Snow Palace

Whoever finds this, I love you! - Mac Davis

2009-06-07T23:25:00.001+08:00

Review of Night After Night

2008-12-11T22:58:00.009+08:00

I haven't been blogging for a while. I have been patiently waiting for Hyun Bin's latest show to come into Singapore. I have been refraining myself from watching it online. I must support Hyun Bin all the way.
I haven't been buying new shows anyway. Drought in my Kdrama life.
I have just watched the latest Kdrama in the market, "Night After Night" or "When It's at Night" or "Every Night".
Here's my review:

Story: 4.5/5
The story surrounds Korean national cultural and heritage pieces, the stolen, the protected and found. Kim Sun-Ah plays Heo Cho-hee, regulator of cultural treasures. She got herself into the job because of her father who was ironically a tomb-raider who had stolen those national treasures. In one of her assignments to Japan, she met Lee Dong-gun who plays Kim Beom-sang, ancient art expert on a mission to buy some national treasures. The whole show develops round the retrieval of the national treasures and how the relationship of the two developed. I like the plot as it has some suspense, romance and humour all in one. Of course the romance between Kim and Lee was convincing. I didn't think this pair would be able to go together. However, the show made it believable.

Kim Sun-Ah
Acting: 4.5/5
I love her acting in this show. She was convincing as a torn daughter of a tomb raider. She cried so easily in the show. Her acting was natural. She didn't need much lines to show her emotions. She is an actress. However, the director seemed to be caught in her Kim Sam Soon's shadow. At certain points, she was seen to replay her acts in My Lovely Samsoon in this particular new show. This is truly the part that I didn't like. Also, she has yet to shed her fats from the previous show which made me a little disappointed with her. However, the director's clever focus on her cleavages helped to ease the fact that she wasn't that slim.
I think the director was also careful in handling the relationship of Lee and Kim in this show. It was not overly mushy. Enough to make us feel that Lee truly loved Kim in this show. I will end here for Kim Sun-Ah because I can't wait to say what I want to say for Lee.

Lee Dong-gun
Acting: 4.7/5
Call me biased. I love Lee Dong-gun's acting in this show. He is the man that I want to be in love with. He started off as the world's biggest flirt in the show, from the disgusting patting of a co-host's butt to his pretentious nature. However, as the show progressed, he became the sweetest lover in the whole wide world. He was kind, protective and warm towards Kim's character in the show. His acting was natural and good. I can easily see him as his character in the show. He moved into his role with ease. I guess he was very much of this sort in My Little Bride, except for the flippant part of this new role.
I like his looks. He doesn't need a lot of make-up to look good. In fact, he didn't have those disgusting lipstick colours on his lips like some Korean actors. I could still see his dark rings, but who cared? He was still good looking here. However, I docked 0.3 from his score because I think he would soon need a botox treatment on his forehead. Other than that, acting, looks and charm wise, he is a perfect boyfriend. :)

Kim Jeong Hwa
Acting: 4/5
Kim Jeong Hwa plays Wang Joo-hyeon, a regulator of cultural treasures, in the show. I think the show will be boring without her. Her antics, her self-centredness, egoistic mindset made the show come alive. I would say her acting was a little exaggerated. However, I think her character called for such acting. She is pretty but at some point, she overdid her wide grin or smile. I think overall, she is a likable character in the show.

Lee Joo Hyeon
Acting: 3.5/5
Okay, I find him quite cute and handsome at times. However, his smiles were so stiff and unnatural. He plays Kang Si-wan, a cultural treasures delivery team leader. He is convincing in his role. I like the way he was always amused, stunned and tickled by Wang Joo Hyeon in the show. However, I didn't feel that his love for Kim Sun-Ah in the show was convincing. Hence, he deserves a 3.5 only.

Park Ki Woong
Acting: 3.5/5
Park acts as Heo Gyoon, Cho-hee's younger brother in the show. He was a little too act cute in the show. However, I could find reasons to forgive him in that. He really has a cute face and smiles. LOL! Biased again. I find that his acting was average. Perhaps he was still figuring things out. Whatever it is, he has great potential to go far as he has the looks.

Overall: 4/5
I think this show is worth watching. Perhaps it can be a little more explicit about Kim-Lee romance though there were a few kissing scenes. I am not a sucker for romance, but I really think it can be better. Watch it for the plot, watch it if you are Lee's fan or Kim's fan or simply watch it because it is a relatively well-done show. I think nothing will truly irritate anyone in this show. It is just another good Korean drama in the market.

Flowers for My Life

2008-06-28T08:48:00.002+08:00

I finished watching Flowers for My Life about a week ago. However, I didn't feel like doing the review.
How do I like the show?
Well, I loved it initially.
Hana's (Kang Hye Jung) cold and money-mindedness made her interestingly attractive.
Yoon Ho-sang (Cha Tae Hyun) was cute.
Oh Nam-kyung (Gong Hyun Joo) was pretty. I love her smiles.
Go Eun-tak (Kim Ji Hoon) was cold and good-looking.
There was some humour and quite a lot of romance in this show.
However, it made the world's sufferings, life and death into something too beautiful for my liking.
In fact, the moment Ho-sang got to know his condition, the show started going slow and draggy. From Episode 12 onwards, I find the show really draggy. It was all talk about Ho-sang's coming death and about separation and memories to be treasured and so on.
Beautiful as it may seem, for those who don't like draggy show, I think this show is a no-no.
In fact, the last 2 episodes were just them talking and talking and talking, preparing and preparing and preparing for Ho-sang's upcoming death. I guess it is so that the impact of the end would be less overwhelming. I just watched as I did my work.
Thank goodness in between the 16 episodes there were other stories of other characters to make the show more enjoyable, such as Eun-tak's relationship with his biological father.

Will I recommend this show?
Watch it if you are Kang Hye Jung and Cha Tae Hyun's fan.
Watch it if you are a sucker for romance.
Watch it if you really love to reflect on life itself.

Since I am not giving a full and really a superb review to a relatively good show, here are links to the various positive responses to the show in contrast to mine.
http://www.dramabeans.com/category/k-drama/flowers-for-my-life/
http://hellohallyu.blogspot.com/2007/07/watched-final-episode-of-flowers-for-my.html

Review of Goodbye Solo

2008-06-15T08:18:00.009+08:00

Seriously, I bought the show because I fell in love with Chun Jung Myung. I love his smiles, his eyes and his acting.
However, after the second episode, I couldn't stop. The suspense kept me going and I finished the show in 2 days.

I don't know if I could do a proper summary of the show. The reason being that the show has a high level of complexity in human relationships and there are too many characters.

Story/Plot: 5/5
The show started off in a confusing and complex manner in episode one. It was very tough telling how each character was related to one another.
Basically, in the story, each character presented has a hidden past. They became who they were because of their past. Throughout the show, their secrets were slowly revealed and the show showed how each of them learnt to walk out of their past and moved on.

It has a fantastic plot and the way each character's past was revealed was done with sufficient suspense that kept me going on and on. I walked in and out of my room in between the long hours of watching to get drinks and food, talking to myself, "Boy, what a good show!"
A brief summary (Boy, this is tough for Icysnowqueen for once):
Kim Min-ho (Chun Jung Myung) left his home after finding out that he was an illegitimate child. He came to live with an old woman (Na Moon-hee) who was mute and deaf.
This old woman played the role of old granny to many characters in the show. She had a past she would love to hide too. I won't touch on this. It would kill your joy watching the show.
Min-ho's best friend, Yoo Ji-ahn (Lee Han), lived with Min-ho's parents since high school. He lied about his past and his family. He made use of Min-ho. As time past, he grew to be attached to everyone around him. However, his sad family background stopped him from being genuine. Throughout the show, he struggled between the truth and his pretence. His girlfriend, Chung Soo-hee (Yoon So Yi) in the end fell for Min-ho and left him for Min-ho. This caused strain in their long-standing friendship.
In this show, there is another set of relationship. It was between a young girl, Min-ho's best buddy, Choi Mi-ri (Kim Min Hee), and a near-retirement gangster, Kang Ho-chul (Lee Jae Ryong). This relationship had its ups and downs. Through this relationship, the past of these two people unfolded.
Finally, another major character would be Oh Young Sook (Bae Jong-ok). She was deemed as crazy by her husband. Thrown out of the house, despised by her own children, she came into the lives of this group of people.
Trust me, if I tell you everything here, you won't enjoy the show. The beauty of the show is wanting to know the past of each character. The suspense will keep you going.

By episode 14, most of the past of all the characters would have been revealed. I find episode 15 and 16 rather predictable and a little draggy. However, for episode 2 to 14, it is still worth the time and money.

Casting:
I really have to say this. This show has a whole lot of good actors and actresses. Some of them have the looks and the acting skills. I am truly impressed.

Chun Jung Myung as Kim Min-ho
Acting: 5/5
You might think that I am biased because I have already liked him from Foxy Lady. However, if I compare Foxy Lady and Goodbye Solo, I think Goodbye Solo has stretched his acting skills even more. I was very surprised that he could cry with tears so easily.
In this show, he portrayed himself to be a carefree person who had deep pains and hurts. However, his selfless personality made him do many things for others. Even when he knew that his best friend was making use of him during high school days, he forgave him because of his family background.
When handling his relationship with granny, he managed to melt my heart with his warm smiles and loving eyes.
This show demanded a lot from him. He was expected to portray warmth, cheerfulness, playfulness, insecurity, anger, pains, hurts, maturity and understanding. I think this show basically stretched him to the fullest. No wonder in just year 2006, he had 2 shows to his name.
There were many scenes done by him that I love from this show . One of them was when he asked granny in if that was what she really wanted (won't tell you what happen). His eyes was filled with love and pain for granny. Aw! I cried when he finally gave the look of acceptance.

For his fans, I am so sorry, he would be away for 2 years as he has been enlisted by the military. Gosh, I would be waiting for his new show. I am sure directors would look for him because he can simply throw out good shows.

Yoon So Yi as Chung Soo-hee
Acting: 5/5
Yoon So Yi didn't have to try very hard for me to believe that she was the artistic Soo-hee. She has the looks and the poise. I love the way she looked at Min-ho with love. I love the way she cried when she was torn between Min-ho and Yoo Ji-ahn. I was very surprised that other than her looks, she could really act. I was won over by her smiles and her tears. It wasn't difficult to love her though she betrayed the love that Ji-ahn gave to her.
I think she deserves a 5/5 for her fantastic acting. It wasn't easy handling the emotions Soo-hee had to go through because of her mother. This girl did it well. I love the scene when she had to tell Ji-ahn that she could understand his plight but could never go back to him. Her pain was visible and her friendship for this torn friend was there. She made an impact.

Lee Han as Yoo Ji-ahn
Acting: 5/5
It was surprising that a mature looking man like him managed to pull of as a high-school boy without much change except the uniform. Obviously, he has a rather versatile face. In fact, after watching this show, I realise he could easily play the nerd or the crook.
What really impressed me was his ability to cry. For a guy, his tears come really easily. His eyes will turn red and beads of tear would drop. In this show, he played a really torn person. Torn because of his upbringing and beliefs. His inability to tell the truth and trust others caused him to lose much. It was painful to watch him make the wrong decisions again and again.
However, the story is such that the producers explore all facets of human nature. Hence, he is not a totally undersirable character. In fact, no one is in this show is. Everyone in this show has reasons and a past to explain themselves. Isn't that all of us?

Kim Min Hee as Choi Mi-ri
Acting: 5/5
I think not even one of the main characters will get anything less than 5. They did such a fantastic job in this show. I think the producers (Hwang In Hyeok and Ki Min So) must be really good. They managed to bring out the best potential of each actor/actress. Kim Min Hee played the character of Mi-ri superbly well. Mi-ri is someone who is smart, bold in love and actions. I was totally convinced by Kim Min Hee's acting.

In this show, Mi-ri was cohabiting with a middle-aged gangster, Kang Ho-chul. Mi-ri tried really hard to get Ho-chul to commit more to the relationship. In the process, she went through a lot of pain and hurts.
Her acting is really good. She could act-cute without making all my hair stand. She could cry and make me cry with her. Her cool appearance could convince me that she was the strong-headed Mi-ri. Her gentleness towards Ho-chul made me love her even more. I simply like her.

