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Isn’t she absolutely adorable in Chuno? Yes, she can be a little whiny as Seolhwa in The Slave Hunters but I find her cute most of the time.
Kim Ha-eun, who portrays a young prostitute in KBS’ highly popular sageuk drama, has been in the entertainment industry for six years but fame has eluded her…until now. The 26 year old struck gold when she bagged the role of Seolhwa.
In 2009, Ha-eun received a copy of the Chuno script by chance and immediately fell in love with Seolhwa. The actress, who is signed under JYP Entertainment, tried to impress the drama’s PD Kwak Jung-hwan by writing a 50-page analysis on her character! He was unimpressed and believed she didn’t have what it takes to portray the character.
Ha-eun did not give up and continued to hope that PD Kwak would give her the role since he had chosen her for the female lead in Conspiracy in the Court, another KBS drama. Conspiracy in the Court was a disaster and ratings were so low that no one noticed her.
While waiting for the producers to call, the determined talent took it upon herself to learn the haegeum (Korean traditional instrument) and taryung (Korean traditional singing), all the while unsure whether she would get the part in Chuno. As it turned out, her efforts paid off when two actresses who were cast for the role dropped it.
Ha-eun is now catapulted into the limelight and we hope she stays there.
Name: Kim Ha-eun (김하은)
Real name: Kim Hyun-jin (김현진)
Date of birth: Jan 3, 1984
Height: 164cm
Weight: 45kg
Education: Dongduk Women’s University
TV Dramas:
Chuno / The Slave Hunters (2010)
Hometown Legends (2008)
Single Dad in Love (2008)
Drama City (Episode: North Koreans to Come Out of Hiding, 2007)
Seoul’s Sad Song (2007)
Sea God (2006)
Movies:
A.P.T (2006)
Love In Magic (2005)
Public Enemy (2002)
Sources: Dahee's Plastic Castle & Newsen
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Kim Ha-eun (김하은)
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Ahn Jae Wook (안재욱)
This man is so unassuming and down to earth that you tend to forget how big a star he really is. Despite having thousands of fans who adore him in Korea, Japan, China, South America and the rest of Asia, Ahn Jae Wook remains very approachable and humble.
Ahn graduated from Seoul Arts University where he majored in theater. At the young age of 23, he made his first television appearance as a blind doctor in the MBC drama Song of Blind Bird.
After Song of Blind Bird, he landed a role in the weekend drama Partner which ran for three years. He was trapped in student roles until he got his big break and was offered the lead in the drama Star In My Heart. That drama catapulted him into superstar status and also kicked off his singing career.
In the final episode of Star In My Heart, Ahn's character performed the song "Forever" in concert. "Forever" - the song was a huge hit and his first album of the same name sold 700, 000 copies. Incidentally, FOREVER is also the name of Ahn Jae Wook's fan club.
Ahn Jae Wook paired up with Cha Tae Hyun to host the radio program KBS COOL FM Mr. Radio from April 16, 2007 - June 30, 2008. During the time Ahn and Cha were hosting Mr Radio it was the most popular radio program in South Korea! On the final broadcast of the program, Ahn told listeners that he really enjoyed his time on Mr. Radio and had not laughed so much in his life.
He is also an avid baseball fan and is known to attend live games during baseball season. Ahn also belongs to his own baseball team called Jemisama.
Ahn Jae Wook is a long standing star and meets with his fans for a 3D/2N get-together at his FOREVER Summer Camp every year without fail since 1997!
Let's get to know this very charismatic star...
Date of birth: 12 September 1971
Height: 176cm
Weight: 65kg
Blood type: A
Family: Father, Mother, Younger brother
Favourite food: Kimchi Jjigae
Favourite actor: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro
Hobbies: Baseball, Golf, Water skiing, Photography
Management company: JABLE (he was previously with Motis but established his own company in 2009). JABLE means Jaewook + ABLE.
Albums:
* Sounds Like You (2005)
* Reds in AnJaeWook (2003)
* Yesterday (1999)
* Memories (1998)
* Forever (1997)
Dramas:
* Saranghae-I Love You (2008)
* Mr. Goodbye (2006)
* O! Pil-seung Bong Sun-yeong (오!필승 봉순영) (2004)
* Destiny (2004)
* Fairy and Swindler (선녀와 사기꾼) (2003)
* 아파트 (2001)
* Bad Friends (2000)
* Mom and Sister (2000)
* Goodbye My Love (1999)
* Sunflower (1998)
* Revenge and Passion (1998)
* Star In My Heart(별은 내가슴에) (1997)
* Three Men Three Women (1996)
* Salted Mackerel(자반고등어) (1996)
* Their Embrace(그들의 포옹) (1996)
* War And Love (전쟁과 사랑) (1995)
* Hotel (호텔) (1995)
* Partner/Jjack (1994 - 1997)
* Song of Blind Bird (눈먼 새의 노래) (1994)
Movies:
* Garden of Heaven (2003)
* Tie a Yellow Ribbon (1998)
* First Kiss (1998)
* Rub Love (1998)
Sources: Ahn Jae Wook's Official Website, Ahn Jae Wook Forever Singapore, Asianfanatics, Wikipedia
Ahn Jae Wook - Friends MV
View more Ahn Jae Wook entries in this blog
View more Celebrity Profiles
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Korean Celebrity Profiles
We started creating celebrity profiles way back when we just started this blog two years ago. At that point in time, we didn't know any Korean celebrities (well, except for Rain that is) and they were all beginning to look the same to us. We were having trouble remembering their names! To "educate" ourselves, we started our profiles section.
