Im Chang-jeong (임창정)

'Fortune' Shows Crude Depiction of Love/Fate

Source | 2009/10/29 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Funnyman Im Chang-jeong returns opposite yet another screen beauty, Park Ye-jin, in the slapstick "Fortune Salon". It appears difficult for the "Sex Is Zero" star to shed his typecast character in this half-way sex (rather than romantic) comedy, which rather strenuously tries to show that love (or lust) can prevail in the face of cruel destiny.

But more often than not, fate laughs at chance.
It's a shame because the movie could have done so much more with the classic premise of fate versus free will set against the exotic shamanist subculture that exists in modern Korea. Instead, it makes a disgrace out of one of the oldest traditions/religions here.

South Korea has long been rooted in shamanist beliefs. The fortune-telling market here amasses up to 3 trillion won annually. "Saju" (reading one's fate using one's birth date), physiognomy and, most recently, Western tarot-card reading booths and parlors can be easily spotted around town.

The f...| More

Familiar Names Resume Singing in First Half of Year

Source | 2009/03/05 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Gang Su-ji - Won Mi-yeon - Lee Seon-hee - Im Chang-jeong - Park Ji-yun

Singers are making a steady comeback this year. Last year wrapped up with a harmonious mix of the young and old. Global stars "Rain" and Dong Bang Shin Ki, '90s stars Sin Seung-hun, Kim Gun-mo and Seo Tae-ji and singers Kim Jong-guk and Kim Beom-su--after completing their military service--all came back last year.

Though not as bountiful as last year, this year's first half will also see the return of familiar faces.

The list includes Won Jun-hee, known for her hit "Love Is Like Glass", more '80-90s singers such as Gang Su-ji, Won Mi-yeon and Lee Seon-hee, Im Chang-jeong and Park Ji-yun returning from their acting gigs and GOD member Kim Tae-woo, who has fiinished his military duty. Their comeback will be dear to the singing scene, which was feared to lack a star presence last year.

Who's back
Won Jun-hee came back with the single "Return" last August after 20 years. She released her second single in J...| More

Male Singers Returning to K-Pop Scene

Source | 2009/02/17 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The K-pop scene is currently dominated by female stars like Son Dam-bi, Baek Ji-young and girl groups 'KARA' and Girls' Generation, but male singers are gearing up for a fruitful year ahead.

Duo Fly to the Sky released its new album, "Decennium", and will start appearing on music programs and shows together for the first time after two years of solo acts. The group celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and members Brian and Hwan-hee have prepared a special anniversary album.

Their number "Go Away You" made headlines for being created with the help of R&B group Brown Eyed Soul member Jung Yup and Grammy Award-winning composer Gary Hasse. The group released the song

Se7en will release his first digital album in March in both Korea and the United States.
before officially releasing "Decennium", arousing curiosity among fans.

"Not only did famous composers participate in creating the album, but so did singers like Dynamic Duo and Leessa...| More

[ChanMi's star news] Kim Min-hee at a birthday party!

Source | 2009/02/06 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Kim Min-hee had been invited to Im Chang-jeong's baby's first birthday party.

Many other stars such as Ryoo Seung-beom, Kong Hyo-jin, So Yoo-jin, and Kim Seon-ah have been invited to this birthday party.

...| More

Im Chang-jeong to Return to Singing

Source | 2009/01/16 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Actor Im Chang-jeong is poised to come out of retirement, after having retired from singing back in 2003. His agent said in a phone interview that Im is currently working on a new album and plans to return to the music scene in March at the earliest. According to Im's representative, the talented singer/actor is mulling over how many songs to put in his eleventh album.

Ever since Im did a featuring for a new musician in 2007, he has realized how much he missed music and has been seriously thinking about taking up singing again. He reportedly was concerned about how he'll be received after making a comeback from retirement. However, he decided to resume his singing career after his fans encouraged him to follow his dream.

Im debuted in 1995 with the song titled "Already to Me" and has produced hit after hit with "Happy Us", "You Resembling Me", and "Gone with the Wind". In 2003 he had suddenly retired from singing, saying that he'd concentrate only on his acting career. ...| More