Seo In-guk Releases Photos for Comeback with New Single

Seo In-guk has announced that he will make a comeback soon. He looks pure and innocent in the photos released before his comeback.

Seo In-guk released the photos on his official twitter account on May 9th. The photos show the concept of his new single, which will be released on May 14th.

He wears a natural style white T-shirt in one photo and a sophisticated suit in another, looking neat, pure and chic.

Seo In-guk, wearing the white T-shirt looks both pure and chic. He is attractive enough to excite the female fans with messy hair and mystic eyes.

An official from his agendy, Jellyfish Entertainment, said, “Seo In-guk’s new single is an urban media song. You can enjoy his sensitive and warm sides in this spring while listening to the song. But sadly, he will not appear on TV with the song”. The fans seem to be disappointed a little while being excited about his comeback.

Seo In-guk will star in tvN new TV series ‘High School King’, which will air from May 6th. His digital single will be released on May 14th. He is expected to get even more popular with his new song and drama.

Written by Han Jihee, Photography by Jellyfish Entertainment, Translated by Lee Sarah

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Jang Dong-gun Plays Killer in a Dilemma For ‘No Tears For The Dead’

On May 8th, the press release for ‘No Tears For The Dead’ was held at CGV Apgujeong in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Park Ji-yoon was the MC and the participants included director Lee Jung-beom, actor Jang Dong-gun and actress Kim Min-hee.

The action drama is a story of killer ‘Gon’ who had to give up everything after making one mistake. His carries out the final mission to kill the target ‘Mo-kyoung (Kim Min-hee)’ and experiences a conflict between his identity as a killer and the sense of guilty.
He plays ‘Gon’, the cold-hearted killer who grew up in the US.

- Tell us about your character in the movie

‘Gon’ was abandoned by his mother when he was young. He was left alone in the US and grew up there. He makes a fatal mistake on a mission and goes to South Korea to carry on his new mission.

- It is your first time to play a killer.

I have been in several action movies. But I had to train for a long time as the character is a professional killer.

- What do you think of the director and Kim Min-hee?

I personally like his movies. I was happy to work with him so I accepted the role. ‘Mo-kyoung’ plays a great role in changing ‘Gon’. I am glad that it is played by Kim Min-hee. Actresses always face the point where they have to look different and poor. I think Kim Min-hee is at the turning point. I had high expectations for her and she did a good job.

- What is the difference between the new movie and other movies about killers?

Killers have the typical processes and routines. When we think of killers, the first we think is the splendid actions and charismas. So I tried a lot to play a realistic killer. I especially focused on the emotions of ‘Gon’ as a human.

- What dilemmas does ‘Gon’ go through?

‘Gon’ never believes in motherhood. But his life totally changes as he realizes about it.

- Have you ever been in a dilemma as an actor?

I think it is the same with anyone. My roles as an ordinary man, a man with a family and an actor sometimes clash.

- It must have been difficult to train for such a long time?

I was not very fit at first. But after 1 month I started the training, it got more interesting and I got more energy. It was fun. I trained 4 hours a day, 4 times a week for 5 months. I was thinking maybe I have to show my skin a little for action scenes but I did not need to. My body looked nicer at the end of the shooting.

- What are your thoughts about Kim Min-hee?

It is hard to compare her with other actresses. As a movie viewer she has a lot of potentials for future.

- Don’t you feel under pressure about how popular the movie can be? ‘The Man from Nowhere’ directed by Lee jung-beom.

I love ‘The Man from Nowhere’. To be more specific, ‘No Tears For The Dead’ can look similar to ‘The Man from Nowhere’ but is very different from it. The lives of the characters are totally different, the concept of the action, too. I even think why it has to be different. To make a joke, I was thinking about making ‘The Crying Man, the combination of the two movies. The director said this movie is in somewhere between ‘Cruel Winter Blues’ and ‘The Man from Nowhere’. That helped me a lot to understand the concept of this movie.

- Do you want the movie to make a big hit?

I personally hope so. It would be great. But whether the movie can be popular goes beyond the power of the production team. We thought we shouldn’t be ashamed of the movie. I hope the movie can be remembered by the audience for a long time.

- How many viewers would you like to draw?

I would be so satisfied if it is over 5 million. I think 10 million is not the number achieved by man.

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Song Seung-heon's New Movie! Addicted and Dangerous Love Story, ‘Human Addiction’

On May 7^th, the press screening for ‘Human Addiction’ was held at Wangsimni CGV in Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu with the participation of director Kim Dae-woo and the cast including Song Seung-heon, Lim Ji-yeon, Jo Yeo-jung and On Joo-wan.

<Human Addiction> , the adults only melodrama is set in 1969 at the tail-end of Vietnam War, and describes the secretive but exceptional love story in the military office under strict rules and hierarchy.

