Old Boy (Movie - 2003)

올드보이 (Ol-deu-bo-i)

Screenplay by Hwang Jo-yoon (황조윤), Park Chan-wook (박찬욱)

120min | Release date in South Korea : 2003/11/21

One day in 1988, an ordinary man named OH Dae-su, who lives with his wife and adorable daughter, is kidnapped and later wakes up to find himself in a private makeshift prison. Dae-su makes numerous attempts to escape and to commit suicide, but they all end up in failure. All the while Dae-su asks himself what made a man hate him so much enough to imprison him without any reason. While suffering from his debacle, Dae-su becomes shocked when he watches the news and hears that his beloved wife was brutally murdered. At this very moment, Dae-su swears to take revenge on the man who destroyed his happy life.
Fifteen years have passed and Dae-su is released with a wallet filled with money and a mobile phone. An unknown man calls Dae-su and asks him to figure out why he was imprisoned. In front of bewildered Dae-su, a girl named Mido appears and she promises to help him seek vengeance after hearing about his 15 years in confinement. With MidoÂ¡Â¯s help, Dae-su begins to trace the guy and finally encounters the private prison where he discovers a cassette tape, which only says... "OH Dae-su talks too muchÂ¡Â¦Â¡Â± While Dae-su and MidoÂ¡Â¯s search goes on, Dae-su finally runs face to face with his kidnapper. The culprit says there will be no way to find out the reason of his imprisonment if Dae-su kills him now. Instead, he proposes a game. He tells Dae-su that if he discovers the reason for his imprisonment in five days, then he will kill himself. If not, he will kill Mido. Only five days are given to Dae-su to find out the reason behind the guyÂ¡Â¯s grudge against Dae-su. While doing so, hidden secrets about Dae-su and Mido's relationship are revealed.

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[HanCinema's Film Talk] Is Spike Lee out of his depth with "Old Boy"?
2013/04/27
Although its official release date is still a long way off (early October 2013), Spike Lee's "Oldboy" has finally given us something to look at. A poster teaser was recently released that shows little more that twenty red scratches, along with the controversial titling: "A Spike Lee joint" (whatever that means). Indeed, since it was announced that Park Chan-wook's award winning film was to be given the Hollywood 'bump', fans and critics alike have been very vocal in asking the very simple and obvious question-Why?,...More

