~ Welcome to Asia Love: A Latina's LOVE for everything ASIAN ~

Asia Love is now on Tumblr.!!

2011-05-09T01:50:00.003-04:00

It's been 3 years since I've posted on this blog and for that I apologize. Several Real Life situations have prevented me from doing so, but I've decided to resurrect this blog on Tumblr.

I've decided to move to Tumblr. because it's easier to post pictures and if I like certain posts on that site and I can just re-blog them without any hassle.

I will no longer update Asia Love on Blogger. So feel free to follow me to the new and improved Asia Love which is now known as Asia Luv!

Here's the address: http://asialuv.tumblr.com/

Hope to see you there! ;)

Hugs!!

Can't believe it's been a year...

2008-12-10T09:09:00.003-04:00

Since I posted something here. And I'm so sorry for that. I've had a few struggles this year and haven't really had the chance to update at all.

I can't promise I'm going to update as much as before, but I do have some ideas for the blog and I'll try to work on them as much as possible.

For now I leave you with this article.

While I'm not a BoA fan at all I do admire how far she's come and how her achievements in the American Market will definitely start to open the doors for more Korean artists to make the cross-over. So congrats to BoA!

BoA Shines Alongside Rihanna, Pussycat Dolls

Singer BoA performed shoulder to shoulder with pop stars like Chris Brown and the Pussycat Dolls at the "Jingle Ball" concert at the Anaheim Honda Center last Saturday.

Read more HERE.

[NEWS] Adultery, Evil Mothers-in-Law: Korean Soaps in 2007

2007-12-27T15:29:00.000-04:00

Adultery, Evil Mothers-in-Law: Korean Soaps in 2007

The hottest topics in Korean TV soaps in 2007 were adultery and conflicts between woman and her mother-in-law, and the resolutions were inevitably physical.

Viewers were treated to cheating spouses being cursed, kicked in the stomach and hit over the head with a washboard. The stock conflict between women and their mothers-in-law also reached new heights of intensity on TV.

◆ Coming to blows

The SBS series “My Man’s Woman” offered a slightly new angle on the age-old adultery problem. In an early episode, Junpyo, the male lead who is having an affair with his wife’s friend Hwa-young, is caught kissing her by his sister-in-law, Eun-su. Viewers were stunned when Eun-su kicked Hwa-young and hit her in the face.

The characters in the SBS drama “First Wives Club” also came to blows. In the drama, Han Won-soo who has an affair, beats his wife Nah Hwa-shin, and Han Bok-soo, who is angry with her husband’s affair hits him over the head with a washboard.

“In the past, Korean drama showed fantasies about adultery, like something out of a fairy tale,” cultural critic Kim Jong-whee says. “But now dramas show the reality that is created by adultery.” Kim Soo-hyun, the writer of “My Man’s Woman,” earlier told the Chosun Ilbo, “I write my script based on in-depth inquiries of adultery itself, rather than dealing with it as an episode.”

◆ Nasty mothers-in-law

Conflicts between women and their mothers-in-law reached new pitch. One mother-in-law in MBC series “Winter Bird” accused her daughter-in-law of being “spoiled goods in a pretty package.” In KBS’ “Golden Age of Daughters-in-Law”, a woman is seen to cause the death of her daughter-in-law when she visits her in hospital and harangues her about splitting up with her son. Some viewers felt this was going too far.

◆ Regressing

Some experts say these storylines are a step back in time. Park Woong-jin of the Korea Broadcasting Institute said, “It remains a question whether viewers can feel catharsis from such fights.” In the case of Eun-soo, viewers were impressed already by her feisty character; the fisticuffs were surplus to requirements. “The fight was a hackneyed old device to attract viewers,” Park says, but admits that the ubiquity of such scenes suggests viewers prefer action to storyline.

SOURCE

[NEWS] Korean TV Series Breaks New Ground in Japan

2007-12-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

Korean TV Series Breaks New Ground in Japan

All 500 seats of a cinema in Shinjuku, Tokyo, are taken up by women of all ages, there to watch "Taewangsasingi (The Four Guardian Gods of the King),” starring Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon. The drama is directed by Kim Jong-hak and deals with the life of King Gwanggaeto the Great, known as the “Great Expander” of ancient Korean history.

Showing a 24-episode drama one installment at a time in a theater is certainly a new experiment for the Korean Wave. The series has already been broadcast on cable TV since Dec. 3 and will be accessible for all on national network NHK TV next year. Nevertheless some 20,000 fans paid up to W20,000 (US$1=W923) to watch the drama in a theater, and some 1,000 spent W3 million on a ticket for the entire series.

The press and audience response to Bae’s new series was fulsome. Even though the man known as Yonsama in the island country appeared only fleetingly in the 70-minute episode shown on the day, they were mesmerized by the drama's scale and CGI effects. “It was a great deal more real and exciting to watch on a large screen,” said Haruko Marukawa (67). “The computer graphics were on par with 'The Lord of the Ring.'” Advertiser Koki Matsukubo (37) was impressed by the decision to show the series on the big screen. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen with Japanese drama, and I'm amazed by the idea. I’m sure other theaters will show 'Taewangsasingi ' thanks to Yonsama’s loyal fans.”

As of Dec. 4, the series is playing in 10 theaters across Japan, growing to 30 by the end of the year. “We expect more than W10 billion in profit from theater screenings,” says a staffer with SSD, the show's distributor. According to the company, the total of 26,040 tickets sold out and some 20,000 people watched "Taewangsasingi" in theaters on opening day alone. SSD is also working to promote the novel, brochure, perfume, necklace and other "of the series" merchandise.

“If women of 30 years or older have so far been the main target audience for the Korean Wave, 'Taewangsasingi' could broaden its influence to those in their teens and 20s,” said Keiko Sawagi, a journalist with weekly magazine Joseijishin. Enjoying viewer ratings of over 30 percent, "Taewangsasingi " ends its run on Wednesday here. It started airing on Dec. 3 on high-resolution cable channel BS HiVision in Japan and will be broadcast by NHK in the second half of next year.

SOURCE

My, does anyone even remember me? LOL!!!

2007-12-27T14:52:00.000-04:00

Hi, guys!! I know it's been like three months and no new posts!! I'm so so sorry!!! I was having some computer problems and I spent a couple of months offline.

In this new year I really hope to get this blog going, making it more personal, not just news only. I'm definitely going to change the layout, too.

Hope you guys are having a great Holiday Season!! I wish you all the best in the new year. I will be adding some news in the upcoming days hopefully.

Love you!

P.S. Here's a very interesting article from Digital Chosunilbo. Enjoy!

Why Korea Reverses the Fortunes of Hollywood Movies

Around 6,000 people have watched “Wild Hogs” in Korea, some 60,000 checked out “Chuck and Larry”, but a staggering 1.35 million have seen “August Rush.” This may puzzle some in the U.S., where “August Rush” ranked a modest 77th in terms of box office takings and made US$28.48 million as of December 20. “Wild Hogs” by contrast raked in $168.27 million to become no. 10 at the U.S. box office but closed within a week of opening in Korea. What is it that reverses the films’ fortunes here?

Aside from major blockbusters that hit Korea this year such as “Transformers” and “Spider Man 3”, “August Rush” starring Freddie Highmore as a musical prodigy and “Music and Lyrics” featuring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore were the most watched Hollywood films, both attracting around 1 million moviegoers. This is not what happened in the U.S. According to the Internet box office database www.boxofficemojo.com, “Music and Lyrics” was in 42nd place and “August Rush” in 77th. The Irish independent musical film “Once” was also an unexpected sell-out in Korea, accounting for 1/10 of the movie’s worldwide revenue of $14.64 million and drawing some 200,000 viewers.

So what makes a movie a hit or a failure in Korea? Experts point to familiar storylines and music. “Dramas that succeed in Korea are usually those with Cinderella-type stories in which characters prevail against heavy odds,” said Prof. Sim Eun-jin of Chungju University’s film studies department. “The general public tends to be drawn to romantic love stories with clear changes in emotion.” Some think that Korean viewers are trying to find something in foreign films that they can’t in Korean ones. “Japanese literature and foreign independent films like ‘Once’ are attracting people in their early to mid-20s, especially women in Korea,” said Hong Seong-nam, a movie critic. “Not many domestic films feature the fun and inspiration of everyday lives, and this seems to prompt Korean viewers to turn to overseas.”

American comedies, on the other hand, are almost always a disaster here. For instance, “Superbad”, one of the top hits among low-budget movies this year in the U.S., is likely never to make its way to Korea. “Besides dramas with happy endings and action-packed blockbusters, it is incredibly hard especially for American comedies to succeed in Korea,” says a marketer from Sony Pictures Korea.

Language is another stumbling block. The humor and parody are often lost in the translation. “Austin Powers” is a perfect case in point. “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”, the second in the series, was a huge hit in the U.S., becoming no. 4 in the box office rankings, but most viewers in Korea were baffled. Some joked the movie must owe its 120, 000 audience figures here to the U.S. Forces Korea.

“Wedding Crasher”, no. 6 at the U.S. box office in 2005, closed within 10 days of opening in Korea, with many saying they don’t understand why anyone would just crash someone’s wedding for no reason. Steve Carrell’s mega hit “The 40 Year Old Virgin” drew a paltry 50,000 people in Korea. “For a romantic comedy to succeed in Korea, it must first attract women viewers, and excessively sexual comedies don’t really have an appeal for them,” says Hong.

SOURCE

Hey, everybody!!!

2007-10-04T08:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry for not updating in like two weeks. As some of you may or may not already know I am my grandmother's caretaker. So these past couple of weeks I've been so tired I've barely had the time or the energy to update my blogs.

I'll be posting some news and articles later today and if not then probably tomorrow.

Anyway, I want to address a comment that was left in my BYJ Bday post. Because I found it fairly funny. I'm thinking the person didn't realize that I
was talking about Bae Yong Joon. The comment talked about a Joon Park, who apparently is 38 not 28 yrs. old, and that he's a fake and whatnot. Anywho, I have no idea who Joon Park and I wouldn't really care
about his age considering I'm 27 myself. It's weird the person didn't realize who I was talking about considering that there's a picture of our Yong Joon and everything.

Anyway, here's some info about Bae Yong Joon for the benefit of the person that left the comment. If I'm not mistaken he's 34 yrs. old, from Seoul, Korea. He's an actor that appears both in dramas & movies. And has a huge following mostly in Japan and several parts of Asia but also in the Americas.

Anyway, to this person, sorry you feel disillusioned about your Joon Park, but I wasn't talking about him.

Ok, so that's it. Oh, I might have to research this Joon Park now, lol! To see wtf is up with him, hahahaha!

Ok, to the rest of my very few readers, lol, I will be updating very very soon.

Hugs!

[News] 'D-War' Breaks Korean Box Office Record in U.S.

2007-09-20T17:06:00.000-04:00

'D-War' Breaks Korean Box Office Record in U.S.

"D-War", the Korean-made monster movie from director Shim Hyung-rae, earned US$1.55 million on its opening day Friday in the U.S.
According to U.S. entertainment industry newspaper Variety and box office reporter Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com), the movie retitled "Dragon Wars" scored the all-time opening-day box-office high for Korean films in the U.S. It opened in 2,275 theaters across the nation.

According to Box Office Mojo, "Dragon Wars" was the fifth biggest opener on Friday, trailing "The Brave One" and "Mr. Woodcock", among others.

The opening day box office for "Dragon Wars" topped that of all other Korean films released in the U.S. so far, including "The Host", "Typhoon", "Spring Summer Fall Winter and Spring" and "Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War".

SOURCE

[News] Japanese film featuring Kim Rae Won to open next spring

2007-09-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

Japanese film featuring Kim Rae Won to open next spring

Kim Rae Won will be starring in a Japanese film as one of the main leads.

Sankei Sports reported on the 20th that Hallyu Star Kim Rae Won was cast as the main lead for "Hanakake (Flower Shadow)" and completed filming.

The film is directed by Gawai Hayato, director of "Bayside Shakedown" and Yamamoto Mirai co-stars Kim Rae Won.

The newspaper also reported, "Kim Rae Won was selected amidst a search for a Korean actor who can take in and protect the female lead character in a melodrama that takes place in Korea and Japan."

Kim Rae Won who established his position as a Hallyu star through "Attic Cat," "Love Story in Harvard," and others commented, "It is my pleasure to be able to work on a film that bridges the gap between Korea and Japan. I hope many Japanese fans will come watch the movie."

Yamamoto Mirai commented, "I learned a lot from the passionate Korean actors and staff."

Filming began in the spring in Busan, Tokyo, and Osaka while the movie gathered attention from Hallyu fans that came to visit the set.

SOURCE

[News] Yutaka Takenouchi to star in movie "Ano Sora wo Oboeteru (Wenny Has Wings)" to be released in May

2007-09-18T01:55:00.000-04:00

Yutaka Takenouchi to star in movie "Ano Sora wo Oboeteru (Wenny Has Wings)" to be released in May

Yutaka Takenouchi will star in a new movie, "Ano Sora wo Oboeteru" (Directed by Shin Togashi) along with Miki Mizuno cast as his wife. It has been 6 years since he starred in a movie, "Between Calmness and Passion" (Directed by Isamu Nakae) and he will be playing a father of two.

The movie is based on an American children's novel "Wenny as Wings" written by Janet Lee Carey published in Japan in 2003. The novel portrays family love as the eldest brother continues to write letters to his younger sister.

