On The Set of a One-Act Drama With MBLAQ's Lee Joon

Lee Joon and Yang Mi-kyung [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

"Okay, fans please get ready." On a hot August day, boy band MBLAQ member Lee Joon, no, him as the rapper of popular idol group, is waiting on the stage of the Melon AX Hall in Seoul. This location, where a fan meeting and birthday party are shot together, is the set for MBC's one-act drama "Housewife Kim Kwang-ja's New Activity." Housewife Kim Kwang-ja (played by actress Yang Mi-kyung), who was spending boring and tedious days because of her curt husband and supporting her indifferent high school daughter, for the first time in her life starts acting as a 'fan' after coming across Jin's music. This starts to slowly change the life of Kim Kwang-ja's life and the people around her in the most unexpected ways.

It was not an open recording but when the stylist fixed Lee Joon's make-up and even when he just took a gulp of water, the screams that burst out from fans heated up the scene even more. Lee Joon, embarrassed from the cheering and applauding whenever the director gives an okay sign, shows the most natural stage manner when singing his group's song "One Better Day" wish revised lyrics. When glow-in-the-dark sticks are handed out, the supporting cast who have no experience being 'fans,' they start shaking them thoughtlessly but it's a piece of cake for actual fans who have volunteered to take part in the shoot. For the climax scene where Kim Kwang-ja and Jin meet on stage, Lee Joon takes actress Yang Mi-kyung's hand and places it above his heart during a rehearsal. The audience automatically breaks out into a scream but the crew is busy steadying them while telling them, "Scream all you want, even more than you did now, when we go into shoot!" What is this strange meeting between an idol star and middle-aged lady -- romance? Just a scandal? Or something else? You can check the results of "Housewife Kim Kwang-ja's New Activity" at 10:35 a.m. on September 22.

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun

Photographer : Chae ki-won

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@, Jang Kyung-Jin 

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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(Photo) Lee Joon Shoot One Act Drama

MBLAQ member Lee Joon preps ahead of going into shoot for one-act TV series "Housewife Kim Kwang-ja's New Activity" at the Melon AX Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

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(Photo) Onew, Dana & Ahn Jae Wook Performs for 'Rock of Ages'

SHINee member Onew performs during the press call for musical "Rock of Ages" held at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea on September 16, 2010.

From left, SHINee member Onew and female singer Dana perform a scene from musical "Rock of Ages" during its press call held at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea on September 16, 2010.

Singer and actor Ahn Jae-wook performs a scene from musical "Rock of Ages" during its press call held at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea on September 16, 2010.

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Onew Views Celebrities' Pursuit Of Multiple Jobs Positively

SHINee member Onew takes part in a press conference for musical "Rock of Ages" held at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea on September 16, 2010. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Singer Onew of boy band SHINee has said he thinks positively of celebrities pursuing multiple jobs.

The 20-year-old singer made the remark at a press call and press conference for musical "Rock of Ages" on Thursday, responding to a reporter's question on what he thinks about celebrities branching out their careers to various realms of the entertainment industry.

"I think that one person being able to do several things is an advantage," Onew started by saying. "I used to feel distant about singers taking on acting but not anymore...... I think a lot can be shown including singing, acting and musicals when one is given the chance."

Singer Dana, also a cast member of the musical, agreed with Onew. "I think an artist's job is to make the public laugh and feel moved...... The only difference is whether it's done by singing or acting so I think taking on musicals where you can do both with some extra effort, is good as well," she explained.

Musical "Rock of Ages," Broadway's newest production this year composed of rock music and lyrical pop music representative of the 80s, is making its premiere in Korea.

Starring singers Shin Sung-woo, Ahn Jae-wook, Onew, J and Dana, the show will run till October 30 at the Olympic Park in Seoul

Reporter : Lee Eun-ji ghdpssk@

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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MC Mong Will Be Provisionally Taken out of 1N2D

MC Mong

MC Mong will not be on TV for the time being after for being indicted for evasion of military service and interference with a government official in the execution of his duties.

The variety programs for which he is a fixed cast member include SBS’s “HahaMong Show” and KBS2TV’s “Happy Sunday’s 1 Night 2 Days.”

