A little note*
Much thanks to Encore Films for the kind invitation as well as the prizes for the give-aways. Credit and thanks to JT for reviewing the movie.
~Tiffany @ Seoul Rhythms~

“Why do people get married?”  “Because they want to break away from the cycle of ‘Meeting, Falling in Love, Falling out of Love, Heartbreak’. “

This movie should make a good weekend romantic comedy.  It has the right mix of good-looking leads, well-toned bodies (um-hum!!), good singing voices and with a story that does not put you to sleep.  However, the story isn’t unpredictable.  In fact, we do like that when our predictions become true.  And, the adrenaline rush is when we ask “What’s next now?”.  

The story is about a woman, Yoon Jung, (Kim Ah Joong) who was attempting to spice up her relationship with her boyfriend of 5 years through phone sex.  Not knowing that she had called another person’s number instead, she became good friends with the stranger-turned-confidant, Hyun Seung, (Ji Sung) who was mending heartbreak from a 7-year relationship.  Yoon Jung and Hyun Seung trusted each other and were comfortable to talk about anything under the sky.

While they were hesitate to meet up face-to-face but they eventually did.  Awkward at the initial stage, they chatted over the phone even though they were right next to each other.

Eventually, denying her feeling for Hyun Seung, she agreed to her boyfriend’s proposal which she had waited for many moons. Denying his feeling for Yoon Jung, he patched up with his ex-girlfriend. Did Yoon Jung get married for the right reasons? Or will he regret it? I guess you will have to watch it to find out. An added bonus- both Ji Sung and Kim A Joong sing well.

My Phone Sex Partner is now showing in all Cathay cinemas. Check out the listing time here.

Samsung seems to have spared no expense in launching their latest phone, Galaxy S4. Besides the usual marketing and promotion blitz, I just found out that they have also asked four celebrities to make a short film, with the theme “Meet a Life Companion”, featurimg of course, Samsung Galaxy S4. Hence, in the films, you will find the characters making use of the many functions in the phone to meet their companion.

Who are these 4 celebrities?

Gu Hye Sun
As most people would know by now, Gu Hye Sun has added writer, director into her resume. Gu Hye Sun started her own company in 2011 and has since directed hher own film under her own company. Although I will almost always remember her in ‘Boys Over Flowers’ and ‘Absolute Darling’. And she is really, really petite in real life.

Her short, entitled, ‘White Dog’  is about a little girl and a little dog (white Dog) and growing up.

I love the the little girl and the puppy (which is absolutely adorable). However, I must admit I found it a little difficult to understand the film totally. Maybe because I don’t speak Korean well enough to order a bowl of bibimbap. Wait, I can order a bowl of bibimbap, but will struggle to order the extras.

Still, watching the film does bring a smile to your face. I especially like the part where the dog was rolling over at the video command of the girl. *Bang!* ^^

Read her interview here.

Kim Nam Gil
(almost) Fresh out of the military, Kim Nam Gil has already produced a documentary, published a book as well as held fan meetings in Japan. He will appear in the movie, ‘The Backwards Guy’ due out in the second half of the year and the drama, ‘Shark’, which will air on KBS at the end of May.

Entitled ‘Hello Mom’, the film starts off with clips of the fast moving fashion industry, possibly in New York/ Paris/ London. It then cuts to the the main character going back to visit her mother in a small little village. The days were spent taking walks, taking photos, shopping in a market, taking photos, having meals, taking photos. Well, the simple things that any mothers would love to do with her grown up, far-away, rarely seen daughter.

I blame it on Mother’s Day, because I actually teared a little at the end of the movie. But it’s not a sad film, just heart warming.

The cherry blossoms in the film were simply out=of-this-world! Read his interview here.

Jung Woo Sung
I never knew that Jung Woo Sung had directed a few of G.O.D.’s music videos. What a surprise! Last year, he also directed and starred in a commercial for the cable, XTM. He will soon be seen in the movie, ‘Çold Eyes’, as the leader of a crime unit.

However, his short for Samsung was of entirely different theme. Entitled, ‘Love’. It is all about that young love- 첫 사랑 (a very common recurring theme in the K Dramaland).

