Kim Hyun-soo (김현수)

Highway Star Sold to Japan

Source | 2007/07/24 | Permalink |

The release rights for Korean musical comedy "Highway Star" has been sold to Japanese firm Avex Entertainment. For Avex, known primarily as one of the largest independent record labels in the world, the pick-up marks its first purchase of a Korean film after a recent move into the film industry.

Korean sales outfit Studio 2.0 sold the film, which stars "My Sassy Girl" lead actor CHA Tae-hyeon. "Highway Star" is about a struggling rock musician who is duped into 'trot' music, a now often mocked traditional style of Korean country music popular in the 80's and still loved today by the senior generation. The film is a remake of a Japanese feature titled Enka no Hanamichi.

Its grossed US$11.7 million on its release at home in February, following in the footsteps of other Korean music-themed comedy-dramas of personal transformation such as "Radio Star" (2006) and the mega-hit "200 Pounds Beauty" (2006). The film is the feature debut for directors Kim Hyun-soo and Kim Sang-chan...| More

'Highway Star' Has Several Holes

Source | 2007/02/15 | Permalink |

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

The success of recent movies that center on music such as "Radio Star" and "200 Pounds Beauty" can be attributed to their successful appeal to the ear as well as the eye.

Because of its enjoyable music, the new comedy "Highway Star" has potential to follow its predecessors.

But as a comedy, it's a bit disappointing. Its clumsy story is loosely developed and doesn't produce many jokes, and its humor often seems to come from out of the blue.

Directed by Kim Sang-chan and Kim Hyun-soo, the film is about a rocker who makes it big in trot music, which is similar to melodramatic Japanese enka songs. (It's a sudden and amazing turn. Let's say Eminem suddenly wants to sing Frank Sinatra songs.)

In the film, Dal-ho (played by Cha Tae-hyeon) is the lead vocalist of a rock band who has dreams of stardom but works in a rural club accompanying a trot singer.

One day, Mr. Jang (Im Chae-moo), the head of a shabby recording company, notices Dalho's tal...| More