The producers of the two programs held a joint meeting regarding the MC Mong issue and have made a decision after both were lambasted last weekend for airing the shows with him in it.

The “HahaMong Show” will be put on hiatus until a final judgment is made from the 19th. Many already believe that the show is preparing to be axed for good.

On the 14th, SBS made an official statement and revealed, “We’ve continued to broadcast footage with him because a final judgment has not yet been made. However, now that the suspicions have spread beyond control, we have decided that it is not right to continue broadcasting against viewer protests. There are still two episodes worth of footage already recorded, but beginning from the 19th, a different program will take its place.”

“1 Night 2 Days” has also made an official statement stating, “Starting from the 17th, MC Mong’s appearance in the show will be deferred. We are aware that a judgment has not been made regarding his service evasion, but we must also take into account the viewers and their feelings. For now, we have decided that it is impossible for MC Mong to appear on the show. This decision will only stand until a proper judgment is made and ‘1 Night 2 Days’ will continue with a five member group.”

The episode set to broadcast on the 19th has edited out MC Mong as much as possible.

Credit Source: Allkpop

* NO! huhuhuhu hope things goes right for him soon... the program seems different now... first Kim C and now without Mong ....  (T T)

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Moon Geun Young Decides to Take Role on "Mary Stayed Out All Night"

Top Korean actress Moon Geun-yeong has decided to join the main cast of an upcoming KBS TV series also starring actor Jang Geun-seok, according to the show's promoter Ytree;media on Monday.

Ytree announced through a press release that the 23-year-old starlet will take on the role of the shameless and optimistic Mary in the drama based on comic "Mary Stayed Out All Night" by famed cartoon writer Won Soo-yeon.

"Mary Stayed Out All Night" will be a romantic comedy which revolves around Mary who makes realizations about love and herself while being in two fake marriages for 100 days -- to Moo-kyul, a hippie and Indie band lead vocalist who has nothing, and Jung-in, a man who has everything including the brains, looks and wealth.

"'Mary Stayed Out All Night' is brilliant in terms of its material and plot but is also fun and appealing because of its unique characters", Moon said. "I feel pressured because simulated marriage is a topic which has never been handled in dramas before but I'm also excited and nervous about how I'll show it".

Just last week, Jang had confirmed he had been cast for the role of Moo-kyul in the drama set to air starting November, after series "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" ends its run.

Moon, currently starring in play "Closer" as Alice, the role of a stripper taken on by Natalie Portman in the movie version, last appeared on the popular small screen show "Cinderella's Sister" five months ago.

Moon, with already 10 years of acting experience under her belt, has appeared in numerous films and dramas including "Autumn in my Heart" and "My Little Bride".

She also won the grand prize at major broadcaster SBS' year-end Acting Awards last year for her role as a talented painter in drama "Painter of the Wind" which has received several international acclaims.

Jessica Kim jesskim@

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Source : 10.asiae.co.kr

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HahaMong Show on Hiatus!

SBS has decided to pull the plug on the “HahaMong Show” starting on the 19th of September, due to the controversies of MC Mong’s ongoing military scandal.

SBS opted to air “Strong Heart” as a replacement for the show today, and have not made yet made a final decision to cancel the show altogther. As of now, however, the show is officially on hiatus and will be until further notice. With charges against MC Mong are still unclear, SBS has decided to take a wait-and-see approach to determine the best course of action.

Although the show aired during its regular time slot this past Sunday, SBS received harsh criticism for airing the program. KBS is currently under fire for the same situation, as MC Mong is a huge part of the cast on “1 Night 2 Days”.

MC Mong stated on his Cyworld,

“I received an exemption from the army because of my bad teeth. I never would have even thought of pulling my teeth just to receive the exemption and my teeth were just that bad and not normal. When I see the comments branding myself as a draft dodger, I am deeply saddened. It’s not easy filming for my programs.”

The situation has put MC Mong in a tough spot and as a fan, one can only hope that things will get better for him.

Credit Source: Allkpop

* Sorry to say... but after following every 'cases' within Korean Entertainment... I can only says that... most korean fans aren't that forgiven... once they got a news they'll take it, keep it, nurture it, make it big and let them die.... They'll only cry a river when they've killed that person and start point their fingers to each other and digS out every good things they've remember about that person when it's totally 'The End'. 