Of the 4 short films, the phone applications used in this was the most creative and fun. Totally in line with the first love, first blossom kind of feel. You can actually feel spring in the film.

Did I mention that the girl’s make up looks dewy and dreamy like Song Hye Kyo’s in ‘That Winter, The Wind Blows’?

Read his interview here.

Yang Ik Jun
Out of the 4 celebrities, this was the most unfamiliar to me. In fact, I had to ask the producer who he was. It turns out that he is probably the most ‘well known’ director and accomplished actor out of the four. Yang Ik Jun directed and starred in the critically acclaimed movie, ‘Breathless’. Although I did not watch the movie, I have certainly heard of it. Perhaps people who are more familiar with K Dramas (like me) would remember him as Han Jae Shik, Han Jae hee (Park Si Yeon)’s brother in the drama, “The Innocent Man’.  Now I’m wondering why he took up such a small role in the drama, even if he was good in it.

Yang Ik Jun’s short, entitled ‘Dance Together’ stars one of my favourite singer- Tim.

The main application used in this film was the translator. I’m not sure if it really works as well as it did in the film but I’ll be very interested if it really does. Maybe Tim should have sang (and have the phone translate it into Japanese? ^^).

One particular shot did frame Tim to be the ‘Kight-in Shining Aemour/ Prince Charming/ Mr Right. Did you see it? Hehe! But this film also had the least scenary, being shot almost entirely in a cafe. I think it is more difficult when you can’t rely on scenary and have to depend on the characters to bring out the story.

Read his interview http://youtu.be/hwTJRCSBw2c.

I understand the films were being shown in the cinemas in Korea last week. I’m not sure if it’s still showing. Strange that Samsung Singapore has not showed them or even publicised them here. Which film do you like? ^^

Congratulations to the following 3 winners. You have won for yourself a pair of tickets to watch ‘My Phone Sex Partner’ starring Ji Sung and Kim Ah Joong.

1) Jacqueline Chia Pui Yu (Hp: xxxx x416)
2) Hoon Shi Hui Alina (Hp: xxxx x030)
3) Chia Su Kim (Hp: xxxx x946)

All winners will be contacted by organiser. Enjoy the movie!

‘My Phone Sex Parter’ starring Ji Sung, Kim Ah Joong will open in Singapore cinemas on 16th May 2013.

Many thanks to Encore Films for the ticktes.

Kim Jong Kook held his first ever fan meeting in Singapore. It was called ‘Running Man Sparta Kim Jong Kook Singapore Fan Meeting 2013′ and was organised by Mode Entertainment.

I’m not sure how he feels about it but I have mixed feelings. I know Kim Jong Kook first as a singer and I have some of his first few albums. But without the fame of the variety show, ‘Running Man’, there could not have been a fan meeting in Singapore, for the simple fact that Kim Jong Kook is not a young idol or part of a boy band. Yes, that’s the reality.

Still, I’m sure he must have been glad to have had the opportunity to perform before his fans in Singapore for the first time and interact with them. The fan meeting was a sell-out, no mean feat as many of the events that I have attended in recent times were only half full. And what was even more heartening to note that there was a fair number of male fans amongst the audience, who didn’t look like they were boyfriends/ husbands, dragged to the theatre by their over excited girlfriends/ wives. But of course, the girls still outnumbered the guys.

The show started about half hour late, no doubt due to the frenzy of merchandise buying on the ground floor. But it was well worth the wait when he started off the fan meet with the song, ‘Today More Than Yesterday (어제보다 오늘 더)’.

Ahhh… that voice.

It was good to hear him sing live finally.

Kim Jong Kook had lots of game time with his fans, in fact, at one point, he actually commented he wasn’t too sure why he was doing all these activities. Of course, it was all for the love of his fans. He played ‘tag’ on one leg (though he let almost all the groups through save one)

And then there was the tug of war. And this was where we all found out what a gentleman he was. He requested to change side because he didn’t want the audience to see his back (butt).

Well, really, I don’t think any of us thought about it and I suspect some may even have been quite happy to see his but. Wahaha!

But this comes from years of experience as well as a considerate nature. A big thumbs up to him already.

