Actress Go A-ra Hopes to Inspire Viewers to Chase Dreams

After playing the role of a pole vaulter in "Pacemaker," which opened in theaters recently, Go A-ra appears as the teen breadwinner of a dysfunctional American family in the upcoming movie "Papa," set to open on Feb. 2.

In the film, the 22-year-old plays a girl who overcomes conflicts with her stepfather in order to protect the family of orphaned children from different ethnic backgrounds, before eventually breaking into show business.

"I did heavy workouts and learned English, singing, dancing and even guitar while I was filming these two movies," Go said. "I started learning English when I was five, which helped a lot."

Even though it has been 10 years since Go made her debut, most people still remember her as the main character in the KBS teen drama "Sharp." She landed that role right after winning an audition with the talent management agency SM Entertainment.

"If I didn't take the audition for the talent agency when I was in junior high school, I would probably be preparing to become a news presenter," she said.

"I started dreaming about being an anchor since I watched the TV soap 'All About Eve,' which dealt with the world of news reporting."

She said she became more proactive at school after watching the soap, pushing herself to excel not only in her studies, but also in extracurricular activities.

"It means a lot to me to accurately portray characters as an actress," Go said. "I would like to inspire viewers so they become interested in new worlds, and start to have dreams and set goals just like I did."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Miss A's Suzy to make film debut in "Introduction to Architecture

Miss A's Suzy will debut in her first movie "Introduction to Architecture" directed by Lee Yong Ju.

The movie is a love story of an architecture student (Uhm Tae Woong) falling in love with a music student (Han Ga In) who he met in an Introduction to Architecture class at college. Several years later, the two meet again, when she becomes his client.

Suzy will play the younger version of Han Ga In's character.

The film will start shooting in December.

Song Hye-kyo's New Movie to Premier at Busan Int'l Film Festival

Actress Song Hye-kyo plays a documentary producer who forgives a 17-year-old boy for killing her fiance in the movie "A Reason to Live," which will premier at the 16th Busan International Film Festival next month.

The film is directed by Lee Jeong-hyang, of "Art Museum by the Zoo" fame. It was officially invited to premiere at the Gala Presentation of the film festival, which will run from Oct. 6 to 14.

The festival was formerly known as the Pusan International Film Festival but amended the spelling of its name this year to conform to the official Romanization of the city in which it is held.

"A Reason to Live" portrays the confusion and sadness that the heroine feels when her forgiveness leads to unexpected results. It will be screened along with a series of activities, including outdoor stage greetings by the actress, press conferences and a conversation with the audience.

"A Reason to Live" will go on general release nationwide from Oct. 27.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Come Rain Come Shine [ Korean Movie 2011]

Genre : MeloDrama
Starring : Hyun Bin, Im Su-jung
Release date : 3 March 2011
Runtime :105 min.
Directed by: LEE Yoon-ki

Synopsis:

On the day of separation, a couple still play hide and seek with their true feelings. While driving to the airport one day, a young woman tells her husband that she wants to leave him for another man. The husband does not ask her why. On the day she is to move out, a massive storm strikes seemingly stranding her and forcing them to spend another day together. A lot can happen in one day, as their soon to be new reality sinks in.

[source: http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr]

Gallery :

Park Min-young Thrilled About Screen Debut

Park Min-young said on Thursday that she was excited about her screen debut in the horror flick "The Cat," about a woman who becomes consumed by fear after she adopts a cat found at the site of a mysterious death.

"There's a lot of room for improvement [in terms of my acting ability], because this is my first film, but I hope you enjoy it and that the film gets decent reviews this summer," she said at a media preview. The movie is due to be released next Thursday.

"There are so many things I'm doing for the first time today. This is my first preview for my very first film, and I believe this experience will serve me well for the future."

She said she managed to overcome her fear of the genre to accept the part, which she could not resist because the script was so well-plotted.

"Although I have a problem watching horror films, the scenario was so well written and attractive that I decided to do it," she said.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Go Ara To Film "Papa" In U.S.

Actress Go Ara will be starring in a new film, "Papa".

Go has joined the team of director Han Ji-seung and production team Sangsang Film's project which also stars Park Yong-woo.

The storyline is about a manager who pushes a young female talent to enter a reality TV show contest in the U.S. Some background information involves the manager having to get married to attain a legal visa and ends up having to raise six children when his wife dies.

