Korean War resurrected onscreenBy Lee Hyo-won, Han Sang-hee Staff reporters The Korean War (1950-53) has unfortunately been dubbed ``The Forgotten War'' overseas, but for Koreans the deep scar it left behind is still sorely felt. In time for the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict, domestic movies and television series are zooming in on the human tragedy to provide drama, action and some history lessons. Big screen Currently showing in theaters or due for release are films highlighting specific incidents during wartime and its aftermath. Released last month, ``A Little Pond'' sheds light upon the No Gun Ri massacre, in which American soldiers shot to death South Korean refugees in Nogun-ri, North Chungcheong Province, in July 1950. Reports of the number of casualty varies, ranging between 150, according to a South Korean military report, to 400, as cited by the Associated Press, and in 2001 then-U.S. President Bill Clinton issued a statement of regret. The film brings together big names in the local theater and screen industries, such as Moon Sung-keun and Shin Myoung-cheol, anMay 11, 2010
Drama `Giant’ to show Koreas boom yearsBy Han Sang-hee Staff reporter SBS’ new drama ``Giant’’ spans over 30 years, and both makers and actors hope it will captivate viewers. The 50-episode television series revolves around young and passionate characters making a living and searching for their goals and love in Seoul during the busy 1970s. ``It was a bit of a burden as I had to act a character whose life span ranges from his 20s to his 50s,’’ Lee Beom-soo, who plays the main character Lee Gang-mo, said during a press conference Tuesday. ``But I thought I would give it a try,’’ he added with a smile. Seoul was in the middle of a huge transition during the 1970s, both socially and financially, thus giving birth to various stories and incidents regarding poverty, priorities and success. Lee Gang-mo was in the middle of all three. Born to a poor family in the late 1950s, Lee loses his father in a mysterious murder right after birth. The young Lee struggles to make a living and finally takes his ill mother and sister to a small motel and continues to make ends meet by begging and singing in the streets.May 5, 2010
TV shows for female audienceBy Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter As women's influence grows in the social and cultural sphere, an increasing number of television programs are trying to win the hearts of the female audience. Elle atTV, a fashion channel, is offering programs targeting the tastes of women in their 20s and 30s, who are interested in love, marriage and career success. This spring season sees ``Accidentally on Purpose,'' ``2Rooms,'' and ``Being Erica'' being shown. The popular romantic sitcom, ``Accidentally on Purpose'' which was aired on CBS in the United States, deals with an intriguing story revolving around a man and a woman who have many differences. The sitcom has been in the U.S. since last year, and is being broadcast for the first time in Korea. About 9 million viewers saw the first episode in the U.S. It is expected to be hugely popular among Korean single women as it reflects the local ``cougar'' trend of older women who pursue younger men. The show airs at 11 p.m. every Tuesday. The talk show ``2Rooms'' is about women who want to overcome conflicts with their boyfriends. May 4, 2010
Celebrate Children’s Day on TVBy Han Sang-hee Staff reporter Today is the day that kids can have their own way in just about anything. To celebrate Children’s Day, television broadcasters and cables channels have prepared a lineup of fun and interesting programs. Children these days may be used to listening to K-pop songs by their favorite bands and singers, but how about tuning in to original music for children for a change? MBC’s ``MBC Creative Dong-yo Contest’’ has been a favorite among songwriters and fans, and the show is still running, celebrating its 20th anniversary. In line with Children’s Day, the show will be aired live at 5 p.m. with Shin-dong from boy band Super Junior and IU as the hosts. It will also be broadcasted on radio at 91.9 and 95.9 Mhz. KBS is airing a special version of its program ``Emergency Escape No. 1,’’ adapted for children. The original show deals with ways to avoid emergencies and what to do when confronting one. On Children's Day, the program will focus on possible accidents involving children and guide both youngsters and parents on how to avoid and deal with cMay 4, 2010
2PM Is Back but Faces Tough ChallengesBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Boy band 2PM is back in black, but will its dark charisma excite fans like it did last year? The six-member band returned to the stage last weekend through cable music channel Mnet's ``M Countdown'' and performed two new singles ― ``Don't Stop Can't Stop'' and ``Without You.'' Fans and critics have expressed mixed opinions, and it's time to wait and see what the group has in store this year. Music and Moves The dance moves were definitely restrained compared with last year. Created by producer Park Jin-young, also known as JYP, a singer and dancer himself, the sixtet proves that it's a dance group, true to its form. Instead of the acrobatic moves and group choreography formed in perfect harmony, the members move to the beat in more controlled movements. ``I was expecting difficult moves like last time, but they kept it clean and simple. I was disappointed at first, but then it helped me listen closer to the music,'' Lee Su-jeong, a fan of 2PM, said. The song ``Don't Stop Can't Stop'' is a dance numberApr 27, 2010
