Hiroshi Tamaki, Yuriko Yoshitaka find love

Last season's drama series "Love Shuffle" (TBS) revolved around a group of men and women mixing and matching their relationships in an attempt to find their right mates. The experiment apparently worked out for two of the show's stars: Hiroshi Tamaki (29) and Yuriko Yoshitaka (20), who are said to now be seriously dating.

In "Love Shuffle," Tamaki played a manager at an IT company who was on the fast track due to his engagement to the president's daughter. Yoshitaka, on the other hand, played an art student undergoing psychiatric counseling. Although their characters did not end up together, the two actors hit it off and continued their dates off-screen.

Sources said that the two got along well during the show's filming, and they really started seeing each other after the series ended in March.

Tamaki's acting career has been very busy lately, particularly with starring roles in movies such as "Manatsu no Orion," "MW," and the upcoming "Nodame Cantabile" movies. Meanwhile, Yoshitaka has been establishing herself as a rising star. She received multiple Best New Actress awards for her role in last year's "Snakes and Earrings," in which she appeared nude.

Source: tokyograph

Rain Settles Suit Over US Concert

South Korean pop singer Rain and a U.S.-based entertainment firm have agreed to settle a lawsuit over the singer's canceled concert in Honolulu two years ago, Yonhap News Agency reported Wednesday.

In March, a Honolulu federal jury had found Rain and his agency guilty of breaching a contract with Click Entertainment Inc. for the 2007 concert and ordered them to pay the Hawaiian promoter some $8 million in punitive charges and compensation.

After three months of legal dispute, Rain and Click Entertainment settled the case in less than two hours at a Hawaiian court on June 10, Yonhap said. Details of the agreement on compensation and other conditions were not disclosed due to court orders.

Rain's concert was canceled a few days before the scheduled date of June 15 in 2007 at Aloha Stadium, the first stop on his U.S. tour. The tickets were sold for a maximum $300 each.

While Click Entertainment claimed it lost more than $1.5 million from the cancellation and suffered damages to its business reputation, Rain accused his Hawaiian promoter of shoddy preparation, claiming the concert stage was not properly set up.

The lawsuit had dealt a heavy blow to future activities in the United States for Rain, who gained some fame in Hollywood since appearing on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report."

The 26-year-old singer and actor, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is one of the most popular male celebrities in Korea and is also widely known across Asia. He will star in the upcoming Hollywood movie "Ninja Assassin" and plans an Asian concert tour later this year.

Farewell, my darling, I’m off to serve my country

Lee Jin-wook bid farewell to his fans and long-term girlfriend as he went off for mandatory military service this Wednesday. The 28-year-old actor, who postponed enlistment last year because he was appearing in SBS-TV’s “City of Glass,” waved to 100 well-wishing supporters at the 306th draft in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi.

Many were hoping Choi Ji-woo, Lee’s girlfriend of two years, would show up at Uijeongbu to say goodbye, but the actress was nowhere to be seen.

Lee will serve for two years, leaving fans, and presumably Choi, anticipating his return in 2011.

Date: May 8, 2009
Source: joongangdaily

Choi Ji-woo Explains Dating Rumors in Japan

Actress Choi Ji-woo’s visit to Japan has drawn great attention from the media there, amid rumors that she has fallen in love. Japanese sports dailies and broadcasters on Thursday gave intensive coverage of the Korean actress--who arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Wednesday for a three-day visit until Saturday--and her relationship with actor Lee Jin-wook.

Choi was welcomed by some 150 fans waiting at the airport, despite a snowstorm, who gave her a bouquet of flowers. “I am very happy to visit Japan again. I have wanted to meet you again,” she told them. But when reporters, noticing a ring on her right hand, asked her if she plans to marry, she just smiled and hurried to leave the airport.

The actress went to Japan to promote her latest SBS drama “Celebrity Sweetheart,” which is scheduled to be aired on the satellite channel Wow Wow TV from May 1.

Attending a premiere for the movie at Tokyo’s Yebisu Garden Hall on Thursday afternoon, Choi was bombarded with questions about her relationship with Lee. “We have good feelings toward each other, but that is all for now,” she answered. “I can tell you one thing for sure -- that I have never yet thought about getting married.”

Dated: March 16, 2009
Source: soompi

Choi ji-woo admits relationship with actor

Top actress Choi Ji-woo has confirmed being in a relationship with an actor she appeared with in a drama.

Choi, 34, and Lee Jin-wook, six years her junior, first met on the set of TV drama "Air City" two years ago. But Choi told a local daily that it was only lately that they had started dating.

The actress said the two were very careful about their relationship because they were both celebrities. Choi added that the public's attention on their relationship as well as the speculation of their marriage was a little burdensome because they just started seeing each other.

Dated: February 25, 2009
Source: soompi

Choi Ji Woo & Lee Jin Wook, A COUPLE?!

This news was known by the public February 2009 but I just found this out and maybe there are others who hasn't heard of it that is why I am sharing this. Plus the fact also that I rooted for them to be together when I watched Air City. I am so happy that my wish was granted. Fighting!!!