We have come a long way since then and we have now compiled close to a hundred profiles!
The profiles are arranged in alphabetical order. If you are new to the Korean entertainment scene, this list might be useful to you. View the list after the jump...
Show all celebrity profiles
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Celebrate Black Day with Lee An
K-POPPED! EXCLUSIVE
Lee An, a Korean singer based in Singapore is single and available. He invites YOU to eat Jjajangmyeon with him on Black Day.
Background music 'Fiction' (픽션), from Lee An's 1st album The Birth
Now, get to know Lee An in this EXCLUSIVE K-popped! Interview...
Stage name: Lee An
Real name: Lee An
Date of birth: 27th Apr 1980
Height: 178cm
Weight: 62kg
Blood type: A
Hobbies: Car racing, Scuba-diving
Family: Grand mother, Father, Mother, Sister and Me
Education: Parkland College, USA
You are currently based in Singapore. Why did you choose to be based there and what do you like most about Singapore?
I had a chance to visit Singapore for a performance for a Korean community event back in 2006. At that time, I was also planning to explore my career as a musician especially in countries outside of my homeland.
While I was in Singapore, I fell in love with the place. I like Singapore for its cleanliness and most of all, friendly people. I also think Singapore is a 'food paradise'. Apart from that, I think Singapore is one of the most centralised hub that connects to other South East Asian countries. These are the reasons I chose Singapore as my home base.
Where is your hometown and what do you miss most about it?
My hometown is Seoul. What I miss most is my grandmother’s cooking. She always cooks for me when I stay at home, especially when I’m sick. I really miss her cooking.
Tell us about your music – who/ what inspires you and how would you categorise your music?
I like all kinds of music, but I especially like rock. I hope to experiment with other music styles for my next album.
I sang for a rock band back in high school. At that time, I loved to sing Bon Jovi and Metallica songs. Their music gave me the inspiration to start a career in music.
Why didn’t you start your singing career in South Korea?
I did have a singing career in Korea but I was (more) into composing songs for other singers as I was also a music producer then.
I was really interested in anything related to music. After my first visit to Singapore, a local music company suggested that I start my singing career here in Singapore. After some consideration, I decided to do just that.
No other Korean singers have been based around this region thus I decided to take up the new challenge. My wish is that by being here, I can also adapt local sounds and not just (rely) on Korean pop music.
On the scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being “having the most potential”, what do you think is the potential for Kpop music in South East Asia, especially Singapore and Malaysia?
I think the potential for Kpop music in South East Asia is a “7 ”. After a couple of years trying to introduce my music here, I realised that each country’s music has its uniqueness. (There are) different songs, and different styles of singing, so it’s impossible to say which is good or not good enough.
Kpop has a good advantage because of the Hallyu, which is made popular by K-dramas and movies. So it’s not only Kpop music itself that is special, as it also receives support from the other forms of entertainment.
As a Korean singer, I would like to say thank you to South East Asian people who loves the Korean culture.
But it does not mean I just use the K wave as an advantage, I hope I can exchange more music experiences with regional musicians. And from there, I hope to create more music which is unique and special, for the people who loves music.
You’ve been actively promoting your music – mostly in Singapore – for the past two years. And now, you have plans to break into other South East Asian countries. Tell us, what do you have in store for us over the next two years?
Yes, my actual promotional activities were mostly focused (on Singapore) in the past year. Before that, I still needed to set up many things as a foreign artiste in a foreign land. I wished I had visited other South East Asian countries earlier, but I did not have the chance until December 2008.
I finally started promotion work in Indonesia in January 2008. At the same time, I had the chance to introduce my music to Taiwan and Hong Kong too. Also, since last year, I have started to work closely with many Korean government agencies in promoting Korea tourism to SEA countries.
I’m very happy to be someone who is able to be a cultural bridge between countries. For the next two years, I will work hard on my music career in the area of Korea-SEA music exchange, introduce Korea to SEA, and also to introduce SEA to Korea.
You were a music producer for 6 years before launching your singing career and during that time, you’ve worked with many artists on their album. Among those you’ve worked with, who would you like to collaborate with as a singer?
My all time idol is Korean singer Lee Seung Chul (이승철), I think he is a great musician who possesses a good voice, which is really suitable for ballads.
I had the chance to work with him on one album project in the past and even a short appearance in his MV. Listening to him has a calming effect (on me) and the lyrics to his songs are very touching, they sometimes bring tears to my eye.