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[HanCinema's Image Gallery] Spike Lee's "Oldboy" (2013)
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[HanCinema's MovieBarcodes] Park Chan-wook's Filmography (2000-2013)
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2013/12/12, Source
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[HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.11.22 - 2013.11.24
2013/11/25
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Yoo Ji-tae's never changing appearance
2013/11/18, Source
Actor Yoo Ji-tae is an issue for his well-preserved looks. Yoo Ji-tae's agency revealed pictures of the actor; one from 10 years ago from "Old Boy" and one from recently,...More
Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-seong and more, reunited in 10 years
2013/11/17, Source
A picture of the cast of "Old Boy" was revealed. The re-mastered version of the 10 year old movie is being released once again and everyone got together to take a picture to celebrate the 10th anniversary,...More
[HanCinema's Film News] New Korean Films Inbound...
2013/11/16
K-Films Coming Soon: ★★★★★ "The Fake": A lowly drunk in a rural village tries to expose the corruption of those in power during the villagers' relocation. (11/21) ★★★★ "Marriage Blue": An omnibus melodrama that follows four couples struggling with conflict as their wedding dates draw nearer. (11/21) ★★★★ "Youth Talk": Two young couples attempt to deal with the lemons life throws at their love (11/21). ★★ "House With A Good View - Voyeuristic Desire": A sexy melodrama about the extreme lengths some will go to win over their love interest. (11/20) ★★★★ "Precious Love": A touching story about the love that can be found at the bottom of a barrel. (11/21) ★★★ "Novel Meets Movie": A zany-looking drama by four directors that showcases some atypical characters and their stumblings around life. (11/21),...More
"Old Boy" 10th anniversary poster
2013/11/13, Source
The movie "Old Boy" which was released on November 21st just 10 years before today, is being re-released as a re-mastered version. Being released on the same date it did 10 years ago, "Old Boy" came out with a new poster. The two men's act of revenge on the 10 year-old poster is nowhere to be seen and the L in 'old' is replaced with a hammer that is to be remembered from the movie. The font for 'old' has also been encrypted with '10' instead,...More
[HanCinema's Film News] New Korean Films Inbound...
2013/10/26
Title: "Days of Wrath" Genre: Action, Thriller Length: 103 min Release Date: 2013/10/31 Director: Sin Dong-yeop ("Wedding Scandal", "100 Days with Mr. Arrogant") Stars: Yang Dong-geun, Joo Sang-wook, Lee Tae-im The Short and Sweet: The victim and bully from school reunite after 15 years with Yang Dong-geun as they bully and Joo Sang-wook as the victim. Actors Yang Dong-geun ("Perfect Game", "Grand Prix") and Joo Sand-wook ("90 Minutes", "The Scent") square off this week in Sin Dong-yeop's fourth feature "Days of Wrath" (aka "The Punisher"). Sin's previous work revolved around romantic ("Wedding Scandal", "100 Days with Mr. Arrogant") comedies and the action sci-fi adventure film "Super Monkey Returns"; but his new film deviates heavily with its dark imagining of an unsettling reunion of Joon-seok (Joo Sang-wook) and his school bully from fifteen years ago. Action thrillers have become a mainstay of Korea cinema; it's a polished genre and style that Korean cinema frequently returns. Sin's new flick looks to join the bandwagon here with a twist that looks not too dissimilar from Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy". "Days of Wrath" looks intriguing and it will be exciting to see if Yang and Joo strike are able to invoke the sort of tension and thrills fans of the genre have come to expect. ★★★★ Title: "NO-BREATH" Genre: Drama, Sports Length: 118 min Release Date: 2013/10/30 Director: Cho Yong-sun* Screenplay: Yoo Yeong-ah Stars: Lee Jong-suk, Seo In-guk, Kwon Yuri, Park Chul-min The Short and Sweet: Two very different restless youths join a swimming competition for love and friendship that is, in fact, a rite of passage to growing up. This sports drama is Cho Yong-sun's debut feature and in it he has manage to recruit Lee Jong-suk ("The Face Reader", "R2B: Return to Base") and the, largely drama actor, Seo In-guk ("Master's Son", "Rascal Sons") to carry his hopes that a successful sports drama is on the cards here. The two are also supported by the actor/singer Kwon Yuri ("Fashion King", "I AM.") as well as actor Park Chul-min ("The Hero"). In "NO-BREATH", The Lee and Seo play Woo-sang and Won-il, two highly driven youths who follow their dream and talents by joining a swimming competition that tests not only their abilities, but raises new questions in other areas of their lives as well. ★★★ Title: "One of a Kind 3D: G Dragon 2013 1st World Tour" Genre: Documentary, Music Length: 90 min Release Date: 2013/10/31 Director: Jeong Chi-yeong, Son Seok Stars: G-Dragon The Short and Sweet: The real live feed of one of the leading K-pop artist G-Dragon who always attempts at new challenges in music and style on the 30th of March 2013. ★★★ "Thor: The Dark World" (2013), "Vulgaria" (2012), "Cool Dimension" (2006), "The Four" (2012), "The White Gorilla" (2011), "Storm Rider - Clash of Evils" (2008), "Tough Guy" (2010), "Himizu" (2011), "The Broken Circle Breakdown" (2012), "La Femme Nikita Nikita" (1990), "Klip Clip" (2012), - C.J. Wheeler (chriscjw@gmail.com; @KoreaOnTheCouch) Sources: AsianWiki: http://asianwiki.com/Mango_Tree; http://asianwiki.com/No_Breathing; Daum: http://movie.daum.net/movieinfo/coming/movieInfoScheduled.do?modeType=day&order=recently HanCinema: http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Nora_Noh.php#synopsis; http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_NO-BREATH.php; http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Mango_Tree.php; http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_One_of_a_Kind_3D_2p__G_Dragon_2013_1st_World_Tour.php; http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Delicious_Love_Formula_-_Sex.php; http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Days_of_Wrath.php; http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Green_Chair_2013_-_Love_Conceptually.php#synopsis KOBIZ: http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/films/index/filmsView.jsp?movieCd=20122786; http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/films/index/filmsView.jsp?movieCd=20130681 ,...More
Jo Yeo-jung in "Point Blank" with Song Seung-heon and Ryu Seung-ryong
2013/09/24, Source
Actress Jo Yeo-jung is starring in the movie "Point Blank" with Ryu Seung-ryong. Jo Yeo-jung has been signing a couple contracts including "Point Blank" and "Human Addiction" that will keep her busy until next year,...More
'Old Boy' Choi Min-sik Signs on for Luc Besson's Latest Flick
2013/09/09, Source
Choi Min-sik will appear in his first non-Korean film, "Lucy", the latest flick by French director Luc Besson. It boasts a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman. Choi has been receiving offers from around the world since the huge success in 2003 of "Old Boy", directed by Park Chan-wook. Filming on "Lucy" will begin this fall, with a release date scheduled for next year,...More
[HanCinema's Hall of Fame Review] "My Sassy Girl": Flinching and Falling in Love
2013/08/10
In the Spotlight this Week: "My Sassy Girl" (2001) by kwak Jae-Yong If Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" is Korea's flagship revenge thriller, then "My Sassy Girl" is a strong contender in the romantic comedy category. Inspired by a series of real world blog posts, "My Sassy Girl" is contemporary Korean love story with a truly universal spirit threaded through it,...More
[HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.07.26 ~ 2013.07.28
2013/07/29
Despite the release of DreamWorks Animation's "Turbo" and the latest comic book film "The Wolverine", it was "Red 2" that managed to remain Korea's film of choice. Director Dean Parisot's "Red 2" claimed 666,048 admissions (25.9%) in its second weekend out, holding off a host of challengers to round out the month of July in good condition. In addition to these two Hollywood features getting stuck in, this week will also see two mammoth Korean films go head-to-head for the summer crowds and crown. Bong Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" and Kim Byeong-woo's "The Terror Live" are both officially released on August 1st, with the latter having already scored a sneaky 122,762 (4.9%) admissions. "The Terror Live" stars the popular Korean actor Ha Jung-woo ("The Berlin File", "Nameless Gangster", "The Client") as a T.V. anchor that has to get back into the game when a bomb-blasting terrorist threatens Korea's capital city,...More
[HanCinema's Film Review] Returning to the Sunny side of Love.
2013/07/27
Korean films are particularly intrigued by the tragic tests time and memory can place on love. This fascination extends across genres and the results are often not the Hollywood fairy tale viewers might come to expect. We see this in recent films like "The Servant", where Choon-hyang (Korea's 'Juliet' played by Jo Yeo-jung) suffers a devasting physical trauma that leaves her mentally and emotionally incapacitated, no longer able to remember the love and passion she once had for her forbidden lover Bang-ja (Kim Joo-hyuk). In Park Chan-wook's cult classic "Old Boy" Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) is confronted with an impossible decision at the end, one that cruelly pits the love for his daughter against his own sanity. (I think it will be highly interesting to see how Spike Lee's version of the story's ending differs to Park's). There are other examples of how time and love collide in Korea cinema, often with truly memorable results, and recently I returned to one of the most successful dramas in recent years: Kang Hyeong-cheol's "Sunny - 2010",...More
CJ Entertainment Proudly Presents "A Werewolf Boy"
2013/07/23
Some Instincts Can Never Be Tamed ... Is It Possible He Continues to Wait for Her? Romantic Fantasy Comes to Life on DVD Aug. 13th Sometimes love can wait a lifetime in the romantic fantasy "A Werewolf Boy", captivating DVD Aug. 13 from CJ Entertainment America. An unexpected phone call summons an elderly woman, who has lost interest in life, back to Korea and the remote cottage in the countryside where she spent a tumultuous time in her youth. Memories overwhelm Suni (Park Bo-young) of a feral and mute orphan (Song Joong-ki) who the family took in ... only to discover that he was a creature never meant to exist,...More
[UK] Park Chan-wook's "JSA - Joint Security Area" at the Prince Charles Cinema on Wednesday 31 July
2013/07/12, Source
For this summer's edition Terracotta Film Club revisits the early work from Park Chan-wook, the acclaimed South Korean director of "Old Boy" and "STOKER". The screening on 31 July follows days after the 60th anniversary of the ceasefire agreement between North and South Korea on 27 July,...More
'Old Boy' Remake to Premiere in October
2013/07/10, Source
A poster for the U.S. remake of "Old Boy" featuring lead actor Josh Brolin was unveiled on Monday. Spike Lee has stepped into the director's chair to show audiences his take on Park Chan-wook's 2003 thriller. As Lee suggested his remake will be "even darker" than Park's version, the poster shows Brolin, who assumes the starring role previously inhabited by Choi Min-sik, emerging from a traveling chest -- after spending 20 years locked in a private cell for reasons unknown to him,...More
[HanCinema's Film Talk] Siblings in Cinema: The RYOO Brothers
2013/07/06
Siblings don't always get along. Even when working within the same field family members often choose to keep their personal and professional lives separate to keep the peace. Personal histories, grudges, and just knowing one another as well as they do can cause friction and frustration in the workplace. Not so though with renowned South Korean actor Ryoo Seung-bum and his moviemaking brother Ryoo Seung-wan. The brothers' most recent effort, "The Berlin File" (2013), marks another successful family collaboration that rocked Korean cinemas earlier this year. The brothers both came into the spotlight with their 2000 début feature "Die Bad"; a collection of four hard-boiled short stories that follows two teenagers and their descent into the violent world of organised crime. The film was written and directed by Seung-wan and stars himself and his younger brother Seung-beom. Seung-wan has sometimes been described as the Korean Tarantino, while his talent younger brother has been likened too the American-Canadian comedy actor Jim Carrey,...More
[HanCinema's Film Talk] SNOWPIERCER @ 24fps
2013/06/29
Bong Joon-ho's futuristic action epic "Snowpiercer" recently released a spectacular trailer to keep the saliva thick and wanting before the film's Korean release on August 1st. Here I'm going to take you through three sequences from that amazing trailer, and share some thoughts on what to expect from one of the most antcipated films of the year. In 2004, Bong reportedly came across the French comic book Le Transperceneige and read the entire series right there in the store. He shared his enthusiasm with fellow Korean director Park Chan-wook ("Old Boy", "Stoker") whose production company Moho Films secured the rights to it the following year. The film is a transnational exhibition that boasts a number of international talents in front of and behind the camera. Korean cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo ("Taegukgi", "Mother - 2009", "The Good, the Bad, the Weird") and all-star Korean actor Song Kang-ho ("The Host", "Memories of Murder", "Secret Sunshine") are among an orchestra of creative personalities who brought their impressive cinematic talents into the mix,...More
[HanCinema's Film Review] Park Chan-wook's "Stoker"
2013/05/18
After the mysterious death of her father on her 18th birthday, India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) is introduced to the uncle she never knew existed. The funeral comes and goes; yet her mother (Evelyn played by Nicole Kidman) is still adamant in keeping Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) around for emotional support at their large country estate. India herself is a creepy young woman who wouldn't look out of place in the Adam's Family. She regards her handsome and chivalrous uncle with strong suspicion and silently contemplates his motives and timely appearance in her life. The young teenager's relationship with her father was strong (mostly remembered through flashbacks of their hunting trips together) and overshadowed/marginalised her connection to her mother. As India watches Charlie and Evelyn's relationship become increasingly inappropriately, the dark echoes of her family history take hold and develops into a frightening new chapter for her and her kin,...More
[Guest Post] The Most Well-Known Korean Movies Worldwide
2013/05/17
Korean movies don't tend to get as much press as obvious places like Hollywood, Bollywood, or Japanese theater, but they still make plenty of films that gain worldwide traction. Here are a few examples of some Korean films you may even recognize,...More
[HanCinema's Film Talk] Is Spike Lee out of his depth with "Old Boy"?
2013/04/27
Although its official release date is still a long way off (early October 2013), Spike Lee's "Oldboy" has finally given us something to look at. A poster teaser was recently released that shows little more that twenty red scratches, along with the controversial titling: "A Spike Lee joint" (whatever that means). Indeed, since it was announced that Park Chan-wook's award winning film was to be given the Hollywood 'bump', fans and critics alike have been very vocal in asking the very simple and obvious question-Why?,...More
"The New World" Opens on March 22 in North America
2013/03/21, Source
A remarkable gangster noir film, "The New World" (2013, Korea), opens on March 22nd. This Korean crime drama, which is influenced by Hong Kong's Infernal Affairs (remade by Hollywood as The Departed), proposes an original take on the genre. It will be released to audiences in 24 North American cities. "The New World" is about a cop who is caught between his professional duty and the challenges of an undercover mission, struggling to complete his tasks without being revealed as a mole. "The New World" features a great lineup of South Korean stars, including Choi Min-sik ("Old Boy"), who plays the head of the Police department, Lee Jung-jae ("The Housemaid - 2010", "The Thieves") as Lee Joong-Goo, and Hwang Jung-min ("The Unjust", "A Bittersweet Life") who plays Jung Chung,...More
[HanCinema's Film Talk] Who is Park Chan-wook?: "Stoker" and the Re-birth of a Master.
2013/02/23
"Stoker" will be coming to Korean audiences next week Thursday. The film is a British-American psychological thriller distributed by the Fox Entertainment Group's "Fox Searchlight Pictures" division. It's an American-based film studio that focuses on independent and British films. The company's biggest success came in the form of the 2008 Oscar winner "Slumdog Millionaire", which grossed more than $377 million worldwide. "Slumdog Millionaire" was directed by Danny Boyle, who is also the chairman of the U.S-based Danaher Corporation; and his own studio Indian Paintbrush was involved in the production of "Stoker", along with director Ridley Scott's own production house Scott Free Productions,...More
Park Chan-wook Retrospective at MoMI - Friday, March 1 Sunday, March 3
2013/02/19, Source
Park Chan-wook, director, screenwriter, and producer, is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers on the international film festival circuit. To celebrate the release of "Stoker", his major directorial debut in Hollywood, The Korea Society and MoMI co-present a retrospective of his work. The special screening of "Stoker" (starring Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, and Matthew Goode) will play on February 28 at 7PM at MoMI. Park Chan-wook, a director, screenwriter, and producer, is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers on the international film circuit. To Celebrate the release of "Stoker", his major directorial debut in Hollywood, The Korea Society and MoMI co present a retrospective of his work. He debuted with 'The Moon is What the Sun Dreams of' in 1992, but he started to gain international recognition from the sensational movie 'JSA - Joint Security Area' in 2000 which The Guardian praised it as "airy, subtle and playful, and showcases the best elements of modern Asian cinema",...More
THN's Korean Cinema Style Week 10: Park Chan-wook - "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance"
2013/02/08, Source
This year will see three of South Korea's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed directors present their English language debuts. Kim Jee-woon ("THE LAST STAND"), Park Chan-wook ("STOKER"), and Bong Joon-ho ("Snowpiercer") have already proved themselves in their homeland, and here at THN we are taking a look back over their past efforts. Here's our first look at the films of Park Chan-wook, join us each week over the course of the next few months as we explore The Land Of The Morning Calm. "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" Director: Park Chan-wook Year: 2005 Cast: Lee Young-ae, Choi Min-sik, Kim Si-hoo, Nam Il-woo, Kim Byung-ok and Oh Dal-soo Plot: A woman serves 13 years in prison after confessing to the murder of a young boy. But is everything as it seems? We often think about actors being typecast, and how some struggle to break from the norm. But we don't always think about directors and the risks they run. Some directors jump into films against audience expectations, such as John Hughes taking on ANNIE,...More
THN's Korean Cinema Style Week 9: Park Chan-wook - "Old Boy"
2013/01/25, Source
This year will see three of South Korea's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed directors present their English language debuts. Kim Jee-woon ("THE LAST STAND"), Park Chan-wook ("STOKER"), and Bong Joon-ho ("Snowpiercer") have already proved themselves in their homeland, and here at THN we are taking a look back over their past efforts. Here's our first look at the films of Park Chan-wook, join us each week over the course of the next few months as we explore The Land Of The Morning Calm. "Old Boy" Director: Park Chan-wook Year: 2003 Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung, Kim Byung-ok, Ji Dae-han and Oh Dal-soo Plot: A man is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years for no apparent reason. He is then released and given 5 days to solve the mystery of who had him imprisoned and why. "Old Boy" is 10 years old this year, hard to believe that a film can remain so striking after simply dozens of viewings. This year will also see Spike Lee's remake hit the screen. "Old Boy" will most likely forever stand as the film that all Korean films will be judged by thanks to its accessibility as a heart pounding thriller and the fact that it's a daring film with unspeakable shock value which never feels contrived,...More
Leading Korean Directors Ready to Invade Theaters Worldwide
2013/01/21, Source
The movie poster for "Stoker". Photo Credit: http://bit.ly/VIISwJ 2013 just might be the year when Korean directors go beyond Asia and win worldwide recognition. We recently wrote about director Kim Jee-woon's action-packed Hollywood debut, "The Last Stand", with none other than the indomitable Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kim's colleagues Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho are also poised to show their first English language films to a wider international audience this year. Park Chan-wook is one of the most distinguished and popular directors in Korea. His famous Vengeance Trilogy consisting of "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" "Old Boy" and "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" received critical acclaim. He's also the man behind the 2000 blockbuster "JSA - Joint Security Area" His work is known to contain dark and often brutal themes, which seems to carry on in his first Hollywood film, "Stoker,...More
Korean Filmmaker Serves Up a Schwarzenegger-style Action Film
2013/01/18, Source
Arnold Schwarzenegger finished his stint as Governator of California and is back in film! His action movie "The Last Stand" is opening in the US this week and it's his first leading role in a decade since Terminator 3. It's also a milestone film for director Kim Jee-woon. While Kim is well-known in Korea, this is his very first English language and Hollywood movie. Official movie poster for "The Last Stand". Photo Credit: http://bit.ly/12kxDhc Schwarzenegger plays Ray Owens, the resigned sheriff of a small town on the US-Mexican border where there's not much crime to fight. But when notorious drug cartel leader Gabriel Cortez escapes FBI custody and speeds towards Mexico with a hostage, Sheriff Owens is forced to stop him. Owens' sleepy little town is straight in the path of Cortez's escape and the scene is set for a fierce, no-holds-barred showdown,...More
THN's Korean Cinema Style Week 7: Park Chan-wook - "JSA - Joint Security Area"
2013/01/11, Source
Next year will see three of South Korea's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed directors present their English language debuts. Kim Jee-woon (THE LAST STAND), Park Chan-wook (STOKER), and Bong Joon-ho (Snowpiercer) have already proved themselves in their homeland, and here at THN we are taking a look back over their past efforts. Here's our first look at the films of Park Chan-wook, join us each week over the course of the next few months as we explore The Land Of The Morning Calm. "JSA - Joint Security Area" Director: Park Chan-wook Year: 2000 Cast: Lee Young-ae, Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho, Kim Tae-woo, Shin Ha-kyun Plot: A member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Committee arrives in Panmunjom, the town that houses the Joint Security Area between North and South Korea, where she must investigate the murder of two North Korean soldiers,...More
THN's Korean Cinema Style Week 6: Kim Jee-woon - I Saw The Devil
2012/12/28, Source
With Gangnam Style destroying the charts the world over, we will soon see a second wave of the Korean invasion taking place. Three of South Koreas most commercially successful and critically acclaimed directors have their English language debuts set for next year. Kim Jee-woon ("THE LAST STAND"), Park Chan-wook ("STOKER"), and Bong Joon-ho ("Snowpiercer") have already proved themselves in their homeland, and here at THN we are taking a look back over their past efforts. Starting with the films of Kim Jee-woon, join us each week over the course of the next few months as we explore The Land Of The Morning Calm. Director: Kim Jee-woon Year: 2010 Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jun Gook-hwan, Chun Ho-jin, Oh San-ha, Kim Yoon-seo, Choi Moo-sung, Kim Si-woon Plot: After a serial killer murders the fiancé of a secret service agent, he is hunted down in a series of vicious revenge attacks. Mention the words 'Korean Film' and one's mind immediately jumps to ' revenge '. Not without good cause either. Sure, Korea have given us an incredible array of films but in the early naughties the ones getting the most attention were the films that focused on individuals seeking out vengeance,...More
[Guest Post] Daniel Tudor on Korean cinema
2012/11/09, Source
I'm not a true cinephile by any stretch of the imagination. I've always been the archetypal casual fan, who knows what he likes, but doesn't really like it enough to remember every line of the script. People ask, "have you seen [insert name of genius film here]?" and I honestly reply "yeah, I saw it a few years back, it was great". But then I'll be unable to back that up with any enlightened commentary on that scene with the uninterrupted shot that goes all the way around the bar and back again when all the mobsters are being introduced. Or even who was in it, sometimes. But when I first moved to Seoul in 2004, Korean cinema got to me. In some way it was a stroke of luck to be here while a golden era was still in swing,...More
MASQUERADE sets box office records in South Korea and expands across North America!
2012/10/24, Source
Since its South Korean release on September 13th and its North American release in select cities on September 21st, historical drama "Masquerade" has experienced sweeping success in both countries. In South Korea, "Masquerade" has been topping the weekend box office for six consecutive weeks, reaching 10 million in admissions and becoming the 7th movie in Korean film history to surpass the number. Following a Red Carpet Premiere at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with Lee Byung-hun and a limited U.S. release, "Masquerade" is now expanding to six more cities, including the brand new Angelika Mosaic in Washington D.C. See added list of theaters and release dates below:,...More
Lee Byung-hun stops in to say thanks
2012/09/26
In between shooting his upcoming Hollywood blockbuster "Red 2", Lee Byung-hun has returned home to express his thanks to Korean fans. Lee's agency announced yesterday that the Hallyu star wants to take part in next week's Busan International Film Festival "to say thank you to all those who watched 'Masquerade,...More
Korean movies opening today 2012/09/13 in Korea
2012/09/13, Source
Korean movies opening today 2012/09/13,...More
Added new poster for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/08/29, Source
Added new poster for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade",...More
[HanCinema Report] Packed house for opening of KOFFIA in Sydney
2012/08/28
KOFFIA 2012 - 22-28 August, 2012 The 3rd annual Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) kicked off last week on 22 August at picturesque Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia. It was a packed house at Dendy Cinema for the Opening Ceremony which began with an official welcome and a brief run through of this year's festival by KOFFIA 2012 Artistic Director Kieran Tully. Guests were then treated with a delightful performance of a traditional Korean Fan Dance (Buchaechum) by Hyun Kim before the official opening of the festival by Consul-General of the Republic of Korea (Sydney) Mr Jin-Soo Kim. The night concluded with a well-received screening of the highest grossing Korean film of 2011, Kim Han-min's spectacular "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon",...More
"Masquerade" Coming to North America on September 21!
2012/08/28, Source
CJ Entertainment brings the historical drama "Masquerade" to North American theaters on September 21st. Set in the seventeenth century, "Masquerade" was written by the co-writer of "Old Boy" and stars Lee Byung-hun (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and "A Bittersweet Life") in one of this fall's most riveting tales. "One must not record that which he wishes to hide". -February 28, 1616 The tyrant of the century, or the tragic monarch? History remembers one king with two faces,...More
[Video] Added new stills and trailer for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/08/23, Source
Added new stills and trailer for the up,...More
Added new posters for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/08/21, Source
Added new posters for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade",...More
Coming September 2012 From CJ Entertainment
2012/08/13
Coming this fall with the first ever day-and-date Korea and U.S. theatrical release for a Korean film is the hotly anticipated historical drama "Masquerade", starring Korea's world star Lee Byung-hun and written by "Old Boy" co-writer, Hwang Jo-yoon. The versatile actor LEE (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and A Bittersweet Life) plays the dual lead as both the tragic King Gwanghae and that of the commoner who shares a fatefully remarkable resemblance to the ruler, Ha-Seon,...More
[Video] Added new images and 2nd teaser trailer for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/08/09, Source
Added new images and 2nd teaser traile,...More
"Deranged" invited to Spain's Sitges Film Festival
2012/08/03, Source
The movie "Deranged" has been officially invited to the 45th Sitges Film Festival. "Deranged" has officially been invited in the Sitges Film Festival's Casa Asia section. Spain's representative film festival, the Sitges Film Festival has been called the 'Cannes' for fantasy films and will be held for 10 days from October 4th to the 14th,...More
Poster revealed for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/07/23, Source
Poster revealed for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade",...More
2012 Film Line-up Revealed!
2012/07/20, Source
The 3rd Korean Film Festival in Australia, KOFFIA, is pleased to announce its film line-up for 2012. KOFFIA will showcase 20 of the best and latest Korean feature films as well as a few past classics, in a diverse program that will allow audiences to discover their connection to Korean cinema and culture. Audiences will once again be treated to a feast of Korean festivities taking place at Dendy Opera Quays in Sydney and ACMI Cinemas Federation Square in Melbourne. While for the first time selected titles will also screen at Tribal Theatre in Brisbane, as August and September sees 16 days of screenings across the Australian east coast,...More
'Lost' Star Daniel Dae Kim Meets Fans in Yeosu
2012/07/05, Source
Daniel Dae Kim Star of the hit TV series "Lost" on ABC, Daniel Dae Kim visited Korea as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Pavilion at the Yeosu Expo. Even though he claims to speak Korean poorly, Kim greeted his fans with a fluent accent, unlike the character he portrayed in the TV series that ran from 2004 to 2010. Kim was born in the southern port city of Busan and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of two. He debuted in Hollywood playing a bit part in the 1991 movie "American Shaolin" and went on to play minor roles in other movies and TV dramas,...More
(42) Park Chan-wook: Director with blood-coated lens
2012/07/04, Source
Director Park Chan-wook, left, waves as he is awarded with actor Choi Min-shik for the grand prix for the film "Old Boy" during the award ceremony of the 57th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes on May 24, 2004. / Korea Times file By Andrew Salmon Tension and violence sell, but this may not be apparent to the vast majority of fans of "hallyu", the much-discussed "Korean Wave" of pop culture that has swept outward from the shores of the peninsula since, roughly, the turn of the millennium. The two standout genres of hallyu, in sales terms, are clearly K-pop and K-soaps. Of the former, Korean management companies have come up with a winning formula, churning out a range of cute, well-trained and above all wholesome boy- and girl-bands whose appeal is very different from the rebellious, opinionated, drug-spattered figures who stagger across the stage of Western rock 'n roll. Soap is similarly sugar-coated: Most dramas are centered upon pretty boys and pretty girls in pretty clothes and pretty houses/landscapes engaging in genteel, "no-sex-please-we're-Korean" romances,...More
[Video] Added new stills and first teaser for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/07/03, Source
Added new stills and first teaser for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade",...More
[HanCinema's Interview Corner] Ten Questions for the KOREAN CINEPHILE
2012/06/30
Your website, Modern Korean Cinema, has been up since mid-2010, how did you come to discover Korean cinema and what was it about Korea's film industry that really cemented your passion for it? My first exposure to Korean cinema came long before the inception of MKC and it's kind of a funny story (at least I think it is)! When I was in boarding school in Dublin (high school) we were studying Macbeth and as a nascent cinephile I wanted to seek classic filmed versions of Shakespeare's work, first came Polanski's, then Orson Welles' version but soon I came across Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" (1957) and fell in love with it. Thus began my discovery of Japanese cinema and one day I was in my local media retail store in Switzerland when I came across a striking DVD in the Asian section. I thought it might have been something like a Takashi Miike film but it turned out to be none other than "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" (2002) and... I hated it, it made me furious. But I couldn't stop thinking about it and a week later I forced my self to watch it again and my whole world changed. My next film was Lee Chang-dong's "Peppermint Candy" (2000) and it's safe to say that the quality and social engagement of those works resulted in my becoming deeply attached to Korean cinema,...More
[Video] Teaser revealed for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/06/28, Source
Teaser revealed for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade",...More
New York Special Screening, Old Boy on July 1st
2012/06/25, Source
The Korea Society presents a retrospective of the work of Choi Min-sik, one of Korea's most recognizable contemporary actors, as part of our ongoing "Korean Cinema Now" program with MoMI (the Museum of Moving Image). Choi Min-sik had numerous television roles, but his big break came in 1999 when he played a cold-blooded North Korean soldier in "Shiri" (Dir. Kang Je-gyu) and suddenly gained a reputation as one of Korea's finest actors. His acting dominates the silver screen, but his characters have more than charisma,...More
Added new stills for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/06/21, Source
Added new stills for the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade",...More
ANNOUNCING THE 1ST TORONTO KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 22 TO JULY 1, 2012
2012/06/12, Source
Toronto - The 1st Toronto Korean Film Festival will be held at Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Ave) from June 22nd to July 1st. This year's film listing was announced at the May 26th press conference. Confirmed films and highlights include: June 22nd Opening: The festival kick-starts with "Secret Sunshine" (2007). The leading actress of the film, Jeon Do-yeon, won Best Actress at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. There will an opening party following the screening,...More
[Review] I Saw The Devil: revenge at any cost
2012/06/01, Source
Soo-hyeon unaware at the cannibal's home Choi Min-sik is back as the psycho killer in the murder-thriller "I Saw the Devil". Min-sik's character, Kyung-chul is cold, ruthless and deceptive. In the opening scene Kyung-chul is seen assisting a young woman with a flat tire. Soo-hyeon, the fiancé of the woman in the car talks with her on the phone as she waits for a tow truck. She begins to get suspicious when Kyung-chul ominously hangs outside her car window. He strikes with brutal swiftness with a hammer, knocking her out. Later he drags her back to his kill-house where he hacks her up despite her calls for mercy,...More
Retrospective of the work of Choi Min-sik
2012/05/31, Source
The Korea Society presents a retrospective of the work of Choi Min-sik, one of Korea's most recognizable contemporary actors, as part of our ongoing "Korean Cinema Now" program with MoMI (the Museum of Moving Image). Choi Min-sik had numerous television roles, but his big break came in 1999 when he played a cold-blooded North Korean soldier in "Shiri" (Dir. Kang Je-gyu) and suddenly gained a reputation as one of Korea's finest actors. His acting dominates the silver screen, but his characters have more than charisma,...More
Two Korean Movies in Running for Palme d'Or at Cannes
2012/05/16, Source
The Cannes Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday with 22 films vying for the coveted Palme d'Or, the highest honor awarded to the best feature film in the official competition. Two Korean movies -- Hong Sang-soo's "In Another Country" and Im Sang-soo's "The Taste of Money" -- are among those competing for the top prize. Another three Korean films have been invited to non-competitive sections of the world's leading movie festival, including the Directors' Fortnight,...More
The New York Asian Film Festival (June 29 - July 15) returns - and this year we're bringing crazy back!
2012/05/09, Source
The opening night film is Pang Ho-cheung's astonishingly filthy, extremely hilarious VULGARIA, a movie about making movies, shot in just 12 days, all about gangsters named Brother Tyrannosaur, sleazy lawyers, The Sex Film industry, and men who love donkeys a little too much. The Hollywood Reporter calls it a "...laugh-out-loud, aptly titled comedy". Pang himself, Hong Kong's hottest young director, will be a guest of the festival and we'll be presenting his new romantic comedy, LOVE IN THE BUFF, about a couple who meet in the smoke break alley outside their office building and try to make their romance work despite cell phones dropped in toilets, friends who have the death touch, and corporate moves to Beijing,...More
Will Smith Premieres 'MIB 3' in Korea
2012/05/08, Source
Director Barry Sonnenfeld and actors Will Smith and Josh Brolin (from left) pose at a press conference in Seoul on Monday. /AP-Newsis Hollywood stars Will Smith and Josh Brolin and director Barry Sonnenfeld gave a press conference in Seoul on Monday morning to promote their film "Men in Black 3", which has its world premiere in Korea. Smith said Korea, as a growing market for U.S. films, "seems like the perfect place to begin",...More
Park Chan-wook's "Stoker" R-rated
2012/05/01, Source
Park Chan-wook's Hollywood movie "Stoker" was rated 'R'. 'R' stands for 'Restricted' or that 17 years and younger can't watch without parent supervision. "Stoker" was rated 'R' for 'Disturbing violent and sexual content'.,...More
Jessica Alba Keen to Work with 'Old Boy' Director
2012/05/01, Source
Hollywood star Jessica Alba says she is interested in Korean cinema and film director Park Chan-wook. Alba, who was in Korea on holiday recently, told cable channel tvN's "Baek Ji-yeon's People Inside" on Monday that she wants to film a Korean movie one day,...More
Jessica Alba says she would faint if she met director Park Chan-wook
2012/04/29, Source
Jessica Alba showed affection for Korean movies. Jessica Alba who has been in Korea on vacation for the past few days, starred in the tvN TV program "Baek Ji-yeon's People Inside" and showed deep affection for Korean movies,...More
"Nameless Gangster" released in North America
2012/03/28, Source
PREFACE "My reason for wanting to tell a story from the '80s is because I feel that the current societal climate is very similar. About 3 years ago I got a feeling that the era of my deceased father was suddenly coming back, an era in which everyone's good will is only reserved for their own survival and well being. But like my own father, I did not see these people as selfish fools, but sympathized with them. I wanted to portray these characters not as criminals who were on the wrong side of the law, but as people who tried their best to survive and thrive despite the conditions they were in. People innately follow the times they live in and those who ride it architect the next generation. The '80s in South Korea were an incredibly volatile decade in which a single person's decision could change the direction of an entire era. Following men who lived through that decade, I wanted to show that the eighties had more dramatic appeal than any other decade. I wanted to inquire whether it was the times that were changing the people, or if it was the people that were changing the times. Most of all, I hope that the audience can laugh and identify with these men who lived like kings in the face of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition".,...More
[HanCinema's Film Review] What's South Korean Cinema Got?
2012/03/24
Korea's presence on the world's silver screen has boomed in the last decade, forming the cinematic crest to the cultural phenomena know as the 'Korean Wave'. Along with Korean cuisine and the increasingly popular world of K-pop, Korean cinema and local dramas have managed to capture the international communities' interest and imagination. The mysterious force behind this drive is riddled in Korea's unique ability to dramatize conflict in a manner that, not only surprises and delights, but directly challenges, or presents alternatives to, the audiences' expectations and sensibilities. Hollywood has its blockbusters and silver faces, Japan its horror, Europe its lust for the experimental and expressionism, Bollywood has it's love affair with romantic musicals, and Hong Kong its fluid martial arts showings. But what is it exactly that marks Korean cinema as particularly interesting or even noteworthy? What is that golden thread that drives it forward and drags the rest of us with it?,...More
Will Park Chan-wook go to Cannes with Nicole Kidman?
2012/03/20, Source
US Media, "Possibilities of "Stoker"" Will director Park Chan-wook step on the red carpet at Cannes with Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman?,...More
Heartthrob determined to go beyond his image
2012/03/13, Source
From left, actors Park Hee-soon and Yoo Sun, director Jang Yoon-hyeon, and actresses Kim So-yeon and Joo Jin-mo pose for the press at a CGV theater in Haengdang-dong, Seoul, on March 6. Their new movie "Gabi" opens today. / Yonhap By Kwaak Je-yup More than a decade into his career, Joo Jin-mo, 37, is still considered one of the best-looking faces in Korean cinema. He is also a victim of that image, however, incarnating one virile leading man after another,...More
[HanCinema Korea's Diary] Where did it all start for you?
2012/03/10
If you had asked me five years ago about Korean cinema I would not have been able to name a single film, let alone any actors, directors, or anything close to the mark. Korean cinema in all its richness and fluidity was unknown to me and its riveting array of melodramas, thrillers, and comedies were well clear of my cinematic radar. Then, in 2007, I had my first taste of it when I came to Seoul on a brief two-week trip. In a dark and crowded apartment, I took up the chance to watch an unknown Korean horror titled "Red Eye", and that marked my first step towards becoming a true Korean cinephile,...More
Korean Blogathon 2012 : Fourth Batch
2012/03/08, Source
Thursday 8th March 2012 : Remember to add names of authors if possible! Feel free to message us if we miss you, there are a lot of links rolling in!,...More
Upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"
2012/02/27, Source
Added the upcoming Korean movie "Masquerade"'s page to HanCinema database,...More
[HanCinema Korea's Diary] Incoming! Korean Blogathon 2012 almost here...
2012/02/25
Last year "New Korean Cinema" and "cineAWESOME!" took a leaf out of "WildGrounds"' Japanese Blogathon and kicked off the first Korean Blogathon. Their efforts paid off as the "2011 Korean Blogathon" generated one hundred and fifty posts from the fifty blogs that got involved and shared their thoughts on Korea's film industry. This year, the popular metablog is back and is hoping to build on the success and support of last year's stellar turnout,...More
The Era of Smartphone Directors
2012/02/20, Source
Nowadays, anybody can make a movie, become a cultural artist, and turn his or her imagination into reality. This indispensable communication device has ushered in the era of smartphone directors. In Korea, the global IT powerhouse, smartphones mean so much more than just a tool for communication. They play a central role in reinventing culture, as attested by today's smartphone movies,...More
Korea's most anticipated films of 2012
2012/02/10, Source
With the start of the new year, the Korean film industry looks to its brightest prospects. Kang Byung-jin profiles eight highly anticipated films of 2012. "The Fortune Tellers" In production. Directed by Sin Jeong-won. Starring Kim Soo-ro, Lee Je-hoon, Kang Ye-won. Produced by Dasepo Club, Saram Entertainment. Distributed by N.E.W.Release planned for the first half of 2012. Korean fortune-tellers not only tell the future, but they also chase away ghosts. The background of "The Fortune Tellers" is Uljinri where a decades-old evil spirit rules. When mysterious accidents and events keep happening without avail, fortune-tellers from all over the country gather to hold a shaman ritual,...More
[Spoiler] "Salaryman" Lee Beom-soo and Jung Ryeo-won's "Old Boy" parody causes laughter
2012/01/16, Source
Lee Beom-soo and Jung Ryeo-won's tiny "Old Boy" parody gave viewers something to smile about. On January 16th's broadcast of the 5th installment of SBS drama "Salaryman" (written by Jang Yeong-cheol and Jeong Kyeong-soon-I, directed by Yoo In-sik), Yoo-bang (Lee Beom-soo) and Yeo-chi (Jung Ryeo-won) cornered the criminal that murdered Ho-hae (Park Sang-myun),...More
Michelle SON, Managing Director of M-Line Distribution
2011/12/29, Source
Heading up international sales company M-Line Distribution as Managing Director, Michelle SON has in a few short years positioned the company to handle a bulk of deals including foreign remake deals for major local titles. She spoke with KoBiz over the phone about looking beyond feature filmsfor exciting audiovisual content and the importance of facilitating international co-productions,...More
Bittersweet Life: Korean cinema's secret popularity in the UK
2011/12/07, Source
International distribution expert and analyst and former Screen International journalist Robert Mitchell looks at the gulf between artistic and business successes of Korean cinema in the UK. Ask any cine-literate film-goer, critic, blogger or tweeter in the UK about Korean cinema and you'll be greeted with an enthusiastic response. They will talk of the Hallyu period of the past decade, a wealth of some of the most creative and interesting film-making in the world. They will speak with passion about Park Chan-wook, Kim Ki-duk and Bong Joon-ho. International festivals like Cannes play a major role in building this awareness. "The route to the international market is through festivals", says Danny PERKINS, CEO of StudioCanal UK, which released Bong's "The Host" and Kim's "3-Iron" amongst other Korean titles. "If a director's film features in one of the bigger festivals it can put them and their work permanently on the map",...More
Korean crews in China
2011/11/21, Source
Films from Greater China increasingly employ technical specialists from Korea - KIM Seong-hoon reports For a long time, the film industry has evolved according to emergences of new technology and this has meant new opportunities for those working in the field. We all know how when "talkies" were invented, many silent movie actors lost their jobs and at the same time, many other people found work as synchronized sound technicians and post-sync supervisors. When things went digital from film, jobs were created in the field of digital intermediate and color calibration. In a similar vein, when 3D films became the trend, new kinds of specialists came to be in demand in post-production. We could perhaps begin to understand the emergence of Korean film makers in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in a same vein - technicians of VFX, special effects, and stunts who hail from Korea,...More
Four leading Korean directors working on overseas projects
2011/11/21, Source
By JU Sung Chul With leading Korean directors Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon-ho, Kim Jee-woon and Ryoo Seung-wan all working on overseas productions, journalist JU Sung Chul examines the details of their projects for "Korean Cinema Today" The year 2012 looks like it will see an unprecedented rush of Korean directors working onforeign projects. This phenomenon seems similar to the situation back in the late 1990s when Hong Kong directors John WOO, Ringo LAM, TSUI Hark, Kirk WONG and Ronny YU all directed films produced in Hollywood.What's different is that whereas they were inclined to make films only in Hong Kong's specialty genre - the action film, their Korean counterparts are expected to make films that will retains the directors' varyingstyles and sensibilities. Park Chan-wook's "Stoker" and Kim Jee-woon's "The Last Stand" are produced by Hollywood-based companies while Bong Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" and Ryoo Seung-wan's "The Berlin File" (working title) are to be co-productions,...More
Lee Byung-hun to star as King of Joseon
2011/11/17, Source
Top Korean star Lee Byung-hun is set to play the lead in CJ E&M Pictures' "Masquerade" (working title). Lee's management agency BH Entertainment announced that he is confirmed to star in the historical drama to be directed by Choo Chang-min ("Late Blossom") and written by Hwang Jo-yoon ("Old Boy"),...More
Colin Firth Being Considered For Yoo Ji-tae's Role In Hollywood "Old Boy"
2011/11/14, Source
Hollywood's version of "Old Boy" is currently in the works. And word of a strong potential candidate for one of the roles has leaked: Colin Firth. According to an entertainment source on November 12th called "Cinema Blend", the British actor is being seriously considered to play the antagonist role that Korean actor Yoo Ji-tae took on, "Lee Woo-jin". The Hollywood remake of the successful Korean film will be directed by Spike Lee,...More
"My Girlfriend Is an Agent" to get Bollywood remake
2011/11/14, Source
The South Korean hit More
'Old boy' Villain Yoo Ji-tae to Direct First Feature
2011/11/09, Source
Yoo Ji-tae will direct his first feature film called "Sansevieria", a rites-of-passage movie about a young boy. Shooting is scheduled to begin in January, with casting now ongoing. The model-turned-actor, who played the villains in both "Old Boy" and "Midnight FM", has already directed several short films that were received favorably by fans and critics alike,...More
[HanCinema's Film Review] Putting the 'Han' in Korean Cinema: Meta-narratives and Cultural Identity
2011/11/05
Where are Korea's happy endings? If you have ever watched a Korean film you will know that they don't always conclude as they might have done if produced by Hollywood. The characters and their stories seem to be influenced by an invisible force that marks a film as typically "As One". From its melodramas to revenge thrillers, there is something tragic and constant driving the Korean film culture, but what exactly? How can one begin to understand Korean cinema in its entirety, as a product of cultural influences and collective consciousness? The exclusively Korean notion of 'Han' might provide some clues as to why Korean cinema has produced the type of films it has,...More
[HanCinema's Film Review] Authority and Power in Korean Cinema
2011/10/15
The representation of authority in modern Korean cinema has me perplexed. The power and agency public organisations should hold is lacking, with institutions being portrayed as weak, incompetent and unprofessional. This is not a judgement but rather an observation that recent films such as "Silenced" and "Poongsan" have confirmed. Political corruption, police incompetence, and individual responsibility seems to be some of strongest themes running through contemporary Korean cinema. The 2011 film "Silenced" has sparked outcry from the Korean public as the true-life story, on which is was based, remains unresolved even in this cinematic retelling. The Korean populous has refused to accept the results of the investigation and have sited a number of laws and procedures they want to have change in order to prevent another tragedy from occurring,...More
KOFIC NEWS
2011/10/06, Source
Aiming to promote and develop international co-productions, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) is planning two upcoming KO-Production events in Tokyo and in Paris. Ko-Production in Tokyo will be held in conjunction with TIFFCOM, the market that runs parallel to the Tokyo International Film Festival. As part of TIFFCOM's revamped Tokyo Project Gathering, which has a new focus on co-productions, KOFIC will be sending five Korea-Japan co-production projects to participate. Ko-Pro Tokyo will run Oct. 25 – 27 at the Ropponggi Hills complex with mentoring and one-on-one business meetings,...More
CO-PRODUCTIONS & LOCATIONS
2011/10/06, Source
"My Wife Is a Gangster" to get Chinese remake LEE Soon-yeol, original producer of the 2001 smash hit, and ZENG Hui, head of the Chinese Yunyunnan Culture Investment Co., inked the deal last month during a KOFIC-hosted conference. The remake film will have a budget of roughly CNY40m (US$6.2), all coming from China. The cast and crew will be from both China and Korea, with post-production to be done in Korea,...More
Yoo Yeon-seok cast for MBC "Night Hospital"
2011/09/29, Source
Actor Yoo Yeon-seok has been cast for the MBC drama "Night Hospital". He takes on the role of Yoon Sang-ho, a gangster who is silent and serious but agile and strong. He will show an innocent love for female doctor Na-kyeong (Ryu Hyun-kyung),...More
Tablo to Release Solo Album
2011/09/29, Source
Singer Tablo of the boy band Epic High has signed up with YG Entertainment to release a solo album in November. The agency is run by former Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun-suk. Tablo stopped performing in 2009 after the Stanford University graduate was faced with accusations that he forged his academic credentials,...More
Organizers hope film fest sheds light on NK
2011/09/20, Source
DMZ Korean Int'l Documentary Festival opens Thursday A film festival set near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas hopes to become a channel of communication with North Korea one day,...More
Narcissistic Men Drawing Male Beauty Brands to Korea
2011/08/30, Source
Sales of men's grooming products are growing sharply in Korea. According to market researcher Euromonitor International, male cosmetics and other goods in this sector scored sales of 284.6 million euros last year, accounting for one-sixth of global sales. Korea ranked No. 1 in the purchase of male cosmetics worldwide, followed by China, Japan and the United States. U.S. consumers spent roughly half as much on their appearance as their Korean counterparts,...More
Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Hyo-jin Decide to Finally Tie the Knot
2011/08/22, Source
Yoo Ji-tae (left) and Kim Hyo-jin "Old Boy" actor Yoo Ji-tae (35) and actress Kim Hyo-jin (27) will wed on Dec. 2 after dating for four years, their agencies announced on Sunday. The agencies said the couple is now seeking a suitable venue for the ceremony after they met with both sets of parents to discuss the wedding arrangements. The two first met in 2003 while modeling for an apparel company and started dating from early 2007,...More
Yoo, Kim to marry on Dec. 2
2011/08/22, Source
Bride-to-be Kim Hyo-jin and her fiance Yoo Ji-tae By Chung Ah-young Actor Yoo Ji-tae, 35, and actress Kim Hyo-jin, 27, will tie the knot Dec. 2 after five years together, Namu Actors, Kim's agency, said. However, the venue and other details have not been decided. Yoo and Kim first met in a fashion commercial advertisement in 2003 and have kept the relationship going over the last five years since late 2006. After the public learned of their relationship, the couple has appeared together at various events,...More
Animation Leafie, a Hen Into the Wild set to fly to Sitges
2011/07/27, Source
by KOFIC staff Myung Films and Lotte Entertainment have announced th,...More
Director Spike Lee Takes On Hollywood Version Of "Old Boy"
2011/07/13, Source
The hit film "Old Boy" will be remade into an American movie by director Spike Lee.

