Joo Ji-hoon busted for drug use

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/04/joo-ji-hoon-busted-for-drug-use/

Whoa. Five people have been busted for drug trafficking, selling, and/or use — and three of them celebrities.

Most shocking is the involvement of popular actor Joo Ji-hoon, of movies Antique Bakery and The Naked Kitchen.

A representative from the Seoul police’s drug investigation department told reporters on April 26, “Joo Ji-hoon was investigated and admitted to drug use.” Joo reportedly bought the drugs — which include Ecstasy and Ketamine — from a fellow celebrity. Two non-celebrity individuals were booked for drug use along with Joo, but the three were not jailed. Police have filed for arrest warrants for the traffickers, movie actress Yoon Seol-hee and model Yeh Hak-young.

According to the police, Yoon is suspected of having received approximately 100 million won ($75,000) from Yeh and others between August 2007 through December 2008. She allegedly traveled from Japan fourteen times to purchase, smuggle, and sell Ecstasy and Ketamine. (Yeh supposedly accompanied her several times.) The drugs had been smuggled into the country by concealing them in underclothes worn by Yoon.

Joo Ji-hoon is thought to have used the drugs on two occasions along with the other reported individuals, at a Kangnam club and at home.

The 26-year-old Joo Ji-hoon shot to fame after acting the lead role of the prince in the incredibly popular teen drama Goong (Princess Hours) in 2006, which he followed with the dark thriller drama Devil in 2007. Most recently, he took the lead in the manga-adapted film Antique Bakery and the offbeat romance The Naked Kitchen.

YIIIIKES. I’m guessing he’ll be dropped from the Tokyo Tower remake now — if not prevented from acting altogether. Drug use — particularly in South Korea — is a big, big deal, and potentially career-killing stuff. Don’t do drugs, folks!

UPDATE

Joo Ji-hoon, Yoon Seol-hee, Yeh Hak-young

There isn’t much information available on Yoon Seol-hee, other than that she is an actress who was born in 1982.

Yeh Hak-young, on the other hand, was born in 1983 and got his start as a model in 2001, and appeared in numerous clothing, cell phone, and other advertisements, as well as music videos for groups like SG Wannabe and Gavy NJ. He made his first acting appearance in the MBC Nonstop sitcom series, then acted in the 2006 cable television version of Dasepo Naughty Girls, and Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon-hee’s Millionaire’s First Love.

UPDATE 2

Yoon Seol-hee has confessed more names of individuals who took drugs from her. Of the approximately 15 additional names, there are seven or eight more celebrities. Police will be following with investigation of those additional parties, “some of whom are as widely known as Joo.” Eep! This thing could get big(ger) and ugly(er).

Via Herald Biz, My Daily, Yonhap News

Joo Ji-hoon seeks 1 year in prison

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/06/joo-ji-hoon-seek-1-year-in-prison/

Joo Ji-hoon arrives at court on June 9

Correction: Apologies, I read further to see that the punishment is not final. The prosecutors sought the stated prison terms for the accused, but the official sentencing comes in two weeks.

Joo Ji-hoon appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on June 9 for a hearing after being caught using drugs (ecstasy and ketamine), where he sought a 1-year prison term and a penalty of 440,000 won.

On this day, Joo Ji-hoon, actress Yoon Seol-hee, and model Yeh Hak-young all admitted to their wrongdoing, and Joo said, “I am deeply regretful of my mistake.” In his final statements, he added, “As one person acting in one moment, I could not restrain my curiosity and ended up hurting many people. I have vowed not to do anything like this again.”

His lawyer added, “Joo Ji-hoon took the drugs while very intoxicated, and did not take any more after the incident last year in April. He had postponed his enlistment date to October 2009, but if he postpones it because of this incident, he will come back a new person after serving his military duty.”

The other celebrities caught up in the scandal sought harsher punishments for trafficking and selling the drugs on multiple occasions: 7 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 13.2 million won for Yoon Seol-hee, the trafficker in the scandal, and 5 years and a 2.26 million won penalty for Yeh Hak-young. They will all receive announcement of their verdict and sentencing at a public hearing on June 23.

(I know a year in prison sounds pretty harsh for a celebrity drug scandal… but I actually think Joo Ji-hoon could face much, much worse. A year is enough time for him to drop out of the public eye, after which he can serve out his military duty, and return with a rehabilitated image in three years. Given that he has to do the army duty regardless, it’s as good a time as any to drop out of the spotlight and let people forget about him for a while.)

