The Korea Times

INTERVIEW MZ Generation investors hone business acumen through K-content startup

gettyimagesK-content fundraising startup helps sophisticated younger generation learn tips for investment By Kwak Yeon-sooFunderful CEO Yoon Sung-wook / Courtesy of FunderfulIt seems like it didn't take long for Korea to have one of the world's largest entertainment industries producing high-quality content. The country's sophisticated audience has played a significant part behind the domestic entertainment industry's meteoric rise to the global stage. As in other industries, there are game-changers. In music, global sensation BTS became the first K-pop group to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart last year. In cinema, Bong Joon-ho's “Parasite” made history as the first foreign language film to win the Best Picture Award at the Oscars, also in 2020. The Korean entertainment industry's stronger presence in the global entertainment content market is also striking in over-the-top services. Netflix's hit series “Squid Game” set a fresh record this year as the global streaming giant's most-watched show.Riding on the success of the Korean wave, entrepre

Nov 20, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

[INTERVIEW] MZ Generation investors hone business acumen through K-content startup

Films

Virus-related disaster thriller 'Emergency Declaration' coming to theaters in January 2022

Song Kang-ho in a scene from the film, “Emergency Declaration” / Courtesy of ShowboxBy Kwak Yeon-sooThe disaster action film, “Emergency Declaration,” which had its world premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival, is coming to theaters in January 2022. It had finished filming in November of last year, but was said to be put on indefinite hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Directed by Han Jae-rim, the film centers on a commercial airline that faces a lethal virus outbreak on one of its planes, which forces the pilot and passengers to take unconventional emergency measures. It will deliver some much needed spectacle to action film buffs, as the characters struggle to survive inside the plane facing a dark fate.It boasts an all-star cast, with “Parasite” lead actor Song Kang-ho alongside Lee Byung-hun, following his special appearance in hit Netflix series “Squid Game,” and Cannes Best Actress winner Jeon Do-yeon. Lee recently wrapped up filming the disaster thriller, “Concrete Utopia,” with Park Seo-joon, while Jeon starred

Nov 18, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Virus-related disaster thriller 'Emergency Declaration' coming to theaters in January 2022

Films

Yoon Kye-sang finds his authentic self through shape-shifting role in 'Spiritwalker'

Actor Yoon Kye-sang / ABO EntertainmentSinger-turned-actor slips into new role as spy agent who loses memory, swaps bodiesBy Kwak Yeon-sooYoon Kye-sang survived the pressure of fame as a member of the now disbanded boy band, g.o.d, from the late 1990s to early 2000s, along with the adoration of his fans, self-identified as “Kye-sang's wives.” After leaving the group in 2004, he has forged an acting career and since then has juggled both blockbusters and lower-budget projects.Of the nearly 20 movies he has starred in, he is probably best known for his portrayal of Yanbian gangster Jang Chen in “The Outlaws” (2017). As a mature actor, Yoon now returns as a tough and action-oriented character in “Spiritwalker.”Asked if he had difficulty finding work following his riveting performance in “The Outlaws,” Yoon said that he didn't know Jang Chen was so widely loved by the public.“Now that I got this question a lot, I finally realize it's time to believe that there was a big impression on the audience,” he said during an interview wi

Nov 18, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Yoon Kye-sang finds his authentic self through shape-shifting role in 'Spiritwalker'

Films

Andrew Garfield says filming 'Tick, Tick…Boom!' spiritual, communal experience

On the right screen, actor Andrew Garfield, left, and director Lin-Manuel Miranda speak with moderator Kolleen Park's during an online press conference for the film, "Tick, Tick…Boom!" / Courtesy of NetflixBy Kwak Yeon-sooAndrew Garfield, who plays “Rent” creator Jonathan Larson in Netflix's upcoming musical film, “Tick, Tick…Boom!,” said he was compelled to perform as the musical theater legend. In Lin-Manuel Miranda's feature directorial debut “Tick, Tick…Boom!,” Garfield plays Jon, an aspiring theater composer who is waiting tables at a diner while writing musicals in New York City in 1990.Nearing the age of 30 and his potentially life-changing opportunity, Jon feels pressure from his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York, and his friend Michael (Robin de Jesus), who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security. In the press conference, held via Zoom, Garfield said he felt “tremendous responsibility” to portray the part. Learning about who Larson was as