There was the usual choosing a girlfriend section. But credit to him, they tried to involve everyone and hence, even those sitting on top at the circle seats had a chance. I’m gald about this as too often, only those with the most expensive tickets had the chance to be up-close-and-personal with their idols due to their proximity.

There was also a singing competition where this small little boy stole the heart of everyone (including Kim Jong Kook) by singing part of the song, ‘Men are all like that’ from his latest album ‘Journey Home’.

Towards the end of the fan meet, he sang a number of his songs, including

Men are all like that
Saying I Love You
Loveable
One Man

Apparently, ‘Saying I Love You’ (with Yoon Eun Hye in the mv) is not a song he sings often, so Singapore fans are lucky. ^^

It was a great show, perhaps the only complaint would be there were too many games and not enough singing. But I guess as this is billed as a fan meeting, it is acceptable. But I would love to attend his proper showcase/ concert.

My Kim Jong Kook collection

For those of you who can’t get enough of him or didn’t get a chance to see him in Singapore, he will be heading over to Malaysia for his fan meet in June, jointly organised by New Pro Star, PMP Entertainment & Running Into The Sun.

Many thanks to Mode Entertainment for the kind invitation to Kim Jong Kook’s ‘Running Man Sparta Kim Jong Kook Singapore Fan Meeting 2013′.

Hyun Seung (Ki Sung), an aspiring singer/ songwriter is still in love with his ex-girlfriend. Yoon Jung (Kim Ah Joong) tried to rekindle the love and passion in her 5 years-old relationship with her boyfriend via phone sex, but instead made the wrong call to Hyun Seung.

This movie was released in Korea in December 2012 and did well, hitting the 1 milliom admission mark within 10 days. It is rated M18 in Singapore. I haven’t seen Ji Sung since ‘Protect the Boss’ and he’s looking good in here.

There are 3 pairs of passes to give away for this movie. Just answer one very easy question. Answer can be found on Encore Film’s FB and website.

Q: When does the movie, [My Phone Sex Partner] open in the cinemas?

Please send in your answers with the subject heading ‘My Phone Sex Partner’ contest and your details to contest@seoulrhythms.com. Please include the following details

1) Your name as in your i/c
2) Your contact number
3) Your address

The passes will be sent out to you from the organiser.

Things to note:
– Contest is open to residents of Singapore only
– Contest ends at 12noon, 10th May 2013
– Winners will be picked randomly

Movie passes are courtesy of Encore Films. Check out their website for more details on their upcoming films.

Many of my friends who are not Hallyu mad are ‘Secret Garden’ mad and of course, Hyun Bin mad. That show must have really worked some magic onto it’s audience. However, at the height of his popularity, he was enlisted into the army. But many of his fans waited very patiently for his return, which happened in 2012.

To reward his loyal fans, he emabrked on an Asia Tour after his discharge, visiting Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong and China. Last weekend, he was in town for his Singapore stop and held a open press conference at Bugis+

At first glance, he seemed thinner but well toned. He wore a suit- a proper suit, which is rather rare amongst the artistes especially when it comes to public event like meeting fans at a mall. But I found it incredibly secy.

Hyun Bin is a really charasmatic man. And this coming from someone who has seen numerous artistes in the past few years.

I think his stint in the marines and his maturity (which may have been a result of his military service) added to that X Factor. Whatever it is, he set a couple of seasoned media personnel hearts a fluttering.

The open press conference started off with the usual questions warm up by the MC- in this case, Ken of radio station, UFM1003.

It proceeded smoothly with the questions coming quickly from the media. He gamely answered all of them. We were told beforehand that questions on past and present relationships were out of bounds, But seriously, Singapore media is a tame bunch. The only slightly wild question was from an overseas media who asked if it was true that he wore only underwear at home. That question was very cleverly avoided.

Hmmm…Hyun Bin is in a relationship presently?

Hyun Bin was aksed if he could act cute but his face said it all even before he answered. It’s just not him and he finds it tough, though he did do a v sign ackwardly at Ken’s request. But a quick search on the internet would show some agyeo expressions. Is this cute enough? ^^

One interesting note. Hyun Bin mentioned that many have commented that his stare is too fierce and serious after his military stint. Do you agree? I think it’s good enough to play a psyhic, which would be his role in his first saeguk movie.

