CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa in all-black suit

CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa appeared in an all-black suit for Vogue Korea. The singer and actor is going to appear in his first historical drama along with actor Lee Jin wook, the boyfriend of Gong Hyo-jin.By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: Vogue)

July 21, 2014

3 reasons why Kim Jun-su makes a perfect 'Dracula'

The curtain rose for the musical “Dracula” on July 15. Among the cast, Kim Jun-su, a musical actor and a member of the idol group JYJ, is gaining the most attention.A local news report suggested three main reasons why Kim Jun-su’s version of “Dracula” is the most eagerly awaited.1. Dark atmosphere Kim Jun-su already has experience in showing a character’s dark atmosphere through the musical “Elizabeth.” Kim also succeeded in expressing the complicated character of Dracula, who expresses both dar

July 21, 2014

[Herald Review] No heroes in hero flick ‘Kundo’

Dolmuchi, the protagonist of the film “Kundo: Age of the Rampant,” is not the typical kind of hero that people see in movies. Played by Ha Jung-woo (“Love Fiction,” “The Chaser”), he is a butcher, an undesirable occupation that automatically placed a person at the lowest strata of commoners in the mid-19th century Joseon era (1392-1910). He slaughters animals, cuts the meat with his iron axe and sells it to noble families for less than a penny. He is an 18-year-old with patchy and thick long hai

July 20, 2014

‘Baduk action’ movie to make global debut

“The Divine Move,” a South Korean film about a professional baduk player seeking revenge for the death of his brother, will debut in U.S. and Asian theaters this week, the film’s production company said Saturday.According to Showbox, the action-noir flick starring Jung Woo-sung will reach foreign audiences on Friday, and will also be shown in seven cities in Germany from July 27 to Sept. 21., after it was invited to the Fantasy Film Festival.Baduk is a popular strategy board game in Asia, and is

July 20, 2014

[Band Uprising] Unexpectedly subdued, ‘boy next door’ music of The Electriceels

As the Korean music market begins to receive more international recognition, the local band scene is looking to rise up and represent the next generation of Korean music. This is the 21st installment of a series of interviews with Korean rock, acoustic and alternative bands. ― Ed.Contrary to initial preconceptions that may spring to mind when hearing a band name like The Electriceels, most first impressions of Hwang In-gyeong, Kim Ye-seul and Kim Min-hyuk tend to be that they are just ordinary,

July 20, 2014

Lee Hong-gi has fans around Asia, proving popularity beyond Korea

(FNC Entertainment)Lee Hong-gi, one of the five members of the K-pop group FT Island, successfully completed a fan-meeting event in Singapore following events held in Hong Kong and Taiwan.Lee’s fan-meeting tour, “Lee Hong Gi’s Proposal,” was held at Resorts World Theater, allowing local fans to meet the star of the popular K-drama “Bride of the Century.”The rom-com was aired on the cable channel TV Chosun from February through April. Lee played the main character Choi Kang-joo, gaining more inte

July 20, 2014

G-Dragon compliments Taeyang for his kissing skills

G-Dragon of Big Bang commented on his groupmate’s music video “Eyes, Nose, Lips” on “Entertainment Weekly,” aired on KBS, Saturday.“I watched (Taeyang’s) music video thoroughly. He was really good at kissing,” the singer recalled in an interview.He insisted, “It is strange how all of the other four members got to have a kiss scene. I was the only one without a kiss scene. So, I plan to have my own kiss scene in this upcoming Big Bang album. I’ll do it from the beginning to the end.”G-Dragon prov

July 20, 2014

B1A4 enjoys being “solo”

Members of popular idol group B1A4 shared their thoughts about being “solo” during an interview with a local news outlet on Sunday. B1A4 (Mnet)What are the benefits of being a “solo”?Jinyoung: Being single is good because I can do all the things I want independently. For example, I can watch all genres of movie I like regardless of others’ preference.Shinwoo: I can have free time of my own. I can devote to myself because I will not be spending my energy on others.Sandeul: I think I can deeply fa

July 20, 2014

EXO to promote Nanjing Youth Olympics with Samsung

(Samsung Electronics)K-pop rookie boy band EXO will promote the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games as honorary ambassadors, the event’s official sponsor Samsung Electronics Co. said on Sunday.The Korean tech giant selected EXO as honorary ambassadors for the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games in a press conference held in Shanghai, China, on Friday, expecting the boy band’s global popularity would raise the recognition for the event. On the same day, EXO kicked off the two-day concert “EXO World Tou

July 20, 2014

Krystal amazes fans with ‘blue eyes’