If I have the chance, Lee Seung Chul will be the one whom I wish to be able to collaborate with in singing.
You’re learning Mandarin and have even used the language in some of your songs. Tell us a funny incident while learning Mandarin.
Yes, I practised Mandarin very hard for my EP album, Us. When I produced it in Korea, I used backup singers for the chorus. However, they have never sung in Mandarin before. They had only 30 minutes to practise the exact pronunciation, so it was really too short a time for them!
In the end, I had to record the chorus myself with multiple recordings. After that, I arranged all the voice into one.
Another challenge was the ‘r’ sound. It is a bit difficult for Koreans to pronounce it. So if you listen carefully, you will notice ‘li zi’ in my lyrics. It is supposed to be ‘ri zi’, but even though I knew it, I just couldn't pronounce it during the recording. (It's OK Lee An, we still love ya for trying ;-) - Liz)
As for learning Mandarin, I used to tell the media about ‘la bi xiao xin’ animation ‘lao shi’. I learned many basic expressions from the comic character. However, most Mandarin phrases I know were learnt from friends & fans.
One particular phrase which I have learned from a friend was ‘000 jiu shi 000”, so when someone asks me a question that I could not answer due to my limited Mandarin, I will respond in this fashion: “Ni yao qu ma?” (Do you wanna go?), “wo bu yao” (No, I don't.), “wei shen me?” (Why?), “bu yao jiu shi bu yao” (If I say no, means no).
So now others have labelled this as ‘Lee An’s’ style of conversation! (Laughs) Yes, but I know I should stop using this phrase, otherwise my Mandarin will not improve.
Will you be eating jajangmyeon come April 14? (That is us asking if you’re still single and available? ;-))
Yes, I will be eating jajangmyeon come April 14. It tells people I’m still single, yes. Actually I have already eaten jajangmyeon for pre Black Day celebration with my friends. You can see it in the Video clip! ;-)
Please describe your ideal girl and what you would do to show her how special she is?
My ideal girl is someone who is ‘cute’ and ‘feminine’. Most important thing is I need to have a special feeling that I can connect with the ‘girl’. Without this inner feeling the relationship would be meaningless.
When will you be coming to Malaysia?
I hope to be there around July or August with my new album promotion. I hope to meet more people, and to share my music and hope they will like it.
Also, I would love to meet K-Popped! (Sure thing, Lee An...it's a date. Call us :-).)
Readers...leave Lee An a Black Day message..
K-Popped.com 에서 만나요. 안녕...
Special thanks to Alice of Boom Korea for making this happen.
Also check out:
Korean singer Lee An is based in Singapore
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Gu Hye Sun (구혜선)
Hidden beneath the pretty innocent face, flawless fair skin and huge eyes, Gu Hye Sun is an accomplished actress blessed with many talents.
Best known for her lead role in Boys Before Flowers as the spunky Geum Jan-di, Gu can sing, draw and has published a novel. Now that isn't all, she has even written and directed a short film entitled The Cheerful Caretaker (유쾌한 도우미). Gu who can hold her own on the piano, also wrote the theme song for her short film.
Gu Hye Sun's book is entitled Tango and it is a fiction, based on the memories of her own bittersweet first relationship. The Seoul Art College alumni also illustrated the book cover and the book comes with around 40 of her own illustrations. It was published on March 31, 2009 and she worked on her book while she was in the middle of filming Boys Before Flowers.
Gu made her debut in 2002 in a CF advertising computers 삼보컴퓨터 슬림PC. She has since added a long string of dramas to her credit, hosted music program SBS Inkigayo (2006 - 2007), hosted the SBS Drama Award 2007 and sang the theme song for her drama Pure 19.
Let's get to know the very talented and artistic Gu Hye Sun.
Date of birth: 09 November 1984
Birth place: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 163cm
Weight: 42kg
Family: Father, Mother, Older sister
Blood type: A
Talent agency: YG Entertainment
Education:
- Shin Chon Elementary School
- Bu Pyeong Dong Elementary School
- Bu Heung Middle School
- Bu Pyeong Girls' High School
- Seoul Art College
- Boys Before Flowers (KBS 2009)
- Strongest Chil Woo (KBS 2008)
- The King and I (SBS 2005)
- Pure 19 (KBS 2006)
- Ballad of Suh Dong (SBS 2005)
- Drama City 다함께차차차(KBS 2005)
- Nonstop 5 (MBC 2004)
- Drama City 아나그램 (KBS 2004)
- 2006 SBS Inkigayo MC
- August Rush (cameo, 2007)
Gu Hye Sun and Tablo made a cameo appearance in this Hollywood movie starring Robin Williams.
Gu Hye Sun illustrated the cover of her book - TangoSources: Dramawiki, Gu Hye Sun official website, Dramabeans
More on Gu Hye-sun
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Jo In-sung (조인성)
The tall and lean actor started out as a model – no surprise there.
Jo In-sung, who got his height from his Mom, was an active kid – playing baseball as a child as well as the piano. The latter was not his choice but his Mom’s.
