Actor Dies in Motorbike Accident
The late Lee Eon
Lee Eon, a model-turned-actor who starred in the popular MBC drama "Coffee Prince," died in a motorcycle accident at dawn Thursday, Yonhap News reported.
Lee, whose real name is Park Sang-min, was on his way home after attending a party celebrating the end of his KBS drama "Choi Kang Chil-woo" (Mighty Chil-woo). He was riding his motorcycle when he hit a railing of the elevated roadway in Hannam-dong, Yongsan at around 2 a.m.
The 27-year old actor died on the spot and was taken to Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Seoul. The police have not yet determined if Lee was drunk when he got into the motorcycle accident.
Lee gained fame last year for his role as a dim-witted but loveable Min-yeop in "Coffee Prince."
When he was in elementary school, Lee started participating in ssireum or traditional Korean wrestling. He proved to be an excellent athlete and won gold medals at Korean national ssireum competitions in 1997 and 1998.
However, as a freshman in university, Lee saw model Cha Seung-won on TV and decided to become a model. He worked hard to lose 30 kilos in order to gain the slim physique of a model. He made his debut in a fashion show in Busan in 1999.
With his good looks, Lee soon became a sought-after model, appearing in numerous fashion shows, including the Seoul Fashion Artists Association Collection. He also branched out into acting in dramas, which led to his role in "Coffee Prince."
Credits:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/speci.http://sakuradxb.multiply.com/178_29777.html and Soompi
Model-turned-actor Im Joo-hwan (M, Arang) was in a car accident on the morning of August 26 on the way to work. He was riding with his manager, heading to the set location of his upcoming movie Ssanghwajeom [쌍화점] when their car had a collision with a truck. The manager is said to be very injured, while Im Joo-hwan suffered a bruised body, a neck fracture, and chest pains. He is expected, however, to make a full recovery in twelve weeks.
A rep from management company Yedang Entertainment expressed relief: "The entire car was totaled, but thankfully they came out alive."
The manager was driving the car, and apparently the truck in front of them made a sudden lane change, causing their vehicle to hit the back of the truck.
As Im will be out of commission for the next three months, the film is planning to make do and film around their missing actor, in which Im plays bodyguard to star Jo In-sung; the movie also stars Joo Jin-mo (200 Pound Beauty) and Goong's Song Ji-hyo.
source: saranghehyo@Asiafanatics.net) and Soompi
 Se7en to Join an American Cable Program
Korean idol singer Se7en may expand his career in the U.S. to acting. A publicist with RQM, a marketing firm overseeing Se7en’s career in America, joined a press conference by Se7en to announce that Se7en has a plan to debut as a supporting actor in an American cable TV program sometime in July or August. The publicist said that his firm will do all it can to get Se7en’s American career off to a good start. The Korean pop singer plans to not only pursue his music career in the U.S., but also explore his chances in modeling and acting.
Se7en has already debuted as actor in Korea, starring in drama “Gung S.” Although the drama failed to garner good ratings and was criticized for falling short of the prequel “Gung,” it was a new venture that opened wide other possibilities for Se7en. Perhaps the less-than-desirable outcome of his first acting role is driving him to do better in his next project. He is out to prove that he is not only a not musician, but also a promising actor.
Following the successful preview parties in New York and Los Angeles, Se7ven plans to release a regular album in July or August. It appears the year 2008 is going to be a really busy one for this aspiring actor.
Credit: KBS World
Korean popstar, Se7en English speaking skills has been acknowledged by Koreans living in America after viewing his press conference video online.
Se7en held a press conference before his album preview party at Hollywood Club, Highlands where he performed three songs from his upcoming debut English album. He showed his good mastery of the English language during the press conference when posed questions from the media.
The press conference video sees Se7en answering questions like about his new album in America, how his name was derived from, etc was uploaded onto various video sharing websites and generating interest.
Se7en held a press conference before his album preview party at Hollywood Club, Highlands where he performed three songs from his upcoming debut English album. He showed his good mastery of the English language during the press conference when posed questions from the media.
