10Asia [INTERVIEW] Kang Dong-won - Part 1

Reporter : Wee Geun-woo | eight@10asia.co.kr
기사입력 2009.12.28 19:25 최종수정 2009.12.28 19:25


Actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

It took some time to get used to talking with Gang Dong-won. And it is not because of his slow way of speech. Gang is one who will listen to a question, remain silent for a long time and give his answer just when you are about to ask another question because you thought he would not answer your previous question. He is an actor who will think over both the question and answer in his head thorougly, check how geniune his answer is and then speak. That is why we were able to experience 'sincerity' -- a value we thought existed only in letters -- from Gang who is the star of recent hit Korean film "WOOCHI".


10: You had quit smoking when starting to film "M" -- have you taken it up again?

Gang Dong-won (Gang): I failed (to quit). It's hard not to smoke while working on a film because you get stressed. And you also go out to drink a lot after shoots so I'd smoke once in a while when I do. I'm going to try quitting again next year.


10: You mentioned stress. Director Choi Dong-hoon used the word 'hell' to express what it was like on set of "WOOCHI".

Gang: I think the rough time the actors and directors have on set is different though. I simply got bruised here and there because the action scenes in "WOOCHI" is all about speed. There are a lot of scenes where I dash this way and that, fall or ram into places, get beaten up and run away.


10: Working with director Choi must have been very different from working with director Lee Myung-sae of your previous films the "Duelist" or "M".

Gang: They have very different styles. They're both great at details but differ in their methods. Director Choi creates complex stories while director Lee goes with simple stories but uses a lot of detail in telling them.


10: This is also a commercial film in the traditional sense.

Gang: But I thought "Duelist" was also a very commercial movie. In the midst of filming some people had told me it's becoming too much of an art film but I and director Lee had claimed that it was a commercial film. Both of us had misjudged entirely. (laugh) I can, however, confidently say that "WOOCHI" is a commercial film.


10: Then do you want to prove that you have the star quality necessary in selling many tickets this time?

Gang: I hope I do. I want one of my films to be a hit before my 20s pass. We'll hit the break-even point if we draw in 4.5 million viewers so I hope we breach that first and then I hope I get to see it become a big hit by attracting twice as many moviegoers. Acting-wise, I want people to see that I can pull off such roles too.



Actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]


10: Such roles as in?

Gang: Playing a fun mischievous character? I do want to prove that I can pull off whatever character I take on. I wanted to show I can be a pure unmarried man living in the countryside through "Don't Believe Her", a high school student in "Romance of Their Own" and an assassin from the Joseon Dynasty in "Duelist".


10: And did you achieve what you had aimed for with all your films?

Gang: Honestly, I don't look back on a movie once I'm done filming because I'll consider my job done. I start preparing for my next role hoping to do well at it rather than check whether I achieved a goal I had set for my previous movie. It's not that I'm irresponsible and don't care for how people evaluate me. I know, better than anyone else, in which parts I lack so I prepare myself for my upcoming role rather than regretting on my past. I think it's better. I consider my upcoming film done too although we haven't even started promoting it yet.


10: Then maybe that's why you have such a hard time while in promotion.

Gang: Yes, that might be why. I'm moving forward, thinking of what I should do next while also having to pull out what I think I'm already done doing.


10: There was a video of you once where you asked for the press release of your film before an interview.

Gang: It's so that I can explain the movie better since I'm usually bad at explaining things. I have to recognize in advance the difference between what I think of a movie versus what the promoters want to show the public about the movie. I don't want to get scolded in case I mess up. (laugh) The PR team will tell me I shouldn't have said certain things.


10: It seems you're very cautious. Do you not like saying things you aren't prepared for?

Gang: I don't like it because I might make mistakes. I'm okay with interviews like this one but I don't like making mistakes at bigger events like film festivals where the things I say could be misrepresented. Everyone makes mistakes but people say so much about even the smallest details. I don't like being talked about. Of course, I like it when people say I did well or I'm good looking but I really don't like hearing people say that I'm weird. Maybe it's because I'm the youngest of my family? (laugh) Because I'm so used to just being loved all the time?


10: Well you can't be praised all the time for a role.

Gang: Yes that's true. I guess I'm better at self-reproach in that sense. My brain knows what I need to do but I sometimes can't do it no matter how hard I try. Then I'll just pass, telling myself that it's something I can't do for now.


10: What didn't work out with "WOOCHI"?

Gang: A scene where I tried to laugh heartily? I tried it for a scene where I think it would suit perfectly but it didn't work too well. There are several such minor scenes I hope had worked out better.


10: You seem to be greedy to do well with even the slightest details.

Gang: I'm a very detail-oriented person. A perfectionist.


10: You don't like to make mistakes plus are a perfectionist. What's more important between doing well and not making a mistake?

Gang: That's an important question. I shouldn't make a mistake... yet I guess doing well is more important. I think it's okay to make a mistake to the extent I can make a comeback later. But I should do well enough that it'll make up for my mistakes.


Reporter : Wee Geun-woo eight@10asia.co.kr, Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[INTERVIEW] Gang Dong-won - Part 2

Reporter : Wee Geun-woo | eight@10asia.co.kr
기사입력 2009.12.28 19:25 최종수정 2009.12.28 19:25


Actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]


10: You're like an actress in the sense that you receive absolute support from fans of the opposite gender and are someone who we are unlikely to see in our daily lives. You used to talk about playing games and reading comic books but you've become even more of an unrealistic being for us after saying that you like to make furniture and like to go in the woods.