Enjoy a Spring Day at EBS Character FestivalBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and it is planning to hold exciting events and programs for its viewers. The main event will take place at the Peace Square at Olympic Park, southern Seoul, April 28, where anyone can attend and enjoy the fun. Visitors will get to watch the characters, children and hosts perform in the show ``EBS Character Festival,'' and also see the 500th episode of ``Let's Get Together Ding Dong Deng.'' Children will be able to take photos with their favorite characters, including Bbungbbungi and the little penguin Pororo, among others from various shows on EBS. There will also be an autograph booth and a drawing contest. Parents can learn more about the shows, characters and the programs' objectives to help their children learn and fully utilize the programs to their advantages. At 1 p.m., there will be a musical called ``Find the Best Character,'' where the cast will set off on an adventure and compete with each other to become the best EBS character. Pop gApr 25, 2010
Documentary to Feature Life, Death of MammothsBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Korean mammoths are coming alive next week. The Education Broadcasting Company (EBS) is bringing the extinct mammals to the television screen for the first time through ``The Mammoth, Titan of The Ice Age,'' using highly developed computer graphic skills. ``First of all, the mammoth is a very interesting theme to work with. They pursued a matriarchal society and were a very close and tight family. Instead of just listing their characteristics and living patterns, we added a story to the show,'' Kim Si-jun, producer of the program, said during a press conference after a press screening Tuesday. The story revolves around a mammoth family of five. The protagonist is the baby, Mammu, who the viewers follow from birth to its dying day. Indeed, the creatures look real, with a little awkwardness when they run, but overall, it is convincing enough to attract both young and old viewers searching for both entertainment and education at once. ``The Mammoth, Titan of The Ice Age'' is known to be the first documentary film to focus solely on the maApr 21, 2010
SkyLife Offers SundanceBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Local television channels have a lot to offer, but how about tuning into a less mainstream one for a change? The Sundance Channel is being offered to SkyLife subscribers and aims to satisfy independent movie lovers with its diverse and interesting programs. Launched in 1996 under the creative direction of movie star and director Robert Redford, it shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. ``The Sundance channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, imaginative and uncompromising, (the) channel offers the audience a wide range of engaging films, documentaries and original programs,’’ the channel representatives said through a press release. It started airing in Korea in December of last year, and became a licensed channel on IPTV this January. Since then, viewers have slowly begun to recognize its distinctive features. One of the most interesting aspects of the channel is that it offers avant-guarde films and shows no other channeApr 20, 2010
Clarkson to Perform in May, Mika in JuneBy Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter American pop star Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the first American Idol, will be hitting the stage in Seoul for the first time in May. Clarkson will be performing at the Olympic Hall, at Olympic Park, in southern Seoul on May 4. Seoul is the first stop on the Asian leg of her ``All I Ever Wanted World Tour.'' Clarkson shot to stardom after being voted the winner on the first season of ``American Idol'' in 2002. Since 2003, she has released four albums _ ``Thankful,'' ``Breakaway,'' ``My December'' and, the latest one, ``All I Ever Wanted.'' She has won two Grammy Awards ― Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for ``Since U Been Gone'' and Best Pop Vocal Album for ``Breakaway'' in 2006. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is known for the hit songs ``A Moment Like This,'' ``Because of You,'' ``Miss Independent,'' ``Since U Been Gone,'' ``Breakaway'' and ``I Do Not Hook-up.'' Last year, Clarkson's single ``My Life Would Suck Without You'' topped the Billboard charts a week after its release. Aside from the Seoul concert, Clarkson wilApr 20, 2010
About a Boy, Guitar, YouTubeBy Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter At first glance, Jung Sung-ha looks like any ordinary middle school student in jeans and sneakers, on a Saturday afternoon, at a shopping mall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. But when the lanky 13-year-old boy climbed on stage in the middle of the mall, Jung transformed into a guitar prodigy ― his lean fingers flying all over the guitar strings, creating music that captivated the crowd. ``Playing the guitar makes me happy. I can express whatever I'm feeling when I'm playing the guitar,'' a slightly bashful Jung told The Korea Times, after his performance. Jung is a certified YouTube star _ videos of him playing acoustic versions of songs by U2, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, The Eagles and Extreme have been viewed more than 110 million times. As proof of his popularity, the precocious fingerstyle guitarist has already performed in Thailand, Germany, Finland and the United States, where he toured five cities with fellow fingerstyle guitarist Trace Bundy. Last week, Jung performed at a high-profile charity concert, alongside Brian McApr 20, 2010