Kim Soo-hyun, Tang Wei to partner up for ad

Korean heartthrob Kim Soo-hyun will appear in a Chinese ad with actress Tang Wei, Chinese news outlets reported Monday.  (OSEN)Kim will appear in an ad for Chinese health supplement company Nature’s Bounty. Tang Wei has already been working on the same ad. For the first shoot scheduled next month, Kim will not be joining Tang, Kim’s agency said.Both, however, are expected to hold promotion events together soon. The exact plans have not been determined, the agency added. Meanwhile, Kim has return

May 27, 2014

Park Ji-sung spotted on filming site of ‘Running Man’

Retired soccer champion Park Ji-sung was seen at the filming location of SBS variety show “Running Man” in Mokdong, southwestern Seoul, on Monday, indicating his third appearance on the show. Park Ji-sungThe former star player participated in the recording of “Running Man” with the show’s hosts, including Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Ji Suk-jin, Gary, Lee Kwang-soo and Song Ji-hyo, multiple sources close to the show told celebrity news outlet Star News. Park and the “Running Man” staff are scheduled to fl

May 27, 2014

Jang Dong-gun gives credit to Kim Woo-bin for his acting

Actor Jang Dong-gun praised the acting skills of Kim Woo-bin, by far his junior in terms of acting career, in an interview with local news reporters. Jang, 42, said, “(Kim Woo-bin) is an actor who has acting in his genes,” in a roundtable press meeting that was held in a cafe in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul, on Monday.  Jang Dong-gun (left) and Kim Woo-bin (OSEN)The questions were mainly about acting, as the event was held to promote Jang’s latest film, “Crying Man” (2014), set to be screened i

May 27, 2014

Two takes on Mahler

When Chung Myung-whun took charge of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra as music director in 2006, his goal was to put the ensemble on par with top-tier groups in neighboring Japan, namely the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Regardless of whether the goal has been attained, it looks clear that playing catch-up with Japan has greatly helped the Korean orchestra to grow. There is little doubt that the ensemble’s profile and fan base, both at home and abroad, have improved remarkably over the past few years. In

PerformanceMay 26, 2014

Rediscovering ‘Love with an Alien’ on KOFA’s 40th Anniversary

The Korean Film Archive celebrated its 40th anniversary with a film festival that began last Thursday with the screening of a joint Hong Kong and Korean film, “Love with an Alien” (1958).It was the first-ever film jointly produced by Korea and Hong Kong, and also the oldest surviving color film archived in Korea. When the film was first rediscovered, the sound was lost and the picture was severely damaged. KOFA restored the picture and recreated the sound with live music and performances, creati

FilmMay 26, 2014

EXO concludes first concert series as eleven members

The idols of EXO, one of the nation’s most popular K-pop groups, set aside all the media drama surrounding member Kris’ lawsuit and current absence and showed fans that they are just as strong as a group of 11.Amid the heated controversy surrounding EXO-M leader Kris filing a lawsuit against SM Entertainment last week to nullify his contract, the remaining 11 members quickly regrouped and held their first solo concert series at Seoul Olympic Park over the weekend. On Sunday, EXO wrapped up its f

May 26, 2014

[Herald Review] Melodic ballads in the rain with Sung Si-kyung

Last weekend, over 10,000 fans gathered at the Amphitheater at Yonsei University to enjoy veteran balladist Sung Si-kyung’s live outdoor concert titled “Congratulatory Wedding Song.” Though the downpour on Sunday marred the concert’s special theme ― of attending a wedding ceremony on a nice spring day ― the weather did not stop Sung from delivering his soft yet passionate vocals for all attendees, who were decked out in white raincoats throughout the night.Introduced as “tonight’s groom,” Sung a

May 26, 2014

Namgoong Min and Hong Jin-young kiss in ‘We Got Married 4’

 Korean actor Namgoong Min and trot singer Hong Jin-young kissed each other on the cheek in MBC’s “We Got Married 4” aired on Saturday.In the program, the two had their wedding ceremony on board a ferry in Saipan. When the minister told Namgoong to kiss the bride, the actor kissed Hong on the cheek. After that night, Nam asked Hong to kiss him on the cheek, she seemed shy at first but did it. “When we first kissed on board, it was too hastily done and I could not feel it properly. But later that

May 26, 2014

Secret’s Jun Hyo-seong and Han Sun-hwa sport rebellious look

Jun Hyo-seong and Han Sun-hwa of K-pop girl group Secret showed off a new look in fashion magazine Ceci. The two members have usually relied on a cute look, but this time they experimented with a unique and rebellious new style. Both wear beanies decorated with glamorous crystals. Although they wear similar outfits, they distinguished themselves with vivid eye makeup. The pictures can be seen in the upcoming magazine, where the girls interview each other. The two are also going to star in two ne

May 26, 2014

INFINITE tops local chart with new album

(Woolim Entertainment)K-pop idol group INFINITE‘s second full-length album “Season 2” topped the weekly album sales chart in Korea, with more than 50,000 copies sold in the five days since its release, according to Hanteo chart.　INFINITE returned to the K-pop scene on May 21 with the title song “Last Romeo” upon wrapping up a mini-showcase tour around Asia. 　The seven-member boy band was reunited with their longtime producer, Sweetune, to bring a signature synth-rock sound back to their new trac

