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June 3, 2013
Shining light on society's outcasts
Yoo Ji-tae talks about his feature directing debut 'Mai Ratima,' a tale of an abused migrant woman's search for dignity
By Claire Lee The Korea Herald
Actor and director Yoo Ji-tae says it is his own “taste” that draws him to the films that feature society’s isolated, rather than ones that deal with the wealthy or powerful.
His feature directing debut reflects that very taste telling the story of a young, abused migrant woman in search of survival and dignity. Titled “Mai Ratima,” the romance won the Jury Prize at this year’s Deauville Asian Film Festival.
“I think I’m particularly interested in stories of women who go against the odds,” Yoo said in an interview with The Korea Herald on May 28 in Seoul. “I am touched by the process of them becoming stronger, wiser as they struggle to make ends meet.”
Actor and director Yoo Ji-tae poses for a photo prior to an interview with The Korea Herald on May 28 in Seoul. (Ahn Hoon/The Korea Herald)
The 37-year-old, who has starred in more than 20 films ― including Park Chan-wook’s “Oldboy” and Hong Sang-soo’s “Woman Is the Future of Man” ― is also known for his social activism and support for local independent cinema. In 2011, he served as the co-festival director of the 3rd DMZ Korean International Documentary Festival. He also has been working as a promotional ambassador for World Vision International’s Seoul office. He even studied social work in the Catholic University of Korea’s graduate program.
When asked what’s behind his attention to the underbelly of society, Yoo gave his answer after a pause.
“I think the fact that I was raised by a single mother has a lot to do with it,” he said. “My mother is a very strong woman.”
Yoo has been thinking about making a film about the socially marginalized for the last 15 years.
“In the beginning, I was thinking about doing a film about a teenager living in a small fishing village,” Yoo said. “And then the stories of migrant women in Korea drew my attention. I found out through my own research that about 10 mail-order brides from overseas countries get murdered every year (in Korea). I decided to make a film about them, and after my script was done, I had it read over by one of the women’s rights activists.”
In his movie, its eponymous mail-order bride Mai Ratima (impressively delivered by actress Park Ji-soo) ― which means “new life” in the character’s mother tongue, Thai ― runs away from her abusive in-laws in Pohang and falls in love with a penniless and homeless Korean man Soo-young (played by Bae Soo-bin). The two together moves to Seoul and eventually face a series of unexpected events, including betrayal.
“I read while doing my research that a lot of people from rural towns don’t know what to do when they arrive in Seoul for the first time,” Yoo said when asked about this depiction of Seoul in the movie, which is portrayed as harsh, expensive and difficult. “What struck me from what I read was that many of them find themselves running after getting off the subway, because Seoulites walk too fast and they are overwhelmed. I thought many migrant women would feel similar when they come to a foreign city and try to make it their second home.”
The actor-director married actress Kim Hyo-jin, who is eight years his junior, in 2011. The two share a lot of same interests and tastes, especially in literature, classical music and charity work. When asked what Kim said about his latest film, Yoo kept his answer short. “She just said, ‘Good job!’” he said with a smile.
“Mai Ratima” opens in local theaters on June 6. |
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Source: The Korea Herald
Mai Ratima
Opening June 6
Drama. Romance. Directed by Yoo Ji-tae.
Actor-director Yoo Ji-tae’s first feature film portrays the unlikely love affair of a Korean man and a young mail-order bride from Thailand. To support her family in Thailand, Mai Ratima (Park Ji-soo) decides to marry mentally challenged Korean Sang-pil (Lee Jun-hyuk). She gets stuck in the slum of Pohang with her mother-in-law and a brother-in-law who sexually harasses her. Things get worse when her visa renewal comes up, but she narrowly escapes deportation with Soo-young’s (Bae Soo-bin) help. Soo-young is a social outcast living with no hope. They inevitably fall in love and move to Seoul, but their happiness seems very fragile as Soo-young already feels tired of living in Seoul. |
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June 3, 2013
Psy promotes Korean tourism in TV ad
By Yun Suh-young The Korea Times
Psy promotes Korean food in one of “Psy’s Wiki Korea’’ series of commercials, produced by Korean tourism authorities, which have started to be shown on 70 television channels worldwide. / Courtesy of KTO
A television advertisement featuring Psy promoting Korean tourism has gone on air worldwide as the Korean government attempts to milk the international popularity of the "Gangnam Style’’ rapper.
