Happy End (1999) - 해피 엔드 (Hae-pi En-deu)

KIM Hye-soo transforms "Modern Boy" PARK Hae-il

2008/01/30 | Source | Permalink |

Writer/director JEONG Ji-woo wrapped up filming one of the highly anticipated films of this year: "Modern Boy", set during the occupation of Korea by Japan. The titular character is played by PARK Hae-il, a superficial young man who only cares about enjoying the fruits of modernization. Things change when he meets the mysterious and multi-talented character played by KIM Hye-soo.

KIM was chosen for the female lead since the character needs to be a very strong woman who has a profound impact on the young man's life, according to director JEONG's motivation. KIM has been lavishly praised for her commanding role in "Tazza: The High Rollers" ("The War of Fower").

With filming finished, "Modern Boy" is in the final stages after a development process of three years, including a shooting period of almost seven months in numerous locations spread over the Korean peninsula.

Expectations are high, since "Modern Boy" promises strong characters, impressive visuals, an interesting recrea...| More

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Cannes winner takes her next step

2007/10/03 | Source | Permalink |

What's next? This was the question Jeon Do-yeon has faced since she won the best actress award at the Cannes International Film Festival in May for her performance in "Milyang", or "Secret Sunshine", directed by Lee Chang-dong. But after a months-long wait, fans will be glad to hear that Jeon's next film will be "Meotjin Haru" (or "A Fine Day") to be directed by Lee Yoon-ki.
Jeon is to star as an unemployed spinster. One day, she meets up with her ex-boyfriend and spends a day full of adventure with subtle shades of feelings. Director Lee has been a darling of international film festivals with films like "This Charming Girl" (2004) and "Love Talk" (2005), which provided a sophisticated, warm look at female sensibilities. Jeon's male counterpart in the new film has yet to be decided. The movie is slated to start filming next month and open early next year.
The first Korean actress to win the award at Cannes, Jeon has cemented her fame at home with versatile performances, from a naiv...| More

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Jeon ! I really admire extraordinary women in the world. You are one of them. Keep it up. Especially, you are asian. I bow you sincerely. I like your acting in every movies you take. You are the woman my dear. Moe Moe 2007-10-04 22:04:24

A Tribute to Jeon Do-yeon

2007/05/31 | Source | Permalink |

Hearty congratulations to Korea's most ambitious and talented actress

Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

On May 27, Jeon Do-yeon won the Best Actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival, for her searing portrait of a spiritually devastated woman in Lee Chang-dong's "Secret Sunshine". I strongly feel that, even more than "Old Boy" winning the Grand Prix in 2004, which I sort of predicted her win is the most deserved among all prizes ever garnered by a Korean film or Korean filmmaker in the high-profile film festivals.

(Okay, okay, I didn't really predict it. What I said exactly was that I would eat cheese and drink wine instead of soybean paste and soju for a year if "Old Boy" won the Grand Prix, by which I really meant the Palm d'Or, and I have at least kept the promise on the wine part, even though the latter prize was claimed by "Fahrenheit 911".)

Coming from a TV drama background, and in the early years of her career sometimes made fun of because of her slightly nasal, little-girl v...| More

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JEON Do-yeon Crowned Best Actress at Cannes

2007/05/28 | Source | Permalink |

Actress JEON Do-yeon ended her debut at an international film festival by taking home the Best Actress Award from the renowned Cannes International Film Festival for her role in LEE Chang-dong's "Secret Sunshine" (Milyang). JEON had to wait a long time in her accomplished acting career before she could grace the international stage, since Secret Sunshine is her first film to be invited by an international film festival, but she immediately secured herself a place in the company of a select elite.

JEON became the second Asian actress to win the best actress recognition at Cannes after Maggie Cheung and the second Korean actress to win the top award at one of the major international film festivals, KANG Soo-yeon was the first Korean actress when she won in 1987 at the Venice International Film Festival for her acting in Surrogate Mother by director IM Kwon-taek.

JEON's role as a mother in agony was recognized as one of the favorites for the prize as critics at Cannes were full of...| More

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Korean wins best actress award at Cannes Film Festival

2007/05/28 | Source | Permalink |

Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon won the best actress award at the Cannes film festival Sunday (May 27) for her role in "Secret Sunshine" depicting a woman struggling to rearrange her life after the tragic deaths of her husband and only son.

Jeon is the second actress from Korea to win an award at a major international film competition. Kang Soo-yeon won the best actress award at the 1987 Venice Film Festival for her role in "Surrogate Mother".

The 34-year-old actress was considered a favorite from early on, gaining acclaim for her powerful performance as a young mother whose life is suddenly torn apart. It was directed by Lee Chang-dong, a former Korean culture minister who previously was the director of award-winning local films like "Peppermint Candy" and "Oasis".

"I cannot believe it", Jeon said as she received the award.

"I heard there were many fascinating actresses who performed wonderfully, and I'm not sure if I'm entitled to stand here on behalf of them. I thank the Can...| More

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