After winning the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Fe,...More
Spike Lee to direct Old Boy remake
2011/07/13, Source
by KOFIC Mandate Pictures has announced that Spike Lee will direct "Oldboy", an English-language remake of Park Chan-wook's 2004 Cannes Grand Jury Prize-winning film, a.k.a. "Old Boy". American director Spike Lee's credits include films such as Malcolm X, Inside Man, Mo' Better Blues, Do The Right Thing, and the documentary If God Is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise,...More
The 2nd Korean Film SpotLight at FanTasia 2011
2011/07/08, Source
This year, Fantasia's Korean spotlight section welcomes five feature films by talented, promising first-time directors. "Bleak Night" (North American premiere) (Rotterdam competition, FIPRESCI), by promising next-generation director Yoon Sung hyun, is a potent and troubling coming-of-age tale reflecting on contemporary adolescence in Korea,...More
Spike Lee mentioned to be "Old Boy" US version director
2011/07/06, Source
Spike Lee has been mentioned as the director of the remake version of "Old Boy". According to Movie News website twitchfilm.com, director Spike Lee from the movie "Do The Right Thing" is negotiating matters related to the movie "Old Boy" by Park Chan-wook.,...More
[HanCinema Korea's Diary] Eatyourkimchi.com: Korea through the eyes of Simon and Martina
2011/06/18
Meet Simon and Martina. This young Canadian couple started making videos about Korea back in May 2008 and since then, their website (www.eatyourkimchi.com) has gathered serious momentum. Their videos were originally made for putting their friends and families at ease with their decision to travel to Korea, but now their aims for their site have skyrocketed as viewers from around the world log on to catch up on their weekly dose of hilarity and Korean culture.,...More
[HanCinema's Film Review] Revenge: Korean Style!
2011/06/11
Alfred Hitchcock once said "Revenge is sweet and not fattening", a stance shared in Korea as the suspense thriller genre has become synonymous with their film industry. Along with the melodrama, revenge films and themes have become all too easy to identify in some of the most famous films to come out of Korea in the last ten years. This apparent sweet tooth has indeed been affected by Korea's turbulent socio-political history and perhaps a social consciousness persists that past injustices have not been adequately addressed both globally and locally,...More
[HanCinema Korea's Diary] What Are Your Top 5 Favourite Park Chan-wook films?
2011/06/04
Before 2000 Park Chan-wook would not have foreseen how successful he would become as a Korean filmmaker. His 2000 breakthrough film "JSA - Joint Security Area" completely dominated the Korean box office that year. It claimed an estimated 5.8 million admissions nationwide, making it the highest grossing Korean film at the time. Since then Park Chan-wook has directed five more feature length films with varying digress of success and I thought I'd open the floor to find out what your favourite of the bunch is while presenting mine.,...More
[HanCinema Korea's Diary] Introduce Yourself to Korean Cinema: 7 Films to Get You Started
2011/05/28
Are you interested in Korean cinema but don't know where to start? The following is a short list of films that I believe would give any film enthusiast a good grounding for what Korean cinema has to offer. They include award-winning films, films that provide insight into Korea's history and culture, as well as a couple of fantastic genre films that Korean cinema tends to favour.,...More
Director Park Chan-wook to meet Morricone
2011/05/13
Cannes-winning director Park Chan-wook will meet composer Ennio Morricone next week in Seoul, said concert organizers, Thursday.

The Itali,...More
Kim Eui-suk, New Chairman of Korean Film Council
2011/05/08, Source
By HAN Sunhee KCT: You have previously been to Cannes as a director, when your film "Sword in the Moon" was invited to 'Un Certain Regard' section. Your shoulders must feel much heavier returning to Cannes this time. Kim Eui-suk: Going to the Cannes for "Sword in the Moon" in 2003 was my first time at the festival, and this will be my second visit. It's been about 8 years and it is still the best to be at a film festival as a director. Back then Korea cinema was on the rise with "Old Boy" and "Woman is the Future of Man" competing, so I was relatively out of the spotlight. As a director I had nothing to worry about, but since I am going as a different position it feels quite different. In all, I must introduce Korean cinema and make many formal exchanges with the industry people from around the world,...More
The International Festival of Detective Films of Beaune 2011 winners
2011/04/09, Source
Posted by Craig Grobler On Friday, April 08, 2011 Initially this was going to be a piece about Jeong-Beom Lee's "The Man From Nowhere" winning the Grand Prize at the International Festival of Detective Films of Beaune 2011 but the more I looked into the International Festival of Detective Films of Beaune the more, I felt I needed to shout out about the festival and some of the films it celebrated this year - as seems to be the bellwether for some really good upcoming films,...More
At the Far East Film "Night Fishing" the first horror film shot on iPhone
2011/03/17, Source
by fareastfilm.com / Mar 17, 2011 29 th April/ 7 th May 2011 - Tea,...More
Director Kang Woo-seok, next project, "I Am the King of Chosun" confirmed
2011/03/13, Source
Director Kang Woo-seok chose historical "I Am King of Chosun" as his next work. Productions Cinema Service revealed on the 14th, "This is his 19th piece of work and first historical".,...More
29th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
2011/03/12, Source
I wish I were there, oh so badly! By Daniel Matthews The 29th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) – March 10-20 – is officially underway and I couldn't be more excited. Opening night for SFIAAFF usually rings in the beginning of the Pan Asian film season for the upcoming year. Many other film festivals, movie enthusiasts and pop culture fans have their eyes on the SFIAAFF programming to see what the big hits of the year are going to be. Not only does SFIAAFF have usually exemplary programs, they also do a great job at feeding the inner Asian Pop Cultural geek with different seminars, workshops, concerts, and events,...More
Korean films win a series of awards at the Fantasporto Film Festival
2011/03/09, Source
by KOFICInternational Promotion Center At the 31st Fantasporto International Film Festival, held in Porto, Portugal, on March 5, there were many prize-winning Korean films. In the Official Competition for Fantasy Films, Seo Young-hee won the Best Actress Award for her role in "Bedevilled", and director Kim Jee-woon received the Director's Award for "I Saw the Devil",...More
Three acting masters, in 10 billon won projects
2011/03/01, Source
Those who have great acting skills have no time to rest. Korean representative actors Sol Kyung-gu, Kim Yun-seok and Choi Min-sik's next projects have been shaped up. They all selected 10 billion won ($US 10 million) block busters. Their cast has already put trust in the movies at their planning stages.,...More
Korean shorts win awards
2011/02/21, Source
Director Park Chan-kyong poses with his Golden Bear award of the International Short Film Jury for his film "Night Fishing", co-directed by Park Chan-wook, during the awards ceremony at the 61st Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Feb. 19. / Reuters-Yonhap By Chung Ah-young Korean film director Park Chan-wook's latest short film "Paranmanjang (Night Fishing)" in collaboration with his brother Chan-kyong, won the Gold Bear for Best Short Film at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival, which wrapped up Sunday,...More
'Theater makes me feel alive'
2011/02/01, Source
Actor Oh Dal-soo is set to return to his theater roots in the original "Sunset, Moon Dance" this month in Daehangno, central Seoul. / Courtesy of Eda Entertainment Oh Dal-soo to portray fatherhood in return to roots By Chung Ah-young When actor Oh Dal-soo played a private jail owner who detains the male protagonist in Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy", he left his impression on one of the film's most memorable scenes,...More
Actor Oh Dal-soo to return to stage
2011/01/18, Source
The play "Sunset, Moon Dance" will star actor Oh Dal-soo. / Courtesy of Eda Entertainment By Chung Ah-young Often called a scene stealer in his major hit films, actor Oh Dal-soo is returning to the stage,...More
Park Chan-wook Unveils New Movie Shot Entirely on iPhone
2011/01/12, Source
Park Chan-wo,...More
This Week's Cultural News1
2010/12/29, Source
In 2010, the audience met with a swarm of great Korean movies of every genre and style that was able to satisfy moviegoers of all types! Let's take a look at the characteristics of the popular Korean films of 2010.

[Interview : ] "I liked 2010 because more movies came out than in 2009".

[Inter,...More
Actor Yoo Ji-tae hosts classical concerts
2010/12/28, Source
Actor Yoo Ji-tae is hosting talk show-style classical concerts at Gyeonggi Arts Center, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The movie st,...More
Korean Movies – I saw the Devil
2010/12/20, Source
The movie "I Saw the Devil" is a revenge thriller made by Director Kim Jee-woon, who is also a director of "A Tale of Two Sisters", "The Sweet Life", and "The Good, the Bad, the Weird". Two of top Korean actors, Choi Min-sik and Lee Byung-hun are the leading characters of the movie,...More
Book on Korean Wave adopted as textbook for universities abroad
2010/12/09, Source
Cover of "Korean Masculinities and Transcultural Consumption:Yonsama, Rain, Old Boy, K-Pop Idols" [Hong Kong University Press] A new book on the 'Hallyu', or Korean Wave, has been adopted as a textbook for universities abroad. The English book titled "Korean Masculinities and Transcultural Consumption: Yonsama, Rain, Old Boy, K-Pop Idols" was selected as one of the main textbooks for the media classes at Goldsmiths, University of London in England and the University of Melbourne in Australia,...More
Actor Ji Jin-hee to visit Rwanda for relief activity
2010/11/19, Source
Actor Ji Jin-hee [N.O.A. Entertainment] Actor Ji Jin-hee will head to Rwanda as the promotional ambassador for international relief agency World Vision next week, according to his agency N.O.A Entertainment on Friday. Ji will visit Rwanda for eight days starting November 21 to meet with the locals suffering from the aftermath of the civil war and water shortage problems,...More
Director Park Chan-wook in talks to make first English film
2010/11/17, Source
Korean director Park Chan-wook [Cannes Film Festival] Famed Korean director Park Chan-wook may be making his English-language movie directorial debut, according to a report. The Los Angeles Times reported that sources close to the film said Park "is in talks to direct 'Stoker', a drama about a young woman whose eccentric uncle comes back into her life after the death of her father",...More
[PIFF] Interview - Actor Lee Sun-kyun
2010/10/14, Source
Lee Sun-kyun [Chae Ki-won/10Asia] Lee Sun-kyun is an actor who stands out more in casual wear than formal clothes and at comfortable and easy-going settings than solemn ones. In that sense, the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) is the best place to meet this actor. The first encounter with Lee Sun-kyun came at a sashimi restaurant in Haeundae, the second at the Lotte Cinema party, and the third at a small get-together celebrating film "Cyrano Agency" having attracted over two million moviegoers,...More
'Old Boy' Ranked Among World's Top 100 Films
2010/10/14, Source
Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" was included on a list of the world's Essential 100 Film,...More
Lights! iPhone! Action!
2010/09/28, Source
Cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, left, films actors Kim Yoon-seo, center, and Kim Jae-wook using an iPhone4 in a Seoul studio, Sunday./ Courtesy of iPhone 4 Film Festival iPhone 4 Film fest to showcase works by top directors By Lee Hyo-won In 2008, director Spike Lee teamed up with Nokia to produce a film comprised of videos created using cellphones. "Within five years, new movies will be made with devices like these", he predicted,...More
Soo Ae: 'I Felt Relieved After Filming Scenes Heaping Insults'
2010/09/20, Source
"I had been worried about filming the scene where I had to curse and speak harsh words, but actually, I felt relieved because I could criticize Han Dong Soo, who distressed me in the movie". -Soo Ae
,...More
Kang Hye-jung, Lee Yoon-ji to Share Stage Role in 'Proof'
2010/08/29, Source
Actresses Kang Hye-jung and Lee Yoon-ji will make their stage debut with the play "Proof" in which they are double-cast for the lead.

Kang, who is known for her parts in films,...More
Lee Byung-hun may shoot "G.I. Joe" sequel early next year
2010/08/12, Source
Actor Lee Byung-hun [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily] Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun says filming for the sequel to Hollywood action flick "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" is expected to start early next year. Lee made the remark on Wednesday during a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil", critically acclaimed director Kim Jee-woon's latest pic co-starring actor Choi Min-sik from smash hit Korean pic "Old Boy",...More
Is relentless violence onscreen justified?
2010/08/12, Source
By Lee Hyo-won

"I Saw the Devil" was finally released in theaters Thursday after several painful raps by the Korea Media Ratings B,...More
Testosterone-fueled films dominate
2010/08/12, Source
By Lee Hyo-won

Korean actresses should be enjoying a nice long vacation on exotic beaches this summer — as male stars unabashedly show off their macho side onscreen there seems to be little room for the ladies.

The alpha male, as depicted through recent Korean cinema, has been reverting to a,...More
[INTERVIEW] Hollywood's "Remake King" Roy Lee
2010/08/03, Source
Roy Lee [Seoul Digital Forum] For years, Korean-American producer Roy Lee of Beverly Hills-based Vertigo Entertainment has well maintained his reputation as Hollywood's "Remake King". It first started with "The Ring", where Lee gained his first onscreen credit as executive producer after selling the remake right of Japanese horror flick "Ringu" on behalf of its Asian distributor to DreamWorks, which became a surprise hit in the United States in 2002, grossing over 129 million dollars on the box office,...More
Taiwan-Korea filmmakers share ageeing views
2010/07/22, Source
From left, Screen International Deputy Asia Editor Jean Noh, Taiwanese director Chu Yen-ping, Taiwanese producer Yeh Jufeng, Taiwanese actress-turned-producer Lieh Lee, Korean Film Council official Daniel Park, bom Film Productions producer Ellen Kim and Dyne Film producer Jonathan H. Kim attend a forum on "Korea-Taiwan Cinema Exchange: Its Present and Future" held at Koryo Hotel in the city of Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on July 19, 2010, during the ongoing Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival. [PiFan] "I think we are taking elementary steps, that we are in the process of getting to know each other", said producer Ellen Kim on her views on exchange between the Korean and Taiwanese film industry,...More
New wave of pop culture redefines Korea
2010/07/05, Source
By Andrew Salmon
Contributing writer

In 1990, the American academic Joseph Nye coined the term "soft power". This referred to nations winning friends and influencing people through the attraction,...More
[INTERVIEW] Actor Yoo Yeon-seok
2010/06/29, Source
Interview with actor Yoo Yeon-seok Korean actor Yoo Yeon-seok [Chae Ki-won/10Asia] My name is Yoo Yeon-seok. My real name is Ahn Yeon-seok but my agency suggested I go with another name because it sounds a bit weird. My mother's last name is Cho so I was going to go with Cho Yeon-seok but I felt that if I changed it I would only get supporting roles. And it would be weird if I called myself Joo Yeon-seok. (laugh) After thinking about it I changed it to Yoo Yeon-seok and plus it sounds good too. I was born on April 11, 1984. My father is a professor of selenodesy. I lived in Seoul until I was six years old and we moved to the South Gyeongsang Province because my dad was posted at a national university there,...More
Finecut presells I Saw the Devil to three more territories
2010/06/08, Source
The eagerly anticipated new thriller from Korea's master stylist Kim Jee-woon, ",...More
Korean Movie Poetry Wins Best Screenplay Award at Cannes Film Festival
2010/05/26, Source
Two Korean films were awarded at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival (May 17 to 23) this year: director Lee Chang-dong's,...More
Sales deals for Poetry and I Saw the Devil
2010/05/25, Source
Two films from high profile directors have already been snapped up by international buyers at Cannes. Previous Cannes jury judge Lee Chang-dong's "Poetry" and,...More
Megabox COEX Celebrates 10th Anniversary
2010/05/13, Source
The COEX branch of cinema chain Megabox marks its 10th anniversary on Thursday. It opened in May 2000 as the largest multiplex cinema in Asia. While it still has 16 screens, seating capacity has shrunk slightly from 4,336 at the time of opening to 4,218 after facility repairs.

The cinema reached,...More
[Comics] Comics Evolve Into Source for Pop Culture Contents
2010/03/11, Source
Satisfies pop culture's appetite for fantasy

Show off true value in various fields such as films, musicals, dramas, online games, etc.Korean comics have come under the spotlight as a source material for pop culture including films, musicals, dramas and games.

After the success of the 2003 dram,...More
[Century] Cool Korea: Creative Wave Rolls Across Asia
2010/03/07, Source
By Andrew Salmon
Korea Times Columnist

This is the 10th in a 60-part series featuring 60

major events in Korea's modern history from 1884 till now. The project is part of the 60th anniversary of The Korea Times, which falls on Nov.1.