The reporters asked questions to Song Seung-heon.

- The actors show huge change in acting styles. How did you decide to film this movie?

I have trust in the director. I have watched all the movies directed by him. But this movie is a little different from the others. I wondered how he would direct the movie. I knew the movie includes nudity but I was more worried about the relationships of the characters. The setting itself was a challenge. I watched the final version of the movie and I thought I made a good decision.

- Did you find it difficult to shoot nude scenes?

It is my first time to shoot nude scenes. The director helped me a lot to cope with it. The scenes feature the most natural and beautiful times in the relationships of a man and a woman. After talking to director Kim, I felt that they are all natural. I would have hesitated if I had the offer a few years ago. But now I want to try new things. My images work as boundaries for me, which trapped me inside.

I felt light during shooting ‘Human Addiction’. Now there are various characters I would like to play. I want to be remembered as Song Seung-heon from ‘Human Addiction’.

Song Seung-heon plays ‘Kim jin-pyeong’ and shoots nude scenes in the new movie.

- You character is different from the past roles. What was your focus while playing the new character?

The biggest burden was the nude scenes as the movie is a story about love between a military officer and the wife of his junior officer. I was not sure if I could be able to express the first addictive love of my character well. That was the part I focused on first more than any other things about acting. I talked a lot with director Kim about how I could deliver the love story better to the audience. I did not ask director Kim about the degree of nudity. The director thanks me for that too.

- What are your messages to the audience?

It has been 4 years since my last movie. I hope I made the right decision and the audience can related to the touching story. I would love it if the movie gets popular. But I hope many people feel that actor Song Seung-heon can look different. I have never heard that this kind of melodrama drew more than 4 million viewers. I want to see On Joo-wan swim in the Han River. (On Joo-wan said he would swim in the Han river if the movie draws more than 5 million viewers.)

‘Human Addiction’ directed by Kim Dae-woo, who has directed ‘Forbidden Quest’ and ‘A Story of Bangja’, will be released on May 14^th.

Written by Han Jihee, Photography by Ryuma, Translated by Lee Sarah

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[New Album] Time to Fall in Love with EXO – ‘Overdose’

EXO has released a new mini album, that is expected to make a big hit.

On May 7th, EXO has released EXO-K’s ‘중독(Overdose)’, which consists of Korean songs in Korea and EXO-M’s ‘上瘾 (Overdose)’ that features Chinese versions of the songs in China.

Korean and foreign hit song makers like ‘The Underdogs’, ‘Kenzie’ and Yoo Han-jin participated in writing the songs for the album. 5 new songs of various genres are also included in the new album, making it possible for the fans to enjoy different concepts of EXO.

Making a big hit 3 times in a row with ‘’Wolf’, ‘Growl’ and ‘Miracles in December’, EXO reached the top last year. The sales of its 1st album recorded 1 million copies. EXO swept music awards in Korea and China at the end of last year and it was chosen as the ‘top K-POP artist of 2013’ by the U.S. Billboard website. Being popular across the world, EXO is expected to gain more attention from the fans with its new mini album.

‘Overdose’ is an urban-style dance song based on Hip-hop and R&B. A story of a man who is addicted to a fatal and strong love is realistically described in the lyrics. Music production team ‘The Underdogs’ that has worked with pop stars like Beyonce, Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake and famous composer ‘Kenzie’ participated in the production of the song. EXO’s performances for the new song are also distinctive.

EXO has postponed the release and sale of its album and its comeback schedules due to the Sewol ferry disaster.

[Spot] Showcase for EXO’s 2nd Mini Album ‘Overdoes’

Written by Han Jihee, Photo by SM Entertainment, Translated by Lee Sarah

[Spot] Charismatic ‘Go Young-bin’ and Innocent ‘G.O’ Star in ‘The Kingdom of the Winds’

On May 1^st, the team of the dance musical ‘The Kingdom of the Winds’ held a performance release at the Seoul Performing Arts Company practice room at Seoul Arts Center.

‘The Kingdom of the Winds’ depicts a story of three generations of families: King Yuri, Daemusin and Minjung of Goguryeo. The story starts to unfold with the collision between Daemusin (Muhyul), the 3^rd king of Goguryeo and Prince Hodong who hopes peace.

‘The Kingdom of the Winds’ is a remake of the original comic book by famous cartoonist Kim Jin. It is now Seoul Performing Arts Company’s one of the famous musicals. It is their new musical in 5 years. The original comic book was also recreated as a drama on KBS.

The father and the son come into conflict

Go Young-bin has played Muhyul 3 times since 2006. Muhyul is the king of Goguryeo, who is a charismatic and lonely character. Go Young-bin holds the stage with his great acting skills and charisma.

