Kim Myung-min is probably the top actor in Korea right now, and is certain to go down as one of the greats of all time. He’s also an interesting case because he has come into stardom late into his career, but unlike so many other actors, the fervent appreciation for him comes almost solely from respect for his tremendous talent and work, not as a sex symbol or celebrity. (He’s certainly handsome, but I almost think of him in an asexual way.) You see the man for his acting skills much more than for his looks or general fame. Which is, I’m fairly certain, just the way he wants it.

The MBC special documentary called “Kim Myung-min Was Not There” was announced last month and aired over the weekend. (It was also a ratings hit, since 10% is impressive for a documentary feature.) It also gave quite an insight into the actor and his process, and is really a must-watch for anyone harboring acting aspirations.

SONG OF THE DAY

White Tower OST – “B Rossette” [ Download ]

[Read more →]

Filed under: Celebrity News by javabeans - 68 Comments →

Following her last role in the KBS drama Women in the Sun, actress Kim Ji-soo has left for London, as these newly released photos show.

She’s filming the trip — her first in that city — for a two-part broadcast on the women’s lifestyle channel DongaTV, called Kim Ji-soo’s London Life, which airs her episodes on February 11 and 18.

As with many of these types of programs, the camera follows around the star as they browse and walk around the city. Case in point: Choi Kang-hee’s Six Addictions, Shin Mina’s French Diary, Go Ara’s Twenty-Year-Old Story, Kim Haneul’s Travel Diary in Italy.

[Read more →]

Filed under: Celebrity News by javabeans - 16 Comments →

It was announced last year that a Project Runway Korea was in the works, and now it’s all set to premiere on cable channel On Style this week. The program will air one episode every Friday at midnight, for a total of ten episodes.

Episode 1 was shown at a press preview on the 3rd, which showed similar format and sets to the American version. The competitive reality program features fourteen new designers and cuts one contender per week, with three finalists showing collections at Seoul Fashion Week in the spring.

[Read more →]

Filed under: Sitcoms/Variety Shows by javabeans - 30 Comments →

Is it me, or is this kind of… random?

Clazziquai singer Alex is making his entry into the Japanese market, not in music but on television. And not just any television, but a food program.

Beginning in February, Alex will be the host for a program called Delicious Korea [맛있는 대한민국], which will be shown on eight stations, beginning with TV Tokyo. The show will break from the format of previous Korean cooking shows on Japanese television, and will hire an all-Korean staff to take care of everything from planning, research, and cooking.

The program will consult with a Japanese chef well-versed in Korean cuisine, and include a portion that features collaboration with Japanese production staff. Therefore, while Korea is the main focus of the show, it should remain accessible to most Japanese viewers.

Alex is also preparing for his first solo concert in Japan, to take place in Shibuya on January 20.

Via Star News

RELATED POSTS

• Overworked singer needs a break
• Team Alex beats Team Horan to the finish line
• Alex acts

Filed under: Celebrity News by javabeans - 16 Comments →

Um, kinda.

Cable channel Mnet premiered its new show on October 25, Band of Brothers, in which Super Junior members Kang-in and Hee-chul, and Trax boys Jay and Jung-mo, decided to come together Beatles-style.

First, they adopted the early-Beatles look with the straight-cut hair and the black suits, with Hee-chul channeling Ringo Starr behind the drums, Kang-in as Paul McCartney, Jay as John Lennon, and Jung-mo as George Harrison. (Anyone else wincing at the travesty?) As part of the project, they sang some Beatles tunes and even shot a music video.

I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I don’t think they actually “got” what it means to become the Beatles other than dressing in a costume and singing along like a cover band. (See in the clip below. I think it’s part cute, and part cringingly embarrassing.)

Aside from the Beatles aspect, though, it’s usually a lot more fun watching these idol boys in reality projects rather than, say, performing onstage. I suppose that’s why the kpop machine is built around the cult of personality much more than musicality.

Via Sports Khan

Filed under: Kpop News by javabeans - 13 Comments →