For South Korea, the last three years of the millennium,...More
Korea's forbidden lovers of film return
2010/02/25
Since Oedipus, entertainers have been telling stories of forbidden romance - and they've been rewarded with thrilled audiences gasping for more. By that metric alone, the new Korean film,...More
Kang Hye-jung's Movie Picks
2010/02/18, Source
Korean actress Kang Hye-jung [photographed by Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia] Kang Hye-jung has experienced quite a curve during her career as a movie star. The unpredictability in her career shows how eventful the journey was from her starting point leading up to the present. Watching her play the role of Yuki in her debut film "The Butterfly" -- it was directed by Moon Seung-wook and showed Kang's potential as an actor -- makes it hard to think of anyone better for the part. The film "Old Boy", which implanted her name in peoples' minds, also falls into the masterpiece category. Her character Mido in "Old Boy" proclaimed that Kang cannot be fit into a stereotype that had been established by previous Korean actresses and Kang earned a name value of her own. She continuously used that value in her consequent movie roles -- as the beautiful wife of a kind-hearted filmmaker in "Three, Monster" and portraying the character Hong in the impossible-to-describe film "Rules of Dating". Kang Hye-jung was an intense actor and her movies were like powerful punches on the hearts of moviegoers. After the film "Welcome to Dongmakgol", however, Kang little by little started going off the predictable path that public expected her to take. She played the adorable and cute girl parts in "Love Phobia", "Herb" and "Kill Me" -- also something the public did not expect to see from her. And in the film "Girlfriends", she played the ordinary twenty-something woman who goes through growing pains at the age of twenty-nine. "I actually went through some things that other people have not experienced or need not experience pretty early in my life. And I was able to create an aggressive and independent character in my early twenties based on such experiences. I was a kid who either ignored pain or let it burst, like my characters in "Old Boy" and "Rules of Dating". But after a while, the ups and downs in my life started getting less frequent and less noisy".,...More
Lee Byung-hun to star in Kim Jee-woon's thriller pic
2010/01/14, Source
(From left) Actors Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik and director Kim Jee-woon Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun has joined the cast of a new thriller film by famed director Kim Jee-woon, according to Lee's agency BH Entertainment on Thursday. An official at BH explained that Lee is set to star in the film -- titled "I Saw the Devil" -- although the actor has not finished signing the contract as of yet.,...More
[ChanMi's movie news] "Saw the Devil" starring Lee Byung-hun
2010/01/13, Source
Top star, Lee Byung-hun is in the new Director Kim Jee-woon's film, "I Saw the Devil". Lee's agency, BH Entertainment confirmed through that phone that he is in this movie but it has not been written in papers, yet. He is in this director's film for the third time after,...More
'Fantasy of Korea Key to Drawing Global Audience'
2010/01/11, Source
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter

Korea doesn't seem to spark the imagination of North Americans, and this partly explains why Korean films are not popular there, observed an award-winning filmmak,...More
[PREVIEW] Film "No Mercy"
2010/01/06, Source
Actors Sol Kyung-gu (left) and Ryoo Seung-bum in "No Mercy" [Cinema Service] "No Mercy" - Can you have mercy on the film's ending? A chopped-up body of a young woman is found at the mouth of the Keum River. Korea's top forensic investigator Kang Min-ho (played by Sol Kyung-gu) is brought in to look into the cruel, horrendous crime method. His medical advice and detective Min Seo-young's (played by Han Hye-jin) deduction lead to the arrest of a prime suspect -- an environmental activist named Lee Seong-ho (played by Ryoo Seung-bum). Lee's confession wraps up the first part of the movie but this is where the real story of film "No Mercy" begins. Lee Seong-ho, who has kidnapped Kang Min-ho's daughter, demands that Kang prove his innocence. During the process of carrying out Lee's orders, Kang finds the connection between Lee and a criminal case for which he was a witness years ago.,...More
"Old Boy" selected top 100 films of the decade by The Guardian
2010/01/06, Source
Movie poster for Korean film "Old Boy" [Show East] Korean film "Old Boy" has been selected as one of the top 100 films of the past decade -- from the year 2000 thru 2009 -- by U.K. daily newspaper The Guardian. The Park Chan-wook-helmed pic was ranked at No. 38 on the "100 best films of the noughties" list by the Guardian. The top three movies on the list were "There Will Be Blood" (2007, starring Daniel Day-Lewis), "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" (2006, starring Sacha Baron Cohen) and "Mulholland Drive" (2001, directed by David Lynch).,...More
2010 Korean Cinema Lineup
2009/12/27, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The past year represented hope and revitalization for Korean cinema. While problems such as piracy linger on, the forecast for 2010 cinema appears promising with diverse projects in the making.

Cineastes are finding inspiration from the past and are bringing rem,...More
13th Director's Cut Awards Winners Announced
2009/12/24, Source
240 Korean directors have picked the best director, movie and actors for 2009. Most notably, Park Chan-wook picked up the best director award for the Cannes winning "Thirst". Previou,...More
Park Chan-wook Picked Best Director
2009/12/17, Source
By Cho Jae-hyon
Staff Reporter

Korean directors picked Park Chan-wook, for his dark vampire thriller,...More
Jeanie Han says 'Story matters'
2009/12/01, Source
"Korean films are strong in stories. Therefore, more focus should be on plots not visuals".

"The Korean film industry should pay more attention to stories" to succeed in the US film market, said Ko,...More
PARK Chan-wook Retrospective at Asian Film Fest in Germany
2009/11/19, Source
The Asia Film Fest which in 2007 held a Kim Ki-duk retrospective is this time focusing on Korean master director,...More
Love Lurks in Shadows in 'White Night'
2009/11/12, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

In his first feature film, "White Night"' ("Baekyahaeng" translation Walking the White Night), director,...More
Interview: Director Park Chan-wook of 'Thirst'
2009/11/06, Source
Director Park Chan-wook, who received the Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his movie,...More
Tablo, Kang Now Husband and Wife
2009/10/26, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Epik High leader Tablo, 29, and actress Kang Hye-jung, 27, wed Monday afternoon at the Bailey House, southern Seoul.

Few details of one of the year's most,...More
[ChanMi's drama news] "You're Beautiful" Jang Geun-seok imitates Choi Min-sik?
2009/10/17, Source
The SBS drama "You're Beautiful" has imitated the scenes of Choi Min-sik from the film "Old Boy". Jang's character imagined himself stuck in a room alone eating dumplings like Choi. Audience say that this scene was very funny and even said that he should shoot a commercial film for dumplings!,...More
Manilla's Korean Film Festival Kicks Off
2009/10/01, Source
Manilla's 2009 Korean Film Festival opened Sept 23, offering free screenings to the public during its one week run. Sponsored by the Korean Embassy and held at Shangri-La Plaza, the fest showcases seven Korean features and celebrates the "Philippines-Republic of Korea Friendship Year".

The prog,...More
BONG Joon-ho spearheads PPP
2009/08/12, Source
Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) unveiled the line-up of Pusan Promotion Plan (PPP). Korean directors Bong Joon-ho,,...More
Korean Movie Thirst to be Screened in Washington Metro Area
2009/08/07, Source
A Korean thriller titled "Thirst" by director Park Chan-wook, will be screened at th,...More
Unquenchable 'Thirst'
2009/08/03, Source
Park Chan-wook's latest is a masterpiece of spiritual horror
Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

Sang-hyun (,...More
Park Chan-wook's Films to Be Screened at KOFA
2009/07/27, Source
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

A special retrospective of the films by award-winning director Park Chan-wook will be held at the,...More
PARK Chan-wook Wins Hawaiian Honors
2009/07/16, Source
Organizers of the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) will present an award and hold a special advance screening of Korean auteur,...More
'Thirst' to Premiere at Montreal's Fantasia
2009/07/06, Source
Park Chan-wook's acclaimed vampire-thriller "Thirst" will have its North American pr,...More
Actor Yoo to Receive Seoul Women's Prize
2009/07/05, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Actor Yoo Ji-tae, 34, will receive the Seoul Women's Prize along with five others today at City Hall, accordi,...More
Bong Joon-ho's Latest Challenge in 'Mother - 2009'
2009/07/04, Source
By Kyu Hyun Kim

Kim Hye-ja marvels in an overwhelming thriller

Small country town, Korea. Do-joon (,...More
Korean Films Earn Intl. Critical Acclaim
2009/06/18, Source
The 2009 Cannes Film Festival closed its curtains on May 24th.
A total of 10 Korean films were invited to screen at Cannes.
Director Bong Joon-ho's "Mother - 2009" was invited t,...More
Director Jeon Soo-il Talks About `Himalaya'
2009/06/17, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporters

Director Jeon Soo-il can be grouped among "the,...More
Independent Movie, 'Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells'
2009/06/11, Source
A stranger's death is the beginning of a journey to the middle of nowhere.
A simple yet profound independent film has opened at Korean box offices amidst a flood of speedy, sensual blockbusters.
Let,...More
Choi Min-sik Escapes Oncreen to 'The Himalayas'
2009/05/31, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Actor Choi Min-sik has returned to local screens to take the audience on a faraway journey to ",...More
'I Got Heartfelt Ovation in Cannes'
2009/05/28, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Director Park Chan-wook, who won the Jury Prize at the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival for "Thirst,...More
Park Chan-wook of 'Thirst' Receives Jury Award at Cannes Festival
2009/05/27, Source
Park Chan-wook has been given an award at the Cannes Film Festival. He said, "I felt like I had already received an award when I was invited,...More
Korean Movie "Thirst" Wins Cannes Award
2009/05/25, Source
The new movie "Thirst" by Korea's renowned director Park Chan-wook won one of the three main awards of the 62nd Cannes Film Festival.
The fi,...More
'Thirst' Wins the Jury Prize at Cannes
2009/05/25, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's latest film "Thirst" has won the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival. The award is his second hono,...More
'Thirst' Wins Jury Prize at Cannes
2009/05/25, Source
The latest Park Chan-wook film "Thirst" won the Jury Prize in the 62th Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. The Jury Prize was split between "Thir,...More
'Thirst' Wins Jury Prize
2009/05/25, Source
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

The dark vampire thriller "Thirst", directed by,...More
Cannes Film Festival 2009 'Thirst' wins the Jury Prize
2009/05/24
'Thirst' by Park Chan-wook with Song Kang-ho and,...More
Korean Movies Draw Attentions at Cannes Film Festival
2009/05/15, Source
Korean films have never been this prolific at the world-renowned French film festival in Cannes before. At this year's 62nd Cannes Film Festival (May 13 to 24) a total of 10 Korean films will be screened.

One of the most attention-grabbing films from Korea is director,...More
Local Films to Shine at Cannes Fest
2009/05/10, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

A total of 10 Korean movies will be shown at the Cannes International Film Festival from May 13-24, marking the highest number of local films ever to be included in the prestigious event's roster.

The first local film ever to be invited to the event was,...More
[ChanMi's star news] REUTERS, "Song Kang-ho is Korea's Tom Hanks!"
2009/05/08, Source
England's famous celeb news station has introduced Song Kang-ho who is the main star in the upcoming film, "Thirst" as Korea's Tom Hanks! They said that he is "heading to Cannes as a vampire". REUTERS have praise Song's acting in various other films he has been in such as, "No. 3" "JSA - Joint Security Area" and "The Host". The combination work with the director who directed the award winning film, "Old Boy" has brought even more attention from movie critics around the globe!,...More
Korean Stars Come under One Roof in the U.S.
2009/04/29, Source
The merger of two major talent agencies in America, William Morris and Endeavor, has brought Korean stars together under one roof. Contracted with William Morris are Singer Rain, actress,...More
"Thirst" Goes to Cannes
2009/04/24, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's new film, "Thirst", has been invited to compete in the 62n,...More
Park Chan-wook's 'Thirst' to Compete at Cannes
2009/04/24, Source
Park Chan-wook's most recent film, "Thirst", has been selected to compete at the 62n,...More
Korean Filmmakers to Appear at Cannes
2009/04/24, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Top Korean movie directors have been invited to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival running from May 13 to 24.

The festival delegation announced the list of this year's competitors and jury members Thursday through the festival's official Web site ― they,...More
[ChanMi's movie news] Kang Hye-jung returns through new film
2009/03/28, Source
Actress Kang Hye-jung's unique character is back! She is like a cameleon able to perfectly act different characters; as a sad and cynical beauty in "Old Boy", loveable Yeo-il in "Welcome to Dongmakgol", powerful and bold art student in "Rules of Dating", " and the innocent and pure girl in "Herb". She has been all these with different colors of attrativeness. She will be in a new film, "Why Did You Come to My House - Movie" costarring wiht Park Hee-soon, and Seungri. Her role is of Lee Soo-kang who is unique and in her own bubble with a un-namable new fashion sense. Lee Soo-kang character is contagious!,...More
'Korean Directors Possible Candidates at Cannes'
2009/03/22, Source
By Hwang Sung-hee
Korea Times Intern

There may be a possibility for two big name Korean film directors to compete in the Cannes International Film Festival, to be held in May 13 to 24. Park Chan-wook's newest release,...More
First Time Director Indulges in Noir
2009/03/19, Source
The up and coming release of 'Private Eye' by first time Director Park Dae-min continues a neo noir tradition led by notables including,...More
[ChanMi's star news] Kang Hye-jeong, one of the most busiest stars for this year!
2009/03/15, Source
She is one of the stars who is very busy these days full of work! She is dating as well as acting! She is becoming a new person for this 2009. "Old Boy" has starred this actress as a strong actress and has been getting a lot of attention since 2006. She has also been in "Love Phobia" with Cho Seung-woo, however, the movie hasn't been a hit. After a few unsuccessful projects, she is returning with a new film, "Why Did You Come to My House - Movie" as well as a Hollywood film. A new drama is also coming soon starring Kang. Let's await for her acting!,...More
The Emergence of Korean Cinema: Out of the Darkness, Onto the World Stage
2009/03/11, Source
Korean cinema has taken a long, winding road to where it is today: in the 20th century, it has weathered foreign occupation, civil war, political censorship, a maze of regulations, a barrage of imports, and South Korea's turbulent democratization movement two decades ago.

At least a shortage of d,...More
Korean Comedy Breaks into U.S Market
2009/02/11, Source
"Scandal Makers" ("Speedy Scandal"), last year's fourth most successful film at the box office has been released in Los Angeles. The f,...More
Big Bang's Seung Ri fights alongside KIM Beom
2009/02/10, Source
Bing Bang's Seung Ri fights alongside Kim Bum

Seung Ri – a member of the popular boy band Big Bang – has been cast in the upcoming war film "71". The story about 71 young soldiers in training who held their own against hundreds of North Korean,...More
[ChanMi's star news] Tablo and Kang Hye-jung in love!
2009/02/04, Source
Another movie star and artist couple has been born! Movie star, Kang Hye-jung and the rapper Tablo are enjoying their love relationship! Kang and Tablo have met on a casual dinner last year through friends and have become lovers! Kang has confirmed this rumor recently through Star News! The two share similar taste in music and have become great friends through this. The two are open about their dating and go to public areas to have fun not caring about people around them.,...More
Danny Boyle Asked to Direct Lady Vengeance Remake
2009/01/14, Source
Reports of remakes of Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy films have been headline news in the entertainment industry over the past year. The,...More
JEON Ji-hyeon and SEOL Kyeong-gu portrayed greatest characters
2008/12/19, Source
Major Korean film magazine Movieweek polled to find out who Koreans regard as the ten greatest screen personas. Jun Ji-hyun's role in "My Sassy Girl" claimed the top spot for great,...More
[ChanMi's movie news] Bae Seul-gi in a Hollywood film!
2008/12/15, Source
Bae Seul-gi will be the main actress in the new global Hollywood film "Finale" which European actors and actresses are working on. Bae has been in Germany since the beginning of December and has been filming the teaser film and poster. Her character is the cold blooded killer "Siyeon" who fights against the Italian Mafia with her martial skills. The setting will be the Korea vs Italy soccer game back in 2002.,...More
Quentin Tarantino urged PARK Chan-wook to try Hollywood
2008/12/08, Source
According to major U.S. agency William Morris, Park Chan-wook was advised by Quentin Tarantino to come to Hollywood to direct films. William,...More
'Celebrity's Sweetheart' Knocks on Viewer's Heart
2008/12/02, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Princess Ji-woo is back. Choi Ji-woo, referred to as "Princess Ji-woo" by her Japanese fans and a famous hal,...More
Mega drama duo signals hot winter
2008/12/01, Source
Two mega dramas of cinematic proportions are taking over weekday nights on SBS.

Though both promise to deliver, at best, a saccharine dose of romance and melodrama, great fodder for one and top stars for the other forecast a successful winter for the major broadcasting channel.

Starting tonigh,...More
Lyon Asian Film Fest Awards Korean Films
2008/11/19, Source
The 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival ended its 5-day run November 9, closing with the French premiere of Korean film "The Chaser" by Na Hong-jin. Korean films won the majority of the 20,...More
Spielberg Looking to Remake "Old Boy"
2008/11/12, Source
Hollywood mogul Steven Spielberg is interested in remaking Park Chan-wook's hit film,...More
007 Director to Remake RYOO's Die Bad
2008/11/12, Source
Marc Forster, the director of the latest James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, is attached to an English-language remake of Korean director Ryoo Seung-wan's debut feature "Die Bad" (2000,...More
Will Smith tipped to star in 'Old Boy'
2008/11/10, Source
Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are discussing to collaborate on a remake of "Old Boy" by,...More
[ChanMi's movie news] "Old Boy" remake in Hollywood!
2008/11/07, Source
The famous movie director, Steven Spielberg who produced the movies "Indiana Jones" and "E.T" will be remaking the Korean movie, "Old Boy" with Will Smith as the main character. Will Smith will be taking the role of Oh Dae-soo who actually was acted by Choi Min-sik.,...More
YOO Ji-tae and LEE Yeon-hee in romantic film
2008/11/06, Source
Director Ryu Jang-ha is adapting the popular internet manwha (Korean equivalent of Japanese manga) Soonjeong Manwha by,...More
Filmmakers eye hit with stories from other genres
2008/11/03, Source
A good movie tends to have a good script. What if a director fails to get one? No need to worry, because Korean filmmakers are quick to borrow from other genres such as comics and novels.

A striking case in point is ",...More
Kang Hye-jung Attends a Hollywood Gala
2008/10/27, Source
Film actress Kang Hye-jung of the "Old Boy" fame was invited to a Hollywood red carp,...More
CHOI Min-sik retrospective at Lyon fest
2008/10/24, Source
The 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival will dedicate a retrospective to Korea's leading actor Choi Min-sik. The French film festival holds the speci,...More
Film Fests Offer Retrospective, Award to Korean Movie Stars
2008/10/22, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Two film festivals in France and India are paying respect to local actors and directors by holding retrospectives and offering awards.

The 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival will hold a retrospective on Korean movie star,...More
Retospective on Choi Min-sik in Lyon
2008/10/21, Source
A retrospective on Korean actor Choi Min-sik has been announced as one of the special programs scheduled for the 14th Lyon Asian Film Festival,...More
Choi Min-sik Rediscovers His Passion for Acting
2008/10/07, Source
"I felt like I was riding a new car just out of a warehouse, starting from zero mileage. Now my heart is full of all sorts of ambiguous emotions -- I'm proud, relieved and empty, as if a passionate lo,...More
Old Boy Named 64th Greatest Film of All Time
2008/09/30, Source
The UK's most popular film magazine, Empire, published its list of the top 500 films of all time, placing Park Chan-wook's acclaimed thriller,...More
"Old Boy" Cited One of the 500 Greatest Movies of All Time
2008/09/26, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's acclaimed film "Old Boy" was cited one of the 500 greates,...More
Jeon Do-yeon on Pregnancy, Post-Cannes Film
2008/09/21, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Actress Jeon Do-yeon seems to have it all, having won the Best Actress award at Cannes last year and about to,...More
Korea's Fine Cut to Co-Produce Sabu Feature
2008/09/04, Source
Start-up company Fine Cut will co-produce Japanese director Sabu's next feature film, titled Arrested Memories. Company founder Seo Yeong-joo will be producer, pitching the project this fall at the 13th Pusan International Film Festival's pr,...More
'Modern Boy' Opens in October
2008/08/28, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

After six years in the making and a release date postponed by months, Jeong Ji-woo's ambitious period drama,...More
Seo Teams Up With Marilyn Manson
2008/08/14, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Korean singer Seo Taiji, known as "Culture President" to fans, appeared at a press conference prior to his ETP FEST 2008 (Eerie Taiji People Festival) last night, along with American band Death Cab for Cutie an,...More
Actress Kang Hye-jung has been cast in an American film entitled "Wedding Palace".
2008/08/05, Source
Kang's management agency YG Entertainment said Kang Hye-jung has been cast in the,...More
Big Bang Members Branch Out as Soloists
2008/07/14, Source
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Boy band Big Bang seems to have it all, from loving fans, stylish fashion trends, easy-to-memorize songs and the members' distinctive characteristics. Now, the ambitious group is expanding their talents in ot,...More
Yoo Ji-tae Receives Japan Short Film Award
2008/06/19, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Yoo Ji-tae, 32, won an award not as an actor, but as a director at Japan's 2008 Short Shorts Film Festival Asi,...More
YOO Ji-tae's short film to Tokyo and Seoul fest
2008/06/05, Source
Actor Yoo Ji-tae – well known for his roles in Park Chan-wook's,...More
BONG Joon-ho Discusses Le Transperceneige
2008/05/28, Source
Director of Korea's all-time box-office monster, The Host (2006), and the now classic serial-killer mystery, Memories of Murder (20,...More
12th SICAF Ends With Promises for More
2008/05/28, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The 12th Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival, the only one of its kind in Korea, wrapped up Sunday after five days of festivity. Cartoon and animation buffs were able to mingle with world premier artists and take part in other fun events.

This year',...More
The three who made Rain an actor
2008/05/01, Source
Who are three people that receive the credit for making Rain an actor?

Writer,...More
No Wave, just a Korean breeze in Poland
2008/04/28, Source
The Korean Wave has been spreading Korean pop culture across Asia and beyond for more than a decade, although it has barely reached Poland, in the centre of Europe. It is sad to admit, but Korean culture (traditional as well as the "new wave") does not exist in Polish minds as a distinctive identity,...More
Korean Films to See at Cannes
2008/04/27, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The world's premier film event, Festival de Cannes, will open for the 61st time May 14-25 in the southern Fren,...More
[THE HIGH TIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(32)] Spain discovers Korea and cries out for more
2008/04/22, Source
In the last few years, Korean films, TV dramas and pop music have become immensely popular abroad, a phenomenon known as the Korean Wave. This is the 32nd in a series of essays by a select group of sc,...More
RYOO Jang-ha's comeback stars YOO Ji-tae and LEE Yeon-hee
2008/04/21, Source
Director/writer Ryu Jang-ha makes his comeback after his 2004 "Springtime" (Kkotbineun Bomi Omyeon) featuring Choi Min-sik, wi,...More
Britain's The Times – 'Poet of Blood' Park Chan-wook has changed
2008/04/10, Source
The British press is focusing on Director Park Chan-wook, who is awaiting the British premiere of ",...More
Top stars' next work anticipated
2008/03/27, Source
Top stars including Jeon Do-yeon, Choi Min-sik, Song Kang-ho, and,...More
Korean Movie to be Remade in the United States
2008/03/17, Source
A much-lauded Korean movie is to be remade in the U.S. with a big star headlining in it.