Jo auditioned for a modeling job in his teens and debuted as a ZioZia model. After some bit parts in various dramas, the talent officially embarked on his acting career in the popular daytime sitcom Nonstop (2001). His role in the sitcom led to his first drama Piano (2002).
While working on Nonstop, the model-turned-actor started dating actress Kim Jung-hwa (Spy Girl), who was his co-star in the show. The couple has called it quits but Jo insists that they remain good friends.
Jo's star continued to rise thanks to his lead roles in drama Shoot for the Stars (2002) and hit Korean movie The Classic (2002), where he worked opposite Son Ye-jin.
Following that are dramas Something Happened in Bali (2004) and Spring Days (2005). Jo then toplined the highly-acclaimed Korean gangster flick A Dirty Carnival (2006).
The 28-year-old is currently enjoying success from his latest period film Frozen Flower. The sexually-charged movie sees the actor playing a homosexual army commander who is in love with his King (played by Joo Jin-mo).
Apart from actress Kim Jung-hwa, the lanky talent has also been “linked” to divorced actress Ko Hyeon-jeong (38) who was his co-star in Spring Days.
Apparently, Ko Hyeon-jeong playfully proposed to the actor. She said: “Jo In-sung is far from boring and is in fact witty and humble. We have good chemistry. Whenever we joked around, I suggested we get married and asked what he was waiting for. He’d say he didn’t like easy women.”
Ouch, correct me if I’m wrong, but he just implied you are easy, girlfriend ;-P.
At the time of writing, the hunky talent is planning to serve his compulsory military duty in March 2009. He wants to join the Air Force! Yup, you won’t be seeing Jo as an “entertainment soldier”, he’s aiming for the real deal. In fact, Jo has completed the first stage of testing and is awaiting the results.
Ladies and gentleman, I give you Mr. Jo In-sung.
Name: Jo In-sung (조인성)
Date of birth: 28 July 1981
Height: 186cm
Weight: 76kg
Blood type: B
Family: Parents & a younger brother
Movies:
- Frozen Flower (2008)
- A Dirty Carnival (2006)
- Love of South and North (2003)
- The Classic (2002)
- Madeleine (2002)
- Public Toilet (2002)
TV dramas:
- Spring Days (2005)
- Something Happened in Bali (2004)
- Shoot for the Stars (2002)
- Daemang (cameo, 2002)
- Piano (2002)
- Nonstop 2 (2001)
- Drama City (2001)
- School 3 (2001)
Monday, 12 January 2009
Song Il Gook (송일국)
South Korean actor and model Song Il Gook is most known for his work in historical dramas (saguek) namely Jumong, Emperor of the Sea and Kingdom of the Wind.
He comes from a family rich in political history. Born to actress Kim Eul Dong and her husband Mr Song (his dad seems to be unnamed) on South Korea's National Military day, he was named "Il Gook / Il Guk", meaning "one nation".
Song Il Gook's maternal side of the family contributed greatly to the independence and freedom South Korea is experiencing today! His great-grandfather General Kim Jwa-Jin (Baekya) was responsible for the first emancipation of slaves in Korea. His grandfather, Kim Du Han was Korea's most famous gangster, right wing politician and freedom fighter.
Song Il Gook was brought up in a Christian family and attended Apgu-Jong Elementary, Gu-Jong Junior High and Hyeon-dae High School. Il Gook then went on to attend Chong-Ju University of Film and Theatre and spent a short time in the USA training in stage performances.
After completing university, Il Gook served as his mother's chauffeur for a short time and later enrolled for (the compulsory 2-year) military service in the Korean army.
Song Il Gook married Ms Jung, a Busan High Court Judge on 15 March, 2008.
Here's more on the illustrious Song Il Guk:
Date of birth: 01 October 1971
Height: 185cm (6 feet)
Weight: 80kg
Blood Type: A
Talent agency: Barunson Entertainment
Family: Kim Eul Dong (mother), Song Song Yi (sister)
Hobbies: Athletics, cycling, running, skiing, all terrain vehicles, swimming, in-line skating, water skiing and golf. He is the VP of Triathalon Korea and has participated in Ironman races. He also likes photography and keeps up to date with the latest gadgets.
Dramas
- Kingdom of The Wind (2008)
- The Lobbyist (2007)
- Jumong / The Book of Three Han (2006)
- Emperor of the Sea (2004)
- Terms of Endearment (2004)
- People of the Water Flower Village (2004)
- Desert Spring (2003)
- Bodyguard (2003)
- Album of Life (2002)
- Royal Story (2002)
- Hard Love (2002)
- All About Eve (2001, cameo)
- Into the Sunlight (1999)
- Did We Really Love (1999)
- The Art of Seduction (2005)
- Red Eye (2004)
Family portrait: Song Il Gook and his family
Song Il Gook taking part in the Ironman race in May 2008Compiled by Orchid
Sources: Wikipedia, Song Il Gook Translated
Pics credit: StarNews, Newsen, SIG Translated
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Kang Dong-won (강동원)
Ah, some people have it all. Not only does Kang Dong-won posses model good looks, he's also smart and comes from a well-to-do family (Daddy's the vice president of a huge corporation).
