Jeong Ryeo-won (정려원)

44 Korean Films at the 2009 Marrakech International Film Festival

Source | 2009/11/19 | 0 comments | Permalink |

In a celebration of Korean film, a record 44 will screen at this year's 2009 International Film Festival of Marrakech. In addition, representatives from Korean government organizations, the Korean film industry: producers, directors, actors and film festival delegates will be in attendance. The festival, which began in 2000 has in the past focused on the national cinemas of Italy, Egypt and Spain. This year, signaling the growing importance of Korean film and certainly spurred by recent successes such as BONG Joon-ho's "Mother - 2009" and PARK Chan-wook's "Thirst", the festival turns its eyes to South Korea.

A whole host of Korean directors will accompany their films to the festival: IM Kwon-taek, the godfather of Korean cinema with "Surrogate Mother" (1986), "Seopyeonjae" (1993) "Chihwaseon" ("Strikes of Fire" - 2002) and more; LEE Do-yong "The Oldest Son" (1984); LEE Chang-ho "The Man with Three" Coffins (1988); JANG Sun-woo "Lies" (1999) and other directors; PARK Chan-wook "T...| More

Six filmmakers confront the struggle of the second time

Source | 2009/10/22 | 0 comments | Permalink |

'These budding directors shot their first films when Korean cinema was at its peak, so it's no wonder they now feel pressure'. -PIFF programmer

The "sophomore slump" refers to when a second effort fails to meet the standards or expectations of the first. It affects bands, performers and artists of all types - and movie directors are no exception.

Six emerging Korean directors discussed the pressure and the anxiety they felt while making their second films, as well as the challenges of dealing with the changing landscape of filmmaking in Korea at "Open Talk No. 2" during the Pusan International Film Festival, which closed its nine-day run last Friday.

The six directors - Park Chan-ok, Lee Song-hee-il, Lee Seong-han, Lee Hae-joon, Kim Tae-sik and Kim Dong-won-I - first gained recognition for their debut features at previous Pusan film festivals, and returned to this year's event with their second works.

"I feel like I keep growing through filmmaking, even though growing up is...| More

Haeundae Steals Spotlight at Pusan Film Festival

Source | 2009/10/08 | 0 comments | Permalink |

The Suyeong Bay area in Busan was packed on the evening of October 8, when the opening ceremony of the 14th Pusan International Film Festival was held. All 5,000 seats of the venue were filled. The less fortunate ones among the movie fans had to stay outside.

Red Carpet Gowns

Gowns with low-cut backs were the leading trend at this year's red carpet ceremony. Despite the chilly fall weather, many actresses appeared in surprisingly low-cut gowns.

Han Hye-jin's gray dress with a low-cut back evoked loud cheers from the fans.

Han Ye-seul's white gown made many fans shout out, "You look so beautiful".

Kim So-yeon showed up in red, while Han Eun-jeong chose white. Jeon Do-yeon, who made a public appearance for the first time since giving birth to her baby, was wearing an airy gown with a slightly see-through front.

Jeon Hye-bin, Choi Kang-hee, Chae Min-seo, Choi Jeong-won, Lee Ha-na and Jeong Ryeo-won also appeared in bold gowns. Kang Soo-yeon and Jang Mi-hee, who are alrea...| More

[ChanMi's star news] PIFF red carpet brings stars!

Source | 2009/10/08 | 0 comments | Permalink |

The 14th Pusan International Film Festival opening was held at Pusan Swim Yacht Racing Open Arena.

Many stars like Lee Ha-na, Han Ye-seul, Son Jeong-min, Min Hyo-rin, Han Chae-young, Jeong Ryeo-won, Seo Woo, Im Soo-jeong, Han Eun-jeong, and Park Sol-mi have been at this event!

The opening was today and...| More

Actress Jeong to Make Hollywood Debut

Source | 2009/10/02 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Former K-pop singer and actress Jeong Ryeo-won is poised to advance to Hollywood.

According to press reports, Jeong, 27, visited the United States last month and met with officials from an unidentified Hollywood studio. She was also courted by Hollywood last year but this is the first time that she has had a meeting in connection with her entry into Hollywood.

A local movie expert praised Jeong, saying, "She is highly qualified to enter the United States for acting".

An official from Jeong's agency confirmed her Hollywood plan and said, "She will also be active in South Korea".

Some South Korean and Korean American actors such as Kim Yoon-jin, Lee Byeong-heon, Daniel Henney and Jang Dong-gun are now active in Hollywood.

Jeong, a former member of the girl group Chakra, immigrated into Australia during her childhood and returned to South Korea in 1999. She drew attention in 2005 when she made a successful debut as a TV actress in MBC TV's "My Name is Kim Sam-soon". She, al...| More