Yutaka Takenouchi will play a main character as a family man who runs a small photo studio in the suburb. His family consists of a piano teacher wife, a son in 4th grade and a daughter in kindergarten. The story develops as a sudden tragic event hits the happy family.

This is Yutaka Takenouchi's second starring appearance in a movie. He co-stared with Hong Kong actress Kelly Chen in the love story, "Between Calmness and Passion" which grossed 27 million yen. He was selected as Best Actor at the Japanese Academy Award despite being his first appearance in a movie.

Yutaka Takenouchi has been concentrating his work in anticipated TV dramas including, "Rondo" co-starring Choi Ji Woo and "Family" starring Tetsuya Watari.
He also starred in "Yankee Bokou ni Kaeru" (2003) and "Ryuten no Ouhi Saigo no Koutei" (2003).

He has always been fond of movie making and commented, "It has been a while since I was involved in a movie, but I would like to enjoy the movie making atmosphere again."

Shin Togashi also directed "Hoshi ni Negai wo" starring Yuuko Takeuchi in 2003. He commented, "I feel Yutaka Takenouchi fits the character very well as it requires naivety. He is a wonderful individual who has a vision in movie making as a whole, and respects other actors and actresses. I'm very much looking forward to working with him." The movie will start shooting late this month.

SOURCE

----------------

On other news now you can watch the Taiwanese drama Lavender free on BroAsia.com!!! I'm going to start watching since I've heard great things about it. You can check it out HERE. You can also watch another Taiwanese drama for free called Green Forest My Home!! So go check it out at BroAsia.com

[News] 'Rose of Versailles' Manga Artist to Draw Bae Yong Joon

2007-09-14T17:16:00.000-04:00

'Rose of Versailles' Manga Artist to Draw Bae Yong Joon

MBC TV drama series 'The Legend' will be created into a Japanese manga (graphic novel).

At a press conference held on the 14th, manga artist Ikeda Riyoko, also famous for 'Rose of Versailles,' announced she will be creating a manga version of 'The Legend' starring Hallyu star Bae Yong Joon.

The manga version of 'The Legend' will be featured in 'Tokyo Isshukan' and 'Kansai Isshukan' starting on the 25th.

Ikeda Riyoko comments, "There have been reviews saying the nose and chin lines I draw is similar to Bae Yong Joon. My friends that are fans of Bae Yong Joon told me that if I reject the offer, someone else is going to draw him anyways so to accept the offer."

Bae Yong Joon delivered a message regarding the news, "It is an honor that Ms. Ikeda is going to draw the manga version. I am looking forward to it," expressing his gratitude.

SOURCE

[News] Michelle Yeoh to receive French honor

2007-09-11T13:44:00.000-04:00

Michelle Yeoh to receive French honor

PARIS - Michelle Yeoh, one of Asia's biggest film stars, will receive France's highest civilian honor later this year.

Yeoh will be awarded the Legion of Honor in an Oct. 3 ceremony in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, French Foreign Ministry officials said Tuesday.

She began her career in Chinese action movies and leapt to international fame in the 1997 James Bond movie, "Tomorrow Never Dies," and Ang Lee's 2000 kung-fu hit, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

Yeoh stars in the upcoming sci-fi adventure movie "Babylon A.D.," directed by French filmmaker Mathieu Kassovitz.

SOURCE

I just think she is so fabulous! And very talented also. Congratulations to Michelle! :)

[News] Lee feted after second Golden Lion

2007-09-09T06:05:00.000-04:00

Lee feted after second Golden Lion

By Doug Young
Sun Sep 9, 12:34 AM ET

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan was flushed with pride on Sunday as favorite son and world famous director Ang Lee took Venice film festival's top award for his steamy thriller "Lust, Caution," just two years after winning with "Brokeback Mountain."

Lee was splashed on the front page of two top newspapers' Sunday editions, including one with the director smiling and holding up the Golden Lion statuette after his surprise win.

"Ang Lee steals another Golden Lion," proclaimed the United Daily News, calling him "the glory of Taiwan."

The sexually explicit "Lust, Caution" is a World War Two spy thriller set in Shanghai featuring long and sometimes violent sex scenes that Lee has hinted were real.

It centers on a group of revolutionary students bent on killing a powerful political figure who collaborates with the occupying forces during the Sino-Japanese war, and features Tony Leung, one of Asia's biggest screen stars, playing the villain.

"Ang Lee has again won glory for Taiwan," proclaimed the China Times, whose front page also featured Lee being interviewed on the Venice festival red carpet.

Both papers pointed out how Lee's two wins, coupled with Jia Zhangke's win last year for "Still Life," mean the coveted award has gone to ethnic Chinese directors for the last three years.

The film's entry into the competition generated widespread publicity in Lee's native Taiwan, though relatively few people have actually seen it.

Remarked one youthful employee working Sunday morning at a local convenience store: "I've heard you have to be 18 to see it, and I've just turned 18 so I haven't seen it yet."

SOURCE

Once again CONGRATULATIONS to Ang Lee. He's an amazing director, a true artist. Can't wait to see this film!

[News] Ang Lee spy film surprise winner in Venice

2007-09-09T04:29:00.000-04:00

Ang Lee spy film surprise winner in Venice
Taiwanese director Ang Lee poses with the Golden Lion for Best Film during the closing ceremony of the 64th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido. Ang Lee picked up his second Golden Lion at the Venice film festival for his erotic spy thriller "Se, Jie" (Lust, Caution).

SOURCE

Congratulations to Director Ang Lee. I'd love to see this movie, sounds interesting. ;)

[Pics] For all Daniel Henney fans out there...

2007-09-08T02:51:00.000-04:00

I found this Daniel Henney Photoblog and thought I'd share it with you all.

He is definitely a cutie, now I only have to actually watch him act, 'cause I haven't had a chance to see any of his work.

But in the meantime he certainly is some nice eye candy, lol. ;)

You can find the photoblog here:
http://danielhenney.blogspot.com/

Say your name in Mandarin!

2007-09-06T15:49:00.000-04:00

So, yesterday I posted a lesson from ChinesePod.com and thought I'd share another one today.

In this lesson they teach you how to introduce yourself. I'll try to post these from time to time.

Hope you enjoy! ;)

Here's the lesson:

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-09-06T13:55:00.000-04:00

- "Father" Paints Many Faces of Family Love (2007/09/06)
- [MOVIE REVIEW] 'My Father', a heart-wrenching drama (2007/09/06)
- Ji Jin-hee, Ha Jeong-woo Meet Ralph Lauren (2007/09/06)
- Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy Gets Box Set (2007/09/05)
- Hwangjini Fashion Show to be Held in Seoul (2007/09/05)
- Come and visit Korea to meet Korean Wave singers (2007/09/05)
- Hawaii Film Fest to Spotlight Lee Joon-ki (2007/09/04)
- 'Avatar: the Legend of Aang' has become the legend (2007/09/04)
- 'The Legend' Lee Ji-ah to join Bae Yong-joon at BOF (2007/09/04)
- Kim Pushes for Asian-American Cinema (2007/09/03)
- Actor Calls Untrue Diploma Info a 'Mistake' (2007/09/03)
- Rain Resumes Singing (2007/09/03)
- Lee Joon-ki Wins Rising Star Award (2007/09/03)
- Actor Daniel Henney Caught in Academic Record Scandal (2007/09/02)
- BBC Worldwide Seeks Korean Co-Production (2007/09/02)
- Many Foreign Directors to Attend Seoul Film Fest (2007/08/31)

Korean Class 101 & Japanese Pod 101

2007-09-05T17:27:00.000-04:00

So in the same spirit of my last post here are 2 other websites you should check out.

They practice more or less the same method of teaching as ChinesePod.com, but these are for Korean & Japanese.

Enjoy!!

http://www.koreanclass101.com/

http://www.japanesepod101.com/

Learn to say Good Morning in Mandarin Chinese

2007-09-05T15:13:00.000-04:00

Hey, everyone! I Just found this very cool website where they teach you common Mandarin Chinese phrases for free (free accounts have some limits). They publish a new podcast everyday and depending on your subscription type with each podcast comes with in depth explanations and exercises to help you along the way.

The site is called ChinesePod.com

Here's one of the newbie lessons they have there. In this one you learn how to say Good Morning.

Im really excited about this find 'cause now I can learn some chinese phrases, so yay!

I hope everyone enjoys this site as much as I know I will. ;)

[Video] BYJ MV from Youtube

2007-09-05T14:34:00.000-04:00

[News] Last week's Kpop headlines

2007-09-05T14:19:00.000-04:00

- TVXQ to Sing Theme for Bae Yong-joon Drama (2007/08/30)
- [Talk of the town] Japan, France, Korea team up (2007/08/29)
- DVDs of Bae, Seo Bestsellers in Japan (2007/08/30)
- Sundance Man Has Passion for Asian Cinema (2007/08/27)
- More Foreign Faces in Korean Dramas (2007/08/28)
- Hallyu Gala Underway in Moscow (2007/08/27)
- Tokyo Highlights Korean Indies (2007/08/27)
- Sidus Enters US Cable Market (2007/08/27)
- KBS World satellite channel soon to be viewed in China (2007/08/26)
- Korean Flicks Win Hearts of Filmgoers in Russia (2007/08/26)
- Map makes surfing Korean Wave easy for Seoul's tourists (2007/08/25)
- Come visit the Jeju 'The Legend' set (2007/08/24)

Happy Birthday Yong Joon Oppa!!!!!

2007-08-29T22:43:00.000-04:00

First I'd like to apologize for not being able to post anything in the past few days. My computer was broken, but fortunately I got it fixed today!

Because of my pc situation I didn't get a chance to do anything special for our lovely BYJ-ssi.

I do want to wish him with all my heart a very Happy Birthday!!! I wish for him all the success in the world not only in his career, but in his life in general. May all his wishes come true.

Here's a video I found on YouTube. It's a Yong Joon Tribute in honor of his Bday. Enjoy!

Anyway, here's a small message from me to him, and even though i know he'll never read it, i write it from the bottom of my heart.

Dear Yong Joon oppa,

May you feel the love that is bestowed upon you each day from all the corners of the world. You are loved from Japan to Mexico and even all the way over here in Puerto Rico. I wish you all the best on this your birthday and on all the days of your life. I hope you're happy now and always. May you find joy in every little thing so that we can keep seeing that beautiful smile that is uniquely yours.

With love from your only (i think) Puerto Rican fan,

Tany

[News] What Hallyu Stars are asking for in Hallyu

2007-08-17T04:25:00.000-04:00

What Hallyu Stars are asking for in Hallyu

The 'FACE in Japan Premium Event' was held at the Tokyo Dome on the 14th and 15th where we asked participating actors and singers about the way Hallyu should be heading.

Na Moon Hee: I am happy that the Hallyu Expo was able to be hosted on Korea's Independence Day at the Tokyo Dome. The sitcom 'High Kick' staff all came despite their busy schedules. There are many events of this type recently but I feel they should be prepared more thoroughly. It is the same with drama series. Quality content brings about the power.

Lee Min Woo (M): There must be no pretense. To reach out to the hearts of Japanese fans, you have to present a sincere self on stage. Music has the advantage of crossing language barriers compared to movies and dramas. Hallyu is being led by the mid to older generations, but singers have a relatively young fan base. I would think creating good music and performing often can be the core of leading the young Hallyu.

Tei: I believe the era in which we simply presented our way of Hallyu is over. The market of Hallyu being created is a great accomplishment. However, it seems to be an overstatement to say Hallyu has reached every corner of Japan. Japan is a country where various music genres are loved by their respective manias. K-pop has established itself as a 'mania' genre as well. Without being self-complacent about Hallyu lasting forever, we must continuously create new content and challenge the market. Otherwise, Hallyu can be easily ignored.

Seo Min Jung: Although Japan is very close in proximity, I wondered if the Japanese audience would be able to understand the humor and wit in 'High Kick.' I went to the exhibit hall at the Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall before the performance, and people were calling Na Moon Hee 'Umma (mom).' Also there were people impersonating Park Hae Mi, and called me 'Lee Sunsaeng (teacher)' and congratulating my wedding on the 25th. Mainly melo and traditional dramas were popular in Japan, but I hope 'High Kick' as a sitcom is loved just as well in its new genre.

SOURCE

[News] Jet Li to star in Disney picture

2007-08-11T01:50:00.000-04:00

Jet Li to star in Disney picture

BEIJING, July 18 -- Kungfu superstar Jet Li is going to collaborate with "Star Wars" lead Natalie Portman in a new Disney picture, the China news quoted a report in Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po newspaper as saying.

The report said the film is an adaptation of Disney's classic "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". It is set thousands of years after the original Snow White story, when the princess has reincarnated into a young woman, played by Natalie Portman.

Her evil stepmother wants to collect the seven pieces of her magic mirror to resume her power.

The Shaolin temple in central China, which has been protecting the mirror for thousands of years, sends seven warriors, led by Jet Li, to protect the mirror and the young woman.

Sources say the movie has a budget of 70 million US dollars and might be made by martial arts choreographer and film director Yuen Woo-ping.

SOURCE

My thoughts: This project sounds very interesting, im definitely looking forward to it. ;)

[News] Ice Sculpture Show in China

2007-08-11T01:36:00.001-04:00

Very cool ice sculpture show in China. Click the link below to view the rest of the pics.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/07/content_6488316.htm

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-08-11T01:33:00.000-04:00

- Rain Takes Part in Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign (2007/08/09)
- Surfing the Korean wave in Seoul (2007/08/03)
- Yonsama's New Drama to Air on TV in September (2007/08/07)
- Sidus Signs MOU With ImaginAsian TV (2007/08/07)

[News] The Legend Poster revealed

2007-08-10T13:44:00.001-04:00

The poster for the fantasy historical drama series 'The Legend' which is scheduled to air on October 10th was revealed.

