Bae to Appear in Self-produced Drama 'Dream High'

Actor Bae Yong-jun (37) has been flying below the radar since the hit 2007 MBC TV drama series "The Legend" (Taewangsashingi). He is expected to appear in the tentatively-named drama "Dream High," which he will produce with music mogal Park Jin-young. Keyeast says Bae will produce and plan the drama but is also mulling a screen appearance.

Dream High is the first collaboration between JYP Entertainment, whose largest shareholder is Park, and Keyeast, whose number one shareholder is Bae. It will be a coming-of-age school drama set in an entertainment and arts school. Set to air during next year's first half, the story will feature a great deal of singing, dancing and acting and will also portray the inner workings of the entertainment industry.

JYP and Keyeast announced the project last month. Park will be in charge of the music production, lyrics, adaptation, vocal and dance training for the cast while Bae will be involved in the overall production and screenplay.

Bae earlier considered his next acting role to be the drama "One Drop" but, due to its delay, he could decide to appear in Dream High instead.

Keyeast says Bae is particularly passionate about the high profile Park-Bae collaboration and if there's fitting role, he is willing to make an appearance.

The playwright will be chosen and serious preparations will kick off this month.

Keyeast says school teen dramas such as Disney's "High School Musical" have been massive hits but that Dream High will be different from such existing dramas.

source:KBS Global

Tags: Bae Yong jun/korean actor/Dream High/Taewangsashingi/High School Musical

Discovery Channel Zooms in on Pop Icon 'Rain'

Korean pop star Rain is the subject of a documentary on the Discovery channel. Rain's management agency said the documentary, aired in Australia and New Zealand on Jan. 31, will be screened across Asia including Korea on Feb. 23. The documentary portrays Rain as a symbol of Korean pop culture that has flourished in the past decade.

As part of the special program "Hip Korea" focusing on the popularity of the Korean pop culture, Rain features as a Korean cultural icon who appeals to worldwide audiences.

Rain's passion and talent are discussed in interviews with Steven Colbert, the host of the U.S. show "The Colbert Report," which regularly lampoons the singer, actress Susan Sarandon, who appeared beside him in "Speed Racer," film director Park Chan-wook and actress Lim Soo-jung.

The Discovery Channel specializes in documentaries and is aired in some 170 countries.

Credit:englishnews@chosun.com

source:Chosun
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902210003.html

Tags: Rain/Speed Racer/Hip Korea/Discovery Channel/Korean pop star

Yoon Eun Hye models for Vivien

Tags: Yoon Eun Hye /korean actress/Vivien

Lee Yo Won In Marie Claire March 2009

Tags: Lee Yo Won/korean actress/Marie Claire

Choi Ji-woo in Love

The representative of actress Choi Ji-woo has admitted that the “Winter Sonata” star is seeing fellow actor Lee Jin-wook. The two have been dating for the past two years, since they met while working on the drama “Air City” in 2007. There have been rumors in the past about the two stars going steady, but they have steadily denied that there was any special feeling between them. However, they were spotted on several occasions enjoying a cozy time together in Lee’s car and in front of Choi’s home. Lee is six years younger than Choi.

Choi has a huge following in Japan, where her popularity nearly matches that of her “Winter Sonata” co-star Bae Yong-joon. She is currently taking some time off after finishing a drama called “A Star’s Lover” on SBS. Meanwhile, Lee is presently starring in a weekly series titled “Glass Castle.” He is also scheduled to begin his military duty later this year.

source: KBS World

Tags: Choi Ji woo/Star's Lover/Lee Jin wook/Air City/SBS drama

Choi Ji-woo in Costume Change Marathon

Choi Ji-woo has had chances to display all her charms in every possible way by showcasing a great number of outfits in 20-episode SBS drama "Star's Lover," which ended Thursday. Choi's stylist said the actress appeared in 147 outfits up to the 12th episode, averaging 12 ensembles per episode. In the second episode alone, she wore 25 different outfits. The industry says it might be the most number of costume changes in Korean TV history, although there is no accurate record to compare.

In the soap, Choi plays the role of a top actress, and is therefore shown in many different dresses. She has featured a range of clothing, from a nun's uniform and delivery man's clothes to vampish leather goods, a ballerina's tutu and fur coats.

"Some people say how lucky I am to wear all these wonderful clothes, but it is not easy task getting changed so frequently." Choi said. "I normally wear comfortable casual clothes, like sportswear, when I am not shooting."

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source: Chosun
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902140002.html

Tags: Choi Ji woo/Star's Lover/korean drama/korean actress/SBS drama

Kim Beom to be Released from Hospital This Week

In hospital for injuries sustained in a car accident, Kim Beom, a star of “Boys over Flowers,” will likely be released on Thursday at the latest. The young actor underwent surgery after his van crashed into the rail on his way back from the filming early Monday morning. He sustained injuries to his toe, ankle, back, and spine. He also has to wear a leg cast for at least three weeks, hampering his drama shooting schedule. However, Kim’s agency said he will be back to star in the show, even if he has to do all his scenes sitting down.

