Sign Up

HomeJapanese Housewives Rank Lee, Choi the B...

Related Movie/Drama


Today's Birthdays

Aug 20, 2007

Japanese Housewives Rank Lee, Choi the Best



The Korean pop culture boom called 'hallyu' has now become an established genre in Japan thanks to the overwhelming popularity of the Korean drama 'Winter Sonata,' especially among middle aged Japanese women.

Japanese entertainment portal Oricon Style recently polled 750 women in their 30s to 50s on their favorite Korean actor and actress.

The number one actor chosen was Lee Byeong-heon, which most women described as "cute." Others said they like his "bright smile" and at times "melancholy look."

Their favorite actress was Choi Ji-woo, citing her "beautiful looks and fun personality" and "child like humor as well as class and sexiness."

The next favorites were Kwon Sang-woo and Lee Young-ae. As for favorite Korean dramas, KBS's 'Winter Sonata' ranked first followed by MBC's 'Dae Jang Geum/Jewel In the Palace' and SBS's 'Celestial Stairs.'

Source : http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1473404_11692.html

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Message Board
Be the first to discuss and share your message with other users on This Message Board

To write to messageboard, you must sign up or log in.

Related news
Nov 03, 2008

Bae Yong-jun to Meet Japanese Fans Via Satellite Broadcast

Bae Yong-jun to Meet Japanese Fans Via Satellite Broadcast

Actor Bae Yong-jun will meet with his Japanese fans through satellite TV. Bae's management agency said a large-scale fan event entitled "Christmas with Family - Although We're Far Apart" will be held at the Yokohama Arena on December 14. The eve...

Oct 21, 2008

Song Hye-kyo Returns to Small Screen

Song Hye-kyo Returns to Small Screen

Korean dramas are full of entertainment, with cliched yet dramatic plots, cute and handsome male characters, both main and supporting, and always a young pretty heroine. Among these heroines is Song Hye-kyo, 26, who will appear in the new drama...

Oct 17, 2008

Two Korean hit dramas will be produced as films

Two Korean hit dramas will be produced as films

The Korean drama Winter Sonata, which helped spur the popularity of Korean pop culture in Asia, the phenomenon known as Hallyu, will be made into a movie, along with another hit drama, Autumn in My Heart. Korean production company Culture Cap M...

Oct 17, 2008

Lee Jung-hyun Returns to Korean Stage after 2 Years

Lee Jung-hyun Returns to Korean Stage after 2 Years

Singer Lee Jung-hyun will return to the Korean stage after two years of absence. Lee will showcase her dynamic performance on October 18th at the 10th Korea-China Song Festival held to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the normalization of diplomat...

Oct 15, 2008

[TALK OF THE TOWN]Japanese Hallyu festival attracts thousands as 17 films screened

[TALK OF THE TOWN]Japanese Hallyu festival attracts thousands as 17 films screened

The crowds were out in force at the four-day promotional screening of “M” (2007), starring Kang Dong-won (right), late last month in Japan. M, directed by Lee Myung-se, had been invited to the Hallyu Cinema Festival. Some 4,000 Japanese fans of ...

Oct 13, 2008

Kim Tae-hee Returns to TV Drama As Lee Byeong-heon's Lover

Kim Tae-hee Returns to TV Drama As Lee Byeong-heon's Lover

Actress Kim Tae-hee will make her first TV appearance in four years. According to Kim's management agency, the actress was recently cast as the heroine of a new drama series entitled "IRIS." She will star in the 20-part action drama alongside Lee B...

Oct 10, 2008

PIFF Wraps Up 9-Day Run

PIFF Wraps Up 9-Day Run

The 13th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) closed Friday with the premiere of the South Korean film ``I Am Happy'' directed by Yoon Jong-chan. This year's festival featured the largest number of films and world premiers, receiving good r...

Oct 10, 2008

Bae Yong-jun Recommended for Cultural Medal

Bae Yong-jun Recommended for Cultural Medal

Hallyu star Bae Yong-jun was nominated for a Cultural Medal and, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the actor's eligibility is currently under review by the State Council and president. The Ministry of Culture has recogni...

Oct 09, 2008

"Winter Sonata" Adapted from TV Drama to Movie

The Korean TV drama "Winter Sonata," which led the Hallyu phenomenon throughout Japan, will be adapted into a movie production, along with another "seasonal" serial, "Autumn in My Heart." Culture Cap Media holds the movie rights to "Winter Sonat...

Oct 07, 2008

Japanese Satellite TV to Hold 'Lee Byeong-heon Festival'

Japanese Satellite TV to Hold 'Lee Byeong-heon Festival'

Japan's largest commercial satellite channel Sky Perfect TV will hold a two-month-long special event during which it will feature films and dramas starring Korean actor Lee Byeong-heon. The event will begin this month. Prior to the event launch,...

Oct 06, 2008

'Iljimae' to Air in Japan Starting November

'Iljimae' to Air in Japan Starting November

"Iljimae," a popular drama series on SBS which recorded an average viewer rating of 31.4%, will be aired in Japan. The drama series stars popular actor Lee Jun-ki. The satellite channel So-net TV, which specializes in introducing Hallyu drama se...

Sep 22, 2008

'East of Eden' to be Screened in 8 Japanese Cities

'East of Eden' to be Screened in 8 Japanese Cities

"East of Eden," a popular new MBC drama series starring Hallyu star Song Seung-heon, will be screened in Japan. To mark Song's 32nd birthday, the best scenes from the drama series will be screened, free of charge, in eight major cities around Jap...