After completing her role in "Pacemaker", Go will head over to the U.S. to start filming "Papa".

source: KBS Global

Cho Seung-woo Set to Return to the Big Screen

Actor Cho Seung-woo will join the cast of "Peach Tree," the second film to be directed by actress Ku Hye-sun.

Ku's management agency said that Cho will play a conjoined twin alongside and Ryu Duk-hwan Nam Sang-mi.

It is going to be Cho's first movie after completing his military service.

Ku made her directorial debut with "Magic" last year. "Peach Tree," which will be the first movie made through her recently established production company Ku Hye-sun Film, is slated to start filming this spring.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Kim Hye-ja & "Mother" Get Nods From LAFCA

The Korean film "Mother" released earlier this year seems to have made an impression abroad. Or it has with the LA film critics anyway.

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) announced on December 12th (local time), the winning actors/actresses and film projects that they felt were noteworthy from 2010. Actress Kim Hye-ja was awarded with the Best Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the movie "Mother". The runner-up behind her was Jennifer Lawrence in the movie "Winter's Bone". On top of that, LAFCA also felt the Korean project was the second best foreign film to show in the US this year, placing it only behind the movie "Carlos".

"Mother" is about a mother's a desperate struggle to clear her son's name of false murder charges. Playing the mother of the son (played by Wonbin), Kim Hye-ja also won the Asia Pacific Screen Awards for Best Female Actress this past November and the Asia Film Awards for Best Actress in Hong Kong last March.

The LAFCA is an organization founded in 1975, made up of film critics based in Los Angeles. They come together to vote on some of the best actors, actresses, directors, screenplays, movies, etc. for the year during the month of December. The best overall film for 2010 was "The Social Network" and the Best Actor Award went to Colin Firth for his role in "The King's Speech".

source: KBS Global

Kim Ha-neul cast as female lead for upcoming thriller

A still from the upcoming thriller "Blind" [NEW]

Korean actress Kim Ha-neul has been cast as the female lead for a new upcoming thriller film.

A press release from movie promoter's NEW on Tuesday announced that Kim will be playing the female lead role opposite Korean actor Yoo Seung-ho in a crime pic titled "Blind."

"When I received the scenario it was a role that I felt would test my level as an actress. I want to put all my energy into the movie and meet the expectations of the staff and fans," Kim was quoted as saying.

"Blind," helmed by Ahn Sang-hoon, is about a visually impaired woman (Kim) who witnesses a horrendous crime while Yoo will play the male lead who acts as the 'eyes' for Kim's character.

The movie had won the awards as the best and most popular project at the "2009 Hit By Pitch" hosted by the Producers Guild of Korea which aims at enhancing producers' expertise and revitalizing film productions.

“Blind” is scheduled to open in local theaters in summer of 2011.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Jun Ji-hyun considering new movie role

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun is considering a role in an upcoming movie by famed director E J-yong.

"Jun is currently in talks to appear in a movie titled 'Falling in Love,'" an official from her agency J&Co. Entertainment told Sports Today over the phone on Thursday, adding that the actress is looking at her role in a positive light but nothing has been confirmed as of yet with many adjustments having to be made.

"Falling in Love" is about a married woman falling for a manager of a club even though she finds out he approached her for her money and the man too gradually develops actual feelings of love for the woman.

"Love" claimed the Kodak Award during this year's Pusan Promotion Plan of the annual Pusan International Film Festival, winning it funds for production from Kodak Korea Limited.

Director E is well known for his works including "Untold Scandal" (2003) starring Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon and "The Actresses" (2009).

Jun Ji-hyun, whose English name is Gianna Jun, rose to stardom after her role in the 2001 hit movie "My Sassy Girl." She made her international film debut last year in the action flick "Blood: The Last Vampire" and "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan."

Jun parted ways with her management agency Sidus HQ after 14 years to establish her own agency J&Co. Entertainment in mid-October.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Bong Joon-ho Win APN Awards

Actors Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin and director Bong Joon-ho have been named the winners of the 2010 APN Awards by the Asian-Pacific Producers Network. They will be awarded the prize in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province on Friday.

The annual award presented by the organization of over 100 film producers from the Asia-Pacific region used to be given to only one actor or actress from the host country of the APN general assembly that year. It has now been expanded to three categories -- an actor, actress and director.

Previous recipients include Jeon Do-yeon of "Secret Sunshine" in 2007 and Kenichi Matsuyama of "Death Note" in 2008.

