I had one of the most “did I just read that right?” double take reactions to the latest casting news, a combination of totally unexpected mixed with serendipitous coincidence that these two particular names would be linked together. The casting world hasn’t stopped buzzing about Ha Ji Won being offered the leading lady role in the K-remake of In Time … Continue reading →
I see what SBS is doing here, releasing the casting news this early just to distract everyone from the disaster that is Hyde, Jekyll, Me. Even worse is doing so via Hyun Bin‘s equally famous and beloved Secret Garden costar Ha Ji Won, almost like rubbing salt on my already open wound. The K-version of the hit Taiwan drama In Time … Continue reading →
Most of the attention on exporting K-dramas have shifted to Mainland China in the last two years and for good reason. It’s the largest audience market by size and K-dramas are more naturally digestable due to the similar Asian entertainment tastes than marketing to the Western audience. Japan remains a solid and steady market for Hallyu entertainment whether K-pop or … Continue reading →
I think Ha Ji Won is the cutest thing ever even though she’s north of 35 years old now and doesn’t quite fit the cute moniker. She just has this broad charm and hearty appeal that shines whether she’s acting or doing other aspects of her entertainment activities. This past week Ha Ji Won threw out the first pitch at … Continue reading →
There are stories so profound that it is imprinted in the heart. Such is the novel (and later movie adaptation) of the C-novelist Yu Hua‘s most famous work To Live. I was so awestruck and emotionally devastated after watching the Zhang Yimou directed movie that it took me years later to get up the courage to read the novel itself. … Continue reading →
There will likely be more photo opportunities involving Ha Ji Won and Gong Yoo for the rest of 2014 as the two of them were officially appointed the goodwill tax ambassadors for the South Korean National Tax Service. For nearly two decades in the industry these two faves of mine have never worked together until now so I won’t look a … Continue reading →
I thought Ha Ji Won was headed straight to Hollywood after ruling the domestic television network ratings for half a year as the titular Empress Ki. Turns out she’s taking a quick detour to drop a digital single first, making it seem as easy and effortless as stopping for a coffee. Ha Ji Won’s new original single is called “Now … Continue reading →
Her Royal Highness Empress Ki arrived in Taiwan to kick-off promotions for the soon-to-air sageuk with lots of fanfare. Ha Ji Won is looking so ridiculously high wattage movie star at the Taiwan press conference for her hit K-drama which will probably be popular in Taiwan as sell since the audience there laps up her dramas and has a fondness … Continue reading →
It’s time for me to finally finally say goodbye to the now completely ape-shit bizarre sageuk drama that is Empress Ki. The only main character left in the drama that is decent and upstanding and kindhearted has just gone to the great sageuk death party in the sky. With just one episode left until it wraps up tomorrow with episode … Continue reading →
With the spate of K-drama endings and upcoming drama promotions, I dang almost forgot that Empress Ki is ending next week. This long running sageuk was one I followed from the first episode and proceeded to go on on a wacky and wild roller coaster as the plot dipped and soared through the craziest of narrative twists. Sometimes it worked … Continue reading →
Empress Ki has officially gone cray cray with just 8-episodes left in its airing. That it managed to be good initially was quite a feat considering the insane amounts of historical distortion. Then the titular future Empress Ki played by Ha Ji Won managed to have a believable first love with Joo Jin Mo‘s King Wang Yoo of Goryeo, followed by … Continue reading →
This photo op of Ha Ji Won and Gong Yoo is like danging candy in front of a group of ravenous kids on their birthday and then saying “sorry, you have to keep on waiting”. Two of Korea’s top A-listers finally made a joint appearance in something, but sadly it’s not a drama, movie, CF, or anything that remotely requires … Continue reading →
Whatever magic pill the production team of Empress Ki swallowed recently, it ought to share with other drama teams out there. The drama is narratively firing on all cylinders with equal measures delicious makjang and genuine heavy stakes. The best part for me is actually the reinvention of the relationship between Yuan Emperor Ta Hwan played by Ji Chang Wook … Continue reading →