The press conference video sees Se7en answering questions like about his new album in America, how his name was derived from, etc was uploaded onto various video sharing websites and generating interest.
At one point, Se7en said
"First of all, I just learnt English like 6 months, do you guys understand what I’m saying?"
Koreans living in America commented on his performance, “His pronounciation was accurate and fluent. He was very pleasant and polite, and was like a youth introducing Korea to the Americans.” Some also said, “Compared to me who has been living in America for the past 10 years, he speaks the language far better.”
The event was shown on MNet Channel recently and the press conference clip was uploaded onto UCC sites. From 5 - 12 May, it has been viewed over 1000 times and with generally positive remarks.
Se7en has been undergoing 1-on-1 English lessons since six months ago and is now preparing to enter the US market with his CD single, “Girls”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-Sz2HSOWTY
source: coolsmurf
 Former H.O.T. member Kang Ta began his 24-month mandatory military service Tuesday. When he arrived at the training camp in northern Gyeonggi Province, Kang was accompanied by ex-H.O.T. member Shin Hye-sung and close friend Lee Ji-hoon.
Sporting the short military hairstyle, Kang Ta appeared to be relaxed and eager to start his service. He said that he slept well and his fellow H.O.T. member Moon Hee-jun, who finished his military duty just a few months ago, advised him to just follow orders and everything will be alright.
Now that Kang Ta has left for the military, only Tony Ahn and Lee Jae-won out of five H.O.T. members need to fulfill their military. Before starting his military service, Kang Ta held his last performances last Saturday and Sunday to reassure his fans that he will return as a stronger and better man.
KBSWORLD
 Idol group Super Junior will hold a big meeting with its fans on July 8th at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Titled “Super Junior’s 1st Premium Even in Japan,” the event will captivate some 10,000 Japanese fans with the full repertoire of their biggest hits and interesting chats.
This is the first fan meeting by Super Junior, and it’s unprecedented for a foreign music group to hold such a grand event at the prestigious Nippon Budokan without having officially debuted in Japan. This goes to show how much Korean stars are admired in Japan.
Marking their first big event in Japan, Super Junior opened a Japanese language homepage on Tuesday to provide Japanese fans with information on concerts and its members.
Credit to KBSWORLD
 Korea’s favorite girl-next-door Moon Geun-young is showing her generosity by building a Korean library for young Korean expatriates in Australia. The actress is going to support the library construction by helping out with the cost and donating books.
A source at Moon’s agency Namoo Actors says that Moon has been donating books with her own money since 2006, when she saw during a visit to her relative in Australia how young Korean students there didn’t have enough books or places to learn Korean. She will work with the Linfield Korean School in Sydney to build a permanent Korean library.
Moon has been cast in the leading role of Shin Yun-bok, a famed painter from the late Joseon Dynasty, in a new TV drama titled “Painter of the Wind” to be aired in September.
SM Entertainment Agency announced that there was an online survey done by Coca-Cola China, a public sponsor of the Beijing Olympics (http://www.icoke.cn), and Han Kyung of Super Junior was voted first place as carrier of the 2008 Olympics torch. After deliberations, the Olympics organizational committee sealed the deal.
"The [Olympics] committee chose Han Kyung because they recognized his part in the cultural exchange of China through his activities in Korea and the rest of Asia," the agency stated. "Han Kyung will be participating in the carrying of the Olympic torch in Beijing from August 6th to the 8th."
Han Kyung will be taking his solemn oath at the "Coca-Cola National Olympic Torch-Bearer Ceremony" as a representative of the Olympic flame on the 24th in China. The ceremony will be broadcast on CCTV-5 and Guangdong TV, the official Chinese channels for the 2008 Olympics.