Lee Jae Ryong as Kang Ho-chul
Acting: 5/5
He wasn't very convincing as a fighter in the show. However, who is expecting a middle-aged gangster who is near retirement to anyway? He managed to win my heart as a gentle but act-tough gangster. He struggled constantly with guilt and low self-esteem. Ho-chul kept thinking that he didn't deserve to have happiness with anyone.
Ho-chul couldn't bring his pride down to the woman he loved. He has too much in the past. Lee Jae Ryong portrayed that well. He acted well enough not to appear disgusting when he was with Mi-ri. Afterall, it was very obvious that Mi-ri was a little too young for him. He managed to show enough gentleness towards Mi-ri that I accepted that he loved her.
In fact, both of them did a good job. As in Foxy Lady, if such relationship is not well-acted out, it could be disgusting. However, this pair won the battle too.

Bae Jong Ok as Oh Young Sook
Acting: 5/5
In this show, Young Sook was a rich but disturbed woman. She was initially snobbish. Her loneliness and disturbed past haunted her constantly.
Bae Jong Ok did a very good job here. She managed to show hints of her loneliness even when she acted snobbish. It was in the eyes and body language.

As we move on into the story, her character would become clearer in her troubled life. Bae Jong Ok managed to make the character pitiful yet strong. Seriously, I really think it takes quite a bit of acting to be able to act in this show. She has it.

Na Moon Hee as Mi-young (Granny)
Acting: 5/5
This show is a no-go without her. Granny was like a centre point for all the characters. Na Moon Hee did such a fantastic job that I was totally touched by her. She was so kind to everyone. She was Min-ho's support. She was like Young Sook's mother. Yet in her, there was a painful past.
I really can't fault her acting at all. In fact, I love all the scene of interaction between Min-ho and granny. I think the chemistry between Chun Jung Myung and her was just so strong that they could have got along very well off screen too.

Overall: 5/5
I am seriously recommending this show to anyone who wants good story. It has romance in it. However, don't expect too much humour. This show has enough suspense to keep you going. There are many characters, many sub-stories and really good acting. Please do not mistake this show as one that will make you cry non-stop. It will make you cry. It will also make you smile. It is just about human relationships and human nature. The producers added one story in the last few episode about envying others' lives. I think that's basically what the producers wanted to show. I shall not preach here. Find out for yourself.
It is a show that really impressed me with good storyline, superb acting and great thinking. It has a great deal of substance in it.

If I were to rank all the shows I have watched, this should be one of the top few amongst Snow Queen, Foxy Lady and Thank You.

What's up, icysnowqueen?

2008-06-14T02:06:00.003+08:00

I have so far watched 3 K-dramas...
1. Oh Su-Jung Vs Karl
2. Two Outs in the Ninth Inning
3. Goodbye Solo
4. Foxy Lady

Now watching: Flowers for My Life

Of the 4, I have watched, I like Foxy Lady and Goodbye Solo best.

I will try to do Goodbye Solo's review soon.
I am pretty excited about this show because I didn't expect the show to be so good. In fact, I didn't expect all the actors and actresses to be so good.

I won't do a review of Oh Su-Jing Vs Karl because most people would have watched it.

If you intend to watch Two Outs in the Ninth Inning, I would suggest that you put it as the last few shows on your list.

Foxy Lady / What's Up, Fox?/ Fox, What Are You Doing?

2008-06-13T22:34:00.016+08:00

Icysnowqueen is back. I wasn't that busy but I was busy struggling with life.
Recently, I found some motivation to continue with my Snow Palace blog.
Two simple reasons:
1. Hyun Bin is going to deliver a new show.
2. I fall in love with a new actor : Chun Jung Myung or Cheon Jeong Myeong while watching Foxy Lady.
I started watching Foxy Lady because it was known that Hyun Bin rejected this show which was specially drafted for him to go for Snow Queen.
I wanted to know why he rejected a show which turned out to be more popular than Snow Queen.
After watching the show, I feel that Hyun Bin did the right thing to reject the show. The character in the show doesn't suit his style.
After watching Snow Queen, anyone will know that Hyun Bin wants to become a professional actor, not a super star.
Foxy Lady will only fit him back to the My Name is Kim Sam Soon character which was already a combination his earlier acts in Ireland and Bodyguard.
Anyway, the lead actor in Foxy Lady, Cheon Jeong Myeong or Chun Jung Myung did it superbly well that I couldn't fit Hyun Bin into the same role.

Here's my review of the show:

This show has so many different titles: Foxy Lady/ What's Up, Fox?/ Fox, What Are You Doing?

Synopsis:

The show started with a sleazy but funny sex scene. Ko Byeong-hee, (Ko Hyun Jung) as a writer for a man's magazine, was trying to write a x-rated article. Afterwhich she tried to act sexy in front of the mirror and being caught red-handed by Dr Bae (Cho Yeon-woo) who was there to look for his friend, the owner of the company.
Well, it is obviously meant to be a comedy or so I thought. At the end of it, I saw it as a romantic comedy.
Ms Ko was 33 year-old and a virgin. Yet each day she had to write sleazy articles. Her boss thought of her an experienced player. Only Dr Bae saw that she wasn't. Her fake front was saw through by Dr Bae who later fell in love with her. They started dating. Well, all seemed well, but before Dr Bae and Ms Ko were together, Ms Ko did something that she wished it would be a secret forever.
It was this secret that brought the whole story to life. Ms Ko slept with Park Cheol-su (Chun Jung Myung) when she was very drunk.
Cheol-su was a 24 year-old man, the brother of her best friend. Cheol-su and Byeong-hee grew up together with a 9 year gap. She always regarded him as a little brother.
Why did they sleep together? She was drunk. Cheol-su was not. He allowed it. Why?
In the show, right from the start, Cheol-su was depicted as a free-spirited and cheeky man. It was easy to think that he was being a man when he had sex with Byeong-hee. However, that was far from the truth.
As the story unfolded through the episodes, it was clear that Cheol-su had always been in love with Byeong-hee. His outrageous determination and love for Byeong-hee finally got her to him.
With the 9 year gap, they had an uphill task convincing people that they could be together.
I shall leave the ending to you.

Plot: 5/5
I would highly recommend this show to anyone who likes romance and something light-hearted. I love the way the plot gradually reveals Cheol-su's long standing love for Byeong-hee. I love the way the whole story unfolds its theme. I love the way the whole script challenges the boundary of age in love. I love the way the producer put in other characters to make the story more interesting. I love the humour. I love the casting. It is one of the most enjoyable K-dramas I have watched.

Chun Jung Myung as Park Cheol-su
Acting: 5/5
Though I would think that Ko Byeong-hee, (Ko Hyun Jung) has a bigger share of the scene-shots and is the lead of the lead actors/actresses. However, I would really love to cover Chun Jung Myung first.
His acting is really superb in this show. He is able to portray the cheeky and free-spirited personality at the beginning of the show. All thanks to his million-watt smile. His smiles can be cheeky, sweet, goofy or warm. You name it, he can deliver it. The best part is that the same smile can become cold, helpless, cynical and mean. He delivers them all.
If you think his smile is his only assets, you will be so wrong. He will sweep you off the ground with his eyes. His eyes can talk. His eyes can tell you that he is sad, happy or excited. When he frowns, you will frown with him.
I have just finished his other work, "Goodbye Solo". I cried with him. I will do a review of that show soon and I don't have to explain why I picked that show.
In this show, he really did a fantastic job.
One could easily see his deep hurt when Byeong-hee said that she loved Dr Bae when he tried to stop her from meeting Dr Bae. That scene was one of my favourites. He didn't say a word, he didn't shed a tear but the pain was obvious on his face.
I would say he made the story of Byeong-hee leaving Dr Bae for him more believable. His portray of Cheol-su made the story alive, made Cheol-su alive.
I think this guy is an actor. He will not be a super star. He will go on acting and winning people over because of his acting.
Oh, I cannot leave out his very good figure, can I? Being a graduate with Physical Education degree, he can boast of his great body easily.
Watch the show for him. It is worth it.
Click on the below for more of him:
Chun Jung Myung / Cheon Jeong Myeong

Ko Hyun Jung as Ko Byeong-hee
Acting: 4/5
I am giving a 4 out of 5 for a few reasons. She could have gotten lower if not for her few strengths.
Let me just explain myself. There were a quite few scenes whereby she had to act sweetly in love, I thought she didn't do it every well.
If I compare her way of handling and Kim Sun-ah's way of handling a mature woman crazily in love, I must say that she fared quite badly.
In Sun-ah's acting, one would just feel that's the way mature women would be when they are in love, a little act-cute yet with some concerns.
Hyun Jung here made me a little uncomfortable because I thought she overdid the act-cute portion.
However, Hyun Jung has her convincing moments for this show. When she cried, I felt she really cried her hearts out. I like that. I like her acting whenever she confronts Cheol-su.
Her skin and complexion is very good for a mother of two and a 35 year-old when she filmed this show. She was already divorced then. Her complexion is really well-maintained. This makes her very convincing.
Perhaps it was the fact that she is heavily-laden in real life itself, she had no difficulty looking troubled and sad. However, acting as if she is madly in love was a little challenging for her I guess.
Overall, I still like her enough to give her a high rating.

Cho Yeon-woo as Bae Hee-myeong
Acting: 3/5
Is it the role or is it him? I do not know. There is something very superficial about his acting. It could be the role. Afterall Dr Bae is someone who doesn't display much emotions or is a very contained person.
His acting didn't leave much impression. However, he is a likeable character. He didn't make things difficult for Cheol-su and Byeong-hee to be together.
His wholesome look fits Dr Bae's image well. He has a nice smile but at times, I find his smiles so fake.
He may play an important role because without him, Byeong-hee's love for Cheol-su will not take so long to develop, but I really don't remember any dramatic parts involving him. Perhaps other characters took the limelight.

Kim Eun-joo as Ko Jun-hee
Acting: 5/5
I didn't have any difficulty believing her as Jun-hee in the show, an aspiring model, a young adult with a strong will and a mind of her own, a lady who is in love with a man who is 17 year her senior...
I find her acting very natural. She brings life to the character. Her chemistry with Son Hyun Joo who is her love interest in the show is superb.
I think Jun-hee and Park Byeong Gak's relationship (Son Hyun Joo) stole the show too.
By the end of the show, I want them to be together. I find them cute together. Imagine this, they are actually 20 years apart in real life. Yet after watching the show, I think it is possible for the two characters to be together and that they really love each other. That's how good their acting is.

Sun Hyun Joo/Son Hyun-Ju as Park Byeong-gak
Acting: 5/5
I never thought that I would ever think this uncle is cute. However, he has managed to convince me that he is cute in the show.
I like his natural acting totally. He makes his relationship with Jun-hee really believable. I think if this pair didn't act well, it would be rather disgusting. However, they won the battle.
I don't think this role was easy for an actor with a certain image attached to him. He managed the role so well that you would really believe that he is like that.

Overall: 5/5
I have watched this show 3 times. I still like it. I find the chemistry between actors and actresses great. The theme to challenge age in relationships is subtly done. The humour is there. The depth of feelings is there. Romance is there. I really think it is worth the money and time.
I only bring in 5 characters in the show. You may find some other interesting characters in the show.

Hyun Bin Videos...

2007-12-20T10:39:00.001+08:00

I love this video because the pictures inside are just so nice.

I like this one because towards the end of the video, it shows the Hyun Bin's signature wave and say good-bye. Hahaha!

I thought it was over...

2007-12-17T05:33:00.000+08:00

I thought I was over with Kim Jeong Hoon. I thought I would not go ga ga over him anymore. I thought I would be one the very rational fans who would just support his music and shows.

I have been doing that for the past months. I didn't post many pictures of him. I stopped watching his videos after videos. I stopped melting under his smiles.

Last night when I watched him on TV, Star Awards 2007, my mouth went agape and I actually gasped aloud, "Oh my, he is so handsome. So beautiful!"

My mother agreed. We gasped at how beautiful and sweet this man is. His smiles again melted my heart. I found myself falling in love with his beautiful smiles, sparkling eyes again... *FAINT!*

One Year Old!

2007-12-10T18:56:00.000+08:00

On 12th December 2006, Snow Palace was born. It was started for Icysnowqueen to express her burning love for Hyun Bin after she watched Snow Queen and Kim Jeong Hoon.

Gradually, the blog has evolved into a place where Icysnowqueen talks about Korean dramas and OSTs. Icysnowqueen realises that she watches quite a bit of Korean dramas and loves their OSTs.

Yeah! Snow Palace will be one year old soon!

I know throughout this one year, I have many visitors. Most came through search engines and a few regular readers. Today, I have 48 visitors... Thank you. I really hope this blog has what you are looking for.

Cheers!

