| 'Insadong' Can Go That Extra Mile (Source) |
2009/04/16 |
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
When it comes to replicas, modern Koreans may be familiar with fake Louis Vuitton handbags; the immaculate craftsmanship baffles even experts. But not many people realize that "Mongyu Dowondo" (Paradise in a Dream, 1447), displayed at the National Museum of Korea, is a mock-up. The original landmark painting of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) remains in Japan.
For "Insadong Scandal", first-time director Park Hee-gon may have been inspired by that tantalizing fact, which inevitably points to sensitive Korea-Japan relations, but he opts for something purely entertainment-driven rather than stoop to sappy "nationalism marketing" to tell the story of lost art and misdirected ambitions. Like George Clooney and others in the "Ocean's" franchise, popular actor Kim Rae-won ("Sunflower") and a host of colorful characters bring a stylish and speedy crime story set against the exotic art hub of Seoul, Insa-dong.
It all came from a dream. Angyeon immortalize... |More
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| KIM Rae-won stirs up Insa-dong (Source) |
2008/09/18 |
After two years, KIM Rae-won returns to the big screen with the film "Insadong Scandal". Insadong (officially Insa-dong gil (street)) is a famous street in Northern Seoul which attracts a wide variety of domestic and international tourists, traditional food and tea lovers, and art connoisseurs.
KIM is cast to play Korea's leading art restaurateur, a highly skilled and intelligent but cold person. The plot deals with a conspiracy to let a famous Joseon era painting disappear.The film is rumoured to bring non-mainstream art to the public's attention.
"Insadong Scandal" will start filming in October. All the attention is centred around KIM's casting and return to the silver screen without information about the director or other cast members.
KIM revealed that he is thankful for being able to tackle a different kind of character again in "Insadong Scandal". KIM's latest film "Sunflower" was released in 2006. KIM played a young man who tries to come clean with his criminal years an... |More
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| Kim Rae-won, Popular in both Korea and Japan (Source) |
2008/03/13 |
The drama "Best Chef" in Korea. Two movie premieres in Japan.
'There's no time to rest!"
It is expected that actor Kim Rae-won will be showing different sides of his charm in Korea and Japan. While filming the Korean drama "Best Chef", he will be premiering two movies in Japan. A representative of Kim Rae-won has said, "Two movies will premiere in Japan soon. On the 8th, "Hana Kage" (Director Kawai Hayato) and "Sunflower" (Director Kang Seok-beom) will premiere. "Hana Kage" will be premiering in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and other major cities, and will be a stepping stone for him to become a star of the Korean wave".
It is hard for Kim Rae-won to even show his face these days due to his filming of the drama "Best Chef". Because of this, the curiosity of fans is growing. Kim Rae-won's representative said, "I believe there will be a chance for him to meet with his fans soon in Korea to promote his Japanese movies. He really wants to meet with his fans".
"Best Chef" will be airi... |More
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| Actor Kim Stars in Japanese Movie (Source) |
2008/02/15 |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Another Korean heartthrob, actor Kim Rae-won, 26, is stepping up his activities in Japan.
Kim stars in a Japanese movie named "Hanakage" (Flower Shadow) directed by Hayato Kawai.
He plays an elementary school teacher who falls in love with a Korean-Japanese jewelry designer played by Mirai Yamamoto. Filmed in both Korea and Japan, this movie depicts international love.
Kim debuted in MBC's teen drama "Me" (1996) and is known for his role in the TV romantic comedy "Cat on the Roof" (2003), in which late Jeong Da-bin starred as his counterpart. He also appeared in movies like "Mister Socrates" (2005) and "Sunflower" (2006).
He currently shoots Korean TV soap opera "Gourmet" ("Sikgaek") based on Heo Yeong-man's popular cartoon. "Sikgaek" will be aired in April on SBS.
Meanwhile, SG Wanna Be, the Korean R&B trio, sings the main theme for the movie. Sport Hochi, a Japanese paper, reported that SG Wanna Be's "Arirang" was chosen for the sound... |More
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| "Chef" Overfeeds Gourmet Drama (Source) |
2007/10/25 |
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Inspired by the phenomenally popular comic series of the same name, "Le Grand Chef" (Sikgaek) offers an "Iron Chef"-style edge that dashes through an explosively colorful array of Korean dishes. Revolving around a fierce cooking competition, "Chef " is stimulating throughout, but is ultimately more "gluttonous" than tasteful.
A Japanese man has stepped forward to redeem past evils involving the chef to Korea's last emperor Seonjong, and a nationwide culinary battle ensues. Archenemies Seong-chan (Kim Kang-woo) and Bong-ju (Im Won-hee) rekindle their longstanding rivalry as they sharpen their knives. Five years before, the two had competed to take over Unamjeong, a renowned Korean restaurant. But Seong-chan suffers a critical blow when his blowfish dish poisons the jurors. Distraught, he retires to the countryside, while Bong-ju exploits the wealth and fame of his inheritance.
With the help of Jin-su (Lee Ha-na), a pretty, energetic reporter, Seon... |More
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