Bada to Appear in Musicals

Singer Bada will appear in two musicals in October: the one-person musical "Tell Me on a Sunday" and the French musical "Notre-Dame de Paris." The latter drew two million viewers in France and some 10 million viewers in 11 countries since its debut in 1998. In 2005, it was staged in Korea by the original French cast.

The musical in which Bada will play the lead is based on a novel by Victor Hugo. The cast will comprise Korean actors.

Bada will receive singing and acting training from the original French cast in France over two weeks in September.

source: KBS

Kim Yun-jin Shares Beauty Tips in Fashion Magazine

The influential fashion magazine InStyle, which is published worldwide, featured beauty tips from actress Kim Yun-jin in its August edition.

In her interview, Kim, who is introduced as a self-confident actress, shares her tips on skin care, hairstyling and makeup.

Gaining enormous popularity worldwide for her role in the U.S. ABC TV series "Lost," Kim has been interviewed by several prestigious magazines so far including an exclusive interview with People.

Her photos have appeared in many popular magazines, such as Vogue and Maxim, including a photo that appeared on the cover of an entertainment magazine.

She was also selected as one of the 100 sexiest beauties in the world by world-renowned magazines.

Kim's book, "The World is Your Drama," which depicts her advancement into Hollywood, has become a bestseller recently.

source: KBS

Jang's Charity Mentioned in Chinese Gov't Briefing

Authorities in Jinan city in China's Santung province announced at an administrative briefing earlier this week that the charity foundation set up by Korean singer Jang Nara has begun operation.

The Jinan government says "the foundation named after the popular Korean singer has begun operation" calling it the first of its kind in the city.

It said the first 200,000 yuan were donated by a Beijing cultural corporation and that so far 500,000 yuan have been collected from Chinese dailies, Korea's Chung-ang University and Jang's concert proceeds. The money will all go to help poor leukemic children in Jinan.

The city also says that the city vice mayor, on behalf of the municipal charity association, has officially appointed Jang as Jinan's charity ambassador.

Jang has long been doing good work for needy people in China. Her June 25 concert in Jinan was held to raise money for the foundation.

Kim Hye Su

Kim Hye Su (김혜수), born September 5, 1970, is a Korean actress and model. The last movies I saw her in was “A Good Day to Have an Affair (2007)” and “Tazza: The High Rollers (2006)”. You can visit her cyworld and leave a message for her to see. I’ve seen her being compared to Monica Bellucci from the famous Matrix Reloaded. A Korean Monica Bellucci? I can definitely see the body but that’s about it….

Korean Actress Song Hye-gyo to Present Hong Kong Film Award

Korean actress Song Hye-gyo will attend the Hong Kong Film Awards to present the Best Asian Film award.

The secretariat of the Hong Kong Film Award said that Song’s rising fame around the world makes her the most appropriate presenter for the Best Asian Film award. It added that since Song is extremely popular in Hong Kong, her presence at the award ceremony will be much appreciated by Hong Kong fans.

During the Chinese promotional tour of her TV drama “Full House” last February, Song’s beauty was rated by the press and fans to rival that of celebrated Chinese actresses such as Zhang Ziyi and Cheung Pak Chi.

Secret Sunshine' Steals Limelight in Cannes

Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon is reaping critical acclaim from foreign critics, for her role in ``Secret Sunshine" (Miryang) which was screened at the prestigious 60th Cannes Film Festival.

Since it was screened last week, ``Secret Sunshine" has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the top prize, the Palme d'Or. Winners will be announced when the event ends on Sunday evening in France.

A New York Times article heaped praises on the film directed by Lee Chang-dong, a former culture minister.

Jeon was singled out for her depiction of a young widow who moves to her late husband's hometown. The article said Jeon gave one of the strongest female performances in the festival, hinting she may even win the best female performance award. ``Jeon's portrayal of a meek soul in torment is a tour de force," the New York Times said.

Film industry journal Variety described Jeon's performance as ``finely detailed." ``Jeon's convinced playing, a trademark of the chameleon actress, keeps 'Sunshine' watchable but can't inject real tension and drama on its own. On screen almost the whole time, Jeon carries the picture virtually single-handedly," it said.

If Jeon wins, she will be the first Korean actress to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival. Jeon is already a popular and multi-awarded actress in Korea, but is little known overseas.

There have been a handful of Korean actresses who have won awards in international film festivals. Kang Soo-yeon won the best actress award for the film "Sibaji" at the 1987 Venice International Film Festival.

Moon So-ri also won the best new actress award for her role in "Oasis" at the 2002 Venice International Film Festival. Moon received good reviews for her role as a woman with cerebral palsy in the film, which was also directed by Lee Chang-dong.

