The King and the Clown (Movie - 2005)

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  Kam Woo-sung
  감우성
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  Jung Jin-young
  정진영
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  Kang Sung-yun
  강성연
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  Lee Joon-gi
  이준기
• 
  Jang Hang-sun
  장항선
• 
  Yoo Hae-jin
  유해진

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2018.04.06 - 2018.04.08
  2018/04/09
  Local horror narrowly retains pole position amid stiff competition... The low-budget horror "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" by director Jeong Beom-sik managed to hold off serious challenges from both "Ready Player One" and the recently released local comedy-drama "What a Man Wants" to retain the top stop. Jeong's surprise hit outplayed Steven Spielberg's adaption last weekend with 40% of the sales (983,018 admissions), and with the 513,673 (27%) admissions the film scored here, its total tally now stands at 2.2 million ($16.7 million),...More

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  [Latin American Lee Joon-gi Fans Guest Post] Lee Joon-gi's dazzling career
  2017/11/17, Source
  Thirty-five-year-old Lee Joon-gi, is a versatile actor who is committed to his characters and who proves himself through his work in drama and film. He is known as the first "flower boy" due to his role in the film, "The King and the Clown" where his young and delicate face, and mastery of character, and captured audiences as the effeminate Gong-gil,...More

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  [Guest Film Review] "Anarchist from Colony"
  2017/11/04
  During the 21st century, Lee Joon-ik has emerged as one of the top Korean filmmakers, with films like "The King and the Clown", "The Throne" and "DongJu, The Portrait of A Poet" combining depth and substance with commercial success. This time, he deals with the true story of Korean anarchist and independence activist, Park Yeol, in a style which seems peculiar for the theme, but works quite well,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2017.08.18 - 2017.08.20
  2017/08/21
  "A Taxi Driver" on cruise control after Liberation Day... Jang Hoon's "A Taxi Driver" (Song Kang-ho) -- his fourth film after "The Front Line" (2011), "Secret Reunion" (2010) and "Rough Cut" (2008) -- secured a third straight weekend at the top of the pile this past weekend by adding another 949,447 admissions (26.77%), moving its total tally now over the 10 million admissions mark. Since its release early August, "A Taxi Driver" has grossed $71.6 million, and while it is currently the most successful film of the year, it is also now the fifteenth highest-grossing film of all time in Korea behind "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" (10.49 million) and "The King and the Clown" (10.5 million),...More

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  'A Taxi Driver' Becomes 15th Korean Film to Draw 10 Million Viewers
  2017/08/21, Source
  "A Taxi Driver", directed by Jang Hoon and starring Song Kang-ho, has become the 15th Korean film to draw more than 10 million viewers. It had attracted 10.07 million viewers as of Sunday, making it the first film this year to reach the milestone, according to distributor Showbox,...More

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  Song Ha-yoon, From CF Newbie to One of the Hottest Star in 2017
  2017/07/24, Source
  Actress Song Ha-yoon's popularity just doesn't go away since her role sparked people's interest in the recent drama, "Fight My Way",...More

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  The Character Given Only to the Best Actors : Ruthless King, Yeonsan-gun
  2017/06/29, Source
  Yeonsan-gun (1476~1506), who's also known as Prince Yeonsan, was the 10th king of Korea's Joseon Dynasty. He was the loneliest corrupted king of Joseon. During his time as a king, he launched two bloody purges, ruling the nation with absolute fear. However on the 12th year of his ruling, he was overthrown by the Jungjong coup,...More

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  Top 7 of Korea's Most Famous Movie OST
  2017/03/31
  These are the top 7 of Korea's most loved movie OST of all times,...More

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  [HanCinema's Digest] Cinema Snippets
  2017/02/12
  Arts Desk reviews the DVD version of Na Hong-jin's "The Wailing", discover the long-standing relationship between South Korea cinema and the Berlin International Film Festival, Pierce Conran shares his thoughts on Lee Joon-ik's tenth film about Korea under Japanese occupation, and KoBiz's latest infographic reveals the common thread running through three of Korea's most recent successes,...More

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  [HanCinema's Digest] Cinema Snippets
  2016/11/12
  The Hollywood Reporter reveals the nominees for the upcoming Blue Dragon Film Awards, get an inside look at North Korea's dream machine like never before, Screen Daily takes a look at the highest-grossing Korean film of the year, and actor Yoo Hae-jin takes the lead in his biggest film to date,...More

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  Nana goes to Chungmuro
  2016/09/25, Source
  Acting idol Nana is going to be in the criminal movie "The Swindlers". She recently starred in the tvN drama "The Good Wife" and was acknowledged of her performance. She was then asked to be in several movies and dramas and she chose "The Swindlers",...More

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  [Interview] Lee Joon-ik with The Lady Miz Diva
  2016/09/17, Source
  Korean Cultural Center New York : Master Series: Lee Joon-ik We had a very happy reunion with Director Lee Joon-ik during his visit to New York City this summer. Following his return after five years to the New York Asian Film Festival to present his latest movie, "DongJu, The Portrait of A Poet", Director Lee was given the honor of becoming the first subject of the Korean Cultural Center of New York's Master Series retrospective of his films. I chatted with Director Lee about his cinematic successes, his disappointments, his filmmaking process and his future,...More

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  [HanCinema's Digest] Cinema Snippets
  2016/07/09
  KOBIZ highlights some key historical figures and their appearance in Korean cinema, Lee Joon-ik shares his thoughts on Korean history and philosophy through his films at the New York Asian Film Festival, John Soltes reviews "Violent Prosecutor" for Hollywood Soapbox, and find out what two Korean films made What Culture's top ten Asian action films,...More

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  Moscow Film Fest Holds Retrospective Dedicated to Lee Joon-ik
  2016/06/28, Source
  This year's Moscow International Film Festival features a retrospective dedicated to Korean films. The festival, which runs from June 23 to 30, is one of the most prestigious film festivals, along with the ones in Berlin, Cannes and Venice,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2016.03.18 ~ 2016.03.20
  2016/03/21
  "Zootopia" gets more screens and scores... "Zootopia" was released in Korea mid-February and for the first three weeks it sat in third place; after its America release, however, the film shot to number one. This past weekend "Zootopia" (also known as "Zootropolis") banked another 358 thousand admissions ($2.5 million) to bring its total tally in Korea now to 2.8 million ($18.7 million; 30%). Worldwide, Byron Howard and Rich Moore's "Zootopia" has grossed over $591 million,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2016.03.04 ~ 2016.03.06
  2016/03/07
  "Spirits' Homecoming" still rules ahead of International Women's Day... Cho Jung-rae's timely drama about the treatment of Korean women during Japanese occupation, "Spirits' Homecoming", retained the top spot over the weekend ahead of International Women's Day on Tuesday. "Spirits' Homecoming" dislodged "Deadpool" at the top when it was released late February, and week two for Cho's touching tale saw it retain pole position with 600 thousand admissions (26.6%) which moveds its bottom line to $16.5 million (2.6 million admissions),...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2016.02.19 ~ 2016.02.21
  2016/02/22
  "Deadpool" dislodges "A Violent Prosector" at the top... For the past two weeks Lee Il-hyeong's crime drama "A Violent Prosecutor" has been flying high atop Korea's box office, but week three for Lee's blockbuster saw that string of pole positions broken by the latest superhero film to come our of Marvel Studios,...More

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  [HanCinema's Korea Joa] Korean Cooking Class with Food Director Kim Su-jin-I
  2015/11/21
  My trip to Korea was full of amazing opportunities. I went to the world-renowned BIFF 2015, saw multiple K-pop concerts, visited breathtaking historical sites both modern and ancient, and interviewed many fabulous people. But it was one woman's school and class that may have been the pinnacle of that experience: a Q&A and lesson with Chef and Food Director Kim Su-jin-I and Teacher Lee "Ellie" Hye-won of the Food & Culture Academy. The Q&A was a lesson in how Korean food embodies the spirit of its vivacious people and what makes Korean food unique. Then we, the members of Korea Joa 2015, got to make two quintessential Korean dishes: japchae and bulgogi. Those members with dietary restrictions learned how to make haemul jeon. Check the recipes out at the end of this piece,...More

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  [HanCinema's Digest] Cinema Snippets
  2015/11/01
  The twentieth edition of Busan International Film Festival sees record attendance, Lee Joon-gi set to star in the next "Resident Evil", KOBIZ checks in on South Korean talent overseas, and Hangul Celluloid and Co. interview Ryoo Seung-wan in London,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2015.08.28 ~ 2015.08.30
  2015/08/31
  "Veteran" pushes past 10 million as local delights dominate... Ryoo Seung-wan's "Veteran" added another million admissions (43%) over the weekend to write its total tally into the history books. For the past month Ryoo's popular crime drama has remained the country's film of choice and now moves onto an incredible 10.8 million admissions ($71.6 million). Only ten other Korean films have managed this impressive feat, including "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (17.6), "Ode to My Father" (14.2), "The Thieves" (12.9), "Miracle in Cell No.7" (12.8), and "Masquerade" (12.3). The success of Ryoo's film has bumped "The King and the Clown" (10.5) out of this exclusive top ten, and soon "Veteran" will challenge "The Host" (10.9), "Haeundae" (11.3), "The Attorney" (11.3), and even this week's number three, Choi Dong-hoon's "The Assassination" (12.1). Each weekend since its release "Veteran" has managed to capture over 40% of the box office pie, and, to state the obvious, it's no done yet!,...More

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  [500K Facebook Fans Giveaway] Day 1 : "King and the Clown" DVD, "Detective K" DVD and Kim Jae-hun "Story Tree" CD
  2015/08/01
  [500K Facebook Fans Giveaway] Day 1 : "The King and the Clown" DVD, "Detective K" DVD and Kim Jae-hun "Story Tree" CD,...More

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  Myung Films Institute welcomes talented students for movie making
  2015/05/02, Source
  Myung Films Art Center and Myung Films Institute opened on April 30 at the Myung Films HQ building in Paju City of Gyeonggi Province, which are spaces designated for complex video art and culture with a medium of movie. Myung Films, a Korean film production that marks the 20th anniversary of its foundation this year, provides various entertainment to the public under the motto of Movie City in the Paju Book City,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2015.01.23 - 2015.01.25
  2015/01/26
  Yoo's "Gangnam Blues" shakes things up... Yoo Ha's action noir "Gangnam Blues" (aka "Gangnam 1970") was the number one player at box office over the weekend, pocketing over $5.5M (27%) and coming out on top in what was the most closely-contested tussle at the top we've seen thus far. The 709K filmgoers Yoo persuade into his caves (830) was narrowly enough to spoil Disney's big animated entrance into the game. "Big Hero 6" was, like Yoo's "Gangnam Blues", released in Korea last Wednesday, and competed over 822 screens to claimed 662K stubs ($5M - 25%). It was an awesome photo finish that ultimately favoured homemade Han over foreign fantasy, but only just,...More

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  Kang Sung-yun is pregnant
  2014/07/21, Source
  Actress Kang Sung-yun got pregnant two years after her marriage. Her agency claims, "She's worked really hard to have a baby and now she is finally pregnant",...More

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  [HanCinema's Hall of Fame Review] "The Face Reader": A Polished Period Piece with Nothing to Hide
  2014/02/01
  In the Spotlight this Week: Han Jae-rim's "The Face Reader" Dreamy quest through Joseon's dynastic dreamscapes have provided modern Korean cinema with some of the most lavishly successful hits in recent years. Period features such as "The Thieves" (2012), "Masquerade" (2012), and "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon" (2011) have stormed local theatres and attracted tens of millions of filmgoers to their vibrant and scintillating re-imaginings of Korea's Hermit Kingdom. These romanticised tellings have probed and pondered various political dramas through a curious, but altogether captivating, contemporary lens. There has already been a tremendous about of buzz regarding the string of yarns set for release this year, but that feverish frenzy was somewhat sparked by 2013's only, and hugely successful, period film: "The Face Reader",...More

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  [HanCinema's Afterwords] KOFIC Podcast Review - Ep. 5
  2014/01/25
  In this Episode: Pierce has a chat with film critic Jason Bechervaise about six period films coming in 2014… KOFIC recently launched "Korean Cinema Today", a bimonthly podcast that's all about the wonderful world of Korean cinema. Hosted by Pierce Conran, the show features the latest Korean cinema news, features, discussions, and interviews with special guests from the industry. In episode 5 Pierce has Korean film critic, journalist and academic Jason Bechervaise in studio to discuss the host of period films coming our way in 2014,...More

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  [HanCinema Feature] Historical Hysteria: Korean period films coming in 2014
  2014/01/11
  Joseon pirates, legends, swordsmen, angels and more coming our way in 2014... Cinematic journeys back to Joseon and beyond have rewarded the Korean film industry with a string of profitable historical yarns, a trend that has got producers drooling with the prospect of tapping deeper into this regenerative cash cow. Recently, it's been Han Jae-rim's "The Face Reader" (9.1M admissions) that has had locals flustered and, in 2005, it was Lee Joon-ik's "The King and the Clown" that became the first Joseon-era flick to pass the 10 million admissions mark. It's big business with a cultural twist that locals enjoy supporting, international audiences love lapping up, and a trend that 2014 is keen to take advance of as a host of new retrospectives are getting raring to go,...More