Sep 21, 2008

Jeon Do-yeon on Pregnancy, Post-Cannes Film

Jeon Do-yeon on Pregnancy, Post-Cannes Film

Actress Jeon Do-yeon seems to have it all, having won the Best Actress award at Cannes last year and about to enter motherhood. In time for the release of her latest movie ``My Dear Enemy,'' the 35-year-old, five months pregnant but looking sve...

Sep 10, 2008

Park calls for a more cosmopolitan hallyu

Park calls for a more cosmopolitan hallyu

Everything that has a beginning has an end, and hallyu, or the Korean wave, is no exception, according to singer-songwriter Park Jin-young. “The wave has lost its heat,” Park said at an open lecture at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts...

Sep 09, 2008

Lee Byung-hun to Release Single Album in Japan

Lee Byung-hun to Release Single Album in Japan

Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun will release his first studio album in Japan. Lee's official Japanese website reported that the actor was recently chosen by Japan's leading automaker Toyota as the model for its ad campaign for its latest SUV, the "RAV ...

Sep 08, 2008

Korean boy band sensation TVXQ to release pan-Asian album

Korean boy band sensation TVXQ to release pan-Asian album

Korean boy band sensation TVXQ (known as Dong Bang Sin Ki in Korea and as Tohoshinki in Japan) that has been enjoying great popularity throughout Asia will release their fourth album on Sept. 24 in Korea, followed by its release in other Asian ...

Sep 03, 2008

'Delicious' Boys Leads Hallyu

'Delicious' Boys Leads Hallyu

It all started with a TV drama series - "Winter Sonata." In 2002, one of Indonesia's TV stations aired the series, introducing one of Korea's cultural products to a wide public in this part of the world. Later on, another TV station, Indosiar - w...

Aug 27, 2008

Hallyu Star Bae Yong-joon to Open Korean Restaurant in Nagoya

Hallyu Star Bae Yong-joon to Open Korean Restaurant in Nagoya

Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, the owner of a traditional Korean-style restaurant called "Gosireh" in Tokyo, will open the second branch of the same restaurant under the name "Gosireh Hwa" in Nagoya, Japan on September 10. The decor of Bae's new r...

Aug 22, 2008

Cast for Animated Version of 'Winter Sonata' Finalized

Cast for Animated Version of 'Winter Sonata' Finalized

The animated version of "Winter Sonata," which will feature the voices of Bae Yong-jun and Choi Ji-woo, will go into production with an airing date tentatively scheduled for early next year. The production company said the cast and crew of the...

Aug 14, 2008

Asian pop icons BoA and TVXQ to tour Asia

Asian pop icons BoA and TVXQ to tour Asia

Asian pop icons BoA, TVXQ a.k.a. Dong Bang Shin Ki and SuperJunior are kicking off their Asian tour with a concert, SMTOWN LIVE '08, at the Olympic Main Stadium tomorrow night. Featuring popular girl groups Girls' Generation and The Grace, along ...

Aug 08, 2008

Hallyu Singers Perform at Atamix

Hallyu Singers Perform at Atamix

Some of Korea's Hallyu stars have been invited to perform at a 30,000-plus capacity outdoor arena. They will be singing at the arena located near Japan's hot springs getaway, Atamix. The purpose of "The 2nd Power of Atamix" festival is to spur...

Aug 07, 2008

Hallyu Festival Slated For October

Hallyu Festival Slated For October

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hosting the "2008 Seoul Hallyu Festival," Oct. 23 through Oct. 25 at the Jamsil Sports Complex. Organized by Seoul City and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Corpo...

Aug 01, 2008

Choi Ji-woo to star in Korea-Japan drama

Choi Ji-woo to star in Korea-Japan drama

Korean actress Choi Ji-woo who has led Hallyu (referring to the popularity of Korean pop culture, especially across Asia) is set to star in a melodrama to be jointly produced by Korea and Japan. A spokesman for Choi said she has been cast in ...

Jul 28, 2008

Park Yong-ha Attracts 23,000 Fans to Fan Meeting in Japan

Park Yong-ha Attracts 23,000 Fans to Fan Meeting in Japan

Hallyu star Park Yong-ha met with some 23,000 Japanese fans through a series of fan meetings in eight major Japanese cities, including Sendai. Some 5,000 fans flocked to see Park, their favorite Korean actor and singer, the first day of the fa...

Jul 22, 2008

[MOVIE REVIEW]'The Good, The Bad, The Weird' aspects of English subtitles

"The Good, The Bad, The Weird," a $17-million oriental Western by veteran filmmaker Kim Jee-woon, topped the domestic box office in its opening weekend, selling a record 2.19 million tickets in four days since its release on Thursday. The strong ...

Jul 20, 2008

"Kimchi Western" debuts amid great interest

The much-awaited Korean movie The Good, the Bad, the Weird based on a spaghetti Western and nicknamed a "Kimchi Western" after the nation's signature spicy national dish, is expected to be the hottest pick of local theatergoers here but viewers...

Jul 08, 2008

Movie-Based Dramas to Fill TV Screens

Movie-Based Dramas to Fill TV Screens

Amid the ongoing search for catchy, stylish, attractive ideas for local dramas, many drama-makers have turned to themes that have already been seen to be popular. Movie-based dramas are no longer new, but the race for the best-made remake is expe...

