Fancam SS501 Hyun Joong at Playful Kiss Filming Site 100927

Credit: khj miclub

Playful Kiss/Mischievous Kiss/Naughty Kiss sold in 12 Countries

credits to triplesphilippines.blogspot.com

New MBC TV series “Naughty Kiss” starring popular singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong, was sold to 12 countries around the world ahead of going on air early this month, according to the show’s producer Group 8 on Wednesday.

Park Rae-hyun, in charge of the PR & Promotions team at Group 8, told 10Asia that the series was sold to several nations including Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States for a total four billion won, equivalent to about 3.4 million dollars.

In a couple of the countries, such as Thailand and the Philippines, the show was sold for the highest price in Korean drama history.

The show has also already been set to air twice a week on cable music channel Mnet Japan starting December although additional details have yet to be set.

Directed by Hwang In-roi, Kim and actress Jung So-min star in the show based on Japanese comic series “Itazura na Kiss.”

Credit: Jessica Kim (ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved)

Source: Hyunniespexers

Moon Geun-young joins Jang Keun-suk for new drama

Top Korean actress Moon Geun-young has decided to join the main cast of an upcoming KBS TV series also starring actor Jang Keun-suk, according to the show's promoter Ytree;media on Monday.

Ytree announced through a press release that the 23-year-old starlet will take on the role of the shameless and optimistic Mary in the drama based on comic "Mary is Out of Night" by famed cartoon writer Won Soo-yeon.

"Mary" will be a romantic comedy which revolves around Mary who makes realizations about love and herself while being in two fake marriages for 100 days -- to Moo-kyul, a hippie and Indie band lead vocalist who has nothing, and Jung-in, a man who has everything including the brains, looks and wealth.

"'Mary' is brilliant in terms of its material and plot but is also fun and appealing because of its unique characters," Moon said. "I feel pressured because simulated marriage is a topic which has never been handled in dramas before but I'm also excited and nervous about how I'll show it."

Just last week, Jang had confirmed he had been cast for the role of Moo-kyul in the drama set to air starting November, after series "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" ends its run.

Moon, currently starring in play "Closer" as Alice, the role of a stripper taken on by Natalie Portman in the movie version, last appeared on the popular small screen show "Sister of Cinderella" five months ago.

Moon, with already 10 years of acting experience under her belt, has appeared in numerous films and dramas including "Autumn Tale" and "My Little Bride."

She also won the grand prize at major broadcaster SBS' year-end Acting Awards last year for her role as a talented painter in drama "The Painter of the Wind" which has received several international acclaims.

Source: Asiae

Gong Yoo set to be released from military duties

Another upcoming army release! Get ready to welcome back Coffee Prince actor Gong Yoo — while fellow actor Chun Jung-myung was released today, Gong Yoo will be discharged on December 8. Both enlisted at the height of their popularity last year, and the fan love is still going strong as they prepare for the their returns.

Gong Yoo enlisted on January 2, 2008, when he was still riding high from the high praise he received for his role in Coffee Prince. While he’d had lead roles before, that was the one that garnered him a solid reputation as a strong actor. Already he is being targeted with “love calls” (calls of interest for possible projects) for his comeback project from as diverse genres as romantic comedies and thrillers.

As we have seen time and time again, there’s always a high level of interest in the first projects taken on by returning actors. Some jump right back into the fray, while others like Won Bin and Go Soo have taken their time. We’ll have to see if Gong Yoo falls into the former category or the latter.

source: OSEN,Dramabeans

Josh Hartnett overshadowed by Japanese actor Kimura

BUSAN, South Korea : Josh Hartnett isn't having things all his own way at Asia's largest film festival. Every time the Hollywood star appears in public, the loudest screams are being directed at his co-star.

Hartnett is here at the 14th Pusan International Film Festival to promote his latest film, the thriller "I Come with the Rain", alongside fellow cast members Lee Byung-hun, of South Korea, and Japan's Takuya Kimura.

And Saturday during an appearance before 5,000 fans who had camped out all day at the city's famous Haeundae beach the fans cheered when Hartnett appeared. But they went ballistic as soon as they saw Kimura.

It was the same at a press conference for the film Friday and on the red carpet during Thursday night's opening ceremony.

"It's okay," said Hartnett. "He's a good-looking guy. And I know the ladies love him."

Kimura, a member of boyband SMAP, has become an idol throughout Asia thanks to his roles in Japanese television series including the wildly successful "Hero" where he played a cop who bends the rules.