Gang: But I think I really did. I spent about a year just making furniture.


10: What is it about making furniture that attracted you so much?

Gang: There's a huge sense of achievement in making a piece of furniture in the design that I want. It feels great oiling my piece and seeing the texture of the wood come to life at the end of the whole process. And you can save quite a bit of money to making your own furniture. It costs about 400,000 to 500,000 won for the wood that goes into making a table but this is nothing compared to trying to buy a piece of furniture.


10: If you had shot some TV commercials as actor Gang Dong-won during that time.

Gang: Yes, people around me told me to do something else instead and just buy furniture with the money I make doing that. But I'm someone who likes to go after what he wants.


10: But no matter how hard you look to do something you enjoy, isn't there a point it becomes work?

Gang: Yes, that is true. I started doing photoshoots because it was fun but it started becoming a concern and a hassle after having to prepare a dozen different articles of clothing everytime. You do have to end what you have started though. And there are times I feel proud after putting up with all of it. No matter what, I try my best to do things I can have fun with and if it isn't, I try to make the best out of the situation.



Actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]


10: Then how do you try and enjoy your work as an actor?

Gang: I love competition. I only play against one other player when playing the game "Winning 11" at home too. This may be a sensitive issue but when I'm working on a film, I set other actors or the director as my competition and enjoy that competition alone.


10: Then what stimulated your competitive spirit with "WOOCHI"?

Gang: First of all, the great cast. My personality is a bit twisted so when I'm filming with great actors, I think of how I can catch up with them rather than trying to learn from them.


10: And did you win?

Gang: It doesn't matter whether I actually did lose or win. I just hope I can become better than them some day. Such thoughts heat up the competition and makes everything more fun.


10: Did you not get hurt shooting the action scenes? The martial arts director praised you during an interview for pulling off even the most dangerous action scenes without a double.

Gang: I learned modern dance for about five months to shoot "Duelist" which helped me to act without tensing up my body so I didn't get hurt too much. I actually didn't have a personal trainer for "WOOCHI" but focused on basic physical training and played soccer at action school. (laugh) So my experiences from "Duelist" helped a lot. My body had gotten used to creating curves. I think wire action is closer to dance than martial arts.


Reporter : Wee Geun-woo eight@10asia.co.kr, Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

10 Asia Interview with Kang Dong-won Part 3

Reporter : Wee Geun-woo | eight@10asia.co.kr
기사입력 2009.12.28 19:24 최종수정 2009.12.28 19:24


Actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]


10: Do you have plans to make appearances on variety shows to promote "WOOCHI"?

Gang: Actors have to talk about themselves a lot when they appear on such shows but I don't like talking about myself too much. I appeared on KBS' "Happy Together" a few years ago and I think that suited me the best because all I had to do was sing.


10: Then are there any variety shows you enjoy watching these days?

Gang: I've been watching "Two Nights and One Day" from KBS' "Happy Sunday" and MBC' "Infinite Challenge".


10: Would you not consider making a guest appearance on "Two Night and One Day"? I have a feeling it would suit you.

Gang: The producers of the show actually called me before shooting in Changwon because it's my hometown but I didn't go.


10: Do you have any thoughts to return to dramas?

Gang: None. My fans have been asking me to but I've told them I won't. And it's not because I don't trust the producers but I don't believe in the system of how dramas work. I don't like the fast tempo on set. I work slowly -- I'm the type that needs a lot of time with my acting but it's hard to do that while shooting dramas. I've never thought of appearing in dramas since "Magic".


[[[[[[some parts are missing here???]]]]]

Gang: I watch it but only the sports channels. Always channels number 501, 503 and 506. (laugh) I watch mostly soccer and baseball.


10: The Premier League for soccer?

Gang: Yes. But I'm having a rough time trying to watch Park Joo-young's matches since he moved to the French league because of the time difference. The matches for the Premier League will air at 10 P.M. in Korea sometimes but it's very difficult with the French league because they usually air at around 3 or 4 A.M.


10: As much as you like soccer, you must have some things to say about the World Cup drawings. Is there a team you hope wins other than Korea?

Gang: I usually root for the teams that have players I like. I hope England does well since they have players like Steve Gerrard.


10: Do you have any fashion tips for guys being the fashionista you are?

Gang: You just have to invest a lot of time and money in clothes. You have to study it a lot, do a lot of shopping and read fashion magazines. But there's a small number of magazines for men so if you want to learn more, you should read foreign publications or even look at books with collections if you're even more serious.


10: You're mindset is changing as you age but why doesn't it show on your face?

Gang: I could tell (I changed) when I monitored myself on screen. I used to look young for my age in the past, like a kid. But I think that changed this time and the director said so too.


10: It's a bit unique to see someone as good looking as you speaking with a certain dialect. Would you consider changing it?

Gang: I would like to. I talked to Song Kang-ho about it since he talks in a Gyeongsang Province dialect but he said I should speak however way I want. I'm still thinking of changing it though because although he is correct in some ways, I feel deep down inside that it's not right for me to speak with a dialect.