Hallyu star Choi Ji Woo(34) is going out with 6 years younger actor Lee Jin Wook(28). They met on the set of the drama, Air City back in 2007 and for the last 2 years they have been going out. Even with the busy schedule they make time for each other and usually have dates in the car.

















UPDATE: Lee Jin Wook entered the military service on 5/6/09

Source: soompi

Kyoko Fukada joins Tomoya Nagase's spy team

Kyoko Fukada has been announced as a cast member in NTV's upcoming drama series that stars Tomoya Nagase as a swindler recruited as a government spy. The show was first revealed last month, but it still does not have an official title.

Previous reports said that the show would include a "Bond girl"-type character named Dorothy. It was recently confirmed that fashion model Anne has been cast as the "Bond girl," but it appears that Dorothy is actually a different character that will be played by Fukada.

The character of Dorothy, also a member of Nagase's team, has been established as an elite spy with previous experience as part of the UK's intelligence agency MI6. Like Nagase, Fukada's role will require her to dress up in various disguises, such as a nurse, a bus guide, and a nun.

Nagase and Fukada's last drama series together was "Kanojo ga Shinjatta" in 2004. This new one will start next month on Saturday nights.

Source: Tokyograph

Panda ambassador Song Hye-gyo

The actress has been named first ever goodwill ambassador on behalf of pandas worldwide (and “panda ambassador” has got to be the awesomest job title ever). She visited a panda reserve located in Sichuan, China, on June 4. The panda she is pictured holding is approximately 8 to 9 months old.

Her position isn’t solely dedicated to panda preservation, but also raising environmental awareness and promoting public interests. Song said, “I’ve seen pandas in pictures and in documentaries, but seeing one in person like this feels like a dream. This is a good opportunity and I’m happy to be even a little help.”

She added, “There are many animals needing protection in Korea as well. I have a particular interest in the Korean otter, which is a national treasure. I hope many fans in Asia will take an interest in preserving pandas and the environment, too.”

Source: CBS
Translations: dramabeans

Han Ji Hye shares "shoes styling" tips

Actress Han Ji Hye gave out “shoes styling” tips to customers at the Jinny Kim shop in Sogong-dong’s Lotte Department Store.

Han recently endeavored into shoe design by creating the H by Jinny Kim line. Her journey to Italy for the project will be shown on O’live channel’s She’s Olive – Ji Hye’s Shoes – My Dream.Shoes from the H by Jinny Kim line are reportedly selling well.

Source: KPCulture

Kim HyunJoong sent to hospital

Breaking News!

Kim Hyun Joong, the Leader of ss501 was brought to the hospital at dawn of June 8 because he is unconcious from high fever. He is currently going through condition check-up and resting at the hospital. Due to this unexpected circumstance, his schedule in Thailand on 8-10 of June has to be postponed. However, the release of second album in July and Asia tour concert in the beginning of August is expected to be on schedule.

Credits: singerstar501 @ TripleS France + quiante

Song Seung-heon to Quit His Agency

"I want to appear in front of my fans with confidence.”

Following his predecessors Bae Yong-jun and Park Shin-yang, actor Song Seung-heon has founded his own talent management agency. He recently expressed his expectations and feelings on his personal Web site. Song wrote that he recently quit all his agencies, which used to be like home to him, and has been preparing to open his own agency. “It took me a while to make this decision, and it makes me feel really sad," wrote Song.

Song says he decided to become independent because he wanted to try many new things. He also expressed gratitude to his former agencies, and said that he had always wanted to expand his realms as an entertainer. "It’s like being home alone without your parents. I’m both nervous and excited to be completely on my own for the first time since my debut. But on the other hand, I’m also very worried. I’ll do my best to meet with you as often as I can and repay your love,” said Song.

Song made a comeback in May through the MBC TV series “East of Eden,” which was a big success. He says that in the future he wants to mature as an actor and appear in a new production as soon as possible. In his message, Song also expressed his grief over the passing of the late President Roh Moo-hyun. He wrote, "The news about Mr. Roh’s death was shocking and sad to all of us. I was always impressed by his efforts to protect ordinary people. It’s heartbreaking to know that we’ll never see him again. I hope that he rests in peace."

Source: KBS

Ethan Juan grabs a 1 million TWD commercial

Once he starts taking, he can’t stop. This is Ethan Juan when he takes on commercials. Following in the footsteps of fellow Taiwanese stars, such as Wang Leehom, Jolin Tsai, Show Luo and Rainie Yang, Ethan has officially become the new ambassador for an American fast-food conglomerate, pocketing about 1 million TWD. What is a coincidence is that he also filmed his very first commercial for the same company 7 years ago, when he was 18, and his pay was only 20 thousand NTD, a stark contrast from now.

This series of commercials fronted by Ethan will be directed by a Hong Kong director, and will, in accordance to his idol drama background, be drama-like. Besides heavily promoting the 24 hours delivery service, Hello Kitty will just be loved like Ethan’s lover too. Before the actual shooting, the director had wanted to include a bungee jumping scene, and Ethan, who has a fear of heights, had only agreed after much steeling of his own nerves. The scene was eventually cancelled in the end, however, due to the weather and much to the relief of Ethan.