Jul 03, 2008

Song Hye-kyo Teams Up with Michelle Yeoh

Song Hye-kyo Teams Up with Michelle Yeoh

Hallyu star Song Hye-kyo teams up with Michelle Yeoh from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Memories of a Geisha" fame to target the Asian public. According to the film magazine "Variety," Song recently signed a contract with Stella Entert...

Jul 03, 2008

Korean Singers to Participate in 'Hallyu Music Festival' in Japan

The popularity of young Korean singers are soaring in Asia, especially in Japan. The Korea Japan Cultural Exchange said it plans to invite some of Korea's most talented artists to the "Hallyu Music Festival" slated to be held September 3 in Shibuy...

Jun 30, 2008

Korean Movies to Shine at Int'l Film Fests

Korean Movies to Shine at Int'l Film Fests

South Korean movies continue to make their way around the globe to vie for prizes and reach a wider audience. Some notable trips to international film festivals include feted director Kim Ki-duk's latest work ``Dream,'' the anticipated summer blo...

Jun 29, 2008

Daejong Film Fest Showcases Trends

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 gr...

Jun 24, 2008

Survey: Celebrities who Go Well with 'Hallyu Street' in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Survey: Celebrities who Go Well with 'Hallyu Street' in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Okubo street in Tokyo's trendy Shinjuku district is home to one of Japan's largest Koreatowns and is referred to as the "Hallyu Street." The June 19th edition of the Oricon News announced the results of a recent survey entitled "Celebrities wh...

Jun 17, 2008

'Samsooni' Is Back

'Samsooni' Is Back

When National Treasure No.1 Namdaemun burned down in a fire in February this year, Koreans emotionally fell down with it. Although the government vowed that it will restore the beloved treasure, it was evident that cultural assets needed more att...

Jun 11, 2008

Song Yoona and Park Yong-ha in Japan to Promote 'On Air'

Song Yoona and Park Yong-ha in Japan to Promote 'On Air'

Actress Song Yoona and Park Yong-ha are in Japan to promote the drama series "On Air." The two star actors will attend a press conference as well as the On Air premiere to be held at the Toho Cinema in Tokyo, Japan on June 12. Producers of ...

Jun 03, 2008

Hallyu Wood Draws Attention of Asian Press

Hallyu Wood Draws Attention of Asian Press

Ten major press agencies around Asia flocked to cover the launch of the construction of the Hallyu Wood Theme Park and the Hallyu Wood Start Festival. A 34-year-old reporter from Hong Kong's cable network CEN spent a busy day interviewing Kore...

May 30, 2008

KBS Sitcom 'Unstoppable Marriage' To Air in Japan

KBS Sitcom 'Unstoppable Marriage' To Air in Japan

The KBS 2TV daily sitcom 'Unstoppable Marriage" will be broadcast in Japan starting next month. "The cable channel KBS Japan will be broadcasting the drama starting June 9th," said 'Unstoppable Marriage' producer Lee Gyo-yook. "This will be a ...

May 23, 2008

Cast of “The Legend” to Appear on Japan’s NHK TV

Cast of “The Legend” to Appear on Japan’s NHK TV

Stars of “The Legend,” high-rating historical drama about King Gwanggaeto of Goguryeo Kingdom, are invited to appear on a special program for Japan’s premier broadcasting station NHK. Bae Yong-joon, Lee Ji-ah, Moon So-ri, and director Kim Jong-ha...

May 21, 2008

Drama 'Iljimae' has tough act to follow

New historical drama "Iljimae," airing tonight on SBS, will be hard pressed to live up to its predecessor, "On Air." "On Air," featuring Kim Ha-neul and Park Yong-ha, topped viewer ratings last Thursday, when its final episode was broadcast. A str...

May 21, 2008

Jo Hyun-jae to Hold Fan Meetings in Japan in June

Jo Hyun-jae to Hold Fan Meetings in Japan in June

Actor Jo Hyun-jae, who has emerged as a Hallyu star through his appearances in TV dramas and films, will visit Japan to meet his fans before starting his military duty. Jo will hold a series of fan meetings in Japan next month. The actor will ...

May 21, 2008

Jang Nara Donates Money to Help Earthquake Victims in China

Jang Nara Donates Money to Help Earthquake Victims in China

Hallyu star Jang Nara has donated 150,000 dollars to a charity organization in China for the rescue of disaster victims and the restoration of Sichuan Province, which was recently hit by a devastating earthquake. Jang has worked with the same cha...

May 19, 2008

Cinema Bridges Korea, Vietnam

Cinema Bridges Korea, Vietnam

Actresses Lee Young-ah, left, and Nhu Quynh reunite at the opening ceremony May 8 of the 2008 Korean Film Festival, which was held through May 10 in Hanoi. The Korean starlet starred as the daughter of the Vietnamese veteran actress in “Golden Brid...

May 16, 2008

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...

May 09, 2008

"7-Eleven Japan" Stocks Yon-sama Lunches

The largest convenience store in Japan, "7-Eleven," will sell special lunchbox sets of Korean food produced by Hallyu star Bae Yong-jun. On the 7th, a "7-Eleven" representative announced that they will be putting the lunchboxes on shelves for th...

Apr 27, 2008

Korean Films to See at Cannes

Korean Films to See at Cannes

The world's premier film event, Festival de Cannes, will open for the 61st time May 14-25 in the southern French port city. While there are no Korean entrees this year in the main competition section, five films ― including the world premiere of ...