Actor Gang Dong-won [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]


Reporter : Wee Geun-woo eight@10asia.co.kr, Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kang Dong Won’s movie Jeon Woo Chi The Taoist Wizard goes small scree

Following the success of the big screen fantasy action blockbuster “Jeon Woo Chi : The Taoist Wizard” which attracted 6 million cinemagoers in the early 2010, Chorokbaem Media is planning to bring the story to the small screen as a drama series.

Chorokbaem Media is a notable production company who behind several success dramas such as Jumong, Chuno and Iljimae.

Jeon Woo Chi : The Taoist Wizard movie is starred by cutie Kang Dong Won, Im So Jung (MISA, I am A Cyborg) and award winning actor Kim Yoon Seok (The Chaser).

The movie tells story of a magician in the Josoen Era named Jeon Woo Chi who framed as his master’s murderer.
Then he and his dog are sealed inside an ancient scroll by three evil Taoist wizards until 2009, when he is freed by the trio wizards to battle evil goblins in the big city.
The trouble is that Jeon Woo Chi is more enthusiastic about sight seeing and womanizing than his appointed assignment.
Jeon Woo Chi : The Taoist Wizard as a drama series is planned for next year release.

source

Actors in their 40's,30's and 20's with highest audience number

Article from http://www.koreahera...=20101008000621


Actors in their 40s draw highest audience
2010-10-08 14:40

The influence of actors varies according to their age. Recent statistics by Korea Film Council proves male actors in their 40s pull the highest audience figures. The experienced actors’ growing charisma and acting skills are just two of the reasons for their boost in popularity. 

Song Kang-ho, 43, attracted the highest average number of viewers for his films. In the younger 20-40 age group, Ha Jung- woo, 32, was recorded as the most popular star. 

Stars in their 40s’ Mighty Power: Song Kang-ho, Sul Kyung- gu and Jung Jae-young 

Since 2005, the most popular films Song Kang-ho appeared as the lead in were “The Host” (2006), ‘”Thirst” (2009) and “Secret Reunion” (2010). In total, Song Kang-ho appeared in a main role in seven movies and attracted 28.8 million viewers. 

Sul Kyung-gu, 42, followed Song Kang-ho for audience figures. He was as a main character in nine movies and attracted 26 million viewers.

Jung Jae-young ranked third for the total number of viewers, following Song Kang-ho and Sul Kyung-gu. 

Since 2005, Hwang Jung-min, 40, played main roles in 10 movies, more films than any other actor.

Stars in their 30s, Ha Jung-woo’s heyday and Won Bin’s sudden rise

Ha Jung-woo has been nominated as the actor who played the most diverse roles in the last five years. “National Team, Take-off” (2009) and “The Chaser” (2008) were his most successful films. From the five movies he was cast in, Ha Jung-woo has had 14.3 million viewers. 

Then there was the best comeback in some time, from Won Bin. After his military service, he came back to the big screen with “Mother” (2009) and this years’ hottest movie “The Man from Nowhere” (2010). After his comeback, Won Bin attracted over 9 million viewers.


From left: Jung jae-young, Kang Dong-won, Won Bin

Stars in their 20s, Kang Dong- won’s rise

Kang Dong-won, 29, has had unmatched numbers of viewers when compared to other actors in their 20s. After 2005, the five films he was cast in the leading role, including the “Voice of a Murderer,” appealed to 15 million viewers. Even film critics commended Kang Dong-won’s work as without fault. The only thing likely to interrupt his success is his need to serve in the military for two years, soon after the up-coming movie premier of “Psychics” (2010).

(Herald Online)

“Psychic” Kang Dong Won & Ko Soo conquer Pusan

Actors Kang Dong-won and Ko Soo, both with movie star good looks and acting ability, have a confrontation in PSYCHIC. The movie is Director Kim Min-seok’s debut work and its refreshingly unusual story of a man with supernatural powers meeting a man who is immune to his powers has attracted a great deal of attention. The launching of the PSYCHIC promotional buses at Pusan has created a buzz at the Pusan International Film Festival.

With the handsome faces of Kang Dong-won and Ko Soo gracing the buses which ply the streets of Pusan where the Pusan International Film Festival was held, these buses grabbed the attention of passers-by and large crowds quickly gathered to catch a glimpse of the PSYCHIC buses. In addition to that, PSYCHIC posters were also distributed over the weekend of 8th – 10th October to massive crowds of people at the film festival.

Participants of the PSYCHIC poster competition had to ensure that 300 posters were distributed daily. Due to congestion, they had to wait hours to obtain information on location of bus stops. For this reason, a twitter account (http://twitter.com/choin2010) had been set up to ensure fast and real-time information could be shared among participants. Some enthusiastic Japanese fans even took taxis to follow the PSYCHIC buses to take photographs. On 16th October, the PSYCHIC buses will be moved to the streets of Seoul . Public buses bearing the face of the two actors which had just emerged as a ‘star’ from the Pusan International Film Festival will undoubtedly create another buzz for PSYCHIC.

The casting of Kang Dong-won (an actor with the perfect mysterious charm) and Ko Soo (with the classic good looks and sincere demeanor) in PSYCHIC has generated a lot of talk from the beginning. Its unique story has made it one of the most anticipated films in 2010. PSYCHIC arrives in theatres on 11 November 2010.