The six 15-second commercials, dubbed "Psy’s Wiki Korea,’’ shows Psy explaining various subjects in Korean culture: "banchan’’ (side dishes), "bulgeum’’ (Friday night leisure activities), "cosmeroad’’ (shopping areas for cosmetics products in Myeong-dong, Seoul), "samgyeopsal’’ (grilled pork belly), Dongdaemun (a central Seoul shopping and leisure district), and olle-gil (trekking trails in Jeju Island). The commercials have begun to be broadcast on 70 television channels worldwide, including cable network giant CNN and China’s CCTV.
"Psy introduces only some of the information and iconic concepts about Korea but online, Internet users can share their favorite places, foods, or entertainment with other users,” said Lee Charm, CEO of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), during a press conference Monday.
"We want people to share information about Korea online like they do with Wikipedia. Psy’s Wiki Korea will be an encyclopedia for Korean tourism. We hope the ads will generate curiosity about Korea and ultimately make people visit the website to get more information about Korea.’’
Psy’s Wiki Korea website is www.ibuzzkorea.com and it introduces 21 more cultural subjects on video other than the ones introduced in the advertisements.
KTO will hold an online event on the website until the end of August where participants will be given the opportunity to visit Korea if they upload the most number of postings. Consumers can upload questions and answers freely on the website about the 27 cultural icons of Korea.
Psy was chosen as the model for the commercial because he was globally well-known, according to the KTO.
The KTO creates new advertisements every year to promote Korean culture overseas. Last year’s models were K-pop bands 2PM and Miss A because the theme was “K-pop.”
The “Touch Korea” commercial last year was selected as one of the 10 best ads by MediaCorp, a major media corporation in Singapore.
Commercials are known to play a big role in attracting tourists to the country as 86 percent of people surveyed said it affected their decision on whether to visit the country.7 |
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June 3, 2013
Kim Sang-hyuk sees charges dropped
By Moon Gwang-lip Korea JoongAng Daily
The women who accused singer Kim Sang-hyuk of sexual harassment has dropped the charge, according to Gangnam District Police.
She submitted the withdrawal request on Friday morning after meeting Kim on Thursday, according to local media reports. Maeil Business Newspaper reported that money did not exchange hands at the time.
The accuser, known only as a woman in her 20s, reported the 30-year-old former idol singer to police after he drunkenly grabbed her by the wrist in Nonhyeon-dong, southern Seoul, on Wednesday. She told the police that she felt sexually humiliated.
Kim said he thought the woman was someone he knew, contradicting earlier reports that he did not remember the incident.
Kim debuted in 1997 as a member of boy band Click-B and left the entertainment business after a DUI in 2005.
He finished mandatory public service early this month and was planning to revive his stardom. |
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June 3, 2013
Song Il-guk says history is a must
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Actor Song Il-guk will support a campaign to make history a mandatory subject in Korean schools.
Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University said yesterday that he will organize a campaign to collect signatures from one million people to support the effort.
“It is very worrisome that young people have a basic lack of understanding about history,” Seo said. “As there is no present without history, the most important thing to Korea’s future is providing proper history education.”
He said he will start collecting signatures tomorrow at Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul and then travel to other cities across the nation.
He will also target people descended from Koreans overseas in New York, Tokyo and Beijing.
To support Seo, Song Il-guk has decided to offer the first signature.
“I hope this campaign will make Korean history a mandatory subject in schools,” he said. The two activists also worked together when Song appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in an advertisement to promote makgeolli. |
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June 4, 2013
Revenge Story 'Azooma' Invited to Moscow Film Fest
The Chosun Ilbo
"Azooma" directed by Lee Ji-seung has been invited to the non-competition section of the 35th Moscow International Film Festival, its distributor said on Monday.