Jeon has won several domestic acting awards for her roles in films such as ``Harmonium in My Memory" and ``My Mother The Mermaid." She also appeared in the hit SBS drama ``Lovers in Prague" in 2005.

In 2006, Jeon received the best leading actress award at the 43rd Taejong (Grand Bell) Film Festival for her role as a HIV/AIDS-stricken waitress in and ``You are My Sunshine!" directed by Park Jin-pyo.

The local film industry is expecting that should either Jeon or the film win, it will provide a great boost to local cinema, which has been sliding recently.

Aside from ``Secret Sunshine," another Korean film ``Breath" by director Kim Ki-duk is also vying for the Palme d'Or. There are over 20 films competing for the top prize at Cannes.

In 2004, the film ``Old Boy," directed by Park Chan-wook, won the Grand Prix, the second place honor at the Cannes. It was the first Korean film to win one of the top prizes at the prestigious festival.

(courtesy of KoreaTimes)

South Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon initially turned down Cannes award-winning role

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon said Wednesday she initially turned down the role that earned her the best actress award at this year's Cannes Film Festival because she couldn't understand the character's motivation.

Jeon, 34, won the prize for playing a widow struggling to cope with her husband's death in "Secret Sunshine."

"I turned down the offer at first because I could not understand from just reading the script the feelings and circumstances that (lead character) Shin-ae experiences," she said.

But then director Lee Chang-dong helped her understand, and "when I read the script again after that, I could feel Shin-ae's pain that I couldn't before," Jeon told a news conference carried live on national TV.

"I wanted to experience it and know what would be the end of the pain," she said.

Secret Sunshine is the name of a town in southeastern South Korea where the character Shin-ae's husband was born. She moves to the town following her husband's death, but loses her son there, too.

South Korea has heralded Jeon as a new national hero. Her award garnered front-page news coverage and drew congratulations from President Roh Moo-hyun.

President hails S. Korean actress for top Cannes

SEOUL—President Roh Moo-Hyun Monday congratulated South Korean actress Jeon Do-Yeon on winning the Cannes film festival’s best actress award, adding it showed the potential of the country’s cinema. “South Korean film has once again received tremendous applause from the world. I want to pay Jeon Do-Yeon compliments for her enthusiasm and efforts displayed in ‘Secret Sunshine’,” said the message from Roh, who also congratulated director Lee Chang-Dong and other staff.“‘Secret Sunshine’ has shown the potential of South Korean films. The South Korean people, blessed with creative and artistic talents, will be able to achieve a lot more in the future if the entire nation works together,” the president said. Jeon, 34, was Sunday acclaimed for her performance as a grieving wife and mother in the South Korean melodrama. It was the first picture in four years by Lee, a former South Korean culture minister.“I can’t believe I’m here,” said Jeon, wearing a silver lame evening gown, at the ceremony in the French resort. “There are many fabulous actresses here at the festival and I would like to represent them all here tonight. It is a great honour for me to have this prize.” She appears in nearly every scene of Lee’s two-and-a-half-hour film, portraying Shin-Ae, a piano teacher who moves with her son to the hometown of her late husband.She dotes on her young son as a link to his father and the two have a palpably close relationship. When the small boy is abducted and killed, Shin-Ae turns to evangelical Christianity as a means of dealing with her grief. Filled with religious fervour, she decides to visit her son’s murderer in prison to tell him she has forgiven him. But she is horrified when the killer tells her with a serene smile that he has repented and God has offered him absolution. “Who is God to forgive him before I have?” she asks her Christian friends in a rage.Jeon shot to stardom at home with her debut 1997 romance “The Contact”. The following year she starred as a schoolgirl in “Harmonium in My Memory” and picked up South Korea’s prestigious Blue Dragon and Grand Bell prizes for best actress. Jeon scored a box office hit in 2003 with a remake of “Dangerous Liaisons” and won rave reviews in 2005 for her portrayal of a prostitute who contracts AIDS in “You’re My Sunshine.”

Korean Movie Actress Found Dead

South Korean actress Lee Eun-ju, star of one of the country's highest grossing films, has been found dead after an apparent suicide in Seoul.

The 25-year-old, known for her role in hit film Taegukgi, or National Flag, was found hanged in her dressing room.

Her family said she had been suffering a bout of mental illness after performing nude scenes in Korean thriller The Scarlet Letter.

Lee's managers denied the film had anything to do with her death.

Box office record

Police found a suicide note with the words "Mom, I am sorry and I love you" written in blood.

Lee's most successful film, Taegukgi tells the story of two brothers forced to fight in the Korean war. It set an opening day box office record in Korea.

The actress made her screen breakthrough with 2000 film Oh! Soo-jung and starred as jazz singer Ga-hee in The Scarlet Letter which closed the prestigious Pusan International Film Festival last year.

She graduated from Danguk University several days before her death.

