[News] From Heartthrobs to Hairdos, Welcome to the Korean Wave

source: JakartaGlobe
by Eduardo Mariz

South Koreans have long been proud of their “wave,” the soft-power juggernaut of boy bands, movies and products that have penetrated Southeast Asia in a big way in recent years. Imagine kimchi, the smelly, spiced, fermented cabbage so suited to Korean winters, catching on among Indonesians? But even that acquired taste has become hip, along with everything from haircuts to K-pop.

Since the first Korean dramas hit the airwaves, eating stinky vegetables and listening to K-Pop hasn’t been enough.

A huge K-wave fan, Dwi Hapsari is very familiar with the total impact of Korean culture in Indonesia. She has witnessed the swell of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, since it landed here in 2007, interviewing several stars for Indonesian publications, fostering trade on entertainment products and now serving as marketing manager for the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Jakarta.

Since 2007, the number of Indonesians visiting Korea has increased by more than 240 percent, from 36,000 to 124,000; in 2012, Dwi hopes to see the figure reach 160,000.

The KTO uses Korea’s star power to sell the entire country, beginning with the opening of its office in June 2011 with a ceremony that include a performance by 4NE1, an Indonesian K-Pop-inspired band.

And KTO also depends on celebrity goodwill ambassadors. “We have [K-pop band] Super Junior promoting the food. Miss A, 2PM, Girls Generation … Bae Yong-Joon are all global ambassadors for [our program] ‘Visit Korea Year,’” Dwi said. “We are using their popularity and influence to introduce Korea as a travel destination. It’s a holistic approach, it helps a lot of businesses in Korea.”

Dwi’s office has also selected well-known Indonesians, celebrity chef William Wongso and model and actress Sandra Dewi, to be local ambassadors for Korean culture.

She thinks that many Indonesians are making Korea their travel destination because they want to experience what they see in films and dramas.

“They want to try something related to the artists, they want to experience their makeup, their fashion, their habits. They are trying to imitate their idols,” Dewi said.


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(For those who interested to read the full news, you can click the link below):

 http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/lifeandtimes/from-heartthrobs-to-hairdos-welcome-to-the-korean-wave/498900

[News] Jeon Do-yeon, Bae Yong-joon, Kong Yoo, Im Soo-jeong, next up is drama

source: Hancinema

http://www.hancinema.net/jeon-do-yeon-bae-yong-joon-kong-yoo-im-soo-jeong-next-up-is-drama-38849.html

Well known stop actors and actresses Jeon Do-yeon, Bae Yong-joon, Gong Yoo, Im Soo-jeong and more are looking into coming back with dramas. Jeon Do-yeon who is also known as 'the queen of Cannes" is well known for her quality movies, Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon who is known for his discerning eyes when it comes to choosing his work and Im Soo-jeong who has her fans craving for more of her on screens are into reading drama synopsis's these days.

These four people are number 1 when it comes to casting in Chungmuro for their experience and reputation. Jeon Do-yeon, Im Soo-jeong and Bae Yong-joon have been consistently getting love calls. However, these stars want dramas. Their commom hope is to come out with a new drama some time soon.

We can tell there has been a change of pattern amongst the main actors and actresses since last year. Those who have been in more movies acted as tow trucks on home screens. Han Seok-Kyu from "Deep-rooted Tree" was one and Sin Ha-gyoon from "Brain" was another. Actor Jang Dong-gun is also looking forward to a drama come back for the first time in twelve years.

Jeon Do-yeon's spokesperson told OSEN, "She is considering dramas rather than movies at the moment. She is looking through movies as well but she craves for drama more. She has gotten many offers but she hasn't found one she really likes yet".

"Maybe it's because of her nick name, 'the queen of Cannes', there is a preconception that Jeon Do-yeon only does movies. This isn't true. If there is a drama she wants to do then she will be glad to star in it. Her plan is to return with a drama within the year". Gong Yoo from the movie "The Crucible" is also planning on coming back with a drama.

Bae Yong-joon and Im Soo-jeong's spokesperson also claimed, "They are looking at dramas. Bae Yong-joon has a strong wish to star in a drama next and Im Soo-jeong hasn't done one since "Sorry, I Love You"".

All of them seem to have a strong desire to break the preconception that says they only work with movies.

Source : news.nate.com/view/20... ( Korean )

[News] Ryu Seung Soo "Bae Yong Joon Asked for a Blind Date"

source: soompi
by jbarky

The actor Ryu Seung Soo revealed that Bae Yong Joon had asked him to set up a blind date. For the episode of tvN “Field Talk Show TAXI” to broadcast on February 16 Ryu Seung Soo talked about his close friend Bae Yong Joon.

When Ryu Seung Soo revealed the news, that even Bae Yong Joon asks for blind dates as well, the MCs Lee Young Jah and Gong Hyung Jin could not conceal their surprise.



Ryu Seung Soo also talked about himself, “In the past I appeared in a drama opposite of Han Hye Jin as her lover. The feelings from the drama continued on afterwards and I had a real crush on Han Hye Jin.”

This episode of “Field Talk Show Taxi” involved Ryu Seung Soo looking for his ideal female in his “Wedding Taxi.”

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 ( I was sooo SURPRISED to read this news!! He asked for the blind date??? ooh really??? BYJ??? hihih (^__^)v.  But, whoever the lucky lady who will go blind date with him, please treat our handsome prince nicely, okay? He's so special..^^,  BYJssi FIGHTING!!! hehehe (^__^)v

[Capture] BYJ Official Premium Box - To be released on 9 May 2012

source: brokore / dearyongjoon

http://selection.brokore.com/special/byj_premium_box.html
http://www.koretame.com/products/detail36988.html

 

[MV] BYJ "Valentine"

source: YouTube / jillc838

Hope you have a special day...

filled with love and happines.

Hope it's a warm as your smile,

And as wonderful as you are.

Happy Valentine's Day Yong Joon-A .. *oops* ...  I mean BYJ Ssi!! heheh(^,^)v 

and,

Happy Valentine's Day to my dear wonderful  BYJ family!!^__^

I love you all..!! =(^__^)= 

Best Wishes,

Shinara

[ScreenCaps] DATV-BYJ in Kyoto

source: yasai's blog

[Gifs] DATV - BYJ in Kyoto

source: yasai's blog