Han Kyung stated, "I'm extremely pleased and honored to be a torch-bearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics." kbsworld.com
 SE7EN HOSTS WHITE DAY @ HIRO BALLROOM
"base nyc is extremely proud to present international r&b pop icon - se7en as he will be hosting a red carpet event for white day at the hiro ballroom! Yg family recording artist se7en is currently one of the most popular male solo artists in korea and a pop sensation all over the world. He is now working on his debut us release with the likes of rich harrison, mark shimmel, noize trip, "dark child" rodney jerkins, amerie and fabolous. He will be hosting white day which is asia's answer to valentine's day for which men send their true love white chocolate or lingerie. Find your true love this friday as we present this red carpet event as you get to party with se7en all night! This event is sponsored by lvmh (louis vuitton, moet, hennessey) and the shoreham hotel."
Where is this held?
HIRO BALLROOM @ THE MARITIME HOTEL (CORNER OF 9TH AVENUE)
363 West 16th Street
New York City, NY 10011
When is the event? Info on guestlist?
March 14, 2008
INFO@BASENYC.COM - RESERVE YOUR VERY OWN V.I.P. AREA
GUESTLIST@BASENYC.COM - $15 GUESTLIST ENDS AT 11:30 PM / DOORS OPEN AT 10:00 PM
E-mail guestlist@basenyc.com - Include your first, last name and how many people are going with you.
LADIES FREE BEFORE 11:00 WITH WWW.GOING.COM/SE7ENHIRO RSVP
Also, keep in mind this a 21+ event.
"you will have a chance to preview tracks from his forth-coming record as this will be a preview party for his us debut album for which he collaborated with the likes of rich harrison, mark shimmel, noize trip, "dark child" rodney jerkins, amerie and fabolous."
credit to se7enth_heaven
 Actor Lee Dong-gun of the “Lovers in Paris” fame is making his debut as singer in Japan. Lee has recently signed a contract with Japan’s largest record label Sony and started preparing for his first album release in Japan.
Lee’s album project has been kept under wraps. All the details about the record, like the album concept and the genre of songs, are to remain secret until the market release date, which is also kept secret.
This is not Lee’s first venture into the music industry. During his high school years, he debuted with a song “May My Wish Reach Heaven” in 1998 and enjoyed immense popularity as a teen singer. He gave up singing after he turned to acting in 2000, but his singing career seems to be revving up again after 8 years with the album release in Japan.
KBS WORLD
 The up-and-coming duet Davich has unveiled the jacket of its new album prior to the album's release.
Comprising Lee Hae-ri and Kang Min-kyung, the R&B duet made headlines with its new music video that features actress Lee Mi-yeon and singer Lee Hyo-lee. The duet is poised to begin its singing career at full speed after releasing its debut album.
One of the members, Kang, gained enormous popularity recently for her pretty face. The jacket of the duet's debut album shows photos of Lee Mi-yeon and Lee Hyo-lee: one showing the two waiting for a bus at a bus stop and another one showing them driving an old car in the countryside. The two women's unprecedented transformations in the music video have raised hopes for Davich's album.
Davich's music video was produced in the style of a road movie. The duet will appear at SG Wannabe's concert in Tokyo on Jan. 27, officially performing for the first time.
KBSWORLD
 Director Hong Sang-soo's film 'Night and Day' starring actress Hwang Soo-jeong will compete in the 58th Berlin International Film Festival (Feb. 7-17).
The film, Hong's eighth, is the only Korean film invited to the competitive section. It will have its world premiere during the festival.
With 90% of the film shot in Paris, the story is about the delightfully eccentric journey of a state appointed painter who suddenly escapes to Paris from Seoul. Actor Kim Young-ho plays the main lead, actress Park Eun-hye plays an art student in Paris and actor Lee Seon-gyun plays a North Korean student also studying in Paris.
Actress Hwang is the kind wife of the hero who earnestly waits for her husband's return to Korea. Although it is not a large role, her character is very important in the movie. She had no shoots in Paris and all of her scenes in Korea have been finished.
Bom Film Productions says Hwang has yet to decide if she can attend the festival due to her personal schedule. The agency is discussing the matter with Hwang.
KBSWORLD
 Reporter and TV personality Cho Young-ku tied the knot with his fiancee on Jan. 22 amidst blessings from many guests and colleagues.
