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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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Films

'Elemental' tops box office for third weekend in a row

A scene from the film "Elemental" / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company KoreaBy Kwak Yeon-sooDisney and Pixar's “Elemental” (2023) has stayed atop the weekend box office for the third time in a row, data showed Monday. The film topped the box office chart, selling 800,453 tickets from Friday to Sunday, according to data from the Korean Film Council.“Elemental” debuted at No. 3 at the domestic box office, following “The Roundup: No Way Out” and “Flash.” Thanks to some positive word of mouth, however, attendance grew gradually. It has been on the top of the weekend chart since the second week of its theatrical release on June 14, amassing a cumulative 3.4 million admissions. In North America, the film scored the lowest opening weekend since 1993. However, it bounced back at the box office, earning $109.2 million and becoming the first original animated film to cross the $100 million threshold since 2018.Set in Elemental City, where the four elements coexist harmoniously but separately, the film follows water element Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athi

Jul 10, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Elemental' tops box office for third weekend in a row
Films

Jung Woo-sung's directorial debut to compete with Yoo Hae-jin's rom-com this August

A poster of “A Man of Reason,” left, and “Honey Sweet” / Courtesy Acemaker Movieworks, Mind MarkBy Kwak Yeon-sooJung Woo-sung's directorial debut film “A Man of Reason” will be in direct competition with Yoo Hae-jin's romantic comedy film “Honey Sweet” as both movies will hit theaters on Aug. 15, Korea's Liberation Day.“A Man of Reason” follows a man named Su-hyuk (Jung), who is released from prison after serving 10 years on behalf of his boss. He wants to cut ties with his old gang and live a normal life, but is dragged back into the underworld as his old boss takes his young daughter hostage.Jung is known for his roles in “The Good, The Bad and the Weird” (2008) and “Steel Rain 2: Summit” (2020). His most recent appearance was in Lee Jung-jae's directorial debut feature “The Hunt.” The cast also includes Kim Nam-gil, who starred in “Closet” (2020) and “Emergency Declaration” (2022) and Park Sung-woong, known for “New World” (2013) and “OK! Madam&

Jul 7, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Jung Woo-sung's directorial debut to compete with Yoo Hae-jin's rom-com this August
Films

Ryu Seung-ryong, Jin Sun-kyu reunite for comedy film 'Archers of Amazon'

Actors Ryu Seung-ryong, left, and Jin Sun-kyu participate in a table read for "Archers of Amazon" (working title). Courtesy of Barunson E&ABy Kwak Yeon-sooActors Ryu Seung-ryong and Jin Sun-kyu will reunite for the comedy film “Archers of Amazon” (working title), five years after the two starred in the 2019 mega-hit film “Extreme Job.”In the upcoming comedy flick, Ryu plays the role of archery coach Jin-bong, a former professional archer who won medals on the world stage. He scouts Indigenous tribes in the Amazon for archers who could compete in the World Archery Championships. Jin stars as an interpreter for indigenous people in Brazil.Brazilian actors Igor Pedroso, best known for “Invisible City” (2021), Luan Brun, known for his role in the Disney series “Once,” and J.B. Oliveira star as Indigenous people skilled in archery.The film is led by Kim Chang-ju, who directed the 2021 action thriller “Hard Hit,” and is scripted by Bae Se-young, whose previous works include the 2018 drama film “Intimate Strangers”

Jul 7, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Ryu Seung-ryong, Jin Sun-kyu reunite for comedy film 'Archers of Amazon'
Trends

Senior women find new lease of life through photography club, filmmaking

From left are Little Garden Sisters members Kim Sook-ryeon, Kim Hee-ja, Jung Ok-ja, Moon Chun-hee, Choi Soon-nam, Park Jung-rye and Kim Hye-sook. Courtesy of Cinema DalBy Kwak Yeon-sooGANGNEUNG, Gangwon Province ― Myeongju-dong is an old downtown area in Gangneung, Gangwon Province with cute little alleys, cultural spaces and trendy cafes. The past and present seem to coexist as colonial-era Japanese buildings and “hanok,” or traditional Korean-style houses, still remain in the small neighborhood. Its relaxed atmosphere comes from the communal garden, where local residents keep plants and flowers in the alleyway.Those who take care of the garden are known as Little Garden Sisters ― women with an average age of 75 who have been living in the neighborhood for over 50 years. They embrace their golden years with enthusiasm, taking up hobbies such as gardening and singing.Wanting to learn how to take better photos using their smartphones, eight seniors took photography classes from 2016 to 2018. After building confidence, they moved on to learning about how to record videos. T

Jul 6, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Senior women find new lease of life through photography club, filmmaking
Trends

Designer makes artifact-inspired gifts to help revive Korea's forgotten traditions

Hailey Han, founder and CEO of design brand Mimidar / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukBy Kwak Yeon-sooTraditional cultural products sold in museum stores were once considered tacky and old-fashioned, but now attract great interest from Korea's younger generations.Ancient artifacts and designs have provided inspiration for a range of brand collaborations with Korean museums. According to the National Museum Foundation of Korea, the sales of museum merchandise tripled from 3.8 billion won ($2.9 million) in 2020 to 11.7 billion won in 2022. The number of visits to the National Museum Goods online shop topped 840,000 last year.These design objects transform the purely decorative into something practical, enticing consumers to splurge. A prime example from the National Museum of Korea is the Goryeo celadon-inspired phone cases that sold over 50,000 pieces. They were designed by Mimidar, a design brand that infuses traditional Korean culture with various modern-day items. Hailey Han, founder and CEO of Mimidar, has always seen value in traditional design. Having studied Metal Art & De