Via Break News

bad behavior, Joo Ji-hoon, Yeh Hak-young, Yoon Seol-hee

Tokyo Tower bought for Korean remake

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/04/tokyo-tower-bought-for-korean-remake/

Kim Ji-soo (Women in the Sun) is pairing up with Antique Bakery and The Naked Kitchen star Joo Ji-hoon for the Korean remake of the Japanese film Tokyo Tower [도쿄 타워].

Tokyo Tower was originally a novel written by popular Japanese novelist Ekuni Kaori and depicts the love story of a 20-something young man with a 40-something married woman (Joo Ji-hoon’s real age is 26 — he turns 27 next month — while Kim Ji-soo is 36). It was produced as a 2005 movie starring Okada Junichi, Kuroki Hitomi, and Matsumoto Jun.

According to production company Future One, the remake rights were recently bought and a director has been attached: PD Ahn Pan-seok, who successfully helmed the MBC drama remake series White Tower. The drama will be filmed in advance of airing, although it hasn’t yet decided which broadcast station to air on.

Via DongA

Hyun Bin and Kim Min-joon are friends again

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/06/hyun-bin-and-kim-min-joon-are-friends-again/

Hyun Bin, Kim Min-joon

(Cute.)

With baseball drama Strike Love winding down on MBC, its replacement series is getting ready to air: Friend, Our Legend [친구, 우리들의 전설], which is the television remake of the immensely successful 2001 film Friend.

The series stars Hyun Bin (The World They Live In) and Kim Min-joon (Tazza) as Dong-soo and Jun-seok, respectively. The roles were originated in the film by Jang Dong-gun and Yoo Oh-sung, who played the two leads in a group of four childhood friends.

This also marks the second time Hyun Bin and Kim Min-joon are acting together; their first experience was back in the 2004 drama Ireland, which went a long way to establishing their acting careers back before they were well-known.

Friend, Our Legend was produced in advance and filmed nearly every day for the past four months in the city of Busan. After working so closely together, Hyun Bin said of his co-star Kim Min-joon, “It’s good working with him again. We can even communicate without needing to speak.”

The rest of the cast proved helpful in getting Hyun Bin’s southern Saturi accent down, as Kim Min-joon and director Kwak Kyung-taek (and a number of the supporting actors) all hail from Busan. (Hyun Bin is a Seoulite.)

The drama premieres on MBC weekends on June 27.

The actors play childhood friends of the same age, but Hyun Bin looks a lot younger than Kim, doesn’t he? Based on these stills (which I know is a very limited basis for judgment), I do think the production has done a good job of preserving the feel of the original — which might be none too surprising since director Kwak was also the brains behind the film.

For instance, compare the new still (directly below) with one from the original 2001 film (bottom):

Via Asia Economy

Lee Dong-wook is a playboy and a snob

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/06/lee-dong-wook-is-a-playboy-and-a-snob/

Law drama Partner really is promoting itself strongly, isn’t it? I suppose it doesn’t hurt that it’s got such good-looking actors (although, really, what kdrama doesn’t?).

Here we see some more photos of lead actor Lee Dong-wook as his playboyish, sarcastic lawyer character Tae-jo. Naturally he’ll clash with the quick-tempered but well-meaning Kim Hyun-joo, his snobbishness challenged by her down-to-earth personality.

Tae-jo is described as “making all the ladies’ hearts flutter” with his “arrogant way of speaking and attitude, and sly gestures.” Yeah, I can totally see it.

Via Star News

Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells (2008) , 히말라야, 바람이 머무는 곳 (Hi-ma-la-ya, Ba-lam-i Meo-moo-neun Got)

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?

Synopsis
(http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Himalaya_v__Where_the_Wind_Dwells.php)

The vast lands of the Himalayas stand before him. There, he is finally able to discover his true self. Beyond the sudden snowstorms, he watches the backside of himself headed somewhere....

Trailer



Pictures
(credit by hancinema.net)



CAST
(credit by hancinema.net)

1. Choi Min-shik As 최 / Choi

Kim Kibum is No Longer MIA

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source :http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/hankyung_turned_down_chinese_f4

Super Junior's Kim Kibum has finally been spotted and he's back with Shindong's hair - Super Junior Happy style. He attended a special press conference for actor Choi Min Sik's new movie 'Himalaya, Where the Wind Stays'. Hmm, so he has time to go visit press conferences, but no time to go and perform even once on stage with his actual group.

