HomeActor/ActressHa Jeong-woo
Ha Jeong-woo
하정우
Jeon Do-yeon, Ha Jung-woo as Ex-Lovers
South Korea's most in-demand actors Jeon Do-yeon and Ha Jung-woo generated a big media buzz appearing before the press as ``former lovers.'' Jeon, who won the 2007 Cannes Best Actress award for ``Secret Sunshine,'' and Ha, hero of one of this year's highest grossing films ``The Chaser,'' teamed up in ``My Dear Enemy,'' due in theaters Sept. 25. Popular band Clazziquai's vocalist Horan opened the event, singing mellow tunes that appear in the fall lineup's most anticipated film. Director Lee Yoon-ki, the melodrama craftsman of critically acclaimed works like ``This Charming Girl'' (2006), brings what he calls an unconventional, post-breakup love story. Jeon appears as Heui-su, an uptight, unemployed single woman in her mid-30s. Broke and desperate, she suddenly recalls that her ex-boyfriend Byeong-u, owes her 3.5 million won (about $3,500). She finds him gambling at a horseracing track and demands reimbursement. Reunited after one year, the two spend ``one fine day'' (the Korean title of the film) together, with Heui-su driving Byeong-u to one lady friend after another to borrow money. About her post-Cannes appearance, Jeon admitted feeling pressured but denied rumors that she was offered innumerable opportunities here and abroad. ``I was speaking with (``Secret Sunshine'' co-star) Song Kang-ho about how it's hard enough to act in Korean, let alone a foreign language,'' she said. ``I chose the script because it was well written, and I adore love stories. But this is an unconventional romance and gives off a unique color.'' Unlike the dramatic emotional tension that mark both of the stars' previous works, ``My Dear Enemy'' takes place over one rather uneventful day, and subtle emotions and chemistry between the actors propel the narrative. About working opposite the reputed actress, Ha said Jeon quieted his nervousness with her easy manner. The two had actually appeared together three years ago in the hit drama ``Lovers of Prague,'' where Ha played a supporting role as the heroine's bodyguard. ``I can't believe that I have risen to play opposite Jeon in such a short time frame,'' he said. ``While playing her bodyguard in the drama, there were many scenes where I was chauffeuring for her. I remember one particular scene where she was crying, and I was so moved I almost shed tears. Jeon is a great actress who inspires those around her even before the audience.'' He joked about being rather disappointed there was no love scene. Jeon said that she was the one who was grateful in the partnership. ``I didn't know we'd be cast together because of our age difference, but Jung-woo was able to come far because he was already a good actor back then,'' she said. Jeon, 35, looked younger than ever in her smoky eye makeup. The film clips showed how she looked even more youthful than Ha, who is five years her junior. Her secret to looking more beautiful by the day? ``It's inborn. Just kidding. It's the make-up,'' she said with a grin. She continued, ``Jung-woo is a very versatile actor and really supported me.'' Ha, complimented by Martin Scorsese as having as much potential as Leonardo Dicaprio and Matt Damon, has a knack for pulling off colorful characters, from a psychopathic serial killer to a suave bar host in ``The Moonlight of Seoul.'' When asked if the latter character, a playboy who swindles women, might be a repetition for his upcoming film, he said, no. ``While it's true that both characters are very sleazy, `The Moonlight of Seoul' is a bitter, dark night story while my character in `My Dear Enemy,' energized by the sun, is cheerful and optimistic despite his recklessness,'' he said. ``My Dear Enemy'' is slated for release Sept. 25. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.