Thank You OST MV

2007-12-10T02:02:00.001+08:00

English Translation of the OST
Thank you (Singer: Hun) Lyrics Translation by S. Ang / also credit http://kreah-craze.com/
You’re a fool. I truly thank you. You’re true to me and gave me everything
You’re an angel. You must be tired and find it hard to everlastingly believe in someone who is a nobody.
Strange, it’s like you’re devoid of tears. You smile for me in illness.
When I’m next to you, I cry tears of happiness.
Words are stuck in my throat. I truly love you.
My love for you, which I cannot express.
I can finally tell you I go on because of you.
Strange, it’s like you’re devoid of tears. You smile for me in illness.
When I’m next to you, I feel very happy.
Your smile shines on me.
A long time from now, when the world ends, remember, do not forget I’m always with you.
I cry tears of happiness.
Words are stuck in my throat.
I truly love you.
My love for you, which I cannot express I can finally tell you I go on because of you

2008 The Best Song of Korean TV Play - Part 3

2007-12-10T00:03:00.002+08:00

I bought 2008 The Best Song of Korean TV Play - Part 3 for $8 at Music Junction. It was on clearance sale. My main aim of buying this is to get the song, Thank You from Thank You of course. I love that song as it is meaningful.

Seriously, there are so many Korean drama OSTs in this CD package. There are altogether 3 CDs with 63 songs. They are OSTs from Snow Queen, Coffee Prince, Thank You, Foxy Lady, Great Expectation, Goong S, My Girl, Stairway In Heaven, Princess Hour, What Star are You?, Kim Sam Soon, Full House, Jewel In Palace etc... The list goes on. It was a good buy. Afterall, it cost me only $8.

Cheap and good. That's how I can best describe it. :P

Alternatively, you can get it at Yahoo Auction for $10.

Review of Thank You

2007-12-04T23:58:00.001+08:00

I have finished the show “Thank You”. No regrets watching the show. It has given me a lot of insights to how we should treat others. The theme that runs through the show is simply, “There’s nothing wrong with us. We are just different.” Peace reigns after watching the show.
Here’s my review:
Plot: 5/5
The story started with a haughty doctor, Mi Ki Seo (by Jang Hyuk), who didn’t care about anyone except his dying girlfriend, Cha Ji-min (by Choi Kang Hee). Before Ji-min died, she told Ki Seo to help her apologise to the family of a little girl who got Aids through a blood transfusion she administered as a doctor. That was how Ki Seo entered the world of Lee Young Shin (by Gong Hyo Jin) and Lee Bom (by Seo Shin Ae).
Young Shin, the mother of Lee Bom was a kind-hearted, helpful and good-natured person who tried to struggle to live on being unwedded mother and the granddaughter of Mr Lee (by Shin Goo) who had dementia. It was also Mr Lee who revealed to others that Lee Bom had Aids…
The story got entangled when Lee Bom’s father, Choi Suk Hyun (by Shin Sung Rok), came into the picture. This story shows a lot of human nature, its evils and goodness.

Jang Hyuk as Mi Ki Seo
Rating: 4.5/5
I simply love his manly looks. When he was haughty, he looked cool. When he was sad, he melted my heart. His acting is superb. He fitted the role very well. The chemistry between Lee Bom and him was fantastic.
However, I would love it if he didn’t smoke so much that he had a smoker’s mouth.
Gong Hyo Jin as Lee Young Shin
Rating: 4.5/5
She is a plain Jane. She reminds me of Tanya Chua, but a demure version. Her acting is good. I can’t fault her in any way. She fitted the role very well too. She was a little too plain even though the character called for such plain Jane.

Seo Shin Ae as Lee Bom
Rating: 5/5
The whole show is a no-go without her. She is the life and soul of this show. The little girl, her innocence, her smiles, her kindness, her faith, her warmth and cute little face… She simply stole my heart. Initially, I wondered why she was given such an important role when she didn’t have the typical beautiful child actress face. However, as I went on to the second episode, she was nothing but a darling. She made the whole show so captivating. She was crucial in killing the evils of her world. She was indispensable.

Shin Goo As Mr Lee
Rating: 5/5

His acting was so good that you would really think he had dementia. He acted well with Lee Bom, Young Shin and Ki Seo. The chemistry was great. He was very convincing in portraying the character.

Shin Sung Rok as Choi Suk Hyun
Rating: 3.5/5
I must say that I find him so pleasant that I like him. However, I seriously think he needs to learn how to act and cry. His acting wasn’t very convincing.

Overall:
5/5
I love this show. I love the message it tries to send. I love the OST. I love the way it is filmed. I love Seo Shin Ae. I love Mr Lee. I think it is worth watching. You won’t feel intense emotions but you will be touched. No dramatic ups and downs, but you will still sob, laugh and smile… Good show.

What's next?

2007-11-06T14:49:00.000+08:00

I have watched Witch Amusement, Lovers and My Girl. I think the next shows would be Thank You (about a woman with a daughter infected with AIDs) and What's Up, Fox?.
I think I will go for Thank You first as the ratings and reviews are very good. I will save this show for December.

Hot Chili Paper November 07 Additional Pictures

2007-11-05T23:53:00.000+08:00

I found the articles and some pictures in addition to the earlier pictures-filled post.

All taken from Hyun Bin Garden

More of Hyun Bin

2007-11-05T23:23:00.001+08:00

I wonder when I would ever be sick of Hyun Bin. I guess the answer is clear. Never!

The KBS World Guide picture is taken from http://www.allkorea.jp/kwg/2007/11/kwg_preview1.html.

The other 3 pictures from KBS World Guide are found in Hyunbin-garden.

Too bad I can't understand Japanese. Good thing I can still see all the attention given to Hyun Bin.

Lovers Review

2007-11-04T21:54:00.001+08:00

I have finished two Korean drama series these days. I am blessed to be so free.

I have watched Lovers and My Girl. My Girl is a relatively old show. I never had the motivation to watch it as my impression of the lead actress was still at her work in My Little Bride. After watching My Girl, I have no regrets. However, I won't write a review on it as the show has been watched by many.

Back to Lovers:

Story: 4/5

Yoon Mi Joo (Kim Jung Eun) a plastic surgeon met Ha Kang Jae (Lee Seo Jin) a leader of gang organisation. Mi Joo is a poor plastic surgeon who struggles to support the children her pastor father has adopted. Ha Kang Jae is a cool but kind-hearted gangster. He doesn't know any other way of solving problems except using his fists.

Kang Jae has a long-time girlfriend, Park Yu-Jin (Kim Kyu Ri). Things do not seem going well between them since the start of the story as Yu-Jin struggles with her pregnancy and fear that Kang Jae may not want the baby. After Kang Jae knows about the pregnancy, he takes responsibility. However, by then fate has made him fall in love with Mi Joo.

Mi Joo on the other hand is involved with Kang Sae Yeon (Jung Chan). Sae Yeon is the son of Kang Jae's boss. There is rivalry between Kang Jae and Sae Yeon when Sae Yeon's father seems to show more love to Kang Jae.

At the end of the story, you will find out why Sae Yeon's father seems to love Kang Jae more and how Mi Joo and Kang Jae come together and how kind Sae Yeon is.

The plot to put things together is fantastic and interesting. However, the mystery of Kang Jae, Sae Yeon and his father is revealed way too early, in episode 9 or 10. To make Mi Joo and Kang Jae's relationship seems more acceptable to the conservative Korean society, the script-writer settles for the easy way out, a miscarriage for Yu-Jin.

I find the show relatively draggy from Episode 11 to 17. I thought a 16 episode show is sufficient. Other than that, I really like the storyline and the plot. Most importantly, the romance is good.

Kim Jung Eun as Yoon Mi Joo

Acting: 4/5

I have always like her since Lovers of Paris. I love her smiles and eyes. In this show, somehow, all the actors and actresses look as if they will be better off with a botox treatment. Her skin looks tired. However, the sparkle in her eyes is still there.

I still like the way she can cry easily. She plays her character well. However, there were scenes in which I could not capture how she was really feeling. Was it fear, guilt, heartache or grief?

Her chemistry with Lee Seo Jin was fantastic. No wonder they become couple from reel-life to real-life.

Lee Seo Jin as Ha Kang Jae

Acting: 4.5/5

His face truly suits the character. To look young, he simply combs down his fringe. To look cool, he combs the fringe up. His dimples are his assets. When he started the show, he portrayed the cold-blooded gangster leader very well. As the show progressed, he softened and he did it well.

I like his smiles, though he hardly smiled in this show. His dimples make him so attractive. All in all, his acting saves his not so flattering looks in the show. He looks better with his fringe down. Go to Lee Seo Jin Official Website to see his pictures and you will see how great he can look.

Jung Chan as Kang Sae Yeon

Acting: 4.5/5

Well, I like his acting through and through. I would have rated him 5 if not for his desperate for botox skin and the distracting sparkle from his lower teeth. I think he needs to do something to his teeth. He is also way too fair.

Other than that, I love his portray of character. Started as a jealous son and boyfriend, he moved slowly to become one sensitive, righteous and kind man. He showed his anger, pains, jealousy and love clearly that I couldn't help but fall in love with and pity this character. He is a fantastic actor. He can be cool, angry and sad so easily. It is as if he is really Sae Yeon in real life.

To know more about this good actor: Jeong Chan (Jung Chan) Official Website

Kim Kyu Ri as Park Yu-Jin

Acting: 4/5

She played an important role in the show. She was the main person holding back Kang Jae. Her acting is good. However, it is the character that makes me give 4. I can't stand wishy washy women. In the show, it was Yu-Jin's character is one that is wishy washy. Kyu Ri looks good in the show. The part that set great impression on me was when she helped a man who wanted to buy bread for his pregnant wife. She did that scene very well. I could literally see the motherly instinct in her. Oh my, I was touched.

Overall, this is a show with great actors and actresses. I love their acting and the chemistry between Seo Jin and Joon Eun is great!

Hyun Bin, Hyun Bin all the way!

2007-11-03T22:35:00.001+08:00

Saw this picture in PopSeoul. How can I resist? I hope one day Hyun Bin will cut an album. Then I can hear him wherever I go. Love ya, Hyun Bin!

I am Hyun Bin Crazy!

2007-10-26T23:03:00.001+08:00

I declare that I am Hyun Bin crazy.

Found more pictures from Hyun Bin Bar @ Baidu.
Taken from Hot Chili Paper.

Hyun Bin On Japanese Magazine

2007-10-25T23:15:00.001+08:00

Hyun Bin On Hot Chili Paper Nov 2007 and Plus+08 Special Edition. I see John Hoon (Kim Jeong Hoon's name on the cover of Plus+08 Special Edition too!)

Here's the picture:

Source: http://www.hcpmag.com/

Vote for Hyun Bin!

2007-10-25T00:44:00.001+08:00

Which celeb do you want as your pet boy?
Vote for Hyun Bin! Hee!
http://www.luckypolls.com/index.php?act=08&id=6094

News on Hyun Bin

2007-10-24T22:30:00.001+08:00

Hyun Bin attending M Movie Premiere: Next: Hyun Bin in Japan

Pictures taken from Hyun Bin - Binnie Talks

Hyun Bin's activities in Japan: K-Popped

I shan't repeat the news but will post the pictures here lest one day the owner should delete the article. The pictures of handsome Hyun Bin will be gone too. Orchid, hope you don't mind.

Anyway, pictures originally taken from Japan Official Fanclub.

Teddy's Take:
Hyun Bin looks so good with his short hair. Finally, Binnie is out of his Snow Queen image!

The Lovers

2007-10-23T23:40:00.001+08:00

I am currently watching The Lovers. I find the show very captivating. In fact, I can lose sleep just to know what happens next.

No super pretty faces, but interesting plot. I never know how gangsters and plastic surgeons can be together. However, this show links them well. LOL!

I like the dialogue between Ha Kang Jae (acted by Lee Seo Jin) and Yoon Mi Joo (acted by Kim Jung Eun).

In this show, I find most of the actors/actresses in need of botox. However, their acting and the plot save the show. Lee Seo Jin and Kim Jung Eun looks good at certain angles.

I am off to watch the show again... 13 more episodes to go. If only I can stay at home to watch them!

New Pictures of Kim Jeong Hoon

2007-10-22T00:52:00.001+08:00

I got them from Asianfanatics. They are obviously from http://www.lovejeonghoon.com/.

Love his eyes...

Review of Witch Amusement

2007-10-21T22:50:00.001+08:00

Aka A Witch In Love or Yu Hee, The Witch
I have finished the show finally. It was not as captivating as many of the K-dramas I have watched because I already knew what ending would be.