Kim Kibum should take a leaf out of Han Kyung's book and start participating in group activities. The way this is going, it looks like it'll be back to the power 12.

Hunan TV Remake of Boys Over Flowers Is A Fraud

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/china_remake_of_boys_over_flowers_is_fake

It was revealed today that the chinese remake of Meteor Garden, an adaptation of the best-selling manga Boys Over Flowers by Yoko Kamio is most likely a fraud.

Japan publisher Shueisha, Inc. who holds the rights to the popular manga had inked an agreement with Group Eight beforehand stating that no adaptations of any kind can be made after them in the next 2 years. A Group Eight representative said today, "When we signed the contract with Shueisha, Inc., it was stated clearly that after our Korean adaptation, there will be no more drama adaptations of the manga within the next 2 years."

Although Boys Before Flowers originated from Japan, it was first made into a drama by Taiwan in 2001 with the resounding success bringing a sequel 2 years later. The Japanese drama adapation followed in 2005 with a sequel and a live-action movie in 2007 and 2008 respectively. All came away with resounding success. Boys Before Flowers is thus labelled by many to bring success to anyone associated with it.

Two years later in 2009, the word that Korea will also be filming their own adaptation generated much interest within the nation and overseas. To protect the value of the manga and the Korean adaptation, Shueisha, Inc. had decided on withholding the rights to prevent others from filming an adaptation of the drama within the next 2 years.

But lately, there was news that Hunan TV together with Days Entertainment Company will be producing a chinese adaptation of Boys Before Flowers and has generated a lot of interest with all the casting, etc already finalised. Filming is expected to commence soon. Many fans are however very unhappy because of the drastic changes made to the story. But with the latest statement by Group Eight today, they are properly doing the right thing.

Group Eight and Shueisha, Inc. expressed that they will be keeping a close watch on the China remake in case their copyright gets violated.

A First Look at the Chinese Boys Over Flowers

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/a_first_look_at_the_chinese_boys_over_flowers/

Though there were allegations that the Chinese remake of Boys Over Flowers wasn't going to happen, newly released pictures of the cast (albeit with different actors) seem to confirm the pre-production of the series.

Currently, the pictures are a hot issue on Korean sites because of the similarity of the uniform to the one in the Korean version. Netizens with no lives have stated, "it's a cheap rip-off of the beautiful uniform in our version and they should be ashamed for blatant copying", etc etc. Most remarks seem to point to how tacky the uniforms look.

Though I see the resemblance, I don't get why everyone's making such a big deal. Aside from being damn ugly, I don't think the uniforms will have much impact on the series. What's more important is the cast, and what's most important is how pretty the boys are, right? Well, prepare to be underwhelmed.

Meet the Chinese version of Jun-Pyo. All I could focus on was his hair. Where's the pama (curls)?

This guy is supposed to play Ji-Hoo. Two words: bad hair. Wait, make that three words: REALLY bad hair.

Here's the Chinese Yi-Jeong. His purplish hair looks like the result of cheap black hair dye, and I don't find him that appealing.

Unimportant character Woo-Bin will be portrayed by this guy. He's the only one with normal hair and I think he's the most decent-looking of the group. He should've played Ji-Hoo instead...he seems to have that "quiet" aura going for him.

And last, but not least, is Jan-Di. Hopefully, this chick won't annoy the hell out of me like Goo Hye-Sun. She seems a bit timid and soft-spoken based on her looks, but we'll have to see her acting to be sure.

Honestly, we can't really tell based on just pictures, since it's really the acting that determines how well the series will turn out. Hana Yori Dango (i.e. the Japanese version) had a less-attractive F4 (in my opinion) compared to the Korean version, but I enjoyed watching it much more because of the quality of acting. Aside from the fugly uniforms and unappealing different-looking cast, the Chinese version faces a lot of scrutiny because it's like the 100000th remake of the same old storyline and it has lots of predecessors to live up to. Do you think the the Chinese "Boys Over Flowers" will fare well?

Han Kyung Turned Down Chinese F4?

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/hankyung_turned_down_chinese_f4

Super Junior's Han Kyung revealed that he had in fact been asked to take part in the Chinese Boys Over Flowers as one of the F4 members (no surprise there). When Super Junior appeared on Come To Play, Han Kyung explained that "I was asked to appear in the Chinese Boys Over Flowers as one of the F4 members, but I declined it so that I could participate in Super Junior's 3rd album."