The two posters revealed on the 10th feature the three main characters as well as a charismatic Bae Yong Joon as Dam Deok.

The symbol in the background is the official 'The Legend' logo, designed based on a Goguryeo mural combining the four gods. They each represent north, south, east, west, and altogether the world and the image of the sun surrounding it signifies the king that does not die.

The style of the Chinese characters in the logo was taken from the actual inscription on King Kwanggaeto's monument as well.

SOURCE

My Thoughts: Doesn't our Yong Joon-ssi look so handsome in ths pic, of course he always looks handsome. I can't wait to see this drama!! ;)

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-08-03T23:17:00.000-04:00

- Rain Pounds Kosdaq Stocks (2007/08/02)
- Actress Jeon Do-yeon One of 50 Most Influential Women (2007/08/02)
- So Ji-sub to feature photo essay online (2007/08/01)
- Se7en to Debut in U.S. (2007/07/30)
- Full House Season 2 in the Making (2007/07/31)
- 'Dae Jang Geum' festival to be held in Japan (2007/07/27)
- Please refrain from visiting my hotel (2007/07/26)

My thoughts on the articles mentioned above:
1. I am incredibly proud of actress Jeon Do-yeon, she deserves every accolade she receives.
2. I can't wait for Se7en's debut in the US, i really wish him lots of good luck, he certainly has the talent to perservere.
3. Full House Season 2!!! So exciting! I really hope Rain & Song Hye Kyo return to play their old roles, it definitely wouldn't be the same without them. Aja, Aja, fighting!!!! ;)
4. I'm definitely going to have to move to Japan, there's always so many festivals dedicated to different Korean dramas & actors! Im so not jealous, lol! :p
5. Poor BYJ! He's worried sick about his fans' welfare when visiting his hotel. I think all the Bae sisters over there should respect his wishes, he can't do the amazing job we know he's capable of, if he has to worry about someone in the family getting hurt.

That's all for now!

Hugs!

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-07-27T06:53:00.000-04:00

- Seoul to Produce Korean Wave Map (2007/07/25)
- Song Hye-kyo Bag Line Boosts Her Pan-Asian Status (2007/07/24)
- SON Ye-jin as a Criminal Kingpin (2007/07/23)
- Jun Jin to star as main lead of MBC Dramanet historical series 'Byul Soon Geom (Chosun Police)' (2007/07/23)

[Pics] New Zhang Ziyi Pictures

2007-07-26T00:30:00.000-04:00

She looks absolutely stunning in these pictures. I think it's the best set of ZZ pictures i've seen so far. :)

SOURCE

[News] Song Hye Kyo bag debuts in Hong Kong

2007-07-26T00:25:00.000-04:00

Song Hye Kyo bag debuts in Hong Kong

BEIJING, July 20 -- A handbag named in honor of South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo was released at a haute couture fashion show in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The limited-edition "Miss Song Bag" is priced at 18,888 Hong Kong dollars, or some 2,600 U.S. dollars. The bag will be put on sale in stores in Asia this October and its total amount will not exceed 100. All money generated from selling the bags will be donated to charitable organizations in the name of Song Hye Kyo.

SOURCE

My thoughts: This is very cool. Even though the bags are expensive, its nice too know that the money is going to charity. Well done, Hye Kyo!

[Pics] Song Hye Kyo pictures

2007-07-23T06:55:00.001-04:00

Love this set of photos, especially the B&W pics. ;)

SOURCE

[Pics] Leehom Wang teams up with Selina Ren for duet on new album

2007-07-23T06:47:00.000-04:00

Selina Ren, member of the Taiwan pop trio S.H.E, teams up with Chinese American musician Lee-Hom Wang in shooting a music video for their love ballad "You're a Song within My Heart," on Monday, July 16, 2007. The duet in Taiwan Minnan dialect, appears on Lee-Hom Wang's latest album "Change My Ways," which was released throughout Asia on July 13. Although Lee-Hom Wang speaks little Minnan, he used the language for the first time in his music. (Photo: tom.com)

SOURCE

Asia Love News!

2007-07-17T01:21:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Just dropping by to let you guys know that i just got a new job (Yay, me!!) therefore my internet time is going to be kind of limited, but i will continue to update and work on this blog because this blog is one of my loves and I sure don't want to see it go away. But I won't be able to spend as much time as I wanted to on it.

Anyway, coming soon:
New layout (a pretty one, not just one of blogger's generic layouts like the one it has now, ugh!) :p
Follow-up on new features that I had already announced but haven't had the chance to pursue.
And just plain more fun... ;)

On other news, guess who just bought Hotelier (Original Korean version) on DVD???!!!!! ME!!!

I'm so excited! Hotelier is my absolute favorite Yong Joon drama!!

I mean, sure I love WS, but Hotelier just brightens up my life!!

Can't wait till it arrives so that I can relive every single Frank Shin moment!

Besides if it weren't for Hotelier, this blog wouldn't exist today. It was the drama that started it all!! The love for Yong Joon oppa, the love for Kdramas and the love for everything ASIAN!!!

Ok, enough gushing! Will post again soon. At least I'm keeping my promise of posting at least once a week! ;)

Hugs!!!

[News] The week in Kpop news

2007-07-13T01:01:00.000-04:00

- Hallyu concert in China! (2007/07/11)
- Kim Dong-wan: Out of Shinhwa's Shadow (2007/07/10)
- Se7en to Release Album in U.S. (2007/07/09)
- "We love Korean dramas and Korean music!" (2007/07/09)
- Fans gather to see Bae Yong-joon's photography (2007/07/05)

[News] Taiwan star prefers directing to acting

2007-07-09T08:58:00.000-04:00

Taiwan star prefers directing to acting
Mon Jul 9, 2:10 AM ET

HONG KONG - Having tried his hand at both acting and directing, Taiwanese pop sensation Jay Chou says he prefers being at the helm of a movie because it gives him more control.

After becoming one of Chinese pop's biggest acts, Chou played a street car racer in "Initial D," then appeared in famed Chinese director Zhang Yimou's Chinese historical epic "Curse of the Golden Flower."

He has since moved on to directing and is about to release his first movie. "Secret," scheduled to hit movie theaters in late July, follows a student played by Chou as he unravels the mystery behind his love interest's sporadic attendance at school.

Chou said in an interview with Ming Pao Weekly published over the weekend that he prefers directing to acting.

"As an actor, I have to listen to the director, even though I may not like the way I have to perform. As a director, I'm very clear on what I want, so I feel more confident," he was quoted as saying.

"As an actor you have to be a very good chess piece for others to play with. I prefer to control others," Chou reportedly said.

The 28-year-old singer-songwriter also said his interest in movies stemmed from making music videos and that he still feels most confident composing music.

SOURCE: YAHOO NEWS

Temporary Layout

2007-07-05T18:26:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I decided to use one of Blogger's templates because the blog's been out of commission for far too long.

I didn't think it would take me so long to update the layout, but that's life. I absolutely hate this temporary layout, but it'll have to do until I can get a little time to design new graphics and everything for a new layout.

Sorry the blog spent so long without resolving the layout issue. I haven't stopped posting though.

Hopefully the new layout will come soon.

Thanks for bearing with me through this time.

Hugs!!!!

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-07-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

- Actor Lee Joon-ki. No Longer Just a Pretty Boy (2007/07/05)
- Park Yong-ha's new album takes 9th place in Oricon Chart! (2007/07/03)
- Dinner Marks 4th Anniversary of "Winter Sonata" in Japan (2007/07/02)
- "Hwangjin-y - Movie - 2007" to Grace Japanese Sreens (2007/07/02)
- "Winter Sonata", The Most Popular Korean Drama In Japan (2007/07/02)
- Korean Film Council opens U.S. office (2007/06/30)
- Honored Queen of Cannes (2007/06/29)
- Se7en to Give Last Japan Concert This Year (2007/06/29)

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-06-22T00:34:00.000-04:00

Haven't been able to update the layout still, so please bear with me while the blog goes through these changes.

Here are the korean news for this week. Enjoy!!

Korean Films Attack the Big Apple (2007/06/19)

Lee Joon-ki Approached to Star in Chinese Movie (2007/06/20)

Rain Fans Sign Petition to Show Support (2007/06/19)

Korean-American Actor Henney Rises to Become One of Top Stars in Korea (2007/06/19)

'Korea is New Hub of Asian Pop Culture' (2007/06/17)

A young actress becomes a mature gisaeng (2007/06/16)

Korean student in the US wins Golden Award at the Student Academy Awards (2007/06/15)

US Court Postpones Ruling on Korean Pop Star's Name (2007/06/15)

Screening Of "Hotelier" In Japan Attracts 2,000 (2007/06/15)

P.S. To sign the petition supporting that Rain keep his stagename in the US CLICK HERE.

[News] The week in Kpop news

2007-06-15T02:22:00.000-04:00

New York film festival showcases Korean shorts (2007/06/12)

8 Korean Films Screen at China's Top Fest (2007/06/12)

LEE Joon-ki Awarded at Shanghai Fest (2007/06/12)

[MOVIE REVIEW] 'Never Forever' explores contract-based sex (2007/06/11)

US Remake of Failan (2007/06/11)

Korea-US Joint Film Speaks of Love (2007/06/10)

Bae Yong-joon's Drama "Hotelier" Popular In Japanese Movie Theaters (2007/06/07)

I've decided to change the blog's layout completely (instead of trying so hard to fix the current one) since it's time for it to have a new look anyway. Hopefully I can do it during the weekend.)

In the meanwhile you keep reading the posts through the feed.

P.S. I think I need to to move to Japan, 'cause there's always some type of BYJ-ssi celebration going on, lol! :p

[News] Japanese Press Gushes for Ji Jin-hee

2007-06-11T23:03:00.000-04:00

Even though I'm having trouble with my layout and the entries aren't appearing in the blog, i decided to keep posting for those that read the blog's feed. :)

Japanese Press Gushes for Ji Jin-hee

Actor Ji Jin-hee, just back in Korea after a promotional event in Japan, is the subject of profuse praise in Japanese newspapers, including Asahi Shimbun and Fuji Sankei Shimbun.
In an article last week, the Asahi Shimbun called Ji the "trustworthy man from 'Daejanggeum' (A Jewel in the Palace)." Citing a survey by a Japanese weekly, the newspaper said Japanese career women called Ji's character Min Jung-ho from "Daejanggeum" the "ideal type" and compared the actor with his soap characters.

The Fuji Sankei Shimbun released an in-depth article about Ji's human side with the headline, "The sincere and honest man among men, the top star of Asia visits Japan." The newspaper explored Ji's filmography including "Daejanggeum" and talked about his upcoming project "Cain and Abel."

After all that attention, Ji is due to return to Japan with Yoon Gye-sang, Jang Hyuck, Jo In-sung, and Cha Tae-hyun for the "Korean Wave Romantic Festival 2007", which will surely enhance his stature as a leading star of the Korean wave. Meanwhile, Ji is preparing for the drama "Cain and Abel" which tells the sad story of two brothers who square off as killer and cop.

SOURCE

[News] U.S. Band Rain Thwart's Korean Star's American Tour

2007-06-08T03:01:00.000-04:00

U.S. Band Rain Thwart's Korean Star's American Tour

The Korean singer Rain’s concerts in the U.S. as part of his world tour have been postponed due to controversy over his stage name. His Korean name “Bi” means “rain” in English, but the singer faces legal action filed by U.S. recording firm Rain Corporation with the District Court-District of Nevada in February. The company, which works with an American band also called Rain, demanded the entertainer drop the English name in the U.S.
Star M Entertainment, the organizer of the singer’s world tour, said it did its utmost to reach agreement with the U.S. company, but the concert schedule had to be changed since the court will make a ruling on June 14, when the Korean singer was scheduled to perform in Hawaii, the first leg of his U.S. concerts. A Star M Entertainment spokesman said the singer will stage concerts in the U.S. after August, because he will be shooting the movie “Speed Racer” from July. The singer had scheduled concerts in Hawaii, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles from June 15 to 30.

SOURCE

[News] The week in Kpop news

2007-06-07T23:50:00.000-04:00

- 'My Man's Woman' Empties Streets (2007/06/07)
- [Talk of the town] Soap star king (2007/06/06)
- Launch of Bae Yong-joon's Voice Message Service in Japan (2007/06/05)
- Bae's Tokyo Restaurant Prepares Korean Culture Event (2007/06/04)
- Kim Seung-woo and Bae Doona go to Cambodia (2007/06/04)
- Actress Jeon Do-yeon Gives Big Lift to Sluggish Korean Films Industry (2007/06/02)
- 'Jewel in the Palace' ("Dae Jang Geum") Team to Meet Fans at Tokyo Dome (2007/06/01)
- Song Hye-kyo, "Hwangjini only held one man in her heart". (2007/06/01)
- So Ji-sub's Fans Publish Book For Him (2007/05/31)

[News] Modern Twist of Hanbok Captures Youngsters (2007/06/05)

2007-06-07T23:47:00.000-04:00

Modern Twist of Hanbok Captures Youngsters (2007/06/05)

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

When the MBC drama "Gung", or "Princess Hours", was aired early last year, it quickly became a hit. It wasn't just the fact that the TV series was based on a popular comic book by Park So-hee about a royal family in Korea that kept viewers coming back for more.