The film will also be screened at the New York Korean Film Festival on Aug. 5.
Based on a true story that made headlines 10 years ago, "Azooma" focuses on the harrowing 40-day period in the life of a mother who risks her life to catch the man who raped her daughter. |
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June 4, 2013
Man Booked for Spreading Online Rumors About Singer
The Chosun Ilbo
Jang Yoon-jung
Police in Incheon are investigating a 51-year-old man on charges of spreading malicious and libelous online comments about singer Jang Yoon-jung.
The man, identified as Song, is accused of posting 29 libelous comments from April 6 to 29 on the website dedicated to the trot singer which he runs.
Among other things he claimed that Jang sought to put her mother in a mental asylum or that she abandoned her mother to marry a TV presenter.
Jang’s dysfunctional family publicly fell out over claims that her mother and brother bankrupted her by mismanaging her money. In an emotional TV appearance in early May, she also said her father filed for divorce early this year.
Jang filed the libel complaint against the man on May 25.
a police officer said Song got to know Jang's mother while running his fan website and confessed to posting comments on the website based on what he heard from the woman. |
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June 4, 2013
Ryu Si-won Counter-Sues Wife Over Battery Accusations
The Chosun Ilbo
Actor Ryu Si-won is counter-suing his estranged wife after she accused him of intimidation and battery.
Gangnam Police on Monday said Ryu is suing his wife on several charges including defamation and fraud. The actor's management agency said he was "forced" to take the step because his wife falsely accused him of violence to get the upper hand in divorce proceedings.
In February, Ryu was indicted on charges of installing a GPS tracker in his wife's car without her knowledge to trace her whereabouts, and beating and threatening her.
The agency at the time denied the charges and claimed Ryu's wife filed the suit to turn circumstances to her advantage. |
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June 4, 2013
JYJ member's birthday creates Twitter buzz
Jin Eun-soo, Intern Reporter The Korea Herald
Park Yoo-chun (CJES Entertainment)
JYJ’s Park Yoo-chun has made it to the top of Twitter’s trending topics -- thanks to his birthday that fell on Tuesday. Twitter’s “trending topics” refers to the hottest keywords dominating the social network’s timelines worldwide.
An outpouring of tweets celebrating Park’s 26th birthday filled Twitter under the hashtag “28thYuchunDay.”
(CJES Entertainment)
Park’s agency put out a press release on Tuesday, highlighting how his birthday was being celebrated across the world, especially with the help of fans in Korea, China and Japan.
Some 1,000 fans in Japan celebrated Park’s birthday in major cities including Tokyo. Chinese fans in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou gathered together to host celebrations as well.
A fan community in Taiwan raised money to place a large birthday card on an electronic display in one of the major subway stations in Seoul. |
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June 4, 2013
Actor Kim Jae-won to get married late June
By Yoon Min-sik The Korea Herald
Actor Kim Jae-won (Yonhap News)
Actor Kim Jae-won on Tuesday announced on his fan website that he will tie the knot with his girlfriend on June 28.
Kim and his girlfriend -- who have known each other since childhood -- reportedly started dating last October. The bride-to-be is three months pregnant, according to Kim’s agency Khan Enterprise.
“It did occur to me the decision may be a bit sudden. But after carefully considering the importance of stable life and the value of a family, I reached a decision (to get married),” the actor said via statement.
The 32-year-old actor debuted in 2001 with drama “Honey Honey.” He rose to stardom after appearing in a 2002 hit drama “Romance,” which co-starred top actress Kim Ha-neul. |
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June 4, 2013
Actor Kim to tie knot on June 28
By Park Si-soo The Korea Times
Actor Kim Jae-won will tie the knot with his girlfriend on June 28, his management agency said Tuesday. Kim confirmed the announcement with a message he posted on a website for his fans the same day.