Kim had been in another car accident on February 1st. His injuries then were light enough for him to receive physical therapy and shoot the show at the same time.

source: KBS World

Tags:Boys over Flowers/Kim Beom/korean actor

Tablo and Kang Hye-jung an Item

Tablo made it official. Leader of the hip hop group, Epik High, is dating actress Kang Hye-jung of the “Old Boy” and “Welcome to Dongmakgol” fame.

He said at his radio show that he and Kang had met through a mutual friend late last year. Their feelings for each other grew while talking about music and common interests. Tablo thanked his fans on his personal homepage for supporting him when the news broke.

Kang is an acclaimed actress, whose latest work “Wedding Palace,” a joint film by Korea and Hollywood, is expected to launch her career in America. Tablo is a musician as well as an author, who published a collection of short stories, “Pieces of You,” last year.

source: KBS World

Tags: Tablo/Kang Hye jung/Epik High/Old Boy/Welcome to Dongmakgol

The MNET Super 100 Idols

1 - Big bang, Kwon Jiyong
2 - Wonder Girls, Sohee
3 - DBSK, Xiah junsu
4 - Big Bang, TOP
5 - DBSK, U-Know Yunho
ang, Kwon Jiyong
6 - SS501, Kim Hyunjoong
7 - Fin.K.L, Lee Hyori
8 - SNSD, Taeyeon
9 - H.O.T, Jang Woohyuk
10 - DBSK, Micky Yoochun
11 - Big Bang, Daesung
12 - SES, Yoojin
13 - Shinhwa, Eric
14 - Wonder Girls, Sunye
15 - Big Bang, Taeyang
16 - DBSK, Hero Jaejoong
17 - 2PM, Nickhun
18 - Fin.K.L, Sung Yuri
19 - Shinee, Taemin
20 - Super Junior, Eunhyuk
21 - 2AM, Jokwon
22 - SNSD, Yoona
23 - G.O.D, Yoon Gyesang
24 - FT Island, Lee Hongki
25 - Sechs Kies, Eun Jiwon
26 - Dbsk, Changmin
27 - H.O.T., KangTa
28 - Wonder Girls, Sunmi
29 - SHINee Minho
30 - KARA, Han Seungyeon
31 - Bigbang, Seungri
32 - Super Junior, Heechul
33 - H.O.T., Tony An
34 - Shinhwa, Andy
35 - Se7en
36 - 2PM, Chansung
37 - Super Junior, Shindong
38 - SS501, Kim Kyujong
39 - Wonder Girls, Yoobin
40 - SNSD, Tiffany
41 - SHINee, Onew
42 - Super Junior KangIn
43 - Wonder Girls, Yeeun
44 - F.T.Island, Choi Jong Hun
45 - Sugar, Ayumi
46 - Shinhwa, Kim Dongwan
47 - Buzz, Min Kyunghoon
48 - CSJH, Stephanie
49 - Super Junior Siwon
50 - Sechs Kies, Go Ji-Yong
51 - Jung Jihoon (Rain)
52 - S.E.S, Bada
53 - 2PM, TaecYeon
54 - KARA, Goo HaRa
55 - Super Junior Sungmin
56 - SS501, Kim Hyung Joon
57 - 1TYM, Danny
58 - Super Junior Eeteuk
59 - SHINee, Jonghyun
60 - G.O.D, Son HoYoung
61 - SNSD, Seohyun
62 - Shinhwa, Junjin
63 - H.O.T., Moon Heejun
64 - Shinhwa, Shin Hyesung
65 - Click B, Oh, JongHyeok
66 - SNSD, Yuri
67 - Super Junior, Hangyeong
68 - Sechs Kies, Jang Suwon
69 - CSJH, Dana
70 - Super Junior, Kibeom
71 - FIN.K.L, Leejin
72 - Taesaja, Park Junsook
73 - NRG, Moon Seonghun
74 - Baby Vox, Kan Miyeon
75 - Click B, Kim Sanghyuk
76 - SS501, Heo Young Saeng
77 - FIN.K.L, Ok Juhyeon
78 - G.O.D, Denian
79 - Ttma, Soy
80 - 2PM Jaebeom
81 - SHINee, KEY
82 - Sugar, Park Sujin
83 - NRG, No Yumin
84 - 1TYM, Oh Jinhwan
85 - SNSD, Jessica
86 - Shinhwa, Lee Min Woo
87 - F.T.Island, Choi Minhwan
88 - Click B, Yoo Hosook
89 - Super Junior, Donghae
90 - Baby Vox, Shim EunJin
91 - Buzz, Son SungHee
92 - Supernova ,Geonil
93 - Taesaja, Kim hyungjun
94 - SNSD, Sooyoung
95 - Choi Changmin
96 - Milk, Seo Hyunjin
97 - Battle, Hwichan
98 - The TRAX, Jay Kim
99 -Sechs Kies, Kang Aunghoon
100 - Baby Vox Yoon Eunhye

source: Allkpop

Tags: Xiah/Big bang/Sohee/DBSK/Lee Hyori/Yunho/Kwon Jiyon

Top Korea, Japan Idol Groups Share Talk Show

The top pop groups of Korea and Japan--DBSK (or TVXQ) and SMAP--have met on a Japanese program.

