"Who are the best in their fields that the heart must come before ability, honor and money... "
"The attitude should be wholehearted and truthful."
-Bae Yong Joon-

Friday, December 30, 2011

[News] Remembering ‘Winter Sonata,’ the start of hallyu

source: The Korea Herald

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20111230000497

Pioneering hallyu TV drama sees 10th anniversary

On the night of Jan. 14, 2002, the first episode of KBS TV drama series “Winter Sonata” went on air. Korea was four months ahead of the highly anticipated 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, and was still recovering from the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

The term “hallyu,” which was in fact introduced in 1999 by local reporters in Beijing who were surprised by the popularity of Korean TV drama shows in China, was still unfamiliar among the viewers. Even Yoon Suk-ho, the producer of what later became the pioneering hallyu drama, had no idea what the series was about to lead to in Korea and Asia as a whole.

The year 2012 is surely a milestone year for the history of hallyu, as the famous love saga has its 10th year anniversary. Ever since the show ― the second installment of producer Yoon’s four part “Endless Love” series ― was aired in Japan through NHK in April of 2003, the show has symbolized the beginnings of hallyu across Asia.

Thanks to its enormous popularity, its main actor Bae Yong-joon rose to heartthrob status in East Asia, while its filming location, Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, has welcomed more than one million visitors in the last decade.

Before 2003, however, the sob-fest love story had been regarded as just another popular TV series in Korea. It came after a series of tear-jerking romance movies and TV dramas released in Korea from the late 1990s on, including late popular actress Choi Jin-sil’s film “The Letter” (1997), director Hur Jin-ho’s “Christmas in August” (1998) and Yoon’s first installment of the “Endless Love” series “Autumn in My Heart” (2000).

Culture critic Lee Young-mi, who saw “Winter Sonata” as an “extension of therapeutic pop-culture products to ease the collective trauma of the 1997 financial crisis in Korea,” said the show’s popularity in Korea and Japan must be understood separately.

“People rejected the ‘traditional’ kind of love throughout the 1990s in Korea by the younger generation,” Lee told The Korea Herald during a phone interview on Wednesday.

Scenes from KBS’ 2002 hit drama series “Winter Sonata” (KBS)

“These young men and women were confident enough to have fun while not settling down or being too committed. But that confidence was totally shattered by the financial crisis in the late 1990s. By this time we all knew there was no such thing as romantic, ever-lasting love. But we needed to hang onto those fantasies to survive. So what came out were movies and drama series that dealt with death-transcending love stories. The popularity of ‘Winter Sonata’ in Korea took part of that.

“But its popularity in Japan has nothing to do with it,” Lee continued. “In general, though, I think the show received more positive reviews in Korea after it gained popularity in Japan. Most culture products that enjoy popularity overseas are hardly criticized locally in Korea.”

The show’s popularity in Japan was surprising to many, including the producer Yoon Suk-ho and then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who in 2004 famously said, “Bae Yong-joon is more popular than I am in Japan.”

Drawing at least 20 percent of prime time viewers in 2003, the show soon rose to cult status. NHK made $3.5 million from selling Winter Sonata-related products, while selling 330,000 DVD sets and 1,220,000 “Winter Sonata” novels. Its most enthusiastic viewers were middle-aged women, who were completely mesmerized by its main actor Bae Yong-joon, who starred as a caring and romantic ski resort CEO who would give up everything for his first love.

Bae, who the New York Times called “the $2.3 billion man” for his value in 2004, made his famous visit to Japan that year. Some 3,000 middle-aged women gathered at Narita International Airport to greet their heartthrob.

According to a scholarly article published on Keio Communication Review in 2007, some 350 riot police were there to guard the scene. In spite of the presence of the officers, however, 10 women were sent to hospital as they were injured from “pushing and shoving” in an attempt to see their “Yon-sama.”