“I’ve found my other half. I want to live with her for the rest of my life,” he wrote. The 32-year-old didn’t elaborate on his bride-to-be, saying “she is not a public figure.”
According to his agency, she is a friend from childhood. The couple started seeing each other last October and Kim proposed in February. The date for the wedding was decided during a recent meeting of members of the two families, the agency said.
In the message, Kim said, “We are the same age. She is warm-hearted, kind and considerate,” adding he believes that his fans will give them full support for a happy marriage.
Kim made his debut in 2001 in the TV drama “Honey.” His beaming smile earned the actor the somewhat feminine nickname of “smiling angel”. Subsequently he has cultivated an image as a tough guy, complete with defined stomach muscles and a developed upper torso.
Kim is set to appear in the TV drama “Scandal,” which will be broadcast later this month. |
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June 5, 2013
Kim Jae-won to Wed Childhood Sweetheart
The Chosun Ilbo
Actor Kim Jae-won has announced his wedding plans on a blog run by his fans. He will exchange vows with his childhood sweetheart later this month.
"I'm getting married to a woman who will be my best friend and partner forever, and we will have a simple ceremony at a church on June 28," he wrote.
The two have known each other since they were young, having lived in the same neighborhood, but they only started dating last year.
"The bride-to-be is an office worker who is the same age as Kim. She is two months pregnant," Kim's agency said. |
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June 5, 2013
Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung to Wed in August
The Chosun Ilbo
Actor Lee Byung-hun and actress Lee Min-jung will get married on Aug. 10 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, the actor's agency BH Entertainment said Wednesday.
The couple revealed that they are romantically involved by posting messages on their websites in August 2012 and will tie the knot exactly one year later. |
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June 4, 2013
Actress Kim Yun-jin to feature in InStyle magazine
By Claire Lee The Korea Herald
Kim Yun-jin will be featured in the September issue of U.S. edition of InStyle magazine. (Zion Entertainment)
Korean-born actress Kim Yun-jin will be featured in U.S. fashion magazine InStyle’s upcoming issue, according to her local agency Zion Entertainment.
The actress, who is best known in the U.S. for her role as Sun on the American TV series “Lost,” is currently starring in ABC drama series “Mistresses,” which premiered on Monday.
Based on the 2008-10 British series of the same title, the series features the lives of four female friends who are all having extramarital affairs.
According to her agency, the actress was photographed by British fashion photographer Phil Poynter for the magazine.
The photo shoot, which took place in Desert Hot Springs, California, was attended by InStyle creative director Rina Stone and fashion editor and stylist Kate Sebbah. The actress wore clothes by Valentino, Nina Ricci, Jil Sander, Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs for the feature shoot, her agency said.
The fashion photographs featuring Kim will be published in InStyle’s September issue, and will be distributed worldwide, according to Kim’s agency. |
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June 4, 2013
Han Hye-jin, Ki Sung-yueng to wed in style
By Julie Jackson The Korea Herald
Han Hye-jin (left) and Ki Sung-yueng are to wed on July 1. (Yonhap News)
Swansea City soccer star Ki Sung-yueng and actress Han Hye-jin are going all-out for the couple’s upcoming wedding ceremony next month. The two will hold a private ceremony at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, where they reportedly shelled out around 79 million won ($70,000) for the venue.
Ki first met Han, who is eight years his senior, at a charity soccer event hosted in Vietnam two years ago. The couple met once again on a local talk show a year later and made their relationship public in March this year.
The star couple’s wedding is to be held on July 1, after which the actress will focus on a film career with her upcoming new feature, “When a Man Loves,” while Ki will return to the United Kingdom for preseason training. |
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June 5, 2013
'Cold Eyes' is a story of firsts for the cast
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
Jung Woo-sung plays a charismatic burglar named James in upcoming film “Cold Eyes.” Provided by Zip Cinema
It’s been tipped to be the blockbuster of the summer, not to mention the film to give this year’s biggest action flick “The Berlin File” a run for its money.