The story: 3.5/5

Ma Yoo Hee/Yu Hee (acted by Han Ga In) started the show as a ruthless, tactless and cold advertising director. She was known as a witch to people around her. She tried painfully to get in love by going for match-making sessions and failed to get love each time. Being a difficult person, she found herself unable to get a housekeeper too as all the agencies had blacklisted her.

Affinity brought Chae Moo Ryong (acted by Jae Hee) into her life as the housekeeper-love affair coach. Initially, Yoo Hee had her heart to her first love, Joon Ha (acted by Kim Jeong Hoon) and Moo Ryong already had a girlfriend, Sung Mi (acted by Jun Hye Bin). However, gradually, Moo Ryong and Yoo Hee fell in love. With difficulties such as Yoo Hee's stubborn and ruthless father, Joon Ha and Sung Mi, they had to work through 5 episodes to be together.

I shall save the details to you. Ending? You should know. I do not find the storyline fantastic. The father's weird way of manipulating things to get her daughter to be with Joon Ha was a little unbelievable. The father kept insisting that he didn't like Joon Ha but would help to keep them together because they love each other. However, even when Yoo Hee expressed her liking for Moo Ryong, the father still insisted on that. Weird... At the end, he even got Joon Ha to fake injury to keep Yoo Hee by Joon Ha's side. Weird... Weird...

Now, I shall evaluate each actor/actress in the show.

Han Ga In as Ma Yoo Hee

Rating: 4/5

Her bambi eyes are her attraction and perhaps in my view disadvantage. Her bambi eyes were able to portray her cold and ruthless character at the beginning of the show. Her bambi eyes helped her portray the sweet and innocent lady in love. Her bambi eyes helped her steal all our hearts when she cried in the show. However, her bambi eyes made expressions of certain emotions a little difficult. At times, I was left baffled if she was angry, upset, shocked or hurt.

Other than that, I like her face and when she smiles. When she cried in the show, I felt my heart wrenching with her. I guess her face was enough to hold the show together. She was able to show her love for Joon Ha clearly and her gradual move towards Moo Ryong clearly. I did not have difficulty in believing her change of heart.

Jae Hee as Chae Moo Ryong

Rating: 3.5/5

A few things about Jae Hee. He looks good when he gives a light smile. He looks super nerdy and far from handsome when he grins. Sadly, in this show, he had to play clown a little and that brought out his not so handsome side. I also wondered, as I watched, what hairstyle would suit him best. His hairdo was not at all flattering to his face. He looks better with longer hair. I have picked his super handsome picture here.

Other than these, I did not find his acting too good either. It was only towards the end that I saw him really in love with Yoo Hee. He was too comfy and loving with Sung Mi to make it believable that he had fallen for Yoo Hee. It took 2 full episodes for his emotions to show clearly. Was it the director's fault? I have no answer to this. I had this strong feeling that they tried to squeeze such emotions out of Moo Ryong. (Sorry to compare, I was able to see Tae Woong's love for Bora almost instantly when he realised that Bora was that little girl in Snow Queen).

Some plus points of Jae Hee though. I definitely liked him when he cried. He would have his eyelids turn red first and then his tears would flow naturally. I liked him when he smiled lightly. He was very charming whenever he did that in the show. If only he didn't grin so much in the show.

Dennis Oh as Johnny Kruger

Rating: 3/5

My sympathy to Dennis Oh in the show. Unlike Daniel Henney in My Lovely Samsoon, Dennis had to speak Korean almost throughout the show. I could see how he struggled with the language and hence, his acting was a little unnatural. He played the famous chef and the teacher of Moo Ryong. He was convincing in this role, except that he could not really get into his character as I presume half the time he had to remember his lines. I guess I don't have to say that he is good-looking.

Kim Jeong Hoon as Joon Ha

Rating: 4/5

The role was really small. Joon Ha started to appear more only from episode 9. Subsequently, his character began to show. Ruthless, practical and cold were the words to describe Joon Ha. He had no love for Yoo Hee at the beginning. It was a business deal. Kim Jeong Hoon made this really clear. He spoke little but through his eyes he showed it. I am not bias. I know I am his fan but I really could understand Joon Ha through Kim Jeong Hoon's eyes. At the end, before he got into the car accident, he also made it clear that he had changed his heart. He took Yoo Hee's words to heart. He got distracted. Kim Jeong Hoon did all these with his eyes. No words from him. Just the eyes.

The only scene he did really badly that I would rate 1/5 was the part that he reacted when he saw the car coming towards him. I wonder why the director even did that shot. Hahaha! It became hilarious.

Overall, he is an actor for sure. An actor who did not need lines to show his emotions.

Ahn Suk Hwan as Moo Ryong's Father

Rating: 5/5

What is the show like without Moo Ryong's father? He was so convincing as a father, an easy-going and understanding one. He was just the perfect person for such a role. I can't put his acting to words. He did it just perfectly.

Song Ok Sook as Moo Ryong's Mother

Rating: 4/5

She was basically good. Her acting was good. There was only one part I could not stand her. She was too seductive towards Yoo Hee's assistant. Furthermore, it was in front of her husband. I just didn't like that part. LOL!

Hwang Ji Hyun as Han Sae Ra

Rating: 4.5/5

Being Hyun Bin's ardent fan and knowing who she was, I was totally immersed in her and her acting. I thought she really looked bitchy and desperate as the character demanded her to be. It left me wondering if she was like that in real life. I could not stand her face, her voice and her actions in the show. She really acted well as she really fitted into the role perfectly. She looked old and desperate whenever she pestered Johnny in the show. It was painful to watch her. In my heart, I kept saying the same thing, "Hyun Bin has got bad taste." Pardon me, she really didn't look good. She looked like a hag. Was she successful in portraying the role? My answer is a definite yes.

Jun Hye Bin as Sung Mi

Rating: 4.5/5

Insignificant she might be in the show. However, her acting was really good. She was able to portray a woman trying to retain love, trying to evade hearing the truth, trying to get over perfectly. Without her, it would make the Moo Ryong's change of heart impossible. Without her, Moo Ryong would not be able to show us with his limited acting that he was going for Yoo Hee. I think she played a crucial role in this sense.

Overall, Teddy's take is watch the show to entertain. Don't think too deeply into the plot. Enjoy the romance, enjoy the small humor, love Moo Ryong's family, admire Yoo Hee's good looks... Just a show to entertain.

9.16 Birthday Party singing HyunBin

2007-10-19T23:07:00.005+08:00

Back to Blogging

2007-10-19T23:07:00.004+08:00

Love his side profile!

I am now back to blogging! Yes! By the way, I am watching Witch Amusement. A few more episodes to go. A few things I can say for now. Don't be conned into thinking that Kim Jeong Hoon has a big part in the show. He was literally a small fry from episode 1 to 9. He started appearing in more scenes after episode 9. His lines was almost less than 30 in the first 6 episodes. However, I like the way he "spoke" his thoughts with his eyes. He can really act. I will write a review after I finish the show.

Hyun Bin's News

2007-10-19T22:47:00.001+08:00

I found K-Popped. They have 8 pieces of Hyun Bin's news.

A piece of good news. Those who are blindly following Hyun Bin and have been bearing with his long hair, good news for you. He has cut his hair! Yes! Good news for new. I have always prefer him with clean looks.

Hyun Bin in September when he celebrated his birthday with his fans. Long hair clipped up.

Short hair and slimmer in October. Oh, if only he starts shaving... Hee!

Source: K-Popped... Picture obviously taken from www.kjstar.co.kr

Hyun Bin In Top Ten Hallyu Stars!

2007-10-16T19:32:00.001+08:00

Source: Asianbite

Who are the top 10 Korean stars? According to Korea Times, the top 10 Korean hallyu stars list consists of 4 Korean actors (Bae Yong-joon, Song Seung-heon, Kwon Sang-woo, Hyun Bin), 4 Korean actresses (Yun Eun-hye, Choi Ji-woo, Song Hye-kyo, Lee Young-ae), and 2 Korean singers (Rain, BoA).

To read how the results were obtained: Ichoson

Yeah! I am so happy that Hyun Bin was in the Korean Hally Star List! I am so proud of Hyun Bin Oppa!

[CF] Hyun Bin - Dimchae Pro

2007-10-14T22:38:00.004+08:00

One more...

Hyun Bin Conus CF (Making)

2007-10-14T22:37:00.002+08:00

I have decided to post Hyun Bin's CF and their making here.

Hyun Bin's Birthday

2007-09-01T23:40:00.003+08:00

Hey people, it is Hyun Bin's birthday this month.
Please leave well-wishes for him in the comments for this post.
His birthday is on 25th September.

Cheers!

Witch Amusement and Bodyguard

2007-09-01T23:16:00.001+08:00

I have just bought Witch Amusement in which Kim Jeong Hoon starred in. I haven't started as I have been quite busy.

Today, I watched one whole episode of Hyun Bin in Bodyguard. He was a model turned stalker. He was so handsome and cool when he abducted the female model. Trust me, he was supposed to be perverted. However, one couldn't help but notice how cool and naughty he looked when he tried to get rid of those who followed him. His acting was a little raw. I guess it was his good looks that got him a role in Ireland and later MNKKS. Please don't buy the show because Hyun Bin only appeared for one episode.

Hyun Bin in Bodyguard: He was modelling swimwear in this scene.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2006/12/16/his-name-is-hyun-bin/

Hyun Bin in Ireland: Clean look...
Source: http://content.mbc.co.kr/e_mbc/drama.asp?idx=116

Hyun Bin at Movie Premiere

2007-09-01T02:27:00.001+08:00

Hyun Bin attended Two-faced Girlfriend’s VIP movie premiere last week. He is of course there to support Jung Ryu Won, his co-star in My Name is Kim Sam Soon. In MNKSS, Jung acted as his ex-girlfriend who left him and came back.

To read more: Go to Popseoul 28/08/2007

Teddy's take on Hyun Bin's picture (Source: Popseoul) here: He is now back to his clean-shaven face and has lost some weight. His chiseled face is forever his asset. Oh, Teddy recently saw Hyun Bin as a minor actor in Bodyguard. He looked so young and fresh then. Most importantly, he has that "I am cool and a bad boy" look. :)

Complaints...

2007-08-19T23:45:00.001+08:00

I couldn't get into Hyun Bin's English Official Website. I finally couldn't take it. I wrote a letter of complaints to M Star. I seriously think the Official Website is a joke, the biggest joke.
It put all fans all over the world on the high. Gradually, it left all fans disappointed. The news were old news. On the calendar, nothing was there. It was as if Hyun Bin did nothing for months. We got to know about Hyun Bin's latest CF from else where.
Sigh! I hope it will take my feedback seriously...

Yoon Eun-hye Goes From Girl Group to Boy Actor

2007-08-09T00:18:00.001+08:00

I was reading this article on Yoon Eun-hye from Tour2Korea.
I like the picture posted there. I find her pretty. The make-up was light. See, pretty?
I can't wait for "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince".
:P

Hyun Bin's New CF

2007-08-06T19:46:00.001+08:00

Hyun Bin is now filming for a commercial on kimchi refrigerator, according to Popseoul.

Well, he will be playing the role of a cool and playful husband. Hee!

I must say this... Binnie looks a bit round here. I think he likes his long hair. However, most fans still miss his clean looks. Whatever it is, I am still looking forward to his new shows.

Kim Jeong Hoon can speak Mandarin?

2007-08-01T16:45:00.001+08:00

I read a report from Hallyu Korean Superstar Blog that Hoonie can now communicate in simple Mandarin. Hee... So adorable. Okay, I am bias. I can imagine his smile and twinkling eyes when he utters the imperfect Mandarin.
Ah... Here's the article:
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Kim Jung Hoon, the nicest guy in the world
Korean famous royal drama "Goong" actor Kim Jung Hoon arrived in Shanghai last Friday to celebrate the korean culture establishment in Shanghai. More than hundreds of fans attended the activity just to see Kim. Although, "Goong" has never been air on the national tv but Kim's name has been spreading across the whole China. Kim is famous for his nice and warm character in "Goong" and in actual he is a very well manner guy who always appear with a smiling face.Earlier this month Kim was shooting a romantic comedy, besides shooting he spends most of his time learning mandarin. Kim says he can now communicate in simple mandarin. Hey, fans who knows mandarin, isn't it great?

Oh my, oh my... I can't wait to hear him and see him again!