“I had no idea it would become so popular in Japan,” producer Yoon Suk-ho told The Korea Herald during a phone interview on Wednesday. “In fact, the first installment of the series, ‘Autumn in My Heart,’ was popular in Southeast Asian counties, not Japan. I planned on filming as much snow as possible for ‘Winter Sonata’ to attract the viewers in those warm counties.”

Yoon, who last year produced the musical adaption of the show for the 10th year anniversary, which is currently on stage in Seoul, shared his favorite line of a review from a Japanese critic. “It said, ‘Winter Sonata’ awakened the little girls deeply buried in the middle-aged Japanese women’s subconscious,’” Yoon told The Korea Herald. “I think ‘Autumn in My Heart’ was popular in Southeast Asia as it dealt with social class differences as well as poverty. Japan, on the other hand, was the first country in Asia that went through modernization and westernization. I think the show touched on what these Japanese women left behind, as well as their fond memories and values that only exist in their past.”

Yoon is currently preparing for his upcoming TV drama “Loverain,” featuring young hallyu stars Jang Kuen-suk and popular girl group Girls’ Generation member Yoona as a young puppy-love couple in the ‘70s.

Jang, in particular, is largely considered one of the rising hallyu stars in Japan. Last year he successfully completed a one-of-a-kind, fantasy-like concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Unlike Bae, most of Jang’s fans are Japanese youngsters.

While the theme of the show resembles that of “Winter Sonata” ― pure and noble love shared by young innocent souls (which has been Yoon’s long-time interest) ― it will be interesting to see what the edgy and young duo will bring to the show, Yoon said.

“hallyu has become more about K-pop than the drama series nowadays,” Yoon said. “As a TV producer I am not particularly happy about that. But K-pop’s energetic and feisty. Jang Keun-suk has all of that K-pop quality. He’s open, honest, unique and is always himself. I think he will bring such energy to the show, while I will keep the good old stuff that needs to be kept (by telling the love story of the ‘70s).”

The musical adaptation of “Winter Sonata,” currently being staged at Myungbo Art Hall in central Seoul, runs until March 18. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Japanese subtitles are available. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555, or (070) 7019-6707.

By Claire  Lee (dyc@heraldm.com)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

[Photo] Choa vol.7-Exclusive BYJ in Kyoto

Source: byjgallery/miemi





[News] Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yong Jun Meet Again?

source : http://www.enewsworld.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=2401&idxType=News#
by CJ E&M enewsWorld Ko Hong Ju

Choi Ji Woo opened up on an accidental encounter with Bae Yong Jun on the December 26 broadcast of SBS’ Healing Camp.

When asked what she does when she has free time, she said without hesitation, “I go to a nice café (where hot guys hang out) with friends.”

It was a café where she saw Bae Yong Jun by chance. Choi recollected, “At the moment when my friend said ‘Doesn’t Bae Yong Jun usually come to this kind of place?’ somebody was passing in front of us, and that was Bae Yong Jun.”






The reason that the episode attracted attention is the two were tied up in dating rumors in the past. Choi shared the episode without reserve, making viewers speculate they have been maintaining their friendship.

Choi said “I was so surprised and happy to see him, I called him loudly, ‘Oppa(older brother/guy)’ and Bae Yong Jun was also surprised.” She continued, “We talked to each other for a while. I asked, ‘Do you come to this kind of place?’ and he answered, ‘It hasn′t been that long since I started to visit this place, but I do come.”

Choi said, “When I go to a café, I always take a seat in a closed place even though I want to sit in an open place. But Bae Yong Jun sat by the window with his friend.”

When asked how he looked, she said, “He didn’t wear sunglasses, but anyone could notice him at a glimpse. He looked so young and awesome.”

Meanwhile, Choi also opened up about her difficulties in maintaining her mysterious image as an actress and candidly revealed how she debuted in the showbiz industry.