(original text)

Top Actress's Suicide Shocks Nation

Lee Eun-ju, who shot to fame with her roles in the TV drama "Firebird" and the film "Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War," hanged herself in her apartment on Tuesday. She was 25. Lee's brother alerted police after discovering her lifeless body at her home in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province in the early afternoon.

Marks on the body indicated that Lee had also tried to slit her wrists. A letter written in blood and found at the scene read, "Mother, I'm sorry. I love you." In a separate suicide note, the actress wrote, "I wanted to do too much. Even though I live, I'm not really alive. I don't want anyone to be disappointed. It's nice having money... I wanted to make money."

Lee's family said the actress had been experiencing insomnia and showing signs of depression over racy nude scenes she did for the film "The Scarlet Letter," which debuted last October. They believe this was the reason she killed herself.

Lee broke onto the scene in 1996 as an advertising model for school uniforms. Beginning with a 1997 role in the KBS drama "Start," she appeared in a string of TV dramas and movies.

Through films like Hong Sang-soo's "Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors," "Bungee Jumping on Their Own," "Unborn But Forgotten" and "Au Revoir, UFO," Lee had secured a place on Chungmu-ro's A-list. Last year, she appeared in the TV drama "Firebird," winning great acclaim for her portrayal of a strong yet feminine character.

The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and her fan community. Internet sites devoted to Lee were being bombarded with condolences, and some fan sites temporarily crashed due to the sudden onslaught of traffic.

At a fan site on Naver.com, hundreds of posts expressed disbelief or hope that the story was false. Internet user "nsy9251" said, "You were really beautiful on screen... I want to see that smile once again." Rumor also ran riot, with comments reading, "There was no reason for her to kill herself," "Perhaps this was foul play," or "She was worried about the 'entertainment x-file.'"

(englishnews@chosun.com )

GOSSIP: Kim Sun-ah Returns to Silver Screen in 'Girl Scout'

Source: http://www.arirang.co.kr/

Kim Sun-ah, who earned the nickname, 'Blue Chip Actress,' after the success of the drama 'My Lovely Samsoon,' is set to make her big screen comeback in 'Girl Scout.'

Numerous fans have been anxiously awaiting her return, as she has not made many significant public appearances for almost two years, with the exception of a few commercials and award ceremonies.

Upon finishing 'My Lovely Samsoon,'she had agreed to star in the film 'Thursday’s Child.' However, she had recently nullified the agreement due to an indefinite postponement of filming caused by production problems and a change of directors.

Meanwhile, her upcoming film, tentatively titled, 'Girl Scout,' is a crime drama with a comic touch. In the film, Kim Sun-ah plays a member of 'Bong Chon Girl Scout' which is formed to hunt down the head of a credit union who disappears with its members’ money.

Much attention has been drawn to the movie, as Kim Sun-ah is expected to portray her trademark role as a funny, high spirited woman in 'Girl Scout.' We look forward to seeing another of Kim Sun-ah’s stunning performances in the near future.

Song Hye-gyo to Appear on Cover of Vogue Korea

Source: http;//www.kbs.co.kr/

Actress Song Hye-gyo will become the first Korean actress to appear on the cover of the fashion magazine Vogue Korea, to take place in the June edition.

So far, the magazine has published only the photos of world-renowned celebrities and models on its cover.

Song, whose new movie "Hwangjini" will open June 6, is shown in an alluring pose in the cover photo, wearing a traditional Korean wig with one of her shoulders revealed.

During the photo shoot, Song impressed the French production crew every time she appeared in a new traditional Korean costume. The photo shoot's stylist and former fashion editor of Vogue France lauded the traditional Korean costume for its beautiful colors and the modernity of its layered design.

The June issue of Vogue Korea, including an 18-page photo spread of Song, will be published May 20 under the title "Hwangjini in Paris."

(original text)

Kim Ki-duk Wows Cannes Film Festival With 'Breath'

The Korean director Kim Ki-duk screened his movie "Breath" on Saturday in competition at the 60th Cannes Film Festival. The official screening and press conference were held at the Lumiere Theatre in the French resort town.

Kim, wearing dark sunglasses at a press conference, joked, "The sunglasses I'm wearing now are the ones I wore when I appeared as a prison official in the film. You may be still watching the movie right at this moment." Breath, which opened in Korea on April 26, depicts a woman who starts a relationship with a condemned criminal after discovering her husband's infidelity. Korean actor Zia and Taiwanese actor Chang Chen play the leads. "I wanted to highlight the difficulty of social and human relations -- so much so that you find it hard to breathe," Kim said. "At the same time, I wanted to show the difficulty of getting the message of my films across in the Korean society." Many of Kim's previous films have been criticized and shunned by general audiences and even by some film critics here due to their strong and graphic visual description.