Apr 24, 2008

"New Heart" Ji Sung Feels the Love

Actor Ji Sung is planning an official trip to Japan for the first time after his mandatory military service. He became very popular in Japan after his part in the TV drama, "All-in." After his 2-year military service, he made a successful come...

Apr 23, 2008

Jang Hyuk Makes Cameo Appearance in Japanese Drama

Jang Hyuk Makes Cameo Appearance in Japanese Drama

Actor Jang Hyuk has surprised his fans by making a cameo appearance in the brand new Japanese drama series entitled "My Sassy Girlfriend," a remake of a Korean film by the same title. Jang appeared in the first episode of the drama series, whi...

Apr 18, 2008

Lee Byung-heon Returns to TV Drama

Lee Byung-heon Returns to TV Drama

Korean star Lee Byung-heon is returning to TV screen in a spy thriller titled “Iris.” Lee’s first TV drama in five years since his starring role in “All In,” “Iris” is Korea’s first attempt at a high-tech spy thriller filled with flashy action sc...

Apr 15, 2008

Korean Dramas Remade in Philippines, Japan

Korean Dramas Remade in Philippines, Japan

When the SBS drama ``My Girl'' was shown on primetime Philippine TV in 2006, the dialogue was dubbed in the Filipino language and the characters played by actress Lee Da-hae and actor Lee Dong-wook were re-named Jasmine and Julian. Filipino au...

Apr 11, 2008

Rain in "TIME" Magazine for 3rd Consecutive Year

Rain in

Actor and singer Rain was asked for an interview with the weekly U.S. journal "TIME," according to J. Tune Entertainment. Every year, "TIME" magazine presents a select list of "100 of the World's Most Influential People" and currently, Rain ha...

Apr 07, 2008

Actress Kim to Star in Bong’s Film

Actress Kim to Star in Bong’s Film

Veteran actress Kim Hye-ja and hallyu star Won Bin will star in a new film directed by Bong Joon-ho, renowned for local blockbuster ``The Host.'' Titled ``Mother,'' the film has been cast and shooting will begin this fall, with an early 2009 o...

Apr 04, 2008

Jun Jin Prepares to Take Japan by Storm

Jun Jin Prepares to Take Japan by Storm

Shinhwa member Jun Jin will hold his first solo concert in Japan, the same year Shinhwa reaches the 10-year anniversary of their debut. Jun Jin has planned two performances on the 26th (2pm, 7pm) at the C.C. Lemon Hall in Tokyo for 5000 fans. ...

Mar 30, 2008

Stars Join in Mourning for Death of Actor's Brother

Stars Join in Mourning for Death of Actor's Brother

Numerous celebrities have joined in mourning for hallyu star Lee Dong-gun's brother at a chapel in Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul. Lee's brother, Lee Joon-yub, 19, was fatally stabbed near the World Square Shopping center in Sydney, ...

Mar 26, 2008

Actor Lee Byung-hun to Launch Film Tour in Japan

Actor Lee Byung-hun to Launch Film Tour in Japan

Top Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun is set to launch a large-scale film-screening tour in Japan. The actor, who successfully pulled off seven large-scale fan meetings in four major Japanese cities last year--Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya--will l...

Mar 24, 2008

Actor Ji Jin-hee to Promote Film 'Soo' in Japan

Actor Ji Jin-hee to Promote Film 'Soo' in Japan

Actor Ji Jin-hee, who recently stared in the action film 'Soo' (directed by Choi Yang-il and produced by Triz Club), will visit Japan in the coming days. 'Soo' is Korean-Japanese director Choi Yang-il's first Korean film. He was noted for 'Blo...

Mar 21, 2008

New Attitude for Actor Kwon Sang-woo

New Attitude for Actor Kwon Sang-woo

March is usually a downtime for movies, but not this year. Hallyu's well-known Song Seung-heon and Kwon Sang-woo star in "Fate," and it's gaining attention from Korean fans as well as those abroad. Fans should be prepared for Kwon's transforma...

Mar 20, 2008

`Fate,’ When Pretty Boys Go Bad

`Fate,’ When Pretty Boys Go Bad

In the star-studded gangster film ``The Fate,'' friends become foes and ``pretty'' actors get rough. Actor-turned-director Kim Hae-gon casts hallyu TV stars Kwon Sang-woo (``Stairway to Heaven'') and Song Seung-heon (``Autumn Fairytale'') and oth...

Mar 19, 2008

Bae Yong-jun to Voice Act for Animated Series of 'Winter Sonata'

Bae Yong-jun to Voice Act for Animated Series of 'Winter Sonata'

The star of 'Winter Sonata,' Bae Yong-jun, will voice act in the animated version of the popular drama series. Bae's management agency BOF said the actor will take on the role of Jun-sang in the animated series jointly being produced with Japa...

Mar 18, 2008

Actors Kwon, Song Get Rough in ‘Fate’

Actors Kwon, Song Get Rough in ‘Fate’

The main cast of ‘The Fate’ by actor and director Kim Hae-gon appears before the press in a Seoul theater, Monday. From left, actors Kwon Sang-woo, Park Han-byul, Song Seung-heon and Kim In-kwon smile for the camera. / Yonhap ``The Fate'' is the...

Mar 05, 2008

Love is no bed of roses in SBS drama

SBS tackles the thorny matter of marriage in its latest drama, "I Love You," slated to hit the small screen on March 31. A spin-off of Hur Young-man's hit comic book series "I Love You," SBS's new miniseries keeps it light and fuzzy in what promis...