In recent years he has worked alongside art-house movie directors Wong Kar-wai, for "2046", and Yoji Yamada on "Love and Honor".

For his part, Kimura said acting alongside Hartnett had been an "honour" and that he had been surprised to find the American just a "very good guy."

Haeundae is often described as the world's most crowded beach during the summer months, when it attracts up to 100,000 people along its narrow 1.5 kilometre (one mile) stretch.

And it looked a little like that Saturday, with thousands crowding the sand and sitting in the autumn sunshine waiting for a chance to see the stars -- and even have their questions answered during an "open talk" session.

Hartnett was again gracious when his first questioner ask how he rated local actors compared to those he worked with in Hollywood.

"It's always a pleasure to work with great actors and it is very difficult to compare Hollywood actors with Asian actors," he said.

"All I can say is that they are extremely dedicated to their craft."

"I Come with the Rain" is an atmospheric thriller from the celebrated Paris-raised Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung, who won the Camera d'Or at the 1993 Cannes festival for "The Scent of Green Papaya" and the Golden Lion in Venice for "Cyclo" in 1995.

Hartnett said shooting the film had been a unique experience as it had taken him to the Philippines and Hong Kong, and had mixed the styles of all the international filmmakers involved.

"The reception from the fans has been great and it is nice to see so many people support a poetic film like this," he said. "These types of films don't get released in Hollywood too often these days and that's a shame."

For his part, director Tran had earlier said shooting the film was a "nightmare" due to the locations he had chosen but he was proud of the end product and in particular of his three leading men.

"When I am casting a role the most important thing is the humanity that comes with the actor and I think you can see that with these three guys," he said.

Source : Channel News Asia

Shin Hyeon-joon beats up his agent?

Actor Shin Hyeon-joon has been arrested for harrassing his agent!

Shin is currently being sued for the violence commited to his agent.

More interrogation and specifics about this is being proceeded by the Seoul police.

Not much information is being told so we must wait and see what the real story is. It is known that the agent who sued Shin has turned off his phone and is rejecting all contacts.

Source: hancinema and nate

Lee, Han Picked as Rising Ad Models

Singer-actor Lee Seung-gi and actress Han Hyo-joo have been picked as rising ad models for the second half of this year for their starring roles in the SBS-TV drama ``Brilliant Legacy,'' which ended its run at a viewing rate of 47.1 percent in July.

A survey of 1,625 people aged 16 or over living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province showed that Lee and Han posted sharp rises in ranking, compared with the first-half survey. Brand38, a local brand consulting company, conducted the surveys.

Lee saw his ranking soar from 23rd in the first half to fourth. Han, who had not been ranked in the first half, came in at 17th.

In the latest survey, comedian Yoo Jae-suk and figure skater Kim Yu-na ranked first and second, respectively. In the first half, Kim and Yoo were first and second.

Girls' Generation, one of South Korea's leading pop idol groups, and boy band 2PM took third and seventh places, respectively, emerging from low rankings.

In contrast, traditionally high-placed actors such as Jang Dong-gun and Jeon Ji-hyun suffered sharp falls in their rankings.


Source: Korea Times

Actress Choi Ji-woo to receive President's honor

Korean Wave star Choi Ji-woo will receive the presidential commendation for promoting Korea's tourism, according to her agency on Thursday.

The actress will be awarded for her contribution in tourism at the 36th Tourism Day Celebration Ceremony on September 29, C, JW Company announced in a press release.

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the host for the event, selected Choi as the winner due to her contribution through KBS TV drama "Winter Sonata". The drama, a massive hit in Korea and also throughout Asia, has been bringing fans of the show into the country since its airing in 2002.

"Hallyu dramas are more than just cultural content - they bring about positive economic effects by bringing in money from overseas and increasing tourism," the Hallyu star was quoted as saying. "I hope many good dramas will continue to be produced."

Earlier this month, Choi was admitted into the Star Hall of Fame at the Seoul Drama Awards 2009.

The 34-year-old actress is scheduled to leave for Tokyo on Sunday to attend the premiere party for the animation version of "Winter Sonata". The event, to be held at the Tokyo Dome, will also be attended by her co-star Bae Yong-joon who provided voice-overs for the animation alongside Choi.

Source: asiae

Kim HyunJoong participated in 'Family Outing', showing his excellent skills

Korea popular group SS501's Kim HyunJoong participated in SBS variety show 'Family Outing' showing his excellent skills. This episode received wide attention due to the appearance of Kim HyunJoong who was diagnose with AH1N1 in Japan early this month.