An Italian reporter asked Kim if there is a unique style to Korean films that is responsible for their success at the world's film festivals. "I think international movie people are thrilled by the truth that Korean movie show, rather than their style. Many talented Korean directors will give you fresh insights with their films,” Kim said. Asked if he plans to make movies abroad, Kim answered, "I believe the major issues of human existence are universal and borderless. Though I've got a number of screenplays from European and U.S. filmmakers, I haven't decided yet." Kim said he is interested in joint projects with U.S. actors and European investment like Wong Kar Wai or Hou Hsiao Hsien did. Asked why the director has continued making low-budget films he said "Big-budget movies to me are like clothes that don' fit."

On his way to the official screening venue, Kim walked the red carpet with his two stars and Kang In-hyung. After the screening, the audience at the Lumiere Theatre gave him an unprecedented 10-minute standing ovation.

(original text)

Korean Actress in Vietnam for Film Promotion

Korean actress Nam Sang-mi will be in Vietnam on July 7th to promote her 2005 film "Never to Lose". She will be attending the Vietnamese premieres of the film and meeting her fans with her co-star Jang Hang-seon at the nation's two largest theaters.

In "Never to Lose", Nam plays a traffic cop who joins the violent crimes team. Nam is said to be very excited about her first overseas appearance.

Prior to her visit to Vietnam, Nam spent a month in Thailand for a drama shoot. At the time, she was deeply touched by the heartwarming welcome shown by the hotel and awed by the popularity of Korean dramas in Thailand.

read more...

Actress wins fame through humility

Park Jin-hee, co-star of the hit television show "War of Money", which airs on SBS Wednesday and Thursday nights, said she is tired but not stressed out.

"Why should I feel stressed when the show is doing so well?" she asked.

The show revolves around a man who has huge debts and ends up enslaved to money. It has been enjoying an audience rating of 35 percent. The last show airs tonight. Park plays the role of a bank employee who later becomes the main character's love interest.

Park said recently she has been learning how to arrange flowers once a week on her day off. "The job of an actor is to bring out emotions", Park said. "And for that reason I felt like I was drying out emotionally".

Park said she started to attend the flower arranging class three weeks ago and it has helped rebuild her emotions. Even if she wasn't stressed out she could have become jealous, as she had to compete with acclaimed actor Park Shin-yang. In the beginning, Park Shin-yang's outstanding performance was praised by many critics and even with the show about to end his acting is considered the main factor for its high ratings.

Park Jin-hee is unconcerned. "The show is doing well because of Park Shin-yang's performances", she said. "The important thing is that the show is doing well. I am happy to play a supporting role in a hit, that's better than being the star of a flop".

Ms. Park said the frequency of her character's appearance is not her main concern.

"More important is the role my character has", Park said. "While every character in the show seems to be possessed and manipulated by money, my character is the only one with a conscience, so people like her".

Park isn't as flamboyant as many celebrities. She is more like the girl next door. She first appeared in a KBS show called "Start". The actress won much wider fame when she appeared in a horror flick, but major stardom eluded her.

Her name came into the public spotlight because of the amazing acting skills she displayed in a television show last year.

The show was about two women, one in her 20s and the other in her 40s, who accidentally switch souls.

"I believe I'm growing bit by bit", she said. "I thought I was doing my best in every show I was in, but now I see things I wasn't able to when I was a 20-year-old actress".

Although she is a public figure, Park says she never has any desire to be a flashy celebrity. Rather, she considers herself down-to-earth. She hardly has any celebrity friends, she never buys expensive name-brand clothes or accessories and she lives off an allowance, with every other penny she earns going to her parents.

"I have never been at the top, not really", Park said. "And maybe that's why I have never been sensitive to trends or Addicted to popularity".

She says although celebrities should be aware of their public image, she doesn't care about being famous.

"During breaks in filming I could go to a nearby shopping mall without having to hide myself behind hats and sunglasses", she said.

Park is considering retirement in five years.

"I want to retire but I feel afraid when I think of a life without acting", Park said. To subdue her fear Park said she is attending Yonsei University's graduate school of social welfare. "I want to work in a nursery for orphans after I retire", she added.

The actress said she has recently heard a lot of advice about what roles she should choose next, now that her talent has finally won wider recognition.

"The good thing about being recognized is that you have a wider selection of scenarios to choose from", she said.
Park has recently worked on several feature films and says she has never been busier.
She has just finished a movie that examines the divisions between North and South Korea. It will be released next month. Additionally, she has a role in a mystery film that takes place in a Korean palace. This is expected to be on screens in October.

"Sure I have had more failures than success", Park said. "But every time I hear such criticisms I want to say, 'Is that the last time I will act?' I have a lot more to show people and my view on life is that one should be true to the present".

Park confessed that she would like to play intense and devastating roles. She also wants to play a nasty villain, one whom the audience will struggle to understand.