G.O of MBLAQ plays Hodong, a vulnerable character and the son of Muhyul. He has a warm heart. He will look like a pure boy during performing the musical. He has worked with director Lee Ji-na for his former musicals ‘Gwanghwamun Love Song’ and ‘Seopyeonje’.

G.O worked with Go Young-bin for ‘Gwanghwamun Love Song’. They play as a father and a son.

With the sound of strong wind, the rehearsal began.

The coolest things about the musical are group dances and splendid performances. Especially the fast music and the dances that remind you of wars continue for 12 minutes, the coolest part of the musical.

Groups of actresses who show smooth performances make the musical more dramatic. And the stages look very simple and artistic. The music includes Korean elements as the show is about events happening in Goguryeo.

‘Was G.O cute like this?’ Prince Hodong’s cute performance 1

 

‘Was G.O cute like this?’ Prince Hodong’s cute performance 2

Myhyul is the leading character of the show. He makes the audience fully engage in the musical with his charismatic acting skills.

G.O comes on the stage, saying “Mother, mother”. He looks cute during the entire musical. While he is having a fight with his father, he said, “You eyes are full of fear. It hurts me so much”, expressing his poor situations.

‘The Kingdom of the Winds’ is written by Kim Jin and directed by Lee Ji-na and art director Jung Hye-jin. The show will be performed during the period of May 11st and 20^th.

◎Photo Gallery – Images for 'The Kingdom of the Winds'

Written by Han Jihee, Photographed by Ryuma, Translated by Lee Sarah

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[Spot] New Melodrama 'Triangle', the Fate and Love of Three Brothers

On April 3oth, the press release for MBC’s new drama ‘Triangle’ was held at Imperial Palace Hotel in Nonhyun-dong in Gangnam District, Seoul. The participants included Director Yoo Cheol-yong, the production team and the cast including Lee Beom-soo, Kim Jae-joong, Yim Si-wan, Oh Yeon-soo, Baek Jin-hee and Lee Yoon-mi. The actors and actresses wore black clothes and yellow ribbons to offer their condolences to people affected by the Sewol ferry disaster.

‘Triangle’ is a melodrama about three brothers who got separated at a young age but meet again after not knowing about each other for 20 years.

Director Yoo Chul-yong said, “’Triangle’ is a story about three brothers who got separated at a young age then meet again as an adult. It’s a story about their fate and love. There are many events happening at the casino, which will show natural human desires. The lives of those involved in the casino will be depicted well”.

The main characters for ‘Triangle’; Yim Si-wan, Baek Jin-hee, Kim Jae-joong, Lee Beom-soo, Oh Yeon-soo and Lee Yoon-mi

 

Lee Beom-soo plays Jang Dong-soo, a chief police detective in ‘Triangle’. Jang Dong-soo has trouble controlling his temper. The story is about three bold characters. The elements of love and conflict will be interesting enough to touch the minds of the viewers”.

Oh Yeon-soo said, “I play Hwang Shin-hye, a former psychiatrist and a current profiler. She lived with Dong-soo (Lee Beom-soo) in the same house but she had to marry a guy she didn’t love. She will have a romance with Dong-soo”.

Kim Jae-joong said, “My character Heo Young-dal is a gangster, who lives in Sabuk in Gangwon province. He keeps his desires and ambitions and will start to change little by little after meeting his brothers and Baek Jin-hee”. Baek Jin-hee said, “I play ‘Oh Jung-hee’, who’s from a poor family but never gives up her dreams. Please watch her romance with ‘Heo Young-dal’ and ‘Yoon Yang-ha’.

Yim Si-wan said, “I play ‘Jang Dong-woo, the youngest brother. He was adopted by a rich family who made a fortune doing the coal mining business when he was young. He studies casino management in the US. He acquired new name, ‘Yoon Yang-ha’ after being adopted. He has everything but he can’t fully hide his loneliness and his cold heart”. Lee Yoon-mi said, I play ‘Madam Jang’ who works at the casino. I’ll do my best to make the drama more interesting”.

Yoo Cheol-yong said, “I always wanted to work with Lee Beom-soo. There is a scene in the highlight video where the three brothers got separated.. I think he had the image of a big brother who takes care of his little brothers. He is a truthful and serious actor”.

The director also mentioned about Kim Jae-joong, saying “He is a unique actor. He has a natural and a raw image. I thought he is suitable for his new character different from his past roles”. About Yim Si-wan he said, “He was praised for his acting skills. But this time, I want to help him appeal as a man even if he is the youngest. I want to portrait a new image”.

Lee Beom-soo will have a romance with Oh Yeon-soo

 

After the press conference, Interviews of Lee Beom-soo and Oh Yeon-soo continued.