'Good, Bad, Weird' Revamps Cinema for Fall Lineup
When you hit rock bottom, there's no other way but up. After hitting a record low in May, Korean cinema is slowly emerging from the slump with a string of box office hits like ``The Good, the Bad, the Weird.'' An alternative version of this ``kimchi Western'' ― the one that awed viewers at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival ― is now in theaters. The buoyant mood for homegrown flicks is expected to continue throughout the latter half of the year. Since its release July, the spaghetti Western-inspired film starring three top actors drew in 5.17 million viewers, Barunson Film Division announced Sunday. This beats the ticket sales record set by ``The Chaser,'' which sold 5.13 million, and continues the good standing of domestic flicks like June's ``Public Enemy Returns.'' It held the top box office ranking despite the screening of star-studded Hollywood imports like ``Wanted.'' The $1.7 billion action flick, however, conceded its spot on the box office to $18 billion venture ``The Mummy 3,'' and the $18.5 billion Batman franchise ``The Dark Knight'' is making its way up. Yet the forecast is far from cloudy. The Cannes version of ``The Good,'' which is rumored to being more concise and faithful to the artistic visions of director Kim Jee-woon, is now showing. This is the first time a director's cut is being released in Korean theaters rather than through DVD. ``It's a smart marketing tactic,'' Yu Hyeong-jin, a researcher at the Korean Film Council, told The Korea Times. Multiple viewings by the same person play an important role in movies that hit the 10 million mark. A slightly different flavor of the same film will definitely draw in more viewers. Moreover, Yu argues that Hollywood competition helps, rather than hurts, the potential of domestic movies in the market. ``When there are movies people want to watch, it draws in more viewers and helps the sales of both Hollywood movies and Korean ones.'' For example, if one is unable to watch Disney's Pixar animation ``Wall-E,'' due Thursday, then Lee Jun-ik's ``Sunny,'' which is receiving positive reviews, might be a satisfying alternative. Nevertheless, ``The Good'' took about a week longer to reach the 5 million record than did perennial blockbusters like ``D-War'' (aka. ``Dragon Wars''). Its box office success is great news for the struggling film industry, but is only significant for the 2008 roster. Market share of Korean films is only a cursory indicator of the market size and industry's health. Market size is often determined by the willingness of entertainment giants like CJ Entertainment and big investors like KT, whose attitude toward investment and production has been far from aggressive or bold, said Yu. Nevertheless, prospects for the fall/winter lineup are optimistic. ``Eye for an Eye'' starring ``Shiri (Swiri)'' star Han Seok-gyu attracted 1 million viewers its first weekend. With the lineup of highly anticipated works like the 1930s Gyeongseong romance ``Modern Boy'' and historical epic ``The Divine Weapon'' in September as well as the James Bond parody ``Dachimawa Lee'' (Aug. 14). There is also the mellow love story ``One Fine Day'' starring 2007 Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon and ``The Chaser'' hero Ha Jung-woo, slated for release late fall. Moreover, the positive outlook is meaningful in the sense that it will set a good mood for 2009. ``It's important to have a good fall/winter because that encourages investment in film production the following year,'' said Yu. The Cannes edition of ``The Good, the Bad, the Weird'' (no English subtitles) is now showing in CGV Yongsan and Gangbyeon in Seoul, and other CGV theaters across the country including Incheon and Daejeon. At CGV Yongsan, English subtitles are available for the Korean theater release version.
Daejong Film Fest Showcases Trends
South Korea's esteemed 45th Daejong (Grand Bell) Film Festival held in southern Seoul, showcased the latest local box office trends, with its stronghold of original thrillers, stylistic period pieces and experimental projects. While superstars grabbed the limelight as expected, hitherto overlooked veteran actors and young debutant directors shined the most, suggesting that blatant star power, be it a reputed director or ravishing screen beauty, don't always guarantee ticket sales or awards. The red carpet event took place outside the COEX Convention Hall in a sea of blinding camera flashes as glamorous cineastes filed in. Screen beauties like Han Chae-young, Park Jin-hee and Shin Ae were elegant in cleavage-bearing, long evening gowns while others such as Kim Yun-jin and Ko Ara chose mini-dresses to show off their figures. Actress Kim A-jung, who won last year's award for Best Actress (``200 Pounds Beauty''), and popular announcer Choe Gi-hwan hosted the show. To add more sparkle to the star-studded event, pop group the Wonder Girls took to the stage to deliver bubbly dance music. ``The Chaser,'' the feature film debut of young director Na Hong-jin and the highest grossing film this season, took the festival by storm by winning five of 11 nominations, including those for Best Picture and Director. For Actor Kim Yun-seok, who has endlessly displayed solid acting through supporting roles, his first leading role won him both the Best Actor prize and the BMW Popularity Award. The 40-year-old dazzled the screen as a sullen, disheartened former cop opposite hot young actor Ha Jung-woo. Another murder thriller ``Seven Days,'' the latest homegrown film starring ``Lost'' star Kim Yun-jin, won three of 10 nominations including Best Actress, Sound Effects and Editing. Like ``The Chaser,'' it enjoyed critical acclaim and high sales at the box office earlier this year. Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress went to Yoo Jun-sang (``Return'') and Kim Hae-sook (``Open City''), respectively. The latter star showed off a wild, charismatic streak as an ex-convict in ``Open City,'' breaking away from her usual TV roles as a housewife. The 52-year-old, sexy in a sleek black dress on the night, also received attention for her role as a mother who falls in love with her daughter's former fiance. The romance film ``Viva Love'' won director Oh Jeom-gyun the title of Best New Director and Best Screenplay. Korean cinema and broadcasting have seen a high tide of stylistic period pieces depicting lives and loves from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). The befittingly named court intrigue ``Shadows in the Palace'' by debutant director Kim Mee-jung won the award for Best Lighting while ``Hwang Jin Yi,'' starring actress Song Hye-kyo as the famed poet and dancer, received prizes for Best Music and Costume. ``M,'' celebrated director Lee Myung-se's striking, surreal story starring Gang Dong-won, received the Best Visuals Award. ``Miracle of a Giving Fool'' starring Ha Ji-won and Cha Tae-hyun, a hit among popular cartoon-turned-movies, won the public vote for Best Hallyu (Korean Wave) Movie. Actor Daniel Henney, who recently finished shooting his Hollywood debut in the ``X-Men'' franchise, was named Best New Actor (``My Father'') and model-turned-actress Han Ye-seul won Best New Actress. A special honor went to Yoo Dong-hoon, president of the Korea Scenario Writers Association, for his lifetime contribution to Korean cinema. Stellar Event Casts Dark Shadows But brightness is always accompanied by dark shadows. Inefficient organization prolonged the running time of the event, and the awardees did not receive sufficient time to express their happiness. The preceding film festival inviting moviegoers to watch movies and meet cineastes at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, May 24-28, was popular and was extended until the 30th. However, the award ceremony itself drew a rather disappointing level of public participation. The annual event recorded a relatively low viewer rating of 11.9 percent through its live broadcasting on SBS. The ceremony caused disorder in the Samseong-dong area where roads were blocked off, and there was sharp criticism of its overly commercial tactic of charging people to vote for the Hallyu Movie Award.
Korean, Japanese Actors to Star in Joint Movie
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Two top actors, Korean Ha Jung-woo and Japanese Satoshi Tsumabuki, will join forces to star in a joint Korean-Japanese movie ``Boat'' (working title). The Korean movie production company Kraze Pictures announced that the movie will start filming June 28 with Japanese production IMJ Entertainment in Niigata, Japan. ``The movie will be filmed completely in Japan but Ha will speak Korean (in the film). It is scheduled to be in theaters next year,'' Byun Bong-hyun, the film manager at Kraze Pictures told The Korea Times. ``Boat'' depicts the story of two young Korean and Japanese smugglers who try to kidnap a Korean woman. The Korean actress has not been confirmed yet. Korean director Kim Young-nam, who won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award for ``Don't Look Back'' (2006) at the 59th Locarno International Film Festival, will produce the film, while Japanese writer Aya Watanabe will work on the script. Watanabe became popular among Japanese and Korean movie fans through movies such as ``Josee, the Tiger and the Fish'' (2003) and ``Mezon Do Himiko'' (2005). The 30-year-old Ha has appeared in several films and dramas but stepped up as one of Korea's most talented actors with his performance in the hit movie ``The Chaser'' (2008). Tsumabuki gained stardom in Japan and Korea with his performance in movies such as ``Josee'' and ``Tears for You'' (2006).
'The Chaser' in Cannes
‘The Chaser’ in Cannes: South Korean actor Ha Jung-woo, director Na Hong-jin and actor Kim Yoon-suk pose during a photocall for their film “The Chaser” at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival Saturday in Cannes, southern France. The movie,....
Five Korean films join Cannes fest
The 61st Cannes Film Festival has begun with fanfare, spicing up the festive mood for moviegoers all around the world. The ebullient mood remains largely the same here in Korea, but one thing is palpably different: There's no chance of a Korean movie....
