The idol group Big Bang became a double prize winner as foreign singers for the first time at Japan.Big Bang, who took the “Best New Artist Award” at the 51st Japan Record Awards, was shown accepting the award live on TBS-TV on December 30 in Tokyo, after having won the same title at the 42nd Japan Yusen Awards on December 20.Daesung, a member of Big Bang, said, “I am so nervous with excitement. We did not expect to get the big prize.” T.O.P. made the audience laugh, saying, “I appreciate Japanese fans” in Korean in response to the host’s sudden questions at the award ceremony.
Another member, G-Dragon, stepped onto the stage three times at the ceremony: he took the stage twice with his group members and presented an award jointly with group “W-inds” for the group’s song “Rain Is Fallin’.'”Big Bang gained success on the Japanese pop scene after releasing their debut single “My Heaven” last June, which reached No. 3 on the Oricon chart.Meanwhile, group “Donbangsingi” gave a big hand to Big Bang’s accomplishment after passionately singing, “Stand by U,” which received an award for the second time in two consecutive years.source: KBS Global
Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun is set to appear alongside Chinese movie star Zhang Ziyi in a new film by Wayne Wang, according to her agency Sidus HQ on Wednesday.The film, titled "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan", will be based on the 2005 novel of the same title by Chinese-American writer Lisa See.Set in 19th century China, the film chronicles the lives of two women -- Lily and Snow Flower -- and their intimate lifelong friendship. Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi is set to play the main character Snow Flower while Jun's role in the film has not been decided as of yet.Wanye Wang, a Chinese-American filmmaker, has directed several notable movies such as "The Joy Luck Club" (1993), "Maid in Manhattan" (2002) and "Smoke (1995)", for which he won the Silver Bear award at Berlin International Film Festival.Jun Ji-hyun, whose English name is Gianna Jun, is one of the most sought-after actresses in Korea. She became a household name after starring in the 2001 hit film "My Sassy Girl" which spawned a Hollywood remake. She made her international debut last year in the film "Blood: The Last Vampire".The actress is currently in China to prepare to go into shoot.Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.krEditor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Shin Se-kyung, the young rising star of the hit sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof," seems likely to be the most sought-after celebrity in TV for 2010. She won the most votes in a survey of 10 entertainment industry figures, including producers, screenwriters, advertising copywriters and stylists, who were asked to pick the one person they would like to cast if they were to produce a TV show. The respondents shared the view that while being pretty or handsome is important, an entertainer needs to have a new type of sensitivity that captivates teenagers in order to survive in 2010."In today's entertainment industry where man-made beauties prevail, Shin is a new face who appeals to viewers with her natural look," said Park Ji-young, an entertainment program producer at Korea Broadcasting System. "She has a face that would suit any role. Her appearance and her voice can play both good and bad."Ahn Sang-hui, who heads the drama production team at CJ Media, had a similar view. "Shin defines the type of beauty that the current generation wants," Ahn said.Hwang Won-mi, an advertising copywriter at Cheil Worldwide, said, "She stands out even when she's playing a dowdy character. Wouldn't she be great in any role? She's one of the most sought after stars among advertisers in the new year."Credit: englishnews@chosun.comsource : Chosun
Actress Kim Hee-sun, who took a break from acting to marry a businessman in 2007 and have a daughter, is preparing to return to her career. "I was happy as a mother in 2009, and I'd like to be happy as an actress in 2010," she said.Kim's husband fully supports her decision to make a comeback. "Family is the greatest blessing and gift to me," Kim said. "During my temporary break from acting, I lived my life for my husband and child. I was very satisfied and happy living that way."Having published a book on raising babies, she wants to continue doing things for children. "Since the book came out I've gotten offers to write another book on child rearing. I'm interested, but I think it would difficult to do while I'm acting at the same time," she said. "Now that I'm raising a child, I'd love to design babies' clothing. I have so many ideas and thoughts, but because I have so little time they don't go anywhere."Kim's ambition and passion for acting has grown during her hiatus. "There are so many roles that I'm keen on now that I'm coming back after a long break," she said. But after being away from the entertainment scene for three years, she is taking her time in picking the role she wants. A number of possibilities have been mentioned, but she has not made any final decisions yet."It would be a lie to say that I don't have any fear about making a comeback. Sometimes I worry that I might have lost the touch for acting," Kim said. "I don't want to disappoint my fans who have waited for so long, so I'll do my best as if I were starting from scratch."Credit: englishnews@chosun.comsource : Chosun
