Male Hallyu Stars Clash on TVBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Hallyu stars Park Yong-ha and Kwon Sang-woo are moving into the television spotlight where, until recently, pretty boys, shiny sports cars (``Boys Over Flowers'') and even a historic hero (``Iljimae Returns'') dominated. The leading men of new dramas ``The Slingshot'' (KBS) and ``Cinderella Man'' (MBC), respectively, are expected to heat up the already star-studded drama casts, which include So Ji-sub, Kim Nam-ju and Jung Ryeo-won. Written by Song Ji-na as the final piece of her trilogy ― the first two being ``Eye of Dawn'' (1991) and ``Hourglass'' (1997) ― ``The Slingshot'' is expected to capture the reality of today's money-driven world. ``We focused on the world of men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives for money, a world where money dictates. But I still tried to make a lighter, enjoyable and somewhat touching series,'' Yoon Sung-sik, the producer, said at a press conference last week in northern Seoul. Park, 31, plays Kim Shin, who chooses jail after realizing he has no way to pay back his debt. Inside, he is rApr 7, 2009
Hugh Jackman to Date Local Actresses in TV ShowBy Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Hollywood screen star Hugh Jackman and Korean-American heartthrob Daniel Henney will appear in a local matchmaking TV program, organizers of the SBS show ``The Gold Miss Are Coming'' said Monday. The two actors will be in town Thursday to promote the action film ``X-Men Origins: Wolverine'' in time for its release April 30. After appearing at a press conference Friday morning, they will meet actress Yang Jung-ah, 37, and the other members of ``Gold Miss,'' a matchmaking program for eligible female celebrities. The group includes comedienne Shin Bong-seon and singer Jin Jae-young, among others. Two will have the opportunity to watch a movie with either Jackman or Henney. The show will air on April 19. Apr 7, 2009
Singers Cross Into ActingBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter While many singers are gasping for air amid the economic recession, which lowered revenue from already plunging album sales, some are temporarily leaving their original posts to pursue different careers. First, came entertainment programs. Singers Lee Hyo-ri, Yoon Jong-shin and Dae-sung from boy band Big Bang appeared on the SBS program ``The Family is Out!,'' garnering fans and leading the show to become one of the most popular on television during that time slot. Pop duo Country Kkokko members Shin Jung-hwan and Tak Hae-hun have been masters of ceremonies for quite a while, with Tak winning the grand prize at the KBS Entertainment Awards in 2007 and even appearing on the big screen several times. Now, they are turning toward acting. While not the first time singers have appeared in dramas and commercials, the list previously only included top artists like Lee Hyo-ri (``Clover,'' 2005), Eugene (``Loving You,'' 2002) from the now disbanded girl group S.E.S., Eric (``The Pheonix,'' 2004) from boy band Shinhwa and Rain (``Full House,'' 200Mar 31, 2009
New Reality Show Focuses on Super MomsBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Cable channel Story on is bringing its new program ``Super Mom'' for the growing number of mothers balancing family and career. Starring comedian Cho Hae-ryun, actress Lee Sang-a, musical star Choi Jung-won and English tutor Park Hyun-young, the eight-episode ``real variety'' program is aiming to bring busy mothers and their children closer together. ``Education is one of the main priorities among mothers, and so we hope to offer advice and entertainment for those who are juggling two balls at once, their work and their children,'' Stephanie Lee, the executive director of Story on, told reporters at a press conference Monday in central Seoul. During the short clip of the first episode, the four children of the hostesses expressed their feelings of having a busy mom. ``It's frustrating when people recognize my mother,'' complained Cho's eight-year-old son Woo-joo, while Choi's young daughter Su-ah, 11, said that her mother sometimes asked for too much, from piano and ballet lessons to other academic pursuits. ``When I grow up and beMar 24, 2009
Harsh Yet Hopeful Future in Show BizBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Mun Da-bin, 15, is a middle-school student at Chungshin Girls' Middle School in Seoul. Among 36 of her classmates, half wish to enter show business to become singers, musical stars or television drama actors. Students have shifted from doctors, lawyers and teachers, traditionally respected career choices, and have set their dreams right into the spotlight. The number of aspiring celebrities is increasing every year, but the dark side of the entertainment business, albeit spread through rumors, has never been as revealed as it is today. The death of actress Jang Ja-yeon, from the hit television series ``Boys Over Flowers,'' and the so-called note that describes how she was beaten and forced to entertain and have sex with several program directors, CEOs and media executives, catapulted the revelation. In its wake, some have become skeptical about jumping into the glamorous industry, but others are still pursuing their dreams to become future stars. Jung Sang-kyo is a 28-year-old who started out as a composer when he was in high school. Mar 24, 2009