A modelling agent spotted Dong-won back in 2000, when the young man was still studying Mechanical Engineering at Hanyang University (one of the best private universities in South Korea). With his androgynous good looks, Dong-won became a professional model before he started acting. He debuted in the drama The Funny Wild Girl (2003) before making his movie debut in Too Beautiful to Lie (2004).
People started taking notice of the model-turned-actor after he appeared in Temptation of the Wolves (2004). The flick made him one of the most promising young actors in South Korea. In fact, he is considered one of the leading stars of the second generation Hallyu (the 27-year-old is particularly popular in Japan.)
In 2006, the actor starred in the critically-acclaimed Our Happy Time. He then proved to all and sundry that he is more than just a pretty face by toplining hit movie Voice of a Murderer the same year. Only his voice is heard in the flick.
In 2007, the actor tackled the role of the Prozac-popping novelist Min-woo in director Lee Myung-se's M. The flick was their second collaboration together after 2005's Duelist. At the time of writing, Kang Dong-won is said to be starring in director Choi Dong-hun's Tale for Jeon Woo-chi, which is scheduled for release in early 2009.
Here's the lowdown on Kang Dong-won:
Name: Kang Dong-won (강동원)
Date of birth: Jan 18, 1981
Place of birth: Busan, South Korea
Height: 186cm
Weight: 68kg
Blood type: B
Education: Graduated from Hanyang University with honours (major in Mechanical Engineering) & currently in Sangmyung University's Graduate School (major in film)
Movies
- Tale of Jeon Woo-chi (2009)
- M (2007)
- Voice of a Murderer/ His Voice (2007)
- Our Happy Time/ Maundy Thursday (2006)
- Duelist (2005)
- Temptation of Wolves/ Romance of Their Own (2004)
- Too Beautiful To Lie/ Don't Believe Her (2004)
- Magic (2004)
- 1% of Anything/ Something About 1% (2003)
- Funny Wild Girl/ Majestic Lady/ Lady of Dignity (2003)
Pic credit: Newsen
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Yun Jung Hoon (연정훈)
30 year-old Yun Jung Hoon (Yeon Jeong Hun) is probably most famous for marrying the beautiful actress, Ha Ga In. Being an actor seem to be in his roots as his father is veteran actor Yun Kyu Jin. The very first time I saw Yun Jung Hoon was in the movie Daddy Long Legs where he acted opposite Ha Ji Won. I thought he looked more Chinese than Korean.
With a string of dramas under his belt, Yun Jun Hoon returns to his acting career after military service in the new drama East of Eden. He did not rush back to work after military but waited 6 months for the right role to come his way.
In East of Eden he plays Dong-wook, the younger brother of the main character Dong-cheol (Song Seung-hun). Coming from a family who is familiar with the entertainment business, Yun consults his parents and wife before accepting any projects. His mother used to manage his father's career and helped her husband select scripts. The role in East of Eden comes highly recommended by his father who has worked with writer Na Yeon-sook many times.
Yun Jung hoon signed on with Rain's entertainment company, J. Tune Entertainment earlier this year.
Date of birth: 6 November 1978
Height: 182cm
Weight: 70kg
Blood type: O
School: Art Center Design School (USA), Myungji University
Talent agency: J. Tune Entertainment
Dramas
- East of Eden (MBC, 2008)
- Sad Love Song (MBC, 2005)
- Love Is All Around (MBC, 2004)
- Snow White (KBS, 2004)
- Rosemary (KBS, 2003)
- Yellow Handkerchief (KBS, 2003)
- A Problem At My Younger Brother's House (SBS, 2003)
- Drama City (KBS, 2002-07-07)
- Nonstop (MBC, 2000)
- Kaist (SBS, 1999)
- Love In Magic(2005)
- Daddy Long Legs(2005)
Pic credit: MyDaily
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Lee Seon Gyun (이선균)
When i wanted to do a profile of Coffee Prince's Choi Han Seong - actor Lee Seon Gyun, i couldn't find any information on him in English! He isn't even on Wikipedia. Anyway, this is probably one of the few profiles of him in English, thanks to K-popped!'s reader and friend Joe Gimm.
This low-keyed actor has a rich deep voice that you would notice immediately. Lee Seon Gyun is currently in the drama My Sweet Seoul (달콤한 나의 도시). From an unknown he shot to fame in his role in the 2007 MBC hit drama Coffee Prince in which he plays a patient and sensitive music director.
33 year-old Lee Seon Gyun made his debut in 2001 via a musical 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'. He also started to act minor roles in films from that year onwards. His most memorable TV appearance was 'Loveholic:러브홀릭' in 2005.
It may be that producers have taken note of that deep rich baritone of his and resulted in him singing the title song of his current drama My Sweet Seoul.
