Kim Hee-cheol (김희철)

[ChanMi's drama news] Lee Soo-kyeong in a new SBS drama!

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

Lee Soo-kyeong will be in the new SBS drama "Love You a Thousand Times" and will be returning to the screens. The actress is returning to the screens after three years of break!

Her role is as S University as a law student, Ko  Eun-nim. She has been growing up under a step mother, however was able to be loved by her father and grandmother as a bright girl. She even worked for ...| More

Super Junior Releases 'Sorry Sorry' in Japan

Source | 2009/07/20 | 0 comments | Permalink |

The boy band Super Junior has released the Japanese version of its third album "Sorry Sorry" in Japan. The album is based on the C version of the group's 3rd repackaged album, which was released in May. It also contains the music videos for "Sorry Sorry" and "It's You" and the dance version of "Sorry Sorry", which was released only on the Internet.

Group member Kim Hee-cheol said confidently that everybody who hears the album would be impressed by Super Junior's music. Another member, Sung-min, said the songs contained in the album are highly addictive.

Super Junior held a concert July 17-19 at the Olympic Park as part of its second Asia Tour entitled "Super Show 2". Next month it will stage a concert at the Tokyo International Forum in Japan.
...| More

[YEAR-END REVIEW (3) PERFORMANCE] Bucking recession with safe-play shows

Source | 2008/12/23 | 0 comments | Permalink |

The local performing arts industry this year was seriously affected by the economic meltdown with supply largely exceeding demand.

There were some bright spots, like the relative success of musicals. But they did not always turn out to meet fan or expert expectations, as production companies tended to depend on stopgap measures like using idol stars for short-term gains instead of pursuing perfection or novelty.

However, some production companies found ways to buck the recession, such as venture theater company Yeongeukyeoljeon2, which attracted nearly 200,000 patrons this year despite an overall slump in Seoul's theater mecca, Daehangno.

Classical music, meanwhile, enjoyed a steady year. This was in big part thanks to the success of classical music-themed television drama "Beethoven Virus". According to Auction, sales of classical performances has more than doubled year-to-year since September when the drama began airing.

In the dance circle, fans were blessed with a serie...| More

Ten Culture Trends of 2008

Source | 2008/12/22 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

1. The Death of Celebrities in 2008

The suicide death of actor Ahn Jae-hwan because his debt shocked the nation. Then, the suicide death of Korea's commercial queen and sweetheart, Choi Jin-sil, friend to Ahn and his wife/comedian Jung Seon-hee, jolted the nation. Choi's death hit the nation hard, with fellow celebrities following suit, including transsexual actress

Jang Chae-won, model Kim Ji-hoo, and vocal group M Street's leader Lee Seo-hyun.

Many stars passed away, leaving the entertainment industry and its fans grieving.

The first celebrity to leave fans was Kim Chang-ik, youngest member of the group Sanulrim. He was followed by famed composer Lee Young-hun, who died in February after suffering from colon cancer. In April, Turtleman from the pop group "Turtles" died from a heart attack, while Kim Min-soo, member of the pop group Monday Kiz, passed away after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Model Ion also died in a motorcy...| More

High notes and discord in the musical world

Source | 2008/12/20 | 0 comments | Permalink |

For the past year, there have been signs of prosperity in the Korean musical scene as this genre finds its feet and expands. But as with anything, there have been some high and some low points.

Ten experts, including music critic Wohn Jong-won and columnist Choi Seung-yeon, share some notable stories from 2008 as they explore the challenges that face the industry as it continues to develop.

A rare jewel in the court

The hit musical "Dae Jang Geum" [A Jewel in the Palace], is a unique musical theater enterprise.

When it was staged at Gyeonghui Palace in central Seoul this year, audiences were surprised by the unconventional modern setting.

While the story revolves around an historic palace from the Joseon Dynasty, the musical incorporates hip hop, fast tempos and a dynamic staging. The actors even broke into rap, creating an intense show.


It was an adventure for the production company to pursue such a different staging.

And the result?

The Jewel in the Palace h...| More