The stylish sets and fashionable costumes also caught the eye of many viewers. The feminine, modern hanbok-inspired dresses worn by Yoon Eun-hye as a modern-day Korean princess attracted much attention.

Not many people know the designer behind the stylish, yet distinctly Korean costumes that were truly befitting of a modern royal family.

Designer Bae Young-jin created costumes that combined elements of the traditional hanbok with a modern sensibility. It was her background as a hanbok designer that got the attention of the drama producers to ask her to make the costumes for the hit series.

In an interview with The Korea Times at her shop Coser in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Bae said that she took much inspiration from the original comic book.

"I looked at the characters' costumes in the comic book, and I adjusted it. Everyone liked the style of the clothes (in "Princess Hours") because it is very modern, and not too much like traditional hanbok", she said.

Bae took traditional hanbok-making classes at a hanbok museum. However, she knew she wanted to design something different by modernizing hanbok.

Bae said young Koreans should see hanbok as a fashionable outfit. With the success of the drama, she noted there is a growing interest in hanbok among young Koreans.

"It was very important because the young generation did not know much about traditional hanbok. I held lectures about the traditional Korean hanbok and modern hanbok. I wanted to show the beauty of hanbok but also emphasize that tradition is still very important", she said.

Most of her customers have hanbok made for special occasions like weddings, New Year celebrations and parties. Her shop features a wide range of colorful, yet tasteful hanbok made of silk and natural materials.

Even though the TV series ended in March last year here, the drama has been being shown in several Asian countries, which is why some foreign fans drop by her shop. Aside from curious fans, Bae said she also has some Japanese and American customers.

Bae has already held fashion shows in the United States and Japan. She is also expanding her business abroad, opening her first overseas shop in New Jersey last October, she said.

SOURCE

[News] Tigers' chick-mates

2007-06-06T05:04:00.000-04:00

This was just too adorable not to post. Enjoy!

Tigers' chick-mates

Zoo-keepers in China say they were shocked when a group of tiger cubs made friends with some newborn chicks.

Workers at Zhejiang Wenling Zoo in Taizhou city put the chicks in a cage with the four month-old tiger cubs.

A zoo spokesman told People's Daily: "We wanted to bring out the savage nature of the tigers while they were still cubs."

But keepers were surprised to see the tigers initially shy away nervously from the chickens.

"Then in no time, they started playing together. Maybe in their eyes, there are no enemies, only friends," added the spokesman.

SOURCE

[News] It's Hanbok, but not as We Know It

2007-06-05T23:58:00.000-04:00

It's Hanbok, but not as We Know It

Hand-painted with big flowers, the A-line skirt flutters whenever the model takes a step. The model wears a splendid crystal bangle on her arm to add a highlighting touch to the dress. But this is no fashion for summer vacation: it’s a traditional Korean costume or hanbok. Designer Kim Hee-soo recently introduced a modernized, sexy version of hanbok at a charity fashion show at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel.

The designer broke away from the traditional notion that a hanbok somehow represents grace and modesty by infusing Western elements into the traditional Korean garment. Traditional designs of flowers, bird and animals like peacocks, tigers, dragons, peonies and magnolias, were hand-painted by Kim on skirts and jacket sleeves. But the colors and details are anything but traditional. The clothes were dyed in vivid colors like fluorescent pink and green. For jackets, sparkling beads replaced breast-ties, making them look like boleros. The Jokduri, the traditional headpiece for brides, was decorated with crystal like a tiara. One black hanbok painted with a forest of condominiums looked like the black chiffon dresses now in fashion.

The designer says a growing number of young brides buy hanbok to wear at the wedding banquet. “You look cool if you wear hanbok made of summer silk in vivid colors with a crystal bangle and a clutch bag,” Kim says.
Hanbok made of thin transparent Korean nobang (silk organza) is a good choice for summer. Short-sleeved or shawl-like hanbok jackets also featured in the show. A teardrop accessory is a good match with summer hanbok.

SOURCE

My Thoughts: These hanboks are gorgeous! I love the traditional hanboks, and i think hanboks are one of the most beautiful traditional Asian outfits. But I love what this designer has done to make the hanbok more modern. The fabrics and styles are very classy and beautiful. I'd love to own a hanbok, but they're quite out of my price range for the time being, hehehe. ;)

[News] 'Daejanggeum Week' Draws Diehard Fans

2007-06-05T23:50:00.000-04:00

'Daejanggeum Week' Draws Diehard Fans (May 31, 2007)

Four years ago, Korean TV viewers got their first taste of "Daejanggeum," also known "Jewel in the Palace" in English.
Based loosely on a historical figure, the drama depicts the life of the first female royal doctor of the Chosun Dynasty.

The series took Korea by storm, and it continues to power the Korean Wave of pop culture in many Asian countries.

The Korea Tourism Organization, a state-run body, created a special program to cater to Japanese fans of the drama. That is Daejanggeum Week which opened last Friday for a seven-day run.

Around 300 visitors have come, and are expected to visit each day until Thursday. The highlight of Daejanggeum Week is a two-hour meeting with the show's cast, a different star for every day.

Daejanggeum has served to nourish interest in Korean-made TV productions. There are spin-offs such as a musical by the same name, and a kids' animation called "Janggeum's Dream."

Arirang News

SOURCE

If you could...

2007-05-29T17:17:00.000-04:00

Please take my Blog Reader Project survey.

[News] Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe 2007

2007-05-29T16:22:00.000-04:00

Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe 2007
(bbb)
Updated: 2007-05-29 11:40

Mexico City - Riyo Mori, a 20-year-old dancer from Japan who hopes to someday open an international dance school, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 Monday night. Miss USA Rachel Smith, who slipped and fell to the floor during the evening gown competition, was the contest's fourth runner-up.

Mori nervously grabbed the hands of first runner-up, Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, just before the winner was announced. Then she trembled in awe as the diamond-and pearl-studded crown was placed on her head.

Mori, from the small town of Shizuoka at the base of Mount Fuji, won the cheers of the Mexico City audience when she opened her interview, saying 'Hola, Mexico!'

"I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation," she said during the interview competition.

The daughter of a dance school operator, Mori said her grandmother told her as a child that she wanted her to be Miss Japan before she turned 20.

"From the very beginning, I entered the competition with high hopes and an unswerving determination to make this dream a reality," she said in a pre-competition interview.

Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela and third runner-up Honey Lee of Korea.

The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors. Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico crowned her successor at the end of the two-hour telecast with the headpiece valued at $250,000.

"To the next Miss Universe, take advantage of this great opportunity," Rivera said during her parting remarks.

The 15 finalists from a field of 77 contestants were announced early in Monday's show. They were picked last week during preliminary judging in the contest's swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories, but their names were not announced until Monday, allowing all 77 to be introduced to the television audience.

As soon as the final 15 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in animal-print bikinis for the swimsuit competition to the music of Mexican pop group RBD.

After the evening gown competition, five contestants were eliminated, and the judges chose the winner from the five remaining.

Missing from this year's contest was Miss Sweden, whose country is one of the few to win the crown three times. Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, 20, dropped out because many Swedes say the competition, airing from Mexico City's National Auditorium, does not represent the modern woman.

Hours before the pageant began, dozens of protesters held a mock ceremony in downtown Mexico City that featured "Miss Marijuana," "Miss Sexual Health" and "Miss Human Rights" and other candidates with obscenities written across their sashes. The group yelled "Neither ugly nor beautiful, should a woman be considered an object!"

Pageant organizers say the Miss Universe contest carefully selects women who are intelligent, well-mannered and cultured.

1999 Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo and "Extra" weekend correspondent Mario Lopez hosted the live, two-hour telecast, broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, expected to be viewed by more than 600 million people in more than 180 countries.

The celebrity judges included actor James Kyson Lee, model Lindsay Clubine, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, rocker Dave Navarro, Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, "Project Runway" judge and Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.

The pageant was last held in Mexico City in 1993, when Torres was crowned.

SOURCE

------

Miss China wins Miss Congeniality

SOURCE

My thoughts: I'm so glad the winner of this year's Miss Universe is from Asia. Congrats to Miss Japan for winning the competition and congrats to Miss China for winning Miss Congeniality.

[News] South Korea's Jeon Wins Cannes Best Actress Prize

2007-05-27T21:14:00.000-04:00

My Thoughts: I'm so happy and excited about this!! This is huge! One of my absolute favorite actresses winning such a prestigious & international award!!! She looks so happy in these pics, and absolutely fabulous! Her dress was gorgeous! She's just shines in these pics. She's an amazing actress and she truly deserves this honor. Now, I'm even more interested in seeing the movie "Secret Sunshine." ;)

South Korea's Jeon Wins Cannes Best Actress Prize

South Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon, who stars in a tragic movie on death and faith, "Secret Sunshine", won the Cannes filmfest's best actress award Sunday.

The 34-year-old actress was acclaimed for her brave performance as a grieving wife and mother in the South Korean melodrama, the first picture in four years by Lee Chang-dong, a former South Korean culture minister.

"I can't believe I'm here," said Jeon, wearing a silver lame evening gown.

"There are many fabulous actresses here at the festival and I would like to represent them all here tonight. It is a great honour for me to have this prize."

She has appears in nearly every scene of Lee's two-and-a-half-hour-long film, portraying Shin-ae, a piano teacher who moves with her son to the hometown of her late husband, whose death is still the source of nearly unbearable pain.

She dotes on her young son as a link to his father and the two have a palpably close relationship.

When, in a cruel and unexpected twist in the story, the small boy is abducted and killed, Shin-ae turns to evangelical Christianity on the advice of her pharmacist, a devout believer, as a means of dealing with her grief.

Filled with religious fervour, she decides to visit her son's murderer in prison to tell him she has forgiven him.

But she is horrified when the killer tells her with a serene smile that he has repented and God has already offered him absolution.

"Who is God to forgive him before I have?" she asks her Christian friends in a rage.

Jeon is known as a chameleon of Korean cinema, who fully inhabits her roles.

She shot to stardom at home with her debut 1997 romance "The Contact".

The following year she starred as a schoolgirl in "Harmonium in My Memory" and picked up South Korea's prestigious Blue Dragon and Grand Bell prizes for best actress.

Jeon scored a box office hit in 2003 with a remake of "Dangerous Liaisons" and won rave reviews in 2005 for her portrayal of a prostitute who contracts AIDS in "You're My Sunshine."

"Secret Sunshine" was one of two South Korean moving competing for the Palme. Kim Ki-duk presented "Breath," starring Taiwanese actor Chang Chen as a man on death row who falls in love with a scorned wife.

Soource: CriEnglish.com

Happy Bday Asia Love!!!!

2007-05-27T02:28:00.000-04:00

I started this blog exactly one year ago today! How great is that?

There weren't much posts at first, but now I'm really trying to put a lot of effort into it.

New features have started to appear and pretty soon there's going to be a new layout.

I hope whoever visits this blog enjoys it and decides to come back for more. ;)

Thanks to those that have stopped by & commented this past year and I sincerely hope you've enjoyed the posts & features and that you can keep coming back.

Happy Bday, Asia Love! May this be only the beginning of many many good things to come!!! :)

Sarangheyo, Chingu!! (I love you, my friends!)

[News] Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution" to Open Venice Film Festival

2007-05-27T02:07:00.000-04:00

Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution" to Open Venice Film Festival

Director Ang Lee's latest hit "Lust, Caution" has been confirmed to open this year's Venice Film Festival, domestic portal Sina.com reported.

The film, which started shooting in last year, is based on a short story by Chinese writer Eileen Chang. The work is now undergoing final editing in New York.

Ang Lee's English-language work "Brokeback Mountain" won the Golden Lion at the 62th Venice Film Festival

On Tuesday, another Chinese director, Zhang Yimou, has been invited to chair the jury of the festival.

The 64th Venice Film Festival will kick off on August 29. This year is the 75th birthday of the festival.

Source: CriEnglish.com

[News] Zhang Ziyi Chats With Fans Online

2007-05-27T02:03:00.000-04:00

Zhang Ziyi Chats With Fans Online

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi marks the launch of her official forum with an online chat with fans.

China's online portal Sohu, reported that Zhang Ziyi's official forum, formally come into effect on Saturday.

The report said Sohu set up a forum on Zhang Ziyi's official website, www.helloziyi.com, so fans could communicate with each other and leave messages for their idol.

Surprisingly, Zhang Ziyi even logged onto the forum herself on Saturday evening, posting many comments.

She called her fans "Yi’s Babies", and answered numerous questions, such as elucidating her memorable experience in making the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

In closing, Zhang Ziyi promised to visit the forum regularly, and encouraged fans to continually post as many comments as possible.

Source: CriEnglish.com

[News] South Korean Makes Nominee Debut in China Television Fest

2007-05-27T02:00:00.000-04:00

South Korean Makes Nominee Debut in China Television Fest

Park Chae-rim will soon become the first ever South Korean performer to compete for a top award at China's oldest television festival.

The actress, who is widely known in China by her stage name Chae Rim, has been nominated for the Best Actress in the TV Series at the 13th Shanghai Television Festival, opening on June 11.

Chae Rim is nominated for her performance in "Dalja's Spring."

She will be competing with another four popular Chinese actresses - Rene Liu for "New Age of Marriage," Zheng Zhenyao for "Red Streamer," Chen Xiaoyi for "Remarriage of a Police Woman," and Sun Li for "Shanghai Bund."

Despite the fact that South Korean TV dramas enjoy a large fan base in China, it's the first time for its performers to enter the competition, according to Shanghai Youth Daily.

The Best Actor award will be given to one of five Chinese candidates.