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  [HanCinema's Lists] The Top 5 Korean Period Films of All-Time
  2014/01/10
  Korean period features are big business that, when done right, really do bring in the big bucks. The past few years, in particular, have yielded some stellar titles that have seriously resonated with local audiences. This trend is set to continue in 2014 as a host of new historical dramas and action flicks are lining up to try and capture the public's imagination by re-framing the past in unique and exciting ways. Some of the historical films to look out for in 2014 include: "KUNDO : Age of the Rampant", "A Touch of Zen", "Pirates", "The Huntresses", and "Battle Of Myeongryang"; but before we usher in these new historical yarns, here's a quick look at the five highest grossing Korean period films of all-time that this year's entries will hope to challenge,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.10.25 - 2013.10.27
  2013/10/28
  Gook Dong-seok's disturbing opening act "Blood and Ties" step into the game this past weekend and narrowly claimed the majority vote over last week's favourite: "Gravity". Gook's film drew in a spritely 648,192 filmgoers over 611 screens; a victory somewhat salted by the fact that Cuarón's 3D space thriller still floated away with most of the money (37.3%), for technical reasons. "Hwayi : A Monster Boy" and "Hope" gracefully gave way to Gook's debut, each taking about a hundred thousand admissions hit compared to their efforts last weekend. In addition to "Blood and Ties", Park Joong-hoon's "Top Star" and Shin Yeon-shick's "Rough Play" shook up the middle order somewhat; and the omnibus drama "If You Were Me 6" (4,853 admissions) almost became the fourth new Korean release to snare a top ten finish,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.10.18 ~ 2013.10.20
  2013/10/21
  The sci-fi thriller "Gravity" has struck the Korean box office to become the first foreign film to take gold since "Now You See Me" back in August. Alfonso Cuarón's spacey drama snatched 45% (714,419 admissions) of the total ticket sales to outplay last week's number one "Hwayi : A Monster Boy" by some margin. "Gravity" (which stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) has already made $284M worldwide and its international popularity managed to secure foothold for it in the Korean market. Jang Joon-hwan's action thriller "Hwayi" scoped up 365,175 (18.8%) over 552 screens to advance its total now to just under 2 million admissions, while two new Korean entries ("Fasten Your Seatbelt" and "Queen of the Night") quietly crept into fourth and fifth respectfully with less than 300,000 stubs between them,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.10.11 ~ 2013.10.13
  2013/10/14
  Jang Joon-hwan's  "Hwayi : A Monster Boy" opened strong at a peaceful box office this past weekend. Jang, who is best known for his multifaceted debut "Save the Green Planet", has been out of the cinematic limelight for some time now and found his comeback well-supported with 719,454 (45%) admissions in weekend one. Last week's number one, Lee Joon-ik's "Hope", subsequently bowed out into second place with 444,591 (25.5%), followed by "Tough as Iron" (133,250 – 7.7%) and "The Face Reader" (120,126 – 7%). These local flavours dominated the upper echelons of the chart and together constituted 85.9% of the total ticket sales, leaving a string of foreign films to scrap it out for those remaining stubs,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.10.04 - 2013.10.06
  2013/10/07
  Han Jae-rim's "The Face Reader" relinquished pole position to Lee Joon-ik's new drama "Wish – 2013". Lee has a preference for period pieces with films such as "Hwangsanbul" (2003), "Blades of Blood" (2010), and "Battlefield Heroes" (2010) under his belt, but the director is best known for his period drama "The King and the Clown" which claimed 12.3 million admissions in 2005. Lee's latest is his first film since 2010 and it grabbed some 475,611 (27%) over the weekend, advancing its total tally to just under 800,000. Lee didn't have it all his own way though, "Wish – 2013" had some stiff competition from another local release in the form of Ahn Kwon-tae's "Tough as Iron". Anh's roadside family comedy came out with 407,707 (24%) over 683 screens to secured second place while "The Face Reader" slipped two places in third,...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.09.27 - 2013.09.29
  2013/09/30
  Ticket sales slowed considerably in the aftermath of Korea's Chuseok holiday celebrations, but that didn't stop Han Jae-rim's "The Face Reader" from advancing past 8 million admissions ($54M). Last week Han's popular period yarn claimed 2.2 million admissions (51.5%) over a whopping 1,239 screens, but the harvest deities have fled and reduced the blockbuster's momentum here to just 641,786 (36.5%) over 857. "The Face Reader" is also now Korea's 14th highest grossing film of all-time, having just recently passed Kim Han-min's "Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon" (7.4M) and Bae Jong's "Welcome to Dongmakgol" (8M). Han's hit still has more than a million admissions to go if it wants to take on Bong Joon-ho's post-apocalyptic thrill ride "Snowpiercer" (9.3M), a feat that will make it the fifth film in two years to break into the Korea's increasingly unstable top ten,...More

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  [HanCinema's Film News] New Korean Films Inbound...
  2013/09/28
  K-Films Coming Soon: ★★★★ "Tough as Iron": Kang-cheol, a once great street fighter, gets pulled into Busan's organised crime while trying to support his deteriorating mother. (10/02) ★★★★ "Hope": A father struggles to support his family in the aftermath of his daughter's assault. (10/02) ★★ "Vacation": Three glamorous and privileged young women go on a seductive vacation with three men they've targeted. (10/01),...More

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  [HanCinema's Box Office Review] 2013.09.13 - 2013.09.15
  2013/09/16
  Han Jae-rim's "The Face Reader" dominated Korean cinemas this past weekend, walking away with one of the highest opening weekend hauls of the year. Han's historical drama stole 1.8M admissions (63%) from over 1,190 screens, and has now claimed nearly 2.6 million admissions ($17.1M) in just under a week. Last week's number one, Lee Seung-joon-I's action comedy "The Spy", floundered in second with just 377,861 (12.5%), less than half of what it received the week before. It wasn't just Lee's film that suffered though, a number of foreign entries also found it hard going with even popular animations such as "Monsters University" (5.3%) and "Despicable Me 2" (4.6%) caught blushing in the face of another local showstopper,...More

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  [HanCinema's Hall of Fame Review] "The King and the Clown"
  2013/09/14
  In the Spotlight this Week: "The King and the Clown" (2005) by Lee Joon-ik Before Bong Joon-ho's "The Host" in 2006, "The King and the Clown" was Korea's highest grossing film and was the country's official submission for the 2006 Academy Awards. Lee's feature was showered with the support of 12.3 million local viewers back in 2005, and remains Lee Joon-ik's most successful film to date. Set during South Korea's rich and fascinating Joseon dynasty, "The King and the Clown" is a classic period yarn that challenges contemporary issues such as homosexuality, personal freedom, and one's socio-economic status; themes that can be tracked in subsequent historical features such as Yoo Ha's controversial "A Frozen Flower" (2008) and Choo Chang-min's blockbuster "Masquerade" (2012). Gorgeously presented and swimming in symbols and performance motifs, Lee Joon-ik "The King and the Clown" is nostalgic spectacle the successfully bridges the divide between the constrictions of days past and a romantic hope for those still to come,...More

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  [HanCinema's Image Gallery] "The King and the Clown"
  2013/09/14
  A selection of shots from Lee Joon-ik's historical drama "The King and the Clown" (2005),...More

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  [HanCinema's Film Review] "Miracle in Cell No.7"
  2013/06/15
  Lee Hwan-gyeong's colossal hit "Miracle in Cell No.7" boasts an impressive cast, captivating cinematography, and a touching tale that Korean cinema will struggle to forget. Released late in January, this heart-felt drama managed to keep itself in Korea's top ten all the way to April! Its eleven weeks in that list saw it ease past the 12 million admissions mark, making it the fifth Korean film to do so since Lee Joon-ik 2005 drama "The King and the Clown". Standing proud as the third highest grossing Korean film, "Miracle in Cell No. 7" is definitely a must-see for all Korean cinephiles, but it's by no means perfect,...More

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  Film Audiences Favor Grown-Up Experience
  2013/04/30, Source
  Ha Jung-woo and Kim Hye-soo have been voted the most popular actor and actress in Korea in a poll by the Chosun Ilbo and the country's biggest ticketing site Maxmovie. But Hwang Jung-min and Jeon Do-yeon were named as the best actor and actress. ◆ Mature Actors, Mature Audiences Remarkably, most of the top 10 most popular actors and actresses are in their 30s to 50s, the only exception being Han Hyo-joo, who is in her 20s. The average age for male and female actors is 42.7 and 34.1. Of the actors, only four are in their 30s, including Ha, Gang Dong-won and Won Bin. A large proportion of the entrants on the popularity list starred in hit movies over the past two years, but Won, Kang, Lee Na-young and Kim Tae-hee managed to stay popular by only appearing in commercials,...More

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  "Miracle in Cell No.7" jumps over "Masquerade"
  2013/03/13, Source
  Movie "Miracle in Cell No.7" is about to beat "Masquerade". According to the Film Commissions Statistics, "Miracle in Cell No.7" is second in the box office with 34,677 audiences in just 4 days. The accumulated number adds up to 12,279,538,...More

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  'Miracle in Cell No. 7' Draws Over 10 Million Viewers
  2013/02/25, Source
  "Miracle in Cell No. 7" broke the 10 million mark for ticket sales on Saturday, becoming the eighth Korean movie to do so, according to the Korean Film Council. The feat, which comes 32 days after release, was widely expected as the film hit the 1 million mark just four days after hitting theaters and the 5 million mark in 16 days,...More

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  MASQUERADE sweeps with record-breaking 15 wins at Korea's Oscars!
  2012/11/01, Source
  Film takes the 49th Daejong Film Awards by storm, taking top prizes for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and others. Beats out "Golden Lion" winner "Pieta" and domestic all-time box office champ "The Thieves". "Masquerade" experienced sweeping success at this year's 49th Daejong Film Awards (Grand Bell Awards) on October 30th in Seoul, Korea. The awards ceremony is the oldest film awards ceremony in South Korea and is presented annually by the Motion Pictures Association of Korea, making it the equivalent of the American Academy Awards,...More

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  around town
  2012/09/30, Source
  Classical Concerts ROTTINI Debut Concert: Hero of Voice Seoul Arts Center* Oct. 7 Four of Korea's top opera singers, Park Ji-min, Joseph Lim, Lim Chang-ham and Aldo Heo, have come together in a group called Rottini. Rottini has successfully reached out to the international audience, and took first place at the New York Opera Competition. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit 222.sac.or.kr/eng. Museums Maya 2012 National Museum of Korea Through Oct. 28 Maya 2012 focuses on the life and death of the Mayans. The exhibition is organized in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mexico, and Korea and Guatemala. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr,...More

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  "The Thieves", No. 2 Most Successful Movie In Korean Film History
  2012/08/31, Source
  Many saw it coming, but the movie "The Thieves" has just broken another record. According to the movie's distributors, as of 5 PM on August 30th, "The Thieves" had attracted about 12,310,000 people. This brings its total higher than the 12,302,831 that the movie "The King and the Clown" brought in several years ago. Now the only movie between it and the #1 spot is "The Host",...More

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  'The Thieves' outperforms 'Haeundae' to become 4th best-selling movie at home
  2012/08/23, Source
  The Korean heist film "The Thieves" became the fourth best-selling Korean film of all time, beating "Haeundae", a disaster drama that opened three years ago, according to the latest official box office tally. "The Thieves", featuring 10 Korean and Chinese thieves teaming up to steal a valuable diamond necklace at a Macao casino, had attracted about 11.5 million viewers as of Wednesday, the data from the Korean Film Council showed,...More

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  Art and Culture
  2012/08/13, Source
  It's the start of a fresh new week and of course, our Michelle Kim here with us to give us the updates on the latest events we can attend. Today, she has two movies and a K-pop exhibition for us to enjoy. Hello Michelle [Reporter : ] Hello Conn-young So what do you have for us today [Reporter : ] Two Korean comedies hit theaters last Wednesday,...More

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  KF takes Korean music on tour
  2012/07/07, Source
  Members of Noreum Machi, a Korean percussion group, perform in this photo. The group will travel to two South American countries to perform the essence of Korean music along with Gorilla Crew, a b-boy team. / Courtesy of Korea Foundation By Kwon Mee-yoo The Korea Foundation (KF) will take the essence of Korean music and share it with audiences in Central America and the Caribbean. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, the Korea Foundation will host joint performances by Noreum Machi and Gorilla Crew throughout next week. Noreum Machi is a Korean percussion group that engages in traditional music with a modern twist. Established in 1993 by artistic director Kim Ju-hong, the band shot to stardom after playing in the soundtrack in the hit movie "The King and the Clown" (2005). At this occasion Noreum Machi will present "Binari" (Blessing) and "Pan Gut,...More

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  Kanryu Currents in Japan, Past and Present
  2012/03/11, Source
  Tokyo-based journalist, translator and filmmaker Jason GRAY examines the ebb and flow of the Korean Wave in Japan over the past ten years, pinpointing the highs and lows. The Korean wave of popular culture in Japan, referred to as "kanryu" or "hanryu" in Japanese, has had an interesting ebb and flow over the past decade. There were earlier booms here including traditional Korean ballads ("enka") in the late 70s, the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the South Korea-Japan co-hosted World Cup in 2002. Japanese cinema exhibitors saw their first genuine Korean smash with Kang Je-gyu's "Shiri" (2000), which earned JPY1.8 billion (US$22.1 million) - an impressive result to this day. As we'll see, KANG is unique in that he figures into pre, peak and post kanryu cinema,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi Leaves Army Amidst Hearty Cheers from 1,000 Fans
  2012/02/17, Source
  Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi (30) was discharged from the army amidst hearty cheers from around 1,000 fans on February 16, and he held a fan meeting in the afternoon. He said, "I spent an invaluable time for the past two years in the army". He reported his discharge from the military at around 8:30 in the morning in front of his fans who were waiting for him before the front gate of the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan,...More

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  Actor Lee Joon-gi Ready for Comeback After Military Service
  2012/02/17, Source
  Lee Joon-gi, who rose to stardom by starring in the movie "The King and the Clown", was discharged from the military on Thursday after serving his 21 months. "I will always remember when I first enrolled", he said. "I will endeavor to be a respectable actor, and based on lessons I learned in the military, I will try to be more humble and live modestly",...More

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  Lee Joon-gi discharged today... straight to fan meeting
  2012/02/15, Source
  Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi (30) was discharged today. His management IMX announced, "Lee Joon-gi will be greeting fans who have waited for him for so long in front of the Yongsan Department of Defense this morning at 8AM.,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi is sergeant... discharged in February
  2011/11/30, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi who is on duty at the Defense Agency for Public Information Services (DAPIS) became a sergeant. His management revealed, "Lee Joon-gi became a sergeant on the 1st of December. He has been hosting many events as an MC at the DAPIS with wit and humor".,...More

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  CJ films to stream on Netflix
  2011/10/22, Source
  By KOFIC Staff Major Korean entertainment company CJ E&M has announced a deal to stream 20 of its films on Netflix, leading internet subscription service for films and TV shows. Netflix members in the US will be able to watch these CJ films on multiple platforms including televisions, computer, tablets, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. "CJ E&M is delighted to make our movies available through Netflix for the first time", said Joon CHOI, CEO of CJ E&M America. "Netflix has been a revolutionary force in entertainment, whose members have long enjoyed unparalleled access to a rich selection of films. This deal brings movie lovers iconic films from Asia's top entertainment company",...More

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  Netflix expanding asian movie selection in deal with korea's top studio CJ E&M
  2011/10/07, Source
  LOS ANGELES – October 6, 2011 – CJ E&M today announced an agreement to feature twenty of its acclaimed Asian movies on Netflix, the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. Beginning in October 2011, Netflix members in the US will be able to instantly watch the twenty titles multiple platforms, including TVs, popular tablets, key gaming consoles, computers and mobile phones. All the titles will be available from October 1. "CJ E&M is delighted to make our movies available through Netflix for the first time". said Joon Choi, CEO of CJ E&M America. "Netflix has been a revolutionary force in entertainment, whose members have long enjoyed unparalleled access to movies from around the globe. This deal brings movie lovers iconic films from Asia's top entertainment company, CJ E&M",...More

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  Jung Jin-young "Kiss scene with Lee Joon-gi, wasn't in the script but..."
  2011/07/19, Source
  Jung Jin-young reminisced about the time he kissed Lee Joon-gi. On the KBS 2TV program "Seung Seung Jang Goo" on the 19th, Jung Jin-young spoke about the kiss scene he had with Lee Joon-gi in the movie "The King and the Clown".,...More

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  The 13th Seoul International Youth Film Festival kicks off
  2011/07/08, Source
  by KOFIC
  
  The largest event of its kind in Asia, Seoul International Youth Film Festival (SIYFF) starts its 13th edition today with the opening film The Strongest Man in Holland.
  
