Han Hyo-joo (Shining Inheritance), looking pretty as ever in a breezy, earthy look, had a 3 night, 4 day vacation in Sydney while filming for a commercial for Samsung‘s new NX10 digital camera.

Slightly reminiscent of So Ji-sub’s Sony DSLR camera commercials, Han Hyo-joo also takes on the traveler role and wanders about with her Samsung digital camera. If this camera could make me look as pretty as Han Hyo-joo, I would buy it right away.

Han Hyo-joo’s “Beautiful Sydney Story” commercial will be released on February 6th.

Shining Inheritance

The Korean Wave has already washed over large swaths of Asia, but one local state-sponsored non-profit company has adopted a new approach to keep the waters rising.

The Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange announced it has acquired a limited international license for “Brilliant Legacy,” a television drama that gained ratings of over 40 percent when it aired on SBS in Korea, and will give away broadcasting rights for free in 81 overseas countries as a way of boosting Korean popular culture.

The drama, a sentimental love story, stars Lee Seung-gi as a wealthy socialite and Han Hyo-ju as the commoner girl whom he comes to adore.

SBS retained licensing rights in Japan, China and Southeast Asia, and is still negotiating with broadcasters in those areas to air the drama, which originally ran on weekends from April to July last year. East Asia already has high demand for Korean films and dramas, and thus was excluded from the deal with the foundation.

The same organization acquired the rights to “The Painter of Winds” from SBS last year, contributing to its airing in 30 countries.

oh yeah spreading more Jun Se aka Bae Soo Bin oppa love to more countries yaaaay! good move!

Credit: joongangdaily.joins.com

Believe what you see because she is the real deal.

Han Hyo-joo brings it when she is in front of the camera, transforming from her usual sweet and innocent look to sleek and modern.

You can see Han Hyo-joo bring sexy to the table in the September issue of Vogue Korea.

Han Hyo-joo is the runner-up to host MNET 20′s Choice Award on August 28th. Han Hyo-joo was chosen due to the popularity of SBS drama “Brilliant Legacy“.

You can’t forget about the opening host performance of the annual MNET 20′s Choice Award! Everyone is anticipating the reveal of the actual host for the awards, as well as the actual ceremony itself.

Han Hyo-joo shared her thoughts on the kissing scene with “Shining Inheritance” co-star, Lee Seung-ki.

On the SBS program, “TV Entertainment Night” on July 22^nd, the 22 year old expressed some regret that her nose was flattened during the kissing scene. Her confession was viewed by 40% of viewers for the time slot. Those are probably the same television watchers who also tune into the weekend drama (43.4%, according to TNS survey).

Episode 21 of  “Shining Inheritance” (찬란한 유산)  features a kiss scene between Lee Seung-ki and Han Hyo-joo. The kiss should have brought on fireworks, but it fizzled. And honestly, after walking around for about 8 minutes, it took too long for them to finally do the deed. But hey, I guess the kiss wouldn’t be so bad to hear “I want to have you” and lock lips with Lee Seung-ki (who’s looking mighty fine in that shirt).

However, the kiss on the SBS drama quickly climbed up the ratings to the number 1 watched drama in Korea with a 40% viewership.

Here’s the kiss scene, if you missed it:

Finally some testosterone this summer.

Who has more testosterone than the guy that grooms himself the most when camping with five other guys all the time? That’s right, the one that makes the noonas swoon, Lee Seung-ki, will be making his musical comeback since his last digital single,”Let’s Go On Vacation,” released May 2008. Lee Seung-ki’s new digital single is “Will You Marry Me,” which was written by Kim Do-hoon, the man responsible for Lee Seung-ki’s previous hit “Words That Are Hard to Say.” He will also be sporting a new look for his new release.  Don’t know if noona charmer is packing any chocolate abs or guns, but could it possibly be something like this?

The sensitive crooner is certainly doing well for himself as an entertainer. He’s on a consistently top-rated variety show, 1N2D (1 Night, 2 Days), and he is currently filming the SBS drama, “Shining Inheritance,” that has been performing strong since its premiere.

