20100617 (Newsletter) New Dramas and Director Goo Hye Seon

Hi, KBSWORLDi Fans It's getting hot every day (at least in LA!) and the summer is finally here with more heats from the World Cup Soccer Finals in South Africa. Two weekends dramas "Three Brothers" and "The Great Merchant" came to an end in Seoul last week, which means we will have two highly-anticipated new dramas. Get ready for the excitement! Thanks, KBSWORLDi.com

Production Presentation Held for ‘Legend of the Patriots’ The KBS special drama “Legend of the Patriots”, which was made to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, held a production presentation on June 9. The war drama “Legend of the Patriots” portrays the suffering of the war itself and comradeship of people who fought side by side during the war. The drama actually had been made in 1975 and 1983 on KBS under the same titles and enjoyed tremendous popularity at that time. Cast members participated in the production presentation wearing military uniforms, so it drew attention. In particular, the highlight video released during the presentation contained vivid battle scenes of urgent and tragic warfare, and it has raised the expectations on the drama. The head of KBS Contents Department explained the meanings of the drama by saying, “The intention of producing the drama ‘Legend of the Patriots’ is to relate the horrors of the war to a generation who has not experienced the war to eventually prevent war and deliver a message of peace to them. The same dramas which were produced in the past contained the ideology, but this time, the remake drama focused on humanism.”  Production director Kim Sang Hui said, “People in different ages from different background experienced the same big and small battles together and suffered various conflicts, but in the end, they became fellow soldiers who could rescue each other and depend on each other in the drama. This is a real war drama, so any scenes of melodrama were excluded and the story will unfold by important plots.” Choi Soo Jong, who will play the main lead, the squad commander Lee Hyun Joong, said, “Every actor is acting hard, but we really acted desperately for this drama. We did our best to fulfill viewers’ expectations.” Actor Lee Deok Hwa, who will play the military division commander Park Woong, expressed his expectations by saying, “I have gotten the answer of when, how, and for what I have to die through filming this drama. The purpose of this drama is to deliver the message that war should not break out. The drama will reveal humanity.”

'All About Marriage' continues the legacy of 'Three Brothers' Another new drama is coming this weekend (in Seoul) following last week's final episode of popular "Three Brothers". And here's the introduction of "All About Marriage": "Jung-im closes down the shop early in preparation for her father-in-law’s 60th birthday. Yet, his sons and daughters are nowhere to be found, and so as her husband Tae-ho. At this hour Tae-ho is with his co-worker Suh-young, whispering loves under the curtain. Nowadays, Tae-ho has no arousal around his wife, and sees no sparks in their conversations. Suh-young, on the other hand, is a light to his dull life. As secrets can never stay sealed forever, during his sleep Tae-ho unconsciously blurts out his love towards Suh-young. After such bitter incident, Jung-im is dragged to I-dol concerts by her friend Aeh-ran, and unexpectedly ends up in a fight. Soon, the press releases news about her under the title by, “the revolting vigilant fan in her thirties!” Then Jung-im’s life falls apart as Tae-ho divorces her. Yet what she had not realized is that her life could also turn towards “good” when given just the right chance. As entertainment agency’s head Hyun-wook decides to turn Jung-im into a successful Cinderella, her life changes! Then one day, as Tae-ho turns on his radio he hears a voice, a familiar one… yes, it was his ex-wife Jung-im’s. What would happen next?"   Director Goo Hye-Seon Awarded For Short Film Popular actress, Goo Hye-seon, is proving to be just as talented behind the camera as she is in front of it!  The star who really catapulted into the Hallyu wave after playing the main female heroine in the drama "Boys Over Flowers" has won an award for the short feature film that she directed. The movie, "The Madonna (aka The Cheerful Caretaker)", was honored at the 12th annual Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2010 with the "Spotlight Award". This award is given to the director or artist whose project attracts a lot of attention and is found to be inspiring for a large crowd. In short, you can think of it as a popularity award for the film which garnered the most hype. Goo took to her twitter account and posted up a picture of herself with her trophy on the 13th, saying "Everyone worked hard to create this film. Let's all get together, dinner's on me!". This isn't the only award "The Madonna" has won. It also took the "Audience Award" at the Pusan Asian Short Film Festival in 2009. It was also entered into the Asiana International Short Film Festival 2009 and the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2009. * Watch Goo on 'Boys over Flowers' * Watch Goo on 'Win Win' * Watch Goo on 'Invincible Baseball Team'

Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho (구미호 여우누이뎐) KBS Official Preview (KBS America)

* Watch the full episodes on KBSWORLDi.com.