Searching for the Next Rain and Wonder GirlsBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter In the past, Korean students wanted to become doctors, lawyers and the like. Now, sought after professions include acting, singing and modeling. These talented celebrities are nearly worshipped here in Korea and in Asian countries due to ``hallyu,'' the Korean wave. JYP Entertainment, led by singer and producer Park Jin-young and whose roster includes the Wonder Girls, 2PM, 2AM and ``Dragon Ball: Evolution'' co-star Joon Park, is one of the biggest entertainment agencies here, along with SM and YG Entertainment. The company that once nourished singer and actor Rain held its fourth open audition last month, with high expectations among aspiring singers, actors and models, naturally supported by their parents and friends. The agency received UCCs, or User Created Contents, through popular networking Web site www.cyworld.com. More than 18,000 elementary through university students posted their videos. Only 33 were chosen for the final audition. ``We discover more creative and talented kids uploading videos every year. Internet users aMar 17, 2009
Celebrities Return to Schools as ProfessorsBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter From boy band members to comedians and musical actors, teaching at school seems like the new trend. Many local stars are now shifting to schools, not as students, but as professors. It's actually a win-win strategy for everyone. Artists can share their expertise with young students who have potential, the schools are getting recognition, and students can learn the real deal from some of their favorite stars. Park Ji-hun from the boy group V.O.S. will give lectures at Woosong Information College, while singer Ock Ju-hyun has been appointed to teach at Dong Seoul College. Actress Lee In-hye became the youngest star to become a professor at the age of 28, while comedian Nam Hee-seok has been appointed as a full-time professor at the Taekyeong College in the Broadcasting and Masters of Ceremony department. Singers Mina and Jang Hye-jin will also stand in front of fans and students and pass on their experience and know-how. Singer Park will teach as a part-time professor at his alma mater in the department of Practical Music this year. ``It Mar 11, 2009
K-Pop Fan-turned YouTube Star Visits KoreaBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Internet offers a wide range of entertainment options and now it has become one of the major windows to stardom. That was what happened to Natalie White. The 28-year-old musician from the United States who posted her videos on YouTube singing K-pop was ``discovered'' by local Internet users and was invited here to appear in SBS' popular program ``Star King.'' ``I'm still trying to believe it. I always wanted to visit Korea but it all happened so fast, I can't actually believe I'm here now,'' she told The Korea Times during an interview last week. White shot to stardom online with her distinctive voice and versions of popular songs like Girls' Generation's ``Gee,'' TVXQ's ``Mirotic'' and one of her favorites, Maydoni's ``Molla-ing.'' ``I was working on my own songs and I was having writer's block. I love Maydoni's song and I thought, well, I've got the instrumental so why don't I give it a shot. Then I did ``Gee'' and since I didn't have the instrumental I did my own version. That's what sparked it all and I think a lot of people reallMar 10, 2009
New Types of Husbands to Sneak Onto TV ScreenBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Marriage requires many things-- from caring and understanding to sacrificing and communicating. MBC's new drama ``My Wife is a Superwoman'' showcases the role of Korean wives when they were traditionally the ones who had to endure sacrifice and completely support their husbands, also known as ``naejo '' in Korean. Starring Kim Nam-joo, Oh Ji-ho and Lee Hae-young, the 16-part series will feature the stories of three couples tangled up in different relationships and situations. The 37-year-old Kim, who has returned to the spotlight after an eight-year hiatus, will be the ``superwoman'' Cheon Ji-ae who struggles to regain her own status and also her husband's. ``As a mother of two and an `ajumma,' I thought this was a perfect role for me. Times are difficult these days, and I liked that the drama is bright and upbeat,'' Kim said, referring to the Korean term that means married middle-aged woman, at a press conference. Cheon, who was once the most popular girl in high school, marries the smart Ohn Dal-soo, played by Oh, dreaming of the Mar 10, 2009
KMA to Be Held at Smaller VenueBy Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Korea Music Awards (KMA), one of the most professional Korean pop music events in the industry, will see a downsize in budget and venue this year, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism walking out on its support of 30 million won. The ministry supported the six-year-old event since its third year but the committee announced the ministry's withdrawal through its Web site last February. ``As you all know, the Korea Music Awards started with the notion that music is not just a commercial tool but a form of art with social value, and singers and musicians are not just entertainers but artists. The awards started to reward these people and their music,'' Kim Chang-nam, the KMA committee head, said during a press conference concerning the ministry's withdrawal last week. He added that the event was able to continue despite financial difficulties thanks to the ministry support and that they did not understand how and why this happened. ``(The ministry said) the change of plans was due to procedural problems. (They) told us tMar 4, 2009