  Directed by Mark,...More

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  [HanCinema's Film Review] Battlefield Heroes
  2011/06/18
  In 2003, Lee Joon-ik directed "Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield" (also known as "Hwangsanbul") a period comedy set in 7th Century Korea that depicted the famous Battle of Hwangsanbeo. Now in 2011, its successor "Battlefield Heroes" has staked its claim as one of the most successful films of the year. Lee Joon-ik ("Blades of Blood", "The King and the Clown") makes good use of some big acting talent in producing an over-the-top period comedy that scored big with the Korean public,...More

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  Director Im Kwon-taek advises "Lee Joon-ik's retirement is thoughtless"
  2011/03/13, Source
  Master of Korean movies, director Im Kwon-taek gave some smart advice to junior director Lee Joon-ik for his declaration of retirement from commercial movies. Director Im said, it was a thoughtless comment at the question of his thoughts in an interview with Asian Finance, Sports Today.,...More

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  King of period films takes his career in a new direction
  2011/03/03
  After a career spent making period dramas, Lee Joon-ik has announced he is calling it quits. Director Lee Joon-ik recently announced his departure from filmmaking after his recent film "Battlefield Heroes" failed to attract moviegoers. [JoongAng Ilbo] In a sudden announcement over the weekend, director Lee Joon-ik said he was leaving commercial filmmaking. "Congratulate me. I'm quitting directing because the audience [for his recent film "Battlefield Heroes"] was just 1.7 million, far fewer than the 2.5 million we had expected", Lee wrote on his Twitter page,...More

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  Lee Joon-ik Declares Departure from Commercial Filmmaking
  2011/03/01
  Director Lee Joon-ik, who stepped into the spotlight with the 2005 blockbuster "The King and the Clown", has announced his retirement from the commercial movie industry following the discouraging box-office results of his latest film, "Battlefield Heroes",...More

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  [KoreaToday] Smartphones democratize cinema
  2011/02/23, Source
  Director Lee Joon-ik poses for his iPhone camera at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University, Seoul, Monday. The cineaste met with The Korea Times to speak about chairing the jury for the Olleh Lotte Smartphone Film Festival, the country's first event inviting non-filmmakers to submit short films shot with cellular phones. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul Filmmaking in the palm of your hand By Lee Hyo-won On Saturday, the Park brothers, Park Chan-wook and Park Chan-kyong, picked up the Golden Bear at the Berlinale for a 30-minute movie shot with an iPhone 4. On Monday, a local film festival handed out prizes to 14-year-olds for their smartphone creations. On Tuesday, the Jeonju International Film Festival announced that it will release a new selection for cell phone-produced works,...More

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  Which comedy movie will top the charts in the New Year?
  2011/01/26, Source
  Thursday, January 27 is certainly a New Year's treat for comedy movie fans in Korea! In addition to the screening of Kim Myung-min's comedy-mystery film, "Detective K", period movie "Battlefield Heroes" and Hollywood's Gulliver's Travels will also premiere on the same day,...More

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  Cineaste's picks at cinematheque
  2011/01/10, Source
  From left, directors Kim Tae-yong, Lee Joon-ik and Lee Hae-yeong and programmer Kim Sung-wook speak during a press event for the 6th Cinematheque Friends Film Festival on Jan. 5 at Seoul Art Cinema, Jong-no. /Courtesy of Seoul Art Cinema By Lee Hyo-won Ever wondered what kind of works inspire famous filmmakers? Fans will have a chance to find out through the Cinematheque Friends Film Festival, featuring 44 domestic and foreign works including those that were handpicked by directors who have paved new possibilities in Korean cinema. The 6th edition of the annual event kicks off on Jan. 18 at Seoul Art Cinema, Jongno, and will continue through Feb. 27,...More

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  Bibimbab, Taegukgi Top Choices for G20 Promotion
  2010/11/09, Source
  South Korea's G20 summit preparation committee has conducted a survey that finds the Korean dish "bibimbab" and the Korean film "Taegukgi" wi,...More

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  [JIMFF] Lee Byeong-woo says "always on main character's side"
  2010/08/16, Source
  Lee Byeong-woo [Chae Ki-won/10Asia] There is film music that lasts in one's memories for as long as or longer than the movie itself. Most such music are regarded masterpieces and in that sense, the film music that guitarist Lee Byeong-woo has made are worthy of joining the ranks of masterpieces. But his music will arouse one's memory of a scene from a movie rather than let it become forgotten,...More

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  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

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  Lee Joon-gi to star in military musical
  2010/06/24, Source
  Official poster for military musical production "Voyage of Life" [tentative title] starring Lee Joon-gi. [Ministry of National Defense and Korea Musical Theatre Association] Korean actor Lee Joon-gi, who is currently serving in the military, has been cast in an upcoming musical production tentatively titled "Voyage of Life", according to a press release by the show's PR manager on Thursday. "Life", co-produced by the Ministry of National Defense and Korea Musical Theatre Association, is a special production commemorating the Korean War,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi "having a hard time" in military, says Jae Hee
  2010/06/18, Source
  Actor Jae Hee salutes reporters and fans after being discharged from Korea's Defense Media Agency in Seoul, South Korea on June 18, 2010. [Han Youn-jong/Asia Economic Daily] Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi is reportedly having a hard time adjusting to life in the army, according to fellow actor Jae Hee who was discharged from the military today. Speaking to a group of reporters after being discharged from Korea's Defense Media Agency on Friday morning, Jae Hee said that he met Lee "just once",...More

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  Lee Joon-gi to serve as celebrity military officer
  2010/06/11, Source
  Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi in a photo spread for fashion magazine W [W Korea] Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi, who today completed basic training as part of fulfilling his two-year military duties, has been selected to work as a celebrity military officer for the remainder of his serving period. According to Korea's Defense Media Agency on Friday, the actor was discharged from the army training camp after completing a five-week course and was be assigned to the PR unit in the agency,...More

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  [ChanMi's star news] Lee Joon-gi in the military!
  2010/06/11, Source
  Lee Joon-gi became the celebrity soldier in the military! He was famous for "The King and the Clown" and recently became the promoter soldier!,...More

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  "Blades of Blood" sells to 9 countries at Cannes film market
  2010/05/18, Source
  Official poster for film "Blades of Blood" [Cinus] Korean film "Blades of Blood" has been sold to nine countries including the U.K., Thailand, Iran and Indonesia at an ongoing film market in France. According to a press release by the film's marketing firm Ziness, the action flick received much praise and sold for "an unprecedented price" at the Cannes Film Market, where movie industry officials buy and sell their movies during the annual Cannes Film Festival,...More

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  Korean films hot at Cannes film market
  2010/05/14, Source
  Official poster for film "71-Into the Fire" [Taewon Entertainment] Korean films "Blades of Blood" and "71-Into the Fire", which both star Korean actor Cha Seung-won, have scored overseas distribution deals at an ongoing film market in France. The two pics were picked up by foreign movie buyers at the Cannes Film Market where movie industry officials buy and sell their movies during the annual Cannes Film Festival,...More

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  Korean book featuring Lee Joon-gi stirring Asia
  2010/05/12, Source
  Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi [JG Company] An upcoming Korean language learning book featuring Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi is already causing stir among his fans in Southeast Asian countries. The book, titled "Hello~ Korean", was written by two authors and features the Korean actor who participated from the early planning stages, offering his ideas and lending his famous voice free of charge for its narration,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi's military photo revealed on Cyworld
  2010/05/09, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi in the Korean military services [Cyworld] A recent photo of Lee Joon-gi taken at his current military training camp is spreading fast on the Internet since first being posted on Korea's popular social networking site Cyworld. In the picture, taken by a training assistant at Nonsan military camp and later put up on his mini-hompy, the military uniform-clad Lee is seen smiling while making a salute with his hands,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi enters Korean military with apologies
  2010/05/03, Source
  Korean actor Lee Joon-gi waves to fans ahead of entering the Korean military on May 3, 2010. [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily] Korean actor Lee Joon-gi entered the Korean army today, putting his acting career on hold for the next two years to fulfill his mandatory military duties. The 28-year-old actor bid farewell to thousands of fans -- including many who flew in from overseas -- and reporters, who showed up at the Nonsan military training camp to see the star off,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi says is looking forward to life as average man
  2010/04/30, Source
  Korean actor Lee Joon-gi [JG Company] Korean actor Lee Joon-gi has revealed his feelings about going to the military next week, saying he is "looking forward to spending time [in the military] as any average man who has to fulfill his mandatory military duties". Lee was quoted as saying the remark in a press statement released by his agency JG Company on Thursday, the response following the decision which has forced him to drop out of film "Grand Prix" and TV series "Faith",...More

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  'Blades of Blood' Plays It Too Safe
  2010/04/22, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  After rising to stardom with the sleeper hit "The King and the Clown",,...More

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  Traces of Lee Joon-ik's work in "Blades of Blood"
  2010/04/20, Source
  The cast of "Blades of Blood" from left to right: Hwang Jung-min, Baek Seong-hyeon, Cha Seung-won and Han Ji-hye [Movie Production company Haneul] They have all dreamt about the moon that escaped from the clouds. Lee Mong-hak (played by Cha Seung-won) wants to shine as the king who renews the rotten Chosun period and Hwang Jeong-hak (played by Hwang Jeong-min) hopes he can clear away clouds by blocking Lee Mong-hak who took away his conviction and the life of his friend. Kyeon-ja (played by Baek Sung-hyun) wants to overcome the pent-up anger he feels towards Lee Mong-hak who killed his father. And Baek Ji (played by Han Ji-hye) simply wants to walk under the moonlight with the person she loves. However, Kyeon-ja screams "Have you once in your life ever lived in a world like that" and fail to step under the moon's brilliant light. Traces of the war and laughter from "Hwangsanbul" and love and tragedy from the "The King and the Clown", both productions by Lee Joon-ik, can easily be found in his new pic "Blades of Blood". The film resembles “Hwangsanbul” in how the most serious situation and tragedy is melted away by humor and "The King and the Clown" when Kyeon-ja cries in a thunderous voice towards the craziness occuring in the palace. However, it is difficult to declare that "Blades of Blood" is director Lee's final masterpiece, just like the saying that it is hard to create a beautiful face with the perfect features. The conflicts amongst the characters are dull enough to seem trite and it cannot be concealed by the beautiful scenery or lyrical music. Will "Blades of Blood" be able to become a different moon for the audience who has already experienced and found joy from the prominent historical drama like "Slave Hunters?" The movie opens in local theaters on April 29,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi to enter military after shooting movie and drama
  2010/04/19, Source
  Korean actor Lee Joon-gi in previous TV series "Hero - Drama" [MBC] Korean actor Lee Joon-gi will be pushing back his military entrance date to fulfill his current work commitments, according to his agency JG Company on Monday. According to an official at JG, Lee had received a notice from Korea's Military Manpower Administration to enter the army within the year to fulfill his mandatory two-year service,...More

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  Korean film "Blades of Blood" sold overseas before premiere
  2010/03/19, Source
  Poster of Korean film "Blades of Blood" [Achim Pictures] Korean film "Blades of Blood" has been sold to five countries ahead of its release, according to the movie producers Achim Pictures on Friday. The trailer for "Blades of Blood" was shown at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival and five countries -- Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and South America -- purchased the picture which has yet to be released in Korea,...More

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  Kim Tae-hee, Lee Joon-gi to star in film "Grand Prix"
  2010/03/15, Source
  Korean actress Kim Tae-hee [Asia Economic Daily] Top Korean actors Lee Jun-ki and Kim Tae-hee are set to star in a new film titled "Grand Prix", according to their agencies JG Company and Luah Entertainment on Monday. Both agencies reported that the two stars have been cast for the lead roles and are waiting to sign the final contract for the film. Veteran Korean actors Park Geun-hyung and Go Doo-shim are reportedly in talks to play supporting roles.,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi to star in new TV series "Faith"
  2010/03/12, Source
  Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi in his previous TV series "Hero - Drama" [MBC] Korean actor Lee Joon-gi will star in an upcoming historical drama tentatively titled "Faith" in English, according to his agency on Friday. The actor will play the male lead in the drama, playing a young student of Eastern medicine who grows up be a legendary doctor during the Koryo Period. The series will be helmed by famed Korean director Kim Jong-hak, who is known for his blockbuster scale dramas such as "The Legend" (MBC, 2007), which starred top actor Bae Yong-joon, and "Sandglass" (SBS, 1995), which scored the highest viewership ratings in local television history.,...More

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  "Avatar" becomes biggest blockbuster in Korea
  2010/03/02, Source
  Korean official movie poster of "Avatar" [20th Century Fox] James Cameron's Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" has become the most-watched film in Korean box office history, according to estimates by the official Korean Film Council over the weekend. Statistics showed that the animated picture, which opened in theaters mid-December, had garnered over a total 13.04 million admissions by Saturday to rise above former record holder "The Host" with around 13.02 million viewers.,...More

