You are currently browsing the daily archive for September 25th, 2008.
The Hollywood remake of the 2001 Korean box-office hit “My Sassy Girl” will open nationwide in Korea on Oct. 30, according to the film’s domestic distributor, Showbox.
Starring Jesse Bradford (“John Tucker Must Die”) and Elisha Cuthbert (“The Girl Next Door, 24″), the Yann Samuell-directed remake of the same name will be similar to the original, aside from the location and the female lead re-imagined as a wealthy socialite.
Set in New York, the movie tells the story of an everyman’s romantic involvement with an eccentric, free-spirited woman.
(kws@heraldm.com)
2008.09.24
Somehow, I don’t think it will be half as good. I’ve only ever watched the subbed version because of my lack of understanding of the Korean language, so… again, Minjee will edit this, as she has most likely seen it. ^^ I rely too much on her. Here’s hoping it fails miserably is a hit.
“EDIT“ Hello! Of course it won’t be as good. No offense to anyone, but anytime Hollywood remakes a great asian classic it always loses its appeal. Ah, but, really I hope people enjoy it. Maybe than they’ll want to watch the original. From what I remember of it(It’s been a few years.) it had a good storyline. The plot was simple and easy to follow. Hope everyone enjoys the remake as much as the original was enjoyed.
Renowned writers from China and Japan are to visit Seoul later this month to attend a forum on East Asian literature, organizers were quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.
Leading Japanese playwright and writer Inoue Hisashi and Chinese author Mo Yan, who gained notoriety with his novel-turned film “Red Sorghum,” will visit South Korea to participate in a seven-day East Asia Literature Forum starting on Sept. 29, announced Daesan Foundation, a Seoul-based literary organization.
The forum is the first of its kind and was established to promote exchange and understanding between the writers of South Korea, China and Japan.
Some 50 writers from the three East Asian countries will participate in the forum, including Chinese author Tie Ning, whose short story “Ah, Xiangxue” won a Chinese national award in 1982, and Su Tong, best known for his book “Wives and Concubines,” which was later adapted into the acclaimed film “Raise the Red Lantern.” Japanese writer Masahiko Shimada, a self-described left-wing author, will be in attendance, as will Keiichiro Hirano and Risa Wataya, winners of Japan’s prestigious Akutagawa Prize at the ages of 23 and 19 respectively.
Hwang Sok-yon, a South Korean novelist sentenced to 7 years in prison in 1993 for an unauthorized visit to North Korea and freed by presidential pardon from former President Kim Dae Jung after serving five years, will also take part in the forum, the foundation said.
2008.09.16
I don’t know anything about these people… so, Minjee will edit this later and give her input.^^ Much love and support…
“EDIT“ Hello! This is Minjee. I’ve been gone a long time, right? A week with my family was what I needed. I got to speak my native tongue nearly the whole time. So glad! Now, on to this post. Mo Yan! I haven’t read many Chinese novels, but I really enjoyed reading his. Red Sorghum is one of the best books ever… of the chinese ones. And Hwang Sokyon, too? Ah, I really want to go home now. ^^I guess I have to settle for second-hand news.
Pop idol makes shaky start in musical
Having well-known singers and actors on theater stage is a formula for success in musicals and plays, but the trend has become so prevalent that it seems almost passe.
Still, public attention was generated when two members of the popular Korean boy band Super Junior — Kang-in and Hee-chul — decided to make their musical debut in “Xanadu,” sharing the lead role.The show — a 1960s movie turned into a Broadway musical about a muse who comes to the human world and finds true love — seemed to be a perfect match for the pop idols.
Although Super Junior fans eagerly awaited the musical, there was a lingering doubt about whether the two young stars would be able to sing and act in the theater.
Prior to the show’s opening, the two pop idols seemed determined to showcase their talent for musical acting. They even said that they would rehearse far more than required to disprove the claim that they got the roles because of their boy-band success. In last Tuesday’s performance, where Kang-in played the main character Sonny, he succeeded in drawing his fans to the theater. At first, a number of doe-eyed teenage girls could be seen gazing at their idol in admiration.
Kang-in made a strong presence on the stage with his cute appearance and trademark smile, to wild responses from his fans. But he did not seem not fully prepared for the show, which required a combination of singing, acting, and roller skating. In most parts of the show, the main characters are on roller skates, due to the show’s unusual setting.
Kang-in’s singing and acting was far from professional, falling short of the level you would expect, and he gave the impression that he was not comfortable with his performance.
Kang-in was also shaky and unstable when skating — at one point he tripped and almost wiped out, prompting chuckles from the audience.
Kang-in’s less-than-impressive performance raised questions about the musical industry’s preference for high-profile entertainers from other fields, even if their presence does help ticket sales.
Meanwhile, the “Panadu” seats — where people could watch the show right up close to the actors, who would occasionally come and play with them — were a refreshing experiment as audiences seated in the special section enjoyed interacting with actors.
“Xanadu” will run through Nov. 23 at Doosan Art Center in Yeonji-dong, northern Seoul. For further information, call (02) 745-5570.
By Koh Young-aah
2008.09.22
Ah~ Poor Kangin… I’m sure he did his best.
I had meant to put this up… uh, I kind of forgot. It was meant to be up here on the 22nd, but of course I didn’t make it. Once again, poor kangin.
Sorry for not getting it on time. ^^