20100610 (Newsletter) Kim C Leaves 2D1N and Choi Soo Jong on New Drama

Hi, KBSWORLDi Fans,

This week we have added a new method of payment on KBSWORLDi.com - Mobile Payment. Now, Verizon Wireless customers in the US can use their cell phones to purchase points without using their credit cards. (Max $25/month for now, See detail)  We hope this new option makes it easy for you to enjoy your favorite KBS programs on KBSWORLDi.com.

Thanks, KBSWORLDi.com

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Choi Soo Jong: ‘I Fight War Every Week’  Choi Soo Jong: “As I am filming a war drama, I have to fight a war every week and there are always battles. And because the actors have to fight for their lives in many battle scenes, I am always acting desperately.” Actor Choi Soo Jong is coming back to TV dramas as squad commander Lee Hyun Joong in the remake drama “Legend of the Patriots,” (formerly knows as "Comrades") which was loved nationwide in the 1970s. During the production presentation held at KBS International Conference Hall on June 9, Choi Soo Jong said, “When we filmed a battle scene in which shells are bursting and bullets are flying, it was very frightening. Every cast member has scars on their face or somewhere on their body. Remembering the places where shells were buried was more difficult than memorizing script lines.” “Legend of the Patriots” will portray the story of squad members who had advanced to the Amnok river region after fighting at Nakdong River to defend the region and successfully complete the Incheon Landing Operations during the Korean war. The story was already produced as a drama in 1975 with main actor Ra Si Chan, and it enjoyed tremendous popularity at that time. The drama had been produced for a second season with main actor Kang Min Ho in 1983. In 2010’s “Legend of the Patriots,” Choi Soo Jong will play the veteran soldier and squad commander Lee Hyun Joong, whom Ra Si Chan portrayed in the original drama. Squad commander Lee Hyun Joong is a principled person who is like the other soldiers’ older brother. Choi Soo Jong actually takes care of other actors on the set like their older brother. Choi said, “Before we film a scene which could be very dangerous, I talk with the other actors about the scene in advance and suggest they pay special attention to safety when we film the scene. There is a junior actor who is always following me when we film a scene which includes a bomb explosion.” He also confessed that even though he had played a main actor in other blockbuster historical dramas such as “Emperor of the Sea” and “The King Dae Joyoung,” a war drama is much more difficult to film. He stated, “We are trying to present the horror and tragedy of war through a picture tube, so we had to film many cruel scenes. I do not know how it will be portrayed through TV, but I tried not to make any mistakes and errors and to keep angled towards viewers.”  The drama “Legend of the Patriots” will air its first episode on June 19 (Seoul).

‘Cinderella’s Stepsister’ Comes to Happy Ending    “Cinderella’s Stepsister” has drawn its curtain with a happy ending, contrary to wide expectations that it would meet a sad ending. In the last episode, Song Eun-jo (Moon Geun-young) hides herself from Hong Gi-hun (Chun Jung-myung), although they have confirmed their feelings for each other. Knowing that her stepsister Gu Hyo-seon (Seo Woo) loves him, she leaves a note asking him to take care of Hyo-seon. But Gi-hun tracks and finds her, and confesses his unyielding love for her. The drama was a modern interpretation of the old fairy tale “Cinderella,” with the focus on Cinderella’s stepsister. It became a hit, topping viewing charts until the 20th and final episode. The success was attributed to the realistic portrayal of characters who had multiple sides -- both good and evil sides -- as well as the use of unique Korean items such as traditional houses and rice wine or makgeolli as settings and props. Its stars also enjoyed attention and rave reviews. Moon Geun-young was able to shake off her innocent, cute image that she was known for with her role of a mature woman cynical about life. Chun Jung-myung made a successful comeback after more than a two-year absence due to compulsory military service. Seo Woo once again proved her potential as an actress. Ok Taek-yeon, a member of the boy band 2PM, showed a satisfactory performance, dispelling initial concerns about his debut as an actor. He played a boy who loved Eun-jo from childhood.   'Two Days' Tear Up, Applaud Leaving Member    Kim C has left the cast of the hit travel reality show "Two Days and One Night". His last appearance aired Sunday (Seoul), exactly two years and eight months after he joined the show.  The cast, traveling in Gyeongju, grew sullen towards bed time. The members knew the whole day that it was Kim C's last shoot. Kang Ho-dong opened up first, announcing that Kim C, who was like a mother to the other members, was now leaving. Everyone was silent. Kang tried to cheer things up, joking, "Did we do anything wrong to you?"  But all were silent in disbelief. Kim C said his decision to leave is completely of his own accord and a personal matter and had nothing to do with any of them. He explained that he wants to focus on music as the vocalist of the band "Hot Potato." He expressed his wishes to leave to the producers last year and was discussing the right time. The sudden news of his departure fanned rumors that he was being pressed to leave, but Kim C stressed that the only reason is to have more time doing music. The following morning, the members prepared a hearty breakfast for Kim C and the producers gave him a super large photo frame showing his numerous pictures shot on the show.