Jul 6, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Designer makes artifact-inspired gifts to help revive Korea's forgotten traditions
Films

'Barbie' cast say film is reminder that we are best version of ourselves

From left, actors America Ferrera, Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig pose during a press conference held at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Seoul, MondayBy Kwak Yeon-sooDirector Greta Gerwig and the cast of “Barbie” (2023) said the film is not only tremendously funny and silly but also moving and thought-provoking. The film follows Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) as they venture out of “Barbieland” to explore the real world, and as a consequence, they encounter various obstacles along the way. Margot Robbie, who plays the lead heroine and was also a producer on the film, talked about playing a character who grows past the stereotype of Barbie and delves into her inner life and complications. “It's important to see that real-life women and imaginary representations of women are both connected in this impossible pursuit of being everything all at one ― sometimes you're expected to be a great mother, coworker, sister, person ... There's a part where Gloria (played by America Ferrera) vocalizes how impossible and contradictory that is,&rdquo

Jul 3, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Barbie' cast say film is reminder that we are best version of ourselves
Films

Choi Min-sik breaks down his career at BIFAN retrospective

Actor Choi Min-sik poses during a press conference held at Hyundai Department Store Jungdong in Bucheon, Friday. YonhapBy Kwak Yeon-sooVeteran actor Choi Min-sik said he is honored and thankful to be the focus of a special retrospective at the 27th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN).Choi, 61, has carved out an impressive career in television and film, most recently with his role in the Disney Plus series “Big Bet.” The festival mainly celebrates Choi's film career at the special exhibition titled “Master Choi Min Sik.” “This made me look back on my life as an actor. There may be many embarrassing moments, just like revealing a personal diary, but I hope that this retrospective gives space for the audience to openly discuss my films and acting,” he said during a press conference held at Hyundai Department Store Jungdong in Bucheon, Friday.Choi added that it's been such a privilege to pursue his passion for 34 years.“I wanted to make movies since I was a senior in high school. Since then, I have never considered another caree

Jul 2, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Choi Min-sik breaks down his career at BIFAN retrospective
Films

'Decision to Leave' actor, co-screenwriter invited to join Oscars Academy

Actor Park Hae-il / Courtesy of CJ ENMBy Kwak Yeon-sooActor Park Hae-il and screenwriter Chung Seo-kyung of “Decision to Leave” (2022) have been invited to join the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which holds the Oscars.This year AMPAS has appointed 398 new members, including actors Austin Butler, Nicholas Hoult and Ke Huy Quan. Screenwriter Chung Seo-kyung / Courtesy of tvN“The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership. They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement.To become a member, at least two existing members have to back the nomination and it has to be accepted by the committee, or the person has to have been nominated for an Academy Award. Specific requirements vary among different sectors. For actors, they have to have starred in at least three full-length films. Park, known for his rol

Jul 2, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
'Decision to Leave' actor, co-screenwriter invited to join Oscars Academy
Films

Tom Cruise says he doesn't mind being scared when performing stunts

From left, director Christopher McQuarrie, actors Pom Klementieff, Hayley Atwell, Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg and Vanessa Kirby pose during a press conference at Lotte Cinema World Tower in southern Seoul, Thursday. YonhapBy Kwak Yeon-sooHollywood actor Tom Cruise kept his promise to Korean fans by returning to the country just a year after his last visit to promote his new film “Mission: Impossible ― Dead Reckoning Part One.” Last summer, he visited Korea to promote “Top Gun: Maverick” with his co-stars Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Jay Ellis and Greg Tarzan Davis. The film topped 8 million admissions, becoming the most-viewed foreign film since the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, Cruise came with director Christopher McQuarrie, actors Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby and Pom Klementieff.“I went out yesterday, had Korean barbeque and walked around saying hello to everyone around the area. I love Korea and how cinema allows us to share commonality and experience,” Cruise said during a press conference at Lotte Cinema World Tower in southern Seoul, Th

Jun 30, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Tom Cruise says he doesn't mind being scared when performing stunts
Films

Director Ari Aster says 'Beau is Afraid' is his favorite of his films

Director Ari Aster speaks during a press conference for his latest film "Beau is Afraid" at CGV's Yongsan Branch in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Sidus PicturesBy Kwak Yeon-sooDirector Ari Aster, known for psychological horror films such as “Hereditary” (2018) and “Midsommar” (2019), made his first visit to Korea to promote his new film “Beau is Afraid.” During his visit to Korea, the filmmaker will give a masterclass at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, where his latest work was selected as the opening film, and sit down with Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho for a screen talk. Calling “Beau is Afraid” the favorite of his works, Aster explained the film is very much like him. “It's the most like me. My humor is all over the film and my friends, who know me, have all told me that the film has my personality in it. It's also getting deep into things that concern me and the fears I have. I have a lot of pride in the film,” he told Korean reporters at a press conference held at CGV's Yongsan Branch in Seoul, Tu

Jun 28, 2023By Kwak Yeon-soo
Director Ari Aster says 'Beau is Afraid' is his favorite of his films
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