Ken threw the Q&A session to the fans and the only fan picked was a very daring and determind fan, who gamely asked Hyun Bin to marry her. It certainly brought laughter to all around, including Hyun Bin himself. I believe the man himself was duly impressed as he gave her the thumbs up.

I normally do not like open press conference because there is no exclusivity to the media. What would the media’s value be if the whole proceeding could be viewed by all and fans take as many photos and vdeos as they want? Although of course the fans are deligted with this arrangement.

However, this time it went well enough because Hyun Bin himself was very engaging and the press conference lasted long enough instead of the usual 10-15 minutes that so often happened in many press conferences.

Check out the videos clip below

Check out the rest of the photos on Seoul Rhythm’s FB here. And if you want to relieve the ‘Secret Garden’ memories, you can buy the comic books here and the special edition ost here.

Many thanks to Faith & D Entertainment for the invitation to the press conference.

LUNAFLY Showcase Live In Singapore

VIP- $118
- Inclusive of Non-alcoholic Drinks, Autograph Session, Solo Photo Session, Priority Entry, Poster, Pre-Event Meet & Greet
Category 1 – $78
- Inclusive of Autograph Session, Priority Entry, Poster
Category 2 – $48

Date: 12 May (Sunday), 4pm
Venue: Hard Rock Cafe
Sites to take note: JNation Entertainment FB, Lunafly Eventbrite

Fan Sign
Date: 11 May (Saturday), 5pm
Venue: Causeway Point

They will also be appearing on The Sheng Siong Show on the 11 May and JNation Entertainment is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to the show. Check out their FB for more information.

A-Prince Singapore Promo Showcase

VIP- $128- Inclusive of Autograph Session, Photo Session, Poster, Hi-5
Category 1 – $78
- Inclusive of Autograph Session, Poster
Category 2 – $48

Date: 18 May (Saturday), 4pm
Venue: DBS Arts Centre
Sites to take note: JNation Entertainment FB, A Prince Eventbrite

Meet and Greet cum Hi-5
Date: 19 May (Sunday), 5pm
Venue: JCube

JCube is having a promotion at the moment. For every $50 spent in the mall, you will get a pair of $128 tickets. Check out the details here.

A-Jax- It’s Showtime Showcase Live In Singapore

VIP- $118
- Inclusive of Autograph Session, Photo Session (group of 10), Priority Entry, Poster, Album
- Only 300 tickets
Category 1 – $88
- Inclusive of Autograph Session, Priority Entry, Poster, Album
Category 2 – $58

Date: 24 May (Friday), 7pm
Venue: Kallang Theatre
Sites to take note: JNation Entertainment FB, A-Jax Eventbrite

No, really, I’m spring cleaning my place and clearing out stuff that I’ve amassed over the years.

So, I’m starting off with this. Bought this magazine during my trip to Korea last year and well, totally forgot it. So if you are a fan of Junsu and would like to just gaze at him through a total of 14 pages, do join in this fun contest.

This area is been known for it’s ‘graffiti’ art work and I believed has been featured in a few variety shows and mentioned in many travel books and sites. It’s really cool.

1) Name the place/ area where this art is found
2) Give your answer in the comment in the Seoul Rhythms facebook (do not answer here)
3) Deadline- 27th April, 6pm
4) Winner will be notified via FB

And the prize?

@Star 1, October 2012 issue with Kim Junsu on the cover.

All these began about about 4 years back, with the first ever Sundown Festival in 2009. It was the first commercial concert and it was a huge success with Browned Eye Girls, FT Island etc performing. So much so that the President of Korea Tourism Organisaiton, Mr Charm Lee personally paid a visit to our little red dot to watch the event.

There has been no stopping the flood since.

Where once we bemoan the rare sightings of the creature called Hallyu/ K Pop star, now they are popping up almost every weekend like meerkats.

Well known ones, rookies types, sexy girls, handsome boys, fascinating divas, charming men, tall models, muscles types and the list goes on.

Sometimes, I don’t even know who they are.

I mean I know who they are… but I don’t know who they are.