Photo credit: SBS

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

[News] Bae Yong-joon moves to Seongbuk District

source:  xiaoyi's blog / http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2945915

On Dec. 18, actor Bae Yong-joon’s agency Key East Entertainment confirmed the details that the star has indeed recently moved into a house in Seongbuk-dong in Seongbuk District in northern Seoul.


According to local media, Bae bought the house in November last year for five billion won ($4.3 million). The new home of the movie star is a white-colored two-story building that looks clean and luxurious from the outside.

The star made changes to the interior of the house and moved in following the renovation. The actor’s agency stated that he threw a house-warming party before moving in.

Up until the star moved into his new home, Bae lived in a rental house in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, for the last four years. Due to his sudden purchase of the large house, there were rumors circulating that the celebrity would soon wed.

However Key East Entertainment denied these rumors saying, “As rental prices kept rising, Bae thought it was a smart move to buy his own home. The star was missing the smell of dirt and wanted a house with a garden.”

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]

[Gif] BYJ in Kyoto

source: yasai's blog


Sunday, December 18, 2011

[VOD] Tribute To Winter Sonata

source: YouTube/shinara17

I would like to dedicate this video as my Christmas gift to BYJ's Family. Please enjoy it!^^.
Thank you for accepting me in this wonderful family. I hope we will create more of wonderful memories in 'Bae's world' in the future... ^__^

Have a Merry Christmas 2011 and a Happy New Year 2012. God bless you all! \(^___^)/

Friday, December 16, 2011

[Info] Please Vote for Bae Yong Joon in in the hallyu star category 2011

source: byj gallery/Ngoc Die



http://ent.jkn.co.kr/star/2011award.html

KHJ is leading. for now our BYJ is in the last place so please asking for your support.
this poll will run from DECEMBER 13 to DECEMBER 30. so let's all vote for our BYJ

Thanks my Bae sister!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

BYJ’s message to family

Source: lovebaeyongjoon
By



Lucky 100fans had special party, special time with wuri Yong Joon yesterday.

The party took place at Gorilla, our favorite Ms. Kim Tei had blogged about it on her blog.


She was so kind to ask Bae Yong Joon to leave a message to all the fans who could not attend the party.
and here it is….BYJ’s message to family;

Please have a wonderful Christmas with your precious ones.
Year is almost ending, please have wonderful year end.
And always be well and happy.
Thank you very much for always sending so much love to me.

sorry, i could not share more details of the party. bae sisters who attended shared details on twitters hope you have chance to get glimpse of it.

happy holidays, everyone…
love
tomato

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

[News] ‘Dream High 2′ reveals finalized main cast list

source: allkpop



KBS 2TV‘s ‘Dream High 2‘ has finally released its confirmed list of main cast members!
Actress Kang Sora, SISTAR‘s Hyorin, T-ara‘s Jiyeon, and 2AM‘s Jung Jinwoon have all confirmed that they’ll be taking part in the sequel series to the popular teenage drama.

On December 6th, the producers of ‘Dream High 2′ and CJ Media announced that Kang Sora would be taking on the role of ‘Shin Hye Sung‘, an awkward and somewhat weird idol aspirant who learned music solely through effort.

Kang Sora, who plans on showcasing her strong acting abilities through this new role, commented, “I’ve only acted until now, so having to perform on stage as well is honestly a burden. However, I’m both nervous and excited because this will be a new challenge for me.”

Hyorin will play the role of ‘Nana‘, a student with amazing talent and natural abilities. Hyorin mused, ”Nana has a broad-minded personality that is similar to mine, so I have an attraction towards her character. I’m looking forward to it.”

Jiyeon will play the role of ‘Lian‘, a member of the popular girl group, Hush, who aspires to one day be the “Queen of the Cannes Film Festival”, but lacks the acting ability to do so. Jiyeon revealed, “I’m receiving a lot of pointers from Eunjung, who participated in the first season. I already have a warm blanket prepared to withstand the cold at Kirin High School.”