I started thinking they're acting like a 'VIRUS'....

Luckily My Jay still stand strong, hopes Mong will be strong too.... I really hope.

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“1 Night 2 Days” Edits Out MC Mong For New Episode

With singer MC Mong’s draft conspiracy set to be booked without detention, “1 Night 2 Days,” a program he is a fixed cast on, has decided to carry out a daring decision.

The producers of KBS 2TV’s “1 Night 2 Days” spoke with Osen on the 12th and revealed, 

“We received news about MC Mong after we’ve already finished editing the episode set to broadcast this afternoon. Even if there isn’t a final judgment out yet, since it is a sensitive issue and one that deeply affects our society and our citizens, we have decided to edit out MC Mong’s cuts as much as possible for now.”

The representative went on to reveal, 

“The episode that will air today will be a lot shorter than usual. We realized that the episode was cut about 15 minutes after we edited out MC Mong.”

When asked about MC Mong’s position, he stated, 

“Nothing has been decided yet. Once the investigations are finished, the producers and the variety industry alike will be starting a serious discussion. We cannot tell viewers for sure whether he will continue or leave the show.”

Source: OSEN & Allkpop

* WTH! I started watching this program because of him... argh...

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[INTERVIEW] Taeyang (Big Bang)

Taeyang (YG Entertainment)

A song is the language through which a singer expresses his emotions. Or at least 20 years ago, this was such a natural thing that it was embarrassing to say so. But these days, this is embarrassing in a different sense. Nobody is sincere when it comes to singing these days. When a certain tone of vocals becomes popular, that immediately becomes the trend, and numerous business-related issues will be linked to a single song. Even when the press spoke of 'four-second singer' or 'removing the MR,' the focus of the debate was on how well the singer sings, not what those songs are trying to deliver. 

In the midst of that, Taeyang says his songs are his way of speaking his heart. This singer, currently one of the most successful idol singers, convinced the interviewee that singing is the way he delivers his emotions rather than it being his job or something that he likes to do. And it did not come from the fact that he was an idol who wanted to be acknowledged as a musician or an artist. Rather than considering music a noble ideal or something difficult, he regarded it as his way of communicating with the world. So how did he come to accept music as his language? 10Asia spoke to Taeyang who said he found his confidence through his first full-length studio release "Solar."

10: You're still busy these days, right? (laugh) Having to promote "I'll Be There" while preparing for your concert as well.

Taeyang: Yes. Things are hectic these days. (laugh) I'm going to try to promote "I'll Be There" up till the concert takes place.

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Jang Geun-seok To Play Indie Rocker in New Drama

Korean actor and singer Jang Geun-seok has signed on for a role in an upcoming KBS drama, according to his agency Tree J. Company on Friday.

Tree J. announced in a press release that he will be playing the role of an Indie rocker in the series, based on the web-based cartoon by writer Won Soo-yeon, tentatively titled "Mary Stayed Out All Night".

Won Soo-yeon is the writer of the comic series "Full House" whose small screen adaptation in 2004 starred top Korean star Rain and actress Song Hye-kyo.

"Mary Stayed Out All Night" is about a girl named Jung-in who has never been in a romantic relationship and instead has two fake marriages with two separate guys, a perfectionist and a leader singer of a band, with completely different personalities.

"I feel more pressured choosing a project that involves singing. It makes me wonder if I have a set image as an actor who only plays musicians in dramas", Jang was quoted as saying, adding that he enjoyed reading the synopsis for "Mary Stayed Out All Night".

"I feel like I am making a return and as an actor I get the most joy in starring in a new drama", Jang continued to explain. "I am putting everything into 'Mary' and hope to show the audience something new".

"Mary Stayed Out All Night" will premiere in the country in November.

Jang, 23, rose to fame with his roles in MBC's sitcom "Nonstop 4" (2003) and "Beethoven Virus" (2008). He became a household throughout Asia last year through his role of the eccentric lead singer in the hit SBS' series "You're Beautiful".

He recently wrapped up his Asia tour in Korea last weekend, which kicked off six months ago, where he met with numerous fans in Taiwan, Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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