- Beom-soo, you have played various characters so far. You are a detective now.
I like the job because detectives have some kind of freedom. I once inspected crime scenes with police detectives at Gangnam Police Station, it was really helpful. I actually saw the detectives arrest safecrackers. I’m trying my best to portrait my character as a realistic police detective. I’m so happy to work with director Yoo Cheol-yong and writer Choi Wan-gyu”.

- How did you feel when you shot ‘Dr. Jin’ with Kim Jae-joong? What do you think of him?
Kim Jae-joong is a humble man and a hard worker. He is always the same. He manages his schedules without complaining. He is a good actor. I’m happy to work with him again. Kim Jae-joong has a lot of potential and is a very attractive actor. I think the viewers will be drawn to him more after this drama

- You have a nickname ‘Beoreok Beomsoo (or angry Beomsoo)’. Will you be the same?
I got the nickname after the drama ‘Surgeon Bong Dal Hee’ because of my character. ‘Jang Dong-soo’ in ‘Triangle’ is a violent man who has deep emotional scars from a young age. He couldn’t protect his brothers and he had to live with other families, which show in his characteristics. I heard of the term ‘anger disorder’ for the first time.

- ‘Prime Minister and I’ did not draw high TV ratings. Don’t you feel under pressure?
I worry about ratings every time I shoot a drama. But it’s something I can’t control. I’ll do my best again. I don’t know how the results will be. I won’t focus on the ratings so much but on making a good drama.
The first episode of ‘Triangle’, the story of the fate and love of the three brothers, will be aired at 10pm on May 5^th.
 

[Spot]Kim Jae-joong Plays Tough but Humane Character in ‘Triangle’

[Spot] ‘Cold or Bright’, Baek Jin-hee and Yim Si-wan for ‘Triangle’

 

Written by Han Jihee, Photographed by Ryuma, Translated by Lee Sarah

 

 

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[Musician Focus] Jang Ki-ha Expands His Capabilities

With the song ‘Cheap Coffee’, Jang Ki-ha gave a refreshing jolt to the Korean music industry. He has become a unique musician with his creative music style. He also expands his capabilities as a musician, an actor and a model. It seems that there are no limits in his capacity.

♦ Jang Ki-ha as a musician

Jang Ki-ha is the vocalist from ‘Jang Kiha & The Faces’, which was formed in May 2008. At first, the band consisted of Jang Ki-ha (vocalist), Lee Min-ki (Guitarist), Jung Joong-yub (bassist), Kim Hyun-ho (drummer) and Mimi Sisters (backup dancers and chorus). Mimi Sisters left the band.

Currently, the members for the band include Jang Ki-ha (vocalist), Jung Joong-yub (bassist), Lee Jong-ming (Keyboard player), Hasegawa Yohei (Guitarist) and Jun il-joon (drummer).

The single ‘Cheap Coffee’ first made the band become famous. The members handcrafted their own albums. The single recorded the sales of little more than 10,000 copies. The band won 3 prizes at the 6th Korean Music Awards.

His distinct singing style that can be likened to whispering and the unique lyrics were refreshing in the Korean music industry. It the historic tipping point for Jan Ki-ha as a musician.

♦ Jang Ki-ha as an actor

Jang Ki-ha plays poor guitarist Jang Yul in tvN’s ‘Potato Star 2013QR3’.

As it is his first time to shoot a drama, it seems difficult for him to be considered Jang Yul. But he still looks like the singer Jang Ki-ha. But with each episode, he becomes more natural playing the role.

He was lucky to shoot a kissing scene with Seo Ye-ji, his partner in the drama. He sometimes played a poor guy or a rich guy in different episodes.
Despite the fact that it’s Jang Ki-ha’s first time to act, he has given the chances to act play various roles. The more you watch the drama, the more you think that he is perfect for the role.

♦ Jang Ki-ha as a model

Apart from singing and acting, he has started doing modeling. s wear brand KELBURN for the 2014 S/S collection.

It is a little surprising that he is the model for the brand that mostly makes slim fit men’s clothes of trendy designs. Some may have worried about the decision.

But all the concerns disappeared since the photo shoot for the catalogue.

Famous photographer Zo Sun Hi and stylist Chae Han Suk worked on the photo shot where Jang Ki-ha managed to take poses like a professional model. It was almost unbelievable that it was his first time to do modeling. The clothes fit him really well as he is tall and slim.

About the reason for choosing Jang Ki-ha as the model, a KELBURN representative said, “We chose him as the model for the brand because we like his image of being smart and free. His image fits the comfortable and trendy styles of KELBURN. And as he never tried modeling, we thought it could be really refreshing to choose him as our model. It is good for KELBURN as the brand is making a new leap forward”.

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Written by Han Jihee, Photo by KELBURN, Translated by Lee Sarah