Krystal of girl group f(x) attracted great attention by wearing bright blue contacts while hosting a music program on Saturday.On MBC’s “Show Music Core,” Krystal and the other members of f(x), except for Sulli, performed “Red Light” from their recently released EP.Together with her heavily bleached blond hair, Krystal’s bright eyes shone under the strong lights of the stage.Krystal’s so-called “extreme makeover” has many admirers praising her unique sense of style and the body that actually fit

July 20, 2014

Chanyeol says he will never bungee jump again

Chanyeol of K-pop boy group EXO shared his experience of bungee jumping on early Sunday.“Please watch today’s episode of ‘Roommate’ at 4:10 p.m. After bungee jumping, I became all meditative, like someone who has nothing to live for. I don’t think there will be a second (bungee jump). The tips of my toes are still tingling,” Chanyeol wrote on his Instagram account.Together with his confession about bungee jumping, he posted a picture of himself looking dumbfounded with his ankles still strapped

July 20, 2014

Chinese fans give ‘meal truck’ treat to Gong Hyo-jin

The Chinese fans of Korean actress Gong Hyo-jin provided a catering service for the actors and filming staff of SBS’ new drama “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” the broadcaster said on Sunday. The members of fan club “China Baidu Gong Hyo-jin Ba” sent a truck of meals to the drama’s filming site on July 17, wishing for a successful kickoff to the television series. Wearing her trademark smile, the actress thanked the fans for the generous gift and for traveling all the way to the regional area where the

July 20, 2014

Knife-wielding assailant breaks into JYP building

A knife-wielding man has been arrested for creating a ruckus at the JYP Entertainment headquarters.A 34-year-old man, surnamed Choi, passed the first-floor security gate to the JYP Entertainment building in Gangnam, Seoul, on Thursday by closely tailing a company employee, according to police reports.Thwarting attempts by employees to block him, Choi made it all the way up to the recording room on the third floor, demanding a meeting with the company’s CEO Park Jin-young.CEO of JYP Entertainment

July 18, 2014

Hyun Bin has no current plans for marriage

South Korean actor Hyun Bin said that he has no plans for marriage yet at the red carpet ceremony for the 18th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival on Thursday. During a short interview with the press ahead of the festival’s opening ceremony, he was asked if he had any marriage plans, in the wake of the announcement of Korean film director Kim Tae-yong marrying Chinese actress Tang Wei.  (OSEN)Hyun gave a short answer, “Not yet,” while smiling. The 11-day film fiesta kicked off on Thursd

July 18, 2014

EXO Luhan pictured with Chinese actress Zhao Wei

The K-pop sensation Luhan of EXO appeared in a picture with the Chinese actress Zhao Wei.Famed Chinese actor Yang Zishan posted a photo taken with the cast of the Chinese film “Twenties Once Again,” on his Weibo account on Thursday.In the photo, Luhan is posing for the camera with Zhao Wei, Yang Zishan, Chen Wilson and the film director. Luhan is currently in China to participate in filming for the upcoming rom-com “Twenties Once Again,” the Chinese version of the Korean hit film “Miss Granny.” 

July 18, 2014

Kara Park Gyu-ri to turn into weather forecaster

Park Gyu-ri of the K-pop girl band Kara is to turn into a one-day weather forecaster, Korea’s broadcaster said Friday.Park’s first-ever weather forecast will be televised on July 21 for viewers of the SBS morning show “Morning Wide.”The idol will be the first to appear on the new SBS weather forecast program hosted by celebrities.The program, titled “Weather Show,” will air every Monday, featuring eye-catching celebrities, the show’s producer Yoo Young-suk said.By Ok Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@herald

July 18, 2014

Hallyu stars’ fashion hits film festival

The fashion styles of hallyu stars on Thursday hit a film festival held in Korea. At Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, female celebrities boasted elegance while male stars went for a gentlemanly look. Kim Woo-bin  (OSEN)Wearing a chic formal suit, actor Kim Woo-bin smiled at fans. Son Ye-jin  (OSEN)The actress Son Ye-jin wore a sexy dress with a unique design on the front. Hyun Bin  (OSEN)The actor Hyun Bin boasted a gentlemanly look.4Minute’s So-hyun  (OSEN)The idol group member So-

July 18, 2014

Kim Jae-joong boasts ‘heart-throbbing’ fashion in ‘Triangle’

Actor Kim Jae-joong’s fashion in the MBC drama “Triangle” is gaining attention from its viewers.In the drama, Jang Dong-chul, played by Kim, shows two kind of styles that are totally different. Kim skillfully matches his acting with the outfits, giving his character a neat and warm look. Kim Jae-joong's suit look (C-jes Ent.)The first style is the “suit look.” Kim’s character wears various kinds of suit in every episode of the drama, making him look smart and neat. Yet, the printed shirts matche

July 18, 2014