And whether it proves to be true or not, the lineup alone for “Cold Eyes” is enough to get tongues wagging. For starters, there’s Hallyu heartthrob Jung Woo-sung, best-loved actress Han Hyo-joo, much respected Sol Kyung-gu and even a famed idol singer: 2PM’s Junho.
But the film’s real significance lies in the fact that it marks a milestone in the careers of its cast members.
Co-directed by Jo Ui-seok and Kim Byung-seo, the film sees its stars scurry around every nook and cranny of Seoul and signals many firsts. It’s Jung’s first time playing a villain, Han’s first time starring in an action film and Junho’s film debut.
Jung was joined by directors Jo Ui-seok and Kim Byung-seo and co-stars Han Hyo-joo and Sol Kyung-gu at a press conference on Tuesday to promote the film.
The plot revolves around a fictional police squad called the Surveillance Team that monitors criminal suspects. Headed by Detective Hwang (Sol), the team boasts impressive talents from Ha Yoon-ju (Han) to “Squirrel” (Junho). Cue James (Jung), head of a crime ring, and the chase begins.
With a month to go until opening day, Jung, Han, Sol and the filmmakers assembled on Tuesday to talk about the challenges that come with entering into new territory.
Jung got the ball rolling.
“While working on TV dramas for the last two years, I’d see my friends promoting their films and each time I had this desire to ‘come home,’?” he said. “And to make a movie that is set all over Seoul, it really felt like a homecoming, and I was only too glad to take part.”
When he first saw the script, Jung said he knew he wanted to play the villainous James right away, even if he wasn’t sure just how to go about it.
“The directors told me not to worry about my own brand of acting and instead just be true to the character,” Jung said.
“It’s a funny concept to classify a villain based on how bad he is, but I’m a professional burglar in the movie, and in some ways, it’s not as bad as someone who hurts people.”
He said he liked the “unique presence” of James as “a very low-key guy even when he’s tailed by the Surveillance Team.”
Jung also explained that he put his heart and soul into acting because he felt his portrayal of the character would have a big impact on the final result. This was in spite of the physical challenges of the role.
Filming took place in a number of business districts from Teheran-ro to Cheonggye Stream, Garosugil, Yeouido, Gwanghwamun and Itaewon in the middle of winter. “We’d section off busy roads where people walked on by and not one person complained, which is kind of rare,” said Jung who said that he felt the support of Seoulites fuelling him on.
A typical day on the set would see Jung jumping around atop a 30-story building and tackling foes underground, all at subzero temperatures.
But Jung said he was happy to do it.
“It must have been cold, but I never really felt it because I was so into it,” he said.
For co-star Han, who has made a name for herself in romantic comedies, the film was her chance to prove her versatility.
“I told her, keep practicing and you can make it in Hollywood,” said Sol, who was impressed by the actress.
Han said she found herself taking the role “very seriously” and reveled in putting her body to the test.
“Unfortunately there’s only one scene that required heavy action, and maybe it’s because of this that I put a lot more effort into it,” Han explained.
“I never knew I would be so into action, and I hope to star in more action films from now on.”
While Jung and Han discovered parts of themselves they never knew existed, Sol said he took part purely for the star factor.
“To be honest, I didn’t actually read the script before I signed,” said the 45-year-old. “How could I refuse? I think I made the right choice.”
While the actors looked within for guidance, filmmakers Jo and Kim had their hands full with bringing to life a film that weaves in and out of some of the city’s most congested districts.
“Filming in Seoul is a very tense situation in itself,” Kim said. “It’s an action film that tilts Seoul upside down. I’d like viewers to notice more than the tension and also take note of how the story builds.” |
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June 5, 2013
Lee Byung-hun will marry Lee Min-jung
By Lee Sun-min Korea JoongAng Daily
Another celebrity couple is looking to become a family after the wedding of singer Baek Ji-young and actor Jung Suk-won last week.
Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun of “G.I. Joe” and its sequel, released in March, and actress Lee Min-jung of SBS drama “All About My Romance” will be married on Aug. 10 at the Seoul Grand Hyatt in Hannam-dong, central Seoul.