Mar 05, 2008

So Ji Sub to appear in Japanese movie "Gegege no Kitaro"

So Ji Sub to appear in Japanese movie

Hallyu star So Ji Sub will transform into a spirit in an upcoming Japanese film. So Ji Sub appear in the film "Gegege no Kitaro" starring Wentz Eiji of the duet WaT. He will play a spirit the main character Kitaro, played by Wentz Eiji, fig...

Feb 29, 2008

Song Seung-hun and Park Yong-ha to Film Fight Scene

Song Seung-hun and Park Yong-ha to Film Fight Scene

Hallyu stars Song Seung-hun and Park Yong-ha will "fight" at a club in Seoul. The two actors will be shooting a fight scene at an Apgujeong-dong club for the music video for "2008 Love Song." Song Seung-hun assumes the role of a fight club ...

Feb 28, 2008

`On Air' Looks Into Making of Dramas

`On Air' Looks Into Making of Dramas

Some 20 dramas are aired every week. There are daily dramas, morning dramas, weekend dramas… and Wednesday-Thursday dramas. In this ``kingdom'' of drama, ``On Air,'' portrays how Korean soaps are made. ``On Air'' is directed by Shin Woo-chul a...

Feb 27, 2008

New SBS drama set to be a smash 'On Air'

The blockbuster-making duo Shin Woo-chul and Kim Eun-sook have teamed up again to create SBS' new drama "On Air." Producer Shin and TV scriptwriter Kim masterminded the hit SBS dramas "Lovers in Paris" (2004), "Lovers in Praha" (2005) and "Lovers"...

Feb 25, 2008

Celebrities to Participate in Hallyu Festival in Jeju-do

Celebrities to Participate in Hallyu Festival in Jeju-do

Park Yong-ha along with members of Shinhwa and SG Wannabe are participating in a Hallyu event in Jeju-do (island). The '2008 Hallyu Again in Jeju' is sponsored by BNV and Jeju Peace Tours, and supported by the Jeju Self-Governing Province. It ...

Feb 11, 2008

Japanese Fans Launch Official Fan Club for Choi Ji-woo

Japanese Fans Launch Official Fan Club for Choi Ji-woo

Japanese fans have officially launched a fan club for Korea's top actress Choi Ji-woo, who has led the Korean wave by starring in hit TV dramas such as 'Winter Sonata', 'Beautiful Days' and 'Stairway to Heaven.' The name of the fan club is 'Li...

Jan 28, 2008

Major Korean Films Offered With English Subtitles

Major Korean Films Offered With English Subtitles

CGV Yongsan in central Seoul will devote a screen to the exclusive showing of popular domestic movies with English-language subtitles, an unprecedented move by a movie theater. ``It's to serve the many foreigners in Korea who want to watch Kor...

Jan 17, 2008

SBS, to air Hur Young Man's "Gourmet (Shikgaek)" and "Love You"

SBS, to air Hur Young Man's

Two of artist Hur Young Man's popular manhwa series will be aired through SBS this year. JS Pictures announced on the 17th a deal with SBS two broadcast the drama series "Gourmet (Shikgaek)" and "Love You (Saranghae)" based on Hur Young Man's ...

Jan 13, 2008

Must-See Films in 2008

Must-See Films in 2008

This year, a long lineup of star-studded movies, both homegrown and Hollywood imports, awaits release with Korea's hottest stars and bona fide actors gracing the silver screen throughout 2008. While a high profile cast hasn't always guaranteed...

Jan 13, 2008

Korean Drama to Debut in Europe

It looks like a popular Korean TV series will be airing for the first time in a European country. Beginning in mid-February, Hungary's government-run station MTV will begin airing "Daejanggeum", a 2003 TV series based on the first female royal phy...

Jan 08, 2008

Male Stars Go to the Military This Year

Male Stars Go to the Military This Year

This year, some of the hottest male stars in Korean entertainment will temporarily leave the spotlight to enter the military as part of the two-year service compulsory for all Korean males. ``Coffee Prince'' star Gong Yoo met with around 1,000...

Jan 08, 2008

Jun, Hwang Become Super Heroes

Jun, Hwang Become Super Heroes

Hallyu princess Jun Ji-hyun (also known as Gianna Jun, ``My Sassy Girl,'' 2001) and Korea's favorite leading man Hwang Jung-min (``Happiness,'' 2007) may seem like an odd pair, but they have one thing in common: superstar power. The two join f...

Dec 31, 2007

'Bad Love' has good Christmas

'Bad Love' has good Christmas

After a slew of historical dramas, the latest KBS tear jerker "Bad Love" promised viewers a break from old school epics with its all-star cast and classic love story. But audiences weren't interested. That is, until now. With the competition heat...

Dec 13, 2007

When History Becomes Entertainment

When History Becomes Entertainment

This year, cultural products dealing with history have been hugely popular, and TV dramas, movies, musicals and novels based on historical themes and materials lead the pack in terms of production value and sales. The three terrestrial networks a...

Dec 05, 2007

[Talk of town]TV stations axe music awards

[Talk of town]TV stations axe music awards

Roll out the red carpet, bust out the couture and summon the stars. It’s that time of the year: awards ceremonies season. But not in Korea. For this first time there won’t be any year-end music awards ceremonies aired on terrestrial stations in ...