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  "Secret Reunion" celebrates third win on Korean box office
  2010/02/22, Source
  No. 1 movie in Korea "Secret Reunion" [Showbox] Korean movie "Secret Reunion" continued its reign on the Korean box office to remain the most popular film in South Korea for the third consecutive week, according to estimates on Monday. The Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) revealed that the action pic sold 594,911 tickets during the weekend of February 19 to 21, admitting over three million viewers since its release in early February. "Secret Reunion" stars Korean actors Song Kang-ho who plays a former South Korean intelligence official and GKang Dong-won as the North Korean spy who reunite after six years since their first encounter.,...More

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  Korean actor Lee Joon-gi signs with new agency
  2010/02/19, Source
  Korean actor Lee Joon-gi [JG Company] Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi has signed with JG Company INC., a newly-established independent talenthouse which will solely manage Lee's career. "His contract with Mentor Entertainment ended late January and has now decided to join our company", stated a representative from JG on Friday.,...More
• France Telecom and Deauville Festival to present Asian films on cell phones
  2010/02/18, Source
  France Telecom subsidiary Orange™ has teamed up with the 12th Deauville Asian Film Festival (March 10 to 14, 2010) to showcase Asian cinema on its service portals. Films to be screened include a focus on Korean maverick auteur Kim Ki-duk plus tw,...More
• [TV Program] KOCCA and KOFIC Launch 3D Film Discussion and Biz Fair
  2010/02/16, Source
  Korea Creative Content Agency (President & CEO Lee Jae-woong) and the Korean Film Council (Chairman Cho Hee-moon) hold the 3D Film Discussion and Biz Fair with the theme of "Exploring the Future of Korean-style 3D Films" at the Cinémathèque, KOFA Theater No. 2, in KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agenc,...More

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  "Secret Reunion" takes another win on Korean box office
  2010/02/16, Source
  Movie poster for "Secret Reunion" [Showbox] Korean movie "Secret Reunion" remained the most popular film in South Korea for the second week in a row, according to estimates on Monday. Data released by the Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) indicated that the action flick hung onto spot atop the local box office, selling 726,116 tickets between February 12 and 14 and over a total two million since its release in early February. "Secret Reunion" is about the rendezvous of a former South Korean intelligence official, played by Sang Kang-ho, and North Korean spy, played by Gang Dong-won, meeting six years after their initial encounter.,...More

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  Kim Hee-sun, Lee Joon-gi being considered for new drama
  2010/02/15, Source
  Actress Kim Hee-sun and actor Lee Joon-gi [Asia Economic Daily] Top Korean actors Kim Hee-sun and Lee Joon-gi are being considered as the main cast for a new historical drama based on medicine helmed by famed director Kim Jong-hak of the "The Legend" series. "We are still in the process of discussing whether she will appear in "Faith" -- nothing has been set as of yet", actress Kim's agency told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Friday.,...More
• 'Avatar' Beats 'The King and the Clown' to Second Place
  2010/02/15, Source
  Hollywood science fiction blockbuster "Avatar" has come from behind to the second place, outpacing local film, "The King and the Clown".
  
  According to the compilation of ticket sales at cinemas by Korean Film Council via its,...More
• Avatar leads domestic box office for seventh week
  2010/02/01, Source
  Scene from No. 1 movie "Avatar" [20th Century Fox] Worldwide box office champ "Avatar" continued to set new highs on Korea's box office, becoming the highest grossing film ever released in the country as it topped the tally for the seventh weekend in a row. According to estimates by the Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) on Monday, "Avatar" sold 545,323 tickets between January 29 and 31 to accumulate nearly 11.27 million admissions since its release mid-December. In cash terms, the sci-fi epic grossed about 101.2 billion won, or about 86.2 million dollars, to become the first film released on the domestic box office to breach the 100 billion won mark.,...More

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  Film journalists pick Song Kang-ho, Kim Hye-ja top actors
  2010/01/28, Source
  Poster for film "Thirst" [CJ Entertainment] Song Kang-ho and Kim Hye-ja have been recognized last year's top film actors by Korean film journalists. The Korea Film Reporters Association (KOFRA) held the 1st Korean Film Award on Wednesday, naming Song best actor for his role in film "Thirst" and Kim as best actress for her role in "Mother - 2009". Song, 43, is considered one of Korea's most successful actors who has starred in a handful of hit films including "Memories of Murder", "The Host" and "Thirst", which won the Jury Prize at Cannes earlier last year.,...More
• "Avatar" takes sixth Korean box office win
  2010/01/25, Source
  Movie poster for "Avatar" [20th Century Fox] Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" continued to remain the most-watched movie in Korea last week, taking command of the box office for the sixth weekend in a row, according to official box office figures on Monday. Statistics by the Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) showed that the sci-fi action flick drew in 633,881 viewers from January 22 to 24, totalling close to 10.3 million viewers since the film's opening in mid-December.,...More
• 'Yi' to Mark 10th Anniversary
  2010/01/17, Source
  By Chung Ah-young
  Staff Reporter
  
  The play "Yi", better known by its film version, "The King and the Clown", will hit the stage at Seoul Arts Center next month to mark the 10th anniversary of its premiere.
  
  First staged in,...More
• "Avatar" becomes sixth most-watched film in Korea
  2010/01/14, Source
  Hollywood film "Avatar" has set another record in Korea this week, becoming the sixth most-watched film in the country's history, according to the film's distributor 20th Century Fox Korea on Friday.
  
  As of January 14, the James Cameron pic -- which on Monday was named the most-watched foreign fil,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi voted top Hallyu Star of 2009
  2009/12/31, Source
  Hallyu star Lee Joon-gi [Mentor Entertainment] Korean actor Lee Joon-gi has been voted top Hallyu Star of the year in a survey conducted by a Korean business news publication, according to a press release by his agency Mentor Entertainment on Thursday. In a recent poll titled "2009 My Vote for Top 6 Stars of the Year", Finance and Economy News asked viewers who they thought were this year's top six entertainers in the following categories; Male idol group, Female group, Solo singer, Male actor, Female actress, Hallyu Star, Drama and Film. Each respondent was allowed to vote for one star in each category. Results for the survey -- conducted from December 21 thru 29 -- were based on the votes cast by netizens as well as the site's Internet statistics, such as the number of times each star's news articles were read.,...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
• Movies to Watch in 2010
  2009/12/07, Source
  The film industry is already preparing for next year. Many renowned filmmakers have returned to Korea to produce movies about war and sequels to hit movies.
  
  Director Im Kwon-taek will produce his 101st movie,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi to Take a Lighter Role as Reporter
  2009/10/27, Source
  By Han Sang-hee
  Staff Reporter
  
  Actor Lee Joon-gi is up to the task to star in the new drama,...More
• Korea's Prolific Production of Gay Themed Cinema Continues
  2009/10/09, Source
  A soon to be released feature is about to join the ranks of Korea's burgeoning cannon of queer cinema. "Hello My Love", Kim Aaron's debut feature, comes at an end of a decade that h,...More

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  'Haeundae' Attracts 10 Mil. Audience
  2009/08/24, Source
  By Han Sang-hee
  Staff Reporter
  
  More than 10 million viewers have now watched the big-budget disaster film "Haeundae" since its release o,...More

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  Disaster Movie 'Haeundae' Heads for 10-Million Mark
  2009/08/17, Source
  The Korean disaster film "Haeundae" has attracted more than 9 million spectators in the 26 days since its release and is about to surpass the,...More

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  'Haeundae' Hits 7-Million-Viewer Mark
  2009/08/09, Source
  By Chung Ah-young
  Staff Reporter
  
  Local summer blockbuster "Haeundae", directed by,...More

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  [ChanMi's movie news] Hwang Jung-min, Cha Seung-won, and Han Ji-hye casted!
  2009/08/04, Source
  "Blades of Blood" main cast is revealed! The new Director Lee Joon-ik's film's fantastic cast consists of Hwang Jung-min, Cha Seung-won, Han Ji-hye, and Baek Sung-hyun! The film is based on the cartoon that is historical fiction with great action scenes. Hwang Jung-min is Hwang Jeong-hak who has a rivalry against the legendary blind swordsman. Cha Seung-won is Lee Mong-hak, the royal bloodline who dreams of rebelling against the world. The character Hwang Jeong-hak is blind, however he is most cunning and quickest swordsman who teaches Gyeon-ja who seeks revenge against,...More

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  Actor Lee Joon-gi in Japanese Spotlight
  2009/07/13, Source
  By Ines Min
  Contributing Writer
  
  Actor-turned-singer Lee Joon-gi is making a return to center stage in Japan with concerts in Kobe and Yokoha,...More
• Female Film Producer Jung Dies
  2009/05/17, Source
  By Han Sang-hee
  Staff Reporter
  
  Jung Seung-hye, the head of movie production company Achim and a famed copywriter, died Sunday from colon cancer. She was 44.
  
  Jung has been suffering from the illness since 2006 and was hospitalized last month after her condition worsened.
  
  "She struggled aga,...More
• Downturn Spawns 'Flower Men' Wind
  2009/04/03, Source
  By James Turnbull
  Contributing Writer
  
  The "Dynamic Korea" slogan has demonstrably failed to attract many tourists in recent years but it remains a fitting one for such a rapidly changing society.
  
  One vivid example is the elaborate hairstyles, pastel colors in the clothes of many young males a,...More

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  Lee Joon-gi Plans a U.S. Tour
  2009/03/06, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi plans to go on a U.S. tour in the latter half of this year, following the ones in China, Thailand, Japan, and Hong Kong. Lee's,...More

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  Mid-Budget Film Gives Hope to Local Cinema
  2009/01/23, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  The South Korean film industry had already been staggering for over two years and was hit especially hard by the global economic crisis. But the 2009 season begins h,...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
• Korean Mothers in Eyes of US Writer
  2008/12/02, Source
  By Chung Ah-young
  Staff Reporter
  
  It is a typical scene during winter when Korean women get together to make kimchi for the season and chat.
  
  The annual event seems natural for Koreans and passes unnoticed, but an American playwright infuses dramatic elements into it and weaves it into a cheerf,...More

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  [ChanMi's star news] Lee Joon-gi, another award streak?
  2008/11/28, Source
  Asian star, Lee Joon-gi is being talked about whether he will have another blessing of awards for the year end award ceremonies! Lee has received the "New Male Movie Star Award" for the film "The King and the Clown" in 2006. In addition he has received the MBC "Great Acting Award" for the dramas "My Girl" and "Time Between Dog and Wolf - Drama". And in 2008, he was awarded the fans' choice of 'Popularity Award'! This year, his drama "Iljimae" has been viewed 30% highest rating of the season! He has been having these hits for the last 3 years!,...More

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  Guitarist Lee to Perform For Fans
  2008/10/20, Source
  By Han Sang-hee
  Staff Reporter
  
  Prepare for a romantic evening with the jazzy guitar licks of Korea's best guitarist Lee Byeong-woo.
  
  L,...More
• 13th Pusan Film Festival Opens
  2008/10/02, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  BUSAN _ The 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF) kicked off Thursday evening with the world premiere of "The Gift to Stalin" in this southern port city. It is Asia's largest cinema event, featuring a record number of 315 films from 60 countries inc,...More

• 

  [ChanMi's star news] Lee Joon-gi praised for his emotional acting skills
  2008/08/23, Source
  Lee Joon-gi, the 26-year-old actor has recently finished filming for the SBS drama "Iljimae". He has previousle been in the movie "The King and the Clown" and dramas "My Girl" and "Time Between Dog and Wolf - Drama" where he was the character who faced tragedies. And he is well praise for his ability to portray such complex tragic emotions rather than simply expressing sadness.,...More

• 

  [Review] 'Shadows in the Palace'
  2008/08/15, Source
  A dark thriller exposes the underbelly of monarchical splendor
  Kyu Hyun Kim (qhyunkim)
  
  The time is the Joseon dynasty -- unspecified but presumed to be around 18th century. The place is the women',...More

• 

  'Crossing' to Represent Korea for Oscar
  2008/08/07, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  The North Korean defector movie "Crossing" will represent South Korean cinema as a possible competitor in,...More

• 

  Soo Ae Admits to Passing Out in Film
  2008/07/22, Source
  Soo Ae admitted in an interview with Yonhap News that had actually gotten drunk and blacked out for a scene. It was for a scene in her new film,...More

• 

  Watch Sun-heui Become 'Sunny'
  2008/07/17, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  "Sunny", a love story set amid the Vietnam War, epitomizes South Korean director,...More

• 

  From Pretty Boy to Action Star: Lee Joon-gi Changes Shape
  2008/07/04, Source
  Guryepo Beach in southwest Taean, the site of the devastating oil spill late last year, is seeing a return of the crowds. It's the location of the SBS drama,...More

• 

  [ChanMi's star news] Song Il-gook in "Land of the Wind"
  2008/07/03, Source
  Although he's having some trouble with a reporter suing him, he's still doing his job as an actor. Our hero from "Jumong" has returned for "Land of wind" (바람의 나라) as Jumong's grandson, Moo-hyool.,...More

• 

  'Sunny' offers a woman's Vietnam War
  2008/07/02, Source
  Director Lee Joon-ik built up a lofty reputation with ",...More

• 

  KIM's East-Western Set for Gala NA Premiere
  2008/07/01, Source
  The North American premiere of Kim Jee-woon's eagerly anticipated 'oriental western' ",...More

• 

  [ChanMi's movie news] Every man's first love, Soo Ae
  2008/06/30, Source
  Lee Joon-ik, Director of "The King and the Clown" casted Soo Ae for his new movie "Sunny". His reasons for choosing Soo Ae is that the young ladies of 1971 are now old enough to be our mothers, so an actress who best fits the image of a first love who becomes a mother through time's progression is Soo Ae.,...More

• 

  "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" Invited to Toronto
  2008/06/27, Source
  Highly touted Korean-style western "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" has been officially invited to the Gala Section of,...More
• DC hosts Korean film fest
  2008/05/30, Source
  The Korean Film Festival DC 2008 opened already in early April, and is still running until June 12. The festival is organised by the Smithsonian Institute with the assistance of several Korean organisations, including the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).
  