Lee Seon Gyun is married to actress Jun Hye Jin.
Let's get to know this very private actor.
Date of birth: 02 March 1975
Height: 180cm
Weight: 70kg
Education: Seoul Unification Arts Institute (Acting major)
Dramas:
- My Sweet Seoul (2008)
- The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (2007)
- White Tower (2007)
- Fugitive Lee Doo Young (2006)
- Loveholic (2005)
- Drama City (2005)
- Thousand Years of Love (2003)
Movies:
- Night and Day
- I Feel Lucky (2008)
- Our Town (2007)
- The Customer is King (2006)
- The Brutal Working Life (2006)
- Apple (2005)
- Hitch Hiking (2004)
- Priest Lessons (2004)
- Mermaid Princess (2004)
- R Point (2004)
- Show Show Show (2003)
- The Scent of Chrysanthemums (2003)
- How to Please Your Boss (2002)
- If You Know a Good Person, Please Introduce to Me (2002)
- Run First (2002)
- Surprise (2002)
- Psycho Drama (2000)
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Son Tae-young (손태영)
At the time of writing, Son Tae-young is best known as the soon-to-be Mrs. Kwon Sang-woo. The lovebirds have set their wedding date on September 28, 2008.
But before the announcement that Son is marrying one of K-popdom's most eligible bachelors, the 28-year-old kicked off her career in showbiz as a beauty queen.
The Iljimae and Sad Movie actress was the 3rd runner-up in the 2000 Miss Korea beauty pageant. She went on to act in the drama Pure Heart (2001). Her first movie role was in the 2004 flick Ghost House.
One of her more notable flicks is The Railroad (2006), which received a special award by the International Federation of Film Critics during the 25th Torino Film Festival in Italy.
The backlash from her impending marriage to Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo has laid bare her personal life.
In 2001, Son made headlines for dating actor Shin Hyun-joon (St. Hobbo Oppa) after calling it quits with songwriter Joo Young-hoon. A love triangle between the trio made much fodder for gossip.
Son again became the centre of attention in 2006 when she got involved with music video director Cool K.
The lady openly expressed the pain of breaking up on a talk show last year, saying how she has lost faith in love. Little did she know, hunky Kwon Sang-woo (32) was tuned in to the program and her vulnerability made him sympathise with her. After that, the rest - as they say - is history. (You can read about their romance here or check out the links below).
Ladies, and gentlemen, I give you Son Tae-young:
Name: Son Tae-young/ Sohn Tae-young (손태영)
Date of birth: Aug 19, 1980
Height: 171cm
Weight: 50kg
Blood type: A
Movies:
- Going Crazy Waiting / The Longest 24 Months (2007)
- The Railroad (2006)
- 3 Colors Love Story (2006)
- Sad Movie (2005)
- Ghost House (2004)
- Iljimae (2008)
- I Am Sam (2007)
- Freeze (2006)
- Yeon Gae Somun (2006)
- Marrying a Millionaire (2005)
- One Million Roses (2003-2004)
- Remember (2002)
- Pure Heart (2001)
Pic credit: HanCinema
Related:
Is Sohn Tae Young the right woman for Kwon Sang Woo?
Kwon Sang-woo announces wedding date
Is Kwon Sang-woo's girlfriend Sohn Tae-Young?
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
SeeYa (씨야)
SeeYa which is the shortened form of "See You Always" is the name of a South Korean female trio made up of Nam Gyu Ri, Kim Yeon Ji and Lee Bo Ram.
SeeYa is the brainchild of the producers who brought us romantic crooners SG Wannabe. Since the latter has been so well received, the producers wanted to create a female version thus a nationwide talent search was held. Out of four-hundred hopefuls, the trio which consists of Nam, Kim and Lee were selected and thus the birth of SeeYa in 2005.
From left: Lee Bo Ram (The Sweetheart),
Nam Gyu Ri (The Beauty) & Kim Yeon Ji (The Holy Voice)
SeeYa is a girl group with substance. They are not just pretty faces but show off their vocal prowess via ballads such as Sad Steps / Shoes 2, Lovers Greetings, Crazy Love Song, Ice Doll and Hateful. On the other hand, they also do upbeat, pop-ish songs such as Let's Get Married, I Still Like You and Summer Dream.
So ladies & gentlemen, introducing SeeYa.
Name: Nam Gyu Ri (남규리)
Date of birth: 26 April, 1985
Place of birth: GwangJoo City
Height: 165cm
Weight: 46kg
Education: MyungJee Professional University
Known as The Beauty (also The Leader)
Name: Kim Yeon Ji (김연지)
Date of birth: 30 October, 1986
Height: 163cm
Known as The Holy Voice
Name: Lee Bo Ram (이보람)
Date of birth: 17 February, 1987
Height: 167cm
Education: Seoul Arts University
Known as The Sweetheart
Albums:
- The First Mind - Volume 1(2006)
- Lovely Sweetheart -Volume 2 (2007)
- California Dream - Special Album (2008)
Compilations:
- All Star: Composer Jo Young Soo Project Album 1st (Track #3 Hateful) 2007
- All Star" 2nd album Vol.4 Seeya & Lee Ji Hye (Fool) 2008
Soundtrack:
- Invisible Man, Choi Jang Soo O.S.T. (Track #3 Crazy Love Song) 2006
Single:
- SeeYa & Brown Eyed Girls Single - To My Lover (2006)
Source: Wikipedia, Naver
Special thanks : K-popped! reader Johan Yusof
Monday, 12 May 2008
Dennis Oh (데니스 오)
For K-popped! reader Wawa
Is he another Daniel Henney-type who is using Korea as a launch pad into US showbiz?