Dec 04, 2007

TV Drama Starring Kwon Sang-woo Big Hit in Japan

TV Drama Starring Kwon Sang-woo Big Hit in Japan

Top hallyu actor Kwon Sang-woo has drawn contrasting responses in Korea and abroad recently for his role in a new TV drama after a two-year hiatus. The drama, entitled "Bad Love," recorded domestic viewer ratings of just 6.1 percent on Dec. 3,...

Dec 04, 2007

TV Drama 'Taewangsasingi' Goes to Japan

TV Drama 'Taewangsasingi' Goes to Japan

The last episode of the TV series ``Taewangsasingi'' (The Four Guardian Gods of the King) airs tonight. The drama's legacy, however, is expected to live on, especially now that it is showing on the small and big screens in Japan. The ``blockbu...

Nov 27, 2007

Andy Delights Hallyu Fans

Andy Delights Hallyu Fans

By Kwon Mee-yoo Korea Times Intern Idol stars are expanding their horizons and Andy of boy band Shinhwa is one of them. But fans, even fans from abroad, remain loyal. About 250 fans from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong gathered at Ja-U Theater, Daeha...

Nov 26, 2007

Hyun Young to Debut in Japan

Hyun Young to Debut in Japan

Versatile entertainer Hyun Young is poised to debut in Japan by capitalizing on her shapely body. Hyun is to release a DVD of her body-shaping techniques in Japan in spring. But prior to that she will hold a news conference at the Hotel New Ot...

Nov 21, 2007

Dramatic injury for drama king

Japanese fans of hallyu, or the Korean wave, must be nibbling at their fingernails with worry. Actor Bae Yong-joon, widely known in Japan by the honorific title Yonsama, was injured early this month while shooting the MBC TV drama “Taewang Sasingi (...

Nov 14, 2007

The return of the King of TV drama

The return of the King of TV drama

Koreans often say it’s better to have too much of something than not enough. That seems to be true when it comes to the Korean actor Bae Yong-joon. From the early stages of his career, Bae has enjoyed a wave of popularity that has turned him into...

Nov 01, 2007

Tour to Filming Sets

Tour to Filming Sets

Dramatic Legacy Still Goes on Locations Nationwide By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter Does a mega-hit drama or film leave a tourist attraction behind it? Even after dramas end, their legacy seems to remain through film sets. Since the set...

Oct 15, 2007

CCTV drama starring Kangta ranks first in viewer ratings

CCTV drama starring Kangta ranks first in viewer ratings

Hallyu star Kangta's popularity in China has been proved on television. The CCTV drama "Love in the City 2" which aired over the holidays in China ranked first in viewer ratings. The series was aired once a day at 11:30am, an hour each, from t...

Oct 15, 2007

Sohn Ye Jin, appearing in new film.

Sohn Ye Jin, appearing in new film.

Hallyu star Sohn Ye Jin recently had an interview regarding the new movie she's starring in. "This was too dramatic change of character for me and I had hard time making my decision after reading the script" said the actress Sohn who acted as ...

Oct 14, 2007

Hallyu Stars Promote Korean Fashion

Hallyu Stars Promote Korean Fashion

Hallyu star Choi Ji-woo and other celebrities will walk down the runway wearing the latest fall and winter designs by Korea's top designers for the Hallyu Fashion Festival on Oct. 21. The Hallyu Fashion Festival will be held at 6 p.m. on Su...

Oct 14, 2007

10 Hallyu Stars

10 Hallyu Stars

The Korea Times, the nation's first English daily, turns 57 on Nov. 1. The TOP 10 Series, which will feature the biggest news stories, scandals, events, figures, surprises and memorable moments in the coming weeks, in celebration of the anniversa...

Oct 05, 2007

Choi Ji-woo to Appear in Paris Fashion Show

Choi Ji-woo to Appear in Paris Fashion Show

Actress Choi Ji-woo will appear in a fashion show for the globally renowned brand Louis Vuitton. Choi's agency said the actress is the only Asian star to have been invited to Louis Vuitton's 2008 Spring/Summer Collection. Other celebrities who...

Oct 05, 2007

Henney starts his career in Japan!

Henney starts his career in Japan!

Daniel Henney, a.k.a. the romantic guy, starts his career in Japan beginning with his fan meeting. Henney had his first fan meeting event held on 4th in ‘Umeda Art Theater’ of Osaka, Japan. This is Henney’s first official event held in Japa...

Oct 02, 2007

Actresses Gain Presence Onscreen

Actresses Gain Presence Onscreen

While the female persona Korean entertainment remains largely reminiscent of Hollywood during the 1950~60s, a few in recently released or upcoming films are beginning to reflect, with some realism, Korean women today. Women onscreen tend to be...

Sep 27, 2007

Explore Cinematic Busan

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Be prepared for fun films and a breath of fresh sea air as the 12th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), Asia's largest film festival and Korea's most feted cinematic event, unfolds in the southern port ...

Sep 20, 2007

Japanese film featuring Kim Rae Won to open next spring

Japanese film featuring Kim Rae Won to open next spring

Kim Rae Won will be starring in a Japanese film as one of the main leads. Sankei Sports reported on the 20th that Hallyu Star Kim Rae Won was cast as the main lead for "Hanakake (Flower Shadow)" and completed filming. The film is directed b...

Sep 14, 2007

'Rose of Versailles' Manga Artist to Draw Bae Yong Joon

'Rose of Versailles' Manga Artist to Draw Bae Yong Joon

MBC TV drama series 'The Legend' will be created into a Japanese manga (graphic novel). At a press conference held on the 14th, manga artist Ikeda Riyoko, also famous for 'Rose of Versailles,' announced she will be creating a manga version of ...