  Tom Vick, programmer, thinks it's "only a slig,...More
• Korean Film Festival 2008 at the Smithsonian
  2008/05/28, Source
  The Smithsonian Institution's Korean Film Festival DC 2008, organized through the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries and made possible by the Korea Foundation, the Korean Film Council, and the US-Korea Business Council, continues into June. The remaining film showings fall into two categories,...More

• 

  Drama 'Iljimae' has tough act to follow
  2008/05/20, Source
  New historical drama "Iljimae", airing tonight on SBS, will be hard pressed to live up to its predecessor,,...More
• Iljimae vs. Iljimae: Fight of 'Ki' (Lee Joon-gi - Lee Seung-gi)
  2008/05/15, Source
  "Lee Joon-gi vs Lee Seung-gi, the viewers choose…'
  
  In 2008, two 'Iljimae's will find the home theater.
  
  The SBS historical drama "Iljimae", starring,...More
• Black House and May 18 to be released in Japan
  2008/04/04, Source
  Japanese Kadokawa announced the release dates of Shin Terra's horror film "Black House" (Geomeun Jib) and Kim Ji-hoon's,...More
• Vive La Korean Food! Hallyu Revitalizes Culinary Tradition
  2008/03/20, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  Garfield the cartoon cat often says, "you are what you eat". Rightly so, the art and science of eating and culinary customs and styles define a people's culture, tradition and spirit.
  
  While Korea possesses a unique gastronomic culture, many have turned to import,...More

• 

  'Single Daddy in Love' promises comic relief
  2008/02/18, Source
  A mixed martial arts fighter plays a single father to his seven-year-old son in KBS's new drama "Single Dad in Love".
  
  Set to air,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi appearing in China's 'National drama'
  2008/01/24, Source
  Actor, Lee Joon-gi (27) will be appearing in Chinese TV drama.
  
  China's popular drama scriptwriter, Haiwan cast,...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

• 

  Lee Lights Christmas Tree in Thailand
  2007/12/05, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  Actor Lee Joon-gi celebrated Yuletide, royal style, in Thailand. During his tour with the Korean-Thai Chamber,...More
• Events to promote Korean Films held in the US
  2007/11/13, Source
  While many new Korean films are premiering in Korea this fall, spicing up domestic theaters, several events introducing Korean films to US audiences are being held across the United States, drawing attention from many.
  
  At the top of the list is the Korean Film Festival in Los Angeles (KOFFLA), t,...More
• 2nd London Korean Film Festival Starts
  2007/11/01, Source
  15 Korean films are being showcased this November at the 2nd annual London Korean Film Festival, screening at the Barbican in London's financial district. Opening the weeklong festival, which runs the 2nd to the 8th, is Kim Ki-duk's 2007 Canne,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi, to return as 'Iljimae'
  2007/10/11, Source
  Lee Joon-gi who rose to stardom with his feminine clown role in ",...More
• "Shadows" Illuminates Palace Mysteries
  2007/10/11, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  Marked by intrigue, scandal and a touch of gore, "Shadows in the Palace" showcases classic formulas of Korean horror with a modern edge, while exploring novel dimensions of humanism beneath the,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi became a new family member of Jackie Chan!
  2007/10/03, Source
  According to Mentor Entertainment, where Lee Joon-gi belongs to, Lee Joon-gi recently ag,...More
• Rise of Korean Films Seen in World Cinema
  2007/09/25, Source
  The New York Times ran a story in June headlined "Korea emerges as epicenter of Asian film and music", which focused on the rise of Korean films in world cinema.
  
  The story said Asian genre films, especially those from Korea, have built a steady following in the West since Hong Kong cinema broke o,...More
• Films to Catch During Chuseok
  2007/09/20, Source
  Chuseok Events at Lotte Cinema
  
  Why not enjoy traditional Chuseok games at the theater? Lotte Cinema is offering moviegoers not only the latest films but also games in its multiplex theaters, Sept. 24-26.
  
  Jegichagi is a simple game of kicking a jegi, a feathered ball, with your inner heal, keep,...More
• Movies Out This Week
  2007/09/14, Source
  And finally with the weekend coming up, viewers can expect some fun and exciting new movies in theaters.
  A comedy about a kidnapping: another comedy about men who escape their dull life and the final in an action series about a CIA agent's journey to find his identity are this week's stories.
  Kim,...More
• Middle-Aged Men Escape, Onscreen
  2007/09/11, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  A lineup of heartwarming family movies await audiences with Korea's thanksgiving holiday Chuseok around the corner. Among them, "Bravo My Life - 2007",,...More

• 

  "Secret Sunshine" Korea's Choice for the Oscar's
  2007/09/11, Source
  A committee appointed by the Korean Film Council(KOFIC) has selected Lee Chang-dong's ",...More

• 

  "May 18" Tops 7 Million Admissions
  2007/09/04, Source
  According to the latest box office, historical-tragedy "May 18", has surpassed 7 million ticket sales as of September 3, making it the highest,...More

• 

  Hawaii Honors Lee Joon-gi
  2007/09/04, Source
  South Korean star Lee Joon-gi is gaining popularity in the US. The 27th Hawaiian International Film Festival (HIFF) has announced that Lee will,...More

• 

  Hawaii Film Fest to Spotlight Lee Joon-gi
  2007/09/04, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  Actor Lee Joon-gi will receive the Rising Star Award at the upcoming 27th Louis Vuitton Hawaii International F,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi Wins Rising Star Award
  2007/09/03, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi has won the Rising Star award of the 27th Hawaiian International Film Festival.
  
  Lee rose to stardom for his role in the mov,...More
• [MOVIE REVIEW] Upbeat spin on Korean men
  2007/08/30, Source
  For the family. For the company. For the future. There is almost always some excuse for not doing something that we really want to do. We proudly call it "sacrifice" that is necessary for our happiness. After all, our true wishes will be realized some day if we gladly persevere present suffering.
  
  ,...More
• Happy Life: By Simply Realizing What You Want to Do.
  2007/08/30, Source
  The opening of "The Happy Life", the most recent movie by Lee Joon-ik – director of ",...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi visits Japan for 'My Girl' promotion
  2007/08/29, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi is promoting in Japan. Capturing audiences both on screen and television through the 2005 'My Girl' and movie ',...More
• Lee Joon-ik Casts Soo Ae and Uhm Tae-woong
  2007/08/29, Source
  The leading roles for Lee Joon-ik's "Sunny" (Nimeun Meon Gose, English translation: "someone dear is far away") went to Soo Ae 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

• 

  Television Debate About Dragon Film 'D-War' Fires Up Korea
  2007/08/10, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  The summer heat sizzled up as a 100-minute debate on the Korean blockbuster movie "D-War" televised live early,...More
• LEE Joon-ik Explores Love and War
  2007/08/08, Source
  Celebrated director Lee Joon-ik will next film Nimeun Mon Gose (English translation: "Someone Dear is Far Away"), about a woman who sets out to search for her missing-in-action husband during the Vietnam War. She decides to become a member of a,...More
• Korean Films Strike Back
  2007/08/05, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  The staggering Korean film industry, with production levels plummeting and international sales down, glows with a ray of hope as two domestic blockbusters are shining through.
  
  Comedian-turned-director,...More

• 

  "May 18" off to a Promising Start
  2007/07/30, Source
  "May 18" opened strong, taking in US$ 10.1 million in its first weekend. The CJ Entertainment title took the top spot at the box office with 1.,...More
• Sponge to Release Eternal Hearts
  2007/07/24, Source
  Art-house, indie, and foreign importer Sponge Entertainment will release "For Eternal Hearts", Hwang Kyoo-deok's supernatural melodrama that World Premiered as the curtain,...More
• Bibliography of the 2006 Cultural Archetypal Contents is Published
  2007/07/23, Source
  A book on cultural archetypal content and cultural and historical content materials for "The King and the Clown" and "Jumong" has recently been published by the Korea Cul,...More
• Korean films line up for Chuseok holiday
  2007/07/20, Source
  The summer season has been dominated by Hollywood blockbusters, but a wide collection of Korean films are lining up for a release during the Chuseok holiday in September.
  
  The holiday, which will effectively last from September 22 to 26, is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year at th,...More
• Korean movies falter in first half of 2007
  2007/07/16, Source
  In the first half of this year, the combined share of Korean films fell to 47.3 percent, marking the lowest level since 2001. The continued drop in market share, partly prompted by the relatively stronger performance of Hollywood blockbusters, is now sounding alarms in the domestic film industry.
  
  ,...More

• 

  'May 18' Remembers Heroes of Gwangju
  2007/07/10, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  May 18, 1980 is forever engraved in modern Korean history as the beginning of a fateful series of events. Its tragedy is relived on screen as director,...More

• 

  Actor Lee Joon-gi. No Longer Just a Pretty Boy
  2007/07/05, Source
  I met actor Lee Joon-gi (25 years old) near Incheon Harbor, which was filled with large containers and cranes and the scent of the salty air fro,...More
• Korean Films Enter Fukuoka Asian Film Festival
  2007/06/28, Source
  The 21st Fukuoka Asian Film Festival opens June 29th and will run through July 8th in Fukuoka, Japan. This film festival started in 1987 to discover and nurture new filmmakers from all over Asia. This year, 14 films from nine nations will be introduced at the festival.
  
  Korea will present four fil,...More

• 

  "May 18th" to Open July 26th
  2007/06/26, Source
  Dealing with the events leading up to one of the tragedies in Korean history known as the Gwangju Massacre, "May 18th", directed by Kim Ji-hoon,,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi Approached to Star in Chinese Movie
  2007/06/20, Source
  Lee Joon-gi, star of the movie "The King and the Clown", has caught the,...More
• Lotte Cinema Holds Rerun of Grand Bell Awards Winners
  2007/06/19, Source
  Winners of the main prizes at this year's Grand Bell Awards were screened again in cinemas from June 18. Lotte Cinema presented reruns of top-prize winner "Family Ties" ("The Birth of a Family") along with other awardees:,...More

• 

  LEE Joon-ki Awarded at Shanghai Fest
  2007/06/12, Source
  Young Korean star Lee Joon-gi will be presented with the Overseas Star Award at the 10th Shanghai International Film Festival on June 16th along,...More
• 8 Korean Films Screen at China's Top Fest
  2007/06/12, Source
  Seven South Korean features and one short film will be presented at this year's 10th anniversary edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival. China's top film event opens June 16th for a nine-day run.
  
  Of the seven features, two have been selected in competition sections. Director,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi Wins Overseas Star Award at Shanghai Film Festival
  2007/06/08, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi will receive the Top Foreign Star Award at the 10th Shanghai Film Festival on June 16 along with actress Sharon Stone.
  
  Lee',...More
• The Top Korean Movies by Box Office Takings
  2007/06/08, Source
  As big Hollywood blockbusters start flooding our screens this summer, with every one claiming some box office record or other, the Chosun Ilbo for the first time rates the ticket sales of Korean movies, as opposed to audience numbers. The numbers come from movie distributors like CJ Entertainment, S,...More
• 44th Grand Bell Award Nominations
  2007/06/05, Source
  One of South Korea's top two annual film awards ceremonies will take place June 8th in the city of Daejeon. The 44th Grand Bell Awards, which is televised nationally, will be accompanied by the week long Daejeon Film Festival which will showcase 66 domestic films including last year's sensational <,...More
• Hollywood Blockbusters Deepen Korean Cinema Woes
  2007/05/29, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  Following "Spider-Man 3", "Pirates of the Caribbeans: At World's End" (Pirates 3) is sweeping the domestic box office at a fast and furious rate _ but the alarming dominance of foreign films is only an indicator of a deeper problem in the Korean film industry.
  
  "P,...More

• 

  'Hwang' Is Lovely But Lackluster
  2007/05/24, Source
  By Lee Hyo-won
  Staff Reporter
  
  "Hwang Jin Yi" delivers a novel interpretation of one of the most celebrated women in the Joseon Kingdo,...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
• 2 Korean Films Awarded at 9th Deuville
  2007/04/05, Source
  Local blockbuster "The King and the Clown" and low-budget drama "Ad-Lib Night" took home two of the four main awards handed out the 9th Deuville Asian Film Festival,...More
• "The King and the Clown" Wins Award in French Movie Festival
  2007/04/02, Source
  As yet more proof of the Korean film industry's growing presence in the international arena, the domestic blockbuster "The King and the Clown" by director Lee Joon-ik has,...More
• 2007 Deauville Asian Film Festival Awards
  2007/04/01, Source
  LOTUS DU MEILLEUR FILM | BEST FILM
  SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY
  de Apichatpong WEERASETHAKUL (Thaïlande - Thailand)
  
  LOTUS DU JURY | JURY PRIZE
  "The King and the Clown"
  de,...More
• Jun Ji-hyun Cedes Advertising Power to Jang Dong-gun
  2007/03/30, Source
  Consumers no longer feel that Jeon Ji-hyun is the most bankable advertising model and instead name Jang Dong-gun. The finding is the result of a survey of 1,465 people in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province by brand consultancy Brand38 from March 5 u,...More
• Soo: Hard-hitting film by CHOI Yang-il (SAI Yoichi)
  2007/03/13, Source
  Korean-Japanese director Choi Yang-il, known in Japan as SAI Yoichi, is in town with his first film made entirely in Korea with a Korean cast. "Soo", is a hard-boiled revenge-thriller about a man, Tae-su, who witnesses the killing of his iden,...More
• New Movie: Big Bang
  2007/03/08, Source
  I met Kam Woo-sung, who stars in the buddy movie "Big Bang", with Kim Soo-ro, on Monday at Samcheong-dong, Seoul. In the movie, Ka,...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
• Critics Say Korean Films Need Stronger Marketing
  2007/03/04, Source
  Korean movies have enjoyed growing recognition by international film festivals receiving a few major honors in recent years.
  But the US Academy Awards have largely ignored Korean cinema something which Korean film critics say must change through stronger marketing.
  Son Heekyung has more.
  More tha,...More
• Period dramas, key to reviving homegrown musicals?
  2007/03/01, Source
  It is obviously not easy to rent major theaters in Seoul for local productions that wish to stage creative homegrown musicals. But there is an answer. Historical musicals produced on a grand-scale might work.
  
