STYLE's Mud-fight!

Both Kim Hye Soo and Ryu Si Won reveal their total commitment to the filming of the SBS drama STYLE by getting themselves all muddy from the head to toe for one of the scenes. But looking at their happy expressions, we are sure they totally enjoyed their time flinging mud at each other. Pity that Lee Ji Ah is not included in this scene.

More on SBS's STYLE

Here's an article on the SBS drama STYLE which will be on air next week. I think the article below from Korea Times provides a good synopsis of what to expect in the drama.

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Fashion lovers who enjoyed the film "The Devil Wears Prada" will have a new television drama to satisfy their fashion cravings, beginning next month.

"Style" is based on the Korean hit chic-lit novel of the same title written by former fashion reporter Baek Young-ok. The glamorous world of the fashion industry is the backdrop for the drama, which stars top actors Kim Hye-soo, Ryu
Si-won, Lee Ji-ah, as well as newcomer Lee Yong-woo.

"We were looking for a plot that contained the loves, lifestyle and trends of people in their 20s and 30s, when we finally discovered the book `Style'" said Oh Jung-rok, the producer of the drama, at a press conference in northern Seoul. He added that work on the project has been underway since April 2008.

The venue for the press conference was packed not only with members of the media, but also Japanese fans who had flown over to get a glimpse of one of the show's protagonists, Ryu. The excited fans, from seats arranged for them by the production company, erupted when Ryu walked into the room.

The storyline involves an assistant to a top fashion magazine vice editor who gets tangled up in a complicated relationship with her boss. A competitive stance is maintained between the two characters, with some romance and jealousy in the mix over the male characters.

Lee plays the part of the aspiring assistant, Lee Seo-jung, who, like Andrea in the film "Devil,'' runs around on coffee errands, huffing and puffing to please her boss.

Kim, who returns to television for the first time in five years, plays the ruthless and perfectionist boss, Park Gi-ja.

"Park is very edgy, both in life and style," Kim told reporters. "Unlike other characters, she starts off as a perfectionist in terms of fashion, which can be a burden as I had to look perfect and fashionable from the very start! But we have a professional stylist there to help, so not to worry.''

Indeed, Kim looked ravishing at the press conference in her one-shoulder, green-sequined mini dress and super short hair, while the other actors looked like they had
just jumped out from a photo shoot. Kim later changed into a violet mini dress with a large bow on the shoulder, complete with gold heels and matching earrings.

Lee, who admitted that she wasn't a style connoisseur, showed off chunky black-and-white bracelets, rings and black gladiator kill-heel sandals. Meanwhile Ryu rolled up his jacket sleeves, a style he's maintained since making his debut.

When Kim was asked about her trademark charismatic roles and image, the 38-year-old actress smiled shyly and said that she sometimes regretted the stereotype.

"I'm an ordinary person who enjoys spending time with my young cousins, and sometimes I think my glamorous image can work as a minus for me, personally. I only hope that I can help address the difficulties many successful women have through this drama,'' she said.

Ryu, who had to wait for his fans to settle down, looked thrilled to be back in Korea and on the small screen as a top chef with a mysterious past.

"I have been busy working in Japan," he explained. "I think it's been five years since my last drama, and I'm as worried and nervous as ever. I feel like I'm starting all over again,'' he said.

Meanwhile, fans will welcome newcomer Lee Yong-woo, a former dancer and model, in his television debut, as a handsome photographer and Park's confidante, Kim Min-jun.

"I didn't know where to look or how to behave in front of the camera, but luckily,
my fellow actors and my producer have been helping out,'' Lee said.

Those looking forward to a fashion showdown between the two female characters will have to wait, as it will take some time for the clumsy Seo-jung to transform into a stylish assistant editor.

"It will be fun to watch the different styles. I'll be going for a more tomboyish look, while Kim will go for a more glamorous look. But it's not just about our fashion styles, but the styles of the two different characters' lives, relationships, and careers,'' Lee
said.

Style will begin airing on SBS on Aug. 1 at 10 p.m.

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SBS - STYLE

Jessica Gomes to cameo in STYLE

(Source: Swimsuit Illustrated)

Having made her fame in Sport Illustrated's 2008 and 2009 swimsuit issue, Jessica Gomes will now strut her stuff in a cameo role in the upcoming SBS drama STYLE. If her swimwear shots are anything to go by, I am sure her presence in the series will bump up the interest in the drama by several notches.

An interesting point to note is Jessica's link to Singapore. She's actually an Australian model of Singaporean and Portuguese heritage. Way to Jessica! Finally, a Singaporean, or half-Singaporean, in a Korean drama. :)

Here are some photos of what we can expect to see of her in STYLE. The swimsuit shot is a bonus.

SBS - STYLE

Depicting a profession or industry has in recent years been the forte of Korean drama productions. Beyond the sensationalising and glamour of the drama, viewers are given a peek into the often mysterious workings of various industries.

We at HelloHallyu had good fortune to enjoy several dramas of this genre over the years. And here's the list - the industry is listed in brackets.

Surgeon Bong Dal Hee (Medicine/Hospital)
Spotlight (TV Journalism)
On Air (TV Drama production/Entertainment)
The Man in the Vineyard (Grape farming/Agriculture)
Night After Night (Archaeology/Antiquities)

I for one thoroughly enjoyed the detailed explanations of the various work processes of the various industries/professional fields depicted in the dramas. While the factual accuracy must be taken with a pinch of salt, they being dramatisation of real life professions, I still have to say that I have really gained a new understanding and appreciation of the jobs that these people do.

Looking ahead, SBS's new drama "STYLE" will showcase the going-ons behinds the secretive doors of a fashion magazine house. Based on the original novel with the same title, STYLE depicts the lives of fashion magazine editors.

I am sure we will be treated to loads of cat fights between over ambitious female editors, eye candies, in the form of male/female models, sensational gossip story lines and, by now, the stereotypical gay creative director.

Modelled after the successful Hollywood flick "The Devil Wears Prada", STYLE is definitely something to look forward to. The drama will run from 1 Aug 2009, so mark that date on the calendar!

By the way, it also stars Li Ji Ah. Although I am somewhat disappointed by her less than commanding acting in Beethoven's Virus, which I am watching now, I am still looking forward to this production since SBS almost always pulls it off when handling drama of such genre. And hey, who can seriously say that they dislike Lee's sweet and disarming smile.