Sep 11, 2007

Yonsama's Drama Hits TV Screens

Yonsama's Drama Hits TV Screens

The long awaited drama, ``Taewangsasingi'' (The Four Guardian Gods of the King), starring Hallyu icon Bae Yong-joon, finally met its audience on television screens Monday. It kicked off by airing a ``Taewangsasingi Special'' with a sneak peek o...

Sep 10, 2007

Jang Nara, delivers song yearning for success of the Beijing Olympics

Jang Nara, delivers song yearning for success of the Beijing Olympics

Hallyu Star Jang Nara will deliver a song to the Beijing Olympic Committee yearning for the success of the upcoming Beijing Olympics. According to Jang Nara's official website on the 10th, Jang Nara, who has been the publicity ambassador for t...

Sep 06, 2007

Ji Jin-hee, Ha Jung-woo Meet Ralph Lauren

Ji Jin-hee, Ha Jung-woo Meet Ralph Lauren

Actors Ha Jung-woo and Ji Jin-hee have been invited to the Ralph Lauren 40th Anniversary celebration event in the United States. A Ralph Lauren official said special guests from all over the world will be attending the event to celebrate the f...

Aug 30, 2007

DVDs of Bae, Seo Bestsellers in Japan

DVDs of Bae, Seo Bestsellers in Japan

As Korean actor Bae Yong-jun's popularity continues unabated in Japan, heartthrob Seo Do-young is now helping fuel the Hallyu fever in the country. In DVD sales released by Fuji TV Thursday, Bae's DVD topped overall weekly sales followed by a ...

Aug 24, 2007

Come visit the Jeju 'The Legend' set

Come visit the Jeju 'The Legend' set

The Jeju Island set of 'The Legend' will be temporarily open to the public at no charge at the end of the month. An announcement on the 24th by the local government stated that the 29,000 square meters 'The Legend' set will be temporarily open t...

Aug 23, 2007

Palace jewel retooled for new performances and global ambitions

Palace jewel retooled for new performances and global ambitions

“Daejanggeum” or “Jewel in the Palace,” a hit television drama about a royal chef that was turned into a musical, is returning to the stage on Saturday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, with some improvements. Song Seung-whan, the c...

Aug 21, 2007

Movie 'Destiny (Sookmyung)' starring Kwon Sang Woo and Song Seung Heon sold to Japan

Movie 'Destiny (Sookmyung)' starring Kwon Sang Woo and Song Seung Heon sold to Japan

The movie 'Destiny (Sookmyung)' starring Kwon Sang Woo and Song Seung Heon has been sold to Japan prior to its opening. nTorino which also invested in the movie announced on the 21st, "Japanese rights to the movie 'Sookmyung' have been sold to...

Aug 20, 2007

Model Han Si-yeon's Photos Published in Hallyu Magazine

Model Han Si-yeon's Photos Published in Hallyu Magazine

A collection of photos of up-and-coming model Han Si-yeon has been published in the Japanese hallyu magazine Hot Chili Pepper. A person from the magazine publishing company said Han was chosen because she has been receiving numerous acting and...

Aug 16, 2007

What Hallyu Stars are asking for in Hallyu

The 'FACE in Japan Premium Event' was held at the Tokyo Dome on the 14th and 15th where we asked participating actors and singers about the way Hallyu should be heading. Na Moon Hee: I am happy that the Hallyu Expo was able to be hosted on Korea's...

Aug 15, 2007

Hallyu Expo, Dong Bang Shin Ki

Hallyu Expo, Dong Bang Shin Ki

The 'FACE in Japan Premium Event' was held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 14th as part of the Hallyu Expo. The event featured Lee Dong Geon, Uhm Tae Woon, Ha Ji Won, Cho Hyun Jae, and other actors along with performances by Kang Ta, Dong Bang ...

Aug 03, 2007

Actress Kim Hee-seon Holds Promo Tour in Japan

Actress Kim Hee-seon Holds Promo Tour in Japan

Actress Kim Hee-seon has begun a promotion tour in Japan with support from her close celebrity friends. Lee Byeong-heon, Ryu Si-won, Kwon Sang-woo and Jackie Chan sent video messages to her official news conference at a Tokyo hotel on July 22 ...

Aug 02, 2007

'Forever, Asian Star Culture Expo In Japan' Opens in Tokyo

'Forever, Asian Star Culture Expo In Japan' Opens in Tokyo

The opening ceremony for the second FACE In Japan:Forever, Asian Star Culture Expo In Japan, was held in grandeur on the 1st at the Tokyo Dome City Freedom Hall. This expo is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Comme...

Jul 27, 2007

'Dae Jang Geum' festival to be held in Japan

'Dae Jang Geum' festival to be held in Japan

'Dae Jang Geum Festival,' featuring music and dance, videos, etc. of the most popular Hallyu drama series 'Dae Jang Geum,' will be held on August 11th at Tokyo Dome. The event which is being sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization will fea...

Jul 25, 2007

Korean Stars To Visit Japan in August

Korean Stars To Visit Japan in August

Well-known Korean stars with large fan bases in Japan will travel to Tokyo in August. The Japanese sports daily Nikkan Sports reported that a number of famous Korean stars are scheduled to appear at the two-day "FACE in Japan Premium Event" at th...