The upcoming APN meeting, which will discuss potential joint productions and copyright issues, is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday on the sidelines of the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Ku Hye-sun's first feature pic "Magic" invited to JIMFF

Official poster for Ku Hye-sun's film "Magic"

Korean actress Ku Hye-sun will be presenting her first feature film "Magic" at the 6th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) next month, according to her agency YG Entertainment (YG) on Monday.

YG announced in a press release that actress-turned-director has been invited to show her film at JIMFF, to be held in the city of Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province from August 12 to 17.

JIMFF -- a music and film festival held under the concept 'harmony among movies, music and nature' -- introduces various music films from Korea as well as overseas. "Magic" will be presented in a section called 'Today In Korea's Music Films.'

Set in an art school, "Magic" is a story about the passion and competition among young musicians and features various music genres including classical music, folk songs and Korean pop music. Two notable tunes in the film are reinterpretations of traditional folk melody "Arirang" and "You In My Arms" by the late Korean singer Yoo Jae-ha.

"Magic" was previously shown at the Jeonju International Film Festival earlier this year prior to its theater release on June 24.

In June, the actress was also awarded the "Spotlight Award" at the 12th Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia for her 2008 short feature "The Madonna."

The pic had been shown at several film events last year including the Asiana International Short Film Festival, the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and the Pusan Asian Short Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.

Ku, 25, had originally planned to debut as a singer with South Korea's major talent agency YG Entertainment but she started acting in several TV dramas and made a breakthrough with a role in 2006 KBS TV series "Pure in Heart".

She then became a household name throughout Asia after starring in the mega-hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers" (KBS, 2009) as the character Geum Jan-di. Ku is also a talented singer and songwriter, artist, novelist and scriptwriter.

She will be returning to the small screen through upcoming TV series "The Musical," in which she plays a medical student who dreams of becoming a musical actress.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Song Hye-kyo ponders new film by Lee Jung-hyang

Korean actress Song Hye-kyo may be returning to the big screen through a new film by director Lee Jung-hyang, best-known for 2002 hit pic "The Way Home."

"She is considering appearing in director Lee Jung-hyang's new film but it has not been finalized," an official at Song's agency Eden 9 Entertainment told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Tuesday. "It is hard to decide on her next project since we have not been notified of when the movie she is currently filming in China will end."

Lee Jung-hyang's upcoming movie, which remains untitled, is a story about the conflicts and growth a television producer experiences after losing her fiance in a hit-and-run accident.

It is Lee's first film since "Home," which turned then-child actor Yoo Seung-ho into a household name, became a local box office hit eight years ago.

Song, 28, shot to fame throughout Asia after starring in several hit TV dramas including "Autumn In My Heart" (KBS, 2000), "All In" (SBS, 2003) and "Full House" (KBS, 2004) alongside Asian pop sensation Rain. She was last seen in the drama "The World That They Live In" (KBS, 2008) and made headlines for dating her co-star Hyun Bin.

She has also done some work on the big screen including "Hwang Jin-i" (2007), "Poetry" (2008) and Asian omnibus pic "Carmelia" (2010), directed by Jang Joon-hwan and co-starring Gang Dong-won.

The actress is currently shooting Wong Kar-wai pic "The Grand Master" in China.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Da-hae make big screen debut with "Song of Springs"

Korean actress Lee Da-hae [DBM Entertainment]

Korean actress Lee Da-hae will be making her big screen debut in an upcoming historical movie, according to the movie's producer Sang Sang Entertainment on Thursday.

A press release from Sang Sang announced that Lee will play the female lead named Ara in the film "Song of Springs," based on the novel of the same name written by novelist Kim Hoon, opposite Lee Sung-jae and Ahn Sung-ki.

"Springs" will be helmed by famed director Joo Kyeong-joong, who won best director at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards for "A Little Monk."

"Springs" has already been sold to Japan and China after garnering attention for Japanese producer Satoru Iseki taking part in the overseas distribution and marketing for the film.

Lee has appeared in several dramas since her debut in 2001. Her most notable works include her role in "Lotus Flower Fairy" and rose to stardom in Korea and throughout Asia with "My Girl."

She recently played the lead female role alongside Korean actors Jang Hyuk and in the hit KBS historical drama " Oh Ji-hoThe Slave Hunters" which recorded viewership ratings in the high 30 percent range.

Filming for "Song of Springs" will begin in the summer and the premiere date has been set for around the summer of next year.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Jo Yeo-jeong Hits Box-Office Gold with Daring Part

"The Servant" released on June 2 is in many ways significant for the actress Jo Yeo-jeong. It is her first box office success since her debut in 1997, having drawn more than a million spectators in just a week since its release, and it includes the first serious bed scenes of her acting career.