Full House 2

2007-07-31T20:46:00.001+08:00

I watched Full House by Rain and Song Hye Kyo quite a long while ago. Now, they may start filming Full House 2 as reported in KBS Global.
When I first watched the show, it was the an episode shown on Malaysian channel. It was the episode which showed Rain and Song in Thailand and fighting for the bed. At that time, I wasn't very familiar with Rain. I didn't find him handsome. In fact, I thought he was too ordinary for Song. I thought the combination was weird too. Song looked older in that episode.
Anyway, when I chanced upon the show at a shop, I bought it. It was through this show, I realised how tall Rain was and that he had his cute side. Gradually, I got used to the Rain and Song's combi. I liked the show a lot and I repeated it quite a number of times. I liked the script. I liked the way they used the each other's methods to get back at each other.
The Full House V.2 may or may not recast Rain and Song. I am sure looking forward to it for the script sake.

Rating for Hyun Bin's Official English Website

2007-07-27T18:50:00.001+08:00

My rating for Hyun Bin's official English Website is 3 out of 10.
Strengths:
Nice pictures and one and only place with his specially filmed videos for fans.

Weaknesses!!!!!
No updates. The last news was posted on 22 June 2007.
Schedule: July: EMPTY!!!!
Can you believe that Hyun Bin is doing nothing for the whole month?!
I checked out M Star Korean site and the last piece of news on Hyun Bin was 21 July 2007. However, it is in Korean!
Lousy Official Website!!!!! I thought official website will have his latest news, most exclusive and special things that other websites do not have. Sigh!
I am utterly disappointed with his official website...

Yoon Eun Hye's Picture

2007-07-11T17:18:00.001+08:00

I was reading Popseoul on Yoon's fashion flop in the past. I have decided to post 2 pictures of her with Afro hairdo when she was still in Baby Vox. No offence intended. I think she still had her cute face then.

I remember watching a video on a Korean variety show whereby the artistes were "match-make". Yoon Eun was super hot then with 4 guys wanting to befriend her. Then it was recalled that Yoon was in the same show a year ago with no one interested in her. The host asked her what could have been the reason. She stated the hairdo and the flashback the video with the below hairdo. Hee... I wonder if I can find the video... If I can find, I will post it here.

Anyway, for Yoon's fans, you can get thousands of her pictures here:

1. Yoon Eun Hye's website

2. Baby Vox website

Witch Amusement / A Witch In Love

2007-07-07T16:13:00.003+08:00

Well, Witch Amusement is out for sale. However, it is the limited edition and it has only English subtitle, no dubbing.
For Kim Jeong Hoon's fans, if you can't wait and have always been reading English subtitle when watching Korean shows, you might to hurry to get this one. The stock is limited.

Pictures: Yesasia.com
Synopsis from Yesasia.com:

Han Ga In is probably the farthest thing from a witch in the eyes of K-drama fans, but she has slipped into her title role in SBS drama A Witch in Love (a.k.a. Witch Amusement) with perfect ease. Portraying a strong and aloof businesswoman this time, she is a world away from her timid, bespectacled image in Super Rookie. Opposite the beautiful Han Ga In is an equally photogenic line-up of actors - Jae Hee (Sassy Girl Chun-Hyang), Kim Jung Hoon (Palace), and Dennis Oh (Sweet Spy) - all in one drama! Add My Girl director Jun Ki Sang to the line-up, and it's impossible to not fall in love with this moody romantic drama and its beguiling witch.

Labeled a witch by those around her, advertising executive Ma Yoo Hee (Han Ga In) is a perfectionist, always impeccably dressed and professional to the point of coldness. Her strong, assertive personality and successful career translates to an equally unsuccessful love life. Clueless when it comes to romance, Yoo Hee finds her perfect composure breaking as she gets caught amongst three men: housekeeper-cum-relationship consultant Moo Ryong (Jae Hee), longtime friend Johnny (Dennis Oh), and first love Joon Ha (Kim Jung Hoon). Which one of these suitors will melt Yoo Hee's icy heart?

Finally, a fairer report

2007-07-03T18:07:00.001+08:00

Ichoson gave a fairer report on Rain's cancellation of concert. Most importantly, M Star spoke up for Rain about him wanting to even sing a song for his fans.
I am not totally his fan, but I thought some reports were too critical of him. One should know very well how much hard work Rain must have put in for a concert.
Let us support those who are really good. I think Rain can sing and dance very well.
I hope this adverse publicity will turn out good with more people knowing him. :)

Rain cancels LA concerts

2007-07-02T10:39:00.001+08:00

Ok, this is like a big piece of news, online K-news, Popseoul. I don't think he will want to cancel a concert that he has been preparing for. I kind of pity Rain. The reason is simple: the Korean organiser is M Star. Those who are familiar with Hyun Bin's managing company will know that's the same one.
On 26/06/2007, I wrote a comparison between Kim Jung Hoon's and Hyun Bin's company when I saw how far Hoonie has gone when compared to Hyun Bin. One was well-planned and the other was totally inactive in promoting its stars. Well, after seeing what has happened to Rain's concert, I don't have to say much about the company. The incident speaks for itself.
I hope the company will do some justice to Rain and perhaps Hyun Bin too.

Updated: Additional Information from Shin Ming Daily News: Apparently it was V2B Global over at the LA side that couldn't get things settled. It is not just M Star... Wah! Poor Rain. However, a Singaporean who flew there was upset that Rain didn't step out to apologise...

Teddy's take: Rain was very much a victim in such situations. I know why his fans were upset. However, I am sure his die-hard fans will be able to understand and accept that it was not his fault. I can't imagine how upset he is now. Perhaps very soon, Rain will have a press conference to apologise. I can see why he didn't do it there and then. Imagine staring at thousands of fans with disappointment, tears etc. It will be hard for Rain to swallow. Most probably he himself was emotionally charged then too. Do give Rain some time to come out and explain to the public.
Also, I think M Star must step out first to explain then Rain can step out easily. Afterall, all artistes need the managing companies to represent them in adverse situations. Sigh! Rain is a gem for Asia Music scene... Keep him that way.

The Snow Queen OST Version 1 Vs Version 2

2007-06-30T23:31:00.001+08:00

When I first saw this CD and Snow Queen OST Version 2 - Love theme, I didn't quite know which to buy. In the end, I ordered both.Here's my take for this CD.
Packaging: 8++
The pictures on the CD, CD casing (especially the inside) and the booklet are fantastic. If you are Hyun Bin's fan, you will be spoilt with the his pictures inside.
Songs: 7
As this CD doesn't have some of the love theme songs that many fans of this show will die for, some of the fans may not be totally satisfied.However, this CD has songs that the other version doesn't have. If you like the song that was played when young Tae Woong and Bora ran at the airport (Hello), this CD has it. Other good songs would be Grace Love, Poor Man (the song that was played when Tae Woong prepared for the boxing tournament, First Snow's Love and of course The Snow Queen Main theme song . The rest of the album, like other OSTs, comprises of instrumental tracks.Basically, if you want all the OSTs, I guess you will have to buy both CDs.
Overall: 7
I think if you really like those songs like Hello, Poor Man and Grace Love, this is a must buy. If you are Hyun Bin's fan, this is also a must buy as the pictures inside are really nice.

The title of the CD says it all, The Snow Queen OST Version 2 - Love Theme. Yes, love is the theme. You will get most of the ballads that you hear in The Snow Queen. I guess the only two that are not in would be "Grace Love" and "Hello" which are found in Version 1.

Packaging: 7 to 9

Some how I can't help but to compare it with Version 1. If I were to compare paper quality, this CD will receive only 7. The Version 1 has glossier paper, so the pictures are clearer. However, in this version, there are 2 postcard pictures of Hyun Bin. This CD seems to be packaged for Hyun Bin's fans.

In Version 1, buyers will see pictures of other characters in the show. However, for this version, you will only see Hyun Bin and more of Hyun Bin. The whole CD booklet (which is part of the CD casing) is filled with Hyun Bin's picture. The only Sun Yuri's picture is at the back of the CD, and as I said before it was all Hyun Bin, she is not alone there. As Hyun Bin's fan, I would give such treat a 9.

Music: 10+++

Beautiful is the word to describe the ballads. You will be melted by "Love... Irrepressible Tears" - Jo Sung Mo, "I Feel Sad, but Goodbye" - Kan Mi Yeon and Meari - Loveholic. I simply love the ballads in this CD. As like other OST, instrumental version of these songs are collected here too.

Overall: 10

I am very sure all fans of the Snow Queen will love the songs found in this CD. This is a definite must buy. It is really worth the money.

I am so glad that I have made the decision to buy these 2 CDs. I am playing them non-stop!

Yipee! Snow Queen OST Version 2 is here!

2007-06-29T19:37:00.001+08:00

Here comes my Snow Queen OST Version 2. I got it from YesAsia.com as usual. Hehehe!

This is the beautiful cover with the blue label still on... Hyun Bin's side profile is so nice!

The back of the CD

This is the CD booklet (part of the casing) and the 2 post cards that came with the CD. I have placed them together to take a picture. I simply love this CD.

The CD itself.

I am now listening to it. This CD has more songs and I really love it. It is really worth paying for it. I am so in love with the Snow Queen OST...

Snow Queen MV

2007-06-26T19:10:00.002+08:00

HelloHallyu! recommended this video made by Mackie and posted at Youtube. The song is one of my favourites, Meari ("Echo") by Loveholic found in Snow Queen. I am still waiting for the CD, Snow Queen OST Version 2.
Initially, I decided to visit the HelloHallyu! each time I wanted to watch the video. However, I decided that it would be better if I save it in my Youtube account and also post it here. Hee, I want to watch it as and when.
Thanks to the other Teddy for his recommendation. When there is someone as crazy as I am, it is fun.

Kim Jeong Hoon at Hallyu Romantic Festival

2007-06-26T18:02:00.001+08:00

Source: Popseoul
Date:26/06/2007

Kim Jeong Hoon and many other k-pop stars sang at Hallyu Romantic Festival held in Japan.

Teddy's take: Hoonie has been very active in capturing the Japanese market. From his 5 Stellar to Sad Song... These are all catered to the Japanese market. I hope he will soon go back to Korean songs. I love Korean songs. In addition, he is also trying to break into the Chinese market. He is actively learning Chinese and is going to be in "Ai Qing Bing Fa", a Chinese drama serial. His development is surely more organised and ambitious as compared to Hyun Bin's. I guess the managing company makes a big difference. Hyun Bin's popularity is by virtue of who he is. Not much planning, not much strategies. Hoonie's popularity has soared not only by virtue of who he is but also by fantastic planning.

My Snow Queen OST Version 1

2007-06-22T17:19:00.001+08:00

I have finally received the Snow Queen OST Version 1 has arrived today in my mailbox. Yes!

The CD is packed in a thick bag... Airmail from Hong Kong, YesAsia.com.

The front of the CD...

The back of the CD...

The CD itself.

I must say that the pictures in the book is really fantastic. :)

This is one of my favourite pictures and it is found on the casing.

I am a little lazy. Hence, I won't be scanning the pictures in the booklet. Anyway, inside the booklet, there's a picture of Hyun Bin smiling widely. Aw!
I am so glad I bought the CD.

Another Review on The Snow Queen

2007-06-22T00:15:00.001+08:00

I found a link to Hello Hallyu from Teddy's blog. I have placed the link here.
There I found another review on Snow Queen. Anyway, I believe it is written by his wife. :)
http://hellohallyu.blogspot.com/2007/06/review-snow-queen-2006.html

There is a part that I agree totally... There was a period of time that I couldn't bear to hear the OST. Listening to it made me feel as if someone precious has left me for good.
The worst part was I could actually see Tae Woong's (Hyun Bin) face with tears rolling down his cheeks each time I closed my eyes. I took a week to recover from the intensive sadness and crying. Now, I am able to play the show again and again and not cry... There are still parts when my tears are near to the edge of my eyes.

This is the best show I have watched in 2006 and repeated in 2007.
I am looking forward to another good show this year. I wonder if there's any show that can replace what The Snow Queen is in my heart this year. The picture perfect Sung Yuri, the handsome Hyun Bin, the heart wrenching storyline, the beautiful scenery, the OST...

Oh, I was at Orchard MRT station waiting for my friend today. I sat there for almost an hour. I was "people watching"... I have come to this conclusion: Hyun Bin is really handsome and unique. I didn't see anyone close to his looks that one hour. I spotted a few Korean looking guys or gals, but none came close to Hyun Bin's face or features. Weird. I didn't realise he is that unique until today... Later, I told my friend what I observed. Her reply was, "Those who are as good as Hyun Bin do not use public transportation." Funny.