  Following footsteps of smash hit musical "The Last Empress", another historical and home,...More

• 

  'Radio Star' Tries to Live up to Past
  2007/02/19, Source
  Lee Joon-ik's latest film suffers in comparison to previous hit
  
  Mirja Maletzki (jane0815)
  
  Having to live up to your own fame is never easy,...More

• 

  LEE Joon-ik's Joyful Life
  2007/02/12, Source
  Director Lee Joon-ik has announced his next project, reprising themes from his previous film ",...More
• Monthly film screening series
  2007/02/12, Source
  "The King and the Clown" 2005, 119 min
  
  Directed by Lee Joon-ik. Starring Lee Joon-gi. Recorded the highest gross,...More

• 

  Exports plummet for Korean films
  2007/02/12, Source
  Overconfidence in Korean Wave results in poor strategy, with a series of major flops in Japan sparking setbacks
  
  By Yang Sung-jin
  
  The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is poised to infuse more ener,...More
• Directors Lee Jun-ik and Kim Hae-gon Make Male-bonding Films
  2007/02/02, Source
  Two of Korea's top filmmakers have chosen to make movies about male bonding.
  
  Director Lee Joon-ik of "The King and the Clown" and ",...More

• 

  Bi-sang Breaks Documentary Record
  2007/01/29, Source
  Director Im Yoo-cheol's football documentary "Bi-sang" has set a new record for Korea,...More

• 

  LEE Joon-ki Wraps Japan/Korea Co-production
  2007/01/16, Source
  Rising Korean-wave star Lee Joon-gi has completed shooting a Korean-Japanese joint production, ",...More
• Screen 2007: Return of Master Directors
  2007/01/09, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  The number of films produced last year was 108, the most ever in Korean cinematic history, and many of them were feature debut works by emerging directors. But more familiar names will be seen at the box office this year as many renowned directors are preparing to,...More
• Hallyu Stars to Meet Fans in Cheju
  2007/01/08, Source
  By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
  Staff Reporter
  
  Cheju Island is the place to be this month for fans of Korea's top hallyu stars. Five of Korea's biggest male stars are scheduled to meet their fans in the southern island, as part of the Hallyu Expo.
  
  K-pop star,...More
• Behemoths in the Movie Industry
  2007/01/02, Source
  Low-Budget Films Suffer From Unfair Market Practices of Three Big Companies
  
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  The local film industry last year produced two mega hits _ the historical piece "The King and the Clown" and the,...More
• College students vote for "The Host" as the Korean film of the year
  2006/12/27, Source
  The record-setting box-office hit film "The Host" was named as the Korean film of the year by college students, with the film's director Bong Joon-ho as the year's best director.
  
  Ac,...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
• The Host and King and the Clown named hit products of 2006
  2006/12/26, Source
  Bong Joon-ho's "The Host" and Lee Joon-ik's ",...More
• BONG's Host Takes Top Prize at Blue Dragon
  2006/12/21, Source
  Bong Joon-ho's all-time box-office champion "The Host" made a splash at the 27th Blue Dragon film awards, which held its year-end ceremony Dec. 15th in Seoul. The summer blockbuster a,...More
• Hallyu stars spread holiday giving spirit
  2006/12/21, Source
  Hallyu stars Lee Young-ae and Lee Joon-gi are spreading the holiday spirit by making donations of 100 million won and 2 million won, respectively, to local organizations on Thursday (Dec.,...More
• Top 10 News Part 4- The Year's Cultural High Notes
  2006/12/20, Source
  In this fourth installment of the year's top ten news, we look at the cultural high notes of 2006.
  The year's highlights range across the creative spectrum from pop music and movies to dramas and non-verbal performances.
  Son Heekyung has this overview.
  
  Korean pop culture has quickly spread acro,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi to Promote "The King and the Clown" in Japan
  2006/12/04, Source
  Lee Joon-gi, the co-star of Korea's blockbuster "The King and the Clown,...More
• King and the Clown Wins Big in Cape Town
  2006/11/29, Source
  The Cape Town World Cinema Festival in South Africa awarded its top prize of Best Feature Film to The King and the Clown by director Lee Joon-ik. The festival, which is th,...More
• King and the Clown wins Best Picture award in Cape Town Film Festival
  2006/11/22, Source
  Director Lee Joon-ik's King and the Clown (Produced by Eagle Pictures ? Cineworld) bagged the Best Picture and Best Screenplay awards at the 2006 Cape Town World Cinema Festival last November 20 in the Republic of South Africa.
  
  This is the f,...More

• 

  'King' Win Honors at Cape Town Film Fest
  2006/11/22, Source
  One of the nation's all-time highest grossing movies "The King and the Clown" was awarded Best Picture and Best Screenplay at t,...More
• Record Yearly Market Share Expected
  2006/11/21, Source
  A report by Korea's leading cinema chain CJ CGV predicts a 60% plus market share of Korean films in the domestic market this year. After the first ten months of 2006 a market share of 61.9% is recorded by CJ CGV.
  
  Even if the admissions will turn out lower than the prospect during the remaining mo,...More
• Two Friends to Co-Star in New Movie
  2006/11/20, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  Kim Soo-ro and Kam Woo-sung, two veteran actors, worked together on the upcoming comedy film "Ssonda" (,...More
• "A good story, coupled with good direction and acting, make a good film".
  2006/11/14, Source
  "It has been said that a director makes over 15,000 decisions as regards a film, and a producer, some 10,000 decisions. Actors and cinematography, lighting, and other staff have their own share of responsibilities. As such, the making of a film involves hundreds of thousands of ideas and decisions b,...More

• 

  'King and the Clown' Is Now a Musical
  2006/11/13, Source
  Seeking Identity as Clown Is Key in Musical Yi: Director Kim
  
  
  By Chung Ah-young
  Staff Reporter
  
  
  Kim Tae-woong, playwright and director of the play "Yi", saw his play recreated as the movie ",...More
• Cinecube kicks off an exhibition on the best Korean films in 2006
  2006/11/09, Source
  Cinecube ( http://www.cinecube.net) in Shinmunro, Seoul is running the Special Exhibition on Korean Films of the Year from Nov. 15 to 21.
  The exhibition showcases the five most beloved Korean films this year:,...More

• 

  'The Host' breaks 13 million viewer record, English version on the way
  2006/11/06, Source
  "The Host" breaks 13 million viewer record, English version on the way
  
  Local sci-fi film,...More
• Movies With English Subtitles
  2006/11/02, Source
  "Road" (Kil)
  
  Sponge House
  
  Through Nov. 8
  
  Directed by Bae Chang-ho, the movie is set in the mid-1970s, in a street market that was held regularly in the countryside. It revolves around Tae-suk, a blacksmith who moves from one market to,...More

• 

  Lee Joon-gi: Proof that the K-Wave Rolls On
  2006/10/26, Source
  The actor Lee Joon-gi, propelled to stardom in the surprise blockbuster ",...More

• 

  CJ Angers London Film Fans
  2006/10/22, Source
  By Han Eun-jung
  Staff Reporter
  
  CJ Entertainment, one the nation's largest investors in, and distributors of, films is being criticized for a failure to screen a local movie at an international fil,...More

• 

  Producer of "King and the Clown" reveals his secrets to success
  2006/10/19, Source
  The Cyber Culture and Content Academy's 'Professional Course: Cultural Content Producer Course' opens on Oct. 23
  
  The Cyber Culture and Content Academy ( http://contents.connect.or.kr ), managed by,...More
• Korean, Taiwanese Stars to Compete at Korean Box Office
  2006/10/18, Source
  Korean top actress Kim Tae-hee will have to compete with Taiwanese top actress Shu Qi at the box office in December, when movies starring the two are released simultaneously.
  
  The competition,...More
• Market Share Record Domestic Films
  2006/10/12, Source
  Korea's leading film exhibitor CGV reported a record breaking market share of Korean films last September. Korean films dominated the domestic market with 82.7% of the sold tickets, edging over February 2004's record, when Korean films had a market share of 81.8%.
  
  Two strong performing Korean fil,...More
• Movies for Long Chusok Holiday
  2006/10/04, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  To celebrate the Chusok holiday, millions of people are expected to hit the roads to their hometowns enduring severe traffic congestion. But with longer leaves from work this year, many people will also be spending the holiday at theaters.
  
  "As the holiday is lon,...More
• Boys Will Be Boys, Friends Will Be Friends
  2006/10/04, Source
  By Yi Chang-ho
  Contributing Writer
  
  What are the best days of your life? For the high school friends in Riverbank Legends it's when they hang out at night on their territory, a bare riverbank; a hard-won place they fought over side by side. For the friends in,...More
• New drama Hwangjin-i demonstrates impact of 'Cultural Archetype Syndrome'
  2006/09/28, Source
  Making full use of the 'Kisaeng culture in the Joseon period', 'traditional accessories', and the 'drinking culture'
  
  KBS's new Wednesday and Thursday drama, "Hwangjin-i" (written by Yoon Seon-joo and directed by,...More
• Director Lee Joon-ik's New Film 'Radio Star'
  2006/09/25, Source
  One of Korea's most successful directors is about to release his latest work.
  Director Lee Joon-ik of "The King and the Clown" fame is back with ",...More
• Spoilt for Movie Choice During Long Chuseok Break
  2006/09/25, Source
  This year's Chuseok or Korean Thanksgiving holiday will be the longest ever since it comes right after the Foundation Day holiday. Theaters will not miss this golden opportunity to draw as many viewers as possible by showing the best movies. Competition will be fiercer than ever.
  
  Clockwise from l,...More
• 'King and Clown' Chosen for Academy
  2006/09/22, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  South Korea's second most viewed film "The King and the Clown" will be submitted to next year's Academy Awards.
  
  The historical piece by director Lee Jun-ik was picked as the nation's conte,...More
• King and the Clown aims for the Oscar
  2006/09/21, Source
  On September 21, the Korean Film Council announced the movie "King and the Clown" for their bid on the Academy Award.
  
  Three films were considered for the opportunity: "The King and the Clown" by Lee Joon-ik,,...More
• LEE Joon-ik proceeds with Radio Star
  2006/09/21, Source
  The upcoming comedy Radio Star is the next film of director Lee Joon-ik. The main roles are played by Park Joong-hoon (,...More
• 11th PIFF Announces Line-Up
  2006/09/21, Source
  Last week in Seoul at an unusually crowded press conference, Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) director Kim Dong-ho and his team, presented an impressive line-up of premieres, programs, and celebrity events, all to take place during its,...More
• "The King" up for Academy Nomination
  2006/09/21, Source
  The domestic blockbuster "The King and the Clown" will vie for the honor of Best Foreign Language Film at next year's Academy Awards in the U.S.
  
  The Korean Film Council says its selection of the "The King" for submission to,...More
• NAMSADANG
  2006/09/14, Source
  A Troupe of Players
  
  By Shim Hyun-chul
  Staff Reporter
  
  Performer Kwon Won-tae greets audiences before his tightrope walking performance at the Namsadang Training Center in Ansong, Kyonggi Province, last Saturday.
  
  White fans begin to flutter, and a man flies into the sky, with a single rope,...More
• Are Korean Movie Stars Too Expensive?
  2006/09/13, Source
  The Korean film industry continues to grow at an alarming pace. After "Silmido" opened an era of 10-million ticket sellers in 2004, four more films quickly followed suit. "The Host" r,...More
• The Host Tops King and the Clown
  2006/09/08, Source
  Korean monster thriller "The Host" smashed all box office records last weekend, supplanting "The King and the Clown" as the highest grossing film in Korean history. The,...More
• Three Films Vie for Foreign Film Oscars
  2006/09/08, Source
  Three local films will compete to represent Korea in the 2007 Academy Awards category for Best Foreign Language Film. They are "The King and the Clown", "The Host", and,...More
• "The Host", "King and the Clown" to Compete Overseas
  2006/09/04, Source
  "The Host" and "King and the Clown" -- the two most popular movies in Korea this year -- have emerged as rivals in Korean, Japanese and American box-offices.
  
  Last weekend,,...More

• 

  Monster-Themed Film Sets New Record in Seoul
  2006/09/03, Source
  Homegrown monster-themed film "The Host" has set a new ticket sales record in South Korea by drawing more than 12.37 million viewers, its dis,...More

• 

  'The Host' Smashes Box Office Record
  2006/09/03, Source
  The blockbuster film "The Host" is the country's new all-time box office champion, as it broke 12.3 million in the number of tickets sold Sat,...More

• 

  Monster Takes Millions to Theaters
  2006/09/03, Source
  'Host' Leads to Phenomenal Success, Setting New Records
  
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  Local monster movie "The Host" overtook the ep,...More

• 

  'The Host' Claims All-time Box Office Title
  2006/09/02, Source
  The Korean blockbuster movie "The Host" has finally done it in just its 38th day of release.
  Breaking the mark of 12-million-300,000 tickets,...More

• 

  'The Host' Set for All-Time Box-Office Record
  2006/09/01, Source
  Monster flick "The Host" is poised to overtake the ",...More

• 

  Promo Cartoon Portrays ’King and Clown’ Star’s Life
  2006/08/24, Source
  "The King and the Clown" sold 12.3 million tickets, Korea's no. 1 movie of all time until then, and the hero Gong-Gil, a man wi,...More

• 

  Monster Film Feared to Hurt Domestic Industry
  2006/08/22, Source
  More than 11 million moviegoers saw The Host, just three weeks after it hit the silver screen.
  But such stellar numbers are raising concerns,...More
• 'The Host' Becomes 3rd-Biggest Box Office Hit
  2006/08/21, Source
  The Host has become the third-biggest box office hit in Korean cinema history after more than 11 million moviegoers watched the monster film.
  Since opening in theaters on July 25th, 11.1 million people have seen the movie.
  That's roughly o,...More
• 'The Host' breaks 10-million mark
  2006/08/17, Source
  Besides popcorn and soda pop, there is something ubiquitous in every Korean theater this summer - the monster of the Han River.
  
  The Host by Bong Joon-ho broke the 10-million viewer,...More
• Korean Film 'The Host' Surpasses 10 Million Viewer Mark
  2006/08/16, Source
  There's a new record in Korean cinema.
  