Lastly, Jung Jinwoon has plans to showcase his cute charms through his role of ‘Jin Yoo Jin‘, a bragging troublemaker who aspires to be a rockstar. He stated, “I felt an attraction to the role of Jin Yoo Jin as soon as I read the script. I like the character more because of the fact that he likes rock, just like me. I will try my best to bring out the character’s charm.”

Source + Image: Star News via Nate

Friday, December 2, 2011

[News] BYJ Manager's Blog

Source: BYJ Mobile Official Site / lovebaeyongjoon
BYJ Manager’s Blog


This is Yang Geun Hwan
30 November 2011

by: Manager Yang Geun Hwan
Japanese to English: tomato99@LoveBaeYongJoon

Annyong Hasaeyo, Dear family

Winter is already approaching.
How are you all doing?

City of Seoul is decorated with illumination, you can feel atmosphere of the year end.
As you are dazzled by the illumination, you seem to recall every events of this year.

Last winter, we were spending busy time creating drama “Dream High,” and this year we will be busy again with production of drama “Dream High 2.”

We are working very hard preparing, we ask you for your continuing support.

Today, I would like to inform you my personal news.

Recently I try to spend as much time as possible with my family.

Other day, my second child was born, watching the child grow everyday makes me forget all the tiredness.

Thanks to all of you, I can raise the child very healthy.

As respond to your warmest concern, I am posting photos of my children.

Please watch over us.





I would like to bring good news again in the future.
It is getting cold, hope you have a heartwarming winter.

Kamsa Hamnida.

Sincerely,
Yang Geun Hwan

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Remember when Mr. Yang’s first child was born?
Click here to see the photo from 2010.

[News] Kwon Ri Sae to Join "Dream High Season 2?"

source: soompi
by hotshotlover30 on Dec 2, 2011 

Kwon Ri Sae to Join "Dream High Season 2?"

Earlier today, we reported that MBC “Star Audition” contestant Kwon Ri Sae was a strong candidate for Key East Entertainment’s new idol group. However, it’s also been reported that Kwon Ri Sae may join the cast of “Dream High Season 2.”

Currently SISTAR’s Hyorin, T-ara’s Ji Yeon, 2AM’s Jin Woon, Kang Sora, Ailee, and others are confirmed for the sequel to the tremendously popular 2011 drama that followed the lives of high school students who aspired to become superstars. Many fans are curious to see what other celebrities will join the already star-studded list of actors in one of the most highly anticipated dramas of 2012.

Kwon Ri Sae’s entertainment agency, Key East, is one of the companies involved in producing the drama, which increases the possibility of her joining the team. Additionally, many are stating that Kwon Ri Sae’s clean and innocent image fits well with the teenaged characters of the drama.

If Kwon Ri Sae gets confirmed for “Dream High Season 2,” she’ll make her debut as an actress before she makes her official debut as a singer. Currently, she and approximately seven other girls are training to be a part of “Bae Yong Joon’s Girl Group.”


 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

[News] Kwon Ri Sae to debut in KeyEast’s new girl group?

source: allkpop





Bae Yong Joon‘s agency, KeyEast Entertainment, has relayed that rookie star Kwon Ri Saeˀ is preparing to become a idol girl group member.

On December 2nd, KeyEast president Yang Geun Hwan told Star News, “It is true that KeyEast is currently preparing for a girl group debut, but nothing has been decided yet. Kwon Ri Sae is currently practicing as a trainee.

KeyEast has set their goal to debut the new girl group in June of 2012, and explained that they currently have over 10 girls as trainees. The agency will choose around 5 to 7 members for the group, and are still deciding on their concept and musical color.

President Yang continued, “Kwon Ri Sae’s face is more well known compared to the other trainees, and she is sincere and practices diligently… Even if the girl group debuts, if there are other activity opportunities, she will juggle those as well.

Kwon Ri Sae, a former contestant on MBC‘s ‘Birth of a Great Star‘, signed with KeyEast Entertainment back in July.

Source: Star News via Nate