I went round looking for Kim Jeong Hoon's Sad Song single. Disappointment. I couldn't find it at all. I didn't try HMV though. Perhaps I would have to order through YesAsia.com again.

Finally! Snow Queen's OST Version 2!

2007-06-21T22:04:00.001+08:00

I am so happy! The Snow Queen OST Version 2 is finally available at YesAsia.com. I have placed my order again. I was really disappointed when it was out of stock.
:) I hope this time round I will be able to beat the rest in getting it. The other time, I failed to beat the rest in getting it. When I ordered, there was stock, but by the time they processed it, the stock ran out. I hope this time I can beat the rest who didn't manage to get it. :P
This one is more popular as it has got Hyun Bin postcards...
Heehee!

What is Hyun Bin doing today?

2007-06-19T17:58:00.001+08:00

According to his official website, he is having an interview with Magazine Hot Chili Paper today. Magazine Hot Chili Paper is a Japanese magazine if I am not wrong. If possible, I will try to post the cover here when they publish Hyun Bin's interview. I believe we can buy it at Amazon.com. However, I can't understand Japanese Language. Heehee...
I am so happy that I can finally read whatever that is there. Imagine it was in Korean in the past.
:)

Thank You Teddyu

2007-06-19T00:25:00.002+08:00

Strange, I found Teddyu who posted some scene pictures of Snow Queen. Hence, I went to his blog. I placed the link below so that I could always go back and look at the pictures.
However, the pictures are so great that I decided to "steal" them with permission.
Teddyu... Coincidentally, I am called Teddy here. Most importantly, we love Hyun Bin. Hahaha!
Here are the pictures that I stole from him.

Found a nice blog entry on Snow Queen

2007-06-17T12:45:00.001+08:00

I found this entry from a blog. Interesting. Hehehe! A fellow citizen who has watched Snow Queen! Whee!
http://fieldmarshal.wordpress.com/2007/06/06/the-snow-queen/

An article on Hyun Bin's professionalism

2007-06-17T09:31:00.001+08:00

Found another website for news... BroAsia.com

Hyun Bin's professionalism for acting in a drama is gathering attention.Hyun Bin is playing Tae Woong who is a rising boxer that becomes a third class sparring partner at a local gym and falls in love with a prominent family's daughter in the drama 'Noon eui Yeo Wang (The Snow Queen)' (script by Kim Eun Hee, Yoon Eun Gyeong, produced by Lee Hyeong Min, Yoons Color Production) that is scheduled to air this coming November on KBS 2TV.
In order to accurately portray his character, Hyun Bin has been training in boxing to the point where the calluses on his hands have been affecting the actual filming of the series.

On the 22nd, the first day of filming on the set at a college campus in Cheonan of the South Choong Cheong Province, the crew had to stop the filming due to the calluses on his hands.The scene was the first meeting of Hyun Bin and Lee Seon Ho at the Yeong Jae High School entrance ceremony. However, the hand portrayed on camera had too many calluses for a high school student and special make-up was needed.
Meanwhile, the main cast, Seong Yoo Ri, Lim Joo Hwan, Kim Hak Jin, Kim Tae Hyeon, and others, attended the traditional ceremony Gosa yearning for a safe drama shoot despite not being called to set that day showing off their teamwork.Yoons Color, the production company of 'Noon eui Yeo Wang (The Snow Queen),' opened a teaser website (http://www.thesnowqueen.co.kr/) with still photos of Hyun Bin on location in New Zealand along with the original fairy tale.

Hyun Bin Promotes 'Snow Queen' in Tokyo

2007-06-17T09:21:00.001+08:00

Hey, I found a detailed interview of Hyun Bin when he was in Tokyo, from Asian Popcorn of course. :P Oh, what I like about Asian Popcorn is that they have the updated version of all of Hyun Bin's awards, even last year's KBS awards, unlike many other websites.

10/05/2007
Hyun Bin who has been gathering attention as a rising Hallyu Star was greeted by 600 or so fans at Haneda Airport on the 9th. He is visiting Japan to appear at the special promotional event for the drama series 'The Snow Queen' which will start airing on the 10th on TV Tokyo.A press conference was held at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A at 7pm with 150 or press personnel and Director Lee Hyung Min and writers Kim Eun Hee and Yoon Eun Gyung also were present.
During the press conference, Hyun Bin spoke of his experience, "I was entitled with a role of great responsibility, but I seemed to have enjoyed the filming with great people. I only ate chicken breast to portray a third class boxer so I now don't eat chicken as much."
Hyun Bin had actually reduced 7~8kg for the drama series. In a question asking the most memorable scene, he chose the scene where Tae Woong and his friend Sang Ho were drinking. They filmed drinking real alcohol and it had left a lasting impression.

Also, when asked what should be looked forward to in the series, "This drama features the mysticism of Andersen's fairy tales, beautiful cinematography, and the fun of dramas all in one. I hope everyone enjoys it."
Director Lee Hyung Min said, "Hyun Bin seems very normal on the outside, but is a strong and clean actor that has the ability to become the character being portrayed. In this series, I hope you can all feel the glitter of his eyes as a boxer, when he finds his way back to becoming a mathematician, and when he falls in sorrowful love," once again praising his great acting.
With his first movie 'First Love of a Millionaire' being released on the 25th, Hyun Bin's popularity is expected to continuously rise.

Kim Jeong Hoon to star in Chinese Drama

2007-06-17T09:08:00.001+08:00

I have just found a new source of news: Asian Popcorn.

Here's some interesting news of Kim Jeong Hoon, a little backdated. However, I haven't read this at all from all the "conventional" korean news...

Date: 21/05/2007

Korean pop star Kim Jung-Hun of ‘Goong’ fame will come to Shanghai in the middle of June to shoot his first Chinese drama ‘Lian Ai Bing Fa’ (literally means Love Strategies). He is now busy learning Chinese and the first sentence he knows is “I like you” which is the line in the drama.He says the secret of learning Chinese is to sing Chinese songs. If he has time, he may meet with his Chinese fans.

凭热门韩剧《宫》而走红的韩国影星金正勋已经确定6月中旬来沪，拍摄其第一部中国电视剧《恋爱兵法》。目前，金正勋正积极学习中文。有趣的是，他最先学会的竟是“我喜欢你”这句中文台词。《恋爱兵法》为金正勋量身定做，剧中这位韩国人气偶像要彻底颠覆其不食人间烟火的“忧郁男生”形象，扮演一位又酷又帅的商场精英。他还将大量的运用“孙子兵法”的策略来赢取爱情战争。他在剧中最常说的就是“我喜欢你”这句中文台词，因此最先学会的也是“我喜欢你”。距开拍还有半年，金正勋却已开始做起紧张的准备。除了认真研习剧本外，他还找来中国的电视剧作参考，希望能从中汲取一些养分。此外，他还透露了一个细节，现在正狂热学习汉语的他，除了流利地说出“你们好”等招呼语之外，居然还掌握了更有挑战性的卷舌音和翘舌音，“成功的秘诀嘛，就是学唱中文歌曲！”金正勋表示，《恋爱兵法》是他进军中国市场的第一步。而他深谙在中国市场的立足之道———要先与自己的中国影迷搞好关系。虽然金正勋在中国内地活动并不多，但在内地歌迷建成了相当规模的歌迷会、歌迷网站等。这些铁杆的歌迷在金正勋来中国参加活动时，都表现出极大的热情。为了让歌迷更深刻的体会到自己的感激之情，金正勋表示，在拍戏期间如果时间允许，将和自己的影迷见面。

Kim Jeong Hoon and Jang Nara to promote Korean Drama in China

2007-06-17T08:54:00.001+08:00

News Source: Asia Popcorn
Date: 14/06/2007

Kim Jung Hoon of ‘Goong’ fame and Jang Nara are leading the way to promote Korean dramas which have been losing popularity in China. The two are attending STVF 2007 as publicity ambassadors of Korean dramas being held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in China.The Korean Broadcasting Institute announced on the 13th, “Kim Jung Hoon and Jang Nara attended the 'Korean Day' events including the appointing ceremony, fan autograph sessions, and others on the 12th." Kim Jung Hoon who has become popular from the drama series 'Princess Hours (Goong)' was cast as the main character of 'Lian Ai Bing Fa (Love Strategies),' a joint drama production of China and Korea. Jang Nara who has been active as a singer and actress in China joined the group after her solo concert in Beijing on the 8th and 9th.

The 'Korean Day' event the two attended gathered the attention of the press, but once again reflected the declining export of Korean drama series to China.KBI commented, "The declining export of Korean drama series is also happening in Shanghai. We must place efforts in creating more joint production projects amongst various Asian countries to change the one-way exporting image of Korean content, and must establish a supporting system for such efforts."

Kim Jeong Hoon's New Songs

2007-06-16T02:27:00.001+08:00

I have added Kim Jeong Hoon's new songs, Imperfect and Sad Song here for all his fans.

However, do buy the CD if it is available in your area.

Anyway, you can buy it at YesAsia.com. No excuse for free and illegal downloading. Just buy it to support Hoonie. It is afterall sales that will determine how much more we see of him. Support Hoonie!
Ok, I admit, I am now a fan of YesAsia.com as I can get whatever I can't get in Singapore. I know this CD is available in Singapore. However, I know Kim Jeong Hoon has many fans from Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

Here's the link and product description and picture from YesAsia.com.

John Hoon, a.k.a. Kim Jung Hoon, is steadily progressing in his music career. Starting off as member of the popular K-pop duo UN, he then found even greater fame as an actor in the TV drama series Palace. He continues to win over Japanese fans with his latest single SAD SONG, composed by Great3 member Katayose Akihito.
This version features the additional song Imperfect.

I am so upset

2007-06-16T00:14:00.001+08:00

:( Sadness... Only one of the two Snow Queen OST albums I ordered is shipped. Simply because the version 2 is out of stock!!!! The Snow Queen OST Version 2 (KBS TV Series) - Love Theme is out of stock!
This is the one with Hyun Bin's postcards and DVD packaging! Ahhh! I am so disappointed. If only I can get it soon. I hope the stock will be available soon. So so disappointed!
:(
On the other hand, it means that Snow Queen is popular. It also means Hyun Bin is popular. That makes me happy. I will be waiting for YesAsia.com to have new stock...

Kim Jung Hoon in Orange

2007-06-15T13:31:00.002+08:00

Ok, this is funny. It is an old video, but I think it is cute.

Kim Jeong Hoon - Now and Forever

2007-06-15T13:26:00.002+08:00

Oh my goodness... Kim Jeong Hoon can really sing!!!!!

Hyun Bin's Girlfriend or Ex-Girlfriend

2007-06-13T08:51:00.001+08:00

I didn't want to blog about this for months. However, I have decided that this a part of Hyun Bin that deserves some recording. Afterall, I have declared myself as his fan.
Since months ago, words were spreading that Hyun Bin was attached. Yes, to the horror of many female fans. However, many of us, including me, rational enough to give him our blessings.
However, the relationship did not last... More news surfaced...
It came as such:
1. News of the two at a ski resort broke out... 23rd Feb popseoul
2. Hyun Bin posted an explanation to his fans. He was really honest. He stated that he was interested in that girl but they were still getting to know each other... In his explanation, he stated that he was overseas and was caught by surprise by this news... 27th Feb popseoul
3. That girl started to openly talk about the relationship and even posted an entry in her blog speaking "directly" to Hyun Bin. This led to everyone confirming that they were an item. 13th March popseoul
4. They broke up just after the news broke out that she was with Hyun Bin. However, this break up was only announced in May, 2 months after they broke up. 1st May popseoul

Okay, here's my take of the whole event.
1. They were together. Hyun Bin was open and honest about it. They were most probably at the beginning of their relationship... Rocky stage.
2. Many said that the girl was making use of Hyun Bin because of his popularity. Reality is such that after the announcement by Hyun Bin and her open declaration, the girl did get more publicity and endorsement deals.
3. However, I think both of them did not want things to turn sour. The girl did benefit from the relationship, but who can judge that she was not serious? She could have been serious but was perhaps too eager to declare Hyun Bin as hers. Hence, causing such great publicity.
4. Hyun Bin was definitely serious about the girl to tell his fans that he was interested in her. This could have jeopardised his career.
5. All in all, I believe they must have parted for good. That girl got her fame because of Hyun Bin. Hyun Bin got confirmation on his image that he was a gentleman and a man who could be seriously in love, even to the extent of losing his career.

