SBS’s drama A Star’s Lover was not a hit in Korea, but (as expected) it’s doing well in Japan, thanks in no small part to Choi Ji-woo’s immense popularity there.

A Star’s Lover was broadcast on Japanese satellite and cable channel WOWOW TV starting in May, and will follow that with a run on a major broadcast station beginning August 25, airing as a Monday-Tuesday series.

Such is the reaction among buyers and Japanese retail and DVD production outlets that A Star’s Lover is being called “a second Winter Sonata” — strong words, given how incredibly strong (and lasting) the impression was from that drama. In June, a concert was held featuring the series’ soundtrack and earned such huge response that additional promotional materials are in the pipeline, from novelizations of the drama, guidebooks, the soundtrack album, and even chocolates.

CEO Go Dae-hwa of the production company Olive Nine said, “Even we at the production company did not know that the drama would cause such a tremendous response in Japan.”

I admit I still haven’t finished the drama, and even with only two episodes left, I have no desire to see the ending (so… painfully… slow). However, I will agree that Choi Ji-woo and Yoo Ji-tae were gorgeous and had intense chemistry (amidst all the crying and wailing), the scenery was beautiful, and the first four episodes were touched with a little extra magic that I wished carried through to the end. But in any case, I’m happy to hear it’s doing so well; all underperforming dramas should get second chances elsewhere.

Via OSEN

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No, not another star romance — these are wedding stills from the upcoming movie Bimilae [비밀애, or Secret Love], starring Yoo Ji-tae (A Star’s Lover) and Yoon Jin-seo (Return of Iljimae, Beastie Boys). The two actors are reuniting after first working together six years ago in the Park Chan-wook film Oldboy.

[Read more →]

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Actor (and director) Yoo Ji-tae is opening up a kindergarten in Nepal.

Last April, Yoo had participated with members of his online gallery at the popular internet community DC Inside to raise money to help the needy; those funds will provide the basis for setting up the school. A rep from Yoo’s side said, “He’s been preparing to go to Nepal for a long time. He will travel in October with fans who contributed to donations for the groundbreaking ceremony and plans to participate in various volunteer activities before returning.”

Yoo Ji-tae was last seen acting in the melodrama A Star’s Lover, which ended a few months ago. He is currently gearing up for the release of his fourth directorial effort, the short film Invitation (releases on June 9), which will screen in the competitive category at the 6th Short Shorts Film Festival. He’ll fly to Japan next month for the festival, and is also working on his next movie role in Bimilae with Return of Iljimae actress Yoon Jin-seo.

Phew. No rest for the weary, eh?

Via Sports Seoul

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Yoo Ji-tae, Yoon Jin-seo

After acting together in Oldboy six years ago, Yoo Ji-tae (A Star’s Lover) and Yoon Jin-seo (Return of Iljimae) are teaming up for a new movie.

The film is called Bimilae or Secret Love [비밀애], and paints the couple in a “secretive, sad love” when Yoon Jin-seo’s character falls into a love triangle with twin brothers — both played by Yoo Ji-tae. One brother is gentle while the other is cool and sharp; the woman who comes between them is both mysterious and provocative, and what unfolds is a “fatal, fateful love.”

The director is a relatively new Kwon Ji-yeon of the film Shiny Day, backed by a strong team that includes veteran director of photography Kim Hyung-gu (Happiness, The Host, Memories of Murder) and music director Lee Jae-jin (Forever the Moment, Failan).

Doesn’t sound like my thing (at all), but on the other hand, I do like both actors quite a lot. And the production team looks solid. We’ll have to see about this one.

The movie will start shooting mid-May, and release in late fall.

Via Herald Biz

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As we know, actor Yoo Ji-tae (of the recent SBS melodrama A Star’s Lover) is also quite serious about directing — he’s produced three separate shorts, which have all made their way round the short-film festival circuit.

Now his fourth, Invitation [초대], has been invited to the Short Shorts Film Festival in Japan, which runs from June 9 through June 14. However, it’ll get a domestic screening first; Invitation will show at Yoo Ji-tae’s upcoming April 5 Seoul fanmeeting.

The film, which Yoo also wrote, features him acting alongside actress Eom Ji-won; coincidentally (?), both Yoo and Eom lent their voices to songs by pop singer Jin Ju’s latest single (listen to Yoo’s track below).

Yoo’s previous shorts include 2003’s Bicycle Boy, 2005’s How Do the Blind Dream, and the most recent, 2008’s Out of My Intention.

Now, the bigger question is: Now that his drama series has ended with something of a whimper, will he ever take another TV job again, or will he return safely to film roles? (Something tells me he’s not gong to be sticking around TV-land.)

(Heh, how many times can you say “short” in one post? Short, short short. Short. SHORT!)

Via Herald Biz

SONG OF THE DAY

Jinju – “미안해” (I’m Sorry) featuring narration from Yoo Ji-tae. Not really my kinda song, but oh well.
[ Download ]

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