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.

Related Posts
SBS - STYLE

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.

MBC - Beethoven Virus [Update]

Having enjoyed the wonderful orchestra pieces from various Korean dramas, such as The Legend and The Snow Queen, it is wonderful that Beethoven Virus centres on the subject of the symphony orchestra.

Apart from loking forward to Lee Ji Ah's performance, I am also looking forward to the good auditory experience of listening to some of the great classical masterpieces. Having looked forward to this drama for sometime, read my original post on it here, I finally bought the DVD set while doing some grocery shopping with Mydaemon.

We debated for a while on getting either Beethoven Virus or Cruel Love. But decided on the former since we had a soft spot for the effervescent Lee Ji Ah.

Having just viewed the first episode, I have to say that I am already looking forward to the rest of this drama series. I will save my comments for my review once I have completed watching it. So stay tuned for the full review!

MBC - Beethoven Virus

Fresh from her success in The Legend, Lee Ji Ah will exhange her magical orb for a musical instrument (violin) in MBC's new drama series, Beehtoven Virus. Lee plays the role of a talented violinist who plies her trade in subway trains, and stations, busker style. The drama will air on MBC on 3 September.

Gotta find out more about this drama as I am sure that it will likely end up as one of those dramas which I will 'collect' in its DVD version.

Lee Ji Ah looking the part as a street musician in the upcoming drama - Beethoven Virus

Cast of The Legend meets Japanese fans

Bae Yong Jun, Lee Ji Ah, Moon So Ri and other cast members touched down in Osaka, Japan, for a special fan event for the drama The Legend. It must have been a dream come true for many a Japanese female fans when Bae Yong Jun gamely put on his armor and strutted his stuff on stage.


Here's some photos of the fan event in Osaka on 1 Jun 2008.

(Source: chosun.com)

The Legend Premieres in Singapore

Singapore fans of Bae Yong Jun must have rejoiced as The Legend made its much awaited premiere on small screens via Channel U at 7.30pm last night (Sunday). It must have been a long wait for many since the drama has been released for quite some time in Korea.

I happened to switch over from the 'live' coverage of the F1 Monaco GP, being a Ferrari fan that I am, to watch the sequence showing the 3 gods taking on the black phoenix. It felt great to rewatch this sequence and relive the part where Bae Yong Joon had to kill Lee Ji Ah to put an end to the destruction wrought on by the black phoenix conjured by Lee Ji Ah's anger.

I noticed that the picture quality of the drama suffered greatly on the telly. I can tell the difference as I watched this series on dvd. Not sure if it has something to do with the fact the Channel U is currently not a HD channel. It's a real pity that the full glory of the special effects in the drama cannot be enjoyed by fans in Singapore.

For those who can afford the dvds, I suggest that you grab a copy and enjoy the drama in its full High Definition glory which it was meant to be seen in the first place. For your info, I bought the below version. It's pretty good, the chinese dubbing is quite well done and I had no problem with any of the discs. And I paid around S$25 for it. So it's pretty cheap for a series running for 30 plus episodes. Since it's the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) season, you might get it even at lower prices!

Btw, Hellohallyu am in no way advertising for this particular version. We are just giving some honest opinions on the version we bought! :)

Congratulations to the winners of the 44th Annual Baeksang Arts Awards

It's kinda late, but here are the list of winners for the 44th Annual Baeksang Arts Awards which took place last week on 24 Apr (click here to see the full nomination list in my previous post).


FILM SECTION

Best Film
Forever The Moment

Best Director
Lee Chang Dong (Secret Sunshine)

Best New Director
Na Hong Jin (The Chaser)

Best Leading Actor
Im Chang Jung (Scout)

Best Leading Actress
Kim Min Hee (Hell Cats)

Best New Actor
Jang Geun Seok (The Happy Life)

Best New Actress
Han Ye Seul (Miss Gold Digger)

Best Screenplay
Kim Hyun Seok (Scout)

POPULARITY
Kwon Sang Woo & Kim Jeong Eun,

TV SECTION

DaeSang
Kang Ho Dong

Best TV Drama
SBS (War of Money)

Best Producer
Lee Byeong Hun (Yi San)

Best New Producer
Lee Yoon Jung (Coffee Prince)

Best Leading Actor
Park Shin Yang - SBS (War Of Money)

Best Leading Actress
Yoon Eun Hye - MBC (Coffee Prince)

Best New Actor
Song Chang Ui - SBS (Golden Bride)

Best New Actress
Lee Ji Ah - MBC (Legend)

Best Screenplay
MBC - Thank you

POPULARITY
Kang Ji Hwan & Sung Yu Ri

Here are some selected photos of the star studded guests at the awards ceremony.