The five-day festival has drawn television and film productions from 39 countries and regions, among which Britain's "Born Equal," Russia's "Franz and Polina," Italy's "Giovanni Falcone the Judge," France's "Lady Chatterley and the Man of Wood," and Germany's "March of Millions" will compete for the Best TV Film award.

South Korea's extremely popular drama "Princess Hours" also entered the competition for the Jury's Special Award for Asian TV Series.

For TV and film buffs in Shanghai, the festival will be one of two attractions this coming June. The other is the 10th Shanghai International Film Festival, set to raise its curtain on June 16.

Source: CriEnglish.com

[News] China's Most Beautiful Person

2007-05-25T23:06:00.003-04:00

China's Most Beautiful Person

Gong Li was voted as "China's most beautiful person" in a newspaper poll on May 20, beating Li Yuchun, Zhou Xun, and Zhang Ziyi into second, third and fourth place respectively.

The poll, which is unveiled by The Beijing News, saw famous super star Zhang Ziyi failed to make the top three, ranking in the fourth place on the listing.

Other stars included on the list are Taiwan youth idols Mike He and Rainie Yang, pop singer Jay Chou, Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung and actors Andy Lau and Chow Yun-Fat.

SOURCE

Song Hye Kyo Pictures

2007-05-25T23:01:00.000-04:00

SOURCE

[Featured actor] Bae Yong Joon

2007-05-24T21:53:00.000-04:00

Asia Love's very first Featured Artist!!

Bae Yong Joon! And what makes him worthy of being this blog's first featured artist? Well, many things! First the most obvious reason being that he is solely responsable for my love for asian dramas, movies & music. Without him there would be no obsession and therefore no Asia Love. But other than that he's being featured because he's an increbly talented actor and one of the most humble & kind human beings on the face of the planet. BYJ has done what most artists aren't capable of doing and that is making his fans feel like family, making them feel like they're part of every single important moment in his life. That's why I feature him today.

Got a suggestion for a featured artist? Is there someone you admire and are a fan of that would like to see featured in this blog? Just email me, comment, or give me a shout over at my shoutbox and tell me why I should feature your special artist and send me some links where I can find pictures and info about the artist.

Name: Bae Yong Joon or Bae Yong-jun (He is also known as the abbreviated BYJ to many of his loyal fans, or as Yon-sama (ヨン様) in Japan.)
Hangul: 배용준
Hanja: 裵勇俊
DOB: August 29, 1972
Native of: Seoul, S. Korea
Family: Eldest of a son and a daughter
Height: 180cm
Blood Type: O
Hobbies: Golf, Computer Gaming, Photography, Weightlifting, Fishing
Favorite Sports: Geomdo, Hapkido (martial arts)
Official Website: http://www.byj.co.kr/

BYJ Galleries at Asia Love Group:

Hotelier (Japanese Version

Debut: Salut D'Amour (Love Greeting), 1994, KBS
Filmography
Films
2005: April Snow
2003: Untold Scandal
1995: PpilKu

Drama
2007: Hotelier - Japanese version (TV Asahi) - Shin Dong Hyuk, Frank
2007: The Story of the First King's Four Gods (MBC)
2002: Winter Sonata (Winter Love Story, KBS) - Kang Jun-sang/Lee Min-hyung
2001: Hotelier (MBC) - Shin Dong Hyuk, Frank
1999: Did We Really Love (True To Love MBC) - Gang Jae-ho
1998: The Barefooted Youth (KBS)
1997: First Love (KBS) - Sung Chan-woo
1996: Papa (KBS) - Choi Hyun-jun
1995: A Sunny Place of The Young (KBS)
1995: Sea Breeze (PSB) Jang Moo-hyung
1995: Six Steps to Separation (KBS)
1994: Salut D'Amour (Love Greeting) (KBS) - Kim Yong-min

Television commercials
1995: Kwail Nara, LOTTE (chewing gum), nongshim ZEC, MAYPLE
1996: Kwail Nara, LG group
1997: LG group, HITE beer, Kwail Nara
1998: Kwail Nara, LG group
1999: FRJ
2001: JM Global Water Purifier, Kye-Mong-Sa (Press), Old & New, LoReal (Perfume)
2002: LG Telecom, LG Home Shopping, LG Card, Korea Investment Trust, Kolon ManStar, Old & New, Halla Millate
2003: Ray Ban Glasses, Taster's Choice, LG Whisen, LG Telecom, LG Card, Kolon ManStar, Old & New
2004: Taster's Choice, Oronamin C, LOTTE Flavono, Sony handycam, Lotte Almond, Sony Cybershot, AU by KDDI, Daihatsu Mira, LG La La La (films available online at http://byj.co.kr )
2005: Taster's Choice, Lotte Rummy and Bacchus chocolates, Keangnam (builders), Coca-Cola 7-Flavor Tea, Lotte Almond
2006: Hyundai Sonata, Eastern Home Shopping Network, Secom Security Systems, Keangnam
2007: Secom
2007: Megane Ichiba

Awards
2004: 40th Baeksang: Rookie Award
2003: Blue Dragon: Best Newcomer & Popular Star award
2002: KBS Drama: Popular Actor Award & Best Actor Award
2002: 38th Bak Sang: Popularity award
1997: 33rd Bak Sang: Popularity award
1996: KBS Drama: The Excellent Actor Award & The Popular Actor Award
1995: KBS Drama: Rookie Award & Photogenic Award

Books
2004: The Image: Volume 1
2005: 100 Days of Bae Yong Joon
2007: BYJ Family Book

Sources:

Bae Yong Joon at Wikipedia.org

BYJ Profile at Broasia.com

And many BYJ message boards & fansites!

[News] The week in Kpop news

2007-05-24T20:57:00.000-04:00

Song Hye-kyo in 'Dream Team' Shoot for Vogue Cover (2007/05/24)

[Talk of the town] New York love letter (2007/05/23)

Kim Ki-duk Wows Cannes Film Festival With 'Breath' (2007/05/21)

French Portal Gives "Secret Sunshine" ('Milyang') Full Marks (2007/05/21)

Korean to join world's most celebrated directors for New York tribute (2007/05/21)

Chinese Poll Picks Bae as Top Korean Drama Star (2007/05/18)

"Goong S"("Prince Hours") Members Se7en and Heo I-jae To Hold Fan Meeting In Japan (2007/05/17)

[News] MTV Rocks Shenzhen

2007-05-22T20:50:00.000-04:00

MTV Rocks Shenzhen

MTV and Shenzhen Television worked together on Thursday to put on a star-studded concert in Shenzhen, southern China's Guangdong province.

Joey Yung and Miriam Yeung from Hong Kong, Cyndi Wang and Dylan Kuo from Taiwan, and Yu Quan from the Chinese mainland were among the impressive line-up of celebrities.

It was back in 2003 that MTV first launched its Chinese channel in Guangdong province. Since then, the annual concert has become one of its major promotional events.

The show will be aired on MTV Chinese this Saturday afternoon from 4 p.m.

SOURCE

[News] "Three Kingdoms" Releases Poster in Cannes

2007-05-22T20:31:00.000-04:00

"Three Kingdoms" Releases Poster in Cannes

A mini press conference was held in Cannes on Sunday for another Chinese movie about the Three Kingdoms period set in 220-265 A.D.,titled with "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon."

China's portal website Sina.com reports that an official poster and three stills were released featuring lead actors Andy Lau, Maggie Q and Sammo Hung.

A one-minute trailer was also played at the press conference.

The movie began shooting in northwestern China's Gansu province this April. Seen from the trailer, most of the scenes are battles in Dunhuang, Gansu province.

With a budget approaching 25 million US dollars, the project is based on "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", a vast 600-year-old novel by Luo Guanzhong that ranks as one of China's four most important pieces of literature.

The novel also provides source material for John Woo's upcoming movie "Battle of Red Cliff."

SOURCE

Chinese Actresses at the Premiere of 'Chacun son Cinema'

2007-05-21T07:07:00.000-04:00

Actresses Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi & Michelle Yeoh arriving at the Festival Palace for a gala screening of the film 'Chacun son Cinema' (To Each His Own Cinema) on Sunday, 20 May 2007, in Cannes, France. "Chacun son Cinema" was a series of three-minute short films produced especially for the Cannes festival by 35 renowned directors from the world.

Source: CriEnglish.com

Song Hye Kyo on Vogue Magazine

2007-05-21T06:59:00.000-04:00

Source: CriEnglish.com

[News] Sageuk, Korea's 80 Year Long Love for History

2007-05-19T06:18:00.000-04:00

Sageuk, Korea's 80 Year Long Love for History

With a history spanning close to 5000 years, Korea has always had a fascinating relationship with its roots, especially in the fields of drama and film. After over 80 years of ups and downs, sageuk, or historical drama, has regained its place in the spotlight with the enormous success of films like King and The Clown and TV series like Jumong. Let's take a look at where and when sageuk started, and how this genre got back on its feet after decades of struggle.

READ MORE...

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-05-19T04:58:00.000-04:00

Jang Dong-gun, Bae Yong-joon and others awarded at the First Annual Hallyu Awards (2007/05/16)

Rain Lands Part in Hollywood Movie (2007/05/17)

Rain secures role in Hollywood action film (2007/05/16)

'Full House' Actor to Meet Japanese Fans (2007/05/17)

[News] Comic does his bit to make Korea's Rain household word in America

2007-05-19T04:49:00.000-04:00

Comic does his bit to make Korea's Rain household word in America (2007/05/14)

"King of Korean Pop" Rain is surely proud to be at the top of Time's readers' poll of the 100 most influential people. His place at No. 1 no doubt turned a few heads, but one head -- that of American satirist Stephen Colbert -- seems to have kept turning until it spun like Linda Blair's in the original Exorcist.

On Thursday night (May 10), during his faux pundit program, Colbert shouted in mock indignation, "Rain! I'm going to be all over you like egg on a bowl of bibimbap". The reason? "Time asked its readers to select their own list of influential people", Colbert reported, "and I'm right at the top at number… Two! What? Who's at No. 1. It can't be. … My old nemesis, 24-year-old Korean R&B sensation Rain".

READ MORE...

Here's the video clip of Stephen Colbert's parody of Rain. It's hilarious!! And it's more exposure for Rain in the U.S.! So yay! ;)

Posters for Movie "Hwang Jin-yi"

2007-05-17T14:08:00.000-04:00

Posters for Movie "Hwang Jin-yi"

Movie posters for the South Korean movie called "Hwang Jin-yi", starring Song Hye Kyo and Ji-tae Yu.

Shot with a big budget of 10 billion South Korean won, the movie tells the story of a dancer, musician and poet called Hwang Jin Yi, who overcomes the hardships imposed by her low social status.

Source: HERE & HERE at CriEnglish.com

My Thoughts: She looks so beautiful & mature in these pictures. A completely different Song Hye Kyo. I'm really excited about this movie. Can't wait to see it! :)

[News] Ayu Concludes Asia Tour with Impressive Shanghai Show

2007-05-17T14:03:00.000-04:00

Ayu Concludes Asia Tour with Impressive Shanghai Show

Japanese pop queen Ayumi Hamasaki shared her "secret" with fans in Shanghai by staging a visually-stunning concert on the Shanghai Grand Stage on Sunday.

The show wrapped up Ayumi's 2007 Asian Tour, which the star named a "Tour of Secret."

Ayumi, also known as Ayu, impressed the Shanghai audience with her signature sexy dancing and a series of glorious costumes.

The singer generated an "Ayu wave" when she performed in Hong Kong and Taipei earlier on tour.

Source: CriEnglish.com

Cpop News

2007-05-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Chinese Stage Show Debuts in Broadway

A musical comedy, I Love You, You Are Perfect, Now Change, performed by Chinese actors and actresses debuts in the Broadway in New York on May 9. The photo taken on May 8 shows the final rehearsal of the show in New York one day ahead of its formal debut.

Source: CriEnglish.com

----------

Chinese Cartoon to Debut in International Market

Japanese broadcasting company NHK reached deal with a Chinese company on Thursday to present a Chinese made cartoon to Japanese viewers.

"This is the first ever agreement enabling a Chinese original cartoon to debut the international market," said Cai Daming, an official with the Yijing National Cartoon and Animation Industry Base in south China's boom city Shenzhen.

"Pacoo Fruit Tribe", produced by Dreamspace Digital Entertainment Co. based in Guangzhou, features a group of colorful fruit dolls of different personalities. Pacoo flashes are already available at Pacoo.net to highlight love, humor and imagination.

Read more at CriEnglish.com.

[News] Japanese Pop Princess Ties Up with Hello Kitty

2007-05-17T13:54:00.000-04:00

Japanese Pop Princess Ties Up with Hello Kitty

5cm tall doll of Japanese pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki holding Hello Kitty in her arm. A miniature of Hamasaki together with the mouthless cat will go on sale during the sultry 28-year-old singer's tour of Asia which started 10 March.[Photo:AFP/HO]

Global icon of cuteness Hello Kitty is adding some sex appeal in a new figurine with Japanese pop princess Ayumi Hamasaki. A miniature of Hamasaki with the mouthless cat will go on sale during the 28-year-old singer's tour of Asia.

"I'm really happy to collaborate with Kitty, which I've loved since childhood," said Hamasaki, arguably the best-known face in Japanese pop.

"Regardless of age or nationality, Hello Kitty is loved by many women and is very special," she said in a statement.

The figurine shows Hamasaki holding the cat. The two are wearing matching farmers' overalls and red ribbons in their hair.

