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

---

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.