[Trending] Korean fans remember Marvel legend Stan Lee

Stan Lee, co-creator of Marvel Comics, passed away in Los Angeles on Monday at the age of 95, prompting a number of Korean fans to mourn the loss of the legendary icon. The creator of Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, the X-Men, Black Panther, Thor and many more had been suffering from pneumonia, according to media reports.  Stan Lee arrives at the Activision E3 Preview Event in Los Angeles June 14, 2010. (REUTERS)As his death was confirmed, the name “Stan

Nov. 13, 2018

[Herald Review] 2nd of ‘Fantastic Beasts’ trilogy will leave viewers divided

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ has nice elements, but feels like detour en route to grand adventure“Empire Strikes Back” really is a wonder, isn’t it? In a cinema world where so many middle films in trilogies seem to bite the dust, caught between exposition and setup for the final episode, and plots moving only half-way forward, the iconic film really hit the spot with its beyond-awesome twist and gripping storyline.No, “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is not on par w

Nov. 13, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Intimate Strangers(Korea) Opened Oct. 31Drama, ComedyDirected by Lee Jae-kyooA married couple made up of Seok-ho (Cho Jin-woong) and Ye-jin (Kim Ji-soo) invite a group of lifelong friends to their housewarming party: Tae-soo (Yoo Hae-jin), Soo-hyun (Yum Jung-ah), Joon-mo (Lee Seo-jin), Se-kyung (Song Ha-yoon) and Young-bae (Yoon Kyung-ho), with their seemingly perfect lives. However, a series of life-altering events unravels after Ye-jin suggests they reveal the contents of their phones. Bohemia

Nov. 8, 2018

[Herald Review] ‘Youngju’ a compelling story and gripping performance about hard-hitting issues

The fact that Cha Sung-duk’s independent film “Youngju” is finally getting a theatrical release is welcome news for Korean cinema, currently saturated with an over-the-top, tear-jerking, poorly acted excess of cinematic jumble. The fact that it will screen at a solitary theater in Gwangju is a tragedy.Cha’s drama stars Kim Hyang-gi playing a young girl named Young-ju who is orphaned after her parents die in a car crash. When her younger brother Young-in -- Tang Jung-sang -- is involved in a crim

Nov. 7, 2018

[Herald Review] ‘Unfinished’ human-interest story in form of political thriller

At the outset, Noh Kyu-yeob’s “Unfinished” looks as if it will turn out to be another political thriller about inter-Korean relations. Its gloomy atmosphere and gritty visuals suggest, perhaps, another thinking man’s thriller like “The Spy Gone North.”In essence, however, the film is a drama about a man and his family. The story centers on Oh Young-min, a South Korean-born economist who lived in Cold War-era West Berlin until he was tricked into moving to North Korea and forced to work as a spy.

Nov. 6, 2018

Angelina Jolie speaks out for refugees, tours Yonsei campus, during weekend visit to Korea

What are your chances of running into a Hollywood superstar casually dining with her children at a local restaurant in South Korea? Angelina Jolie was one of the least expected guests at Maple Tree House, a Korean barbecue diner in Samcheong-dong, downtown Seoul, on a Friday night. Yet, there she was, leaving the locals in her vicinity with gaping mouths and disbelieving camera snaps.Instagram and Twitter were abuzz with people demanding to know if the rumors were true, and photos were posted in

Nov. 5, 2018

[Newsmaker] Shin Sung-il dies of cancer at 81

Actor Shin Sung-il died of lung cancer Sunday. He was 81.Shin was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in June 2017 and was undergoing chemotherapy when his condition recently deteriorated.Shin was born Kang Shin-yeong in Daegu in 1937. He attended Kyungbock High School, an elite school in Seoul, but gave up going to college due to his family’s financial circumstances. In 1957, he joined director Shin Sang-ok’s studio, where he adopted the stage name Shin Sung-il at the director’s suggestion. Shin

Nov. 4, 2018

[Exclusive] Angelina Jolie spotted at Korean barbecue restaurant in Seoul

What is Angelina Jolie doing in Seoul? American actress Angelina Jolie has been spotted in a restaurant in Samcheong-dong, a traditional area in central Seoul, by a number of people who shared her photos on social media on Friday. 　　According to the witnesses, the mega star was having samgyeopsal, the famous Korean style grilled pork dish, inside the restaurant at about 10 p.m.(Reader contribution/The Korea Herald)　“I just bumped into Angelina Jolie. She was eating Samgyepsal,” a Korean shared o

Nov. 2, 2018

[Herald Review] ‘The Wrath’ an outdated remake of a horror classic

When I first learned that Apink’s Son Na-eun was going to star in “The Wrath,” a remake of the 1986 horror classic of the same name, I thought that K-pop star’s acting would ruin the film. I was clearly wrong. It wasn’t just Son that brought the whole film down.It was everything, from the corny dialogue and nauseating camerawork to the director’s decision to directly bring an 80s-style horror film into the 2010s without proper adaptation.Director Yoo Young-sun’s film takes place in the household

Nov. 2, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Intimate Strangers(Korea) Opened Oct. 31Drama, ComedyDirected by Lee Jae-kyooA married couple of Seok-ho (Cho Jin-woong) and Ye-jin (Kim Ji-soo), invite a group of lifelong friends to their housewarming party: Tae-soo (Yoo Hae-jin), Soo-hyun (Yum Jung-ah), Joon-mo (Lee Seo-jin), Se-kyung (Song Ha-yoon) and (Yoon Kyung-ho) all join with their seemingly perfect lives. After Ye-jin suggests they all reveal contents of their phone, however, a series of life-altering events unravels.Bohemian Rhapsody