According to the Boston Globe, Park Chan-wook's ",...More
Korean Films Win Recognition in Europe
2008/03/14, Source
Now, there appears to be growing interest in Korean films overseas.
Domestic productions are winning critical acclaim at major film festivals in particular, in Europe.
Jeong Soyun explains.

Korean films are gaining increasing recognition on the international stage, winning numerous awards and h,...More
Charlize Theron to remake "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance"
2008/03/13, Source
Director Park Chan-wook is admired nationally and globally. Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron is also one of them. According to The Bosto,...More
'Intention' Depicts Love's Pathos
2008/03/13, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Actor Yoo Ji-tae presents his third directorial piece, ",...More
'White Tower' Fans Will Remain 'Wide Awake' ("Wide Awake")
2008/03/12, Source
Kim Myung-min enlivens a solid medical thriller

By Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

"Wide Awake" (,...More
Yoo Ji-tae juggles up two jobs as actor and filmmaker
2008/03/12, Source
Outside of Korea, Yoo Ji-tae is primarily known as a key actor in Park Chan-wook's awa,...More
Stars circle back to theater spotlight
2008/02/18, Source
Last year, a number of successful male actors returned to the stage after spending years on both the small and big screens. The list of actors who returned to the theater includes Choi Min-sik, a veteran actor who garnered international acclai,...More
PARK Chan-wook casts KIM Ok-bin
2008/02/13, Source
Director Park Chan-wook finalised casting for his highly anticipated vampire film,...More
Director Park Chan-wook Chooses Heroine for Steamy Vampire
2008/02/12, Source
Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook has chosen Kim Ok-bin as the star of his next film,,...More
If we could exchange our bodies… "I'd like to change with either Lee Hyori or Rain!"
2008/02/07, Source
A game of exchanging bodies… If you are given one chance to bring this fantasy into a reality, which celebrity is at the top of your list? Upon this interesting survey, singer,...More
Director Park Chan-wook's latest film 'Thirst' is having difficulties in casting a main female character due to high sexual references
2008/01/31, Source
Director Park Chan-wook is having difficulties in finding a main female actor for his latest film,...More
CHOI Min-sik to Star in JEON Soo-il Art Film
2008/01/30, Source
Actor Choi Min-sik, one of Korea's most recognized thespians, will star in art house director,...More
It's Song Kang-ho's 'Show' All the Way
2008/01/29, Source
'The Show Must Go on' a vehicle for Korean star's amazing talent

Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

Kang In-gu (,...More
"Hansel and Gretel" ends the year on a high
2008/01/02, Source
Director Yim Pil-sung assembled a fine cast and a great team of experts, the result is a well-crafted film, finely calibrated on every level.
,...More
Directors, Actors Share Favorite Movies
2007/12/30, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The New Year will dawn with a special treat for local cinephiles. It marks "Year Zero", or a fresh new start for Seoul Art Cinema, with the Third Cinematheque Friends Film Festival due Jan. 9-Feb. 3, as well as big plans to revamp Korea's one and only cinematheque,...More
Cruel Innocence
2007/12/27, Source
The production company, as well as its director Yim Pil-sung (",...More
'Hansel and Gretel' Loses Focus
2007/12/27, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Up and coming director Yim Pil-sung's latest work ",...More
Cosmic crisis hits intergalactic star
2007/11/21, Source
It's not often that you find yourself identifying with creatures from another planet.
But that's what happened to actress Grace Park in the Ame,...More
Park Chan-wook's New Project Pre-sold to France
2007/11/06, Source
Park Chan-wook once said he felt destined to make a vampire film ("Thirst"). The di,...More
KOFIC and UK Film Council Announce Deal
2007/10/17, Source
In an important pact between the two countries, the UK Film Council and its Korean counterpart KOFIC signed a Co-Distribution Agreement during this year's Pusan International Film Festival. Beginning in November 2007, distributors of UK and Korean films will be eligible for print and advertising su,...More
Old Boy's Plot among the Best
2007/09/13, Source
Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" is included in a list of the twenty best plot-twists, ac,...More
Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy Gets Box Set
2007/09/05, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's vengeance trilogy -- ",...More
PARK Chan-wook's Film in Sitges Competition
2007/08/29, Source
The 40th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival selected Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" and,...More
Korean Flicks Win Hearts of Filmgoers in Russia
2007/08/26, Source
Russia not only welcomes the two Korean astronaut trainees, but also a grand showcase of Korean culture.
A ten-day Korean festival underway in Moscow is winning the hearts of Russians with the traditional music and dance while attracting many moviegoers to Korean cinema.
Chang Yeojeong has this st,...More
Critic Jin, Film Fans Duel Over 'D-War'
2007/08/15, Source
By Lee Hwan-hee
Staff Reporter

Cultural critic Jin Jung-gwon, also a professor at Chung-Ang University, defended himself against attacks from the online supporters of the film,...More
Week's New Movie Premieres
2007/08/10, Source
And finally this evening; let's check on what's new in local theatres this week.
For those of you looking for spine-chilling movies to cool off from the heat there are two new Korean horror films, plus the latest Fantastic Four sequel.
Here's Son Heekyung.
First up this week is the mystery thrill,...More
Folk star, fans challenge Guinness world record
2007/08/09, Source
Seventies folk singer Han Dae-soo, 59, and 2,020 Seoulites will perform one of his hit songs, "To the Land of Happiness", on 2,021 acoustic guit,...More
Japanese Manga Come to Life on TV
2007/08/08, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Japanese "manga" or comic books have long inspired real-life renditions, such as Park Chan-wook's award-winning film "Old Boy" (2003) and recently re,...More
Horror Film Season Kicks Off in Korea
2007/07/20, Source
Tis' the season in Korea when moviegoers expect to see spine-chilling horror films as a respite from the sweltering heat.
Son Heekyung takes a look at some of the summer's most horrific Korean productions.
Summer!
For many in the country it means barbecues, beaches and bone-chilling horror flicks,...More
'Black' Is Gore With Suspense
2007/06/21, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Rusty, run down and remote except for the sporadic purr of a passing train, "Black House" is no haunted,...More
Korean Films Attack the Big Apple
2007/06/19, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Korean cinema will take a big bite of the Big Apple as the 2007 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) begins Friday. The festival will feature more than 30 works from the East, of which almost a third are Korean. The event will take place at the IFC Center until July,...More
Why Do Koreans Watch Horror Flicks in Summer?
2007/06/16, Source
Summer is the season when moviegoers in Korea see spine-chilling horror films at cinemas to escape the sweltering heat.
Our Son Heekyung has the latest on this genre and its popularity during the season.
Domestic directors hope to scare the sluggish movie industry back on track by releasing eight,...More
US Remake of Failan
2007/06/11, Source
Song Hae-seong's "Failan" (2001) starring,...More
YOO Ji-tae on Short Shorts Jury
2007/06/05, Source
The 9th Short Shorts & Asia 2007 Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan has named Korean actor Yoo Ji-tae as a jury member. Running June 25th to July 1st,...More
Hwang Jin Yi screens in North Korea
2007/06/01, Source
The big-budget period drama "Hwang Jin Yi" has received a special screening in North Korea ahead of its local release.

The film, whic,...More
A Tribute to Jeon Do-yeon
2007/05/31, Source
Hearty congratulations to Korea's most ambitious and talented actress

Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

On May 27, Jeon Do-yeon won the Best Actre,...More
Hollywood Filmmaker Shows Interest in Remaking "The Host"
2007/05/30, Source
Renowned Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay is interested in producing a remake of the movie "The Host", according to Hollywood film producer Ro,...More
'200 Pounds Beauty' Charms Overseas Film Fans
2007/05/30, Source
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Korean made movie "200 Pounds Beauty" is taking audiences by storm abroad _ smashing box office re,...More
Moebius: "Old Boy blends art and commercialism well"
2007/05/29, Source
Moebius (Jean Giraud), French SF cartoon master who recently made his first visit to Korea for the special "Meeting with Masters" event held by the Eleventh Seoul International Cartoon and Animation F,...More
Jeon Do-yeon Wins Best Actress at Cannes
2007/05/28, Source
Jeon Do-yeon won the Best Actress award at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, which ended on Sunday, for her role in Lee Chang-song's ",...More
'Secret Sunshine' Steals Limelight in Cannes
2007/05/27, Source
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon is reaping critical acclaim from foreign critics, for her role in ",...More
Kim Ah-joong, "Going to Vietnam to promote Korean movies"
2007/05/25, Source
Actress Kim Ah-joong will attend '2007 Dynamic Korean Cinema Festival' from the 31st to 3rd, a cultural event commemorating 15 years of exchange between Korea and Vietnam.

,...More
Korean to join world's most celebrated directors for New York tribute
2007/05/21, Source
Park Chan-wook, already considered by many film buffs to be Korea's greatest director, has received more foreign recognition of his talents.
,...More
[BRIEFLY] Park to direct 'New York, je t'aime'
2007/05/21, Source
Director Park Chan-wook, internationally renowned for his "Vengeance" trilogy, will be one of the directors of "New York, je t'aime (I love y,...More
How Will Korean Films Do at Cannes?
2007/05/19, Source
Turning to the cultural scene - Two Korean works are competing with 20 other films at this year's Cannes Film Festival vying for the coveted Palme d'Or prize.
Son Heekyung explains what their chances are at one of the world's most prestigious film events.
The 12-day annual film festival is rolling,...More
'Bunt' Scores and Wins Sans Sacrifice
2007/04/26, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

A bunt in a baseball game is not as spectacular and exciting as a homer, but it is as precious as it is generally a sacrifice for a larger cause.

The new film, More
Movies Reflect on Contemporary Fathers
2007/04/24, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

There have been many films that have shed light on motherly love such as "Running Boy" ("Marathon" - 2005), "Herb" (2006) and ",...More
Two Korean Films to Be Shown in Competition at Cannes
2007/04/20, Source
Two Korean movies will be screened in competition of this year's Cannes Film Festival. "Secret Sunshine" by Lee Chang-dong and,...More
The Good and the not so good
2007/04/17, Source
Deauville Asian Film Festival 2007

By Gautaman Bhaskaran

South Asia Correspondent

There are a million film festivals through the year, but there are some that sparkle. The Deauville Asian Film Festival on the French Atlantic coast in Normandy is one, and this year it gave in its recent nint,...More
Must-Sees at JIFF
2007/04/16, Source
One of the many attractions of the Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) is its omnibus film presentation, Jeonju Digital Project, which offers three half-hour film contributions by three talented international filmmakers: Pedro Costa of Portugal, Harun Farocki of Germany and Eugene Green of Fra,...More
Screen Star Yoo Ji-tae Finds Creative Challenge in Theater
2007/04/09, Source
Some are fascinated with his perfect body. Everyone who meets him talks about his eyes -- small but deep, sparkling with a powerful aura.

Actor,...More
"The Host" Exceeds 1 Mil. in US Earnings
2007/03/28, Source
The film "The Host" has earned one million US dollars at the US box office in the three weeks after its release there, its producer Chungeora,...More
Movie Star Yoo Unveils Stage Ambition in New Play
2007/03/18, Source
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Top-rated actor Yoo Ji-tae has a strong presence in major local films such as "Attack the Gas Station", "More
Yoo Ji-tae experiments with the stage
2007/03/15, Source
Yoo Ji-tae, a rising star in Korea's film and entertainment industry, returns to the stage with the experimental theatrical piece, "Welcome to More
[Books] French Writer Talks on Korean Cinema
2007/03/09, Source
By Seo Dong-shin
Staff Reporter

Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio is a French writer whose name often appears on pundits' lists of candidates for the Nobel Prize for Literature along with South Korean poet Ko Un. He is also one of the French writers who have a peculiar hold on the Korean literary cir,...More
Cult Director Jodorowsky Likes Korean Films
2007/03/07, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Surreal bizarreness, bloody violence and bold eroticism are some words invariably associated with director Alejandro Jodorowsky.

But the best way to understand him is to see his works. That had been almost impossible till now, as his works have long been unavail,...More
Stars return home, take to the stage
2007/02/22, Source
Some 20 years ago, long before the country's entertainment industry was creating beautiful though look-alike celebrities, small theaters in Daehangno, Seoul were schools for amateur actors who trained to cultivate their undiscovered talents.

There were no paychecks or apartments offered for young,...More
Berlinale Market Fruitful for Korean Distributors
2007/02/21, Source
Several Korean titles have been sold internationally at the recent Berlin International Film Festival. Asian and European markets are the main destinations for the Korean films.

Park Chan-wook's award-winning ",...More
Can Veteran Actors Revive Theater?
2007/02/21, Source
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Veteran film and television actors and actresses are returning to the theater this spring.

Their move is expected to galvanize the theater scene, which is currently drawing smaller audiences.

For a long time, theaters have been losing a number of veteran ac,...More
PARK Wins Berlin's Alfred Bauer Prize
2007/02/16, Source
South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook won the Alfred Bauer Prize, one of the 8 main awards at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival, for his imaginative comedy ",...More
Hwang Jin Yi to Film in North Korea
2007/01/24, Source
The South Korean period drama "Hwang Jin Yi" is allowed to film in North Korea.,...More
Film Festival to Raise Public Interest in Old Films'
2007/01/21, Source
It's a new move to expand the country's movie genres.
A group of Korean directors, actors and movie critics are taking part in a festival to raise public awareness of older movies, and the importance of a cinematheque to screen them.
Son Heekyung has more.

Most films nowadays have a set genre l,...More
Blockbusters flop as star marketing fails
2007/01/08, Source
Lee Byung-hun, Chung Ji-hoon (Rain), Daniel Henney and Jung Woo-sung share tw,...More
Korean Kid Film 'Ice Bar' Invited to Berlin Film Fest
2007/01/03, Source
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

The Korean film "Ice Bar" directed by,...More
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance's Dutch Premiere
2006/12/28, Source
Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (Chinjeorhan Geu,...More
[YEAR-END REVIEW]Looking back on Korean culture scene
2006/12/27, Source
Popsters go solo to ride Korean Wave

One of the most conspicuous phenomena of 2006 was the "going-solo" trend among former boy band and girl band members. In fact, this year's K-pop scene has been crowded with what seems like an endless procession of "first solo albums".

,...More
Actress Challenges Herself Again
2006/12/27, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

At first glance, it is hard to describe actress Kang Hye-jung's mysterious charms. When you go through her,...More
'Cyborg' Gets Invited to Berlinale
2006/12/22, Source
By Seo Dong-shin
Staff Reporter

Park Chan-wook's ",...More
Rain Set to Make His Name As Actor
2006/12/11, Source
Singer Rain is likely to make his name known to the world once again, but not as singer this time but rather as an actor.

A source from CJ Entertain,...More
Commercial Vs. Avant-Garde: Park Chan-wook on 'Cyborg'
2006/12/07, Source
Park Chan-wook is likely to face only two responses -- enthusiasm and incomprehension -- when his new film "I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK" is r,...More
Cyborg and The Restless Pre-Sales at AFM
2006/11/29, Source
Sales and Distribution arm of Korea's CJ Entertainment concluded a number of deals on pre-sales of director Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" and,...More
Korean wave arrives in Central, South America
2006/11/27, Source
Newspapers have published reports about the recent Korean culture boom, or hallyu, sweeping over East Asian countries. Though some critics claim hallyu works only in Asia, such phenomenon, however, is not solely based on the similarity or common feelings that Asians share.

Recently, growing inter,...More
Bong Joon-ho: Writing New Chapter in Korean Film History
2006/11/15, Source
Targeting the world

The movie "The Host" by filmmaker Bong Joon-ho is set to find,...More
Director Park Chan-wook tries new genre
2006/11/14, Source
Thanks to his lofty reputation both at home and abroad, Park Chan-wook is widely regarded almost 'super-human', or something similar to a 'cyborg' filmmaker.

Yet, that is okay for Park, who is now promoting his latest film, "I'm a Cyborg,,...More
'Lady Vengeance' A Splendidly Disturbing Gem [DVD Review]
2006/11/11, Source
Park Chan-wook's meditation on the meaning of revenge and its spiritual cost

Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

"Lady Vengeance" (",...More
Korean movies turning heads in Hollywood: LA Times
2006/11/07, Source
The Los Angeles Times has reported that Korea's burgeoning movie industry is penetrating the international movie market, enjoying a creative surge reminiscent of 1970s Hollywood when the films of Martin Scorsese and Hal Ashby first burst onto the big screen.

In an article titled "Coming attractio,...More
'S. Korea Broadens its Global Cinema Market Share'
2006/11/06, Source
The Los Angeles Times says the nation's film industry is broadening its share of the world cinema market, reliving the glory days of Hollywood 30 years ago.

In a special report, the daily said that a South Korean horror flick, "The Host",,...More
Copyright for Remake of "The Host" Sold to Universal
2006/11/03, Source
"The Host", which made Korean film history this summer with the record-setting number of viewers of some 13 million, is likely to be remade i,...More
This Week's New Movies
2006/10/27, Source
Let's get a check of what's playing in movie theatres across Korea this week.
We have two domestic productions both of them touching dramas.
There's also a comedy from the U.S, and a real-life thriller from Australia.
Here's Son Heekyung.

Two heartwarming Korean films, perfect for the autumn s,...More
Korean filmfest kicks off in L.A.
2006/09/28, Source
The Los Angeles Korean International Film Festival kicks off its one-week run Friday at the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theater in West Hollywood, featuring an array of contemporary Korean and Korean-American films.

The third annual festival starts with an opening night presentation of director,...More
2006 Korea Film Festival Opens in London
2006/09/20, Source
The 2006 Korea Film Festival will open in London September 27.

Organized by the Korean Culture Center in the U.K. and the Korea Culture & Content Agency, this year's festival will mark the year of mutual visits to South Korea and the U.K. The festival will screen eight domestic hit movies and fou,...More
Chinese Star Ziyi Zhang Says She Wants to Work With Lee Young-ae
2006/09/19, Source
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Ziyi Zhang speaks during a conference in Seoul for her latest movie.
Ziyi Zhang, China's top actress came to town yesterday to promote her latest movie, "The Banquet". The epic film, which also stars Daniel Wu and is directed by Feng Xiagang, was recentl,...More
'Cello' Horror Best Tuned Out
2006/09/10, Source
[DVD Review] Listless spook show is a typical post-'Ring' Asian horror flick

Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

"Cello" is a typical example of the l,...More
Production companies to form new hub outside of Seoul
2006/08/25, Source
A group of Korean film companies has committed to move to the city of Paju, outside of Seoul. A total of 18 production companies will move to a 170-acre stretch of land being developed in Paju, located 20 miles northwest of Seoul. The city, located close to the North Korean border, has been branded,...More
'The Host' Is Viciously Smart
2006/08/25, Source
Monster film devours Korean and U.S. competitors

Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)

One particular scene in "The Host" in retrospect almost looks,...More
Filmmakers say, Cinema Could Not Exist Without Music
2006/08/16, Source
During an international music and film festival held in Jecheon in the central part of the country, our Son Hee-kyung had an opportunity to sit down with filmmakers who aspire to show the world that cinema is inseparable from music.

"Cinema never existed without music. In the beginning when it wa,...More
Remake of Korean Movie to Hit Theater
2006/08/14, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Keanu Reeves, top left, and Sandra Bullock, bottom left, replace Lee Jung-jae and,...More
Jecheon International Music and Film Festival Kicks Off
2006/08/10, Source
A summer festival under way here in Korea is providing locals a chance to broaden their horizons in terms of music and films.
Son Hee-kyung takes us to Jecheon where an annual event attempts to highlight the combined beauty of music and film.

This music may sound familiar.
Well it's from the hi,...More
'A Tale of Two Sisters'
2006/08/08, Source
One of the best East Asian horror films of our time

Kyu Hyun Kim (news)

"A Tale of Two Sisters", currently being remade into a Hollywood blockbuster, was one of the biggest Korean box office successes of the 2003 summer,...More
Han Dae-soo, creator of folk music
2006/08/02, Source
Unlike many people who accept and endure their daily routines, some people have a free mind and soul, and are ready for change and challenge. They have the courage to undauntedly and confidently face struggles and great effort, enduring thirst and pain. Their lives full of courage will undoubtedly b,...More
Park Chan-wook Asked to Sit on Venice Jury
2006/07/04, Source
The leading Korean director Park Chan-wook has been asked to sit on the jury of the 63rd Venice Film Festival on Aug. 30-Sept.9 to judge films in the international competition. The organizing committee also asked Spanish director Juan José B,...More
'Old Boy' Director Will Join Jury at Venice Film
2006/07/04, Source
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Korean screenwriter and director Park Chan-wook is to join the 63rd Venice International Film Festival jury in Italy from August 30 to Sept. 9.

Aside from Park, others included in the jury announced ye,...More
Puchon Film Festival Opens July 13
2006/07/03, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Offering a wide mix of unusual and bizarre movies, the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) will kick off on July 13.

Will the festival be able to successfully celebrate its 10th edition and settle a two-year-long problem?

"We've made every po,...More
Korean cinema at Cannes 2006
2006/06/02, Source
The year 2006 saw Korean cinema enjoy less of a spotlight at Cannes than in 2005 -- when a record seven films screened at the event -- or in 2004, when Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" was,...More
Cannes Backs Anti-screen Quota Cut Protests
2006/05/30, Source
Anti-screen quota reduction protests were held at the Cannes International Film Festival. Actor Choi Min-sik and director Bong Joon-ho joined in. Through the release of a statement, the,...More
Koreans, French Fight Hollywood Domination
2006/05/21, Source
By Paolo Bertolin
Contributing Writer

CANNES, France ㅡ Films from South Korea may not be as prominently featured in the program of the 59th Cannes Film Festival as in recent years, yet Korean cinema is garnering attention, thanks to the struggle by industry people to defend the screen quo,...More
Movies With English Subtitles
2006/04/27, Source
7th Jeonju International Film Festival

Through May 5

Chonju, North Cholla Province

The film festival, which kicked off yesterday, will show 192 films from 42 countries with its main focus on innovative and experimental films through digital media. The festival consists of two main competiti,...More
Stars Make It Difficult Not to Like 'Phobia'
2006/04/27, Source
By Joon Soh
Contributing Writer

Most celebrity couples do everything they can to avoid having their relationship in the media spotlight. The exception to this rule is,...More
Kang Hye-jung on Acting With Her Own Boyfriend
2006/04/26, Source
In her new film "Love Phobia", Kang Hye-jung gets to star opposite her real-life boyfriend Cho Seung-woo. The melodrama is,...More
Designer Lee Young-hee promotes Korean color
2006/04/19, Source
At the Venice Film Festival--one of the world's three largest film festivals--a new movie called "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" produced by director Park Chan-wook, who had already earned worldwide recognition for his thriller "Old Boy", was,...More
Festival Fetes the Indie and Experimental
2006/04/19, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

The 7th Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) will take place from April 27 to May 5 in Chonju, North Cholla Province.