Heechul told everyone "Han Kyung is really popular in China. He is as popular as Kim Heechul in Korea." If Han Kyung had done the drama, I bet his popularity would have skyrocketed. I mean, being surrounded by 3 ugly guys would make him look all that more attractive.

But it's good to see that he's loyal to his group and realizes that the Chinese Boys Over Flowers will be a disappointment after the Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean versions. Oops...did I just say that last part out loud?

Members Kim Kibum and Lee Teuk were unable to make it for the recording due to personal reasons, but the other members more than made up for their absence. Besides, I'm pretty used to Kibum being missing in action now.

The Wonder Girls to Tour with the Jonas Brothers!

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/the_wonder_girls_to_tour_with_the_jonas_brothers/

We've been telling you there was going to be a HUGE Wonder Girls announcement, well here it is!

The Wonder Girls will be touring the US and opening for the Jonas Brothers this summer - that's a ton of exposure for the Wonder Girls here in the states! Stay tuned for an exclusive sneak peak at the Wonder Girls' English version of "Nobody" only on allkpop!

Also, make sure to check out the brand new OFFICIAL WONDER GIRLS WEBSITE! Once it goes 100% live the site will have all of the latest and exclusive news on the Wonder Girls.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Sat, 06/27/09 @ 07:00 p.m. Rose Garden Portland, OR

Sun, 06/28/09 @ 07:00 p.m. Tacoma Dome Tacoma, WA

Mon, 06/29/09 @ 07:00 p.m. General Motors Place Vancouver, BC

Tue, 06/30/09 @ 07:00 p.m. General Motors Place Vancouver, BC

Fri, 07/10/09 @ 07:30 p.m. Allstate Arena Rosemont, IL

Sat, 07/11/09 @ 07:30 p.m. Allstate Arena Rosemont, IL

Sun, 07/19/09 @ 08:00 p.m. Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, NY

Mon, 07/20/09 @ 07:30 p.m. Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, NY

Tue, 07/21/09 @ 07:30 p.m. Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, NY

Fri, 08/07/09 @ 07:30 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Sat, 08/08/09 @ 07:30 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Sun, 08/09/09 @ 07:30 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Sat, 08/22/09 @ 07:00 p.m. Philips Arena Atlanta, GA

Rain to Spawn a New Trainee

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/rain_to_spawn_a_new_trainee/

For us Clouds unfortunately, Rain won't be making a comeback any time soon, but he will be debuting one of his J.Tune Entertainment trainee's this July, a 16 year-old who will use either her real name or a stage name, "Dahee".

'Dahee' will be the first trainee from J.Tune to debut and is said to be the female version of Rain... of course she is - she's being trained by the master himself! After auditioning last year, Dahee was immediately signed because of her amazing dance skills. She has recently finished recording her debut song as well as the rest of her first album and will soon be filming her debut music video. "For the next 2 months, Dahee will be put through rigorous singing and dance training in preparation for her debut. Rain won't be involved in the performance at this point, but that could change later," commented a J.Tune representative.

I'm already impressed that the girl is actually ready to debut so soon, after "only" 1 year worth of training. Since this IS Rain's first trainee, it could either be really successful... or not. We'll just have to wait and see.

Jang Geun-seok cast as murder suspect

mymakorean.tk
it's All about U R Korean Addicted: Believe it or not?


source : http://www.dramabeans.com/2009/06/jang-geun-seok-cast-as-murder-suspect/

Actors Jung Jin-young and Jang Geun-seok worked together in the 2007 Lee Jun-ik film Happy Life, and are re-teaming for a new film, Itaewon Murder Case [이태원 살인사건].

The story unfolds after a university student is found dead from a violent stabbing in the restroom of a fast-food restaurant in Itaewon, a shopping district in Seoul with a lot of American and non-Korean presence (due partly to the U.S. base nearby). Two Americans are brought in as suspects in the mystery crime thriller.

Jung Jin-young plays a prosecutor determined to dig into the case to find the truth. Baby-faced Jang Geun-seok transforms into a cool-headed roughneck for his role as one of the murder suspects.

The film is actually based on a real-life incident that occurred in an Itaewon Burger King on April 3, 1997. The case sparked outrage when one of the two teenage Americans was able to leave Korea after an early prison release, and returned home despite authorities’ intentions to file more charges against him. The other, a Korean-American, was ultimately acquitted.

Itaewon Murder Case began filming in May, and is planning for a September release.

Via OSEN, Stars and Stripes