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Kang Dong-won says "wants the power to teleport

* Reporter : Lucia Hong
* Editor : Jessica Kim



Actor Ko Soo speaks to reporters during a press conference for film "Haunters" held at a Megabox theater in Dongadaemun of Seoul, South Korea on October 18, 2010. [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Gang Dong-won has said that he would want the ability to teleport to outer space although in the past, he wanted to have the power to control people's minds as his character does in his upcoming film "Haunters."

"After playing someone who can control people's minds, I came to realize that it's a power that can make you lonely," the statuesque actor explained of his reason for preferring to teleport.

He was speaking to reporters at the press conference for his new thriller held at a Megabox theater in Seoul today.

"Haunters" is about a powerful being who grows up with his eyes bandaged and is protected by his mother but after breaking away from her, he soon realizes that he is able to control people's mind with his eyes.

He leads an ordinary life until he gets caught using his power to take money from a loan bank by a person named Im Kyu-nam (played by Ko Soo), who is not affected by his power.

Frustrated by this, Gang's character starts to hurt people around Im, for which Im seeks revenge.

The fantasy film is director Kim Min-seok's debut feature -- he has worked and assisted famed director Bong Joon-ho on smash hit "The Host" (2006) and director Kim Jee-woon for "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (2008).

Gang made his debut in the MBC drama "The Funny Wild Girl" in 2003, and since appeared in various works, most notably in "Romance of their Own," "Duelist," "WOOCHI" and "Secret Reunion."

Ko has appeared in a score of dramas and films since his debut in 1998 such as "Piano," "Will It Snow For Christmas?" and "White Night."

"Haunters" will open in local theaters on November 11.



Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 

Movie “Psychic” Production Presentation

thanks to Petra and Kosoo's Thread 

This is a transcript of the entire PSYCHIC Press Conference on 18 Oct 2010. 

English translation by ELSIE (thx so much ^^)

Kang Dong-won: Ko Soo’s charm lies in his eyes

Movie “Psychic” Production Presentation 

“Psychic” is certainly a wrong title for the movie. A film starring Kang Dong-won and Ko Soo should rightly be called “Super Handsome Men”. Though the title is wrong, the casting however cannot be faulted. If Kang Dong-won is a man who is different from other men because of his special powers, then who else can defy him except for the pure Gyu-nam in the form of Ko Soo? Kang Dong-won, the man who can seriously control the world with his eyes and Ko Soo aka don’t-call-me-Kovid-as-it’s-a-burden, who represents Gyu-nam, together with Director Kim Min-suk, are hosting a production presentation for PSYCHIC on 18 October.

Q: You are very lucky to have cast top stars like Kang Dong-won and Ko Soo in your first feature film. Is there a special reason to work with these two actors?

Director Kim: There’s no particular reason. The fact that these two good actors have chosen PSYCHIC is good in itself. Kang Dong-won really does look like he has special powers and Ko Soo in fact looks like Gyu-nam (laughs).


“We have no choice but to be attractive so as to be different from others” 


Q: You said you have great interest in supernatural powers even before the film was made?

Director Kim: I have been watching many ESP movies and cartoons since childhood. To be different from others, we have to transcend telepathy powers more attractively. These materials have not been handled much in Korean movies. It will be a burden, but I’d like to do it and chase away whatever doubts there are.


Q: If psychic powers do exist, what would you like to do most?

Director Kim: I want to transform into other objects like a spacecraft or a dove (laughs).

KDW: It depends on what type of psychic powers I have. But not becoming an invisible man like what an earlier article had said (laughs). I don’t want to have the powers of Superman. Just the ability to control a person’s mind will do. I should then be able to look for a place in the universe worth flying to and live there (laughs).


KS: Well… If I have psychic powers, I will stop this right now. I haven’t eaten anything yet, so I’d like to have lunch (the audience burst into laughter).

Q: This is a movie with two top actors. Did you have much inspiration while acting with each other?

KDW: Working with Ko Soo Senior for the first time, I find him to be a very passionate young man, always serious and enthusiastic in his work. All that is inspiring to me.

KS: Originally though, I didn’t get a lot of inspiration from his character. Dong-won was really early in a lot things – fashion and other products…


KDW: I always take it one at a time (laughs).

Q: Both of you are handsome, famous actors. What do you think of each other?


KDW: Even if I don’t say it, it is well understood. When I first met Ko Soo, I thought he is really manly, gentleman-like and handsome. Now I know why he’s called Ko-vid. The most attractive part of him? His ears? Jokes aside, it’s his eyes! (laughs).


KS: I receive a lot of questions like this. What do I think of Dong-won? Hmmm… He looks good of course. He is multi-talented and versatile on stage. He exercises well. Though he appears thin, maybe weak, his right biceps are very sexy (laughs). 

“PSYCHIC is a new movie which people can relate to”

Q: Just like the man with the supernatural powers who wants to live a quiet life – how do you two, who are famous actors, live an ordinary life?


KS: When working and not working, I want to be ordinary. While I’m here, I’d like to be ordinary right now (the audience roared with laughter).


KDW: I have never thought of living an ordinary life. Since I like my job, I will have to subject myself to all that (laughs).


Q: The two of you seem to be having fun shooting with a new director.


Director Kim: Yes, every shot was fun actually. The most memorable was the first day of shooting. I was late for one and a half hours as I had overslept. Even the elderly had arrived at the subway and were at a loss. When I arrived on the set, I shouted “Sorry!” and started filming (laughs).