The wedding will happen about a year after the couple publicly announced their romantic relationship in August.
Lee Byung-hun’s agency released a statement soon after local media began reporting on the wedding plans.
“Thanks for the warm attention and love from many fans. The two are now in for another journey in their lives,” said BH Entertainment. “From now on, he will not only focus on his career as an actor but also present himself as a good husband.”
The two first met in 2007 through mutual acquaintances when Min-jung had just began her career as an actress.
The groom-to-be shared the love story recently on SBS talk show “Healing Camp” in March and also shared why they had to break up once before.
He said he didn’t want to become an obstacle for the newbie on the entertainment scene as she worked to build her own name as an actress while he had already built a name for himself.
“I felt that it might not have been right for us to continue with things just because we liked them even though there was no guarantee for the future,” said Lee on the breakup.
However, the two accidentally met again at an awards ceremony. The actor tried to make eye contact and say hello, but the actress didn’t pay attention. He then said he even had a dream about her when he was in the United States filming “G.I. Joe 2.”
“I got curious, so I called her to ask why she had ignored me, and then she said she hated me for trying to make eye contact as if nothing had happened,” the actor recalled. They soon started dating again after the actor returned to Korea last year.
It has been said that Lee is currently remodeling a house in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, where they plan to start their married life together.
Japanese media also reported details about the love story as the actor has garnered much fame overseas for his role in SBS drama “All In” in 2003.
He then became a global star after his debut in Hollywood.
It has been reported that media in Japan are saying that the wedding announcement is as sensational as the marriage of actor Jang Dong-gun and actress Ko So-young.
Lee Byung-hun is currently in Japan promoting his upcoming movie “Red2,” an action-comedy flick. The movie he filmed with many well-known Hollywood stars including Bruce Willis and Catherine Zeta-Jones is scheduled to hit local theaters next month. |
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June 6, 2013
Korea's top celebrity couple to marry in August
The Dong-A Ilbo
Actor Lee Byung-hun, 43, and actress Lee Min-jeong, 31, will tie the knot in this coming August. BH Entertainment, actor Lee’s agency, said, “The couple will marry at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul at 6 p.m. on August 10.”
“Thanks for the attention and love from many people, the two people are set to tie the knot to build upon their meaningful love,” actor Lee’s side said. “Actor Lee will faithfully continue his main job as actor, while also trying his best to become an exemplary husband of a family.” MS Team Entertainment, actress Lee’s agency, said, “No schedules have been fixed yet, but she will continue showbiz activities after marriage.”
The couple started dating in 2006, and broke off once. But the two reportedly have been dating again since early last year, and officially publicized their relationship in August.
Lee Byung-hun stars in the Hollywood movie “Red: The Legend (Red 2)” featuring with Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman, which will hit the box office in July. Lee Min-jeong is taking a rest after concluding “Everything about My Love Affairs,” a soap opera aired on SBS TV. |
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June 5, 2013
Wedding of Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min-jung set for August
By Suh Hye-rim The Korea Herald
Actor Lee Byung-hun is to tie the knot with his girlfriend Lee Min-jung, one of Korea’s most sought-after actresses, in August. The two have been together for seven years since 2006, during which time they broke up once but got back together last year.
The wedding will take place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on Aug. 10, the two celebrities’ agencies confirmed in separate statements on Wednesday.
“In love and trust, the two have decided to become lifetime companions to each other. Thanks for all your support and interest. We hope that you’ll continue to support them and send them love for their new start,” Lee Byung-Hun’s agency BH Entertainment stated.
Meanwhile, Lee Min-jung’s agency MS team Entertainment flatly denied possible pregnancy.
Speculation had mounted over their wedding ever since the two publicly acknowledged their relationship last year. The 31-year-old actress caught the bouquet at her close friend’s wedding on May 25, with her 43-year-old boyfriend also in attendance at the ceremony.