I’m not sure it’s healthy and contributing to the advancement and enjoyment of Hallyu. Of course, if someone invites them here, I’m sure the artistes are more than happy to come. Not only does it mean more exposure outside of the very competitve Korea entertainment industry, it also means they get paid (and we all know how very little rookie groups get paid).

Which brings up another question.

How do the fans managed to cough up the money? *Shakes head*.

And it is not unusual now to have clashes.

A good example- on the 24th May, there are 3 events on:
Singapore Social (Psy and Blush)
Music Matters Live (M.I.B., AOA, Lena Park etc)
A-jax showcase

Of course, if you are a fan of the artiste, it’s probably your dream come true.

Still, I can’t help but wonder if the fans are feeling a little ‘constipated’ with the ‘good stuff’. And we’re only in the second quarter of the year.

I hope I survive.

But if this man ever comes to Singapore for another fan meet or open a cafe, I’ll be the first in queue.

Mr Bae, I’ll be waiting.

Song Seung Heon finally made it to Singapore for his first personal promotion.

Years ago (around 2003) he was invited to Singapore together with Shu Qi and Karen Mok for the premiere of the movie, ‘So Close’. At the very last minute, he cancelled the visit.

Since then, many of his fans have been eagerly awaiting for the right opportunity for his first ever Singapore visit. He was a guest presenter in the 2011 MAMA held in Singapore, but it was a very, very brief appearance and it doesn’t really count.

This time round, Song Seung Heon was able to make his official visit at the invitation of Channel U for the premiere of his drama, ‘Time Slip, Dr Jin’.

It would seemed he has hardly changed. Yet, of course he has. He has become more manly- 很有侽人味。

As the song, ‘Last Love’, played in the background, Song Seung Heon answered a wide range of questions from the various media. He took time and answered each question carefully, in fact some answers were so long that the translator seemed to be lost in translation.

Whilst he was excited filming his very first saeguk, he was also worried. Thankfully, he didn’t have to speak in ancient Korean as he was from the modern time.

The rather amusing part of the Q&A was when asked about the most memorable part during filming of the drams- he could only remembered the extreme heat. I guess it must have been really hot if that’s all he remembered. ^^

He was rather serious during the whole interview and hardly smiled. Perhaps he was trying to stay in character for his present drama (where he plays a mean and cold gangster). But there were a couple his signature expressions.

He made the media laughed when he admitted frankly that he sang well in the ost for the drama only with the help of modern tachnical facilities and he definitely won’t be releasing any albums.

Will we see a different Song Seung Heon in his future movie and dramas? Well, he replied that he does hope to play different roles, perhaps even as a villain or a murderer. Not sure if I can imagine him as a murderer..as he is simply too good looking and exudes a gentlemanly air about him.

A gentleman killer? What do you think?

Check out the rest of the interview in the clip below.

Time Slip Dr Jin
This is a Korean adaptation of the manga series, ‘Jin’, written by Motoka Murakami. Dr Jin (Song Seung Heon) is a brilliant neurosurgeon who is mysteriously transported back 150 years to Joeseon Dynasty, where he meet his fiancee look alike Hong Young Rae (Park Min Young).

Kim Kyung Tak (Kim Jae Joong), the illegitimate son of a minister and his concubine. A military official, he is also in love with Young Rae. Lee Ha Eung (Lee Bum Soo) plays the trusted friend of Dr Jin during the Joseon period.

Pulled into the historical politics of the day, Dr Jin must learn to practice his medical skills without the help of modern technology and equipment. Torn between going back to the future and staying in the past, his decisions may shape history. Also expect to see lots of operations (with pretty real scenes) as there were actual surgeons on hand to advise the team.

Catch ‘Dr Jin’ every night on Channel U, from 10pm to 11pm starting from 1st April.

And if you want double dosage of him, you can also catch him in the Wednesday/ Thursday drama ‘When a Man Loves’ on MBC. In this drama, starring Shin Se Kyung and Chae Jung Ahn, Song Seung Heon is an ex-gangster turned businessman. He is suposed to be cold hearted, smart and good with his fist. That could explain the stubble when he was in town. ^^

p/s- I like his shoes… I like his legs too. ^^

For more photos from the press conference, check out Seoul Rhythm’s FB here.