Nov 15, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Andrew Garfield says filming 'Tick, Tick…Boom!' spiritual, communal experience

Films

Lee Sun-kyun, Seol Kyung-gu team up in political thriller 'Kingmaker'

By Kwak Yeon-sooThe poster for “Kingmaker” / Courtesy of Megabox Plus M“Parasite” star Lee Sun-kyun is joining forces with Seol Kyung-gu, the recipient of the Best Actor Award at the 41st Korean Film Critics Association Awards, to star in the political thriller, “Kingmaker.”The feature is directed by Byun Sung-hyun, whose 2017 film “The Merciless” was invited for a midnight screening at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.“Kingmaker” follows politician Kim Woon-beom (Seol) who teams up with “kingmaker” Seo Chang-dae (Lee) to run for president. The cast also includes Yoo Jae-myung, Jo Woo-jin and Kim Sung-oh.Alongside “Parasite,” Lee is known for the Apple Original series, “Dr. Brain” while Seol appeared recently in director Lee Joon-ik's black-and-white film, “The Book of Fish.”In a recent press interview, Lee said that he is glad to be able to present the long-delayed “Kingmaker” at the end of this year.“I actually have more films under my belt that are waiting to

Nov 13, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Lee Sun-kyun, Seol Kyung-gu team up in political thriller 'Kingmaker'

Films

Korea's first Catholic priest, Kim Dae-geon, gets biopic film

Actor Yoon Si-yoon poses during a press conference for the film, “A Birth,” at the Sejong S Theater in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Min FilmBy Kwak Yeon-sooKorea's first Catholic priest, Andrew Kim Dae-geon (1821-1846), who was canonized and made a saint during Pope John Paul II's visit to Korea in 1984, will be portrayed in a biopic movie to mark the bicentenary of his birth.Titled “A Birth,” the movie will be directed by Park Heung-sik (“A Day,” “A Memory of the Wind”) with Yoon Si-yoon (“Professional Mr. Baek”) playing the title role, alongside Ahn Sung-ki (“Unbowed,” “The Divine Fury”). Filming will start later this month.Park, who has done extensive research on the priest's legacy in order to chart his life, will focus on the period from when he left to study in Macau, until he was martyred for his faith at the age of 25. Born and raised a Catholic, Kim traveled to a seminary in Macau and China at the age of 15 and was ordained as a priest at a cathedral in Shanghai in 1845. During the wave of pe

Nov 12, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Korea's first Catholic priest, Kim Dae-geon, gets biopic film

Shows & Dramas

Kim Ha-neul, Kim Sung-ryoung confirmed to star in 'Kill Heel'

Actors Kim Ha-neul, left, and Kim Sung-ryoung will star in tvN's upcoming drama “Kill Heel.” Courtesy of IOK Company, Y1 EntertainmentBy Kwak Yeon-sooActors Kim Ha-neul and Kim Sung-ryoung will be co-starring in a new tvN drama tentatively titled, “Kill Heel,” about home shopping television network hosts competing for power in a fierce workplace.Kim Ha-neul's agency, IOK Company, and Kim Sung-ryoung's agency, Y1 Entertainment, confirmed that the actors have taken the lead roles in the upcoming series.“Kill Heel” revolves around three ambitious women who attempt to outperform their competitors. Kim Ha-neul will play the role of Woo-hyun, who is stuck in a mid-career crisis despite her hard work and devotion. In contrast, Kim Sung-ryoung plays Ok-seon, a high-paid, celebrity TV show host. “Kill Heel” will premiere in the first half of 2022. Kim Ha-neul debuted in 1998 with the teen film, “Bye June,” and has starred in various films and TV series, including 2016's romance flick, “Remember You,” and the recent hit JT