Korean-American Dennis Joseph O'Neil or Dennis Oh kick started his career as a model at 16.
The story goes: Dennis was in the basement of his home working out when a plug on a modelling contest was heard over the radio airwaves. The teenager decided to try it out for giggles and that fateful competition marked his path into showbiz.
Dennis travelled to many Asian countries (Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan) during his modelling stint. The art major even changed his major to photography to help him model better. Another reason: he plans to become a professional photographer once he retires from the entertainment industry.
While modelling in South Korea, Dennis was spotted in 2005 by producer Ko Dong-sun, who promptly cast the talent in the MBC drama Sweet Spy.
After that, the model-turned-actor bagged another role in the 2007 SBS drama Yuhee the Witch (hey, that was recently shown on 8TV in Malaysia! Nope, didn't watch it because the Mandarin dubbing sucks).
At the time of writing this profile, Dennis is said to be working on another MBC drama entitled East of Eden.
Stage name: Dennis Oh
Real name: Dennis Joseph O'Neil
Birthdate: Aug 29, 1981
Height: 188cm
Weight: 83kg
Blood type: A
Family: Korean Mom, American Dad and an older brother
TV dramas:
- East of Eden (2008)
- Yuhee the Witch (2007)
- Sweet Spy (2005)
Monday, 24 March 2008
FT Island (에프티 아일랜드)
FT Island is the name of the South Korean pop-rock band (genre: rock ballad) which consist of five talented boys. This is not your usual boy band where all they do is sing and dance on stage. These talented lads actually play their own instruments.
Five Treasured Boys
F.T. Island stands for Five Treasure Island as each of the members are so cherished and thus they are referred to as a "treasure". Don't ask me how "island" came into the equation. The band has an official colour, and it's yellow. Their fans carry and wave yellow flags known as "pentasticks" to show their love and support.
Their debut album, Cheerful Sensibility was the sixth best-selling album in South Korea for 2007, selling 79,789 copies. This album consist of 13 tracks and you will hear work from famous producers who produced for SG Wannabe and Japanese band SMAP. The album was repackaged and re-released on December 3, 2007 with three additional songs, a photobook, photocards, and a mixing program (Music 2.0) so that you can play around with the levels of the instrument and vocals in the album. The repackaged version is called The Refreshment and it sold another 25,724 copies!
The group will hold their first concert in Malaysia on 30 March, 2008 at Sunway Lagoon Amphitheater.
Let's get to know the treasured band members.
Get to know FT Island: Click to view larger imageChoi Jong Hun (최종훈) - Leader, piano and guitar
Prior to joining FT Island, Jong Hun was well known online as an "Ulljjang" or Net Idol. He is a very talented pianist and has played the piano since he was six years-old. His fans love him even though he could be pretty awkward and cheesy on stage.
DOB: 07 March 1990
Height: 178cm
Weight: 60kg
Blood Type: A
Best known for his: Sharp features & nose
Lee Hong Gi (이홍기) - Lead Vocalist
Hong Gi first debuted as a child actor but later decided to be a singer. He has appeared in KBS2's kids drama "Magic Kid Masuri" and MBC's TV drama "Bingjun". On EBS TV, he appeared in numerous dramas such as "Ggangsuni" and was nicknamed "EBSHongstar". He has kept the name Hongstar ever since.
DOB: 02 March, 1990
Height: 176cm
Weight: 60kg
Blood Type: AB
Best known for his: Smiling eyes & bright smile
Lee Jae Jin (이재진) - Bassist
In 2007, Jae Jin landed the prominent acting role in the KBS drama "Unstoppable Marriage". Since then, his individual popularity has soared. He is known to be the smart and serious one. But he is not like that all the time, and can often be seen goofing around with his fellow bandmember Hong Gi.
DOB: 17 December 1991
Height: 177cm
Weight: 58kg
Blood Type: A
Best known for his: Lips
Choi Min Hwan (최민환) - Drummer
The baby of the group gets to play the drums! Barely 16 years-old, he has been playing the drums since age 12. Min Hwan's favourite food is chicken and he usually poses for the camera with his "double peace sign".
DOB: 11 November 1992
Height: 171cm
Weight: 55kg
Blood Type: A
Best known for his: Cuteness
Song Seung Hyun (송승현)
DOB: August 21, 1992
The latest edition to the band (he replaces Oh Won-bin) sings vocals, raps and plays the guitar.