"The Servant" is a modern interpretation with a satirical twist of the classic Korean folktale of Chun-hyang. It tells the story of Bang-ja, the servant of a young nobleman Mong-ryong, who becomes enamoured of a traditional entertainer or gisaeng being pursued by his master.

Jo plays Chun-hyang, the object of both men's attention. In the film she falls in love with Bang-ja, although she tries to capture Mong-ryong's heart to climb up the social ladder.

The daring scenes did not disturb her much. "I don't think the level of nudity in the film was all that excessive because it depicts a secretive love that could never come out," she says. "I looked a lot prettier than I do in reality." She adds she maintains her shape with yoga and that contributes to the scenes' success.

Jo says she learned something new and felt she was being reborn as an actress. She had perfect partnership with her university senior Kim Ju-hyeok, who plays Bang-ja.

Jo feels she is only at the start of her serious career. "It seems to me that the audience just started paying attention to me as an actress," she says.

source : Chosun Ilbo

Jeon Do-yeon Returns to Screen in Risque Role

Cannes-award winning actress Jeon Do-yeon made a return to cinema with "The Housemaid" after more than two years of absence. Since her 2008 film "My Dear Enemy," Jeon took maternity leave from the film industry, but now she is ready to face the audience again with the erotic thriller to be released on May 13.

The film is a remake of 1960 film of the same title by the late director Kim Ki-young. In the press conference held on Tuesday, Jeon shared her story of how she had to endure two months of physically demanding action ranging from sex scenes to wire-stunt scenes.

"While shooting the film, I was reluctant to continue at times because of the nude scenes," Jeon says. "But my family gave me huge encouragement. My husband did not want me to change what roles I choose just because I'm married and cheered me on. I was very grateful for his encouragement and support."

Poster of The Housemaid

The new "Housemaid" is directed by Im Sang-soo, who is known for his unconventional portrayal of sex in films like "Tears," "Girls' Night Out," and "A Good Lawyer's Wife." In the film, according to Jeon, "There will be not only the joy of watching but also listening."

Im said, "The plot is the same as the original, but you'll be able to see a big difference in the depths of expressiveness of actors and images." He added, "It's my first time shooting a film with such a star-studded cast. That reflects how ambitious I was about this project. Enjoy watching it. I leave it to your judgment. I'd love to shock the audience with the film."

Meanwhile, Jeon will tread the red carpet again at this year's Cannes Film Festival on May 12 to 23 as "The Housemaid" has been invited to the main section.

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun

Gong Yoo and Lim Soo-jung to star in new film "First Love"

Korean actor Gong Yoo and actress Lim Soo-jung have been slated to star in a new film tentatively titled "First Love," according to their agency N.O.A Entertainment on Thursday.

N.O.A stated that the two actors were cast to play the lead roles in the musical-turned-movie, based on a comical story of a woman who during her trip to India re-encounters her first love and tries to see him again.

Lim, appearing in a romantic comedy pic for the first time, will be taking the role of woman who meets her first love and Gong Yoo the man who helps Lim's character find her love.

The original musical, which began its run in 2006, has been performed over 1,200 times on stage and is considered a hit in the local musical industry.

Lim, 30, made her debut in 1998 as a cover model for teenage magazines. She soon moved onto dramas and films, including her most notable roles in the hit KBS2 series "I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004) and movies "Lump of Sugar" (2006) and "WOOCHI" (2009).

Gong Yoo, whose real name is Gong Ji-cheol, debuted in 2001 in KBS TV series "School 4" which was also Lim's small screen debut. He has appeared in more than a dozen dramas and films including "My Tutor Friend," "S Diary" and "She's On Duty."

He became a household name throughout Asia after his role in 2007 smash hit drama "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" with actress Yoon Eun-hye.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kim Tae-hee, Lee Jun-ki to star in film "Grand Prix"

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 Ko Doo-sim are reportedly in talks to play supporting roles.

"Prix", a sequel to the 2006 film "Lump Sugar" starring Korean actress Lim Soo-jung, is a story about horse racing.

The pic will be helmed by Yang Yoon-ho, who previously directed "Libera Me" (2000), "Fighter in the Wind" (2004) and "Holiday" (2005).

The film, which starts shooting this month or in April, is scheduled for release later in the year around the Korean Thanksgiving break.