KDW: That was really funny. He is an unusual director as expected. We were waiting. Even though that was the first day of filming, we were like: please come late. We were enjoying it of course. In the absence of the director, we were turning the camera here and there to take in the scene (laughs).


KS: I remember all the scenes and all the situations. It was a young set and we were all of about the same age. Each shot was fun.

Q: We heard that Kang Dong-won had declined going to the army?

KS: I believe that is not so. Dong-won already seems to understand that. My advice to him is that drinking a delicious glass of rice wine before he goes to the army will be good (laughs).

Q: In other words, the audience who come to see PSYCHIC in November will be your last (before military service)?

KDW: PSYCHIC combines thriller-like elements of two top movies and the fresh materials of a new film. It is a movie which people can relate to and it is friendly as well. It is a movie which should be seen in that perspective.

KS: Those who were here early and had gone to the video arcade should come see the movie and those who were there too (audience laughs). It will be more interesting to see the movie and think about why Gyu-nam does not succumb to supernatural powers of the psychic. Thank you for coming soon!


---- end of translation -----

Kang Dong Won chosen no.1 ideal man among female stars...

aa

Do not judge the film by the handsome faces of Kang Dong Won and Ko Soo

 source

English translation by Elsie
thx to KS's Thread

Review of PSYCHIC:
Do not judge the film by the handsome faces of Kang Dong Won and Ko Soo

The meeting between handsome leading actor Kang Dong Won and good looking actor Ko Soo (also known as Ko-vid) in PSYCHIC has been hot topic.


If you think the two actors are chosen merely for visual effects, then you have made a mistake. I was focusing on the acting abilities of the two actors rather than their handsome faces when I watched the movie. They are excellent. Moreover, it is not possible to take one's eyes off the screen, even momentarily. As this film is a low budget movie, it is different from a foreign sci-fi film. One could feel the tension in a static scene which is not unlike a thriller. Though it was a bit draggy towards the end, but the excellent performance of the two lead actors as diametrically opposed characters and the comic acting of the foreign actors made up for it.


There’s one thing I’d like to say. Go to the restroom before you go see the movie. This is because you will not understand the ending of the confrontation between Kang Dong Won and Ko Soo if you were to take your eyes off the screen, even for a moment.


The final reversal and the excellent acting abilities of the 2 handsome actors will astonish audiences.

--- end of translation ---

Kang Dong Won wins best actor award “All because of the director and Song Kang Ho”

 2010.11.09
Seoul, Korea – Actor Kang Dong Won wins a Best Actor award.

On the 8th, Kang Dong Won was awarded the Best Actor prize for his role in Blood Brothers at the 30th Yeong Pyeong Awards Ceremony held at the Seoul Central Press Center.

Portraying Nampa agent Song Ji Won in Blood Brothers, Kang Dong Won starred opposite Song Kang Ho, and received the support and praise of the 5.4 million people who went to watch the movie in theaters.

On this day, Kang Dong Won remarked “Thank you for this huge award”, adding “this was the hardest role to play, personally”. He also said “I would like to think that this is all because of the director and Song Kang Ho”.

Also on this day, the best new actress award went to Lee Min Jung of White Night, and the best new actor award went to Song Sae Byuk from Bang Ja Story.

By Lee Seo Eun (idsoft3@reviewstar.net)

Source: ReviewStar (Original article in Korean)
Photo from ReviewStar DB
Translated by Timothy Nam / Korea.com

[PREVIEW] Film “Haunters"

Reporter : Lee Ji-Hye
Editor : Jessica Kim


A scene from film "The Haunters" [Zip Cinema]

Film “Haunters” gets down to business right away. The story does not bother with details like how its nameless, supernatural character (Gang Dong-won) came to possess its power nor does it reveal the limitations or weaknesses his power has. The viewers are just as lost as main hero Kyu-nam who confronts him and tries to work his way to finding the truth behind this mysterious character. In the movie, supernatural power is no longer a mere prop used to highlight superheroes or create a spectacular scene. The true main character of the story is the supernatural power itself.

Although it was his power to control people with his eyes that left the mystery character a “monster” in the first place, it is also the only thing he can depend on. It was this power that helped him survive living with a father that threatened him and a mother who tried to eliminate his power. And the power also allowed him to fight Kyu-nam who is much superior to him in terms of physical strength. Kyu-nam’s life which was pretty ordinary as well until the point all turns upside down due to his supernatural power. Had it not been for the encounter with the mystery guy, he would have just lived peacefully as one of the workers at pawnshop “Utopia.” And the supernatural power that shook up everything of the two men will also leave its impact on the audience who watch the film.


Scenes from film "The Haunters" [Zip Cinema]

The chemistry between the two young actors Gang and Ko alone is enough to make this film meaningful -- the unfamiliar, explosive moments created by these actors we thought we had become used to, is enough to enthrall viewers. Ko takes what he is good at, what is expected of him and perfects it in a style that is completely different. Kyu-nam’s optimism despite having no will and no future would not have turned out to be portrayed in a positive light had it not been for the aura Ko holds as both as an actor and as a human being. In contrast, Gang created an image we’ve never seen before nor expected to see. Who would have imagined becoming petrified by the handsome Gang or actually feel afraid of him as if having seen a snake? Gang’s looks that features heavenly body proportions and his handsome face actually succeeded in displaying not beauty but how twisted his character is on the inside, proving his versatility.