Hong Gil Dong and Yi Nok in contemporary costumes


The ever stunning Son Ye Jin

Yoon Eun Hye, all alone as Coffee Prince - Gong Yoo - is in the military camp

LEE JI AH! Need I say more

Money War's Park Shin Young and Park Jin Hee

Han Ye Seul

Legend (Tae Wang Sa Shim Gi)

Watching Bae Yong Jun in Legend was such a strange experience. He's just not suited for period dramas. I think it's his eyes - they are too specky.


Anyway this is really Lord of the Rings set in Korea, oh sorry, Goguryeo. Bae stars as King Damdeok, great-great-great-grandson of King Jumong (remember that guy?). And here's the amazing secret we were not privy to when watching MBC's Jumong - the founding emperor of Guchosun is actually a god who looks like Bae Yong Jun. With flowing white hair. Shudder.

Really brief synopsis of episode 1: The white-haired god (superstar of the entire show) has four other demi-gods watching over him. Except one of them went crazy and tried to destroy the world after her newborn child was stolen from her. Oh, and did I mention she also happened to be the white-haired god's wife? And technically speaking, she isn't really even a demi-god. Yeah, well, it's complicated...

So complicated that it takes us the next 31 episodes to find out if she (acted by my newest idol Lee Ji Ah) is going to be reunited with her god of a husband in their next lives. This show has got everything - mythogical beasts, demi-gods, tribal wars, magical artifacts, even reincarnation. So hang on to your seat.


The cinematography of Legend is really amazing. No wonder Teddy said Japan is actually screening this episode by episode in the cinemas! There are probably plenty of aunties who would gladly pay to watch Bae ride a horse, brandish a sword and look sagely as a legendary king. If you ask me, he's ok. But really not that drool-worthy. I prefer the boy who acted as as the teen Damdeok. :) But of course, the only real idol material who emerged from Legend is Lee Ji Ah (Yoon Eun Hye, watch out)!

Oh, the soundtrack is not bad. Total score 6.5/10.

MBC Drama Awards 2007

With 8 awards, Bae Yong Joon's The Legend was the biggest winner in the just concluded MBC Drama Awards 2007. Yoon Eun Hye and Gong Yoo kept the banner high for The First Shop of Coffee Prince with wins in the Female and Male Top Excellence awards respectively.

Here's the full list of winners. . . (all images are credited to chosun.com)

MBC DRAMA AWARDS 2007

DAESANG
Bae Yong Joon (Legend)

Bae attended the ceremony on crutches as he was still recovering from his injuries sustained from the filming of The Legend. That's the price for his drama's 8 awards. I am sure he'd feel that it was well worth it.
MALE TOP EXCELLENCE
Kim Myung Min (White Tower)
Lee Seo Jin (Yi San)

A very happy Lee Seo Jin with his award.

FEMALE TOP EXCELLENCE
Gong Hyo Jin (Thank You)
Yoon Eun Hye (The First Shop Of Coffee Prince)

'Go Eun Chan' shedding her tomboyish get-up for the feminine 'princess' look.

MALE EXCELLENCE
Lee Jun Ki (Time Between Dog And Wolf)
Gong Yoo (First Shop Of Coffee Prince)

FEMALE EXCELLENCE

Han Ji Min (Yi San)

Nam Sang Mi (Time Between Dog And Wolf)

MALE NEWCOMER

Kim Min Sung (Ah Hyun Dong's Madam)

Han Sang Jin (Yi San)

FEMALE NEWCOMER

Lee Ji Ah (Legend)

Lee Ha Na (Me Ri, Dae Gu's Attack And Defense Battle)

MALE POPULARITY (netizens)

Bae Yong Joon (Legend)

FEMALE POPULARITY (netizens)

Lee Ji Ah (Legend)

GOLDEN ACTING AWARD HISTORICAL DRAMA

Lee Soon Jae (Yi San)

Choi Min Soo (Legend)

GOLDEN ACTING AWARD MINISERIES

Jang Hyuk (Thank You)

Lee Sun Gyun (White Tower)

GOLDEN ACTING AWARD SERIAL DRAMA

Choi Myoung Gil (By My Side)

Lee Yoon Ji (By My Side)

GOLDEN ACTING AWARD

Kim Byung Ki (Ah Hyun Dong's Madam)

Park Won Sook (Winter Bird)

BEST COUPLE (netizens)

Bae Yong Joon - Lee Ji-ah (Legend)

TV DRAMA (voted by viewers - SMS)

Legend SPECIAL