Kim, 29, rose to fame after appearing in the hit SBS TV series "Stairway to Heaven" in 2003 alongside Hallyu stars Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo and starred in blockbuster drama "IRIS" opposite top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun last year.

She has also appeared in several movies including "The Restless" with actor (2006) and "Jung Woo-sungVenus and Mars" (2007) opposite Sul Kyung-gu.

Lee, 27, became a household name after appearing as a woman-like clown in the 2005 hit film "The King and the Clown" and most recently appeared in MBC TV series "Hero", where he portrayed a passionate magazine reporter.

He will returning to the big screen for the first time in three years with "Prix" after having last starred in the Korea-Japan co-production titled "Virgin Snow" in 2007.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Gang Dong-won, Song Hye-kyo start filming "Love"

Korean actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

Top Korean actors Gang Dong-won and Song Hye-kyo have started shooting their feature segment for the Asian omnibus pic "Camellia", according to the film's producer BAL CON on Wednesday.

The two actors started filming "Love For Sale" on Friday, playing former lovers who forget their memories about each which later leads them to a fatal destiny.

"Camellia" is an omnibus pic made up of three feature films directed by three Asian directors. Each episode will be set in the past, present and future of the city of Busan, Korea.

The first feature "Iron Pussy", which tells the story of Busan during the 1970s, will be directed by Thailand's Wisit Sasanatieng and star Korean actor Kim Min-jun and Thai-American actor Michael Shaowanasai.

Korean actor Sul Kyung-gu and Japan's Yositaka Yuriko will appear in the second segment, "Kamome", which is set in modern day Korea. It will be directed by Japanese filmmaker Yukisada Isao.

Set in the near future, "Love for Sale" is the final episode which will be helmed by Korean director Jang Joon-hwan. Jang won rave reviews for his directorial debut "Save the Green Planet!" in 2003.

Gang has been considered one of Korea's top heartthrobs since his appearance in the 2004 film "Romance of their Own". He most recently starred in comic fantasy flick "WOOCHI", which set a record for attracting the most number of viewers on its opening day and has been ranked at No.2 behind "Avatar" for four consecutive weeks. Gang has another movie coming out next month, titled "Sworn Brothers".

Korean actress Song Hye-kyo [Lee Won-woo/10Asia]

Actress Song Hye-kyo shot to fame in 2000 after starring in KBS TV series "Autumn Fairy Tale" alongside Hallyu stars Won Bin and Song Seung-hun. She garnered increasing popularity throughout Asia with her subsequent roles in hit dramas such as "All In" (SBS, 2003) and "Full House" (KBS, 2004).

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Na-young Takes on Transgender Part

Actress Lee Na-young is one of the most coveted models for advertisers along with fellow 30-something stars like Kim Hee-sun and Ko So-young. She has appeared in almost all major commercials for cosmetics, electronics, beverage, food, telecommunication, and construction companies, and she still has many advertisers wooing her. For her management agency, she is the beautiful goose that lays the golden eggs.

Over the 10-plus years of her acting career, Lee has shown different sides of herself in each eight film she starred in, including "Who R U?" (2002), "Please Teach Me English" (2003), "Someone Special" (2004), "Maundy Thursday" (2006), and "Dream" (2008). In her latest film, romantic comedy "Lady Daddy," Lee appears as a man. She is not a transvestite but a single, unmarried transgender woman who discovers she has a son from the time she was a man and must now live with him.

Lee had a lot of fun filming it, and seems quite impervious to her looks. Where does her confidence spring from? "None of the parts I've played in films were pretty. In fact, I get stressed out if I have to look pretty. I keep thinking, 'what if I don't?'" As for playing a man, "I've wanted to do a part like that for quite a long time. Some actresses have done it recently. I was especially impressed by Cate Blanchett's performance in 'I'm Not There,'" she said. "When I read the screenplay, I was worried that I might misrepresent the image of transgender people due to my insufficient knowledge, but I was attracted to the uniqueness of the material. I thought the theme would be more appealing and easier for the audience to understand when combined with comedy."

"Lady Daddy" will have to challenge huge blockbusters "Avatar" by James Cameron and "Woochi: The Taoist Wizard" by Choi Dong-hoon. Is Lee just unlucky in terms of box office success? "Someone Special" and "Who R U?" found moderate belated success only after the screening was finished. This time she also has a cold snap to contend with, which might keep people at home. But Lee is determined not to let that put her off.

credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun