heroine of "Coffee Prince") will play Kang Hae-na, the 24-year-old chaebol heir who lives the life of a modern-day princess. Living in her mansio...| More

Is There a Solution for 'Slave Contracts?'

Source | 2009/08/11 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Three members of TVXQ, Xiah, Micky and 'Hero', stirred the nation when they decided to take legal action against their entertainment agency SM Entertainment. From left, Xiah, Micky, 'Hero', Max and U-Know.
/ Korea Times File

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

With Korean pop group TVXQ embroiled in legal action against its agency, SM Entertainment, over an allegedly unfair contract, fans and agencies alike are focusing attention on the validity of so-called "slave contracts". Contracts are dubbed as such for reported disadvantaging the stars and would-be stars who enter into them with management agencies.

These excessively binding contracts came into focus when actress Jang Ja-yeon ended her life earlier this year amid allegations that she was threatened and forced to provide sexual favors by her former agent.

TVXQ brought yet another perspective to ongoing speculations regarding unfair practices carried out by both large- and mid-sized entertainment agencies here.

Accordi...| More