Various points in the film prove how the actors, crew and director Kim Min-suk said they thoroughly enjoyed making the film. Director Kim’s passion, so great that he put his might into making the movie about supernatural powers which had enamored him since his childhood, adds life to the movie. One can almost feel the joy the director himself feels from the music that enhances the comic book-like atmosphere and when the supernatural powers flare up between the two guys. So although at moments, the director fails to control the tempo of the story or makes switches which do not work with the overall flow, there is no reason not to welcome the emergence of a new director who pursues beyond the customary good versus evil plot and dried up old humor. The film opens in theaters on November 10.

Reporter : Lee Ji-Hye seven@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

The movie “A Psychic” has the highest booking rate in 2010!

10 November 2010.

source

According to online statistics, the newly released movie “A Psychic” starring Korea’s top actors, Gang Dong-won and Go Su had the highest booking rate (75.37%) and was ranked number 1 in Korea’s box office.

“A Psychic” is an action movie which discusses the endless battle between a mysterious man with supernatural powers, ( Gang Dong-won) and the only man who is immune to the powers (Go Su). The main attraction of the movie are the two charismatic actors, Gang Dong-won and Go Su, who attracted thousands of young fans to gather just to meet their idols at movie premiere.


source

Kang Dong Won, Kim Hye Soo chosen as the #1 celebrities people want to give Peperos to 2010.11.10

Actor Kang Dong Won and actress Kim Hye Soo were chosen as the two celebrities the public most wanted to present Peperos to.

Movie ticket sales site Max Movie held a poll in honor of Peppero Day with the question, “For Peppero Day on November 11th, who is the number one male actor you want to give Peppero to the most?” . The results were astonishingly one-side, as 57.1% of the votes chose Kang Don Won as the number one male celebrity. Actors Go Soo and and Sung Dong Il placed second and third place respectively with 14.4% and 6% of the votes. Hyunbin nabbed 4th and Song Seung Hyun landed in 5th.

Meanwhile, the same question was posed but for a female celebrity. Results showed Kim Hye Soo to be in first place with 56.5% of the votes, while actress/model Yoon So Yi took second with 14.9%.

Pepero Day is celebrated on November 11th every year, for which couples and friends exchange boxes of the chocolate-covered cookie snack.

Source + Photo Credits: Newsen
http://www.allkpop.com/2010/11/kang-dong-w...give-peperos-to

'Psychic' published novel, as explosive as its movie's popularity

Psychic' movie has received applause when its released Nov. 10, 1 million viewers its first week, and topping the box office.

Then 'Psychic' as a novel there has been a hot love too. Volume edition is published less than a week and now being out of stock, add a rush of orders from bookstores. And the movie has no less popular.

Last Nov. 12, the novel based on 'Psychic' scenario had completed. The October 27 - November 11 two weeks after the sale of the book currently available in 300 bookstores nationwide.

The second edition are getting into print already selling as fast as the full speed. This novel 'Psychic' is showing what we have seen in the movie with the story behind the character, including undisclosed steel.

The hot reaction seems to be gaining. Currently, according to the Internet bookstore 'Interpark' and 'Yes' 24', this novel is in the top sales rankings. And each promotional poster with the two actors face has lost all the time. The novel keeps shipping requests coming in. 'Psychic' explosive popularity in theater and bookstore is likely to reach a climax this week.


Via media daum.net rough translation by : Wida

Posted by Ko Soo Indonesia Fans Club (KIF)

Which celebrity would you like to experience the first snow of this winter season with?

[2010-11-19]



Which celebrity would you like to experience the first snow of this winter season with? Well, the netizens have spoken and according to one survey, the most popular celebrity was actor Kang Dong-won.

The online music site Monkey3 reported the results of a survey that they conducted titled, "Which star do you want to experience the first snowfall of the winter season with". A total of 603 participants answered and Kang took 32% of the votes. Voters said that that they couldn't be happier than if they had the very high-class looking Kang by their side. The popular actor recently started his four week military training on the 18th to start his mandatory military service.

Trailing after him, 19% of the votes went to the ever so popular Shin Mina, 18% for elegant actress Lee Na-young, 15% for Super Star K 2 finalist John Park, 9% for the chiseled-face actor Jang Geun-seok, and 7% for the nation's now grown up darling, Moon Geun-young.

"Secret Reunion" wins best picture at Blue Dragon awards

Korean film "Secret Reunion" starring top actors Song Kang-ho and Gang Dong-won took the prize for best picture at this year's Blue Dragon Film Awards held last Friday.

The action drama helmed by director Jung Hun had competed against "The Man From Nowhere," "Moss," "WOOCHI" and "The Housemaid."

"Secret Reunion," about the chance reencounter of a former South Korean intelligence official and North Korean spy, was the most-watched Korean film during the first half of 2010 with over 5.4 million moviegoers.

Meanwhile, director Kang Woo-suk of "Silmido" and "No Mercy" fame took the title for best director for his film adaptation of online comic series "Moss," also the name of his pic.

Its lead actor Jung Jae-young claimed the award for best actor up against Won Bin for "The Man From Nowhere," Park Hui-soon for "A Barefoot Dream," Gang Dong-won for "Secret Reunion" and Lee Byung-hun for "I Saw the Devil."

