Kang Seong-yeon (강성연)

SBS puts money on 'Tazza' drama

Source | 2008/09/15 | 0 comments | Permalink |

In the hopes of carrying a trilogy of dramas based on the works of cartoonist Heo Yeong-man to a successful end, SBS starts airing the final installment tonight.

The broadcasting channel kicked off a trio of Heo's dramas in April with "I Love You - 2008", followed up with the hit series "Gourmet" in June and will now complete the set with "Tazza: The High Rollers" ("The War of Flower").

Like "Gourmet", the original comic series was already made into a blockbuster movie in 2006. The film wowed audiences with its ruthless plotline, superbly executed by actor Jo Seung-woo and actress Kim Hye-soo, becoming the second-biggest film of the year. The small screen version plans on repeating that kind of success.

The drama's formula to success lies in a revamped storyline, an infusion of humor and a brand new character. Planning to capitalize on the riveting tale of a skilled cardsharp -- or "tazza" in Korean -- named Goni, the bare bones of the plot remains intact, with favorite chara...| More

Dramas Bring Hero, Gamblers and Orchestra

2008/09/09 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Summer is coming to an end and broadcasters are getting ready for a chilly season full of colorful dramas depicting historical heroes, musicians and gamblers.

Starting today is KBS's "Land of Wind", and MBC's "Beethoven Virus", while next week will see the start of SBS's "Tazza".

The three programs have already made headlines several times because of their star-studded casts, interesting plots and distinctive settings.

"Land of Wind" stars Song Il-gook, the 36-year-old actor who rose to stardom as Jumong in "Jumong-Prince of Legend (2006)". Interestingly enough, Song will play Jumong's grandson Mu-hyool, who later becomes King Daemushin of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668) in the upcoming drama.

At the press conference of the drama last Thursday, KBS revealed a clip showing the team shooting in China. The backdrop of the war scene resembled Petra, Jordan in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". With sharp cliffs towering the area, th...| More

TV Dramas Gear Up for Post-Olympics Race

Source | 2008/08/19 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The Beijing Olympic Games will end Sunday, so what is worth seeing after the Olympic flame goes out? For TV fans, major networks are gearing up for a competition with their most anticipated dramas.

MBC will start the race off with "East of Eden" Monday. The drama has made headlines with its star-studded cast even before shooting, with big names like Song Seung-heon, Yeon Jeong-hoon, Lee Da-hae and Han Ji-Hye and veteran actors Yoo Dong-geon and Lee Mi-sook.

The drama is the first for Song and Yeon since they got out of the Army.

The 50-part series cost 25 billion won and tells of the brothers Dong-chul (Song) and Dong-wook (Yeon). Their fates diverge after the murder of their coal miner father, with one joining the mob and the other becoming a successful lawyer.

Next is "Beethoven Virus", a treat for classical music lovers. The drama depicts the world of musicians, from a charismatic conductor to a stubborn trumpet player and a pretty vio...| More

[ChanMi's drama news] "The War of Flower" into a drama starring Kang Seong-yeon

Source | 2008/07/31 | 0 comments | Permalink |

Despite the casting problems that caused some rukus among the staff and actresses, Kang Seong-yeon has been the final decision as Madam Jeong role.

Her stills have been released to prove it!...| More

Movie-Based Dramas to Fill TV Screens

Source | 2008/07/08 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Amid the ongoing search for catchy, stylish, attractive ideas for local dramas, many drama-makers have turned to themes that have already been seen to be popular. Movie-based dramas are no longer new, but the race for the best-made remake is expected to get more competitive with "IRIS", "Tazza" (working title), "Friends: The Unfinished Tale" (working title) and "Beat".

The 1999 movie "Shiri" was a steppingstone for Korean cinema, being considered the first blockbuster movie that captivated local movie fans with its distinctive plot and action scenes. Now the hit movie that depicted the lives of secret agents is coming back to television screens as "IRIS". In order to bring movie-like elements onto the smaller screen, the drama will be written and produced by Taewon Entertainment and Kang Je-gyu Film, both famous movie agencies here, and will boast a budget of 20 billion won. Korean heartthrob Lee Byeong-heon ("All In", 2003) will appear as the myst...| More