By Kang Hye-ran JoongAng Ilbo
(excerpt from HanCinema)

Park Chan-ho Will Have Final Test

By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter

South Korean pitcher Park Chan-ho will start against the Omaha Royals Saturday (Sunday Korean time), which will be an important test for his return to the U.S. Major Leagues.

The 34-year-old is slated to pitch in his fifth and unscheduled outing with the Round Rock Express in Triple-A.

Though there are rumors that he will get called-up to the big leagues, the Daily Texan reported.

The newspaper said Round Rock media relations confirmed that Park is scheduled to start on Saturday against the Omaha Royals. After his start on Saturday, he will again be evaluated. Avery Holton, media relations director for the Express, said there's still a chance things could change between now and then.

Park's fate with the Astros will be determined after Saturday's game but speculation that he will be called up before then cannot be ruled out, either.

South Korea's first export to the big leagues is 1-2 with a 4.09 ERA with the Express.

In his recent three outings, he pitched 19 innings and allowed five runs, posting a 2.37 ERA.

As Houston will have a final game Sunday before the All-Star break, if Park is not called up by then, he will have to wait until June 13 when regular season play resumes.

ksw@koreatimes.co.kr

(original text)

Kim Yun-jin Unveils Hollywood Life

Actress Kim Yun-jin in front of a crashed Boeing 747, at the production site of ABC hit series ``Lost'' in Hawaii. ``I starred in Korea's first blockbuster film, 'Shiri' -- but I was completely overwhelmed by the making of a pilot clip for an American TV series!''

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

The first Korean to successfully break ground in the United States as a star of hit TV series ``Lost,'' actress Kim Yun-jin offers an intimate glimpse of her passionate ``love affair'' with Hollywood through her diary-like book.

``Kim Yun-jin's Hollywood Story'' takes readers on an intriguing, amusing and above all, truly inspiring adventure as she ``treat(s) Hollywood like you would treat your boyfriend,'' as advised by her management agent.

The book is thoroughly enjoyable as the 33-year-old pours out her fears and frustrations, and courage and determination in an honest voice, spiced with occasional humor.

The story unfolds from the climactic moment at the 2002 Daejong (Grand Bell) Awards, the Korean equivalent of the American Academy Awards. Crowned Best Actress for her performance in ``Ardor'' (2002), Kim is at the height of her career.

Turning down a string of lucrative offers, the heroine in 1999's ``Shiri,'' Korea's first blockbuster film, decided to do the unthinkable.

``It's like diving headfirst toward the ground,'' her own manager said when she announced her plans to leave the country to pursue acting in Hollywood. But what appears to be a sudden move stems back to a long-standing determination. One night, Kim comes across a long-forgotten item.

``Three years, the top, money. 2:39 a.m., November 3, 1999'' read the message inside the small pendant. And indeed, exactly three years later, Kim had realized all three wishes.

It was now time to live out her childhood dream while growing up in the United States -- to succeed as an actress there. ``Hollywood top, marriage, happiness,'' she updates the note inside the pendant.

``Hollywood Story'' reveals the excruciating work behind the glamour and glitz of the entertainment business, even for a well-established actress like Kim (or perhaps because she is one).

From preparing her show reel to nerve-wrecking auditions, Kim ventures off on a tough yet exhilarating journey. Although reading lines for Steven Bochco (creator of hits such as ``NYPD Blues'') may seem far away, anyone who has ever prepared for a job interview will be able to relate.

There are the initial pains of having to step down from being the leading lady to a novice. Even after being cast as Sun in ``Lost,'' a role that J. J. Abrams specially created for her, she had to overcome frustrations of being out of the spotlight.

``Remember: there are no small parts, only small actors,'' she repeats Konstantin Stanislavsky's immortal words.

Yet, there are other concerns. With large almond-shaped eyes, Kim feels that her looks do not conform to what seems to be the ``Western standard'' of Asian beauty, notably slanted eyes and strongly defined cheekbones. But this does not let her down.

Just when all begins to go well, however, the actress is struck with a viral infection that paralyzes one side of her face. The book testifies Kim's amazing sense of determination as she overcomes the disease.

It is also heartwarming to see Kim as an individual possessing great integrity. The Korean-American chooses to retain her Korean name even though adopting an English one would spare the trouble of ``Yun-jin'' being butchered.

``Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman and Oprah Winfrey became stars despite their difficult names,'' she quotes her high school teacher as telling her. ``Fine acting will have people seeking you, after practicing your name hundreds of times. So concentrate on acting.''

A passionate and diligent student, Kim spent four hours everyday on the road to study at the High School of Performing Arts in New York.

Having lived near the studio of ``The Late Show with David Letterman,'' the Boston University graduate fantasized about appearing as a guest and signing autographs for fans.