DBSK on Jan. 29 joined the recording of the popular show "SMAP×SMAP" on Fuji TV, hosted by SMAP. In a friendly atmosphere, the two groups talked and sang together. The program airs next month.

Previously, top Korean stars such as Jang Dong-geon, Song Seung-heon, Lee Young-ae, Choi Ji-woo, Ryu Si-won, Gwon Sang-woo and Sin Hye-seong appeared in the program's "Bistro SMAP" segment. Sin notably sang a live duet with SMAP member Kusanagi Tsuyoshi.

The two top groups had already met Dec. 31 during an NHK year-end pop festival, the most prestigious of its kind in Japan. The two groups briefly met during rehearsals and DBSK later went to SMAP's room for a formal greeting.

SMAP member Takuya Kimura talked about that first encounter on a radio show last month. He laughingly said, "The room was small for ten healthy men. It was suffocating. Kusanagi Tsuyoshi's supposed Korean skills didn't really come out."

The Korean group's appearance on "SMAP×SMAP" is as significant as their first meeting last month.

Japan's Johnny's Entertainment manages not only SMAP but many other top notch idol groups including KinKi Kids. It maintains their popularity by having group members host shows on all private broadcasts.

DBSK is also scheduled to appear soon on a Fuji TV show hosted by the KinKi Kids (Domoto Koichi, Domoto Tsuyoshi). The "honeymoon affair" between DBSK and Johnny's is expected to continue for quite some time.

source: KBS Global

Tags: TVXQ/SMAP/Kusanagi Tsuyoshi/DBSK/Takuya Kimura

Ryu to Sing Japanese Drama Theme Song

Singer and actor Ryu Siwon (36) will sing the theme song of a Japanese drama.

His albums have ranked high on the Oricon chart upon their release in Japan. The song is "Cafe Wonderland" from the drama "おちゃべり," a new daytime drama airing on Mainichi TV and TBS-TV starting March 1.

"Cafe Wonderland" will be released March 11 as Ryu's 9th single title and his first this year, which marks the 5th anniversary of his debut in Japan.

Ryu will also appear at the end of every episode of the 20-episode drama and deliver a 15-second "love" message targeting married women.

In the message, he will echo lines Japanese women would love to hear from their husbands such as "The scent of washed clothes is your love" or "I'm sorry I threw my clothes around here and there."

Ryu recorded the theme song on Jan. 30 at Universal Studio Japan in Osaka. He says the song is very bright and the lyrics cheerful. As for the 15 second "love" spot, he says married women will be happy to hear the words as if spoken by their husbands.

He will also appear in the new SBS Wed/Thurs drama series "City Hall" after a four year break since his 2005 KBS drama "Wedding." He said, "This year will also be a busy year. I'll work hard."

source: KBS Global

Tags: Ryu Si won/korean singer/korean actor/Ryu/Japanese drama/Cafe Wonderland

Rain on Discovery Channel

World-class star Rain will be on the Discovery Channel, a channel specializing in documentaries, in its “Hip Korea” series. Rain’s agency announced that Rain’s episode will start airing in Australia and New Zealand on January 31, and then in Korea and the rest of the Asian region on February 23. Korea’s hot singer/actor is portrayed as a pioneer of Korean pop culture, someone who represents the nation’s dynamic growth.

The production team of “Hip Korea” followed Rain around for six months, capturing on film his everyday life and down-to-earth personality. The cameras show how he talks about his insecurities with his close friend, comedian Kim Je-dong, and still remembers his mother by visiting her gravesite. In addition, the documentary will contain interviews with Steven Colbert, who engaged Rain in a dance battle in his show, The Colbert Report, famed actress Susan Sarandon, Rain’s costar in “Speed Racer,” and director Park Chan-wook and actress Im Su-jeong from “I’m a Cyborg, but That’s Okay.”

The Discovery Channel is aired in 170 countries around the world and its “Hip Korea” series looks at the rising status of Korean pop culture in the world stage.

source: KBS World

Tags: Rain/Speed Racer/Hip Korea/Discovery Channel/korean singer

Wonder Girl Sohee’s Debut Film

Fans of So-hee, the youngest member of K-pop group Wonder Girls, have found her debut film taken five years ago when she was just an elementary school student. So-hee played a minor role in a short film directed by Yu Dae-eol, twin brother of singer Na-eol, the vocal for Brown Eyed Soul.

So-hee’s fans dug up film archives to unearth her first film role, when director Yu posted a photo taken with So-hee on his personal homepage with his comments about being delighted that So-hee remembered him after all those years. People have believed that her first film debut was the 2008 release “I Like It Hot.”

In the footage disclosed on yoUeFO, an online site for short films, So-hee looked just like she is now, only smaller, with long straight hair and babyish face. Her part lasted only three minutes in the 21-minute film, but her portion has been circulated in a number of blogs and fan cafes. Meanwhile, Wonder Girls are currently getting ready for their concert slated for mid-March.

source: KBS World

Tags: Wonder Girls/korean singer/So hee