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Kwak Yeon-soo

Korea Times Digital Content Reporter

Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.

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Entertainment

Celebrities deny connection with Shincheonji

From left are actress Nam Gyu-ri, actor Lee Dong-wook and singer Gummy / Korea Times fileBy Kwak Yeon-sooAmid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, rumors have surfaced that some celebrities are affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a cult linked to the massive surge in infections here.The health authorities have confirmed that a very large number of COVID-19 infections occurred at Shincheonji services, and many people came into close contact with those who attended them have also contracted the virus.Celebrities whose names were included on a list of these people, are now fighting back against rumors that they are members of the Shincheonji Church.Actor Lee Dong-wook's agency King Kong by Starship Entertainment said it will take legal action against all rumor-mongers.“We recently heard a rumor that our artist is connected with a certain religious group. That's not true and we'll take legal action against those who spread false rumors, or malicious slander against the artist,” the agency said.FNC Entertainment, which represents comedians Yoo Jae-suk and Jung Hyung-

Mar 4, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
Celebrities deny connection with Shincheonji
Films

In 'Gringo,' man strives to get back on track

David Oyelowo, right, and Amanda Seyfried in “Gringo” / Courtesy of JIN JIN PicturesBy Kwak Yeon-sooDark comedy film “Gringo” is about an amiable businessman who finds himself crossing the line from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal in order to survive. Harold Soyinka, played by David Oyelowo, is a manager at a Chicago pharmaceutical company called Promethium run by his supposed best friend Richard Rusk, played by Joel Edgerton.Richard and his co-president Elaine Markinson (Charlize Theron), who is a relentless career climber, have been mass producing medicinal marijuana at a Mexico-based facility and offloading a portion of their inventory to a Mexican drug cartel to make money. Looking to sell their company, the two attempt to cease their illegal trade. Harold accompanies them on a necessary business trip to Mexico, where he finds out that Richard is not quite as trustworthy as he had seemed. In an act of revenge, Harold fakes his own kidnapping and asks Richard for $5 million in ransom, but then finds himself in trouble as he is hunted by a violent dru

Mar 3, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
In 'Gringo,' man strives to get back on track
Films

Korea closes theaters, postpones film releases to curb coronavirus' spread

A sign on display at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Entrance Branch reads the suspension of business after the fifth patient confirmed as infected with COVID-19 visited there, in this Feb. 26 photo. / YonhapBy Kwak Yeon-sooThe rapid spread of the coronavirus in Korea has seen several movie theaters close, and forced distributors to postpone the release of prominent films here. Several Oscar-winning films that looked to capitalize on their awards glory with a theatrical run in Korea have also had their releases delayed.Korea's largest cinema chain CJ CGV has temporarily halted services in Daegu, where most of the nation's coronavirus cases are centered, starting Feb. 28.“Out of growing fears of COVID-19, we have decided to shut down nine outlets in the Daegu area,” CGV said in a statement. “We'll notify people about reopening dates on our website.”On Monday, “Judy” distributor First Run announced it has decided to push back the film's release in Korea over coronavirus concerns. The Oscar-winning film was originally slated to open here March 12. &ldq

Mar 2, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
Korea closes theaters, postpones film releases to curb coronavirus' spread
Films

Hong Sang-soo wins best director at Berlin Film Festival

South Korean director Hong Sang-soo poses with the Silver Bear for Best Director award at the 70th Berlinale film festival in Berlin, Saturday (local time). AFP-YonhapBy Kwak Yeon-sooSouth Korean director Hong Sang-soo won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival for his latest film “The Woman Who Ran,” the organizer announced Saturday (local time). The Berlinale Jury president, Oscar-winning British actor Jeremy Irons, said the jury selected winners focusing on cinematic discourse and arthouse prestige.Hong is the second South Korean filmmaker to take the prize in the category, following Kim Ki-duk for “Samaritan Girl” in 2004.“Thank you, Thank you very much. I'd like to thank everyone who's worked with me for this film, the film festival and the jury,” Hong said in an acceptance speech.He then introduced actresses Kim Min-hee and Seo Young-hwa, who received a hearty round of applause from the audience. Actress Kim, who is in an extramarital relationship with the director, is not a newcomer to the Berlinale

Mar 1, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
Hong Sang-soo wins best director at Berlin Film Festival
Travel & Food

'Parasite' neighborhood embraces Oscar triumph

Pig Rice Supermarket, which goes by the name Woori Supermarket in “Parasite” / Korea Times photo by Park Hyung-giBut not all people are happyBy Kwak Yeon-soo“Parasite” locations have been crowded with tourists since the film won four Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards earlier this month. But the popularity of the venues is proving to be unwelcome to some inhabitants of the neighborhood as they have to deal with the fallout, such as traffic congestion.Some of them complain that hundreds of camera-wielding visitors is bringing inconvenience and delaying redevelopment of the area.Much of the film was shot on purpose-built sets in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, but the Kim family's semi basement home and shabby streets were inspired by or set in real neighborhoods in Seoul.“Parasite” is a story of two economically polarized families, one poor and one wealthy. The story develops as the son of the impoverished family, with the help of his sister, fabricates his educational background and begins to work as a tutor for the daughter of the wealthy family.Recentl