The prize for best actress was shared by Soo Ae for "Midnight FM" and veteran actress Yoon Jeong-hee for "Poetry" after competing against nominees Kim Yun-jin for "Harmony," Seo Young-hee for "Bedevilled" and Jeon Do-yeon for "The Housemaid."


Awards
▲ Best Picture: "Secret Reunion"
▲ Best Director: Kang Woo-suk ("Moss")
▲ Most Audience: "The Man From Nowhere"
▲ Best New Director: Kim Kwang-sik ("My Dear Desperado")
▲ Best Actor: Jung Jae-young ("Moss")
▲ Best Actress: Soo Ae ("Midnight FM"), Yoon Jeong-hee ("Poetry")
▲ Best Supporting Actor: Yoo Hae-jin ("Moss")
▲ Best Supporting Actress: Yoon Yeo-jung ("The Housemaid")
▲ Best New Actor: Choi Seung-hyun ("Into the Fire")
▲ Best New Actress: Lee Min-jung ("Cyrano Agency")
▲ Best Cinematography: Lee Mo-gae ("I Saw the Devil")
▲ Best Music: Mowg ("I Saw the Devil")
▲ Best Art Direction: Lee Ha-jun ("The Housemaid")
▲ Best Screenplay: Kim Hyun-suk ("Cyrano Agency")
▲ Best Lighting: Oh Seung-chul ("I Saw the Devil")
▲ Best Technique: Park Jung-ryul ("The Man From Nowhere")
▲ Most Popular Stars: Won Bin, Choi Seung-hyun, Jo Yeo-jung, Son Ye-jin

Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Dong-won in the military

On Dec 9, the army official blog (http://blog.daum.net/katc) published the third week of training soldiers of the latest photos KDW.

Photogragher and professor Kim Sang-hun (from Kangwon National University) in charge of internal blog and Training Institute for the shooting. Professor KSH said "When taking photo, KDW does not fear or avoid the lens, always trained with other trainees with serious training. When I asked him why he would not reveal any recruitment process pictures and why unlike other artists enter the army as regular press conference. KDW replied "I don't want people think I'm great"-->oh..his confession is so humble...

His letter to fans also was made public.

"To you all who always believe in me.

Hello...I am Kang Dong Won,

Do not know what you think about me after a few weeks since I joined the army without notifying.

Very sincerely apologize...

I'm very healthy though it's not easy living in strange environment, ongoing training and physical exercise.

Many thanks to my new friends during training camp, they are very humorous and fun.

But It's hard to keep up with this group of friends.

I enjoy my life like this...Still Trying to live a life without hesitation or oscillation.

I wish you all good health and happiness.

Thank you and sorry for all.

Kang Dong-won."

--------------

"Stars Past Childhood Picture"

Ko Soo in : "Stars Past Childhood Picture"
Friday, December 17, 2010

Past childhood photographs of Hyun Bin, Ko Soo, Kang Dong Won and Won Bin are the most popular among netizens.

The results of a recent on-line poll for the most popular past photographs of male stars have been released. Netizens were to pick childhood photographs of popular Korean male stars whom they think still resemble the stars as they are now.

Hyun Bin who is now appearing in SBS’s weekend drama SECRET GARDEN is first, with 100% support from the female viewers. They feel that there is not much difference in him from his childhood pictures and now.

The next set of childhood photos which attracted fans’ attention are that of Ko Soo’s. They are no different from how he looks then and now. Also named ‘Ko-vid” and the cause of “Ko Soo Syndrome”, Ko Soo has gained popularity from PSYCHIC as a method actor and is fast establishing his position in Chungmuro.

The boyhood photos of Kang Dong Wonand Won Bin are also superior. Their unusual appearance as boys has gained high popularity in the internet.

Netizens who saw young pictures of the 4 stars were full of admiration, “No change in appearance. Envy!!”, “Why are their genes invariably superior?”, “They were cool then and they are equally cool now”, “God is unfair!” etc.

Meanwhile, Hyun Bin’s SECRET GARDEN is getting high viewership. Ko Soo is shooting GOJIJEON with Shin Ha Kyun and Kim Ok Bin. Kang Dong Won is undergoing military training and may be seen in occasional photographs. Won Bin is considering his next project.

KARA’s Seung Yeon wants to have a scandal with Kang Dong Won

by VITALSIGN on December 27, 2010 at 10:18 pm

KARA’s Han Seung Yeon made a shy love confession towards actor Kang Dong Won on KBS 2TV’s talk show, “Hello.”

In the “Me, Me” segment of the show, the members were asked to choose which option would be scarier – a scandal or a fight with another girl group?

Surprisingly, KARA expressed that they’d rather get into a scandal, which led to the question of whether they had anybody particular in mind. Without hesitation, member Goo Hara replied, “Han Seung Yeon is a hardcore fan of Kang Dong Won. I’d like for them to get entangled in a scandal.”

Han Seung Yeon elaborated, “I really like him and even make sure to watch his latest advertisements.“ When further asked what she would do if he proposed to her, she merely replied with a shy, sweet smile.

Seung Yeon expressed, “I’m upset in not having a chance to see him because of his service in the military.” She also received the opportunity to send an on-the-spot video letter for the actor, for which she cutely created a heart with her hands.


