RU Korean - Bae Yongjun

Bae Yong-jun Releases Classical Album in Japan

rukorean — Wed, 8 Nov 2006 16:33:39 -0800

Actor Bae Yong-jun has released an album of classical music productions that he personally selected.

Bae Yong-joon’s ‘April Snow’ Re-released in Japan

rukorean — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 16:30:39 -0700

The Korean film “April Snow” starring Japan’s favorite son-in-law Bae Yong-joon has been successfully re-released in Japan.

Are Korean Movie Stars Too Expensive?

rukorean — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 02:49:28 -0700

The Korean film industry continues to grow at an alarming pace. After “Silmido” opened an era of 10-million ticket sellers in 2004, four more films quickly followed suit. “The Host” recently set a new record, taking the top spot from the “King and the Clown,” which itself brought more than 12.3 million Koreans to the theaters earlier this year. But the growth in the industry means the amount Chungmuro’s biggest names are charging for appearances on the big screen is also shooting through the roof. How does it compare to overall production costs?

How Much Do They Make?

Clockwise from left: Bae Yong-joon, Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Jang Dong-gun, Jang Jin-young, Jeon Do-yeon, Jeon Ji-hyun and Lee Young-ae

Bae Yong-jun's Fans Mesmerized with Actor's New Role

rukorean — Wed, 6 Sep 2006 03:34:29 -0700

One Japanese fan of actor Bae Yong-jun says the actor looked his best in the teaser of his upcoming epic drama "Taewangsasingi," whose filming set on Jeju Island was attended by a group of Japanese fans September 5.

Some 130 Japanese fans arrived on the drama's filming set in five tourist buses, and were excited to see the footage of the drama's teaser prior to touring the set.

They were also lucky to see the shooting of a scene showing the young King Gwanggaeto.

A person from JAM Tour, the organizer of the event, said the director of the drama gave his permission to Japanese fans to see the drama's first shoot.

U.S. Daily Reports on Asia's Drama-fed Korea Obsession

rukorean — Mon, 4 Sep 2006 05:45:57 -0700

Leading U.S. paper the Chicago Tribune has belatedly caught on to the receding tsunami that is the Korean Wave. On the paper's Metromix website on Monday, an article titled "In Japan, a yen among women for ‘Seoulmate'" took a good look at the phenomenon that is drawing infatuated Japanese women to Korea in droves.

The article discusses the success of Korean pop culture across Asia, down to the going price for Korea's top actors. "Korean male celebrities are now among the highest-paid actors outside Hollywood," it reports. "'Winter Sonata' star Bae Yong-joon -- whose character stood by his first love through 10 years of car accidents and amnesia -- is now charging US$5 million," the highest in Asia. It also describes the near $100 million empire the actor has been able to build in the short time since he rose to superstardom. At least nine other K-Wave stars are bringing in more than US$10 million per year, the Tribune says.

Japanese Fans to Throw Birthday Party for Bae Yong-jun

rukorean — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 16:47:20 -0700

Japanese fans of actor Bae Yong-jun will throw a birthday party for their favorite hallyu star August 28 at the Capital Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo.

Held on the eve of Bae’s 34th birthday, the party will be attended by some 400 Japanese fans, with events including the donation of a platinum ring featuring Bae’s initials. Bae himself will be unable to attend the event due to his busy schedule.

The actor visited Japan during his previous birthday to attend the premiere of his latest movie “April Snow,” but this year he has to stay in Korea to film the upcoming TV epic drama “Taewangsashingi.”

Korean Stars Praised for Generosity in Japan

rukorean — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 07:44:42 -0700

The Japanese media has praised Korean stars for their generous donations for flood victims.

Oricon & Entertainment World reported Sunday that Korean stars including actors Bae Yong-jun and Song Seung-heon donated a huge amount of money for flood victims.

Singer Kim Dong-wan, a member of the group Shinhwa, contributed 150 million won to the KBS benefit program “Request of Love” and asked it to use the money for flood victims, Oricon & Entertainment World said.

Actor Song Seung-heon sent 50 million won to KBS as a donation for flooding victims, saying that he hoped he could provide a little help to the victims. Song is serving in the military in Inje, Gangwon Province, which was hard hit during this summer’s rainy spell.

Bae Yong-joon, Businessman Extraordinaire

rukorean — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 23:18:25 -0700

Everyone’s favorite son-in-law Bae Yong-joon should soon have the letters CEO on his name card. He is already regarded as something of an entertainment magnate as the largest shareholder of a Kosdaq-listed company and runs three restaurants at home and abroad.

The actor is the major shareholder of entertainment firm Keyeast with a 42.2 percent stake worth more than W50 billion (US$1=W950) at Friday’s closing price. Bae bought Keyeast in March when it came close to being de-listed, changing its name from Ottowintech. He is believed to be managing some W80 billion, including his investments in restaurants and his Japanese agency.

Fans Flock to See Bae Yong-jun during His Secret Visit to Japan

rukorean — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 07:37:04 -0700

Actor Bae Yong-jun is considering returning to Korea earlier than scheduled from Japan, which he has been secretly visiting since July 20, due to his fans’ overwhelming behavior.

The Japanese daily Nikkan Sports reported July 21 that Bae might have to go back to Korea soon.

The actor visited Tokyo on July 20 to film a TV commercial. The newspaper added that the actor had kept his visit secret to avoid any commotion, but his fans were waiting for him at Narita Airport, and could also appear at the opening of a restaurant that Bae planned himself.

The newspaper wrote that Bae, who has visited Japan for the fourth time after seven months since his last visit, was wearing black jeans, a black jacket and sunglasses and has grown his hair for his role in the upcoming drama “Taewangsashingi,” which he will begin filming upon his return to Korea.

Bae Yong-joon Laments the Price of Fame

rukorean — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:21:27 -0700

One of the Korean Wave's best-known faces, actor Bae Yong-joon, has confided that he received psychological treatment for insomnia. In an interview in the June edition of men's magazine GQ Korea, the actor disclosed he had difficult times lately and sought psychiatric help for his sleepless nights.

"I've been really tired, so I’d try to get some sleep, but after an hour or two I’d always wake up. When I woke up, I thought it must be about 6 a.m., but when I looked at the clock I realized that it was only 1 or 2 a.m.,” Bae said. “It was truly dark and desolate. It was so difficult that I went to see a doctor, who said I was too tense, and that frayed my nerves and actually made it worse. I got a prescription for some pills, and after about 10 days I beat the problem."