With its main focus on innovative and experimental films through digital media, a range of alternative and independent films will be screen,...More
Love Phobia, Love in Two Kinds of World
2006/04/10, Source
'Love Phobia'only exists in fictional films for the real life couple Cho Seung-woo and Kang Hye-jung, the two stars of the,...More
Bae Doona: Acting Without a Pretty Face On
2006/04/10, Source
At the age of 27, most actresses want to be recognized for their craft as well as their looks, but Bae Doona stands out by having never cared much about the latter. Away from the limelight for a while, Bae is now back with a new movie made in Jap,...More
What nude scenes mean for actresses
2006/03/27, Source
Just two decades ago, it was rare for movie fans to see actresses do nude scenes because of strict censorship and most stars were hesitant about undressing for the camera.

But as the domestic moviemaking trend took an innovative turn towards liberal expression, nude scenes no longer made much new,...More
[Festival] The Samsung Korea Film Fest Begins (Florence March 31 to April 10)
2006/03/24, Source
The Samsung Korea Film Fest Begins

Florence March 31 to April 10 the fourth edition of the South Korean Cinematography festival in Italy

Florence - Return to the Korea Film Fest, the traditional spring appointment with South Korean cinematography, coming together this year for it's fourth ed,...More
Domestic Movies With English Subtitles
2006/03/23, Source
A Boy Who Went to Heaven(Sonyon, Chonguge Kada) (2005)

Seoul Selection Bookstore

At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday

Staring Park Hae-il and,...More
Korean Wave Crosses the Pacific
2006/03/22, Source
The Korean Wave is hitting hard the shores of American West coast. Many cities such as Los Angeles have shown that Korean movies and dramas are currently receiving more attention from not only ethnic minorities, but also Americans.

As a result of the growing interest in the Korean culture shown b,...More
Singer Rain, Actress Im Soo-jung to Act Together in New Film
2006/03/20, Source
Singer Rain (real name: Jeong Ji-hoon), a top hallyu star in Asia, and young actress Im Soo-jung have met Park Chan-wook, a world-renown,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' Selected Best Foreign Film in Hong Kong
2006/03/17, Source
The Korean film "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" directed by Park Chan-wook has been chosen as one of the ten best foreign films at the 11th Golden Bauhinia Awards hosted by the Hong Kong film critic association.

The top ten list includes "H,...More
Domestic Movies With English Subtitles
2006/03/16, Source
Cine-Cafe Mornings

At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday

Samsung Raeminan Cultural Center

This charity movie session will screen the 2004 black comedy "The President's Barber". Starring Song Kang-ho and,...More
Eric Expresses Feelings after Discharge from Hospital
2006/03/10, Source
Eric Mun, a member of the boy group Shinhwa and an actor, has talked about his thoughts for the first time since being discharged from a hospital where he had been recovering from injuries sustained during the shooting of the drama "Wolf" in Janua,...More
Seven Korean Films to Air on American Cable
2006/03/09, Source
Seven Korean films, including "Old Boy" and "Samaria", will be shown on the Sundance Movie Channel, an American cable TV network.
Kim Jee-suk, programmer of the Pusan International Film Festival, recently stated, "SunDance Movie Channel, a leading movie cable channel in the United States, has bough,...More
“Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” Wins Best Film Award in Portugal
2006/03/07, Source
The Korean blockbuster "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Lee Young-ae) received the Best Film Award at the Orient Express Official Competition of t,...More
Seven Korean Films to Be Shown on American TV
2006/03/03, Source
Seven Korean films, including "Old Boy" and "Samaria", will be shown on an American cable TV network.

Kim Ji-seok, a programm,...More
Korean Cinema Lecture at Yale University
2006/02/28, Source
A course in Korean film studies will be offered starting this spring at Yale University, one of the elite universities in the United States.

Prof. Seungja Choi (55) who teaches Korean language studies in the department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale, revealed on the 27th that thi,...More
Korean Films Praised at the Berlin Film Festival
2006/02/28, Source
By Nigel DSa
Staff Writer

The Berlin International Film Festival wrapped February 18th with several prizes awarded to ethnic Koreans. Composer Peter KAM received the Silver Bear for Best Film Music for his score in the Hong Kong made Isabella.

Korean-American director,...More
Yale to Offer Lectures on Korean Films
2006/02/28, Source
Yale University will offer lectures on modern South Korean films from spring semester.

Yale professor of Korean Choi Seung-ja said Monday that the lectures will focus on movies produced after the 1960s, including,...More
Hallyu, Cultural Coexistence or Imperialism?
2006/02/26, Source
By Kim Ki-tae
Staff Reporter

Hallyu, widespread popularity of Korean pop culture in East Asia, is an unprecedented experience for the nationals.

Koreans, traditionally under the heavy cultural influence of China and, relatively recently, Japan and the United States, seems to feel both wonder,...More
'Spider Forest'[DVD Review]
2006/02/22, Source
Song Il-gon's latest film an intricate mystery with an art house style

Kim Kyu Hyun (internews)

Kang Min (Kam Woo-sung), a TV reporter, stumbles onto a horrific scene of double,...More
Star of 'Old Boy' to Hold aMaster Classes at JIFF
2006/02/21, Source
By Han Eun-jung
Staff Reporter

Veteran actor Choi Min-sik, best known for his delivery of the title role in 2004 film, "Old Boy", will work with aspiring performers in a master clas,...More
Filmmakers stage massive rally against screen quota cut
2006/02/09, Source
Thousands from the Korean filmmaking community yesterday held a massive rally against the government's plan to reduce the amount of time required for screening local films.

The strong backlash from the movie industry erupted late last month when the Ministry of Finance and Economy said it will ha,...More
Play "Old Boy" to Be Staged Mar. 10 to Apr. 30
2006/02/07, Source
"Old Boy", the award-winning film based on a Japanese comic book, will be staged as a play. The play "Old Boy" produced by JTCulture will be staged at Uri Theater in Daehakno, Seoul fr,...More
'Old Boy' Returns Medal in Screen Quota Protest
2006/02/07, Source
The actor Choi Min-sik has returned a government decoration in protest against Seoul's decision to halve the number of days reserved in theaters for Korean movies. Staging a one-man protest on Sejong Street in front of the Ministry of Culture,...More
'Crying Fist' [DVD Review]
2006/02/06, Source
Ryoo Seung-wan's latest shows his growth as a filmmaker

Kim Kyu Hyun (internews)

Six years ago, Ryoo Seung-wan rode into the Korean indie film scene with his jaw-dropping,...More
Jang stages one-man protest against screen quota cut
2006/02/06, Source
Top actor Jang Dong-gun staged a one-man protest in downtown Seoul yesterday to protest the government's plan to slash the screen quota for local films, drawing thousands of movie fans to the scene.

Jang, 34, was supposed to stand with a p,...More
'A Bittersweet Life' [DVD Review]
2006/01/26, Source
Comparing it to Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" is off the mark

Kyu Hyun Kim (internews)

Lee Byung-hun plays Seon-woo, a,...More
Kim Ki-duk Latest Film “3-Iron” Gets Rave Reviews
2006/01/21, Source
The entrancing moving "3-Iron", the eleventh movie by Korean cinema powerhouse director Kim Ki-duk, is receiving rave reviews from film critics around the world.

According to CineClickA,...More
Belgian Association Names '3-Iron' Best Film
2006/01/19, Source
The film "3-Iron" by maverick director Kim Ki-duk has been named the best film of 2005 by Belgium's Film Critics Association.

The movie's overseas distributor Cineclick Asia said Thursd,...More
Favorite Films of Directors, Actors to Be Screened
2006/01/17, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

What are the all-time favorite art movies of Park Chan-wook, director of "Old Boy" or of Moon So-ri, actress of "A Good Lawyer's Wife" An art house the,...More
Art Cinema to bring favorite films of famous directors, actors
2006/01/16, Source
What are the all-time favorite art movies of Park Chan-wook, director of "Old Boy" or of Moon So-ri, actress of "A Good Lawyer's Wife?" An art house theater in Seoul may give you a clue.,...More
New action flicks highlight unfair social system
2006/01/12, Source
Although their official subjects are different, the action flicks "Running Wild" (Yasu) and Holiday share many cinematic elements, some of which may intrigue Korean moviegoers yearning for a strong dose of refreshing action sequences.

"Run,...More
Lee Young-ae to sit on Berlin Film Festival jury
2006/01/11, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae will sit on the jury bench of the International Berlin Film Festival next month as the first Korean juror in the prestigious competition.

The film festival committee asked Lee to sit on its international jury for the of,...More
Rain to Star in Park Chan-wook's Much-Awaited 'Cyborg'
2006/01/04, Source
K-pop star Rain (24) has accepted a starring role in director Park Chan-wook's next movie titled "I'm a Cyborg, but It's Ok" produced by Moho Film. Scheduled to start shooting in March or Apri,...More
Korea's Movie "Old Boy" Top Film for 2005
2006/01/04, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy", an avant-garde film that won the Grand Prix at Cannes, was selected as the first of the "Top Ten Films of 2005" by the alternative magazine "The Onion" and the newspaper the "The Austin-American Statesman,...More
Heartthrobs Run 'Wild'
2006/01/04, Source
kwon Sang-woo, Yoo Ji-tae Team Up for Crime Thriller 'Running Wild'

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Just hearing the,...More
Born in the Year of the Dog
2006/01/03, Source
By Han Eun-jung
Staff Reporter

Actress Han Hye-jin, the heroine of the hit television drama "Be Strong, Geum-Soon!", was one of the biggest breakthrough stars in 20,...More
Rain to Star in 'Old Boy' Director's New Film
2006/01/03, Source
By Bae Keun-min
Staff Reporter

Singer and actor Rain will make his big-screen debut in director Park Chan-wook's new film, "Saibogujiman Kwenchana", which translates "I'm a Cyborg, But Tha,...More
"Memories of Murder" to be ranked 30th in The Village Voice's "Best Film"
2005/12/29, Source
The film "Memories of Murder" directed by Bong Joon-ho was ranked 30th in "Best Film", which was conducted by the U.S. leading weekly culture magazine "The Village Voice".

The magazine did "The 7th Annual Film Critics Poll 2005" and a Kore,...More
[YEAR-END REVIEW] Superstars make 2005 their own year
2005/12/27, Source
This is the sixth part of a series of articles reviewing Korea's culture scene this year. - Ed.

By culture staff

No Korean wave star seems to have achieved more than multi-talented Rain in 2005. All across Asia, Rain gained unprecedented popularity through his live performances and TV drama ap,...More
Actress Gains Popularity in Asia
2005/12/21, Source
By Han Eun-jung
Staff Reporter

What do President of China Hu Jintao and Hong Kong movie stars Chow Yun Fat and Andy Lau have in common?

They have all admitted in the past year to being fans of the South Korean drama "Jewel in the Palace" -,...More
[YEAR-END REVIEW] Korean film industry continues to produce major hits
2005/12/19, Source
This is the first part of a series of articles reviewing Korea's culture scene this year. - Ed.

By Yang Sung-jin

This year began on an upbeat note for Korea's movie industry. "Running Boy" (Marathon), directed by Chung Yoon-chul, feat,...More
Star Director's Book Recalls His Days as a Failure
2005/12/13, Source
A decade ago, it seemed as if director Park Chan-wook's career in the movies was over. He had just got married and was in dire straits, so he quit his job as assistant director and became a salaryman. When he had managed to save some money,,...More
"The Peter Pan Formula" starring On Joo-wan to be invited to the Sundance Film Festival
2005/12/03, Source
"The Peter Pan Formula" directed by Jo Chang-ho entered the Sundance Film Festival, the world-renowned film festival for independent films.

Organizer of the festival said, "16 pieces of film including 'The Peter Pan Formula' were invited to,...More
'Lady Vengeance' Bags Korea's Top Movie Honors
2005/11/30, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" won Best Picture of the Year in Tuesday's 2005 Blue Dragon Awards. As the 26th award ceremony unfolded in splendor on Tuesday evening at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, "Sympathy" also,...More
Hollywood Film Industry Welcomes Korean Pictures
2005/11/14, Source
Three recent Korean films have landed to rave reviews in the United States at the 26th annual American Film Market (AFM), which ended on November 9th 2005, held in Santa Monica, CA. AFM traditionally serves as a stepping-stone for the foreign films to be introduced into the American market to compet,...More
'A Boy Who Went to Heaven' conjures up body-transference fantasy tale
2005/11/04, Source
If you are not a fanatic fan of the cinematic fantasyland, especially the body-transference genre in which a boy turns into an adult overnight, stop reading here.

Now that you've ignored the kind warning and decided to read on at your own risk, there's one more thing you have to do. What is the 1,...More
"I Love You, Malsoon" - "Mommy, Dearest" Brings 7080 Generation to Life
2005/11/03, Source
by Mi-Seok Koh

"Many homes had attics then. Children would hide there to read comic books, or daydream over whether "mom will be sad when I die" after being punished by their parents.

Those were the days.

During kimchi season, mom would preserve more than 100 cabbages in the front yard, an,...More
Big Screen Actors Make Presence Felt on Small Stage
2005/10/31, Source
By Bae Keun-min
Staff Reporter

Sol Kyung-gu, left, famous for such films as "Peppermint Candy", stars with,...More
Film 'Antarctic Journal' wins award in Spain
2005/10/24, Source
Korean movie 'Antarctic Journal (directed by Lim Pil-Seong)', starring Song Kang-Ho and Yoo Ji-Tae, won the Orient Express-Casa Asi,...More
The 10 Young Leaders of Korean Cinema
2005/10/20, Source
Directors Bae Jong, Choi Dong-hoon, and Chung Yoon-chul have each written a new chapter of Korean movie history with a single fi,...More
'Antarctic Journal' Named Top Film at Sitges
2005/10/19, Source
The movie "Antarctic Journal" has won the best film award in the Orient Express-Casa Asia section of the 38th Sitges International Film Festival in Catalonia, Spain.

Sitges is one of the three top global festivals for fantasy films along with the Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Films,...More
Lee Young-ae wins best actress at Sitges film festival
2005/10/19, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae, who starred in the movie "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (directed by Park Chan-wook), won the Best Actress award at the Sitges International Film Festival of Catal,...More
Film 'Antarctic Journal' Wins Award in Spain
2005/10/19, Source
SEOUL (Yonhap) _ South Korean movie "Antarctic Journal" won the best Asian film award at this year's Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia in Spain, film producers in Seoul said Wednesday.

The movie, which was written and directed by,...More
Asia's sweethearts meet fans up close
2005/10/10, Source
BUSAN - There is no question that people go to film festivals to see films, but that's not all. They are also drawn to their favorite film stars just like iron to magnet.

Last Friday must have been a very special day for those male fans of Asian films coming to enjoy the 10th Pusan International,...More
'If You Were Me' Makes Animated Plea for Tolerance
2005/09/23, Source
Even for those who avoid animated movies like the plague, "If You Were Me : Anima Vision" might be worth making an exception for. The six animated shorts bundled together here each offer a lively, spirited and unique take on the theme of discrimination and the experience of being different.

The o,...More
World Cinema as 'Cultural Hand Grenade'
2005/09/22, Source
Tartan Films' Tony Borg says Korean films should remain true to themselves despite U.S. success

Jason Hahn (woowhee)

Tartan Films is a U.K. based film distributor to both theaters and home video. Its U.S. branch was launched in 2004 and is based in Los Angeles, California. Tartan seeks to,...More
Park Chan-wook leads Korean films' worldwide advancement
2005/09/21, Source
There is a term called "ticket power". Actors and actresses with ticket power are name brands in and of themselves. Moviegoers flock to watch a film simply because a specific actor with ticket power appears in the film.
Until recently, people with ticket power were almost always actors and actresse,...More
"Welcome to Dongmakgol" picked as official selection for Oscar foreign-language film entries
2005/09/19, Source
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Chairperson Ahn Jung-sook) has picked "Welcome to Dongmakgol" (directed by Bae Jong) as Korea's final official selection for Oscar foreign-lang,...More
Korean 'Vengeance Trilogy' Wraps Up in Style
2005/09/12, Source
[Film Review] "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" by Park Chan Wook
Email Article Print Article Kim Soung Su (onomatos)

"Why don't you go screw yourself".

"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (2005), the new film from the famous Korean film director,...More
"Lady Vengeance" Receives 3 Awards at Venice
2005/09/12, Source
"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", the last statement of the revenge trilogy by director Park Chan-wook, won three awards at the 62nd Venice Film Festival, which ended Saturday.

Although the film attracted media attention and garnered favorab,...More
Chungmuro sweethearts show off 'power of love'
2005/09/09, Source
Psychologists often say that when it comes to love, opposites attract. But the rule may not apply to actor Cho Seung-woo and actress Kang Hye-jung, often dubbed as the "twin-like sweet,...More
The Many Sides of 'Vengeance'
2005/09/07, Source
Interview With Director Park Chan-wook

By Paolo Bertolin
Contributing Writer

VENICE _ Winner of the Gran Prix du Jury at Cannes Film Festival last year, where he was competing with his masterful, yet controversial "Old Boy",,...More
'Dongmakgol' Hits 6 Mil.
2005/09/05, Source
"Welcome to Dongmakgol" enjoyed its fifth consecutive week at the top of the box office last weekend pulling in more than 192,000 people in Seoul alone and going on to break the 6.3 million viewer mark making it the fourth most,...More
'Sympathy' to Compete at Venice Film Fest
2005/08/31, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's bloody thriller "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" is the country's lone competitive entrant to the Venice Film Festival that opens Wednesday.

Park is vying for another major film award since his cult hit "Old Boy" wo,...More
Im Kwon-taek's Retrospective at British Fest
2005/08/30, Source
Three representative films by director Im Kwon-taek will be screened at the British film festival Firecracker Showcase 2005 next month, according to the Korean Film Council.

During The History Man in Firecracker Classics, the festival's spe,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' to Open in U.S.
2005/08/30, Source
"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (Chinjolhan Kumjassi)", the last part of the revenge trilogy by director Park Chan-wook, will be released in the United States next February, according to boxofficemojo.com.

By then, all of the films in the tr,...More
Korea cinema boom continues amid concerns on sluggish growth
2005/08/24, Source
Chungmuro, Korea's Tinseltown, finally has something to celebrate in August. Three well-made Korean flicks are going strong in ticket sales, offering some much-awaited momentum to an industry that is struggling with sluggish growth and infighting.

The first six months of this year saw the share o,...More
Korean War Enemies Team Up in "Dongmakgol"
2005/08/04, Source
By Philip Dorsey Iglauer
Contributing Writer

Due to powers beyond their control, three North Koreans, two South Koreans and one American are stranded in a remote mountain village during the Korean War in the autumn of 1950.

",...More
'Welcome to Dongmakgol' offers utopian place during Korean War
2005/08/03, Source
"Welcome to Dongmakgol", opening today nationwide, offers a utopian place in which soldiers from the two Koreas and the United States are intertwined in a happy-go-lucky fashion during the Korean War.

In November 1950, when the war was at its peak, a U.S. pilot named Smith crashes in Dongmakgol,,...More
'Welcome to Dongmakgol', elaborate mixture of history and fantasy
2005/08/02, Source
Recently, one of the most noticeable trends in Korean movies is a focus on fantasy relieved of obsessive realism.

Some movies with its setting in a contemporary history of Korean have already reached a meaningful achievement in that they showed imaginary fantasies put on historic facts.

'Hyoja,...More
BBC Features BoA as "New Face of Korea"
2005/08/01, Source
"News Night", BBC's representative program on current issues, has recently carried a special program entitled "Korean Waves". In the program, the British public broadcast network introduced Boa, 19, as "a new face of Korea who will publicize her countr,...More
A Rising Star in Her Own Right
2005/07/31, Source
Perhaps most people still think of her as actor Cho Seung-woo's girlfriend, but Kang Hye-jung is the subject of,...More
Park Chan-wook's 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' Goes to Venice
2005/07/29, Source
Korean film director Park Chan-wook has been invited to show his latest movie, "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" at this year's Venice Film Festival, which runs from A,...More
"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" Invited to Venice Film Festival
2005/07/29, Source
The movie "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", directed by Park Chan-wook, has been invited to compete at the 62nd Venice Film Festival slated for Aug. 31-Sept. 10 in Italy.

So far, two of Park's movies, " JSA - Joint Security Area " and "Old B,...More
'Lady Vengeance' Brings Record High Daily Audience
2005/07/29, Source
By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter

Director Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (Chinjolhan Kumjassi)" attracted around 250,000 moviegoers in one day, setting a record among films that have been released this year.

The film wa,...More
'Sympathy For Lady Vengeance' to make inroads into official competition section in the 62th Venice International Film Festival
2005/07/28, Source
'Sympathy For Lady Vengeance' which is the talk of the town, has been invited to the 62th Venice International Film Festival.
As movie 'Sympathy For Lady Vengeance' which is the talk of the town, has been invited to the 62th Venice International Film Festival, scheduled to be opened on August 31, d,...More
'Sympathy' Selected for Venice Film Fest
2005/07/28, Source
Korean director Park Chan-wook's latest film "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" has been selected for the competition at the 62nd Venice Film Festival, which starts Aug. 31. All That Cinema, the promoters of the film, said Thursday the selection,...More
War Movie Provides Warm-Hearted Meeting Between Laughter and Humanism
2005/07/28, Source
by Seung-Jae Lee

The movie "Welcome to Dongmakgol" has two magical aspects. One is the magic of time and the other is of language. These two magical aspects converge into a point quietly and skillfully. That point is a moment,...More
'Lady Vengeance': The Last Word on Revenge
2005/07/28, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Director Park Chan-wook finally arrived at the end of his exploration of the revenge theme in his latest film, "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (Chinjolhan Kumjassi)".

It serves well for the conclusion of hi,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' shows an astonishing advanced purchase rate
2005/07/26, Source
As the highest topic of conversation this year 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' records the highest advanced purchase rate in all sorts of advanced purchase sites.

As Korean director Park Chan-wook's 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' shows an as,...More
'SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE' & 'WELCOME TO DONGMAKGOL'aspirate vitality to Korean movie world which bent the neck recently
2005/07/26, Source
Two Korean movies, 'SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGEANCE' and 'WELCOME TO DONGMAKGOL' have a bursting showdown each other while Hollywood blockbusters such as 'War of the Worlds', and 'The Island' sweep over Seoul movie street.

First of all, the two movies unroll the offensive of the amount of materials t,...More
'Dae Jang Geum' Star Gets Vengeful
2005/07/25, Source
By Han Eun-jung
Staff Reporter

Every year, actress Lee Young-ae seems to get better. With each new television drama or film, the genre she chooses to explore and the characters she portrays have become more diverse and complex.

Her late,...More
Revenge Is Best Served With Humor
2005/07/21, Source
Interview With Director Park Chan-wook

By Shim Sun-ah
Yonhap News Agency

The latest film by South Korean director Park Chan-wook, whose film "Old Boy" won the grand prize at t,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' breaks new ground in director Park's trilogy
2005/07/20, Source
Award-winning director Park Chan-wook's latest film "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (Chinjeolhan Geum-jassi) seems unusual in many ways.