20100607 (Promotion) E-Store Father's Day Deal

* Promotion deals can be found at http://www.kbsworldi.com/fathers_day.aspx

* Watch your favorite Korean dramas and shows on KBSWORLDi.com.

20100603 (Newsletter) New Dramas and New Event

Hi, KBSWORLDi Fans,

As Cinderella's Stepsister came to an end, we found it's already June.
We have great events coming up this month in celebrating Father's Day and rooting for Korean National Soccer Team.
Don't miss your chance to save and do have fun watching your favorite Korean programs from KBS.

Thanks,
KBSWORLDi.com

* New Event 1: "Go! Korea! Event"
* New Event 2: "Father's Day Sale"

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Ki Hoon and Eun Jo Meet Again in ‘Cinderella’s Step Sister’

Eun Jo, who is poor at exposing her feelings, could not control her emotions towards Ki Hoon and ran into the street to embrace him. When this touching scene was aired, it attracted every viewer’s attention. In episode #18 of  “Cinderella’s Step Sister”, Ki Hoon gave four tips to Eun Jo to help her find a solution to save Daesung Chamdoga, which will face another problem. Eun Jo was puzzled at his tips at first, but the very next day, she could understand the situation when the heads of the family came to her and noticed that they would sell their shares of Chamdoga.
Then, Ki Hoon tried to make a deal with his stepbrother Ki Jeong using a confidential document. But, Ki Jeong kidnapped Ki Hoon to stop him. Meanwhile, Eun Jo became assured that Ki Hoon had been kidnapped by Ki Jeong from the file Ki Hoon sent to the computer and tried to deal with Ki Jeong with it.  Ki Jeong released Ki Hoon after Eun Jo's warning. Ki Hoon said, “Who asked you to do that kind of thing? Open the window and let me look at your face.” Then he smiled at Eun Jo. By looking at Ki Hoon, who was across the street in the middle of rushing cars only to see Eun Jo, Eun Jo ran to him and held him tight. Many viewers came to support Eun Jo and Ki Hoon couple’s happy ending after watching the warm and touching love scene.
You can see what happened to them later in the final two episodes.

* Watch it as a Package

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Scenes in ‘Comrades’ Realistically Depicted  

The KBS special drama “Comrades,” which commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, will begin airing on June 19 (KST) and the newly unveiled large-scale battle scenes of the drama are raising viewers’ expectations. The battle scene in the city of Pyung Yang will be aired at the beginning of the first episode, and the scene was motivated by the actual battle to retake Pyung Yang from October 18 to October 20 in 1950. The street battle scene is the first scene that the actors, including main character Choi Soo Jong, appear in for the new drama. A production staff member said, “As the scene is important, every staff member put a great amount of work into the scene to create realistic a battle scene by using massive amounts of water and special effects...” Also, the production staff members paid painstaking attention to the perfect realization of the Pyung Yang battle as they filmed the scene the first time, and then filmed additional scenes again and again to make it perfect. To film the battle scene, the "RED-ONE" camera, which was also used in filming “The Slave Hunters,” was also adopted. Thanks to the camera, the realistic scene when Choi rushes into an explosion to save his fellow soldiers was filmed successfully with high-speed cinematograpy. The war drama “Comrades,” which will make viewers reflect on the meaning of war and peace by depicting the vivid memories of the Korean War, will air its first episode on June 19 in Seoul. Stars Cast for Upcoming ‘Bread, Love and Dreams’  Four Stars of the new KBS drama “Bread, Love and Dreams” have been unveiled. The drama will begin airing from June 9 (KST), succeeding “Cinderella’s Stepsister”. Set in the 1970s, the show revolves around the life of a man named Kim Tak-gu who aims to become the world’s best baker. Yoon Si-yoon, who rose to stardom through the MBC sitcom “High Kick Through the Roof,” plays the lead role. The other stars are Ju Won, who has been active in musicals, Eugene and Lee Young-a. The cast also includes veteran actors such as Jun Guang-lyul, Jun In-hwa, Chung Sung-mo, Park Sang-myeon and Lee Han-wi. “Bread, Love and Dreams” is directed by Han Jun-seo, the director of the critically-acclaimed drama “Scandal in Old Seoul,” and written by Kang Eun-kyung, whose works include hit dramas such as “Dalja’s Spring” and “Oh! Feel Young.” The two previously worked together. KBSWORLDi will upload the trailer for this drama on KBSWORLDi.com and YouTube when it becomes available. (Update: it's available now on YouTube)

20100602 (Promotion) Go! Korea! Event

* Visit Event Page for more detail.

* Watch your favorite Korean dramas and shows on KBSWORLDi.com.

