Korean movie news

Automakers try to make stars of their cars

2008/07/08 | Source | Permalink |

Competition is heating among carmakers to get their products placed on TV.

Am I the only one who has asked the following questions while watching TV dramas? Why do all the main characters drive different models of BMW? Why do mothers and daughters drive Peugeots that are different only in color? How could the lead character, who's supposed to be barely making ends meet, possibly afford a Volvo?

The secret behind the dominance of one brand of vehicle on any particular program is product placement, whereby marketers hook productions up with cars and sometimes cash to get exposure for their products.

"Cars are one of the few commercial products that can be naturally exposed in the everyday life of drama characters. Vehicles with impressive or unfamiliar designs instantly catch the eyes of viewers and can easily become objects of desire for some", said Choi Min-soo, a spokesman with Renault Samsung Motor.

Product placement, however, does not necessarily spur sales, he said. "W...| More

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Movie-Based Dramas to Fill TV Screens

2008/07/08 | Source | 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

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'90s Film Reborn as Musical Rendition

2008/07/08 | Source | Permalink |

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Actor Oh Man-seok will return to the stage with a new film-based musical, "The Harmonium in My Memory" from July 22.

The film (1999) of the same name featuring award-winning actress Jeon Do-yeon and hallyu star Lee Byeong-heon, will be adapted into the musical show.

Oh will alternate playing the leading role of Kang Dong-soo, an elementary school teacher with rising musical star Cho Jung-seok.

The role of Yoon Hong-yeon, which was played by Jeon in the film version, will be played by Lee Jung-mi and Jang Eun-ah who starred in "Mamma Mia!"

According to Show Tic, the production company, the musical rendition will focus on reviving the romantic atmosphere and literary sensitivity of the 1960s on stage as the film did. "The Harmonium in My Memory" is also the big-screen adaptation of best-selling Korean novel "Female Student".

The story is about the first love of adolescents in a remote village area in the 1960s. It revolves around Kang, ...| More

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[ChanMi's star news] Kim Hee-seon, 3 months pregnant

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

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[ChanMi's drama news] Kim Seon-ah and Lee Dong-geun, deep kiss scenes!

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

Nothing else needs to be explained, there was a kiss scene and that's that.

Right?

Well, just in case you're curious for more....| More

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[ChanMi's star news] Why is Nam Sang-mi happy?

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

She is so blessed! Do you know why?

Wouldn't you be if you were to taste every single dish that's been cooked from different provinces and those fit for the king?...| More

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[ChanMi's take] Is this the same Han Ye-in I know?

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

Does she look familiar? Do you know who she is?

Think hard... try to remember!!!...| More

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[ChanMi's take] Style? no Style?

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

I don't know, its really hard for me to say...

She IS one of the fashion leaders with her slender body and eccentric sense of style... right?...| More

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[ChanMi's movie news] Jang Dong-gun comes back on "Earth"

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

Our beloved movie star Jang Dong-gun is coming back through "Earth" directed by Lee Myeong-se this September.

Jang Dong-gun's working with this director is special because it was his movie, "Nowhere To Hide" in 1999 that brought attention to this star's talents....| More

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Korean wave spreads to Iran

2008/07/07 | Source | Permalink |

By Shirley Han Ying
Journalist at Press TV, Iran-based English-language TV Network

From clothes to hairstyle, pop music to TV dramas, Korea has been affecting the life of many Asians in recent years, now even in Iran.

Mohammad Fazaeli turned on TV and started watching the tele-drama at home with his whole family. It was the latest hit series on Iranian State Television - a Korean blockbuster.

"Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum"), a soap opera about a cook who overcame hardships to become a royal palace physician in ancient Korea, was known as Yangom in Iran.

This drama along with "Emperor of the Sea" (Haesin) was among Fazaeli's favorites. "My family and I watch most of the Korean dramas aired on TV, and also the latest Korean and Asian movies popular in the world", said Fazaeli.

Iran was unclaimed ground until about a year ago, when MBC hit soap "Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum") was first aired there. The response was explosive. Since then, three out of Iran's...| More

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