Jul 25, 2007

Honey Lee Likely to Become 1st Hallyu Miss Korea

Honey Lee Likely to Become 1st Hallyu Miss Korea

Honey Lee, who finished fourth at the 2007 Miss Universe beauty pageant, has recently drawn attention from Singapore's The Electric New Paper. It was the first time the daily introduced a beauty contestant, not a celebrity. It wrote that Lee, ...

Jul 18, 2007

Korean Star Kwon Sang-woo Appears on Japanese TV

Korean Star Kwon Sang-woo Appears on Japanese TV

A Japanese online sports newspaper reported that Korean heartthrob Kwon Sang-woo will appear on a Fuji TV program. Kwon became popular in Japan with his work in the TV drama "Stairway to Heaven" opposite Choi Ji-woo of "Winter Sonata" fame. K...

Jul 18, 2007

Bae Yong Joon delivers message of consolation

Bae Yong Joon delivers message of consolation

Hallyu Star Bae Yong Joon sent a message to fans and those affected by the recent earthquake in central Japan. On his official Japanese website, Bae Yong Joon delivered the message, "I am worried about everyone's safety and well being after he...

Jul 16, 2007

Lee Eun's Online Mall to Enter China

The recently launched online shopping mall of Lee Eun, a former member of the girl band Chakra, is seeking to advance to China as the first shopping mall opened by a Korean celebrity. Sales are brisk at the shopping mall "Euni," which has posted a...

Jul 12, 2007

Top Star Lee Byung-heon Celebrates Birthday in Japan

Top Star Lee Byung-heon Celebrates Birthday in Japan

Top Korean star Lee Byung-heon will hold a showcase to mark the publication of his third photo collection "Paris, a Monochrome Man in a Monochrome City" on July 12, his 37th birthday. The showcase was hosted by a Japanese marketing firm at the...

Jul 11, 2007

Hallyu concert in China!

Hallyu concert in China!

Hallyu concert, with Kangta, Ivy and more, was held in China on July 11th. Celebrating the 15th year of Korea China Cultural Exchange, this event was prepared and hosted by ITFM, one of the biggest fashion malls in China promoting the 'Global ...

Jul 11, 2007

Danny Ahn, to debut as actor in China

Danny Ahn, to debut as actor in China

"I saw a person reading a magazine in a convenient store about Korean entertainment for the first time and felt the influence of Hallyu for the first time. This China-Korea collaboration drama will serve as a precedent in heightening Danny Ahn's ...

Jul 05, 2007

Fans gather to see Bae Yong Joon's photography

Fans gather to see Bae Yong Joon's photography

Fans have been gathering to see photos taken by Hallyu Star Bae Yong Joon, who is known to enjoy photography in his free time. In the first floor gallery 'PHOTO IS' of Fujifilm Square, located in Roppongi of Tokyo, is hosting '60 Celebrities –...

Jul 03, 2007

Park Yong Ha's new album takes 9th place in Oricon Chart!

Park Yong Ha's new album takes 9th place in Oricon Chart!

Park Yong Ha, starred in 'Winter Sonata', recently released his new album named 'Present' in Japan through Pony Canyon on June 27th. From his 4 years of singing career started in Japan, he picked out 11 of his best songs from 4 of his regular ...

Jul 02, 2007

Dinner Marks 4th Anniversary of "Winter Sonata" in Japan

Dinner Marks 4th Anniversary of

A special dinner show was held in Tokyo June 29 to mark the fourth anniversary of the Japanese debut of the super-hit TV drama "Winter Sonata," starring Bae Yong-jun and Choi Ji-woo. Singer Ryoo sang the theme song of the drama, entitled "From...

Jul 02, 2007

"Winter Sonata," The Most Popular Korean Drama In Japan

"Winter Sonata," The Most Popular Korean Drama In Japan Results from Asahi TV programs research shows "Dae Jang Geum," and "Stairway to Heaven" follows behind. Among many Korean dramas that have perpetrated Japan, "Winter Sonata" revealed to have...

Jun 28, 2007

Min HR Sizzles Under Asian Spotlight

Min HR Sizzles Under Asian Spotlight

Singer Min Hyo-rin is receiving interview requests from a slew of Asian media outlets and broadcasters including China's largest portal SINA.COM, the popular Hallyu magazine COOL MUSIC and Japan's KN. Even inside officials are amazed by the ca...

Jun 27, 2007

Hallyu Romantic Festival 2007 Sweeps Japan

Hallyu Romantic Festival 2007 Sweeps Japan

The Hallyu Romantic Festival 2007, which opened in Japan June 23, has drawn the spotlight from the Japanese media. Fuji TV covered the festival in-depth on June 25, lauding it as a gathering of the top Korean stars and a "dream show." Influ...

Jun 26, 2007

Jang Nara Named Ambassador of Chinese Charity

Jang Nara Named Ambassador of Chinese Charity

Hallyu star Jang Nara has become a PR envoy for a leading Chinese charity organization. The singer and actress on Monday held a fund raising concert for child patients of leukemia in China. The Jang Foundation was established from the money...

Jun 22, 2007

Korean Singers to Appear in China Concert

Korean Singers to Appear in China Concert

The ITFM RNX Hallyu Concert will open in Wuxi, China July 11. The event gathering many Korean stars together will be held to wish success for the Global Korean Fashion/Beauty Expo on August 8. The concert for Chinese citizens will be attended ...

Jun 22, 2007

Ahn Jae Wook successfully starts 4-city Japan tour

Actor/singer Ahn Jae Wook made a peculiar request to his agency in regards to his