In December 2006, the star finally did -- and did not forget to take the time to sign autographs for those who waited with ``Shiri'' posters and DVDs.

One of the most valuable insights the book has to offer is her firsthand account of how the American production business compares to that of Korea. Also impressive are Kim's conscious efforts to positively represent the Korean community and to correctly present Korean culture.

As much as ``Hollywood Story'' intrigues readers with encounters with iconic filmmakers and stars, it shines upon Kim -- how she constantly makes an effort toward self-improvement, and how she spreads inspiration like a virus.

Toward the end, Kim is exhilarated to be able to work with her ``longtime idol'' Margaret Cho, one of the first Asian faces to appear on U.S. national television. But Kim herself is now such an idol to many.

``I'm going to win the award for Best Actress at the Academy Awards!'' she exclaims, and so her challenging journey continues.

``Hollywood Story'' includes colorful pictures that invite readers into the actress' world -- from photos that capture her ordinary side, like hanging out around Hollywood Boulevard in jeans and a T-shirt, to exciting peeks into the production set of ``Lost'' and glamorous red carpet portraits and magazine covers.

Visit www.yunjinkim.com (in English and Korean) to learn more about Kim.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

(original text)

Korean Actress Exposed

It wasn't her body that was exposed, but her race, or, shall we say, her 'real' race. Korean actress and producer Lee Yu Jin is down and out in South Korea. Why? The word is out: she's half American. She's a mixed race. Her white father was an American GI. She's 5'9", and was always suspect because of her height.

"People ask why didn't I come out earlier and why this is such a big deal, " the 27-year-old said. "It wouldn't be anywhere else, but Korea is still a closed society where people like to talk about the purity of the race."

Lee Yu Jin isn't alone in her plight, either. There's the popular singer "Sonya," television host Jennifer Yung Wisner, and basketball coach Kim Dong Dwang. Bi-racial persons are considered a downer, in a place like South Korea (to say nothing of Nort Korea).

Janet Mintzer, president of Pearl S. Buck International, says, "My impression is that there is more discrimination against Amerasians in South Korea than anywhere else in Asia and that it has not improved significantly." PSBI, a Pennsylvania-based foundation, is credited with coining the term "Amerasian," and works with the biracial children in not only South Korea, but also the Philippines and Vietnam, among other Asian countries in which the U.S. military has had a presence.

So it seems that American "democracy" is actually a code word for intermarriage, multiculturalism, and the dissolution of any distinctions. Never mind the GIs and the predicaments they've caused, Mintzer's group certainly represents the Communist use of the term, "democracy," which Communism is very astute and aggressive to use. (Remember it was the great Students for a Democratic Society, SDS, which spawned the infamous anti-America terrorist group, the Weathermen, in the late '60's.)

In other words, if South Korea claims to be a democracy, it should promote inter-racial marriage, multiculturalism, and "equality" of all things human. There must be no distinctions, save for the wealthy tyrants who run the Communist regime. For Communism, "democracy" is the open door to dictatorship.

But never mind about that a minute. Lee Yu Jin has an important role in the recent Korean horror film, "Bunshinsaba" (Ouiji Board), directed by Byeong-ki Ahn (March, 2005). In a scathing review, Yu Jin comes out as "the saving grace" in the otherwise run-of-the-mill grade "c" Asian horror film. "Her big expressive eyes and soulful looks" are not something we normally expect from the Oriental face, right? So her bi-racial 'condition' is what makes her a hit?

So let's ask the question: is love of race, love of culture, love of country, all to be considered immoral now? Has the Communist ideology taken over the whole world? Is any thought of race to be hopelessly consigned to the Nazis? Is Communism then anti-everything that a human being is? Is there to be no escape from the accusation of being a Nazi?

I say, love of race, ethnicity, culture, minus the maniacal, satanic vision of Adolf Hitler, is the only saving grace of the world. Without it, in some multiculturalist, globalist world without boundaries, the world will simply become an emasculated, mass wimp, under the control of a few mega-wealthy tyrants.

There is a reason for differences. This is to keep the human race separated into smaller groups.

Love of race is the only 'saving grace' left in the world, and the Communist, multinationalists, and globalists are desperate to rub out all natural differences. They are anti-race, anti-language, anti-culture, and anti-God, Who in fact created these differences, according to the old Hebrew version of the world (Gen. 11). The Leftists anti-Semitic Jews of the world can say, "We've come a long way, baby!" but it's a long way in the wrong direction, seems to me. Man always wants to separate that which God has brought together, as in marriage/divorce, and to bring together that which God has separated, as in language, culture, and race.

Mixed raced people can't help what they are. Their's is no fault. But there is no need to repeat the same, or to advocate more, or to idolize such a condition by perpetuating it. When you realize you're on a wrong path, even if you didn't put yourself on it, the only dignified thing to do is to get back on the right path.