“Shining Inheritance” features Lee Seung-ki portraying an arrogant rich guy who becomes entangled in Han Hyo-ju‘s tragic “Cinderella” life after they accidentally switch bags at the airport. I know the plot sounds so original, doesn’t it? Cliche plotlines aside, “Shining Inheritance” has been holding onto the number one spot in the ratings for the past two months, and has even received a two episode extension, an obvious sign of its popularity.

The boy may not be as flaming hot as some of his boy band competition, but he is still getting a lot of love for just being mild-mannered and smiley.

…with clips from their new “telecinema” or television plus movie, “19.”  With Seungri and TOP of Big Bang at the helm, the movie will be released at the end of July and then will be followed up with an eight part television drama cut into 2 parts, which will be aired in October 2009.  So far 7 episodes have already been filmed.

And taking advantage of the fact that 2 pop acts are attached to the project, TOP will sing and Seungri and actress Huh E-jae have been cast in the music video.

“19″ boasts a top cast including Dong-bang-shin-ki’s Jae-joong, actor Ahn Jae-wook, Kim Haneul, Cha In-pyo and Han Hyo-ju.

The telecinema is a joint effort between Korea and Japan, with a Japanese writer and Korean producer.

Check out TOP filming the MV:

A clip from “19″:

Nymph? More like ghost.

Han Hyo-joo is apparently a nymph for the March 2009 issue of Vogue Magazine (Korea).  And looking like a mystical creature does not do much to inspire  makeup looks for the spring…unless you want to look like a ghost with a garish colored eyeshadow.

Actress Han Hyo-ju is magnificently naturally beautiful :)

Dress in a modern urban look, the 21 year old model will star in the CF for Korean Airlines in the theme of “Across America”. She will also be playing in the upcoming drama “Heaven’s Postman” along with DBSK’s member Hero Jae Joong which will air in May 29.

Check out the CF

Han Hyo-ju has been named the face of Korean Airlines.
The panty-flashing star of “Iljimae” was chosen for her sophisticated and modern look. The 21 year old actress will star in a CF (tv ads) in the theme of “Across America.” The lucky girl got to go on 2 week trip to the states to shoot the CF.

Watch out for Han Hyo-ju to star with Dong-bang-shin-ki’s Hero Jae Joong the upcoming drama, “Heaven’s Postman” (“천국의 우편 배달부), which will air in May 2009 on SBS.

Check out the Korean Air CF:

The movie Earth (2008) is a documentary made by the BBC (UK) that follows the lives of three wild animals over a year. Filmed over a 5 year period, it tracks polar bears in the Arctic, elephants in the Kalahari and a humpback whale, through the trials and tribulations in their lives.

So this is not a Korean movie, but a handful of celebrities showed up at the premiere on August 26th to promote the new film including Girls Generation.

Check out the trailer (U.S. version), narrated by Patrick Stewart.

Earth opens in theaters in Korea on September 4^th 2008. If you are in the U.S., the film opens on Earth Day, April 22nd 2009.

Girls Generation (SNSD)

Han Hyo-ju

Jo Hyang-ki

Lee jin & Jo Yeo-jung

So Yu-jin

Lee So-yeon

With each awards show, the length of the skirts seems to be getting shorter and shorter. And this time, 2007 Best Dresser award winner Han Hyo-ju gives us a glimpse of what’s underneath all that glam.

While flimsy micro minis were worn by some, other female stars stuck it out with longer lengths. Overall, showing off skin was de rigeur despite the freezing temperatures. It’s at times like this, it’s good to be a guy and fully clothed.

Winner of the Grand Prix for the 2007 Golden Disk Awards went to SG Wannabe. Two-timer Ivy also picked up an award for the Best Digital Sound.

For the list of award winners, click here (in Korean).

Kim A-joong and Ryu Shi-won. Kim Ajoong’s forest green dress looks comfortable.

Big Bang boys strutting on the red carpet. The boys are huffing and puffing in their performance here.

Epik High. The nerdy hiphop group put on a fabulous performance combining the modern with tradition by having Honey Lee play the kayageum. Check it out here.

F.T. Island look like ushers in their black and white suits. Check out there performance here.

Girls Generation. Black and white again. They should go out with F.T. Island so they can match.