Feb 27, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Parasite' neighborhood embraces Oscar triumph
  • 'Parasite' producer talks on Bong's quirky brilliance, int'l acclaim
Films

'Parasite' producer talks on Bong's quirky brilliance, int'l acclaim

By Kwak Yeon-sooKwak Sin-ae, producer of “Parasite” and CEO of its production house Barunson E&M, poses for a photo after an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Feb. 20. / Courtesy of CJ ENMKwak Sin-ae, producer of the Oscar-winning “Parasite” and CEO of its production house Barunson E&A, says she still feels “awkward and uncomfortable” being in the spotlight. “Until recently, I led my life as an ordinary citizen. I used to sit in the corner on set trying not to be noticed,” Kwak said during an interview with The Korea Times. “To say I'm overwhelmed about winning the Oscars is an understatement.”On Feb. 9, “Parasite” became the first foreign-language film to win best picture at the Academy Awards in its 92-year history. It also won three other awards for best director, best international feature film and best original screenplay.Thanks to the Oscar's unconventional move, Kwak became the first Asian female producer to win best picture from the academy. She recalls how a Korean film winning t

Feb 27, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Parasite' producer talks on Bong's quirky brilliance, int'l acclaim
  • 'Parasite' neighborhood embraces Oscar triumph
Films

Director challenges Korea's patriarchal norms, gender roles

By Kwak Yeon-sooDirector Jeong Seung-o speaks during a press conference for the film “Move the Grave” held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Entrance Branch, Feb. 20. / Courtesy of IndiestoryDirector Jeong Seung-o challenges patriarchal norms in his upcoming film “Move the Grave,” raising the question of whether stereotypical gender roles in modern society can be overturned.“I grew up in a patriarchal family, which placed rigid gender expectations on me from a young age. I often witnessed how women are discriminated against during 'jesa,' the ceremony performed to honor ancestors,” Jeong said during a press conference for the film.“Now that the patriarchy is almost over, I think we should dissolve existing family structures and think about an alternative family form.”In “Move the Grave,” a dysfunctional family is forced into an impromptu reunion when construction work forces them to move their father's grave. Four bickering sisters and one troublemaking son are set to embark on a road trip to their uncle's house, from where

Feb 25, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
Director challenges Korea's patriarchal norms, gender roles
Films

'Wandering Chef' brings people together through food

Chef Im Ji-ho speaks at a press conference for the film “The Wandering Chef” at Megabox Dongdaemun in Seoul, Tuesday. Director Park Hye-ryeong listens to his speech. / Courtesy of Hayanso EntertainmentBy Kwak Yeon-sooChef Im Ji-ho, better known as the “Wandering Chef,” has devoted much of his life to traveling Korea in search of unique culinary and medicinal ingredients.Based on the belief, “If it's from nature, nothing is useless,” Im uses ingredients that people do not use or discard and then transforms them into rich food creations.Director Park Hye-ryeong, who is well known for her human-interest documentaries, has wandered the country with him for more than a decade.“We first met around 2006 when Im was featured in the documentary series I worked on, 'The Human Theater,'” Park said at a press conference for her film “The Wandering Chef” in Seoul, Tuesday. “Since then, I've tagged along with him in his culinary journey and documented his life.”She was fascinated by Im's food philosophy and vast knowledge of i

Feb 21, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Wandering Chef' brings people together through food
Films

Bong Joon-ho revisits feel-good Oscar moments

Director Bong Joon-ho, second from right second row, poses with “Parasite” cast and staff at the press conference for his historic four-Oscar win at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. YonhapBy Kwak Yeon-sooDirector Bong Joon-ho thanked his staff, cast and fans, saying that their endless dedication and support helped him throughout the unprecedented journey for “Parasite.”“It feels surreal that we were able to gain such widespread acclaim inside and outside the country,” Bong said at a press conference for his historic four-Oscar win at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Wednesday.“Parasite” became the first foreign-language film to win best picture at the Academy Awards in its 92-year history on Feb. 9. It won four Oscars, including best director, best international feature film and best original screenplay. As of Feb. 19, the film has won a total of 174 awards at international film festivals and awards ceremonies.Bong shared several anecdotes that occurred during Parasite's awards-season campaign, which lasted even longer than

Feb 19, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
Bong Joon-ho revisits feel-good Oscar moments
  • 'Parasite' proves power of cinema
Films

'Call' is female-led ticking-clock thriller

From left, actresses Kim Sung-ryoung, Park Shin-hye, Jun Jong-seo and Lee El pose for a photo at a press conference for “Call” at CGV Apgujeong in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap By Kwak Yeon-sooSupernatural mystery thriller “Call” is a female-led film that defies one of cinema's fallacies that women and thrillers do not go together well. Adapted from “The Caller” released in 2011, the movie revolves around two women who are living two decades apart and are connected through an old phone. Seo-yeon, played by Park Shin-hye, lives in the present day and accidentally stumbles across an old telephone at her house. Then, she begins to receive mysterious calls from a stranger.Over time, Seo-yeon discovers that the caller is a woman named Young-sook, played by Jun Jong-seo, and the two develop an unlikely friendship. However, when Young-sook claims to be calling from the past, Seo-yeon begins to question her motives. Young-sook suggests that she will save Seo-yeon's dad in 1999, and

Feb 17, 2020By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Call' is female-led ticking-clock thriller
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