I thought it was over...

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!*

New Pictures of Kim Jeong Hoon

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

Love his eyes...

Review of Witch Amusement

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.

Back to Blogging

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.

Witch Amusement and Bodyguard

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

Kim Jeong Hoon can speak Mandarin?

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!

Rain cancels LA concerts

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.

Kim Jeong Hoon at Hallyu Romantic Festival

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.

Kim Jeong Hoon to star in Chinese Drama

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

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

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.

Kim Jung Hoon in Orange

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

Kim Jeong Hoon - Now and Forever

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

Kim Jeong Hoon's news...

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.

Kim Jeong Hoon: Still Believe (5 Stellar)

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.

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上BIGSTAR------8

He is so natural. Really cute.

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar----7

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

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

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

Kim Jeong Hoon:金楨勳到北京上bigstar----4

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