Han Hyo-ju must be freezing in this flimsy chiffon white summer dress. On that night I was wearing long underwear, down filled jacket, gloves and beanie but was still cold. It even snowed that night.

Honey Lee rocks the house with kayageum performance. Who would have thought the traditional instrument was so cool? Miss Korea 2006 stays understated in this long black dress.

Ivy sheds tears of “joy” for winning the Golden Disk for Digital Sound. It’s probably tears of embarassement. Check out her ultra conservative, wannabe good girl outfit ? a plain black suit with white shirt.

Jun Hyebin, along with Han Hyoju wear the shortest dresses, but Ms. Jun’s dress does not reveal anything it shouldn’t. The dress itself is cute, but the earrings should go.

Pastic fantastic Miss Korea 2007, Lee Ji-sun is probably glad that Andre Kim is not looking over her shoulder. This time she opts for a conservative black gown.

Park Shi-yeon and Girls Generation. Park Shi-yeon literally tower over the youngin in her platform heels and monotone dress.

The Seeya girls are starting to look like clones of Nam Gyuri. Is that the concept?

SG Wannabe. They won a 2007 Golden Disk Grand Prix but not many pictures of them. Again, with the black and white outfits, they could be mistaken for part of F.T. Island above. Here is their performance of Christmas music.

Song Jihyo looks like a layered chiffon cake in this summer dress.

Suh Jihye wears a boring silvery dress. Again, a dress for summer.

Super Junior crew take over the red carpet in a sea of black. Now, if we mix FT Island, SG Wannabe and SuJu together and randomly pick out a 13 boys, we really wouldn’t know the difference.

Wondergirls (with Girls Generation). The girls have had a huge year with their viral hit, “Tell me.” Watch the performance here.

Wheesung is all gangsta channelling Usher in his performance.

Yangpa can’t decide whether she wants to be sexy or cute. She can’t do either in this blue-purple dress and fur tendril-like coat. Someone call PETA!

Actress Yoo In-young is gorgeous in this silver dress! The dress is feminine and subtly sexy. Plus it hugs her all in the right places. Purrfect. I want this dress!

Um, we missed something. Didn’t Oh Ji-ho just make a comeback this year? And so far the only thing he’s been featured in is a SBS special where he wore a fat costume. I don’t think that qualifies as best dressed.

And although Han Hyo-joo won Best Actress at the 2007 Singapore International Film Festival for the role in the movie Ad Lib Night (아주 특별한 손님). I don’t remember her dressing particularly well. In fact, I don’t remember her at all.

This is just messed up.

Although, it is slim pickings for Best Dressed, these two actors would definitely not be our pick.

Han Hyo-joo and Oh Ji-ho won 2007 Korea’s Best Dressed Awards for “talents”. And Park Shin-yang and Park Jin-hee won Best Dressed among movie stars.

Pop in:
Jeans rule at Diesel
Oh Ji-ho wants back in the limelight
Please dress appropriately for weddings
Korea’s natural beauties

The 2nd Seoul Drama Awards was held at KBS Hall yesterday. There were 130 drama nominees from 32 different countries, but the event was anything but international. This award show, like the others, was just another red-carpet event for Korean celebs to show off their cleavage, legs, and whatever else they think is worthy of flaunting – new noses, eyes, jawline, fuller cheeks…… etc etc.

Kim Sung Eun’s elegant black dress is perfection. The long black gown accentuates her twin assets and tiny waist to a tee. However, she needs to tone down her washed our makeup. Maybe she wants people to notice the dress not her. But, shouldn’t it be the other way around?

Anyhow, from the neck down, her perfectly tanned body exudes sexiness, but from neck up, she resembles a Geisha.

Han Hyoju. Love the loose bouncy waves! This is the hair I want – sexy and natural, but alas, I digress. Ms. Han has on her usual minis, but no matter how short the dress is, she never looks sexy.

Won Ki Jun looks like he raided Kernel Sander’s closet for this outfit – its way too big.

Kim So Hyun wears the ugliest hanbok ever made in Korea.

Ryu Su Young . As much as I love Gi Chan from Bad Couple, I cannot forgive him for wearing brown shoes with his black suit. Oh, Dang Ja, why didn’t you save him from the embarrassment?