  The monster film The Host has stomped past the 10-million viewer mark, just three weeks after its release.
  That's the fastest for a domestic film.
  Son Hee-kyung tells us that at this rate; it could,...More

• 

  'Host' Hits 10-Million Mark in 21 Days
  2006/08/16, Source
  By Chung Ah-young
  Staff Reporter
  
  The Host by director Bong Joon-ho, Wednesday hi,...More
• Korean Int. Premiers Compete in Toronto
  2006/08/14, Source
  Two Korean films have been added to the Discovery Section of the 31st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) running this September 7th to 16th. TIFF ranks alongside Cannes, Berlin and Venice as one of the world's top film events. Korea's extremely successful local hit King and the Clown and the,...More
• 'Host' Claws Way to 6th on Box Office List
  2006/08/07, Source
  The monster blockbuster The Host has clawed its way up to sixth in terms of all-time ticket sales after just eleven days.
  Son Hee-kyung tells us that at this rate the movie about a mutant living in Seoul's Han River could become Korea's new,...More
• ‘Host’ Breaks 6-Million-Viewer Mark
  2006/08/07, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  Homemade sci-fi blockbuster The Host by director Bong Joon-ho is breaking records at an unprecedented pace, where it Sunday marked 6 million viewers.,...More
• Korean Movies Welcomed to Toronto International Film Festival
  2006/08/04, Source
  Some Korean movies are warmly welcomed to the 31st Toronto International Film Festival, which will be held in Toronto from September 7 through 16. it is the biggest non-competitive film festival in the North American region.
  
  First of all, "Family Ties" (",...More

• 

  ‘Daddy’ Can’t Fly Beyond Expectation
  2006/08/03, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  The Japanese hit novel "Fly, Daddy, Fly" is acclaimed for its witty portrayal of the sad situat,...More
• “King and the Clown” Invited to Tokyo Film Festival
  2006/08/02, Source
  The film "The King and the Clown", which has drawn the most viewers in the domestic box-office history, has been invited to the "Special Screenings" category of this year's Tokyo International Film Festival.
  
  The festival's organizing committee selects film for special screenings based on strict c,...More
• "The Host" Stomps to Multiple Box Office Records
  2006/07/31, Source
  The Host has emerged dripping from the Han River and is headed for world conquest. The film, which opened Thursday to explosive box office numbers, opens on Sept. 2 in Japan and in the U.S. in October. It will also go on release in seven oth,...More
• King and Clown Star Works Hard for Little Pay
  2006/07/27, Source
  It's a fine example of the kind of windfalls shrewd business can bring. For his appearance in "Fly, Daddy, Fly" (Dir. Choi Jong-tae, Prod. Dyne Film-Guardtec, Inc.), it was,...More
• Lee Joon-gi Picks ‘Fly’ to Repeat Success
  2006/07/27, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  Actor Lee Joon-gi became the nation's heartthrob when he played an effeminate court jester in the country's most viewed film of all time, ",...More
• 43rd Crowns King and the Clown
  2006/07/26, Source
  The 43rd annual Grand Bell Awards ceremony, held July 21st at the COEX Convention Hall in southern Seoul, presented its top prize for Best Film to The King and the Clown as indeed almost everyone expected. The film grew into a colossal local hit when it was released in December of last year, attract,...More
• ‘King and the Clown’ Wins 7 Grand Bell Awards
  2006/07/23, Source
  By Chung Ah-young
  Staff Reporter
  
  To no one's surprise, the nation's record-setting blockbuster, "The King and the Clown", attracting more than 12.3 million moviegoers, swept the 43rd Taejong (Grand Bell) Film Festival awards last Friday at the Conventional Hall, COEX in southern Seoul.
  
  Nomina,...More
• Film "Dirty Carnival" Draws 2 Million Viewers
  2006/07/20, Source
  The film "A Dirty Carnival", starring Jo In-sung, has drawn two million viewers just a month after its opening.
  
  The movie's promotion company said July 19 that "A Dirty Carnival", which opened June 15 just in time for the World Cup fervor, ha,...More
• Successful First Half for Korean Film Industry
  2006/07/14, Source
  CJ CGV, one of Korea's leading exhibitors, reported a 59.5% market share for Korean films in the domestic market during the first six months of 2006. This amounts to a growth of 3.7% compared to last year. Seven of the ten best performing films were Korean.
  
  Cinema admissions grew in the first six,...More
• Lee Joon-ik's Radio Star wraps up shooting
  2006/07/14, Source
  Director Lee Joon-ik, who made Korean cinematic history with his record-breaking hit film "The King and the Clown", has recently wrapped up shooting for his next film.
  
  ,...More
• Film Industry's Status After Screen Quota Cut
  2006/07/13, Source
  Now before the FTA talks, Korea announced a drastic cut in a decades-old policy to protect the domestic film industry.
  Two weeks have passed since the screen quota system was reduced by half, with movie theaters now required to show Korean productions for just 73 days of the year, and not the previ,...More
• Movie With English Subtitles
  2006/07/13, Source
  The 10th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
  
  Puchon, Kyonggi Province
  
  Through July 22
  
  Kicking off Thursday, the festival, which specializes in unusual and bizarre movies, is now screening 251 films from 35 countries at various venues, including Puchon City Hall, Puchon Civil Audito,...More
• Blockbusters Vie in the Heat of Summer
  2006/07/11, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  Local sci-fi film The Host by director Bong Joon-ho, which will open July 27, is expected to be one of the strongest box office competitors this summ,...More
• Actor Kim Jeong-hoon Named “Most Prince-like Korean Actor” in China
  2006/07/07, Source
  Actor Kim Jeong-hoon was named the "most prince-like Korean actor" in China.
  
  The Chinese portal site Sohu.com said Thursday that Kim won 30.41 percent, or 6,217 votes, on a recent poll asking "Who is the most prince-like actor among Korean,...More
• China’s Censor Frowns on Korea's Most Popular Film
  2006/07/03, Source
  The all-time leader for ticket sales in the history of Korean film, "The King and the Clown", has failed to make it past the censor in China.
  
  The film failed to pass the censors at the state Administration of Radio, Film and,...More
• Movie "My Girl and I" to Be Exported to Japan
  2006/06/30, Source
  The Korean movie "My Girl and I" starring Cha Tae-hyun and Song Hye-kyo will be exported to Japan next month.
  
  The movie,...More
• "King and Clown" nominated for 15 categories of Daejong award
  2006/06/20, Source
  The film "The King and the Clown" has been nominated for 15 categories at the 43rd Daejong Film Festival slated to open on July 21. The number is the most categories a single film has ever been nominated for in the festival's history. The runner-ups were "Typhoon" with 12 categories and "Welcome to,...More
• Hanbando Deals with Unification
  2006/06/02, Source
  Director KANG Woo-seok's latest film will be the big-budget Hanbando, a political thriller set in the near future when the two Koreas are close to unification. But Japan is determined,...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
• Actor Lee Joon-gi's Fan Meeting Likely to Attract 12,000 Asian Fans
  2006/05/16, Source
  About 12,000 fans from various Asian countries will attend a fan meeting held by Lee Joon-gi, a lead actor of the film "The King and the Clown" (2005).
  
  According to Lee,...More
• Gonggil's Theme
  2006/05/10, Source
  #1… "Oh, I really don't know the identity"
  
  Such were the words from Lee Byeong-woo (41), the "guy who likes music", who was interviewed at a studio at Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, at 11:00 p.m. on May 9.
  
  From the beginning to the end of the in,...More
• Film producers stampede into musicals
  2006/05/08, Source
  The growing local musical industry is attracting major film production companies, which are deemed to be the highest profit makers in cultural industries.
  
  CineLine-II, the production company of "Running Boy" ("Marathon") (2005) and,...More
• Lee Joon-gi to Visit Taiwan to Promote "The King and The Clown"
  2006/05/03, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi, who played the lead role in the recent hit movie "The King and the Clown", will visit Taiwan to promote the film ahead of its release there on May 12.
  ,...More
• 1980 Gwangju Incident Film
  2006/05/02, Source
  The upcoming film Hwaryeohan Hyuga will be about the Gwangju massacre in May 1980. The project includes director Kim Ji-hoon ("Mokpo, Gangster's Paradise") and the,...More
• The King and the Clown Retires After Hit Run
  2006/04/25, Source
  Cinema Service, the film distribution company for domestic mega-hit "The King and the Clown" announced that April 18th, 2006 would be the last day of screening for the film. The Chosun period drama about a mad king and his cour,...More
• Korean Film “The King and the Clown” Wraps up its Run
  2006/04/20, Source
  Selling 12,301,289 tickets by April 18th, the Korean movie "King and the Clown" broke the former "Taegukgi" record and has newly earned its spot as the most viewed film in Korea.
  
  Cinema Service, the film's distributor, announced that Apri,...More
• Domestic, U.S. Films Dominate Theaters
  2006/04/19, Source
  The majority of movies shown at the nation's theaters are either domestic or American.
  
  The Korean Film Council on Wednesday said its recent report showed three-fourths of 77 movies screened in domestic theaters in the first quarter were either domestic or American productions.
  
  In Seoul, 96 per,...More
• Blockbuster 'The King and the Clown' Ends its Run on Screens
  2006/04/18, Source
  Korea's blockbuster hit "The King and the Clown" is ending its run on screens today.
  The last screening of the film will be held in the evening, at a cinema in southwestern Seoul, for selected members from the film's Internet,...More
• Blockbuster 'The King and the Clown' Ends Its Run on Screens Tuesday
  2006/04/16, Source
  By Park Chung-a
  Staff Reporter
  
  Korea's most viewed film "The King and the Clown" will be taken off cinema screens on its 112th day of viewing. A historical film set in the Choson Kingdom that deals with freedom and love of,...More

• 

  Hallyu Puts on Hanbok
  2006/04/12, Source
  By Park Chung-a
  Staff Reporter
  
  Lee Joon-ik, the director of "The King and the Clown", now Korea's most popular film, said in an interview th,...More
• First round of KOFIC 2006 subtitling support
  2006/04/10, Source
  KOFIC has announced the recipients of the first round of the 2006 Subtitle Translation and Print Production support program. Six feature films and five short films were selected out of 27 total submissions (15 feature films, 12 short and independent films). The program provides funding for the produ,...More
• “The King and The Clown” Launches Licensing Business
  2006/04/10, Source
  The film "The King and the Clown", which made history in Korean movies by drawing more than 12 million viewers, will be expanded into many forms of licensed entertainment and other products.
  
  The movie's producer Eagle Pictur,...More
• Lee Joon-gi Captivates China
  2006/04/05, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi, the hero from the recent hit movie "The King and the Clown", captivated the bustling Chinese city of Shanghai on Tuesday.
  
  Lee was greeted by hundreds,...More
• Similarity and Dissimilarity between The King and the Clown, Brokeback Mountain
  2006/04/04, Source
  Seen by more than 12 million people, or one out of every four Korean people, the Korean film "The King and the Clown" is the most popular ever in Korean cinema history. To become the Korea's No.1 movie, it didn't take one single top movie star or any other blockbuster special effects. Then, what mad,...More
• New York Times Introduces Korean Film “The King and the Clown”
  2006/04/03, Source
  The New York Times introduced the Korean mega-hit film "The King and the Clown" on its online version on April 1. The movie has drawn an all-time record in Korea of 12 million moviegoers.
  
  In the article written by Seoul correspondent Norimitsu Onishi, the daily reported that one out of four Korea,...More

• 

  'The King and the Clown'
  2006/03/21, Source
  This blockbuster features period setting, traditional arts and a gay subtext
  
  Darcy Paquet (internews)
  
  The closing days of 2005 saw th,...More
• Film 'The Classic' to be made into a TV animation
  2006/03/16, Source
  'The Classic' (director: Kwak Jae-yong, 2003), a film starred by Son Ye-jin and Cho Seung-woo, will be made into a TV animation.
  ,...More
• Film “Daisy” Draws Largest Audience over Weekend
  2006/03/14, Source
  Actors Jun Ji-hyun and Jung Woo-sung have beaten the recent popularity of historical movies.
  
  Daisy, which stars Jeon and Jeong,,...More
• After Big Screen Success Son Ye-jin Returns to TV
  2006/03/12, Source
  By Han Eun-jung
  Staff Reporter
  
  Actress Son Ye-jin, who delighted fans with her hilarious portrayal of a cunning flirt in last winter's box office hit ",...More
• Box Office 'King' Creates 8,200 Jobs
  2006/03/10, Source
  The nation's all-time box office leader "The King and the Clown" has created nearly 8,200 jobs during its record-breaking run.
  
  The Korea Culture and Tourism Policy Institute on Friday said its study showed the low-budget his,...More
• King & the Clown Tops Korean Film of All Time
  2006/03/10, Source
  By Nigel DSa
  Contributing Writer
  
  As of March 5th, 2006 local box-office winner The King and the Clown broke all previous records and surged past the 11.74 million admissions mark held by Taegugki, to become the most success,...More
• A Good Time for Gay Movies in East and West
  2006/03/08, Source
  Planning on "coming out?" Now might be a good time, as a slew of recent hot-topic movies produced and released in Korea, the U.S. and Japan are drawing attention to the topic of same-sex love affairs and perhaps making the idea more accessible to the conservative masses.
  
  Above all, the recent hit,...More
• Film 'King and the Clown' sets a new record on March 5
  2006/03/07, Source
  The film 'The King and the Clown' (director: Lee Joon-ik; Production: Eagle Pictures, Cineworld) has set a new box office record in Korean film history as of 5 PM on Mar. 5.
  
  "Today at 5 PM, the total number of viewers nationwide has surpass,...More
• 'King' to Open in Japan Next Spring
  2006/03/07, Source
  The South Korean box office smash "The King and the Clown" will play in Japanese theaters next spring.
  
  Japanese media on Tuesday said a South Korean and Japanese film agency would engage in the joint distribution -- a first,...More
• 'The King and the Clown' Shatters Box Office Record
  2006/03/06, Source
  The blockbuster film "The King and the Clown" has broken the country's all-time box office record, just 67 days after its release.
  