For one, his trademark outpourings of violence have been replaced by smiles and kindness. The plot is a,...More
Director Park Chan-wook's "Lady Young-ae"
2005/07/19, Source
by Dong-Yong Min

Lee Young-ae has changed.

The character Keum-ja that she plays in "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" (to be released on July 29) is a vicious woman who plans revenge for 13 years on the man who betrayed her. There was a time,...More
'Lady Vengeance' Director Looks for Atonement
2005/07/19, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Director Park Chan-wook has been acclaimed for his previous films about revenge, but he says he believes revenge is meaningless and his coming film, the last in his revenge trilogy, takes a new look at the,...More
KNTO to open a Hallyu all-around information site
2005/07/18, Source
KNTO (The Korea National Tourism Organization) recently opened http://www.hellohallyu.com , a Hallyu all-around information site. After opening Korean site and Japanese site first, the Organiation plans to add English site as well as Chinese site by the end of this month. An official involved in thi,...More
Korean Films Set to Invade America in 2006
2005/07/14, Source
But will American audiences be satisfied with adaptations?

Jason Hahn (woowhee)

When Bruce Lee first fought on the silver screen in the 1970s, Chinese martial arts movies made their mark on America. They continue to inspire today, with recent films such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon",,...More
Director Gives New Voice to Popular Horror Film Series
2005/07/13, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

As the nation's only horror film series, "Yogo Kwedam", which literally translates into "High School Ghost Story", has brought a chill to the summer seasons for teens and adults alike.

The series began with "Whispering Corridors" in 1998, which sparked the rush,...More
'Titanic' Theme Voted Korea's Top Movie Song
2005/07/11, Source
"My Heart Will Go On", the theme song to "Titanic", was chosen as the top movie song in Korea, according to a new poll released yesterday.

The cable movie channel OCN, along with the portal site Naver and cable music channel MTV Korea, surveyed 18,366 people from June 7 to 30 to compile a list of,...More
Park Chan-wook and the Weight of Expectation
2005/07/06, Source
A few days short of the debut of "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", the much-hyped third and final installment of his revenge trilogy, Park Chan-wook is afraid. This prodigy of Korean film, a man with so much confidence he is often perceived as,...More
Film industry suffers from stars' fee dispute
2005/07/05, Source
A dramatic dispute between film directors and film stars highlights how soaring guaranteed payments for actors could cripple Korea's film industry -already struggling with a shrinking share of the domestic market - and taint the image of the Korean Wave, an Asia-wide surge in the popularity of Korea,...More
'www.aintitcoolnews.com' services a preview of the latest movie 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' directed by Park Chan-wook
2005/07/04, Source
A U.S. movie site ' http://www.aintitcoolnews.com ', which is known as an enthusiastic fan of film director Park Chan-wook, is providing its site visitors with a preview of the latest movie 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' directed by,...More
'My Beautiful Girl, Mari' to be released in August in Japan
2005/06/26, Source
While domestic movies such as 'Marathon', 'Marrying the Mafia' and 'April Snow' await their release in Japan in a steady stream, ',...More
"Heaven's Soldiers": Movie and Life of Park Joong-hoon and Kim Seung-woo
2005/06/24, Source
by Dong-Yong Min

The actor Park Joong-hoon has turned forty this year. Despite his youthful vigor, he's now over the hill. In the virtual history movie ",...More
'My Beautiful Girl, Mari' directed by Lee Seong-gang to release on August in Japan
2005/06/13, Source
While Korean cinemas such as 'April Snow' and 'Marrying the Mafia' await their release in Japan one after another, 'My Beautiful Girl, Mari' directed by,...More
'Dating' Shows It's the Journey That Matters
2005/06/09, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

What is the purpose of dating? Is it to satisfy a physical desire, to feel companionship or get married? It's probably quite difficult to find the right answer to this tricky question, but the new film ",...More
Disappointed With Box Office Trash?
2005/06/03, Source
South Korea's year-round film festivals bring the best to you

Todd Kipp (toddkipp)

Despite the current 14-week box office slump, mediocre blockbuster films continue cashing in, only demonstrating the power of advertising, depth of complacency and low expectations in modern film audiences.
,...More
"Old Boy" Holds Brazil in Thrall
2005/05/30, Source
The movie "Old Boy" has caused a sensation in the largest Brazilian city of Sao Paolo. "Old Boy" opened in three Sao Paolo theaters last week and has captivated Brazilian audiences wit,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' & 'April Snow' to be the talk of the town
2005/05/29, Source
Cinema 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' starring Lee Young-ae and Movie 'April Snow' starring Bae Yong-joon, which are the talk of the town, are released on July 29 and on September 9 resp,...More
'Old Boy' running grade marks No. 1 in the U.S.
2005/05/29, Source
Korean cinema 'Old Boy' directed by Park Chan-wook is running grade marks No. 1 among movies which are screened currently in the U.S.

According to the Readers Favorites of the New York Times Internet edition, 'Old Boy' released in the U.S,...More
'My Beautiful Girl, Mari's director Lee Seong-gang to make another long animation for theater.
2005/05/28, Source
With a view to releasing on August next year, 'My Beautiful Girl, Mari's director Lee Seong-gang makes another long animation for theater.

According to Yellowfilm,...More
"3-Iron" Shown in 31 U.S. Theaters
2005/05/24, Source
The movie "3-Iron" by director Kim Ki-duk has been shown in 31 U.S. theaters since its debut in that country a month ago.

",...More
'3-Iron' makes a cruise in the U.S.
2005/05/24, Source
As Korean cinema '3-Iron' (Bin Jip or Empty House) directed by Kim Ki-duk increases its screening theater number to 31 theaters in the U.S., the movie is making a cruise.

',...More
A Bittersweet Life's copyright was sold by Italia's 'Lucky Red'
2005/05/17, Source
DAL_KOM_HAN IN-SAENG (A Bittersweet Life) directed by Kim Jee-woon, which is a topic of conversation as one of 'Feature Films Out of Competition' at the 58th Cannes Internati,...More
"Old Boy" to Be Shown At Romanian Film Festival
2005/05/16, Source
The movie "Old Boy" by director Park Chan-wook has been receiving continuous invitations to overseas film festivals. Recently, is was invited to be shown at the opening ceremony of the Transylvania International Film Festival in Romania May,...More
Oversea film festival's invitation about 'Old Boy' continues
2005/05/13, Source
As director Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" is to be screened as an opening film in the TRANSILVANIA International Film Festival, scheduled to be held from May 27 through June 5 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, oversea film festival's invitation about th,...More
Hollywood Remake of 'JSA' in the Works
2005/05/13, Source
By Lee Yong-sung
Staff Reporter

David H. Franzoni, the producer and screenwriter of the Academy Award-winning epic blockbuster "Gladiator", will make his film directorial debut with a remake of the hit 2000 Korean movie "JSA - Joint Security Area".

According to Thursday's issue of the Hollywo,...More
'Antarctic Journal' Director Says His Film Explores Human Nature
2005/05/11, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Song Kang-ho, left, and Yoo Ji-tae play members of an expedition team in the upcoming film, ",...More
"Old Boy" Ticket Sales Hit $500,000 in U.S.
2005/05/10, Source
The movie "Old Boy" has recorded US$500,000 in ticket sales in the U.S., bringing the number of Korean movies that took in more than $500,000 in U.S. box offices to four. The other three movies are ",...More
"Cinema Story" Invited to Compete at Cannes
2005/05/04, Source
Director Hong Sang-soo's new movie "Cinema Story" - "Tale of Cinema" became the only Korean film to be invited to the competition division of the 58th Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off on May 11. According to Cannes Film Festival officia,...More
Lee Young-ae Attempts Striking Makeover
2005/05/03, Source
Actress Lee Young-ae showed off a totally new image in her latest movie "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance". So far, Lee's image as commonly portrayed in her movie posters has been one of a naive-looking woman with long straight hair and no makeup w,...More
Squid Scene in Korean Film Leaves U.S. Critics Gagging
2005/04/17, Source
U.S. newspapers in their reviews of the Korean film "Old Boy" invariably zoomed in on a scene where the hero Oh Dae-su (played by Choi Min-sik) gulps down a small live octopus. Perhaps,...More
Actor Oh Does Double Duty With 2 Blockbusters
2005/04/04, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Fans of local movies might not know his name, but they instantly remember the comic characters he has played. That's usually how people remember actor Oh Dal-soo.

Oh has played minor yet memorable roles in m,...More
Lee Young-ae to make inroads into Hong Kong cinema market
2005/04/01, Source
In addition to Lee Young-ae syndrome blowing on the spot in Hong Kong and filmmaker Park Chan-wook's fame, Lee Young-ae makes i,...More
'Crying Fist' Is Knockout of a Human Drama
2005/03/31, Source
By Joon Soh
Culture Editor

It's official. Director Ryoo Seung-wan has firmly entrenched himself in the mainstream and the domestic movie world is all the better for it.

Most people familiar with Ryoo's violent and angst-filled early f,...More
"Old Boy" Wins Best Asian Film Award
2005/03/28, Source
The popularity of the movie "Old Boy", directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Choi Min-sik and Yoo Ji-tae, keeps soaring day by,...More
'Old Boy' to hold a special preview as a form of showcase in the U.S.
2005/03/19, Source
Before its release in the U.S., cinema 'Old Boy' holds a special preview as a form of showcase.

KOCCA (Korea Culture & Content Agency) U.S.Office said 'Old Boy' is provoking the mos,...More
'Crying Fist' Depicts Fight for Hope
2005/03/17, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

An upcoming local film tells a story about two men who have every desperate reason to win a boxing tournament. Although only one will win the final, its director and actors say the movie is more about living with a hope rather than about someone becoming a champion,...More
Peter Jackson's Studio to Work With Korean Company
2005/03/16, Source
Park Road Post, the New Zealand-based post production company well known for the Hollywood movie trilogy "Lord of the Rings" is expected to work with a local film company.

Daesung Group announced Wednesday that it will sign a memorandum of understanding next Monday with the New Zealand-based film,...More
Harvard University Offers Course on Korean Cinema
2005/03/15, Source
New York (Yonhap) - Harvard University is offering a regular course on South Korean films, officials at the Korean Cultural Service in New York said Monday.

The Department of Visual and Environmental Studies of the top U.S. university began the "Korean Cinema" course in the spring semester this y,...More
2 Korean Films to Be Released in US in Coming Months
2005/03/13, Source
Two award-wining local movies "Old Boy" and "3-Iron" will meet moviegoers at theaters in the United States.

Earning director Park Chan-wook the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival last year, "Old Boy", a story about a man who was kidna,...More
'Old Boy's cinema value continues
2005/03/10, Source
As The Oporto International Film Festival, Portugal which lowered the curtain recently, selects Korean cinema 'Old Boy' as the most excellent work award etc. in its 'critic week' section, this cinema's value is being assessed once more.

A,...More
Movie Theme Park Opens in Seoul
2005/02/23, Source
There's a new tourist hot spot smack in the heart of Seoul. It's a mock studio where visitors can experience scenes from some of Korea's recently acclaimed films and TV dramas.

It began with the hit 1998 action film "Shiri". "JSA - Joint Security Area", followed two years later, delving into new,...More
Movie 'Springtime' goes to South America
2005/02/19, Source
As movie 'When Spring Comes - Springtime' starring Choi Min-sik is invited to the 'Mar Del Plata International Film Festival' to be held in Brazil, next month, Korean Film's excellen,...More
Documentary on South Korean Directors to Show
2005/02/14, Source
A documentary chronicling the lives of 16 prominent directors will be shown on the cable channel Catch On.

"The Center of Korean Films: Directors" consists of interviews with top directors, including Park Chan-wook of "Old Boy",,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' is sold to Japan for $3 million
2005/02/12, Source
As movie 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' starring Lee Young-ae is sold to Japan with an amount of money of $3 million in the 55th Berlin Internat,...More
'Bang' Has Pop But Lacks Explanation
2005/02/03, Source
By Joon Soh
Culture Editor

Whether intended or not, the new local film "The President's Last Bang" has certainly created a sensation in the past month. Based on the 1979 assassination of President Park Chung-hee, the ne,...More
Local Short Animation Makes Oscars List
2005/01/26, Source
SEOUL (Yonhap) - An animated short film by a South Korean director was among those on this year's Academy Award nominations list announced Tuesday night in California.

"Birthday Boy" by,...More
Horror film 'Into the mirror': invitation to the 23rd Fajr International Film Festival
2005/01/25, Source
As director Kim Seong-ho's horror film 'Into The Mirror' is invited to the 23rd Fajr International Film Festival to be opened on Jan. 31 in Teheran, Iran, interest in Korean fil,...More
Director Park Chan-Wook: the Best Director Award in the Bangkok International Film Festival 2005
2005/01/22, Source
Director Park Chan-wook has received the Best Director Award along with Mr. Christophe Barratier (Les Choristes, France/Switzerland) in the Bangkok International Film Festival 2005 that ended on Jan. 21.

Besides, the 2005 Bangkok Inter,...More
Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock to Star in Remake of Korean Film
2005/01/20, Source
SEOUL (Yonhap) - Keanu Reeves is to star in the Hollywood version of the South Korean melodrama "Il Mare (Siwolae)", a local film studio said Thursday.
Reeves will play the main character, a young man who moves to a lakeside house called "More
Cho Seung-woo shines in 'Running Boy'
2005/01/19, Source
In a press preview of "Running Boy" held at a cinema in downtown Seoul on Monday afternoon, something unusual happened. First, reporters clapped and cheered at the end of the film, and some of them were wiping off tears. Second, an interview room was so crowded with reporters that it was almost impo,...More
Three Korean short-length films: invitation to the Bangkok International Film Festival
2005/01/15, Source
While 'Old Boy's competition part invitation to the Bangkok International Film Festival was fixed among Korean full-length movies, three Korean short-length films take part in the Film Festival additionally.

Three invitation films are ani,...More
The 25th Oporto International Film Festival invites a total of 10 Korean films
2005/01/09, Source
"Oseam" by director Seong Baek-yeob and 'Doll Master' by director,...More
'TaeGuKGi: The Brotherhood of War': selection as This Year's Movie by CGV audience
2005/01/09, Source
'Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War' was selected as 'This Year's Movie, last year' by CGV audience.

'This Year's Movie Award' by CGV audience was proceeded in virtue of netizens' vote through CGV homepage (www.cgv.co.kr) from Dec. 6 throug,...More
Korea Crowds out Hollywood in Japan's Top 10 of Foreign Movies
2005/01/07, Source
Four of the Top 10 foreign films in Japan for 2004 came from Korea, according to a list compiled by the nation's leading movie magazine "Kinema Junbo".
The magazine's annual roundup of the cream of the foreign film crop is selected by film critics and viewer's votes. It is one of the most prestigi,...More
'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance': selection as the second rank among 'Harry's Top 20 Films To Watch For In 2005!!!'.
2005/01/04, Source
The U.S'. popular movie site www.aintitcool.com has chosen Director Park Chan-wook's new film 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' from South Korea as the second rank among 'Harry's Top 20 Films To Watch For In 2005!!!'.

The movie site has also,...More
Ain't It Cool Picks Local Film `Tae Guk Gi' as Best of 2004
2005/01/04, Source
An influential American film gossip site picked "Taegukgi" as the best film of 2004 and included another Korean film, "Silmido", in its top 10 list for the year.

Harry Knowles, who,...More
2004 good for movies, gloomy in performing arts
2004/12/29, Source
The year 2004 has been good for movies and musicals, but other culture areas like performing arts and K-pop suffered due to the long drawn-out economic slump that forced consumers to trim budgets for entertainment activities. Here are the sector-by-sector summaries of what happened this year.

Fil,...More
Director Park Chan-wook's 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance': love calls from Japan one after another before the movie is released.
2004/12/28, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' is receiving love calls from Japan one after another before the movie is released.

However, the director stated his standpoint that the movie will receive assessment grandly in the B,...More
'Old Boy': invitation to the competition part of the Bangkok International Film Festival 2005
2004/12/27, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's movie 'Old Boy' was invited to the competition part of the Bangkok International Film Festival 2005 to be opened on Feb. 13, 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand.

'Old Boy' competes with another 12 films such as 'Motor Cycl,...More
Movie 'Sweet Life' starring Lee Byung-hun advances into England.
2004/12/27, Source
Movie 'Sweet Life' starring Lee Byung-hun advances into England.

An official responsible for oversea marketing at CJ Entertainment said that movie 'Sweet Life' was sold recently to England's Metro Tartan with $200,000 following $3.2 millio,...More
The 25th Oporto International Film Festival invites 8 Korean movies in large numbers
2004/12/21, Source
The 25th Oporto International Film Festival to be held from Feb. 21 through Mar. 6, 2005 in Oporto, Portugal, has invited in large numbers 8 Korean movies such as 'Fighter in the Wind', ',...More
Korean Movies Invited to Portuguese Film Festival
2004/12/21, Source
Eight Korean movies, including "My Mother, the Mermaid" by director Park Heung-sik, have been invited to the 25th Oporto International Film Festival to be held in Opo,...More
'Old Boy': 'The Best Film Award' at the 37th Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia
2004/12/13, Source
Director Park Chan-wook's 'Old Boy' has been selected as 'The Best Film Award' of the 37th Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia that ended on Dec. 11.

The Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia is one of major phantast,...More
`Spring' Wins Best Foreign Film of Golden Aries
2004/12/12, Source
By Lee Yong-sung
Staff Reporter

"Pom, Yorum, Kaul, Kyoul . . . Kurigo Pom (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... And Spring)", the multiple award-winning Buddhism-inspired fable directed by,...More
Movie 'Old Boy': the best film in 2004 by televiewers.
2004/12/09, Source
Movie 'Old Boy' has been selected as the best film in 2004 by televiewers.

Movie Channel 'Catchon' said that in a poll enforced through its home page from Nov. 22 through Dec. 5 on 4,251 people, director Park Chan-wook's 'Old Boy' held th,...More
Life of Korean Wrestler in Japan Brought to Film
2004/12/07, Source
By Shim Sun-ah
Yonhap News Agency
A South Korean film brought back to life a legendary Korean-born Japanese professional wrestler 41 years after his death.

Yokdosan, better known in Japan as Rikidozan, was a national hero to Japanese,...More
`Old Boy' Gets Best Picture at Korea Film Awards
2004/12/06, Source
The film "Old Boy" received the Best Picture Award at this year's Korea Film Awards.
At the ceremony on Sunday at Little Angels Theater in Seoul, the film, directed by Park Chan-wook, received five awards in all, including Best Actor for <,...More
Movie 'Old Boy': 5 titles at the 3rd Korea Film Festival
2004/12/05, Source
Movie 'Old Boy' that has gained official approval internationally regarding the movie's work value with winning a prize at the Canne Film Festival, sweeped over 5 titles at the 3rd Korea Film Festival held on Dec. 5 such as The Best Work Awar,...More
'Old Boy': the most excellent foreign language film award in the 7th British Independent Film Awards.
2004/12/01, Source
The Reuter News reported on Nov. 30 that director Park Chan-wook's 'Old Boy' was awarded the most excellent foreign language film award in the 7th British Independent Film Awards.

The most excellent foreign language film award
Starting t,...More
`Windstruck' Makes Japanese Premieres
2004/12/01, Source
The Romantic Comedy "Nae Yojachingurul Sogaehapnida (Windstruck)" will open on Dec. 11 in Japan.
The film, starring,...More
'Winsdtruck' starring Jun Ji-hyun: release in 310 screens of Japan
2004/11/30, Source
'Yeochinso - Winsdtruck' starring Jeon Ji-hyen is released from Dec. 11 in 310 screens of Japan, the largest numbers among Korean movies released in Japan to date.

This took the lead with a shade of difference compared with 300 screens of ',...More
South Korea's Battle with Hollywood
2004/11/30, Source
By Andrew Salmon
Staff Writer

With a mix of gangster thrillers, cold war morality tales, quirky comedies and art house flicks, South Korean films are garnering critical acclaim and commercial success at home, across Asia and, increasingly, around the world.

But behind the scenes a bitter st,...More
'Old Boy': 'An Audience Award' at the Stockholm 15th International Film Festival
2004/11/28, Source
The 15th Stockholm International Film Festival's official website said that director Park Chan Wook's movie 'Old Boy' has come to receive 'An Audience Award'.

According to the Film Festival's official website, ',...More
'Old Boy' Wins Stockholm Film Fest's Viewers' Choice Award
2004/11/28, Source
Local film "Old Boy" was honored with the viewers' choice award at the 15th Stockholm International Film Festival. The Star! Audience Award is given to the film screened at the event that the audience votes to be most popular.
This is not the first time that director,...More
Old Boy reigns at Critics Choice Awards
2004/11/26, Source
The Critics Choice Awards, a yearly awards ceremony which has been held since 1980 by the Korean Film Critics Society, presented a total of five awards to PARK Chan-wook's acclaimed Old Boy, including Best Picture.

Other prizes won by the,...More
When I Turned Nine unexpected winner of Chunsa Film Art Awards
2004/11/25, Source
"When I Turned Nine", a story about schoolchildren in rural Korea, came away the unexpected winner of the Chunsa Film Art Awards on November 19.

The film by Yoon In-ho was p,...More
Older Actors Nominated at Upcoming Film Awards
2004/11/23, Source
By Joon Soh
Culture Editor

An older generation of actors and actresses will be competing for the top prizes at two upcoming domestic film award ceremonies, events usually dominated by younger and more popular names.

At the 25th Blue Dragon Awards, which will be held on Nov. 29, and the Thi,...More
Movie 'Old Boy': public favor all over the Russia districts.
2004/11/22, Source
Movie 'Old Boy' is gaining public favor all over the Russia districts such as Moscow.

'Old Boy' that was first released in Moscow in late Nov. 11, is scheduled to be screened in 17 movie theaters in Moscow till Dec. 15.

Public favor all over the Russia districts
In Saint Petersburg, the secon,...More
'Three, Monster' is invited to the 37th International Film Festival of Catalonia.
2004/11/16, Source
An omnibus movie 'Three, Monster' of three directors Park Chan-wook, Takashi Miike, and Fruit Chan is invited to the 37th International Film Festival of Catalonia to be held,...More
Fashion Designer Andre Kim Gives Out Best Star Awards
2004/11/16, Source
By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter

Fashion designer Andre Kim on Monday held the 2nd Best Star Awards at Grand Hyatt Hotel in central Seoul.

The Award is aimed at highlighting the achievements of Korean stars who contributed to heightening Korea's status worldwide by performing well in areas of,...More
'Bin Jip - 3-Iron' and 'Old Boy': candidate films in 'Non European film' of the 'European Film Awards 2004'
2004/11/12, Source
'Bin Jip - 3-Iron' and 'Old Boy' were selected as candidate films in 'Non European film' of the 'European Film Awards 2004' that the Europe Film Academy announced on Nov. 11.