It will go on sale at Hamasaki's concerts in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

If it proves a hit, the singer's recording agent Avex said it planned tie-ups between Hamasaki's figurine -- which is already sold on its own as "Ayupan" -- and other popular characters.

The figurine will sell for 600 yen (five dollars). Hand-held mirrors with a drawing of Hamasaki holding Hello Kitty will be sold for 2,200 yen (19 dollars).

Hello Kitty, which started in 1974 in Japan as a moon-faced cartoon cat on a coin purse, has developed into a global phenomenon, with more than 50,000 different products on sale in 60 nations.

Source: CriEnglish.com

My thoughts: I've never been a big fan of Hello Kitty, but I got excited when I read this headline. And then I saw the pic. I'm not liking it that much. They could've made Ayu so much cuter. ;)

Asia Love nominated for an award!

2007-05-14T00:58:00.000-04:00

Hey, everyone! Just wanted to drop you a note letting you know that I nominated Asia Love for the Blogging to Fame Awards.

So I'd really appreciate it that if you enjoy this blog please 'fame it' by going to the following url:
http://www.bloggingtofame.com/action.php?view=blog&&id=55

And if in turn you like me as a blogger you can also 'fame me' by going to this url:
http://www.bloggingtofame.com/action.php?view=profile&&id=78

Thanks to everyone for the support!

[News] This week's Kpop headlines

2007-05-10T16:23:00.000-04:00

Hallyu Stars Give Sparkle to Korean Fashion (2007/05/08)

Singer Rain lauded as Korea's answer to Jon Bon Jovi (2007/05/09)"

Jeon Do-yeon Warmed by the Glare of Publicity (2007/05/08)

Singer M to Advance to US (2007/05/08)

Shocking Selection Of Uprising Actress Lee Ji-ah To Star As Bae Yong-joon's Woman (2007/05/08)

Korean Actor Cast in French Film (2007/05/08)

Local 'Lost' Viewers Angered by Scruffy Bridge (2007/05/04)

"The Legend" Confirmed To Air On June 25th (2007/05/03)

[News] The week in Kpop news

2007-05-05T02:22:00.000-04:00

1st Hallyu Fashion Show to Be Held Saturday (2007/05/03)

A large scale fashion show featuring Korean Hallyu stars will be held at the City Hall plaza on Saturday as part of the ongoing Hi Seoul Festival.

The show is designed to promote Korea's fashion industry to foreign tourists. Free partnering between designers and celebrity stars has taken place since May, and sixteen stars will show for the catwalk. As for designers, 10 will participate from SFAA, 6 from KFDA and 7 from NWS.

READ MORE...

---

Bae Yong-joon, avid reader 'Kami no Shizuku (Les Gouttes de Dieu)' (2007/05/02)

Bae Yong-joon is said to be an avid reader of 'Kami no Shizuku (Les Gouttes de Dieu)' and is interested in wine and wine production.

In a recently published interview with CEO Sohn Il Hyung of IMX, Bae Yong-joon's agency of Japan, he noted that Bae Yong-joon has a special interest in wine.

When Bae Yong-joon visited Japan on the 8th, he took four bottles of wine to where Bae Yong-joon was staying and discussed the origins of the wine, and that Bae Yong-joon has a great understanding of the winery process.

CEO Sohn Il Hyung says he does not drink too much but has become an avid wine taster because of Bae Yong-joon.

Last year, IMX also offered 1972 Colheita wine from Portugal to commemorate Bae Yong-joon's birthday.

An interview with Bae Yong-joon was also published in the recent manga magazine publishing 'Kami no Shizuku' where he says, "I do not usually read manga but I read all of 'Kami no Shizuku. I also do not like drinking too much but am greatly enjoying wine. I have wanted to try the wine that appears in the series but they are rather hard to find. As each wine has a story of its own like a movie, I truly think wine could have been a present of god".

He concluded the interview saying, "I am only an avid reader right now, but I subtly hope that one day I can work with the series in any way. I will support the original creators looking forward to many more moving episodes".

'Kami no Shizuku' is a manga series by Agi Tadashi and Okimoto Shuu about wine and has gathered much popularity in Korea as well.

SOURCE

---

Daniel Henney Gets Serious (2007/05/01)

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

The nation's heartthrob Daniel Henney has played perfect Prince Charming roles in his work such as the wildly popular television drama "My Lovely Samsoon" ("My Name is Kim Sam-soon") and last year's romantic comedy "Seducing Mr. Perfect".

Now he is gearing up for a more serious role in the new film, "My Father". In the new film, he plays a Korean-American adoptee, who later returns to his home country in the hope of finding his biological parents.

With this challenging role, he seems to be confident as he has much in common with his character. He comes from a multinational background with a British-American father and Korean-American mother, who was herself a Korean-American adoptee.

READ MORE...

[News] So Ji Sub fulfills military duty

2007-04-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

So Ji Sub fulfills military duty

Actor So Ji Sub has returned to civilian status.

So Ji Sub was officially discharged on the 27th from the Mapo District Office where he has been working throughout his service.
Fans from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and others gathered as early as 3am to see and congratulate So Ji Sub. Numbers reached 1,200 at 9am with approximately 100 press personnel from Nihon TV, Fuji TV, and others.
Fans held up posters with the messages such as 'We Love You So Ji Sub' 'Thank you Mapo District Office' and waited anxiously with handfuls of presents for So Ji Sub to appear. They seemed to want to congratulate his discharge with a festive spirit.
So Ji Sub appeared at approximately 9:12am waving with a smile to fans in jeans, t-shirts, and a beanie. Upon his appearance, a fan and little girl approached him with flowers and when So Ji Sub kissed the little girl's cheeks out of gratitude, fans exclaimed with joy.
So Ji Sub commented, "Thank you for coming to greet me. I hope to meet with everyone as an actor soon through a great piece," and left the location.
A fan from Japan commented, "I arrived in Korea on the 25th on a four day trip just to see So Ji Sub. I can't sleep as I am so excited."
In response to a question asking why they like So Ji Sub fans answered, "There is no reason. I like everything. He is good looking and acts very well. I have watched all the dramas he appeared in."
Even after So Ji Sub's departure, many stayed in front of the district office enjoying having seen So Ji Sub.
Meanwhile, So Ji Sub will start the filming of the drama series 'Cain and Abel' in which he will play a fateful killer and brother of Ji Jin Hee.

(SOURCE)

[News] Bollywood to have its first theme park in India

2007-04-27T11:01:00.000-04:00

Bollywood to have its first theme park in India

By Krittivas Mukherjee
Fri Apr 27, 6:03 AM ET

MUMBAI (Reuters) - A Bollywood theme park is being built in India along the lines of Hollywood studio parks, allowing fans to go behind the scenes of the world's biggest cinema industry in terms of viewers.

Percept Holdings, a media and entertainment company, is constructing the theme park at an initial cost of $100 million in a sign of the growing taste for merchandising in an industry evolving from family firms to Hollywood-style companies.

"Bollywood is what the Indian masses turn to for entertainment," said Shailendra Singh, a top official of Percept Holdings which is building the park in Mumbai, India's cinema and entertainment capital.

"Bollywood accounts for over 40 percent of the total revenues of the overall Indian film industry, but there is no organised format or means to consume this experience."

The theme park, due to open in 2008, will have Bollywood cafes, a hall of fame, museums, Bollywood rides, sets, shoot visits and simulator experiences.

Despite being so prolific -- Bollywood makes more than 800 films a year -- the industry's revenues stand at half of what the Walt Disney studio made in box office revenues in 2006.

But studios and analysts say the industry is aiming at following Hollywood with "media convergence" -- the buzzword for plastering products across an array of media such as television, the Internet, video games and mobile phones -- to raise revenues.

Revenues from India's film industry, valued at about $1.75 billion in 2006, are forecast to nearly double to $3.4 billion by 2010, according to estimates by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

(SOURCE)

[News] The week in Kpop news

2007-04-27T04:10:00.000-04:00

Rain Makes Global List of 100 Most Beautiful People (2007/04/26)

Korean singer Rain has made People magazine's annual list of the world's 100 most beautiful people.

The singer's agency, JYP Entertainment, said Thursday that the list includes seven non-Americans including Rain, adding that a half-page article will introduce the Korean singer in the special issue.
It is the 23-year-old's first time to make the list. He is reportedly profiled as one of the magazine's "First Time Beauties 2007" along with Wentworth Miller, the star of the U.S. TV series "Prison Break", and R&B singer Chris Brown.
Rain, who has been described as the "Justin Timberlake of the East", also made a list of the world's 100 most influential people compiled last May by Time magazine, a sister publication of People.

Reported by KBS WORLD Radio

(SOURCE)

Rain Atop Time 100 Online Vote (2007/04/23)

Singer Rain could well be named as one of the world's top 100 influential people by Time magazine for the second year.
The singer current sits atop the ongoing online survey to determine this year's Time 100 list.
Rain made it on the list for the first time last year and attended the award ceremony and the Time 100 party at New York Lincoln Center last May, which earned him global fame.
In the online poll underway on the Time Web site, Rain has garnered 22,310 votes as of Monday morning, Korean time, followed by rock band U2 frontman Bono and U.S. President George W. Bush. There are a total of 200 candidates.
The Web site introduces the Korean singer as having topped music charts in Japan, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, performed at Manhattan's Madison Square Garden and recorded a duet with B2K's Omarion.

(SOURCE)

(My Thoughts: I'm actually quite happy for Rain. He truly deserves this. Being named one of the world's most influential people & to be featured in People Magazine's Most Beautiful People edition is HUGE!!! Not to mention what this could mean for other Asian artists looking to cross-over! We'll have to wait and see if he can pull off this cross-over (which I sure hope he does) - and if he does - it would definitely make history. I congratulate him & wish him all the success he deserves! Go RAIN!!!)

-------

'Breath' Offers English Subtitle (2007/04/26)

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

The nation's famous filmmaker Kim Ki-duk's 13th film, "Breath", is screened with English subtitles at Sponge House theater in Chongno, downtown Seoul. It was released yesterday nationwide at 15 theaters.
It deals with the relationship between a man on death row and a betraying housewife who help each other get over their inner pains.
The film has been invited to this year's competition section of Cannes Film Festival along with another local production, Lee Chang-dong's "Secret Sunshine".
The 46-year-old director won the Best Director awards at the Berlin International Film Festival with "Samaritan Girl" ("Samaria"), and at the Venice Film Festival with "3-Iron" in 2004.

(SOURCE)

'Winter Sonata' Fever Continues in Japan (2007/04/20)

The blockbuster drama "Winter Sonata", credited for the Korean Hallyu boom in Japan, will be aired at a movie theater at Tokyo's Nakano Sun Plaza on May 6 & 7.
Screenings will occur three times each day.
The event will include a talk show with actor Jeong Dong-hwan and actress Song Ok-seok--who played the father and mother, respectively--of the male lead "Junsang", played by Bae Yong-joon.
Pianist Lee Ji-su, who helped with the drama's original soundtrack, will also perform along with a mini concert given by Seo Jin-young, who sang the theme for "Summer Scent", another of producer Yoon Seok-ho's four season-themed drama series.

(SOURCE)

-----

More headlines:
Actor Donates 10 Mil. Won (2007/04/24)
Bae Doona to Join Kim Seung-woo in Drama Series (2007/04/25)

Asia Love's very own widget!

2007-04-26T06:19:00.000-04:00

Now you can add this blog's widget to your site or blog!!

It'll display the latest updates! Very cool!

You can find it here:
http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/asia-love

Here's a preview:

[Video] BYJ Music Video by me

2007-04-22T07:02:00.001-04:00

I made my very first music video and I wanted to share it with you all. It's actually more of a slideshow with gorgeous pics of Yong Joon ssi.

Hope you like!

(Note: CLICK HERE to view the video in a bigger size.)

Two new articles

2007-04-22T06:45:00.000-04:00

Kim Yun-jin Among U.S. Magazine's 100 Sexiest Women

Kim Yun-jin has been picked as one of the top 100 sexiest women by the U.S. magazine Stuff. Kim, who started out as a dark horse in Hollywood and is now shooting the third season of the hit drama “Lost," is garnering increasing popularity. She was featured in three American magazines -- besides Stuff in U.S. Weekly and Glamour -- and selected as one of MSN’s World Class Beauties. Among Stuff’s 100, Kim ranks 88th, one notch above Lindsay Lohan.

After finishing the “Lost” season, Kim returns to Korea to shoot the crime thriller "Seven Days."

SOURCE

----

Two Korean Films to Be Shown in Competition at Cannes

Two Korean movies will be screened in competition of this year's Cannes Film Festival. "Secret Sunshine" by Lee Chang-dong and "Breath" by Kim Ki-duk were invited to the 60th anniversary extravaganza.
Since the first Korean movie, "Chunyang," was introduced in competition in 2000, there have been a string of Korean movies at Cannes, with "Strokes of Fire" in 2002, and "Old Boy" and "Woman Is the Future Of Man" in 2004. The Korean film industry welcomed the news since no Korean movies entered the competition last year. Industry sources expect the two movies to give a much-needed boost to the Korean movie industry, which some say is in crisis.

Meanwhile, Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon will take her first steps on the red carpet in Cannes, while Son Kang-ho notches up his second invitation to the French city in as many years. Last year, "The Host," in which Song starred, was screened as part of the Director's Fortnight at the festival"Secret Sunshine" gained a publicity boost from the news. It is to be screened on May 24. Director Lee Chang-dong and stars Jeon Do-yeon and Song will go to France on May 15th. "Breath" is screened on May 26, and director Kim Ki-duk and star Chang Chen will arrive in Cannes on May 16, before the festival kicks off.