Oh Won Bin announced that he has left the group in January 2009. He enrolled in Gyeonggi University to continue his studies.
New member Song Seung-hyun joined FT Island as Won-bin's replacement.
Former member:
Oh Won Bin (오원빈) - Guitar, vocals, rap
Won Bin is not only skilled in music, but also in martial arts. He is an accomplished kickboxer and has been training since childhood. He is know to be the tough and macho one in the group.
DOB: 26 March 1990
Height: 180cm
Weight: 63kg
Blood Type: O
Best known for his: Smiling eyes, muscular arms and toned abs
Go to the F.T. Island official site where you will be greeted with the soothing sounds of lapping waves...
Update Jan 2009: Guitarist Oh Won-bin has left the group and is replaced by Song Seung-hyun.
FT Island Special Album - The Refreshment
Get F.T. Island's Cheerful Sensibility on YesAsia!
More on F.T. Island
References: Wikipedia, www.ci-enter.com
Pics credit: Newsen, FT Island Official Website
Friday, 29 February 2008
Jeon Do-yeon (전도연)
There was a whole lot of buzz surrounding this award-winning actress last year.
Thanks to her role in Secret Sunshine, Jeon Do-yeon made heads turn when she bagged the Best Actress trophy at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
Apart from that, the 35-year-old actress, who embarked upon a showbiz career back in 1990, was also named one of Variety’s 50 Most Influential Women.
Even Anjali Rao of CNN’s Talk Asia conducted an interview with the star. The program was aired in October 2007.
Jeon started her career by appearing in television dramas. After five years doing TV work, she debuted as a film actor in The Contact, starring opposite Han Seok-gyu. The film was a hit.
The actress then took on different types of roles ranging from a schoolgirl in Harmonium in My Memory to an adulteress in Happy End. Her popularity steadily increased and in late 1999, she won the Best Actress award at Korea’s Chungryong Awards for her role in Harmonium in My Memory.
Jeon also appeared in Untold Scandal, a box-office hit that is based on the famous French novel Dangerous Liaisons.
On the personal front, the actress tied the knot with 44-year-old businessman Kang Shi-kyu in March 2007, after a 4-month whirlwind romance.
Ladies and gentlemen, an actress who’s making Korea proud, Jeon Do-yeon:
Name: Jeon Do-yeon/ Jun Do-yun (전도연)
Date of birth: Feb 11, 1973
Height: 165cm
Blood type: O
Movies:
- Secret Sunshine (2007)
- You Are My Sunshine (2005)
- My Mother, the Mermaid (2004)
- Untold Scandal (2003)
- No Blood No Tears (2001)
- I Wish I had a Wife (2000)
- Happy End (1999)
- A Promise (1998)
- Harmonium in My Memory (1998)
- The Contact (1997)
- Lovers in Prague (2005)
- Shoot the Star (2002)
- Some Things You Can’t Forget (1998)
- Project (1996)
- The Star in My Heart (1996)
- Until We Can Love (1996)
- The Sunshine of the Youth (1995)
- The Scent of Love (1994)
- Our Own Heaven (1993)
Pic credit: Expo Say
Related stories:
Milyang shines at 6th South Korea Film Awards
Jeon Do-yeon, JYP and André Kim make Koreans proud
Jeon Do-yeon bags 7 awards in 2007
Jeon Do-yeon on Talk Asia
Jeon Do-yeon's an influential woman
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Thursday, 7 February 2008
Lee Yo-won (이요원)
Just when I thought most Korean celebrities remain single, here's one woman who is married to Korean professional golfer Park Jin Woo and is the mother of a beautiful daughter.
Lee Yo-won shot to stardom in the 2007 SBS medical drama "Surgeon Bong Dal Hee" in which she played the lead character Dr Bong Dal Hee who is a first year resident who strives to become a surgeon despite suffering from a heart problem. Lee bagged the 2007 SBS Top Excellence Award and Popularity Award for her work in this drama.
Here on K-popped! we know the 28 year-old actress in the drama "Bad Love" (or "Cruel Love") in which she stars opposite Kwon Sang-woo and Kim Sung-su. Her co-star Kwon once told the press that Yo-won is blessed with a very classic, timeless kind of beauty.
Well, let's get to know this classic beauty.
Date of birth: 09 April 1980
Height: 170cm
Weight: 48kg
Dramas
- Bad Love (2007)
- Surgeon Bong Dal Hee (2007)
- Fashion 70's (2005)
- Daemang (2002)
- Pure Heart (2001)
- Blue Mist (2001)
- Kkokji Tough Guy's Love 꼭지 (2000)
Movies
- Splendid Holidays (2007)
- Gwang-tae, Gwang-shik’s Brother (2005)
- Surprise Party (2002)
- A.F.R.I.K.A. (2002)
- Take Care of My Cat (2001)
- Attack the Gas Station (1999)
- Scent of a Man (1998)
Source: Wikipedia
Also check out:
Lee Yo-won's graduation day
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