Nov 10, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Kim Ha-neul, Kim Sung-ryoung confirmed to star in 'Kill Heel'

Arts & Theater

Seoul hopes to become global cultural powerhouse with new Lee Kun-hee Museum

Culture Ministry Hwang Hee, right, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon hold hands for a photo taken at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art in Seoul after signing a memorandum of understanding to construct the Lee Kun-hee Museum, Wednesday. Courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and TourismBy Kwak Yeon-sooA large empty lot in Songhyeon-dong, Jongno District in Seoul, which previously had housing for U.S. embassy staff, has been chosen as the site for the tentatively named Lee Kun-hee Museum, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.The culture ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Wednesday, to construct the museum there, close to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA). The government plans to launch a preliminary feasibility study this month and receive international bids for the museum's design in the second half of next year. It aims to complete construction and open the museum in 2027.“We have decided to build the museum in Songhyeon-dong because of its proximity to other museums and art galleries, as w

Nov 10, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Seoul hopes to become global cultural powerhouse with new Lee Kun-hee Museum

Films

Korean cinematographer joins Hollywood film, “Last Night in Soho”

Cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon, left, and actor Thomasin McKenzie prepare filming a scene from “Last Night in Soho” / Courtesy of Universal PicturesBy Kwak Yeon-sooCinematographer Chung Chung-hoon, a longtime collaborator of Park Chan-wook who worked on “Oldboy” (2003) and “The Handmaiden” (2016), has partnered with director Edgar Wright for the time-travel murder mystery thriller, “Last Night in Soho.”“Last Night in Soho” follows young fashion student Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), who after moving to London, is able to enter the 1960s in her dream, where she witnesses the murder of Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), an aspiring professional singer.Wright, the writer-director behind “Baby Driver” (2017), said that he proposed working with Chung after watching “The Handmaiden.”“I was curious about how Chung would capture 1960s London and thought it would be interesting to tell stories from his perspective behind the lens,” he said. “Chung was amazing. He is not only one of the world's most gif

Nov 9, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Korean cinematographer joins Hollywood film, “Last Night in Soho”

Shows & Dramas

Actor denies allegations of wrongful behavior on set

Actor Lee Ji-hoon / Courtesy of G-Tree CreativeBumpy road ahead for IHQ's new drama, 'Sponsor,' as lead actor, some staff mired in disputeBy Kwak Yeon-sooIHQ's upcoming series, “Sponsor,” has been mired in a controversy over allegations of wrongful behavior by actor Lee Ji-hoon during production just weeks before the drama's premiere on Nov. 29. Lee, who is about to play his first lead role in the drama, has been at odds with some staff over a recent reshuffle.The actor has denied the allegations that he influenced the production house to replace several staff, including the screenwriter, with new ones. In a statement uploaded on his Instagram account, he denied allegations that he had committed “gapjil,” claiming he's not influential enough to replace the staff. “Gapjil” is a Korean word referring to the abuse of power by people in authority against those they outrank.In response to the rumors, Lee wrote, “I am shocked and my heart is broken. I don't have enough guts to exercise any sort of power to remove or appoint anyone.”The allega

Nov 9, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Kwak Yeon-soo

Read more

INTERVIEW MZ Generation investors hone business acumen through K-content startup

Virus-related disaster thriller 'Emergency Declaration' coming to theaters in January 2022

Yoon Kye-sang finds his authentic self through shape-shifting role in 'Spiritwalker'

Andrew Garfield says filming 'Tick, Tick…Boom!' spiritual, communal experience

Lee Sun-kyun, Seol Kyung-gu team up in political thriller 'Kingmaker'

Korea's first Catholic priest, Kim Dae-geon, gets biopic film

Kim Ha-neul, Kim Sung-ryoung confirmed to star in 'Kill Heel'

Seoul hopes to become global cultural powerhouse with new Lee Kun-hee Museum

Korean cinematographer joins Hollywood film, “Last Night in Soho”

Actor denies allegations of wrongful behavior on set

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