20100527 (Newsletter) Drama Updates & Noodle Road

Hi, KBSWORLDi Fans,

It's already the last week of May and we are going to have a long weekend in the US.  Guess many of you are going to be on the road to enjoy the beautiful weather.  If not, you can always enjoy your favorite KBS dramas and shows online at KBSWORLDi.com. Have a good time with KBSWORLDi.com!

Thanks,

KBSWORLDi.com

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Horan Immersed in Her Role in ‘Secret Agent Miss Oh’ Singer Horan, who has been making a successful acting debut by receiving rave reviews with her role in “Secret Agent Miss Oh,” has shared her affection for the character.  Horan plays Choi Eun-seo, a top agent who has every quality to be an agent, with a beautiful appearance, smart brain and sharp personality. She was the ex-girlfriend of fellow agent Go Jin-hyeok (Kim Sang-kyung).  They were envied as a "couple made in heaven," but she suddenly left Jin-hyeok without telling him why, only to return three years later. It is natural that Jin-hyeok cannot approve of her since she not only left him without explanation but also made no contact with him during those three years. But Eun-seo has a story that she cannot reveal and, mistakenly believing that Jin-hyeok is seeing Oh Ha-na (Lee Su-kyung), she experiences mixed feelings for him. Horan says she completely identifies with her character. “I had tears in my eyes while I was reading the script. I could understand how she feels about love. It just made me cry to learn how fragile and emotional she is when it comes to love, just like any other women,” she said.  She continued: “I also often feel that I cannot be cool about love, even though I really want to be. When I’m in love, I find myself going from one extreme to another. Being cool can cause many regrets when it comes to love. That’s what Eun-seo is going through. She tries to give the impression that she doesn’t really care, but she must be hurt. I hope she does what makes her truly happy, whatever it is.”

‘Cinderella’s Stepsister’ Character Makes Heartbreaking Confession   A heroine in “Cinderella’s Stepsister” has painfully confessed her feelings towards a male protagonist that she has been hiding.  In the episode 15, Song Eun-jo (Moon Geun-young) feels heartbroken when Hong Gi-hun (Chun Jung-myung), whom she loves, tells her that he will leave her company. Eun-jo pours out what she has kept in her heart to Hang Jeong-woo (Ok Taek-yeon), who has cherished feelings for her from when he was a little boy.  “As a young girl, I always wished morning wouldn’t come, because it was either in a place of a man I didn’t know or in a cheap motel room that I woke up. And most of the time I heard my mother shout and swear at the man she’s living with,” she said. “But from one day, I didn’t have to hear that. I couldn’t believe it, and tried not to believe it because I knew it wouldn’t last long. But it lasted long, and I felt like I was dreaming.” Eun-jo goes on to talk about her love for Gi-hun. “That was not all. I even started to wait for the morning to come. When I went to bed at night, I wanted to wake up soon, so that I could start a day with him. I was happy because I could see him whenever I turned my head,” she said. “I didn’t want anything. It was enough if he’s just there. I felt my heart pounding as if I saw him after a million years whenever he came back in sight, even after being out of sight for only a minute. That was enough for me. I didn’t want anything more than that from him, but he just left and came back, and he’s saying he is leaving again.”  Jeong-woo asks her, “Do you want me to break his leg so that he cannot leave you?” Hearing his words, Eun-jo asks in tears, “Can you? If you can, please do that for me,” but soon seems to try to pull herself together, saying, “No, it’s ok. If he leaves this time, he won’t come back like last time, and then his leaving won’t happen again. It’s a good thing, really good thing.” * Watch it as a Package   KBS Documentary 'Noodle Road' wins Peabody Awards  The acclaimed KBS documentary <Noodle Road> has been honored with the 69th Annual Peabody Awards.  The 6-part TV series (directed by KBS producers Lee Wook-Jung and Yeom Ji-Sun) won much acclaim both at home and abroad for its extensive and detailed coverage of the history of this basic staple spanning ten countries from the Far East to Europe.  Highly sophisticated HD video graphics were used in the making of <Noodle Road> and the BBC’s world renowned chef, Ken Hom, hosted this investigative series that traces the cultural and historical significance of an adaptable cuisine and its transformation and variation over the centuries.   The Peabody Award was particularly for the fourth episode in the series titled <Connecting the Kitchens of Asia>.  The first part of the series <Mysterious Food is Born> was named the “Best Documentary” in 2009 by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.  The Peabody Awards, founded in 1939 in the U.S., have previously awarded such world-renowned programs like <Roots> (1977), <The Simpsons> (1996) and <Lost> (2009). Last year, KBS feature drama for teenagers <Jungle Fish>, won the Peabody Awards. The Awards Ceremony for the 69th Annual Peabody Awards took place in New York on May 17, 2010. * Watch 'Noodle Road' online * Get 'Noodle Road' on DVD