SOURCE

BYJ Quote

2007-04-21T05:29:00.000-04:00

Found this quote over at BYJ's Ohana.

I always wondered why he called his fans 'family' and after reading this quote I couldn't help but fall in love with him all over again!

“For the ‘family’ who don’t know the details of the entire process, who don’t know everything I’ve experienced, but still give me their full support, I am truly grateful with all my heart. Besides they absolutely trust me in whatever I do. Towards a group of people like that, to simply use the term ‘fans’ cannot fully express all that my heart feels towards them…”

- Bae Yong Joon

News for the past week

2007-04-21T05:26:00.000-04:00

Rain to Perform at Madison Square Garden Again (2007/04/19)

Top Korean singer Rain will hold another concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, the venue of his debut performance in America. The New York concert is part of his June world tour, which includes stops in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

READ MORE...

Japan to Show Encore Films by Director Kim Ki-duk (2007/04/18)

To mark the Japanese release of director Kim Ki-duk's 1996 debut film "Crocodile", a special showing under the title of "Continuing Mandala of Ki-duk" will be held in Euro Space in Tokyo on April 28th. It appears that the name Kim Ki-duk has become a brand in and of itself.

READ MORE...

Chinese market represents a lifeline for struggling movie producers (2007/04/17)

The Korean film industry is making rapid inroads into China. In the short term, it is a way to boost growth in the local film market. In the long term, it is part of a joint effort to branch out into the world market.
China's film market has been growing at 30 to 40 percent a year by revenue, and thus Korean filmmakers are anxious to find Chinese partners. In the last year there has been a big jump in the number of jointly produced films. Korean companies have also been opening multiplex theaters with Chinese partners.

READ MORE...

JAPANESE HALLYU FANS FLOCK TO SEE SEO DO-YEONG (2007/04/17)

Tickets to the Korea Day event in Japan were sold out in less than an hour last week after a group of ardent hallyu (Korean wave) fans found out that actor Seo Do-yeong will be holding his first meeting with fans on that day.
Seo is known for his role in the recent television drama "Spring Waltz".

READ MORE...

Hallyu Moving on to Musicals (2007/04/16)

Musicals are emerging as the new Hallyu market. While the Korean pop culture boom involving singers and TV dramas such as "Winter Sonata" and "Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace)" has waned, musicals are getting a fresh boost.

The attraction of Korean music embracing hit hop, rap and other American-influenced music along with its deep sentimentality have dazzled all of Asia. Now that same quality is shining on the musical stage.

READ MORE...

Korean Movie Industry Going Through Crisis After Several Years of Boom (2007/04/14)

After a successful 2006, Korean movies are off to a mediocre start this year. Experts say the industry is in need of a new strategy to stave off further damage. Son Heekyung has this report. The domestic movie industry is going through a crisis after several years of boom. Critics say one major problem is that film companies are shying away from big budget productions for fear that they will not make a profit. Studios are thus opting to make smaller-scale films.

READ MORE...

Korean dramas lock horns with their American rivals (2007/04/14)

Hit American television dramas are now being challenged by their Korean counterparts. Recently, a string of Korean dramas that include characters like federal investigators, police chiefs and emergency room doctors are appearing one by one. The dramas, being compared to the American dramas they modeled their plots around, are stirring up controversy and generating both negative and positive feedback.
On the one hand, some viewers say that these dramas present a fresh and innovative format.
Others however, are criticizing the producers saying they are ripping off ideas and that these dramas lack quality. The producers defend themselves by saying that as Hollywood has been making dramas for decades, the subject matter and formats are bound to overlap with Korean dramas. They also said that the important thing to look for in these dramas is how they adapt American elements to fit Korea.

READ MORE...

[News] Rain to Perform at Prestigious Tokyo Dome

2007-04-19T03:14:00.000-04:00

Rain to Perform at Prestigious Tokyo Dome

In yet another confirmation of his stature as an international star, Rain is scheduled to be the first Korean singer to hold a concert at Japan's Tokyo Dome stadium. The pop sensation traveled to Japan on Wednesday, two days after returning from last week’s successful performance in Australia, and announced his plans to perform at the Tokyo Dome at an official press conference.

Star M Entertainment, which is promoting Rain's world tour, recently agreed to bring the "Rain's Coming" tour to the Tokyo Dome on May 25. The Dome has hosted the world's top talents, such as Mariah Carey, the Rolling Stones, and Beyonce. The Dome, which is also the home of the Yomiuri Giants and Korean slugger Lee Seung-yeop, is the ultimate dream of many Japanese performers, but only top-drawer local acts have ascended its stage, including Ayumi Hamasaki, Glay, and SMAP.

Star M Entertainment announced the news in Japan with Rain and said, "With Japan as the axis, Rain spread the wave to Southeast Asia. Now he's reconfirming his stature with the concert at the Tokyo Dome."

The performance at the Tokyo Dome means Rain is one step further from being just an Asian celebrity and one step closer to being a world star. The Dome can hold up to 42,000 people but it requires a minimum of 35,000 tickets to be sold. Only top-selling performers attempt to play there. Among Korean celebrities, Lee Byung-heon held a fan meeting at the Dome last June with 42,000 guests. The Japanese press at the time made a great fuss, calling it the biggest event in the history of the "Korean Wave."

Lingering rumors say that Star M Entertainment was worried about bringing Rain's tour to the Dome, which would mean just once performance there. Rain, however, decided to go ahead with the idea, believing himself to be "Asia's singer" and eager to be the first Korean singer to perform at the fabled stadium. It is said that the concert promoter's Japanese partner UAE strongly pushed for the concert at the massive stadium.

SOURCE

Calling all BYJ fans into action!! ;)

2007-04-19T00:36:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you all know that you need to go to the boards over at http://www.broasia.com/ and post in the topic called "Over 80 members, now...". When we reach 300 posts in that topic a very special secret will be revealed.

So come and join us there! We're having a BLAST!!! :p

You can find the topic here: http://www.broasia.com/lwboard/lwcafe.php?act=list&cafeno=3&menuno=2

-----

On another note...

If you're a latin BYJ fan I recommend BYJ's Mexico Family. You can visit by going here: http://www.baeyongjoon-mx.net/

[News] Ji Jin Hee, cast in drama series 'Cain and Abel'

2007-04-19T00:20:00.000-04:00

Ji Jin Hee, cast in drama series 'Cain and Abel'

Actor Ji Jin Hee has been cast in the series 'Cain and Abel' and will be co-starring So Ji Sub.

Ji Jin Hee's agency SidusHQ commented on the 17th, "Ji Jin Hee will be returning to the TV screen through 'Cain and Abel,' two years since the series 'Spring Days.'"

'Cain and Abel' which has gathered the spotlight as So Ji Sub's first piece after his discharge this month is about two brothers who are separated in their youth but are reunited later as a detective and killer.

Ji Jin Hee will be playing the warm and humane detective Yoo Hyun who has lived his life to search for his younger brother who was adopted abroad. His role is directly contrasting to the killer he played in the recent movie 'Soo.'

So Ji Sub will play the killer Jin that is raised by the Mafia in the U.S.

'Cain and Abel' which will be filmed on location in San Francisco prior to its airing is a blockbuster with a budget of 6 billion won. The broadcaster has not yet been determined but the series will start filming towards the end of May without a projected 70% to be completed upon its first airing date.

SOURCE

[Video] BYJ Video & More...

2007-04-17T04:43:00.000-04:00

First I'd like to announce that i made a group for this Blog over at Multiply. I'm going to post videos, pictures & reviews there for this blog.

You can check it out here:

http://asialove07.multiply.com

And I leave you with a video of the 'Making Of' BYJ's new drama.
(Video is from http://truelovebyj.com) (If you want to see the video in a bigger size CLICK HERE.)

Updates & More...

2007-04-13T06:43:00.000-04:00

So you may notice I've been posting like crazy since Yesterday and you also may notice that I've added a few new elements to the blog.

Well, here's a list of what's new & what's in store for Asia Love.

What's New & What's to come?

- A brand spankin' new Shout Box!! I've been wanting one of these for this blog for months! Now I finally found the perfect one. As you can see it's on the right side of the page. Feel free to leave me as many messages as you want!! Go give me a shout!! ;)
- Featured Artists. Every month I'll feature specific asian artist/s. I'll post bios, links, pictures and more. I'm going to start with this soon, so if you have a suggestion for an artist you'd like to see featured here, feel free to message me.
- Asian Blogs & Websites. Here I'll post my favorite asian sites & blogs. There's already a few links so feel free to go check them out. And feel free to recommend some sites to me too.
- Commentary. I decided to start posting some commentary about various artists, shows, etc. So from time to tme I'll be adding to this list. For now there's only one commentary about BYJ i posted last year.
- Affiliates. I thought it would be cool to affiliate this blog with other Asian-related sites & blogs. Wanna be an affiliate? Feel free to email me.
- New layout. While it's going to pain me to get rid of this current layout ('cause Yong Joon looks seriously HOT in it, hehehe), i think it's time for a new look. Still don't know when I'm going to do it or which artist is going to be featured in it, but it's coming soon. Got a suggestion? Let me know.
- Reviews. More reviews coming very soon!

And much more...

-------------

Since I've been posting like crazy, it's very probable that you missed one of the latest news posts, so here's the list of the most recent news, articles and pictures I've posted.

- Yong Joon as Frank Shin AGAIN!!!!
- [News] Korean news for the week of April 6 - 13 2007
- Rain Descends on Australia for World Tour
- Korean cuteness
- So saddened...

Yong Joon as Frank Shin AGAIN!!!!

2007-04-13T06:11:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I was catching up with one of my Bae Sister's blogs and found out that our gorgeous Yong Joon oppa is going to appear in a Japanese version of Hotelier!!! Yay!! You don't know how huge this is for me! Hotelier is my absolute favorite drama. And Frank Shin is my favorite BYJ performance!!

I read over at BYJ Together that he's apparently going to appear in 6 scenes of the first episode of the re-make. And we'll have Frank Shin with the longer sexy hairstyle!! Whoot!

You can visit the Japanese official website for Hotelier HERE.

Here are some pics from Liezle's Blog & BYJ Together!! Enjoy!!

Asian Blogs & Sites

2007-04-13T05:40:00.000-04:00

Here's a link list of great Asian Sites that I truly recommend.

(Last updated on May 24, 2007) (More will be added soon)

Celebrity Sites (Official Sites & Fansites)

Official Bae Yong Joon Website

So Ji Sub Official Website

Shinhwa Official Website

Sowelu Official Website

Chihiro Onitsuka Official Website

Utada Hikaru Official Website

Truly Ji Woo Singapore

Joon's Family

I Love Ayu

Chihiro Onitsuka International

Divine Ayu

---

Asian Blogs

Jim's Korea

Hallyu Korean Superstar Blog

Show DJG on BBC

Bae Yong Joon News Blog

Korean Wave News Blog

Rain (Bi) News Blog

Choi Ji Woo News Blog

---

Misc.

Globee.com

NipPop

gBreak Asia Entertainment

Amped Asia

Featured Artists

2007-04-13T03:53:00.000-04:00

Each month I will feature an asian artist/s and will post info about them, pictures, articles, etc.

Got a suggestion for a featured artist? Is there someone you admire and are a fan of that would like to see featured in this blog? Just email me, comment, or give me a shout over at my shoutbox and tell me why I should feature your special artist and send me some links where I can find pictures and info about the artist.

Actors & Actresses

Bae Yong Joon (May 24, 2007)

Music Artists
Coming soon...

[News] Korean news for the week of April 6 - 13 2007

2007-04-13T03:44:00.000-04:00

S. Korean TV star returns home after secret visit to Japan (2007/04/09)

TOKYO, April 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Bae Yong-joon, a heartthrob among Japanese women, returned to Seoul on Monday after he made a secret trip to Japan, his Japanese promotion company said.

"The two-day visit did not include official functions, as it was sudden and for a personal purpose", IMX said in a press release. Bae, better know as Yonsama in Japan, is said to have spent much time at a Korean traditional restaurant that he owns.

(SOURCE)

Other news:
Rain Eyes US Debut with English Album (2007/04/12)
Korean Actress Song Hye-kyo to Present Hong Kong Film Award (2007/04/11)

Commentary

2007-04-13T03:28:00.000-04:00

I wrote a commentary about BYJ awhile back and thought it'd be nice to make it into a permanent feature on the site. So I'm going to write commentaries for other artists, music, movies, etc. from time to time. And I'm going to list them all on this page.

So stay tuned for that!

The One that started it all... - July 12, 2006

Affiliates

2007-04-12T22:32:00.000-04:00

No Affiliates just yet!! :(

Do you have an Asian related blog or website? Would you like to affiliate with Asia Love? Then this is the place to do it.

Requirements
- Must be in English or Spanish or have an English or Spanish version of the site. (Sorry but those are the languages I know for now.)
- Must be a blog or site dedicated to Asian countries and their culture.
- No political blogs or sites
- No hate, racist, prejudice or otherwise inappropriate or offending materials should be represented on the site in any way.
- Link back to Asia Love (http://asialove.blogspot.com)

To affiliate with Asia Love please email me (Tany) with your name & blog/site url to tany24@gmail.com.

[News] Rain Descends on Australia for World Tour

2007-04-12T21:24:00.000-04:00

Singer Rain Descends on Australia for World Tour

The Stamford Plaza Hotel in Sydney on Wednesday was bustling with about 100 reporters and photographers from all over Asia and Australia. They were there for a press conference with Rain who had arrived a few days ahead of his Saturday concert, his first show in Australia and part of his "Rain's Coming" world tour.

