Windstruck (Movie - 2004)

Seong Yoo-ri Makes Movie Debut Opposite Jang Hyeok

Source | 2009/10/05 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Singer-turned-actress Seong Yoo-ri makes her big screen debut opposite Jang Hyeok in a mellow seasonal romance, "Maybe".

The movie also marks the local film debut of acclaimed France-based auteur Joo Ji-hong, whose filmography includes "Le Mal de Dents" starring Kristin Scott Thomas. "Maybe" will premiere at the 14th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), which runs from Oct. 8 to 16, before a nationwide theatrical release Oct. 22.

Best known as a former member of K-pop band Fin.K.L, Seong has become a regular leading lady on the small screen, most recently appearing in the big budget TV soap "Swallow the Sun" (SBS).

"I've always wanted to do movies but it seemed too overwhelming, having to fill the huge screen with your face and acting. I could not have done it without the support of the director, Jang Hyeok and the crew", Seong told reporters at a promotional event Monday in Seoul.

"Singer-turned-actors tend to be less fearful ...| More

'Cyborg She', One Man's Perverse Fantasy

Source | 2009/04/30 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Director Kwak Jae-yong has been giving less than stellar performances ever since the South Korean megahit "My Sassy Girl" (2001) and the mellow romance "The Classic" (2003) ― and he makes an effort to redeem himself, rather fruitlessly, in "Cyborg She".

The Korea-Japan joint production nevertheless held a top spot in the Japanese box office for five weeks and sold over 110,000 DVDs. The movie translates into real action akin to Japanese sci-fi anime, and is not without its charms, particularly with some striking visuals and top stars Haruka Ayase and Keisuke Koide giving endearing performances.

But this reporter ― having loved Kwak's "Sassy" and "The Classic" (2003), despised "Sassy's" prequel "Windstruck" (2004) and felt pity for "My Mighty Princess" (2008) ― was not at all convinced by "Cyborg's" perverse pursuit of an older man's self-gratifying fantasy. "This movie is like a gift to myself, to my lonely days as a young man ...| More

Hallyu in Northeastern States of India

Source | 2008/08/21 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Sandip Kumar Mishra

In recent years, there have been some significant reverberations of the Korean cultural wave, Hallyu, at India's doorsteps. In July 2006, the Korean Drama Emperor of the Sea was for the first time introduced in India by the national broadcaster DD-1. In September 2006, another Korean drama Jewel in the Palace began to be aired on DD-1. These two Korean dramas have received a good response from Indian audiences so far. Furthermore, many Korean musical and theater troops have visited India in recent times and Korean cultural products have been gradually making their way into India.

However, the most striking and powerful manifestation of Hallyu could be seen in the Northeastern states of India, particularity in the state of Manipur. In the age of globalization and revolution in information and communication dispersal, Korean cultural products are a big hit in Manipur. These cultural products have been reaching Indian shores through Korean the satellite channe...| More

Movie-Based Dramas to Fill TV Screens

Source | 2008/07/08 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Amid the ongoing search for catchy, stylish, attractive ideas for local dramas, many drama-makers have turned to themes that have already been seen to be popular. Movie-based dramas are no longer new, but the race for the best-made remake is expected to get more competitive with "IRIS", "Tazza" (working title), "Friends: The Unfinished Tale" (working title) and "Beat".

The 1999 movie "Shiri" was a steppingstone for Korean cinema, being considered the first blockbuster movie that captivated local movie fans with its distinctive plot and action scenes. Now the hit movie that depicted the lives of secret agents is coming back to television screens as "IRIS". In order to bring movie-like elements onto the smaller screen, the drama will be written and produced by Taewon Entertainment and Kang Je-gyu Film, both famous movie agencies here, and will boast a budget of 20 billion won. Korean heartthrob Lee Byeong-heon ("All In", 2003) will appear as the myst...| More

2008 Sees Korean Stars Swarm Hollywood

Source | 2008/06/28 | 0 comments | Permalink |

by Nigel D'Sa

While Hollywood seems to be gaining ground at the Korean box office in 2008, a growing number of Korean stars are invading Hollywood's home turf this year, bringing Korean talent into view on the world stage. Local celebrities such as Jeon Ji-hyeon, Lee Byeon-heon, Jung Ji-hoon ("Rain"), Jang Dong-gun, and Korean-American Daniel Henney are currently filming or have already wrapped roles in major US studio productions.

Actress Jeon, going by her English name Gianna Jun, recently completed the shooting of her lead role in "Blood: The Last Vampire", a US – Hong Kong co-production set in the Tokyo of 1970. Jeon plays Saya, a vampire working for a covert US government agency that hunts and destroys demons. She is assigned to a military school where she must find out which of her fellow classmates is a demon in disguise.

The English-language horror-thriller will be model-turned-actress Jeon's Hollywood debut. Rising to celebrity status with her 2001 Korean feature...| More