May 26, 2014

Big Bang’s Taeyang to make comeback on June 10

(YG Entertainment)Taeyang, a member of the K-pop boy group Big Bang, is set to stage a comeback on June 10 with his new solo album “Rise.”  His agency YG Entertainment unveiled a black-and-white teaser image that offers a glimpse into his new album through its official blog. The photo features the hip-hop artist spreading out both arms and flaunting his back muscles in front of an exotic backdrop.Taeyang’s new album will be made available online at midnight on June 2 and offline on June 10, acco

May 26, 2014

JYJ Kim Jae-joong style in drama ‘Triangle’

Pictures showing JYJ Kim Jae-joong’s free fashion style in drama “Triangle” have been released. (MBC)Kim acts as one of the three separated brothers who later reunite with each other. The drama airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m.(khnews@heraldcorp.com)

May 26, 2014

Kara’s Goo Hara wearing trendy summer outfits in Bali

Kara’s Goo Hara posed in trendy summer outfits for Cosmopolitan magazine in Bali. The K-pop singer showed off her bright energy while wearing this year‘s trends including crop tops and colorful bikinis.By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: Cosmopolitan)

May 26, 2014

'Room Mate’ Hoong Su-hyeon’s sexy-cute Maxim pictorial

   Korean actress Hong Su-hyeon‘s photos unveiled in Maxim magazine four years ago are drawing attention again as she is currently gaining popularity through the TV variety program “Room Mate.”By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: Maxim)

May 26, 2014

HK tycoon wife runs full-page ad for actor Kim Soo-hyun

Chinese fan's ad for Kim Soo-hyun in a Korean daily Chosun Ilbo (Chosun Ilbo website)In an apparent show of support for Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, a fan alleged to be a rich Chinese woman ran a full-page ad for the heartthrob in the May 26 edition of a Korean daily newspaper.  “Dear Soo-hyun, love and support you forever! I wish Soo-hyun get awards on the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. Cecilia,” read the ad, written both in Korean and English. The advertiser did not disclose who Cecilia was, but Yon

May 26, 2014

Korean actresses take on conservative long dresses

Skimpy outfits instantly work for celebrities to catch the public eye. But some top stars are opting for long, simple dresses, a look that is not only endearing to fans but also gives them elegant appearance. (Yonhap)At a SK Telecom promotion event last week, hallyu star Jun Ji-hyun boasted an elegant look with a long, black dress. While her long dress seemed like a medium-long one due to her tall height, Jun captivated her fans without much exposure. (Yonhap)Actress Kim Min-hee also showed up w

May 26, 2014

Jung Il-woo to play ghostbuster prince in ‘Night Rangers’ Tale’

Television broadcaster MBC confirmed that actor Jung Il-woo will be starring in its new historical drama, temporarily dubbed “Night Rangers’ Tale,” Jung’s agency stated on Monday. Actor Jung Il-woo (StarK Entertainment)The first episode of the Monday-Tuesday show will be aired in July, taking the spot of “Triangle.”Jung will be playing a handsome, defiant prince who suffers from painful memories. Upon gaining a supernatural ability to see ghosts, Jung joins the night patrol rangers and carries o

May 26, 2014

Park Shin-hye’s sexy look revealed

Photos from Korean actress Park Shin-hye’s Bazaar magazine shoot were unveiled Monday. (BAZAAR)She shows off the “Park Shin-hye bag,” which she designed with Italian brand Bruno Magli. Park selected a bag design that could be carried by both men and women, she said in an interview with the magazine. The photos and full interview are available in Bazaar Korea’s June issue. (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

May 26, 2014

Nichkhun meets Jay Chou

2PM member Nichkhun posted a picture on his Weibo with Chinese celebrity Jay Chou on Sunday, along with the comment: “Met Jay Chou! He’s so awesome!”In the picture, Nichkhun posed with fellow 2PM member Chansung and Chinese actors Wei Da Xun and Jay Chou.Wei Da Xun also shared Nichkhun’s picture, saying, “I am still thrilled that I saw him!”Nichkhun and Wei Da Xun are both starring in Chinese drama “One and a Half Summer (一又二分之一的夏天)” to air in June. Wei Da Xun also recently signed a managing con

May 26, 2014

Sistar’s Soyou shares her secrets to perfect body shape on ‘I Live Alone’

Soyou, a member of K-pop girl group Sistar, on Friday revealed the secrets behind her curves on MBC “I Live Alone,” a reality show that unveils the lifestyles of Korean celebrities.Soyou attributed her accentuated body shape to the so-called “inverted triangle diet” and a daily workout.“I try to cook my own breakfast since I have to keep my dinner to minimum,” Soyou explained as she made several Korean dishes such as “cheese gyeran mari,” or folded egg, “kimchi jjigae,” or kimchi stew, and “japg

May 26, 2014