Nov. 1, 2018

[Herald Review] ‘The Villagers’ has heart, could use more thrill

“The Villagers,” an upcoming action thriller directed by Im Jin-sun, has an interesting premise, a promising set-up, good acting and a strong first act -- but maybe not enough thrill, and bit of a letdown in the third act.The film starts off with former boxing coach Yeok Gi-cheol -- Ma Dong-seok -- getting a job as a physical education teacher in a rural town. There he meets Kang Yoo-jin -- Kim Sae-ron -- a high-school student with an attitude seeking a friend who has gone missing, and Ji Sung,

Oct. 30, 2018

Korea’s presence in global entertainment grows

While the latest achievements by BTS appear to be in headlines nearly every day, it is not just the K-pop boy band enjoying unprecedented success in the global entertainment industry. More Korean actors have come into the limelight, starring in major productions created for international audiences. 　Before, it was not easy to see an Asian lead actor in Hollywood productions. Asian actors usually landed small, supporting roles. Typecasting was common, too, as many were hired to reflect stereotype

Oct. 29, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Dark Figure of Crime (Korea) Opened Oct. 3Crime, Drama, MysteryDirected by Kim Tae-kyunConvicted murderer Kang (Ju Ji-hoon) calls up detective Kim Hyung-min (Kim Yoon-seok) from his cellphone and confesses to six additional murders that were never reported to authorities. Kim investigates the cases, and soon learns that Kang’s testimony is mixed with lies and the criminal is manipulating him.First Man (US)Biography, Drama, History Opened Oct. 18Directed by Damien Chazelle A look at the life of t

Oct. 25, 2018

‘Default’ to relive one of Korea’s worst nightmares

To many everyday people in Korea, 1997 is remembered as one of the worst years of their lives. The economy crumbled before their eyes. Banks collapsed, prices rose and jobs vanished into thin air at the height of the Asian financial crisis.“Default,” an upcoming drama directed by Choi Kook-hee, looks behind the events that unfolded in Korea as the country hit its lowest point financially in its modern history.“1997 marked a turning point for Korea’s modern society, and it still affects our lives

Oct. 24, 2018

‘Unstoppable’ to look, feel like Ma Dong-seok

To those familiar with both Korean and US cinema, the comparison between Ma Dong-seok and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson comes pretty naturally, just as “Get Out” producer Jason Blum drew the parallel during his recent visit to Busan.“I’ve heard, and it’s a tremendous honor,” Ma said, during a press conference for upcoming action flick “Unstoppable” in Seoul on Tuesday.From what director Kim Min-ho and other creative minds behind the action flick let on, “Unstoppable” looks to be a film that feels li

Oct. 23, 2018

'Burning' wins best picture at Daejong Film Awards

"Burning," the latest movie from award-winning South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong, won best picture at the 55th annual Daejong Film Awards on Monday.Lee's first feature in eight years, "Burning," starring Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun and Jeon Jong-seo, depicts the insecurity, helplessness and anger of young Korean people through the story of a part-time deliveryman and aspiring novelist, and two of his friends. (AFP-Yonhap)Premiering in the main competition section of the 71st Cannes Film Festival,

Oct. 23, 2018

[Herald Review] ‘Intimate Strangers’ fun and enjoyable, until it’s not

Basketball fans may be familiar with the story of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their post-Kevin Garnett rebuilding years, when they repeatedly played exceptionally for three quarters and then collapsed in the fourth.Watching Lee Jae-kyoo’s “Intimate Strangers” felt just like watching the T-wolves play during that disappointing season. The film had such superb acting, so many funny and witty moments, before a huge letdown. “Intimate Strangers” (Lotte Entertainment)The comedy-drama starts off wit

Oct. 22, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Dark Figure of Crime (Korea) Opened Oct. 3Crime, Drama, MysteryDirected by Kim Tae-kyunConvicted murderer Kang (Ju Ji-hoon) calls up detective Kim Hyung-min (Kim Yoon-seok) from his cellphone and confesses to six additional murders that were never reported to authorities. Kim investigates the cases, and soon learns that Kang’s testimony is mixed with lies and the criminal is manipulating him.Venom(US)Action, Adventure, Sci-fi Opened Oct. 3Directed by Ruben Fleischer Investigative journalist Eddi

Oct. 18, 2018

Film star under fire for ‘drunken’ interview

In a promotional effort gone sour, Kim Ji-soo made headlines Wednesday by turning up hung-over for her group media interview.It was reported that Kim, a veteran actress whose career spans nearly three decades, was severely hung over when she appeared for her 10 a.m. interview, which was set up to promote her movie “Intimate Strangers.”After appearing 40 minutes late, she reportedly slurred when answering the questions and admitted that she was hung over. The interview was cut off after just 10 m

Oct. 17, 2018

Boycott-free BIFF closes with a task at hand

The 23rd Busan International Film Festival drew to a close Saturday, shaken by Typhoon Kong-rey, but having enjoyed its first year since its operations were normalized.Rounding off the festivities was the closing film “Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy” by Yeun Woo-ping, after the opening piece “Beautiful Days” had kicked things off 10 days earlier.The festival recognized those around the film industry for their contribution and prospects. Landing the top awards in the New Currents award were “Savage”

Oct. 14, 2018