In the program, there was a special dating moment for Kim HyunJoong and Lee Hyori picking vegetable together. On their way, while chatting with Lee Hyori and found out that he stepped on faeces, Kim HyunJoong said: "Last time when noona and I were in the same management company, there was once we had to take the same car with Fin.K.L, when going up the car, I also accidentally stepped on faeces."

Lee Hyori said: "Is it? No wonder, during that time there was definitely some unpleasant smell." Follow by that, Kim HyunJoong said: "Once I met noona, I will step on faeces." When he noticed that she was not very happy about that, he added: "Stepping on faeces will bring good luck!" showing his wits in reacting to situation.

On the other hand, absent due to his accident, BigBang member DaeSung, during his telephone conversation with Kim HyunJoong said: "I originally wanted to have a competition with Kim HyunJoong based on our looks." His words had caused all family members to convulse with laughters.

SBS will broadcast the continuation of Kim HyunJoong in 'Family Outing' on 27 Sept 2009.

Credit: http://china.ibtimes.com + (English translation) SS501UFO.blogspot.com

Recovering from H1N1...Voice Condition Check at Studio

SS501 Kim HyunJoong speedy recovery from H1N1 influenza and will be stretching into activities.

Kim HyunJoong went to a studio located in Gangnam Seoul on 19th to check his condition i.e voice, etc. Kim HyunJoong is warming up for the making of their new album planned to be released end of this month. Kim HyunJoong also went into discussions with the other SS501 members on this day regarding the activities planning, etc.

His company said “Kim HyunJoong is not back to the perfect condition yet, so he will not be doing any recordings. This is purely a condition check for him. Kim HyunJoong met with the members whom he haven’t seen in a while after he returned to Korea, they talked about what happened recently and showed a much healthier look of himself.”

Kim HyunJoong was diagnosed with H1N1 influenza on 8th and received medical treatment in Japan until he recovered and returned back to Korea on 16th where he is currently recuperating at home.

Credits : lalala@sportshankook.co.kr + SS601.com + (English Translation) xiaochu @ Quainte501.com

Kim Getting Better From Influenza A

South Korean pop idol and actor Kim Hyun-jung is recovering from his contraction of influenza A (H1N1) in Tokyo, his manager said Wednesday.

Kim was quoted as saying, ``I am sorry to have surprised fans. I will make efforts to get better and meet with fans soon."

Kim, a member of boy band SS501, was confirmed to have been infected with the contagious disease Tuesday and is now hospitalized in Tokyo.

Kim's manager said, ``His fever fell overnight and his sore throat eased a lot. He sounded OK this morning.''

Kim was the first Korean celebrity to be diagnosed with the disease, which has already affected more than 6,000 people in South Korea.

Kim is reportedly nervous about being absent from the Seoul Drama Awards, which will be held in Seoul Friday. He is projected to win the Asian best actor award.

According to Japanese showbiz insiders, Kim visited a hospital in Japan Tuesday after suffering from a high fever.

He was given the antiviral drug Tamiflu and placed in an isolation ward, where he may stay for 15 days.

Kim gained international fame after starring in the KBS smash hit ``Boys Over Flowers'' as a handsome tycoon heir earlier this year. He went to Japan to promote the drama and was supposed to be there from Saturday through Monday.

Source: Korea Times

Moon Geun-yeong in new drama, "Can't Lose"

After "Painter of the Wind" Moon Geun-yeong has been focusing on her studies, and now fans are interested in her following drama.

It is known that Moon has been wanted for the new drama about a figure skater titled, "Can't Lose".

Some say that she has already agreed to be in the drama, however, her company says that nothing has been decided and that there are 3 to 4 other dramas that they are looking over for Moon to be part of.

"Can't Lose" is going to be directed by Kim Cheol-gyoo Producer who produced "Hwangjin-i".

After the Korean figure skating athelete Kim Yeon-ah has been scoring high in her competitions, the sports dramas are being more and more popular especially with figure skating sport. There is already a drama about it titled, "Triple" starring Min Hyo-rin, Lee Jeong-jae, Lee Seon-gyoon, Yoon Kye-yang, and more.

Moon is currently studying and taking jazz dance classes during her free time.

