Lim Tae-woo (임태우)

First season of "Special Investigations Unit"

2008/04/24 | Source | Permalink |

The first episode of "Special Investigations Unit" aired on April 13, 2008 at 11:40 pm and attracted a sizable audience, reaching 6.4% (Seoul metropolitan area, TNS) of all viewers, getting off to a smooth start.

The 6.4% viewership rating is higher than the ratings for the last episode of "Before and After" that aired on March 30, 2008 and this is a favorable sign that "Special Investigations Unit" will build up a solid audience base.

Gong Chul-soo (actor Kim Heung-soo), the new employee at an insurance company, is sent to investigate the site of a fire accident in episode 1 of "Special Investigations Unit" and drew glowing comments from viewers. After the episode aired, various comments were posted on the show's website. One viewer said, "Each character has interesting personalities, which made it interesting to watch!" Another viewer commented that, "It was better than I expected". "You must produce a second season for this show", one viewer gushed". The eclectic mix of person...| More

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?

Political Drama Sparks Controversy

2005/05/24 | Source | Permalink |

By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter

MBC drama "The Fifth Republic", is at the center of controversy for its portrayal of the former dictatorial president Chun Doo-hwan and dealing with a sensitive political era that has not yet been historically evaluated.

The title "The Fifth Republic", refers to the military regime Chun was president of from 1981 to 1988. The drama follows his assumption of power through a military coup right up to his downfall following a series of democratic movements.

Most of the main characters in the drama, whose real names are used, are still living, including Chun, Chang Se-dong, formerly chief secretary to Chun; Hur Hwa-pyong, key aide to the former president and former lawmaker; Chung Ho-yong, former Army chief of staff; and Lee Hak-bong, former vice director of the Korea Central Intelligence Agency.

Although the drama first started amid high attention from viewers since it began airing on April 23, its ratings have slid recently to just 15 percent...| More

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?

Film, drama star Korean presidents

2005/01/20 | Source | Permalink |

Whatever their intentions, anybody attempting to pry open Korea's recent history opens a Pandora's Box. The clamor over declassified documents on secret reparations agreements between Korea and Japan serves as the latest proof of the dangers involved in reopening the history books.
Despite the risks, individuals in the film and television industry are taking a stab at historical subjects long prohibited from being portrayed on the screen. One man in particular seems to have drawn writers, directors and producers like moths to a flame: the elusive, at times revered and at others despised, Park Chung-hee.

Presidents were once Korea's untouchables, addressed solely as "gakha", or "Your Excellency", after assuming their seat of power at the Blue House. Their power remained uncontested - until a military coup or assassination dethroned them.

Director Im Sang-soo's new film, "Those People Back Then - The President's Last Bang", recasts the assassination of Park Chung-hee, also know...| More

To participate to HanCinema, you must sign up or log in. Sign up, Why ?