After this whole episode, I guess Hyun Bin will be concentrating on his career for now. I guess that's good for all the fans who are eager to see more of him.

In ending note, I hope fans will support him no matter who he is with. Just like Hyun Bin as who he is. Just like his works. Just like his smiles. Just like him. He is only a human with emotional needs too.

Hyun Bin's Official English Website

2007-06-12T23:24:00.001+08:00

Yeah! Hyun Bin's company has officially launched an English version of Hyun Bin's website! I am so happy. I can now read his messages, know his schedule etc even when the news does not report! Yes!
Hahaha! Happiness. I have placed the link here.
Boy! I am a crazy Hyun Bin's fan now, or maybe all along.

I must be crazy!!!

2007-06-12T01:17:00.001+08:00

I have just ordered 2 OST Albums from YesAsia.Com. What are they? Simply: Snow Queen OST. Both albums are different. I love all the songs in Snow Queen. I love "Love... Irrepressible Tears" and "Hello" but they are in two separate albums!
I can't stand the fact that some songs are missing if I buy only one. I remember buying Goong OST and inside, Aeng Mu Sae by Howl was missing. I was very upset. It took me a while to find it online and downloaded it. Don't blame me for being a "pirate". What can I do when it is missing from the OST album?
I have ordered and paid for these two OST albums. I am so excited. I can't wait for it to be sent to me. Hee...

First OST Album: The Snow Queen OST Version 2 - Love Theme

Description taken from YesAsia.com:

After scoring a huge hit with Sorry, I Love You, director Lee Hyung Min joined production company Yoon's Color, led by renowned producer Yoon Suk Ho, one of the flagbearers of the Korean Wave. Lee's new drama The Snow Queen is adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's same-titled work, and stars Hyun Bin (My Lovely Sam Soon) and former FinK.L. member Sung Yu Ri (One Fine Day). Hyun Bin plays Han Tae Woong, a boxer with a child prodigy past but a very gloomy present. Sung plays Bo Ra, a rich and privileged young woman with an illness that prevents her from opening up to others.
The biggest attraction of The Snow Queen OST Version 2 - Love Theme is the presence of ballad King Jo Sung Mo, who is currently serving his two years of compulsory military duty, but found the time to produce Love... Irrepressible Tears, his first work in eight months. Used as the drama's main theme from the middle part, the song became even more famous as the show reached its finale. In addition, this OST also features Ha Dong Kyun, former Baby Vox member Kan Mi Yeon, Loveholic, and more.
Housed in a stylish DVD-like packaging, this OST also includes postcards by Hyun Bin, featuring various still cuts from the drama and unreleased photos.
Track List

01. NunUi Yeowang ("The Snow Queen") - Main Theme (Inst.)

02. Sarang... NunmulGyeopda ("Love... Irrepressible Tears") - Jo Sung Mo

03. Seulpeujiman Annyeong ("I Feel Sad, but Goodbye") - Kan Mi Yeon

04. Meari ("Echo") - Loveholic

05. Neujeoseo Mianhae ("Sorry For Being Late") - Ha Dong Kyun

06. CheotNunAe ("First Snow's Love") - Kang Sung Min

07. Loving U - ICE CREAM

08. Heojideon Nal ("The Day We Broke Up") - Nana

09. Eoddeokhajyo ("What Can We Do?") - A Hyun

10. Sarang... NunmulGyeopda ("Love... Irrepressible Tears") - Piano Version

11. Seulpeujiman Annyeong ("I Feel Sad, but Goodbye") - Instrumental

12. Sarang... NunmulGyeopda ("Love... Irrepressible Tars") - Instrumental

13. Meari ("Echo") - Instrumental

14. Eoddeokhajyo ("What Can We Do?") - Instrumental

15. NunUi Yeowang ("The Snow Queen") - Main Theme (Guitar Version)

16. Nalkeun Sajin ("Old Photo") - Instrumental

17. Outro

Second OST Album:The Snow Queen OST (KBS TV Series)

After scoring a huge hit with I'm Sorry, I Love You, director Lee Hyung Min joined production company Yoon's Color, led by renowned producer Yoon Suk Ho, one of the flagbearers of the Korean Wave. Lee's new drama The Snow Queen is adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's same-titled work, and stars Hyun Bin (My Lovely Sam Soon) and former FinK.L. member Sung Yu Ri (One Fine Day). Hyun Bin plays Han Tae Woong, a boxer with a child prodigy past but a very gloomy present. Sung plays Bo Ra, a rich and privileged young woman with an illness that prevents her from opening up to others.
What immediately stands out when looking at this soundtrack is the presence of Jo Sung Woo, one of Korea's best and most respected music directors. Talented and versatile, he has provided scores for such works as Christmas in August and most of Lee Myung Se's films, including Duelist and Nowhere To Hide. The Snow Queen soundtrack also features Kang Sung Min, previously known as XO, Choi Won Jun who worked on the soundtrack for Rainbow Romance, and many others.
Track List

01. Intro - Kim Ji Su

02. NunUi Yeowang ("The Snow Queen") - Jo Sung Woo (Main Theme)

03. CheotNunAe ("First Snow's Love") - Kang Sung Min

04. Gananhan Namja ("Poor Man") - Choi Won Jun

05. Grace Love - SAT & M

06. Hello - Sogyumo Acacia Band

07. If You Only Knew - OLIVIA

08. NunUi Yeowang ("The Snow Queen") - Jo Sung Woo (Love Theme)

09. Sub Title - Park Sung Il

10. JeonggyuUi Jukeum ("Jung Gyu's Death") - Park Sung Il

11. NunmulUi Walcheu ("Waltz of Tears") - Park Sung Il

12. CheotSarang ("First Love") - Kim Ji Su

13. PereumaUi Bangjeongshik ("Ferma's Equation") - Kim Ji Su

14. Nalkeun Sajin ("Old Photo") - Kim Ji Su1

5. CheotNunAe ("First Snow's Love") - Kwak Young Jun (Piano Version)

16. Outro - Park Sung Il

Kim Jeong Hoon's news...

2007-06-12T00:34:00.001+08:00

Well, I have been reading Kim Jeong Hoon's news... His latest single, Sad Song, is out.
Anyway, here's one old news:
Source: Tour2Korea
Date:22 March 2007

The two rivals who fought for the king’s throne and the love of Yoon Eun-hye in last year’s popular MBC drama ‘Gung (Princess Hour)’ which ended this March, have been cast in two new upcoming drama series, but are now competing for air time to attract more TV viewers because the dramas is on at the same time.

In the drama ‘Goong,’ Ju Ji Hun and Kim Jeong Hoon portrayed different kinds of roles, attracting many female fans in their teens to their thirties. The two actors will be competing to win the hearts of more female viewers in their individual dramas.Ju Ji Hun comes back to the TV screen on Wednesday and Thursday’s drama ‘Mawang (Devil)’ (director Park Chan Hong, writer Kim Ji Woo), which airs on KBS 2 while Kim Jeong Hoon’s return can be seen on Wednesday and Thursday’s drama ‘Manyeo Yuhui’ (director Jeon Ki Sang, writer Kim Won Jin) which airs on SBS.

Both dramas began on March 21st. Ju Ji Hun plays a lawyer in ‘Mawang’ who is a rival of Eom Taewoong, trying to win the affections of Shin Minah. This casted role will allow Ju Ji Hun’s charisma to shine, which is already anticipated by many of his female fans. Ju Ji Hun will have a new image in this drama that will enhance himself as an actor.

Kim Jeong Hoon, on the other hand, plays the ambitious doctor in ‘Manyeo Yuhui,’ and like Ju Ji Hun in ‘Mawang’ Kim Jeong Hoon’s character will be struggling to win Han Ga-in’s love against Jae Hee and Denise Oh. Once a medical school student himself, Kim Jeong Hoon’s upcoming role as a doctor has already become the hot topic of conversation.

Hyun Bin's news

2007-06-11T20:36:00.001+08:00

I have decided to update my Hyun Bin's news... I have been busy. Now it is holidays... Hee! I can do what I want to do. I hope in future, it will be updated regularly.
Here's one:
Dated: 02 May 2007
Source: KBS Entertainment News
Hyun Bin's Fan Meeting in Japan Sold Out

A thousand out of a total of 5,000 tickets to an event preceding the premiere of the TV drama "Snow Queen" featuring actor Hyun Bin were sold out in just three minutes. The event will take place May 9 at the Tokyo International Forum. The remaining 4,000 tickets were sold out soon afterward. Up to now, actor Bae Yong-jun had been the only actor to have his fan meetings sold out in

Japan

, which is additional evidence of Hyun's enormous popularity in that country. The Japanese media showed great interest in Hyun, with The Mainichi Daily News calling him "a next-generation hallyu star." The actor's popularity in Japan is expected to soar once "Snow Queen" goes on the air there on May 10 via TV Tokyo. Hyun's upcoming event will also be attended by the production crew of "Snow Queen" and the band Loveholic, which will sing the drama's original soundtrack.

Dated: 12 April 2007
Source: KBS Entertainment News
Korean Idol Actor Hyun Bin to Visit Japan

TV actor Hyun Bin, who rose to stardom through the TV drama “My Name is Kim Samsoon” in 2005, will fly to Japan to promote his drama “Snow Queen,” which finished airing in Korea last January.

Produced by Yoon’s Color, a production company founded by director Yoon Seok-ho of “Winter Sonata” and “Spring Waltz” fame, and written by the writers of “Winter Sonata,” “Snow Queen” will be aired every Thursday on channel 12 in Tokyo starting May 10th.

Hyun first visited Japan last November to promote “A Millionaire’s First Love” in which he had his first starring role in a film. At the time, some 1,500 fans welcomed him at the airport to show their support for the new Hallyu star.

Snow Queen Re-look

2007-06-06T15:21:00.001+08:00

I finally bought Snow Queen VCDs... I watched it over 5 days. All I can say is I cried a lot. It made me tired... When I close my eyes, I see Hyun Bin's face, tears rolling down his cheeks. Ah!
It is a wonderful show, just that it is a soap drama.
If anyone wants to see real good acting of Hyun Bin, this is the show to go for. His acting is really great. The scene of him reacting to his best friend's death was just so well done. If anyone who sees this scene and says it is not well done, then the person must be bias.
I haven't cried for many years in this way. The last time I cried really hard was many many years ago. I have lost count. Perhaps 6 years ago. In fact, I haven't really cry for a long time. The last time I cried was when I first watched Snow Queen on Youtube. However, I had breaks in between because the person uploading had to wait for the Chinese subtitles and the show to be screened in Korea... Hence, the whole show took a month...
This time, I cried so much in 5 days...
I have decided that I must lead a good life. I mustn't cry at all. Life is good to me. I don't want any tears in my life.

Snow Queen 16-7

2007-01-27T22:36:00.002+08:00

The end of the show. I love the soundtrack...
Hyun Bin has shaven his beard after the show... Thank goodness. He must look really nice now.

Snow Queen 雪之女王 16-6

2007-01-27T22:08:00.002+08:00

Bora is dead. She left him a message. Hyun Bin's acting is superb.
I haven't been able to watch the show as I was so afraid of the ending...
Now, I wonder if he will live on. Bora asked him to live on...

Snow Queen 雪之女王 16-3

2007-01-21T15:01:00.002+08:00

I love the scene when Hyun Bin washes Bora's feet...

Snow Queen:雪之女王15-7

2007-01-07T01:36:00.002+08:00

Aw! Hyun Bin's acting is superb.

Snow Queen:雪之女王15-6

2007-01-07T01:16:00.002+08:00

Such a drastic change of mood... So sad...

Snow Queen: 雪之女王 15-4

2007-01-07T01:01:00.002+08:00

So romantic yet so sad. I just wish that the ending won't be sad... Nearing the end... Episode 16...

ASTA TV International January/December

2007-01-06T21:31:00.001+08:00

Recently, I can hardly find new stuff on Kim Jeong Hoon. I guess he is getting ready for his next album. A lot of Hyun Bin though. Simply because Snow Queen is showing in Korea and he has just won 3 awards in KBS Drama Awards. Yes, I am so happy. I can see more of Hyun Bin with his rising popularity.

Got this picture from ASTA TV International January:

December cover:

Handsome man!