Source: TV Daily via Nate
cred allkpop

Forbes Korea’s Top 40 Power Celebrities

1. Girls’ Generation (Singer)
2. Park Jisung (Soccer player)
3. Kim Yuna (Figure skater)
4. Lee Seung-gi (Singer)
5. 2PM (Singer)
6. Yu Jae Suk (MC)
7. Lee Chungyong (Soccer player)
8. 2AM (Singer)
9. Chu Shinsoo (Baseball player)
10. Kang Hodong (MC)
11. Lee Hyori (Singer)
12. Yoon Shi Yoon (Actor)
13. Rain (Singer)
14. Park Chuyoung (Soccer player)
15. Shin Mina (Actress)
16. Super Junior (Singer)
17. Wonbin (Actor)
18. Hwang Jung Eum (Actress)
19. Kim Hyesu (Actress)
20. Go Hyun Jung (Acress)
21. Kang Dong Won (Actor)
22. Lee Daeho (Baseball player)
23. Park Tae Hwan (Swimmer)
24. Lee Nayoung (Actress)
25. Jang Dong Gun (Actor)
26. Shin Se Kyung (Actress)
27. Lee Kyungkyu (MC)
28. Big Bang (Singer)
29. Lee Minjung (Actress)
30. Choi Kyungjoo (Golfer)
31. 2NE1 (Singer)
32. Hyun Bin (Actor)
33. Bae Yong Joon (Actor)
34. Moon Geun Young (Actress)
35. Lee Minho (Actor)
36. Han Hyo Joo (Actress)
37. Kim Tae Hee (Actress)
38. Park Chanho (Baseball player)
39. Park Myungsoo (MC)
40. BEAST (Singer)



Forbes examined not only how much the celebrities earned with filming movies, CFs and dramas, but also their appearances in music videos, within the pages of magazines, and of course, displaying their skills (or spilling secrets!) on beloved variety shows.
http://magazine.join....asp?aid=28749*

The result for “Which male celebrity you want to have as your lover?”

A survey was held from February 16 ~ February 25 among 1,062 members of an education establishment, Eduworld.

The result for “Which male celebrity you want to have as your lover?”


#1 Kang Dong Won (38.4% — 408 votes)
#2 Song Joong Ki (28.1% — 298 votes)
#3 2AM’s Jo Kwon (14.2% — 151 votes)
#4 2PM’s Ok Taec Yeon (13.5% — 143 votes)
#5 Xiah Junsu (5.8% — 62 votes)

The result for “Which female celebrity you want to have as your lover?”:
#1 Shin Min Ah (35.8% — 380 votes)
#2 a tie between Moon Geun Young & IU (21.5% — 228 votes)
#4 Shin Se Kyung (13.8% — 147 votes)
#5 Kara’s Goo Ha Ra (7.4% — 79 votes)

Credit: Nate + TRANSLATION by suzelle@IAM for 2AM – 2AM International Forum (www.iamfor2am.com)
Shared by: Kpoptoday

Kang Dong Won, Nichkhun , Wonbin – The Real Angel

March 3rd, 2011



The face’s ratio of Kang Dong Won, Nichkhun and Wonbin are revealed.

The pictures of 3 celebrities Kang Dong Won, Nichkhun and Wonbin were posted in portal site under the topic of “The face’s ratio” They overlapped these 3 faces, and this time their great images were accepted from people again.

The harmonious of the most 3 handsome celebrities have never changed. It brings more outstanding charm, like they try to steal people’s hearts.

Netizens said, “I feel something from their photos.” “They’re still good-looking.” and “It’s just because their faces are great look.”

source: tvdaily

“Confessions” Director Tetsuya Nakashima Wants to Work with Kang Dong Won

By: hotshotlover30
Written in Korean by hurlkie@soompi; translated by hotshotlover30@soompi



Director Tetsuya Nakashima will visit Korea in time for his Confessions' (2010) March 31st Korean theatrical premiere. Confessions took Japan by the storm with its dark and intense plot. The story revolves around a junior high school teacher (Matsu Takako) seeking revenge of the murder of her daughter. She believes her 13 year-old students are responsible for daughter’s death. Director Tetsuya Nakashima is well-known for creating dramatic and compelling films like Kamikaze Girls (2004) and Memories of Matsuko (2006).

Tetsuya Nakashima has built himself a solid reputation over the years for his creativity and ability to accurately express the human emotions. Recently, he pointed Kang Dong Won as the Korean actor he wanted to collaborate with. Kang Dong Won is currently serving his country as a public service worker. Nakashima stated, “There are many excellent Korean actors; but if I were to choose one actor to work with, it would be Kang Dong Won. Plus, my wife is a hard-core fan.”

He also named Lee Chang Dong as the best director in the world, regardless of nationality. Director Lee was awarded the Best Screenplay Award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival for his movie Poetry (2010). Nakashima commented, “I was awed at how deeply Lee Chang Dong depicted the human psyche. I would really like to meet him and learn firsthand how he starts brainstorming and creating movies.”
Confessions became a hot topic for highlighting matters of juvenile law and claimed the top spot in the Japanese box office for four weeks. It also dominated the 34th Japanese Academy Awards by taking the Best Picture Award, along with Best Director, Screenplay, and Editing.