Cho was introduced to his bride in April by singer Hyun Sook.
Choi's wife, a beautiful home shopping host, is earning her master's degree from Yonsei University and is six months pregnant.
An experienced reporter, Cho is known for his vast personal network. His wedding was attended by celebrities and guests from all walks of life, with the total number of guests reaching 1,400. Among the guests was comedian Park Su-hong, whose wedding agency, Lael, organized Cho's wedding ceremony.
The couple will spend their honeymoon in Indonesia and will begin their life together in their home in Ichon-dong, Seoul.
KBS WORLD
 Fans of the late actress Lee Eun-joo have gathered to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of her death at Chungah Park in Ilsan where her ashes lay.
An official at the park said although almost three years have passed since her tragic death, her fans still remain loyal. He said many fans visited the crypt at Chungah Park a few weeks before the third anniversary of her passing.
Lee committed suicide on February 22, 2005 at the age of 25. At the time, Lee had established herself as one of the top young Korean actresses, starring in numerous successful films including 'Lover's Concerto' and 'The Scarlett Letter' as well as small-screen drama series such as 'Bulsae.'
Three years have passed but in the minds and hearts of Lee's fans, the memories of their beloved actress remain as clear as ever.
KBS WORLD
 Fly to the Sky will hold a mini concert and fan meeting in Bangkok on Feb 23, 2008. The “Be My Angel of Fly to the Sky" concert is presented by Centralworld and KTCC and will be held at the Bangkok Convention Center at Centralworld.
Details: Date: Feb 23, 2008 Venue: Bangkok Convention Center at Centralworld, 22nd Floor Time: 6.00 pm. Ticket sales: Begin Jan 26, 2008 via Thaiticketmajor (www.thaiticketmajor.com, Call Center + 66-2262-3456) credit to Soompi
 Anchorwoman-turned-entertainment host Kang Soo-jeong will wed in March.
She will marry a fund manager identified only as "Kim from Harvard" in Hong Kong in mid-March. Kim works at a financial firm in HK and his entire family is there.
The wedding will either be at the Peninsula or Shangri-La Hotel.
The two first met three years ago when they were introduced by Kang's fellow announcer. They dated in Seoul.
Their families met in December and wedding preparations soon began.
After marriage, Kang will continue her TV career in Korea so the newlyweds will live apart for the time being.
Kang has been taking cooking lessons from early last year.
credit to KBSWORLD
 Actor Lee Jun-ki is to be named the goodwill ambassador to China to promote bilateral cultural exchanges. He will receive the appointment at the 2nd World Chinese Merchants Convention in Beijing Friday afternoon.
Lee’s agent reported that Lee has gained a huge following in China thanks to his impressive performance in film “King and the Clown” and TV drama “Time between Dog and Wolf.” Lee is also to award China’s best male and female models at the event and meet with the Chinese minister of foreign affairs on Saturday. This hot young actor plans to engage in more activities to boost cultural exchanges between the Korea and China to mark the Beijing Olympics.
On a different note, Lee’s fans in Singapore donated money in December on behalf of Lee to help children suffering from polio. In appreciation, the actor promised to join them in the effort to help needy children.
KBSWORLD
 ChoiKang Changmin, better known as Max of Korea’s hottest idol group TVXQ, has quietly lent a helping hand to Taean County devastated by the nation’s worst oil spill last month.
His secret volunteer work was revealed when a volunteer posted his sighting of Changmin on the TVXQ fan site. The person who saw Changmin wrote on the posting that it was a big surprise to find Changmin among the volunteers. The weather down in Taean had been cold and snowy, but Changmin and his father joined other volunteers in cleaning up the oil. The posting said that since no other TVXQ members were in sight, Changmin must have come to Taean by himself.
TVXQ had spent most of their time in Japan last year, but returned to Korea for a short New Year’s break. TVXQ’s agent confirmed that Changmin had been in Taean for volunteer work on his first day back from Japan. He was not accompanied by other members.
Credit to KBS WORLD My son k k k .. he did a great Job, luv him ^o^
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