An asymmetrical shawl-cardigan to match his asymmetrical (braided) hairstyle, tight jeans, a dangly earring, a sad piece of neck bling… Erm, so maybe not So Ji-sub’s best look.

So Ji-sub and co-star Kang Ji-hwan were on hand on August 27’s press conference and showing of the movie A Movie Is a Movie (aka Rough Cut). So Ji-sub came out sporting two different looks, one for the media confab portion, and another for the “VIP preview.” (The other look shows a normal-looking hairstyle, so he must’ve had time to nip out for a costume change.)

The film already held a press day earlier this month, but there can never be too many, right? (The prior event, I believe, was the “production briefing” conference, while this one is a “press preview” — either way, they’re both promo blitzes for the upcoming movie, which opens to non-VIPers on September 11.)

One notable VIP in attendance was the venerable Yonsama, aka Bae Yong-joon, who came with his arm in a sling from recent surgery. As a fellow client of the same management company handling So Ji-sub, Bae expressed his well-wishes for the younger star’s movie.

Other VIPs at the preview included Kwon Sang-woo, Han Ji-min, Jung Joon-ha, and Im Soo-jung, among others.

More pics of A MOVIE IS A MOVIE’s preview >>

Tags: Bae Yong-joon, Kang Ji-hwan, press conferences, So Ji-sub

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So Ji-sub and Kang Ji-hwan pose on press day (August 12) for upcoming movie A Movie Is A Movie (directed by Jang Hoon for Kim Ki-duk Films).

Well, they sure showed up in character. But with two such intense actors, I suppose that ought to be no surprise. I wish I could LIKE what either is wearing, but I’m content enough to stare anyway.

This is Kang Ji-hwan’s big-screen debut — the two actors are the same age, but Kang explains, “When I debuted, So Ji-sub was already a big star, so I felt a strong sense of rivalry with him. With the two characters being antagonists in the film itself, and considering that on location we would be co-lead actors more than friends, it would be a lie to say I didn’t feel any rivalry.”

He explains that this is because he’d felt a burden when first finding out he’d be acting opposite So Ji-sub. “I was playing the role of the star actor, but when we first met, I could feel that he was more star-like. But as we filmed, every time a scene ended I’d look on the monitor and get the sense of how dignified he was. I’ve worked in various projects with many senior actors and teachers, but this is the first time I’ve felt that dignified feeling from a colleague.”

So Ji-sub likewise praised his co-star, saying, “When we first met, I felt a little awkward, but Kang Ji-hwan treated me well, even occasionally bringing me drinks of ginseng and honey that he’d mixed himself. He’s a very detailed and subtle person.” Kang returned, laughingly, that it was a habit that arose after working with lots of female co-stars and looking after them: “In an action film, we need to take good care of our bodies, and your co-star’s condition has to be the best for you to act well.”

In the movie, Kang’s character is a spoiled, famous actor who hits his co-star for real while filming (presumably by accident), sending him to the hospital. In the waiting room, he meets a gangster (So), kicking off the story between the two. So’s character is brought onto the film as an actor with the requirement that he fight for real in the action scenes.

The movie opens September 11.

Via Hankook Ilbo

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Tags: A Movie Is a Movie, Kang Ji-hwan, press conferences, So Ji-sub

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Because that’s totally what they’re thinking, yeah? (And if not, it’s what they should be thinking.)

More photos from upcoming film A Movie Is a Movie, about one gangster with dreams of being an actor (So Ji-sub) and a gangster-like actor (Kang Ji-hwan).

A Movie Is a Movie opens September 11.

Tags: A Movie Is a Movie, Kang Ji-hwan, So Ji-sub

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As briefly mentioned earlier, Kang Ji Hwan stars in a new movie with So Ji Sub. Wow. Two heartthrob stars who are actually strong actors, working together!

Their film is titled A Movie Is A Movie and just wrapped filming yesterday, having begun shooting in May. Their final filming session actually began on June 30, but lasted 26 hours, culminating in an underground parking-lot scene in Kyunggi-do on the morning of July 1. A reported hundred extras were on set for the wrap.

Directed by Jang Hoon (assistant director on 2006’s Time, 2005’s The Bow), A Movie Is A Movie centers around two vastly disparate characters — So Ji Sub is a gangster “living a reality more movie-like than a movie,” while Kang Ji Hwan plays a reckless actor. There’s not much to go on with that description, but based on the draw of both lead actors, the movie was even pre-sold overseas; it is scheduled to release in the fall.

Via OSEN

SONG OF THE DAY

Jung Jae Hyung - “일요일 오후” (Sunday afternoon) feat. Jung In. For some reason, I think it’s an unwritten rule that I must love all songs titled “Sunday Afternoon.” [ Download ]

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Tags: A Movie Is a Movie, Kang Ji-hwan, So Ji-sub

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Best Actress winners Yoon Eun Hye (drama), Kim Min Hee (film)

The 44th Baeksang Arts Awards were held in Seoul on April 24, handing out top honors to the films and television programs of the previous year.

Big winners included films The Chaser and Forever the Moment (aka The Best Moment In Our Lives); Yoon Eun Hye won for her trend-setting turn as Go Eun Chan in last year’s smash drama Coffee Prince, while War of Money took home Best Drama.

SONG OF THE DAY

MC Mong - “옛날 옛적에” (Once upon a time) from his recently released fourth album. [ Download ]

 
Full awards list for the 44th BAEKSANG AWARDS >>

Tags: awards, Coffee Prince, Go Ara, Han Hyo-joo, Hong Gil Dong, Hyun Young, Jang Geun-seok, Jung Il-woo, Jung Ryeo-won, Kang Ji-hwan, Kim Jung-eun, Kim Min-hee, Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Byung-heon, Lee Dong-wook, Lee Jia, Lee Seon-kyun, Lee Yeon-hee, Lee Yoon-jung, Legend, Park Shi-yeon, Park Shin-yang, Park Yong-ha, Sohn Ye-jin, Song Kang-ho, Sung Yuri, War of Money, Yoo Gun, Yoon Eun-hye

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Kang Ji Hwan, the dilemma of an actor four years into his debut

Coming off his role in the KBS 2TV Wednesday-Thursday drama Hong Gil Dong, which received favorable reviews for its fresh approach, Kang Ji Hwan appears wearing a goldenrod-yellow jacket. This was approximately a week after the drama ended, the impression of the series not yet faded.

Like he’s taken off the clothes of Hong Gil Dong, it feels like he’s taken off the character and returned to Kang Ji Hwan. He revealed, “At the start of Hong Gil Dong, I’d be in the mountains and wonder what I was supposed to do, but now that it’s over, it’s strange to be up in the morning without a schedule to meet. The week has passed slowly.”

SONG OF THE DAY

3rd Coast - “I Don’t Know” [ Download ]

 
More on KANG JI HWAN >>

Tags: Capital Scandal, Hong Gil Dong, Kang Ji-hwan

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