Taiwanese Hana Kimi gang – why is Ella wearing a navy belt with a black dress? Call the fashion police! Black and navy should never go together, like lace and black tights.

Jang Nara wasn’t invited as a guest but as a waitress for this event.

Chun Jung Myung’s head is too small for his body and his buzz cut doesn’t help.

Rick Yune. Nice suit, but blah. He used to be gorgeous, but now he looks like an average salaryman. Maybe my tastes have changed….

Fashionista Hyori added some color to the sea of black and white with her classic blue satin dress. The details of the dress are fantastic – love the flowy tail in the back, the string skinny straps and the buttons on the side. But, with her short stature, she would have been better off with a dress that hugs her curves. The dress gobbles her up and makes her look stumpy. And lavender pumps? Dang. That don’t go with the look. Sexy strappies would have looked thousands times better.

Fashion killer Andre in his usual spacesuit and sprayed on hair. I thought that aliens and other creatures are only allowed out at night?

Baek Ji Young’s simple yet elegant dress goes perfectly with her new hair. Love the gold clutch! A punch of color would have been nice too.

Lee Hana. Like the majority color of the cars on the road – black or white- Ms. Lee has chosen clean white. Unstated and plain.

Park Shi Yeon sparkles in this fiery red dress. She has the height and legs to pull off a baggy dress. Simply stylish.

I am thankful that I am Asian. Why? Well, because we look better than our real age. And as evident in the comparison of the Korean stars versus American celebs of the same age, we rock! I can’t believe that Hilary Duff is only 20 – the woman looks like she should be in her early 30′s – she just seems too mature for her age- maybe it is her very sharp features. Moon Geun-young looks like a baby compared to her. The same goes with Jessica Biel. Again, she looks like she would be in her 30′s compared to the Korean standard. My sister is the same age as Jessica and well, Jessica could easily look like her mother. The stars born in 1980 all look great – Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson look fabulous for their age, as with Kim Tae-hee and Han Chae-young. And the same goes for the stars born in 1981 – Jun Ji-hyun, Jessica Alba, Park Jung-ah and Beyonce. They look fabulous!

(left to right)
1980: Kim Tae-hee Christina Aguilera, Han Chae-young, Jessica Simpson
1981: Jun Ji-hyun, Jessica Alba, Park Jung-ah, Beyonce
1982: Song Hye-kyo, Kirsten Dunst, Ivy, Jessica Biel
1987: Moon Geun-young, Hillary Duff, Han Hyo-ju, Maria Sharapova

Celebrity guests at Park Kyong-rim‘s wedding were on the casual side for their choice of wedding attire. Maybe I lean more on the conservative side when it comes to formal occassions, but I think that jeans, shorts, t-shirts or short dresses are not appropriate for such events – especially if there are a bride and her bridesmaids wearing floor length gowns. Also the colors black and white should be a wedding no-no, but almost all the guests chose this theme as their color (except for Jang Na-ra). Ok, that’s fine. I am down with the new rules that say black or white is ok as long as the color doesn’t take away from the bride (i.e. white outfit that looks like a wedding dress) or look like you are going to a funeral. But after covering these formal events and awards here at POPSEOUL!, I am tired of seeing celebs wearing inappropriate attire! When will someone realize there is a time and place for short skirts and jeans?

Kim Ajoong doesn’t look like herself here. When I first saw her picture, it only looked like a slight resemblance of herself. Maybe it’s the harsh daylight? Her top is fine, but the skirt is way too short.

Yangpa doesn’t look like she is going to a funeral, so the black dress is acceptable (can you tell I don’t like black to weddings?)

Jo In-sung wears casual white shirt and gray jeans. Maybe he thought they were black, which would make him look like a waiter than a star. Inappropriate.
MC Mong looks like he is the groom on top with the white coat and tie with black shirt but the baggy jeans ruin it.

Kangta and Shin Hye-song look fabulous! I bet they are wearing this only because they had to sing.

Sol Bi. Does this look like a wedding dress to you? It sorta does.

Park Jung-a wearing a gorgeous dress shirt that would be purrfect for work, not for a formal wedding.

Ryan of Paran look appropriate on top but who knows what the picture cut off – perhaps jeans? skirt?