Source: Han Cinema
Nate

TV Personality Kim Ji-hoon Nabbed for Taking Ecstasy

Singer and TV personality Kim Ji-hoon was arrested Wednesday for having allegedly taken several pills of ecstasy and smoked marijuana, according to the Seoul Eastern District Court.

This is the second time he has been arrested on drug charges and Kim has reportedly admitted to all suspicions.

According to Gwangjin Police Station, Kim swallowed several pills of ecstasy, prohibited in Korea, in January at a club in southern Seoul. A former fashion model, whose name was not disclosed, is also suspected to have taken drugs with him, the police said.

Kim was first arrested on the same charges in 2005 but did not receive a jail sentence. The most recent charges have put the career of the former lead singer of pop groups ``Two Two'' and ``Duke'' at risk.

He has recently appeared in a series of TV programs portraying himself as a ``bad boy husband'' character. TV network SBS, which airs the show ``Jakiya'' (Darling) said it had cut all his scenes for the Friday show.

The case is the latest in a series of celebrity drug scandals. Actor Ju Ji-hoon, fashion model Ye Hak-young and actress Yun Seol-hee were arrested last month for taking ecstasy tablets and injecting ketamine last year.

Ju received a six-month prison term suspended for one year, 120 hours of community service and a 360,000 won fine. Yun, who was charged with smuggling, received a three-year jail term while Ye received a 30-month jail term suspended for four years, two years of probation and 200 hours of community service.


Source: Korea Times

Park Han-byeol On Her Relationship with Se7en

Actress Park Han-byeol talked about her relationship with singer Se7en on the KBS TV show "Champagne" on July 4. She and Se7en have been dating since high school, which they attended together.

Park also talked about how a photo showing her with Lee Seo-jin caused a misunderstanding between her and Se7en. In the photo, she and Lee are shown holding each other's hands. Park said the photo was taken during the production announcement of a TV drama in which they co-starred, and that they were captured holding each other's hands when they were pushing each other to step forward during a photo shoot.

Park said, "We were joking, but that very moment was captured in photos. Journalists even wrote that Lee Seo-jin attempted to touch me and that I disliked that." She added that Se7en also saw the picture and believed what the journalists wrote. She said, "I told him that was not true and he believed me."

On the question whether or not they were ever tired of each other during their seven years of dating, Park said that contrary to the saying that lovers' feelings subside after three years, her relationship with Se7en became more genuine in the third and fourth year of dating.

Park plays Han Jin-kyung in the KBS TV1 daily drama "Jolly Widows." Her character is a troublemaker who is not intelligent but who becomes very diligent and devoted when it comes to things that she likes. (In photos: scenes from the show)

Source: KBS global

Yang HyunSeok, “Sandara Park’s capabilities only almost made it. I thought she would not debut”

YG Entertainment president Yang HyunSeok has revealed that he thought 2NE1 member Sandara Park would not debut.

He said during 2NE1 TV aired on Mnet on 8th July about the first impression he had of each of the 2NE1 members, the selection for 2NE1 members, and what the production team had thought about the group.

Yang HyunSeok said of Sandara Park, “She had dreamed to be a singer and has a passion for YG’s music but her abilities were almost just there. I thought she would not be able to debut.”

But Sandara Park has shown get improvement and development as a trainee. YG said, “She is the toughest (being able to endure it) in the group. She is a friend who made the impossible possible. She is someone who works really hard.”

The girls’ producer Teddy said, “Even though she is a shy person, when she does promotions, she acts like a 4-dimensional and hardworking individual.”

Source: kbites

Song Hye-kyo, HK’s Favorite Korean Star

Residents of Hong Kong selected actress Song Hye-kyo as their favorite Korean star.

Song topped the popularity ranking in a survey conducted on 1,145 Hong Kong citizens at the International Travel Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center from June 11 to 14, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Tuesday.

In the survey which allowed multiple replies, 40.4 percent picked the 27-year-old actress, who gained popularity there through soap operas "Autumn in My Heart" and "Full House."

Actress Lee Young-ae, the star of the drama "Jewel in the Palace," who took first place last year, took second this year, with 40.2 percent.

Trailing her were Jun Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun with 31.2 percent; Bae Yong-joon, better known as "Yonsama" with 16.2 percent; singer and actor Rain with 14.4 percent; and actor Ji Jin-hee with 12.9 percent.

The surveyed people also said if they have a chance to visit Korea, they'd like to visit Seoul, followed by Jeju Island and Gangwon Province. Those who have traveled Korea said they liked shopping the most, as well as the food and natural scenery.

Source: Koreantimes