Journalists from the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC TV, Rueters TV and other local and international news outlets turned their attention to the Korean pop singer who is rapidly becoming a global star.

Rain, in both one-on-one morning interviews and at the press conference, talked confidently about his feelings preparing for the show, the results of the tour so far and his future plans.

Rain arrived in Australia on Tuesday to find a crowd of 150 fans waiting for him at Sydney Airport.

Despite a hiccup in the tour date -- the concert was postponed a week because of a venue change -- ticket sales have been going well. Even the Easter holidays didn't slow down the weekend bookings.

Rain will take to the stage on Saturday at Acer Arena, where other top international acts such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beyonce Knowles have performed.

(SOURCE)

-----

Other News:

Korean Soap to Become Textbook for Hong Kong Students
No End to Korea's Rough Ride in Hollywood
Sandra Oh on the Challenge of Being Korean in Hollywood

Korean cuteness

2007-04-09T03:07:00.000-04:00

Just found this cute little Korean children's character called Pororo The Little Penguin. And he's super duper adorable!

You can watch a 5 min. episode HERE. (With English subtitles)

And find more info HERE.

Enjoy!

So saddened...

2007-04-08T03:49:00.000-04:00

(Jung Da Bin - 1980-2007)

As I had already posted real life has barely left me any time to update my blogs, let alone read my friend's blogs. So i was catching up my Bae sister Mrs. A's blog and found out some terrible news.

On February 10th, the incredibly talented S. Korean actress Jung Da Bin comitted suicide. She was one of my favorite asian actresses. This really breaks my heart. She was so talented and had such charisma.

I feel so bad not having found out about it until now. I'm really in shock right now.

You can visit Mrs. A's blog HERE to read her beautiful tribute.
---------

On a more personal note, while i promised to update once a week, my life is kind of complicated right now and i may or may not be without internet for a while. So if i stop posting weekly don't worry I'll be back. Thanks!

[News] News articles for the week of March 30 - April 4 2007

2007-04-06T03:01:00.000-04:00

Japanese Fans Hold Art Fair on Bae (2007/04/02)

Japanese fans of Korean actor Bae Yong-joon held a 3-day art fair themed on Bae from March 23rd in Kyoto, and from Friday to Sunday in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Organized by Bae's fan club "EndlessLove-With BYJ", the fair entitled "100% BAE YONG JOON Art Fair" had on display 150 pieces of fan creations and a 55 minute video that was a compilation of 16 individual submissions.

The fan club says 900 people visited the Kyoto fair and 1,200 the Tokyo fair on Saturday alone, with an estimated total of 4,000 for the Tokyo exhibition.

Those with works on display also gave out picture postcards they had prepared out of their own pockets as gifts to visitors.

SOURCE

Japanese Actor Ken Watanabe to Make First Visit to Korea (2007/03/30)

World famous Japanese actor Ken Watanabe will make his first visit to Korea to participate in the press preview of his latest film "Memories of Tomorrow", scheduled to be released in Korea on April 23.

Watanabe has become famous worldwide for his charismatic acting shown in Hollywood films such as "Last Samurai", "Batman Begins", and "Memoirs of a Geisha". He has many fans in Korea.

The Japanese actor is committed to promoting his latest film because it is his first work where he not only played a leading role but also participated in the production. He was nominated for the best leading actor award at the recently-held Asian Film Awards for his role, which is completely different from his past masculine, tough roles, along with Korean actor Song Kang-ho ("The Host") and Jeong Ji-hoon, the real name of singer Rain ("I'm Cyborg, But That's Ok").

SOURCE

Korean Actor Jang to Debut in Hollywood with Chinese Zhang Ziyi (2007/04/04)

The Korean movie star Jang Dong-gun is set to make his Hollywood debut alongside Chinese starlet Zhang Ziyi.

The Korean actor will star in his first American movie, the Western fantasy "Laundry Warrior". The film will be produced by rising director Lee Seung-moo, and will be produced in America in a joint Chinese/Korean collaboration.

The presence of veteran producer Barrie Osborne, whose credits include "The Matrix" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, make this a unique opportunity for Jang. Osborne has set up a production company specifically for this project, using the movie title for the company name.

READ MORE...

Boy Group Shinhwa Members Go Solo for Now (2007/04/03)

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Is Korea's longest running boy band Shinhwa splitting up?

It seems that Shinhwa members are focusing on solo projects, at least for now.

Shinhwa members Lee Min-woo and Andy Lee announced they are setting up their own record labels.

Shin Hye-sung and Kim Dong-wan are also planning to release their solo albums. Eric Moon is currently starring in the TV drama "Que Sera, Sera", while Jun Jin has just finished promoting his single album.

READ MORE...

Why Are Korean TV Channels Hard to Find Abroad? (2007/04/03)

More and more Koreans travel abroad, and many of them wonder why there are no cable TV channels like the BBC or CNN they can watch there in their own language. Even in Asia, where Korean soap operas are hugely popular, Korean channels are rare. Experts say exporting popular programs like "Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace)" is one thing and establishing a Korean channel overseas quite another, since it is much harder generating demand for a TV channel than for an individual program.

READ MORE...

'200 Pounds Beauty' Gives Laughs, Warmth (2007/04/02)

Romantic comedy a 'feel-good' story

Yoo Seung-gi (poppingp)

Which is more important, outside appearance or inside nature, when people "choose" their lover?

Could the person's sincerity be transmitted to another person, especially his or her lover? "200 Pounds Beauty" ask moviegoers such questions that are not easy to answer immediately.

Kang Han-na, played by Kim Ah-joong, is a fat and unattractive girl who sings back stage for a professional singer with a pretty face but no talent. Kang is so good-natured that she does phone-sex as a part-time job in order to earn medical expenses for her mentally-handicapped father.

READ MORE...

[News] Song Hye-gyo Sheds Cute Image for Gisaeng Role

2007-03-31T04:00:00.000-04:00

I just have to apologize for not posting anything in such a long time. Real life sucks, especially when it doesn't let me update my blogs.

Anyway, i promise i'm going to do everything in my power to post AT LEAST once a week. It may be more times, but at least once every week. Whether it's an article, a review, pictures, etc. I will be posting weekly.

Again, i apologize.

P.S. There's this great new social networking site for people wanting to learn other languages & about other cultures. It's in Japanese & English. I'm still new, so i don't know all the features, but it looks cool.

You can join here: http://www.globee.com/

And you can add me as a friend there by visiting my profile page: http://www.globee.com/vampypoet

Oh, for some parts you may need a translator because there's parts written in Japanese.

-------------

Here are some news for the past couple of weeks:

Song Hye-gyo Sheds Cute Image for Gisaeng Role

The producers of “Hwang Jin-I” on Monday released several still photos from director Chang Yoon- hyun's movie about a Chosun-era gisaeng (a female entertainer) starring Song Hye-gyo and Yoo Ji- tae.

The photos show Song as the character Hwang in various costumes, including that of noble lady, a beautiful and seductive gisaeng, and disguised as a man drinking in an inn. Another features Song in a white underskirt, her extended leg faintly showing through. The other photos include Yoo Ji- tae as Hwang's first lover Nomi and Ryu Seung-yong as a local governor who supports Hwang. "Song Hye-gyo's deep eyes and attractive figure show that she has transformed from a cute young girl into a true woman," the publicity materials gushed.

“Hwang Jin-I” started shooting on a set in Paju in Gyeonggi Province last July. It took 194 days to make the film. Other locations for the lavish production included the Korean Folk Village in, Buan, Andong, Yangpyeong, Namsangol Traditional Village in Seoul, the Seonam Temple in Suncheon, and Mt. Kumgang in North Korea.

The film has gained considerable attention, fueled by last year’s TV drama with the same name starring another popular actress, Ha Ji-won, and the fact that it is Song’s first stab at a period film.

"Hwang Jin-I" is in its final stages and is scheduled for release on June 6.

SOURCE

Some stills from the movie:

My thoughts: I'm intrigued by this movie. First because i'm a sucker for period movies, hehehehe. Second because i'm a sucker for Korean period movies, lol. But mostly because this is a great chance to see what SHK is really made of. I mean, she's done the cute thing for awhile and she's really good at it. She was great in Full House, not so great in Hotelier. Of course i can't judge all of her works since i've only watched those 2, but I am a fan nontheless and i'm happy to see her branch out into more challenging work. Hopefully she'll be able to prove she has the chops to do all types of acting.

Other stories from the past 2 weeks:
German Director of 'Not-So-German' Films (2007/03/16)
Korean Actress Cast for Japanese Musical (2007/03/16)
Kim Ki-duk's New Work Sold to France (2007/03/29)
Rain Refreshes Harvard High-Flyers After Chosun Ilbo Visit (2007/03/28)
"The Host" Exceeds 1 Mil. in US Earnings (2007/03/28)
Mega-hit Korean drama captivate viewers in Panama (2007/03/26)
Longest concert record set in Japan

[News] Daniel Henney Digs Into Own Life for New Movie

2007-01-18T01:41:00.000-04:00

Daniel Henney Digs Into Own Life for New Movie

The movie “My Father” drew attention even before it started shooting because it stars the half-Korean heartthrob Daniel Henney. The film follows a Korean adopted by an American family who comes to Korea to seek out his biological parents, only to find that his father is on death row.

Henney plays James, who volunteers to join the U.S. Forces Korea as a way to find his biological parents. On the first day of shooting on Jan. 10, he successfully shed his gentlemanly image for his role as the young adopted man who slowly opens his heart to his jailed father. “I will try hard to use my personal experience of living in the U.S. to play James, who has lived his life feeling estranged as an adopted child,” Henney said.
“My Father” is the feature debut of director Hwang Dong-hyeuk, who attracted plaudits at home and abroad with his short film “Miracle Mile” starring Karl Yune. Kim Young-chol plays Henney’s father.

SOURCE

[News] Moon Geun-young's Bid to Grow Up Hits World Headlines

2007-01-17T16:16:00.000-04:00

Moon Geun-young's Bid to Grow Up Hits World Headlines

The Korean actress Moon Geun-young, dubbed the “nation’s little sister,” is seeing her fame extend beyond her native country. Wire agency Reuters recently published an article on Moon titled “South Korea’s Little Sister Wants to Grow Up,” which was picked up by newspapers in the U.S., U.K, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Taiwan. This proves her potential to rise to world stardom.

Reuters reports that Moon, with her sweet and innocent image, is “the country’s most sought-after celebrity for advertisers.” But Korea seems unwilling to allow her to change and grow up. Shaking off the image is proving anything but easy. The movie “Love Me Not,” the first she shot after turning 20 and where she plays a grown woman, performed poorly at the box office. And there is the risk that she could lose everything she has in her quest for a more mature identity. As part of her efforts, she appeared in a racy commercial for a mobile company, where she projected a sexier image.

"Because I am a girl now, it is only fair for people to see me as a girl. But as time goes by, I believe I will become a real woman who understands sorrow, love and pain," Moon told Reuters. “But the interest in me is sometimes too much. Expectations are high and I loathe to let people down."

The news agency took due interest in her college life, quoting her as saying, “I am having so much fun in college. If I want to express different images and emotions on screen, I have to learn lessons from real life. It is only when my personal life takes shape that my career as an actress can take shape.”

SOURCE

Reviews

2007-01-08T04:09:00.000-04:00

Here i will post links to reviews i've written about asian movies & dramas.

I post all my reviews over at the blog's group: http://asialove07.multiply.com/

So each link will direct you to the original post there. (Each link opens in a new window.)

I'll be updating this page everytime time I write a new review.

(Last Updated on April 14, 2007)

K-Movie: 100 Days with Mr. Arrogant

K-Movie: My Little Bride

More coming soon...

Yummy Rain Pics

2007-01-07T03:14:00.000-04:00

Now, i've never gone all googly eyes for Rain (I love his music, though), but i am loving these pics of him. He looks H-O-T!!!!!!! LOL! :p

Feast your eyes, babes...

SOURCE: CRIENGLISH.COM

Chinese movie news

2007-01-07T02:57:00.000-04:00

Since i seem to post an awful lot about korean music & movies, hehehe... here are some chinese movie news for a change. :p

Thirteen Chinese Movies Hunt for Investment
2007-01-06 09:06:41 CRIENGLISH.com

25 film projects from 13 Asian countries are expected to receive investment from world buyers at the 2007 Hong Kong Asia Film (HAF) Financing Forum.

Thirteen Chinese movies are on the list of film projects, including Xu Jinglei's "Days in Forbidden City," Hong Kong director Pang Ho Cheng's "Now Showing" and Zhang Yuan's "One Night in Beijing."

READ MORE...

------------------------

American Remake of "Confession of Pain" On Board
2007-01-04 10:47:29 CRIENGLISH.com

American film companies are negotiating the rights to remake "Confession of Pain” by Hong Kong directing duo Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, after the success of the US version of "Infernal Affairs". 　　
Andrew Lau revealed that several American companies have offered to buy the rights for a remake and invited him to direct their version.

READ MORE...

------------------------

Chow Yun-Fat Stars in New Hollywood Chinese War Epic
2006-12-05 15:50:32 CRIENGLISH.com

Veteran actor Chou Yun-Fat will star in the new Hollywood blockbuster "Children of Huang Shi."

The 19-million-dollar war epic is the true story of a young British journalist who saves a group of orphaned children with the help of an Australian nurse during the Japanese invasion of China in 1937.

READ MORE...