Good for a summer day out shopping about town or even for a date, but this is a wedding no-no. cauz it’s too short.

Kim Min-sun. The color is gorgeous, the length is fine, but the dress is a bit too baggy. Otherwise, she is one of the better dressed of the celebrity bunch.

Kang Hye-jung. Is that a sweater she is wearing? It was so hot outside today.

Jang Nara look sunny in this bright above-the-knee yellow & back dress.

Hyun Young looks decent in this dress and we can forgive her for the slightly short dress since her legs are so long, she probably has a difficult time looking for a dress that fits properly. However, considering her age, this cutesy empire dress would look better on a 20 year old.

Lee Hyori, is that a t-shirt underneath your dress? This short shift is almost passable with the large buttons in the front, but it ain’t that flattering. Pass.

Hwanhee looks hot in those shades and we will forgive him for loosenin’ them buttons…

Hwang Bo-ra is bor-ing. Han Hyo-ju is ok, but she looks like Hyun Young’s twin sister.

Ex-coach of Korea’s National Soccer Team and honorary citizen of Korea, Guus Hiddinck and gf.

Eugene and Bada are forgiven for wearing jeans and shorts because one of them is the bridesmaid.

Cha Yeh-rin wears another boring black dress on a hot summer day. Yawn.

Cha Tae-hyun looks good on top, but I wonder what’s on the bottom?

Chae Yeon. Good to see her wear some clothes, but she looks like a waitress in this outfit.

The longest running awards ceremony honoring the best of Korean film, the Daejong Film Awards (aka “Grand Bell”) was held at Sejong Cultural Center on Friday night,  June 8th, 2007.  As with all awards shows, the best part is seeing who wears what, or should I say, showing off what. Similar to the Paeksang awards, there was ample cleavage and miles of legs wrapped in black or cream satin, lace or chiffon. The only real exception to the monochromatic palette was Ms. Jang Mi-hee, looking modern in a satin canary yellow dress framed by a dramatic gold necklace. 

(warning: low image quality)

Chae Min-suh (26) wears a dress from the spring 2007 collection from Michael Kors. She works the dress by pushing up her ample cleavage and she made sure her babies didn’t spill out of her dress when getting out of the car. However, she looks like she is going to pop out of the dress at any minute. High danger factor.

Hyun Young wears a black micro mini dress to a formal awards event. Don’t think that long tops are appropriate attire for a formal event no matter how gorgeous her legs are. Blah.

Jang Mi Hee (49) looks amazing in this canary yellow satin dress. The oversized bow may be a bit too much but the simplistic style of the gold collar compliments the dress nicely. Ms. Jang pulls off the bright color beautifully (and she looks absolutely fabulous at 49!)

Han Hyo-ju (20) dons on a short silver mini-dress that seems more suitable for a movie premiere rather than a formal event. Call me conservative, but longer, below-the-knee length dresses should be the norm at this events. Someone should tell these stars!

Moon Geun-young (20) is confused whether she wants to be sexy or cute. She’s got the cleavage out, but her dress is rather plain- not at all cute and not even sexy. Also, her hair is just plain messy. Did she not have time to get her hair done?

Jeon Do-yeon, winner of the Best Actress Award for Secret Sunshine at Cannes this year, floats down the red carpert in a Ralph Lauren RTW dress from the spring 2007 collection.  The long simple dress makes a dramatic monochromatic statement and Ms. Jeon carries it off fabulously. Personally, I totally loved every item of clothing from the RL’s spring collection.

Park Sol-mi is another star who adds a shot of color to the sea of black and whites in a bold flower patterned chiffon dress that has a long sexy slit which reveals almost the full length of the leg.

Kim Tae Hee  (with Seol Kyunggu) wears a black strapless lace dress and simple matching pumps withh her hair loosely tied back.  Nothing fancy. Just understated and elegant.

New on the scene, Shin Juah (23) thinks she is at a cocktail party by wearing another long top as a dress with low square neckline and extra danglies.

Kim A-joong is stunning in this sparkling Ralph Lauren dress (Spring 2007 collection). She is the epitome of grace and beauty. However, the poof of hair on top of her head has got to go. What was the hair stylist thinking? Better to go simple with an all pulled back look.

