Lee Young Ae Voted as most beautiful Korean actress in Japan

(Source: Chosun Ilbo)

Lee Young Ae has come out tops in a recent survey by Japanese internet service provider "Livedoor" on the most beautiful Korean actress. The votes were no doubt swayed by Lee's popularity following the screening of "A Jewel in the Palace" there in 2006. There are rumours that Lee is in talks about the possible production to a sequal to the above drama. Looks like a second hallyu wave will hit the world in the near future. Do watch this space for updates on this.


Related post:
Timeless Beauty - Lee Young Ae

Kim Ah Joong's new short film "Gift"

After a hiatus of 3 years, the '200 pound beauty' Kim Ah Joong is back with the production of a short film by the title of "Gift". Co-starring with alongside her is Jung Woo Sung, one of the first male Korean actors I have come to know after viewing the movie - A Moment to Remember. Kim Ah Joong will take on an unconventional role, playing character that betrays her organisation.

Happy Seollal!

While we might be a teeny weeny late, HelloHallyu would still like to wish all readers a Happy Seollal!

Here's YEH greeting everyone a Happy Lunar New Year
(Source: Cyworld)

Rain to star in Discovery Programme - Hip Korea

Rain showing the world what's Hip about Korea.
(Source: Chosun.com)

The Hallyu wave is now sweeping into Discovery Channel with Rain appearing on the documentary "Hip Korea".

Here's the latest update on this from the Korean Times.

Korean top star Rain will appear on Discovery, the world-renowned cable channel, J.Tune Entertainment announced Friday.

Documentary ``Hip Korea'' will focus on Korea's pop culture and introduce the singer as its frontrunner. His agency stated that the documentary is to air in various countries from Jan 31, starting first in Australia and New Zealand and then Asia.

The Hip Korea crew filmed the star for six months, and the documentary reveals his down-to-earth lifestyle, including clips of Rain casually conversing with his close friend, entertainer Kim Jae-dong about his innermost feelings over a drink and reminiscing his departed mother at her crypt.

The documentary has interviews with stars who have worked with the singer in the past, including Steven Colbert, who had a dance battle with the star on his show "The Colbert Report,'' and actress Susan Sarandon, who co-starred with Rain in the movie "Speed Racer.''

"Hip Korea'' is to air in all regions in Asia, including Korea, on Feb. 23.

Introducing Lee Chae Young

Happen to catch Arirang's interview with Lee Chae Young earlier this morning. Dressed in over sized sweater, a headful of unkempt hair and a pair of huge black plastic framed glasses, Lee Chae Young looked like the pretty girl you will walk past at the mall.

What struck me about this young and upcoming star is the sincere way she answered the interview's questions and how comfortably she carried herself with little to no make-up, which is an act frowned upon in the entertainment industry. It is also interesting to hear her say that she the real her is coming forth in the interview when she is free from the layers of make-up . It is this remark which caught my eye.

It was refreshing to watch an interview where the star has let her hair down and speak freely. Gone are the constant need to look like a million bucks and pressure to put on the best public face lest a slip of tongue or an inappropriate facial expression gets one into trouble.

In the interview, Chae Yong shared that before hitting 30, she sets herself one goal every year. Quite a down-to-earth attitude towards life, unlike the fluffy stuff which most stars dish out during interviews. Her goal(s) for 2009 is to master the guitar as well as the English language. I am definitely looking forward to seeing her doing some lines in English for future dramas.

You can catch Chae Young in the KBS drama - Empress Chun Choo (The Iron Empress) which is currently running on KBS World.

I know that most other websites are focusing on her rather saucy shots for Maxim, however, HelloHallyu will show Chae Young as who she really came across during the interview (see photo above). So enjoy the rather 'tame' photos as well as one her publicity shot for the drama (below).

(Source: SPN)