Candida,...More
Movie 'Old Boy' : debut with the tenth place in Japan
2004/11/11, Source
Movie 'Old Boy' had debuted with the tenth place in Japan box office.

Tenth place on first weekend box office
According to Japan's movie-special site eiga.com (www.eiga.com), Director Park Chan-wook's 'Old Boy' took tenth place on its fi,...More
Up close and personal with directors
2004/11/06, Source
At the world's most prestigious film festival in Cannes, only the media has access to ask questions to such brilliant directors as Quinton Tarantino and Michael Moore.
But at Seoul's new and perhaps smallest film event which debuted this week, the audience had the opportunity to pick the brain of,...More
Two English-subtitled film festivals for expats in Korea
2004/11/01, Source
Korean movies are riding a wave of popularity, with noticible artistic and commercial appeal brought on by a new generation of stylish directors grabbing prizes in major international film festivals. For foreign residents in Korea, two events provide a chance to enjoy some quality offerings - with E,...More
Remaking Popular Asian Films in Hollywood
2004/11/01, Source
With the rising popularity of Asian films worldwide, a growing number of Hollywood producers are rushing to remake hit Asian movies. Expectations are high among Korean audiences to see Western movie-makers producing a good version of Korean movies in the near future.
"Shall We Dance?" is a remake,...More
Moody `Scarlet Letter' Turns Into a Hard Read
2004/10/28, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

"Chuhung Kulsi (The Scarlet Letter)" is a moody thriller that marks the return of actor Han Suk-kyu to the screen. In truth, the actor, who is m,...More
Korean Film Festival Held in New Zealand
2004/10/27, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

The inaugural edition of a film festival of South Korean films is being held in Auckland, New Zealand through Oct. 31.

The Korean Film Festival opened on Oct. 22 and features 12 Korean feature films, including "Tae Guk Ki", "Yopkijogin Kunyo (,...More
'Old Boy'; on a cruise in Hong Kong box office
2004/10/27, Source
'Old Boy' is on a cruise in Hong Kong box office along with 'Fahrenheit 9/11'.

'Old Boy'; sixth-seventh place circles in Hong Kong box office

The two films ranked fifth and sixt,...More
Art and Commerce of Korean Films
2004/10/24, Source
Film Industry Finds Success at Both Local Box Office and Int'l Festivals

By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

More than any other film, there were two that defined the success enjoyed by the local film industry this year. One showed the growing commercial strength of homegrown films, while the other w,...More
Local Features to Screen With English Subtitles
2004/10/24, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

If you want to get a free crash course in contemporary Korean cinema, check out the Korea Film Archive all next week.

Twelve critically acclaimed feature films from the past five years, along with 13 short films, will be shown for five days beginning Nov. 1 at th,...More
The Scarlet Letter
2004/10/20, Source
by Gab-Sik Kim

"The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonderful it would be to become wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, and he also ate it".

This is from Genesis 3:6 of the Bible, a,...More
Movie Deals Made at PIFF's Pusan Promotion Plan Support Asian Films
2004/10/15, Source
A busy market place for Asian movie-selling and buying is held on the sidelines of the ever popular Pusan International Film Festival. PPP, or the Pusan Promotion Plan, as it's called, is a place where talented Asian directors can meet with producers and investors from around the world for talks on,...More
[PIFF: Interview With Fruit Chan] Chan Moves to Mainstream
2004/10/14, Source
By Seo Dong-shin
Staff Reporter

Fruit Chan, once a symbol of the independent cinema scene in Hong Kong after starting with his much acclaimed film "Made in Hong Kong", is back at PIFF for the seventh time. This year, however, he has come more as a member of the jury for "New Currents", PIFF's on,...More
Korean film "TaeGukgi" popular in U.S.
2004/10/10, Source
The Korean film, "TaeGukgi" (The Brotherhood of War), which is competing in the race for the U.S. Academy Awards' nomination for best foreign film for the first time among Korean movies, earned $1 million in ticket sales at box offices in the United States. The record was made in just four weeks aft,...More
9th PIFF Kicks Off on Oct. 7th
2004/10/07, Source
One of Asia's biggest film festivals is set to kick off in Korea's port city of Busan. Celebrities will be out in force and the annual event will feature more than 260 movies, including some award-winning Korean and other Asian films.
The curtains will go up on the annual international film festiv,...More
[9th Piff] - Korean Films: A Year of Art and Commerce
2004/10/06, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

In terms of both commercial success and artistic recognition, 2004 has been year of highs for the Korean film industry.

The big news throughout the first third of the year was the record-breaking success of two films. Though their takes on the subject was quite diff,...More
Pleasant `Springtime' Lacks Focus
2004/09/23, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

The Chusok holidays are when family-oriented films tend to dominate local theaters, and this year looks to be no different. Putting in its bid for the Chusok crown is "Kkotpinun Pomi Omyon (Springtime)", a se,...More
Ninth Pusan International Film Festival Opens in October
2004/09/22, Source
by Gab-Sik Kim

The Ninth Pusan International Film Festival will open with "2046", a Hong Kong film directed by Wong Kar-wei, and will close with a Korean film "The Scarlet Letter", starring the famous Korean actor,...More
Chronology of Korean Winners at International Film Festivals
2004/09/12, Source
■ Park Chan-wook, Jury Grand Prix for "Old Boy", Cannes Film Festival in 2004
■ Kim Ki-duk, Best Director for "Samaria", Berlin International Film Festival in 2004

■,...More
Toronto Film Festival kicks off
2004/09/11, Source
Toronto Contributing writer

Wearing an elegant black velvet coatdress and husband Warren Beatty, scene diva Annette Bening stepped onto the red carpet and officially kicked off the 29th year of the Toronto International Film Festival Thursday.

This year's gala opening was Bening's "Being Julia,...More
Four Korean films to screen at Toronto
2004/08/26, Source
A total of four Korean feature films have been selected to screen in various sections of the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival.

The films include veteran director IM Kwon-taek's Low Life (formerly titled Raging Years) in the "Master,...More
Best Two Out of 'Three'
2004/08/19, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter

"Three, Monster", a compilation of short films by East Asian directors, is probably the most aesthetic of horror films to open in theaters this year. The three directors who participated in this projec,...More
Untold Scandal to close Edinburgh festival
2004/08/17, Source
Untold Scandal, a film adaptation of French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses set in 18th-century Korea, has been selected as the closing film of the 2004 Edinburgh International Film Festival.

One of Great Britain's most prominent festivals, Edinburgh was originally scheduled to screen Hong Kong d,...More
Korean movies are poised to attract German audiences
2004/08/11, Source
In general, Germans show two widely different responses to Korean food. Owing to preconceptions concerning the smell of garlic, some Germans are disgusted by Korean food even before tasting it. Others, though, are fascinated by "bulgogi (roast meat)" and "kimchi (pickled vegetables)", and often visi,...More
Korean Filmmaker Rides New Zealand Wave
2004/08/10, Source
The movie "Antarctic Journal" starring Song Gang-ho and Yoo Ji-tae is being shot in earnest at the Snowfarm in Queenstown, New Zealand, a nation that has been emerging as the ne,...More
`Old Boy' Director Explores Dark Side of Humanity in New Film
2004/08/09, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Would you be able to kill an innocent child to save your wife's life? Although it sounds like a really bizarre or even ridiculous question, "Old Boy" director,...More
Raging Years invited to Venice competition
2004/08/03, Source
Veteran director IM Kwon-taek's 99th film Raging Years ("Haryu Insaeng") has been invited to screen in the competition section of the Venice International Film Festival.

This marks the first trip to Venice by director IM since 1987, when h,...More
Korean Film Export Results from the first half of 2004
2004/08/02, Source
As can be witnessed from the Korean film export results of the first half of 2004, exports are in the ascension, continuing on from 2003. According to the Korean Film Council(KOFIC)'s accumulated statistics based on data from international sales companies, 111 Korean films were exported to 39 countr,...More
Government to decorate 'Old Boy' makers
2004/07/26, Source
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said yesterday it will bestow decorations on the director, lead actor and producer of "Old Boy", a hit movie that grabbed the runner-up Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
The hono,...More
`Old Boy' to Receive Order of Cultural Merit
2004/07/25, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

The local film "Old Boy" won the grand prize of the jury at the 57th Cannes Film Festival in May. Now, the makers behind the film are set to be honored by the government for their achievement.

Chung Dong-chae, minister of Culture and Tourism, will present,...More
Five Korean Flicks Get Nod at NZ Film Fest
2004/07/13, Source
Cheong Cheol Yong (internews)

New Zealand's 5-month-long film fantasy has a world of great films on tap

When New Zealand's biggest film fest, the 2004 New Zealand International Film Festival, opened on the 9th, the beginning of a five-month-long movie marathon hit the road.

Known as a,...More
Domestic movies decrease in first half
2004/07/07, Source
Despite the apparent huge success of local films, the Korea Media Rating Board's recent statistics showed that the total number of domestically made movies had actually decreased in the first half of this year, suggesting that perhaps it is too soon to toast to victory.

Even though the number of,...More
Dramatic impact of 'Old Boy'
2004/07/01, Source
With the media frenzy over "Old Boy"'s Grand Prize of the Jury triumph at the Cannes Film Festival finally beginning to die down, it should come as no surprise that this week's DVD review features - yes, you guessed it - "Old Boy" (2003). After all, how often does a psychological drama as good as More
[Local and Foreign Films With English Subtitles]
2004/06/25, Source
▣ Miso (A Smile) (2003)
Seoul Selection Bookstore
Saturday at noon
This film shows the significance of a smile after a tragedy has been experienced. So-jong (Chu Sang-mi) is one day diagnosed with pigmentary degeneration of the retina, which doctors say will eventually lead to a total los,...More
Local Film to Shoot in New Zealand
2004/06/18, Source
A domestic movie about a South Korean expedition team in Antarctica will begin filming in New Zealand next week.
Directed by Yim Phil-sung and starring popular actors Song Kang-ho and,...More
[Local and Foreign Films With English Subtitles]
2004/06/17, Source
▣ Kunyo-rul Mitji Maseyo (Too Beautiful to Lie) (2004)
Saturday at noon
Seoul Selection Bookstore
Even in this world of distrust, it would be difficult for any man to resist the charms and superb beauty that Yong-ju (played by,...More
'Oseam' Receives Cristal d'Annecy 2004
2004/06/15, Source
`Oseam`
Animation 'Oseam' was selected as the best feature animation from the Annecy International Animation Festival that ended on June 12. It received Cristal d'Annecy 2004.

This i,...More
Popular Comics Preparing Showings on Screen
2004/06/14, Source
There are many movies being produced based on popular comics. "Old Boy", which received the Grand Jury Prize at the recent the Cannes International Film Festival, has heated this trend. There are some teen number of movies based on comics in,...More
Saying Sayonara to Screen Quotas
2004/06/13, Source
Korean filmmakers are winning big at the box office, leaving Seoul to reconsider protectionism

Todd Thacker (internews)

It was an abrupt about-face for the staunch film industry ally.

On Friday the Minister of Culture and Tourism and former film director, Lee Chang Dong, announc,...More
'Old Boy' cleaves close to Greek tragedy
2004/06/09, Source
[Film review] Korean-style revenge flicks are garnering major awards, ticket sales

Kim Soung Su (onomatos)

A man named Oh Dae Su is kidnapped and locked up in a private prison by an unknown organization. While captive, he sees on television that he is being charged with the murder,...More
`Spring' Wins Best Picture at Daejong Awards
2004/06/06, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter
Kim Ki-duk's lyrical film that parallels a Buddhist monk's passage through life with the changing of the seasons won the best picture award at the 41st Daejong Film Festival Friday.

"Pom Yorum Kaul Kyoul Kurigo,...More
Park Chan-wook Retrospective to Be Held
2004/06/06, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter
A special retrospective on the films by award-winning director Park Chan-wook will take place at Theater 2.0 in Apkujong-dong, Seoul from Friday.

All of Park's films, including "Old Boy", which recently rec,...More
Korean Films Honored at 41st Dajong Film Festival
2004/06/06, Source
Director Kim Ki-duk's film "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring" won him the best picture award at the 41st Daejong Film Festival, held at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts on Friday. Winner of the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes,...More
[Local Films With English Subtitles]
2004/06/03, Source
▣ Old Boy (2003)
Saturday at noon
Seoul Selection Bookstore
A film by Park Chan-wook, the dark and moody "Old Boy" recently came back into people's attention when it garnered the runner-up prize at Cannes Film Festival last month. S,...More
'Raging Years' headed to Venice film fest
2004/06/01, Source
Director Im Kwon-taek's film "Raging Years" has been invited to compete at the 61st Venice Film Festival, signaling the growing international clout of Korean films.
Im's 99th film was invited to compete in the "Venezia 61" section of the fes,...More
Cannes winning director opens a new era for Korean cinema
2004/05/28, Source
Director Park Chan-wook has proved that the current fanfare for Korean cinema is no passing fancy.

Park's film "Old Boy" won the Grand Prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival, which ended on Sunday (May 23). This accomplishment, which,...More
Winner of Cannes Says He's Happy About His Achievement
2004/05/27, Source
There was a red carpet welcome for Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, who returned to Korea after receiving the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his hit movie 'Old Boy'.
Despair, anger and revenge were the main themes of 'Old Boy',...More
Encore screening of 'Old Boy'
2004/05/25, Source
Seoul Selection bookshop said yesterday that it would screen director Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" to celebrate the hit film's success at the 57th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the runner-up Grand Prize.

The encore screening will be h,...More
Award-Winning `Old Boy' to Screen With English Subtitles
2004/05/24, Source
The film "Old Boy", winner of the runner-up prize at the 57th Cannes Film Festival Saturday, will screen on DVD with English subtitles on Wednesday and on June 5 in Seoul.
The film, directed by Park Chan-wook, was given the grand prize of t,...More
Korean-made Films Gain Growing Int'l Recognition
2004/05/24, Source
The latest honor of "Old Boy" winning the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival highlights how far Korean movies have come since the country's first moving pictures were produced more than 80 years ago. It also shows that Korea, which remains one of the few countries in the world where,...More
'Old Boy' Wins Grand Prize of Jury at Cannes
2004/05/23, Source
By Paolo Bertolin
Special Correspondent
CANNES, France _ South Korean director Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" has won the Grand Prize of the Jury at the 57th Cannes International Film Festival. It is the first time for a Korean film to comes t,...More
'Old Boy' receives Grand Prize at Cannes
2004/05/23, Source
"Old Boy" directed by Park Chan-wook won the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, local time. The prize is considered second in line to the Golden Palm, which went to "Fahrenheit 9/11" directed by Michael Moore. I,...More
Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix to "Old Boy" by Park Chan-Wook
2004/05/22, Source
The Grand Prix was presented by Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd to Old Boy by Park Chan-Wook.

"I would like to thank all the members of the Jury and the Cannes Festival", said the South Korean director. "I met Roman Polanski at a party and we,...More
Tarantino Compliments Korean Movie 'Old Boy'
2004/05/20, Source
Director Quentin Tarantino, who is also head judge for this year's Cannes film festival, paid special compliments to Director Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy".
Tarantino, during a interview with the movie magazine "Variety", in recent days said,...More
Local Films Get Mixed Reaction at Cannes
2004/05/19, Source
By Paolo Bertolin
Special Correspondent

CANNES, France - Both Korean films competing at the Cannes Film Festival, Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" and Hong Sang-soo's "Yoja-nun Namja-u,...More
Cannes Warms to Int'l Productions
2004/05/16, Source
A movie fan holds a banner seeking a ticket for Director Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy", ahead of the screening of the Korean blockbuster, at the 57th International Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, Saturday. /Yonhap

As we enter t,...More
'Old Boy', 'Woman' Get Ready to Vie at Cannes
2004/05/13, Source
By Paolo Bertolin
Special Correspondent
CANNES, France - The gala opening of the 57th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which took place on Wednesday, put the spotlight for the first time on a Spanish film, Pedro Almodà³var's already controversial "La Mala Educacià³n (Bad Education)", a semi-a,...More
Korean Movies Compete at Cannes Film Festival
2004/05/13, Source
The Cannes Film Festival began its annual showcase of movie extravaganzas and lavish parties.
This year two Korean productions are in competition at the Festival.

Korean movies are winning global recognition from international film festivals. As a telltale sign, two films, 'Old Boy' and 'Woman,...More
Korean Films Strike Cannes
2004/05/11, Source
Will Korean movies strike the 2004 Cannes Film Festival with a new wave?
Opening the festival with Pedro Almodovar's "Bad Education" on Wednesday, the event announces this year's award winning films and directors at its close on May 23. A distinguishing fact of this year's 57th Cannes Film Festiva,...More
EBS Cinema Paradise Celebrates 500th Episode
2004/05/06, Source
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

"Cinema Paradise", a television program about movies that first went to air in 1994, is celebrating its 500th episode on Friday.

Broadcast at 10:20 a.m. on Fridays on EBS, the program has shown a variety of movies including documentaries, independent production,...More
Korean Films Bookend Udine Film Fest
2004/04/27, Source
By Paolo Bertolin
Special Correspondent
UDINE, Italy - Udine, a small town in North Eastern Italy, has fast become the capital of East Asian cinema in the West. The sixth Far East Film Festival (FEFF), the biggest film festival promoting knowledge and appreciation of Asian popular cinema outside,...More
Two Korean movies selected for the Cannes Film Festival
2004/04/22, Source
Old Boy by Park Chan-wook and La Femme est l'Avenir de l'Homme (Woman is the Future of Man) by Hong Sang-soo have been selected to compete in the main section of the 57th Cannes Film,...More
`Old Boy' Joins `Woman' at Cannes Film Festival
2004/04/21, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter
"Old Boy", a film about an ordinary man who gets kidnapped and placed in a cell for no reason will be screening in the competition section of the 57th Cannes Film Festival, the second local film to be invited this year.

"Old Boy", directed by,...More
Two Korean films headed to Cannes
2004/04/21, Source
Choi Min-shik in a scene from the movie "Old Boy".
The new feature film by director Hong Sang-soo and "Oldboy" by Park Chan-wook will compete at the 57th Cannes Film Festival in Fra,...More
57th Cannes Film Festival Features Several Korean Movies
2004/04/20, Source
The 57th Cannes Film Festival, which opens on May 12th in France, is expected to be a feast of Korean movies.
"A Woman is the Future of a Man", directed by Hong Sang-soo, was chosen to participate in the competition. The "the Woods of Spide,...More
'Old Boy' Remake to Hit Hollywood
2004/03/11, Source
The Park Chan-wook film "Old boy" will be reborn as a Hollywood movie. Cineclick Asia, the overseas marketer for the film, announced Tuesday that in the American Film Festival, it concluded a deal with the U.S movie company Universal Picture,...More
Poster for New Kim Ki-duk Film to Provoke Controversy
2004/01/16, Source
by Cheon Sang-hee

Controversy is expected to follow film director Kim Ki-duk's use of the teenage leading lady of his latest movie, "Samaria", in a provocative "half-nude nun" pose in,...More
He Knows how to Sell Celluloid
2003/12/22, Source
by Hwang Su-cheol

In the Korean movie industry, dominated by comedies, Kim Dong-joo, the CEO of Showist and the executive producer of a movie "Old boy", is making waves.
Kim thought that "Old boy", a 1997 series of comic books by Nobuaki,...More
Korean films sell well at MIFED
2003/11/21, Source
Korean international sales companies saw strong business at the recent MIFED film market in Milan, Italy. A large number of Korean films were sold to other territories, with strong interest being shown in titles Old Boy, Untold Scandal, Legend of the Evil Lake and others.

,...More
Not Great But Still Good `Oldboy'
2003/11/20, Source
By Joon Soh
Staff Reporter
There's almost no doubt that Park Chan-wook's new film "Old Boy" will be a commercial success. With the popularity of the two main actors and with many lo,...More
'Old Boy' shows off new tricks
2003/11/19, Source
In director Park Chan-wook's latest brooding opus, the theme of vengeance is back with ... well, a vengeance. In a departure from his hauntingly restrained ",...More
The Way Home a hit in Argentina
2003/11/13, Source
Lee Jeong-hyang's drama The Way Home, which became the second-highest grossing Korean film in the U.S. last year, is turning in a strong box-office performance in Argentina.

,...More

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Produced by

Kim Dong-joo (김동주)

Production

Showeast (쇼이스트)

Distribution

Showeast (쇼이스트)

International sales

CineClickAsia (CineClickAsia)

Staff

Lee Gye-byeok (이계벽)
Assistant director

Jo Yeong-wook (조영욱)
Score composer

Kim Sang-beom (김상범)
Editor

Kim Jae-beom (김재범)
Editor

Jeong Sik (정식)
Production department

Ryoo Seong-hee (류성희)
Art director

Lee Jeon-ho (이전호)
Poster designer

Yong Yi (용이)
Trailer

Yi Keun-Woo (이근우)
Production department

Baek Dong-hyeon (백동현)
Martial arts team

Han Jang-hyeok (한장혁)
Assistant director

Seok Min-woo (석민우)
Assistant director

Baek Jong-yeol (백종열)
Production department

Yong Yi (용이)
Titles

Lee Hoo-kyoung (이후경)
Set department

Technical Information

120 min •35mm •Cinemascope (2.35)

Web site

www.oldboy2003.co.kr...

Videos
- Trailer
- Trailer
- Music video
- On the set video
- On the set video

Festival(s) & award(s)

Sales or release dates & Box Office

Airing dates : 2003/11/21

South Korean Box Office
Source : www.cine21.com & www.kobis.or.kr

As of 2018.03.25 : 309 918 admissions (total)

As of 2017.08.13 : 308 361 admissions (total)

As of 2013.11.24 : 305 070 admissions (total)

Scandinavia

France

United Kingdom

Belgium

Netherlands

Japan

Australia

New Zealand

Luxembourg

Korea, South - 2003/11/21

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One of the best movies ever made!

sebasdas

2011-08-03 08:01:58

paris2010

2009-10-24 03:35:58

it was a so great movie ,one of my favorites , I feel the diroctor is Asian Tarantino

Oldboy & the host have shown a way for filmmakers to brave that first step & take a chance, hollywood is producing nothing but jack shit at the moment where fat executives change storylines & actors to accommodate popular trends, but there mis

David

2008-07-02 07:25:58

Stef@nos

2007-09-15 06:11:21

Great movie, I specially liked the raw violent of it. Just like Tarantino movies. Amazing scenario and Outstanding performances by the Actors. A true 5 STAR movie

any filipino out here except me??? hello guys from all over the world..i idolize this actor

prinzeace

2007-06-15 06:01:13

THOMAS

2007-06-10 15:01:15

OUTSTANDING Actors Actress MASTER Director BEST Script

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