Comic duo turns back clock for comeback Left, a scene from UV's "Itaewon Freedom" music video; a promotional image for the band's new single "Baked Clam"Comic duo UV have released a promotional image for their new single, signaling their comeback after more than two years.The band’s members, comedian Yoo Se-yoon and singer Muzie, mimicked the style of 1980s Korea in the image released online Wednesday. They had long hairdos, a red scarf and donned a blue jeans jacket and a dark leather jacket.The single, "Baked Clam," reportedly has lyrics about a lover leaving for Incheon to buy seafood for his partner. It is a cheesy depiction of love from a band popular for their comical lyrics and music videos.Debuting with single “Do You Wanne be Cool?” in 2010, UV have released fun tracks like “Mom” (2010), “Itaewon Freedom” (2011) and “Who Am I?” (2011).In 2011, TV broadcaster Mnet aired a comedy documentary that had fake “facts” about the band, saying Yoon and Muzie had been influential in Korea’s cultural history long before their debut.The documentary drDec 16, 2015
Sulli ponders getting 'Real' Sulli / Screen capture from InstagramSulli, a former member of K-pop band f(x), is considering a starring role in new film “Real” with top hallyu actor Kim Soo-hyun, reports said Wednesday.The film is an action thriller by director Lee Jung-sub, known for “Romantic Island” and “Lost in Love.” “Real” is about a gangster-type messenger who takes care of annoying problems for his boss, and an investigative writer.Kim plays Jang Tae-young, and Sulli will play the heroine if she decides to join in.Sulli left f(x) in August and said she would focus on acting.Sulli has starred in two films, “The Pirates” and “Fashion King” in 2014. She is dating Choi Ja from Korean rap band Dynamic Duo.Dec 16, 2015By Bahk Eun-ji
Tragedy strikes Korean stars Clockwise from top left, the late Nam Seong-nam, Jin Do-hee, Kim Sang-soon, Kim Gwang-han, Do Eun-young, Kim Hwa-ran, Kang Du-ri, Kim Kyung-min and Jeong Won Rookie actress and Internet BJ Kang Du-ri, 22, who reportedly died in a car accident, apparently killed herself at her home in Incheon, Monday. Kang, who appeared in a supporting role in a TV drama, wrote on the webpage of online broadcaster Afreeca TV on Dec. 11 about her difficult times.Police said a burned briquette was found at Kang’s home, sparking speculation she died of asphyxia.Several stars have died tragically this year.Singer Do Eun-young died at 32. The cause of death was not disclosed but she reportedly suffered depression. At the time of her death, she had nearly completed a new album.Accidents and old age have also taken away stars. On Aug. 3, rocker Kim Kyung-min (Van), 33, from Broken Valentine drowned while on vacation.Singer Jeong Won, 72, whose heyday was as an entertainer in theater shows of the 1960s, died on Feb. 28 after a heart attack.Actress Jin Do-hee died of pancreatic cancer ageDec 16, 2015
BigBang goes quiet on music awards BigBang /YonhapBigBang will miss year-end music award festivals on three networks - KBS, MBC and SBS - reports said Wednesday.A source at YG Entertainment said the K-pop band will focus on its new album.BigBang has been performing around the globe with its “BigBang World Tour 2015~2016 MADE.”“The members feel sorry for fans that have been waiting for the performance of the band, but they want to produce a more perfect album and performances,” the source said.BigBang swept the nation’s major online music charts, including Melon, Bugs, Genie and Naver music, with two songs, “Bang Bang Bang” and “Loser,” when the album “MADE” was released.The band’s music video for “Bang Bang Bang” was the most-watched K-pop video of the year on YouTube. Dec 16, 2015By Bahk Eun-ji
Spotlight shines on small-screen awards Jang Hyuk from “The Merchant: Gaekju” / Screen capture from YouTubeAs Korea’s three major TV networks prepare for their annual acting awards, speculation is rising about who will be honored.KBS hosts its award show on Dec. 31. According to media reports, possible candidates for the awards have been narrowed to five. Among them are Jang Hyuk from “The Merchant: Gaekju,” Kim Hye-ja from “Unkind Women” and Go Doo-sim from “All about My Mom” and “The Eccentric Daughter-in-Law.”Jang, who won the network’s best actor award in 2010 with his man-hunter role in historic action drama “Chuno,” is aiming for his second award with another historic drama.Go and Kim, both seasoned actresses, are also previous winners. Kim won in 2008 and Go in 1989 and 2004.Competing with them for top honors are So Ji-sub from “Oh My Venus” and Kim Soo-hyun from “The Producers.”Hwang Jung-eum from “She was Pretty”For MBC, Hwang Jung-eum from “She was Pretty,” who played a disheveDec 15, 2015