Kang Sun-young, another star in black (yawn!) and also wearing the same short bob that seems to be in style these days (i.e. Jun Do-yeon)

Chu Ja-hyun in another long strapless cleavage baring dress in a silvery color (yawn)

Wang Bitna  wears an interesting double layered dress that serves the purpose of being short and long at the same time. The inside is party time by revealing her lovely legs only when necessary in a short, above-the-knee insert but the outer layer is long reflecting a more formal look. An elegant dress. Especially like the tied front. 

Jo In-sung (Zo Insung) was compared to a prince charming ( prince riding a white horse) by the Korean press with his slicked back hair and equally sleek white suit.

Jung Ji-hoon (aka Bi) wearing a simple black suit with no tie.  I wonder if he is wearing his man-heels?

Hairstyles were either short or long. The short styles were bobs verging on bowl cuts as best worn by Jun Do-yeon. At the other extreme was long hair that is loosely tied back into a feminine bun.  

Bags: clutches were the style of choice for Jun Do-yeon, Chu Ja-yeon, Shim Hye-jin and Kang Sungyeon

Shoes: Gotta be strappy. 

 
Legs: The longer the better in the shorter the better dresses

Related:
Pop Quiz: Red Carpet Arrivals at the Dae Jong Film Awards
43rd Paeksang Arts Awards Red Carpet
Star Style at the Paeksang Arts Awards I
Star Style at the Paeksang Arts Awards II

Which pretty star is escorted up the red carpet, wearing a short black lacey dress and being careful to cover her behind to ensure unnecessary exposure? (phew.)

Did you guess right?
(left to right: Shin Ju-ah, Lee Yoonji, Kang Songyeon, Jeon Do-yeon, Han Hyo-ju, Chu Ja-hyun)
(Main picture: Kim Tae Hee)

Related:
Paeksang Arts Awards Red Carpet

Welcome to our virtual tour of the Four Seasons House. Before we begin our tour, I would like to clarify that this is the Four Seasons HOUSE not the the luxurious Four Seasons HOTEL – so please do not ask us for room services, extra towels, breakfast menus, etc. Instead we offer you the opportunity to experience all your favorite scenes from Director Yoon Suk-Ho’s four seasons drama series.

Let’s start with Autumn Fairy Tale room. Can’t you just feel the love Joon Suh (Song Seung Hun) and Eun Suh (Song Hye Kyo) were feeling as they were cleaning the pretty white window with the yellow curtains? Oh gosh, I think I’m going to cry if I stay here a minute longer.

Let’s head over to the Winter Sonata room. Just in case you forgot to bring your own wig to look like Yu Jin (Choi Ji Woo) or Jun Sang (Bae Yong Jun) for your pictures, we have extra wigs right by the mirror in the corner. Please do not fight over the wig and for the hundredth time they are not made from Choi and Bae’s real hair. They are the cheap synthetic wigs from doong dae moon.

And here’s the lovely Summer Scent room. Unfortunately I didn’t watch the drama, but the little blurb over here states that Min-Woo (Song Seung Hun) proposed to Hye-Won (Son Yeh Jin) in this room. I’m sure that it was a lovely drama and of course falling in love with the donee of your ex-girlfriend’s heart who tragically died in a car accident is very realistic.

Um…I can’t find the Spring Waltz room! But according to this brochure, you will feel like you brought Eun Young (Han Hyo Ju) to life just by walking into the replication of her room. Hey, look at what I found instead – screen shots of your favorite scenes. Isn’t it great to stare at it for the millionth time? Of course it is….

Thank you for visiting the Four Seasons House. If you have any questions about the drama, please ask the ajumma on your right. I’m sure that she knows the storyline, heck every line by heart. Thanks and come again! One last thing, please be careful on your way out. Kids are wildly running around this house as if this was a playground. Please understand their inconsiderateness, they are just too young to understand what it means to be in love with a fictional character in a drama series. Kids…

Ku Hye Sun

Han Ga-In

Han Hyo Ju

Han Ji Min

Jang Nara

Reminder – this list is not complete. There’s more to come. We just didn’t want to overwhelm you with groundbreaking news on one day.