Lee Byung-hun is on a world promotional tour for “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” in which he stars as Storm Shadow. Another blockbuster, “RED 2,” in which he appears alongside Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman, will be released in July. |
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June 7, 2013
'Mai Ratima' tackles the challenges of a multicultural Korea
By Carla Sunwoo Korea JoongAng Daily
The film, which won the Jury Prize ex aequo at the 15th Festival du Film Asiatique de Deauville this year, centers on a Thai girl named Mai Ratima
The plight of the underdogs of Korean society is examined closely in Yoo Ji-tae’ s first feature film as director, “Mai Ratima.” Provided by Wannabe Fun
After securing praise from abroad, actor-director Yoo Ji-tae is set on dazzling fans at home with his controversial, multicultural melodrama “Mai Ratima.”
The film, which won the Jury Prize ex aequo at the 15th Festival du Film Asiatique de Deauville this year, centers on a Thai girl named Mai Ratima who marries into a Korean family. An an illegal immigrant who is worked to the bone by her in-laws, she is the victim of all sorts of abuse. Throw in a provincial deadbeat who rescues and woos Mai Ratima, and against the backdrop of Seoul, you have a tale of two characters hard to encounter in Korean cinema.
Produced on a tight budget, the set was described as “like no other” by male lead Bae Soo-bin, who plays the “loser” Soo-young. He called it “the most selfless” set he’s ever been on, and despite soldiering through the coldest winter in 40 years, he said that there was solidarity behind this work which examines the touchy issue of multiculturalism.
Joined by his leads Bae, Park Ji-soo and So Yoo-jin at a press screening, Yoo said the complicated love story between an illegal immigrant worker and a deadbeat was a long time coming.
“The synopsis is from 15 years ago actually. But then, I thought of a middle school girl as the lead,” said Yoo, reminiscing back to his college days where he first conceived the idea.
“But over time, I thought that those who are marginalized in society have changed, and that’s why I changed the lead to a female illegal immigrant.
And while Yoo admitted that some foreigners do actualize their “Korean Dream,” he said he “wanted to focus on those who have it hard here in order to change the society and the way it stereotypes them.”
And because Yoo is all about shaking things up, he also cast a newbie to play the crucial lead.
Yoo said that he studied a list of newbie actresses before he settled on Park.
“For my debut role, I was fortunate that my character covered a wide spectrum of acting,” Park explained.
And to get her Thai accent and demeanor right, she said she spent a lot of time working out to be “native thin” and also had a Thai tutor.
If Park plays the naive protagonist, the film’s antihero would be Young-jin played by actress So Yoo-jin. Soo-young’s other love interest, the femme fatale Young-jin, is a bar hostess and occasional escort who embodies all that is corrupt and sinful about city life.
“Young-jin is like the wind. She waltzes in and out without a trace,” So said.
Although on the surface her character is a bit different from the two other leads, So said “the more I thought about it, I didn’t think she was that different. Although she looks like she lives a glamorous life, she actually lives a lonely life.”
And the common factor among the three characters, according to So, is that “they are all learning through growing pains.”
On playing the male lead who ends up falling for both the goody two-shoes and the femme fatale, Bae said his role was relatable.
“In some ways it’s my story, too,” he said. “As you live, you make choices, hurt people and so on, and hopefully you grow as a result. It’s the story of everyone out there, and I tried my best to breathe life into my character.”
As someone who, like his character, has “experienced a lot,” not to mention a wedding coming up, Bae said taking part in a movie like this made him want to “try living in a way that benefits society.”
This do-good mentality echoed by Bae was no doubt what sparked the idea of the film for the director.
“I think it’s our teamwork that resulted in the success of the film,” Yoo said. “Of course you need more than passion, and so I’m thankful to the staff for their support.”
Up until this point, Yoo said he “focused just on producing” and so has little idea about how the film will be received.
But if press reactions are anything to go by, the film looks to be a hit with fans. It opened nationwide yesterday.
Last edited by katt on 7-6-2013 12:28 PM
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