The need in the world today is love of one's own people, without hatred for another's. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" is both prescriptive and proscriptive. You can't love your neighbor unless you love yourself.

(Original Text)

Jeon Do-yeon Wins Best Actress at Cannes

Jeon Do-yeon won the Best Actress award at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, which ended on Sunday, for her role in Lee Chang-song’s “Secret Sunshine.” Jeon is the first Korean and second Asian actress to win the award for best actress at the prestigious international film festival. Maggie Cheung, who was on the jury this year, won in 2004 with “Clean.” Director Lee served as a culture minister from 2003 to 2004.

When her name was announced, the Korean actress hurried on stage and greeted her audience in French. She said, “I can’t believe it. There are fabulous actresses and movies here. I don’t know if I deserve this award to represent them.” She credited Lee and Song Kang-ho, who stars opposite her, saying the director “helped me make an impossible thing possible. Song Kang-ho’s acting supplemented my role and made it look perfect. I’d like to thank him.” At this point, Song stood up and waved toward Jeon on the stage, inviting a round of warm applause. The 34-year-old actress wrapped up her comment by saying, “I will remember tonight forever. Thank you.”

Since Kang Soo-yeon won best actress at the Venice Film Festival in 1987 for her role in “Surrogate Womb”, it has taken a Korean actress 20 years to achieve a Grand Slam of the world’s three prestigious film festivals - Cannes, Venice and Berlin. Moon-So-ri won Best New Performer at Venice for her role in the film “Oasis”, which is produced by Lee Chang-dong.

Many outstanding actresses competed at this year’s Cannes, including Romanian Anamaria Marinca in “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” and Russia’s Galina Vishnevskaya with “Alexandra.” “It’s a monumental achievement for an Asian actress to win the Best Actress award at Cannes,” said Pusan International Film Festival director Kim Dong-ho after attending the award ceremony. “Maggie Cheung won the award with a movie directed by a French director, and she speaks English in the movie. But Jeon has won the award with a Korean movie in which she speaks her mother tongue.”

Jeon’s achievement suggests the global film industry is paying attention not only to Korean movies but finally to Korean actors. Since 2000, Korean directors Im Kwon-taek (with “Chihwaseon” in 2002), Lee Chang-dong (with “Oasis” in 2002), Park Chan-wook (with “Old Boy” in 2004) and Kim Ki-duk (with “Samaria” and “3-Iron” in 2004) have won best director and the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes, Venice and Berlin film festivals, but no Korean actors won the best actor award before Jeon.

The grand prix Palme d'Or went to Romanian director Cristian Mungiu for “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days”, a movie about abortion under the Ceausescu regime.

(englishnews@chosun.com )

Lee Hyori

이효리, Romanized as Lee Hyolee and officially E Hyo-lee, born on May 10, 1979, is a popular South Korean singer and actress. She started off as part of the successful K-pop girl group Fin.K.L, but has since become a solo artist. Her first album was very successful, winning many "Daesangs" (a Korean award equivalent to "Artist of the Year") for that album. She has since become the highest-paid female singer in South Korea.

Biography

Beginning in Fin K.L.

Lee started her career as part of the Korean pop girl group Fin.K.L. Lee Hyori, who would become the group leader as she was the oldest member, was discovered while taking sticker pictures with her friends and was actually the last to join the group, just before their launch in January 1998. Fin. K.L. debuted officially on May 22, 1998 with their first single "Blue Rain." It was received quite well, but it was not until their second release from their first album: To My Boyfriend, that Fin. K.L. truly proved their popularity. "To My Boyfriend" became the first of their numerous number one hits. Fin K.L. became one of the most popular and successful Korean groups of all-time and rivaled with fellow popular girl group S.E.S..

Establishing a solo entertainment career

Following Fin K.L.'s fourth album Forever, Lee branched out into television, becoming an MC for Time Machine and Happy Together; she is still a part of Happy Together: Friends to this day. Her solo album was released at the end of 2003, and was titled Stylish. The singer nearly swept the 2003 Daesangs, the most prestigious South Korean music award, winning more than seven of them, including three of the four main ones. Stylish sold over 153,590 copies in South Korea alone, according to the Music Industry Association of Korea. Her popularity in her various activities eventually was dubbed as the "Hyori Syndrome" in South Korea, and the Korean Media nicknamed 2003 "The Year of Hyori" as she was rarely out of the news all year.

Lee Hyori has also appeared as the lead female actress in the SBS drama Three Leaf Clover co-starring opposite Ryu Jin, Kim Jung Hwa, Kim Kang Woo and Lee Hoon. However, the ratings were continually low, and it ended after 16 episodes. On August 8, 2005 she co-hosted the annual Korean Music Festival for the second year running.