Lee Sung-min, Kim Soo-hyun team up for thriller /Korea Times fileLee Sung-min, 47, will star in new film “Real” with top hallyu actor Kim Soo-hyun.The film is an action thriller and Kim plays Jang Tae-young, a gangster-type messenger who takes care of annoying problems for his boss.It is a story about the messenger and an investigative writer who covers Jang.Lee’s role has not been disclosed. Lee debuted as a theater actor in 1985. He is best known for a supporting role in mega-hit drama “Misaeng” last year.“Real” originally was scheduled to start shooting in October. But an investment delay from China’s Alibaba Pictures has put filming off to January. The film is expected to open in theaters in the second half of next year. Dec 15, 2015By Bahk Eun-ji
Actress Kang Du-ri killed in traffic accident Kang Du-ri /Screen capture from TwitterRookie actress Kang Du-ri has died in a traffic accident, reports said Tuesday.Kang, 22, recently starred in a television drama about high school students, “Cheer Up,” that aired on KBS from Oct. 5 to Nov. 10. She began her career as a BJ on Afreeca Tv.Police are still investigating the accident, which reports said occurred Monday.A mortuary has been set up at Incheon’s St. Mary’s Hospital.Dec 15, 2015By Bahk Eun-ji
'Running Man' producer apologizes for plagiarism accusation A comparison of the "pinball game" played in the episode of "Running Man" aired on Dec. 6 (top) and "Gorogoro Viking" on Fuji TV's "VS. Arashi."/Screen capture from TwitterLim Hyung-taek, executive producer of the South Korean variety show “Running Man” has responded to an accusation that the show plagiarized a game from the Japanese entertainment program "VS. Arashi."“Regardless of how it might have happened, I express my sincere apologies as the person in charge,” Lim said Monday. "I'll do everything I can to prevent similar incidents from happening."The allegations were first made after an episode of “Running Man”aired on Dec. 6. Viewers have said one of the missions on the episode, which required contestants to safely move balls from one side of a giant board to the other side, is highly similar to the game “Gorogoro Viking,” played on the Japanese show."Running Man" is a popular entertainment program, which is part of the umbrella program "Good Sunday" which airs on the South Korean network SBS. "VS. Arashi" is a Fuji TV variDec 15, 2015
Psy appears in 'From Vegas to Macau 3' /Screen capture from YouTubeSinger Psy appears in the teaser trailer of the third edition of Hong Kong-Chinese film “From Vegas to Macau.”The film is an action comedy directed by Andy Lau, starring Chow Yun-fat, Lau and Nick Cheung.In the teaser trailer premiered on Monday, Psy is seen playing a cheerful gambler and exchanging greetings with Chow.The film has been heavily anticipated by fans in China and Hong Kong, as it casts a number of top stars including Carina Lau, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and Chow Yun-fat who dominated ‘80s and ‘90s cinema in Hong Kong.The film premieres on Feb. 1 in China. Dec 15, 2015By Bahk Eun-ji
Choo Shin-soo hits laughter home-run Choo Shin-soo, center, on “One Night Two Days” on KBS, with Cha Tae-hyun, left, and DefCon / Screen capture from YouTubeSunday’s TV entertainment show “One Night Two Days” was all about how much fun Major League Baseball slugger Choo Shin-soo can be on a Korean variety program.The Texas Rangers right-fielder joined the five male regular members on a trip to Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, for an overnight stay.Actor Kim Joo-hyuk has left the program, leaving Cha Tae-hyun, DefCon, singer Jung Joon-young, comedian Kim Jun-ho and singer/entertainer Kim Jong-min aboard.The cast take overnight trips to Korea’s scenic spots and talk about them.Choo’s chemistry with the regular five has drawn praise from viewers and critics.Viewers are wondering whether Choo will officially join the funny crew possibly until his MLB season starts in April.Dec 14, 2015