7 years ago, Ethan was merely a nobody in the modeling scene, and although he had flown to Singapore to film the commercial for this company, he was too, just one amongst all of the other actors on set. 7 years later, he is now immensely popular, and his value has increased accordingly as well.

However, Xiaotian would like to say that, “You can’t just look at the figures, I think I’ve worked really hard in this period of time as well.”

Source: UDN
Translated by: hazel @ asianfanatics

Other than martial arts fighting, Wu Chun also wish to be in love

On 12 June, directed by Daniel Lee, supervised and produced by Zeng Pei Shan, the romantic martial arts huge production 14 Blades took the chance of Shanghai International Film Festival to hold a press conference. It is the first time Xu Zi Shan, who will be acting as the film's mysterious and sexy lady killer, Tuo Tuo, made an official public appearance. Wu Chun and Qi Yu Wu, who attended the event together, took the chance to reveal the 'secrets' of the film as Director Daniel Lee was absent from the event. Wu Chun, who accepted our exclusive interview, revealed that his image is too revealing and he has to work harder on toning his body, otherwise, it wouldn't be good if he disappoints the audience. After filming two period films consecutively, Wu Chun also hope to act in modern films. Currently, he wish to act in police film and love comedy. He feels that it is not bad to be in a good love story.

During the first press conference which marked the commencement of the filming, Wu Chun ever introduced his character as a martial arts expert, and also a rather sexy leader of the thugs. And the actual attire of his character caused even himself to be astounded. Wu Chun revealed, the most important highlight of his costume which the director designed, is surprisingly a navel revealing costume!

"Everyone can see my abs, because it has been a long time since I've been gyming, I don't feel really good, so recently I've been gyming more intensively, hopefully by then everyone can see a Wu Chun with perfect abs.

But Wu Chun emphasized that the sexiness isn't deliberate.

"The director designed this character to require such a graceful and elegant image, hence the choice of clothes is sexier and will get to see a more muscular me, these are all required by the character. Personally I don't care about revealing myself to attract viewers."

Wu Chun acted in the film Butterfly Lovers not too long after his debut, and it has received rather good comments. Wu Chun, who likes martial art fighting, expressed that he admires Donnie Yen and had hoped that there will be a chance to work with him. Not long later, he was asked to work with his idol Donnie Yen. Being widely addressed as the most famous male idol now, Wu Chun modestly expressed that he's really too lucky.

He wished to act in martial arts film and he got to act in Butterfly Lovers. He wished to act with Donnie Yen and he got to act in 14 Blades. He would never think of being able to obtain all these in the past.

"I'm very happy that everyone will like me. As for the comments from outside, I'm never bothered with them. Because of everyone's attention and interest in me, I will work harder to do my best, I will train and improve my acting and abilities. To improve quickly and get everyone's affirmation is what I want to see the most."

Able to work with an actor whom he likes, Wu Chun honestly said that he's super lucky. Donnie Yen has always been a great martial arts superstar in his eyes. Previously, he had never expected to be able to work with Donnie Yen so soon.

"Donnie Yen totally doesn't have the airs of a superstar. This time, the fighting style and the previous time is different, I'll get to use my legs and weapon. For the areas of martial arts, Donnie Da ge *(To address an older guy with seniority)* taught me a lot of techniques and areas which I have to take note, so that I won't get injured so easily. During training, Donnie Da ge came to visit and he felt that I had put a lot of effort on fighting, and he encouraged me to practice more and not to think so much. This relieved quite a bit of my worry about being nervous when fighting with my idol when the time comes. It also decreased quite a bit of my pressure. Actually the pressure comes from myself. I always want to do everything to its best, but this way, I'm giving a lot of burden to myself. Donnie Da ge has taught me a lot in this area. Just do my best and don't care about other people's views. It's all right as long as I've tried my best. Expecting too much from myself might not be a good thing. I feel that I can learn a lot from him, not just on fighting, but also on being a person, on being an actor. He teaches me very often, and gives me suggestions on how to fight and it will look better on screen, so that my actions will be better with less effort, and the kind of sparring effect will be more obvious."

14 Blades is Wu Chun's 2nd film on the big screen. After filming two period films consecutively, Wu Chun wonder if the audience will get tired of seeing him in period films. Although personally, he likes period films, he also thinks it'll be good to try out new things.

When asked about what he wishes to try, Wu Chun said "Modern films should be quite good. Previously he has acted in idol dramas and it's not bad, but it's different from movies. Hope that I will get some different scripts, like police films. But love comedy is not bad as well. I like to watch this kind of love flicks, don't always just fight here and there, it's not bad to have a good romance. Shows about love are very popular now. I also feel like trying out different areas, so that I can train up my acting and build up a good base for my future. Hope that everyone will support me."

Source: Baidu
Translated by: NicoleYBJ of Wu Zun's thread @ asianfanatics