In February 2006, Lee released her follow up album, Dark Angel. The first single, "Get Ya", featured heavy choreography and sexually suggestive attire, which has become Lee's trademark. However, there was controversy over the single as the songwriters of Britney Spears' single "Do Somethin'" accused the "Get Ya" songwriters of plagiarism (Lee did not contribute to the song). After media attention increased, Lee and her record company quickly stopped all promotion for the single, taking a short break to prepare for "Shall We Dance", her followup single. Due to the negative attention, both the single and album were not successful, and promotions were stopped. "Straight Up" was released as a final single, but it was not promoted by Lee.

Move to M-Net

In November 2006, it was revealed that Lee has signed a 3 year contract with M-Net Entertainment for ₩2.2 billion, becoming the highest paid female singer in South Korea.

Early in 2007, Lee Hyori showed up an hour late to a press conference, leading to backlash in the media.^{[citation needed]} The media also criticized her sexual image, stating that she was "facing an image crisis" and urging her to downplay her sexuality. Meanwhile, Lee prepared a new "mini-drama" during February 2007, despite her previous drama flopping. She starred alongside Lee Dong Gun in If In Love... Like Them which, although originally announced as being only one episode long, ran for four episodes on MNet. An edited two-episode version of the drama also ran on SBS. During filming for the drama, part of a roof Lee was standing on collapsed. Only her foot fell through and she was able to be saved, as it was reported the fall would have been fatal if co-star Lee Dong Gun had not been able to save her.

In February 2007, Lee announced her new digital single which would essentially be the soundtrack to If In Love... Like Them. She had her comeback on SBS Inkigayo on February 25, 2007, performing all three main tracks from the single. The lead song was "Toc Toc Toc", which was a sexy R&B number like her previous efforts. However, the single also gave Lee an opportunity to sing ballads and to slowly move her image away from the "sexy superstar" that she is known to be. The single, although initially given a digital-only release, was given a limited retail release of only 30,000 copies, and was appropriately titled If In Love Like Them. Released on March 6, 2007, it included 3 the tracks found in the digital single, along with a reworked version of "Toc Toc Toc". It was the best-selling album for that month, selling 27,845 copies.

Although her single succeeded, her drama was heavily penalized for violating advertising guidelines, as If In Love had several scenes advertising the products of its sponsors, in addition to using Lee's songs as a soundtrack. The Korean Broadcasting Committee has ruled that the drama can never be aired in South Korea again, and that the network must apologize to its viewers.

According to The Chosun Ilbo, Lee has also been promoting her work in Japan. Japanese network Fuji TV decided to air If In Love... Like Them and has even invited the singera/actress to visit Japan to promote the drama, where she will be treated to the same VIP treatment offered to other international stars. However, the drama was broadcast on satellite station CS Fuji, a smaller network that Fuji TV owned. The Japanese considered the leading part of this drama to be Lee Dong-gun.

Endorsements

Although Lee has done many endorsements for various companies (including Dole), her most prominent commercials were made for Samsung Anycall. In late 2004, Lee signed an advertising contract with Samsung, for which she would make three musical commercials and songs for their Anycall cell phones. The first commercial and song, "Anymotion", were released in early 2005, featuring Eric Mun from K-pop group Shinhwa. In early 2006, the followup commercial "Anyclub" was released in two parts; this also featured Eric Mun in addition to Korean actor Kwon Sang Woo. The songs from the commercials served as singles for Lee in between her albums. The final commercial was released in December 2006, titled "Anystar". The commercial differed from the first two in that it featured mostly dialogue. The commercial starred Korean actor and singer Lee Jun Ki and also YG Family trainee Park Bom.

Lee Hyori finished her contract with Biotherm early February 2007. Lee is no longer a Biotherm representative. She was recently chosen as first ever Asian-wide model for Calvin Klein Jeans, modeling for the "Pure Calvin" Collection.

Singles

Hyori has released a total of six singles from her debut and second album. These six singles never received a commercial release in Korea, only promotional.

• 10 Minutes
• Hey Girl
• Remember Me
• Get Ya
• Shall We Dance
• Straight Up

Commercial / Digital Singles

Hyori has released a total of four commercial singles (three being digital purchases only). She released her very first commercial CD single in March 2007.

• Anymotion (featuring Eric & Kwon Sang Woo)
• Anyclub (featuring Teddy)
• Anystar (featuring Lee Jun Ki)
• Toc Toc Toc
• Scolded
• Don't Love Her

The chronological order of Hyori's singles go as,
10 Minutes, Hey Girl, Remember Me, Anymotion, Anyclub, Get Ya, Shall We Dance, Straight Up, Anystar, Toc Toc Toc, Scolded, and Don't Love Her

Dramas

• 2005: SBS Three Leaf Clover
• 2007: SBS If In Love...Like Them