Hyun Bin is top star in 2006

2007-01-06T21:18:00.001+08:00

News From Yes2Korea:

There are some stars who will never forget 2006, the Year of the Dog. Ju Ji-hun, Hyun Bin, Han Ye-seul, Kim A-jung, and Lee Jun-ki are some of these stars. There are some stars who will never forget 2006, the Year of the Dog. Ju Ji-hun, Hyun Bin, Han Ye-seul, Kim A-jung, and Lee Jun-ki are some of these stars. They are all born in 1982, the Year of the Dog, and they all became top stars in 2006, a lucky year for them.
Ju Ji Hun immediately attracted fans through his debut in MBC drama’s ‘Goong,’ which began airing in January of 2006, in his role as the ice-prince. At the MBC 2006 Drama Awards, Ju Ji Hun took home an amateur’s trophy promising a bright acting career in 2007.Hyun Bin, who rose to stardom after his role in ‘My Lovely Sam Soon’ has become a Hallyu star after the drama aired in Japan, and is currently playing in the KBS drama ‘Snow Queen’. Lee Jun Ki who quickly became a top star after his role in ‘The King and the Clown’ has remained in the spotlight ever since. Singer Rain has been selected as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 gaining a reputation of being a world star. He is currently holding concerts in various parts of Southeast Asia.Son Ye-jin returned to television in the SBS drama ‘Yeonae’, and received favorable reviews. She succeeded in finally winning female fans along with all kind of fans, and her success has led her to landing a modeling contract with a cosmetics company. The character ‘Sang-sil’ in the MBC drama ‘Fantastic Couple’ was played by Han Ye-seul, who began her career as a supermodel in 2001 left modeling to pursue acting. From this drama she has pacified many doubts regarding her ability to act. Kim A-jung, who first became known from the KBS drama ‘Haeshin’, won the Popularity Award at the Baek Sang Arts Awards in March, and became even more of a popular starlet in the year’s-end movie ‘S-line’. She also sang for the soundtrack of this movie, which proved that she also has some singing talent.The stars born in the Year of the Dog had a great year in 2006, and their continued stardom is expected in the New Year of 2007.

Teddy: Hey, Kim Jeong Hoon is very popular too. He will be the next Hallyu star too. Very happy for Hyun Bin. With his looks and acting he will go far. If only he can sing like Kim Jeong Hoon.

More pictures on Hyun Bin

2007-01-01T21:41:00.002+08:00

Okay, I admit. I am Hyun Bin crazy now. I don't think I will be able to fall in love with any man other than Hyun Bin. Hahaha!

Kim Jeong Hoon is my prince and Hyun Bin is my fantasy. Hahaha!

Pictures from Baidu Hyun Bin's Forum.

They have taken them from KBS, I believe.

I love these two Hyun Bin's pictures...

2007-01-01T17:12:00.001+08:00

I think he is really handsome. Though he looks tired, but he is still very nice-looking.

Pictures of Hyun Bin at KBS Awards 2006

2007-01-01T16:07:00.001+08:00

This picture shows how shocked he was to go up to stage for the second award. He had just received his first minutes ago.
Look how drained he looked! All the crying has taken a toll on his body. His eyes looked so tired. Please don't make him cry in his next show.

Poor oppa, his panda eyes are so obvious. Hope that he would have a good rest after Snow Queen. Though I very much would want to see him non-stop but it is simply bad for him, especially when all directors seem to like him to cry. Hmm... Go and watch the Millionaire's First Love. He cried too. Sigh... Snow Queen is the worst.

This is Hyun Bin at the Best Couple Award. His side profile is really very nice.
Look at his dimple. Aw! So handsome! Actually even the female lead of Snow Queen has dark rings. Her complexion at the beginning of the show was perfect. Now, look at her... Sigh! Crying is not good to the skin.

Courtesy by: Baidu Hyun Bin Fanclub

I am having some difficulties getting all the pictures. I shall upload them a few at a time.

I really don't know what are the real title of the awards as there were many translation.

I think if I am not wrong, it should be Best Actor by Web poll, Most Popular Actor and Most Popular Couple Award. My goodness. He is really popular for sure. All thanks to the Korean fans who voted for him. I voted a few votes after getting the KBS accounts. I think we will see more of him for sure. He has been getting awards since his first lead role in Ireland. Hee! I am so happy. Whheeeeeeeee

KBS Drama Awards 2006: Hyun Bin

2007-01-01T15:33:00.001+08:00

I can't help it. Hyun Bin won 3 awards!!

He won web poll popularity award, popularity award and best kiss award from a scene in Snow Queen.

Yes! Oppa Hyun Bin rocks. He is so charming. However, he has obviously lost weight while filming Snow Queen. Who would gain weight if crying is the way of living? He cried so much in Snow Queen. Also, he is still filming the show, so inevitably, he will have to keep that haggard look. I hope he will put on some weight soon. He looks so tired and skinny.

I love Hyun Bin!

Kim Jeong Hoon: Still Believe (5 Stellar)

2006-12-30T16:05:00.002+08:00

Apparently, a fan used the scene shots from Fog Street to make this MV. I like this song. The girl looks a bit old for Hoon in some shots. However, Hoon still looks as good and charming as ever.

Snow Queen:雪之女王 13-7

2006-12-30T10:28:00.002+08:00

Ah! They are finally together. Super romantic. I must say that Hyun Bin is super handsome. Terrible, I am so madly in love with him. Hahaha!

Snow Queen 雪之女王 12-5

2006-12-30T08:17:00.002+08:00

I felt my stomach churning and tears just rolled down as I watched this clip. It is really a very good show.

Snow Queen: 雪之女王 12-3

2006-12-30T07:43:00.003+08:00

Oh my goodness! Hyun Bin's acting again I must say this...is simply superb. When Bora told him that she had met his brother's friend, his shocked expression was so natural.
After watching 4 of Hyun Bin's show... Millionaire's First Love, My Lovely Samsoon, Ireland and now Snow Queen, my only conclusion is that Hyun Bin has the looks and the acting skills. To me, he is now number 1 in acting.

Ireland

2006-12-29T15:43:00.002+08:00

I must say that other than Hyun Bin, this show is simply lousy.
The first two episode were really good. It was well-planned and shot. The storyline was captivating. However, beyond episode 10, it became really draggy. The ending was really lame. I am regretting spending that money. I should have saved it up.
A few things I like about the show:
1. In episode 1, Hyun Bin appeared as a cool but warm-hearted bodyguard. He was gentle and of course handsome.
2. In episode 2, Hyun Bin fell in love with the girl and whatever he did was really so charming.
I have just repeated the show for these two episode. Yet to go to number 3. There were some comical parts in the show. However, they were rare.

The storyline:
1. Gal called Qiong Er was adopted by this Irish couple. She came back to Korea because her Irish parents and brother were killed. She witnessed the killing and denied knowing them in front of the killers to save her own life. She bore the guilt and was mentally sick and hospitalised for a year. She came back to Korea to find peace.
2. Qiong Er met Jiang Guo (Hyun Bin) in the plane. Hence, started their romance. Hyun Bin pitied her mental condition and decided to protect her.
3. Qiong Er and Jiang Guo got married.
4. Love triangle started after Qiong Er met Caifu. Jiang Guo was hurt by it but maintained that Qiong Er was only lost for the moment. He treasured and honored marriage. Basically, he was charming throughout the show.
5. The show dragged on and on between Qiong Er, Caifu and Jiang Guo. Then came that Caifu could be Qiong Er's brother. However, DNA test proved otherwise. Hence, their love triangle went on and on.
6. Caifu was cohabiting with another gal who was a porn star. However, later left her. That gal then fell in love with Jiang Guo because he was protecting her as a bodyguard.
7. While protecting that gal, Jiang Guo fell in love with her without realising. He was still persistent in keeping his marriage. To him, Qiong Er was his only love.
8. The show dragged on and on. Qiong Er got pregnant. Caifu met an accident and became lame, and left Qiong Er. Caifu came back and left again.
9. Jiang Guo finally realised that his idea of love was very different from Qiong Er and decided to let her go. They got divorced amiably.
10. Ending of the show: I don't know. It just showed Qiong Er and Jiang Guo becoming friends and awaiting for the arrival of their child. As for that gal, Jiang Guo professed his love for her. Caifu? Ending showed him carrying a child version of Qiong Er. Jiang Guo greeting the child version of the gal. That gal talking to the child version of Jiang Guo. Qiong Er greeting the child version of Caifu. The end. Lame ending.

Overall, I like Hyun Bin's acting and image in the show. No wonder he is so popular in Korea after this show. Wholesome image, respects marriage, protects the weak, sensitive and cute. In the show, he was deemed as handsome or beautiful. Fantastic image. He won the best newcomer in 2004 with this show. I am not surprised. Good acting and handsome. What do you expect?

If you think in Samsoon, he was charming, try watching Ireland. Ireland was his earlier drama. After watching it, I realised many charming actions, facial expressions, and smiles were the repeats of his character in Ireland.

I will post some parts of Ireland here once I am done with Snow Queen.

After this show, I realise that Hyun Bin is an actor on his own. His looks is just a bonus.

I hope to see more of him in future.

Ireland

2006-12-26T23:51:00.001+08:00

I admit that I am now a huge huge fan of Hyun Bin. I don't like shows that make me cry that much. However, I am in love with Snow Queen.
Today, I actually bought Hyun Bin's Ireland. Aw! How madly in love I am with him that I actually bought a show of 16 episode of crying...
Anyway, I am looking forward to watching it.
Tata!
I shall start watching after this entry.

More Hyun Bin's Pictures in Snow Queen

2006-12-26T14:26:00.003+08:00

I took these off Hyun Bin's Fanclub in Baidu. The owners are on the pictures. I have to post them here for my own viewing pleasure. Hahaha! Oh, some of them are scene shots, so you can see his teary eyes because of the storyline.

Cool Hyun Bin. Love him! Again, if anyone dares to say that his image in Snow Queen is ugly, I will box that person! He looks so good!

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上BIGSTAR------8

2006-12-26T06:18:00.002+08:00

He is so natural. Really cute.

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar----7

2006-12-26T06:16:00.002+08:00

Hahaha! I don't know what to say about this clip. Cute is the word, I guess.

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar------6

2006-12-26T06:09:00.002+08:00

Yul Prince has so many nicknames. In Hong Kong he is Mo Fa Yuk Killer. In China, he is Bai He Wang Zi... Hahaha! He is so natural. It is difficult not to love him.

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳~到北京上bigstar---5

2006-12-26T06:04:00.002+08:00

His IQ is really high. He could solve the puzzle so quickly!

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar----4

2006-12-26T06:02:00.002+08:00

He actually could cry in a few seconds. I am impressed. :)

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar---3

2006-12-26T05:59:00.002+08:00

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar--2

2006-12-26T05:56:00.002+08:00

Oh, so unfair. He went to China six times already!

Kim Jeong Hoon: 金楨勳到北京上bigstar---1

2006-12-26T05:52:00.002+08:00

Oh my goodness, this video is funny. Hoon's reaction to the host's dancing was really funny.

Kim Jeong Hoon- Cute Video (2)

2006-12-26T05:46:00.002+08:00

Recommended by someone in Oh Only Hoon (Kim Jeong Hoon's Fanclub Singapore). :) Kawaii!

I can't help it, can I?

2006-12-25T08:48:00.001+08:00

I saw this picture of Hyun Bin in Hyun Bin's Baidu Fan Forum.

I grabbed it. I don't know who the owner is. I presume it is KBS as it is well-taken and from the Snow Queen show. Whoever dares to say Hyun Bin oppa looks ugly in the show, I will bash the person up.

He looks so so so good. It is just a different look from My Lovely Samsoon. He is still as handsome. Not those clean-shaven, suave look, just cool and rogue look.

Kim Jeong Hoon Interview 金楨勳三度來台TVBSG專訪

2006-12-23T07:49:00.002+08:00

He is so adorable. He likes horror, thrillers and action movies. Look at his reaction when the interviewer said O-yi-shi (tasty) to him. Hahaha!

Snow Queen 雪之女王 11-4

2006-12-23T06:37:00.003+08:00

I love this clip. It brings out the charming side of Hyun Bin. Just love the drinking scene. His smile with his dimple is rare in this sad show.

Snow Queen 雪之女王 10-7

2006-12-23T05:54:00.002+08:00

My goodness! Hyun Bin's acting is making me speechless! The scene whereby he told Bora that he never liked her was so well done.

Snow Queen 雪之女王 10-3

2006-12-22T23:42:00.002+08:00

Oh my goodness! Hyun Bin's acting is really good. The part when he was talking at his best friend's grave is so well acted. My tears just flowed with him. AW!