  Distributor Cinema Service announced that the movie became South Korea's number-one blockbust,...More
• 'Do-ol' Kim, Yong-ok translates film 'The King and the Clown' into English
  2006/03/06, Source
  'Do-ol' Kim, Yong-ok, emeritus professor at Sunchon National University, translates the film 'The King and the Clown' (director: Lee, Joon-ik; production: Eagles Pictures ? Cineworld). The title Kim chose for the film's foreign,...More
• Korean Blockbuster "The King and the Clown" to Debut in US
  2006/03/05, Source
  Lee Joon-ik's film "The The King and the Clown", loved by millions of Koreans including President Roh Moo-hyun, is about to break the all-time Korean record of 11.7 millio,...More
• 'The King and the Clown' Breaks Record Again
  2006/03/05, Source
  "The King and the Clown" has broken yet another box office record.
  The Korean movie has now attracted the most number of viewers in the shortest amount of time.
  The previous record holder was "Taegukgi", which sold 11.7 million tickets.
  Directed by,...More
• Movie Propels Lee Joon-gi to Stardom
  2006/03/05, Source
  By Park Chung-a
  Staff Reporter
  
  The movie "The King and the Clown" has brought the talents of new actor Lee Joon-gi to light. His adept character portrayal has sparked,...More
• Is It Good News for Korean Films?
  2006/03/05, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  The entire nation seems to be celebrating "The King and the Clown" becoming the No. 1 hit in the domestic film history, selling almost 12 million tickets. Many people believe that it has opene,...More
• When History Meets Cinematic Imagination
  2006/03/05, Source
  Historical Background of 'The King and the Clown'
  
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  
  The movie "The King and the Clown" takes historical figures and,...More
• Showing Outsiders' Attempts at Freedom
  2006/03/05, Source
  By Park Chung-a
  Staff Reporter
  
  The director of the mega-hit period piece "The King and the Clown", said he hopes foreign audiences will be able to recognize the richness and originality of Korean traditional culture in the,...More
• More Than One Reason to See the Movie
  2006/03/05, Source
  By Kim Ki-tae
  Staff Reporter
  
  When "The King and the Clown" was released last December, few expected it would be a big hit. Its production cost, around 4.4 billion won ($4.4 million), was around one third of the Korean film "Blue Swallow" and around one fiftieth of "The Chronicles of Narnia", bot,...More

• 

  'King and the Clown' Breaks Record
  2006/03/05, Source
  The nation's No.1 film "The King and the Clown" is a fictionalized account of a tyrant king and court jesters from the Choson K,...More
• Feb. Box Office Receipts Post Sharp Drop
  2006/03/04, Source
  Box office revenue in Seoul last month dropped sharply due to the lack of hit films outside of the blockbusters "The King and the Clown" and "Vampire Cop Ricky,...More
• 'The King and the Clown' to Become Korea's Number One Hit
  2006/03/03, Source
  The record for the most-watched Korean movie is about to be broken, for the first time in two years.
  Korean film distributor, Cinema Service says, the movie, "The King and the Clown", is expected this weekend to exceed the pre,...More
• “The King and the Clown" Likely to Set New Box-Office Record
  2006/03/03, Source
  The film "The King and the Clown" (2005) will likely make its mark in Korean film history by setting a new box-office record.
  
  "The King and the Clown", directed by Lee Joon-ik and produced by Eagle Pictures and CineWorld, has attracted a tot,...More
• An Uneven 'Quest' for Something More
  2006/03/03, Source
  One day while investigating a fake painting, Yoon Seo (Han Suk-kyu), a renowned Chosun-era scholar, comes across a dirty book secretly circulated among the lower class. Yoon Seo starts writing erotic novels himself and later asks ranking govern,...More
• ‘The King and the Clown’to Become No. 1 Hit
  2006/03/03, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  The film "The King and the Clown" is expected to break time boxoffice records and become the nation's No. 1 hit on Sunday. Released here on Dec. 29, it has drawn almost 12 million moviegoers.
  ,...More
• Lee Joon-gi to Flog Phones for Performance-Related Pay
  2006/03/02, Source
  The actor Lee Joon-gi, who just hit the big time with his part in the hit movie "The King and the Clown", is to flog Samsung's Anycall mobile phones for an unprecedented p,...More
• Oldest Korean Film Has Historical Value
  2006/02/28, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  It may not be as action-packed as "Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War" or as touching as "The King and the Clown". But for serious movi,...More

• 

  'Quest' Teases But Doesn't Satisfy
  2006/02/23, Source
  By Joon Soh
  Contributing Writer
  
  With vastly different results, the ingredients of sex, satire and the Choson Kingdom proved to be recipes for success in such films as ",...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
• Film 'King and the Clown' Headed for New Record
  2006/02/22, Source
  By Park Chung-a
  Staff Reporter
  
  The latest Korean hit film, "The King and the Clown" seems poised to break the all-time record set by the film "Taegukgi".
  
  Cinema,...More
• Allegation of Plagiarism Hits 'King and the Clown'
  2006/02/21, Source
  By Bae Keun-min
  Staff Reporter
  
  The triumphant achievement of the 10-million-viewer mark by `The King and the Clown", a film about a notorious tyrant king of the Choson Kingdom and his court jesters, may be tainted as allegations over its possible copyright violation have emerged.
  
  Yoon Young-s,...More
• [UP AND COMING TALENTS (11)]'Popping' king brings latest moves to K-pop scene
  2006/02/20, Source
  This is the eleventh in a series of articles about rising stars who are expected to stand out in the coming year. - Ed.
  
  By Lee Yong-sung
  
  "Who the heck is Nam Hyeon-joon?" would probably be your most likely first reaction to his photo. Well, he is not a pop star yet, but as far as dance is conc,...More
• Will 'King and the Clown' be No. 1 hit?
  2006/02/17, Source
  All eyes in Korea's film industry are now trained on whether "The King and the Clown" (Wang-ui namja) will set a new record as the country's biggest box office hit after breaking the 10 million viewer mark last weekend.
  
  It is the third movie produced in Korea to reach the 10-million milestone at,...More
• Heavy Scandal
  2006/02/16, Source
  by Mun-Myung Huh
  
  The movie "Forbidden Quest" seems to want to express satire and the art of deviation, but by putting forth tragic love, it ends up being a story about neither. This movie is the directing debut of screenwriter,...More
• "Pretty Boy" Trend Seen in Korea in Recent Years
  2006/02/13, Source
  An interesting trend in Korea these days is that men are getting prettier.
  Yes, there was the metrosexual movement triggered by David Beckham a couple of years ago.
  But this time, the trend is being led by Korean actors, and more and more men are becoming followers.
  Kim Hyung-eun has this story.
  ,...More
• Film "The King And The Clown" Tops 10 Mil. Viewers
  2006/02/13, Source
  The historical film "The King And The Clown" directed by Lee Joon-ik and produced by Eagle Pictures and CineWorld topped 10 million viewers nationwide as of 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11.
  
  An official from the film distribution agency Cinema Service s,...More
• 'The King and the Clown' Breaks 10 Mln-Viewer-mark on Saturday
  2006/02/12, Source
  More than 10 million moviegoers have seen "The King and the Clown", since it hit the silver screen two months ago.
  That means nearly 1 out of every 5 Koreans has seen this movie.
  But as our Kim Hyung-eun tells us the movie is,...More
• 'The King and the Clown' Draws 10 Million Viewers
  2006/02/10, Source
  Some 9.78 million people had watched the hit film "The King and the Clown" as of Thursday, the film's distributor Cinema Service said Friday. It predicted ticket sales will reach the 10 million mark around Saturday afternoon, 4,...More
• ‘The King and the Clown’ Hits 10 Mil. Viewers
  2006/02/10, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  "The King and the Clown", a film about a notorious tyrant and his court jesters in the Choson Kingdom, is expected to hit the 10-million-viewer mark on Saturday, becoming the third domestic fi,...More
• Word of Mouth Triumphs over Blockbuster Hype
  2006/02/09, Source
  By Nigel D'Sa
  Editor / Staff Writer
  "The King and the Clown"
  
  January saw local Korean films enjoying one of their best months in history, taking in box office receipts of over 78 percent despite the presence of US heavywe,...More
• Korean Men in Grip of Plastic Surgery Craze
  2006/02/09, Source
  At university, Han was considered a bit of a heartthrob for his good looks, but early this month he nonetheless spent W4 million (US$4,000) on a softer chin. He is one of an increasing number of Korean men who are succumbing to the plastic surgery craze that has gripped the country.
  
  The clinic as,...More

• 

  Stars Fight Losing Battle Against Screen Quota Cut
  2006/02/07, Source
  Actor Choi Min-sik returns a cultural decoration to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Tuesday to protest the halving of the screen quota.,...More
• Film "The King And The Clown" Likely to Top 10 Mil. Viewers
  2006/02/06, Source
  The film "The King And The Clown", directed by Lee Joon-ik and starring Kam Woo-sung and Jung Jin-young, will soon likely top 10,...More
• Market share of local films leaps to 78%
  2006/02/02, Source
  With Korean filmmakers raising voices against the government's plan to halve the screen quota, the local market share of Korean films soared to 78.2 percent in January from 52.9 percent a year earlier, according to figures released yesterday.
  
  It is the highest monthly market share since February,...More
• Big-Budget Korean Movies Flop
  2006/02/01, Source
  Big Budget Korean Movies Flopping as Local Audiences Seek Unique Storylines
  The Korean film industry saw the largest number of big-budget movies last year.
  Unfortunately, their box office tallies didn't match up to those huge budgets.
  Son Hee-kyung examines what they did wrong, and what Korean mo,...More

• 

  'King and the Clown' Hits 8 Million Viewers
  2006/01/31, Source
  By Bae Keun-min
  Staff Reporter
  
  "The King and the Clown", a film about a notorious tyrant and his court jester in the Choson,...More
• Revisiting Gay Theme on Big Screen
  2006/01/24, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  
  In "The King and the Clown", the hit film set in the Choson Kingdom, a notorious tyrant king falls in love with an effeminate male court jester, causing deep anger and jealousy in his favori,...More
• "The King and the Clown", Unexpected Blockbuster
  2006/01/18, Source
  We turn your attention to the Korean movie industry, where a local production is topping the box office charts, week after week.
  The movie, "The King and the Clown", is an unexpected winner, beating out big budget Hollywood fi,...More
• 'King and the Clown' hits 5-million-viewer mark
  2006/01/18, Source
  "The King and the Clown", a drama set in the Joseon Dynasty, hit the 5-million-viewer mark on Tuesday (Jan. 17), becoming the 12th domestic film ever to do so.
  
  The film reached the mark in 21 days since its release on Dec. 2,...More
• "The King and The Clown" Successful in Bookstores As Well
  2006/01/18, Source
  In the wake of box-office success, the screenplay of the film "The King and the Clown" appears to be a smash hit in bookstores as well.
  
  According to "Yes 24," an online bookstore, the film's original screenplay entitled "Yi",...More
• Based on a True Story?
  2006/01/15, Source
  Recent Films Use Fictional Elements to Help Recount Real Events
  
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  After "Memories of Murder", a thriller about a real-life serial-murder case in the 1980s, became the biggest hit of 2003, a slew,...More
• Cultural Archetype projects start to pay back and shine
  2006/01/10, Source
  Cultural archetypes are being used in many ways for subject matters and costume in the movie "The King and the Clown"
  
  "The King and the Clown" (directed by Lee Joon-ik, starred,...More
• "The King and The Clown" Targets Overseas Film Market
  2006/01/09, Source
  A local proverb says, "Things which are Korean in every way are most fit for global adaptation". The film "The King and The Clown" is expected to prove this proverb true once again.
  
  Since its release, "The King and The Clown" (directed by,...More
• Stars and Their Personal Blogs
  2006/01/09, Source
  Celebrities Find Weblogs to Be Both Help and Hindrance to Career
  
  By Park Chung-a
  Staff Reporter
  
  Lee Joon-gi is currently one of the hottest stars in the nation. The actor plays a charming, androgynous jester from the late Choson Kingdom,...More
• What Drove the King Crazy?
  2006/01/08, Source
  [Film review] "The King and the Clown" transports us to the court of Joseon's most notorious tyrant
  
  Lee Jun Ho (junolee)
  
  Korea's Joseon Dynasty was one of world history's longest, starting in 1392 as it ushered in Con,...More
• Lee Joon-gi emerges as rising star
  2006/01/06, Source
  Actor Lee Joon-gi possesses a mysterious charm that makes it hard to know whether to describe him as an innocent boy or an enchanting temptress.
  
  Such a unique quality landed the 25-year-old actor two diverse roles - a beautiful Joseon Dynast,...More
• 2005 Saw Most Plays Turned Into Films
  2006/01/05, Source
  The Korean film industry last year saw the most number of new releases that were based on stage plays.
  Judging from what critics say what these films had in common were a well thoughtout plot that had already won over theater-goers.
  Son Hee-kyung reports on the trend.
  
  This was Korea's top-gross,...More
• 'The King and the Clown' Bursts With Sheer Energy
  2006/01/03, Source
  The new movie "The King and the Clown" overpowers viewers with its irrepressible power and charm. Indeed, a general impression of force is the one thing audiences are likely to take home with them before they can make sense of any details. Such details may include a scene when the humble clown ridic,...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
• "King and the Clown" tops box-office during New Year holiday
  2006/01/02, Source
  The epic film "The King and the Clown" topped the domestic box-office during the New Year holiday. The Korean Film Council said Jan. 2 that the movie had drawn 334,482 viewers from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, according to the council's,...More
• Stars Born in the Year of the Dog
  2006/01/02, Source
  In 2006, stars born in the Year of the Dogs are planning to make themselves noteworthy for their achievements.
  
  Stars born in 1982, including Rain, Hyun Bin,,...More
• Plays, Films Feel Synergy Effect
  2005/12/27, Source
  By Bae Keun-min, Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporters
  
  Theater stages have been seeking revitalization with various schemes, including celebrity marketing. Many film and television stars, including Yoo Ji-tae,,...More
• The King and the Clown Is Story of Everyman
  2005/12/22, Source
  by Seung-Jae Lee
  
  "The King and the Clown" is a very substantial movie. Taking even one scene out would be as dangerous as carving out a crucial organ from your body.
  
  This movie teaches a lesson to the current filmmaking industry that is nearly choking with big words such as "visuals", "style",,...More
• Getting Serious About Clowning
  2005/12/19, Source
  By Kim Tae-jong
  Staff Reporter
  
  Actors are often heard to say that their upcoming movie is the best in their film career, a phrase that now tends to sound like an old cliche. But when these words come from the mouth of actor Kam Woo-sung,,...More