Marrying the Mafia (Movie - 2002)

"My Girlfriend is an Agent" Captivates Viewers' Hearts

Source | 2009/05/12 | Permalink |

The Korean comedy movie "My Girlfriend is an Agent" (directed by Sin Tae-ra and produced by Harimao Pictures) is off to an impressive start.

The production costs of "My Girlfriend is an Agent" amounted to 4.2 billion won, which is quite a lofty amount given the low-budget trend these days. But just 19 days since its opening, it has already drawn more than 2.4 million viewers – the break-even point, according to the production company's estimates.

Since week one, "My Girlfriend is an Agent" has maintained its edge even despite a number of Hollywood blockbusters that opened, including "Knowing", "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Star Trek XI". During the third week, it even beat Park Chan-wook's "Thirst", which drew significant media attention.

The stellar performance of "My Girlfriend is an Agent" is even more impressive because, despite all odds, it has gained recognition for its outstanding quality.

The film's director Sin Tae-ra has released only two commercial films so far...| More

JEON Ji-hyeon and SEOL Kyeong-gu portrayed greatest characters

Source | 2008/12/19 | Permalink |

Major Korean film magazine Movieweek polled to find out who Koreans regard as the ten greatest screen personas. JEON Ji-hyeon's role in "My Sassy Girl" claimed the top spot for greatest female character with 21% of the votes. 25% votes for SEOL Kyeong-gu's character in the "Public Enemy" trilogy secured SEOL the greatest male character title.

In close pursuit of SEOL is CHOI Min-sik's "Old Boy" character (20%). SONG Kang-ho's "Memories of Murder" character came in third (11%).

The top three for women is completed by second placed IM Soo-jeong (19%) for her role in "I'm a Cyborg, but That's Ok", and third seed LEE Young-ae. LEE's performance in "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" earned her 13% of the votes.

Movieweek compiled another Korea's greatest characters list by itself. This unranked list consists of: SIN Ha-gyoon ("Save the Green Planet"), IM Won-hee ("Dachimawa Lee"), KIM Jeong-eun ("Marrying the Mafia"), KONG Hyo-jin ("Crush and Blush"), MOON So-ri ("A Good Lawyer's Wife...| More

Actor to Support Ethiopian Kids' Choir

Source | 2008/06/25 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Korean actor Jeong Joon-ho and his volunteer organization "Love's Foodcar" will meet the Ethiopia Children's Choir (ETHI) this Saturday.

The ETHI Choir, which arrived here last Thursday, was organized by a Korean children relief organization "World Together" in 2006. The aim of the choir project was to help Ethiopian children gain confidence and also give them a chance to travel and perform around the world. Comprised of 28 Ethiopian children from ages seven to 13, the choir gave a performance on June 24 at Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the location of the Memorial Tower for Ethiopian soldiers who fought in the Korean War (1950-1953).

Jeong will bring "Love's Foodcar" to the Misari Boat Race Stadium to meet the choir on Saturday and have lunch with them. The children will also spend time with the 37-year-old movie star, who will bring bicycles and inline skates with him.

"I am very happy to share our love despite different boundaries and race...| More

Investigation Program to Boom on Cable TV

Source | 2008/05/20 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Investigation dramas are the trend on cable television screens. But instead of the ordinary cat-and-mouse plots, various headways are under way.

Korean fans have been loyal to these programs ― from "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", and "Cold Case" to "Without a Trace". MBC Dramanet's "Byeolsoongeom" also caught the eye of local and overseas fans with its distinctive investigation plots carried out in the Joseon era (1392-1910) last year. The program was recently nominated in the television drama section of the 48th Monte-Carlo Television Festival.

Now, more local productions are joining in. OCN's "Don't Ask of my Past" (working title), tvN's "My Cop" and Super Action's "KPSI (Korea Police Scientific Investigation): Season 2", are gearing up for a season of sexy, funny and serious investigation programs.

"Don't Ask of my Past" is a comical and sexy investigation drama, starring Kim Won-hee ("Marrying the Mafia 2", 2005). Kim will play Kw...| More

"Last Scandal": A New Drama of Strong Spirited Ajumma

Source | 2008/03/04 | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Dramas have always been the center of attention among Koreans with their cheerful characters played by young, hip and stylish celebrities. This year, the fever will go on, but this time it will be led by none other than "ajumma".

"Ajumma" is a Korean term that refers to middle-aged women who are married and usually represented as strong, fearless and dependable.

Two television networks have already aired dramas depicting the lives of these women: MBC's "Park Jung-geum, Heavenly Beauty", and SBS's "First Wives' Club".

Now, Korean fans will welcome another drama full of romance, humor and humanity, all conjoined into the life of a normal, but courageous "ajumma".

Choi Jin-sil and Jeong Joon-ho, from "Marrying the Mafia" (2002), have teamed up with director Lee Tae-gon for the new drama, "Last Scandal" (working title) a Cinderella story of a 39-year-old "ajumma".

At the press conference, Korea's famed actress Choi Jin-sil, from "My Rosy Li...| More