[News] Kim Myung-min races in 'Pace Maker'.

[News] Kim Myung-min races in 'Pace Maker'.
Cr. - javabeans


The Method man strikes again: Kim Myung-min takes on the role of an elite-level runner for his new movie Pace Maker, and it looks like he’s dropped yet more weight to do it. Eep!

I’d thought he’d lost all the weight he could afford to lose (and then some) for his movie My Love By My Side, and was relieved when that was over, for the sake of his health. But here he is, looking gaunt again to act the role of a pace maker, who participates in the first part of a marathon to keep the pace for its frontrunner, and then drops out. But he dreams of being a contender himself; ergo, movie.



Apparently Kim injured his right leg while filming another one. Coincidentally, his Man-ho character in Pace Maker also has a right-leg injury. I’ve read enough about Kim’s insane Method acting to feel relieved that his injury came first, lest he pursue yet more masochistic activity in the name of realism.

Kim called the movie “a very hopeful and touching human story.” You know what would give me hope? If he started EATING again! Sigh. Filming began on Pace Maker on April 11, and plans to release in the latter half of the year.

Below, he trains for the role:

[Photo & News] Yoo Ah-in as a high school brawler in Wan Deuk-yi.

[Photo & News] Yoo Ah-in as a high school brawler in Wan Deuk-yi.
Cr. - javabeans

Here’s a look at Yoo Ah-in‘s (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) next project, where he stars as the titular Wan-deuk-yi in a coming-of-age tale based on a manhwa of the same name. (The character’s name is Wan-deuk, and “yi” is what you’d add at the end of it if you’re the same age or older, like Kang-ah.)

It’ll be his first starring role in a film, much-deserved since he’s been the scene-stealer and fan favorite for many of his projects in the last few years. Though Sungkyunkwan broke him out into the limelight, he seems to be interested in taking on challenging roles, even if to change up expectations.



He’ll be starring alongside film and drama heavyweight Kim Yoon-seok (The Chaser, Jeon Woo Chi, also starring in the upcoming heist film The Professionals, aka Thieves, starring Lee Jung-jae). Kim is someone you maybe don’t go to the movies to see, but ends up carrying the whole drama and the action.

Yoo Ah-in’s character Wan-deuk-yi is a high school student who comes from a rough background, and uses his fists to solve all problems. It becomes a way of life for him, until one teacher, played by Kim, takes an interest in him and gets him to take his fighting fists out of the street and into the ring.



The film also stars Kang Byul (Kim Suro) as Wan-deuk-yi’s girlfriend, below, and Park Hyo-joo (Dangerous Meeting). Directing is Lee Han (My Love, Almost Love, Garden of Heaven).

I love a good underdog story, and the teacher-as-surrogate-father relationship is bound to be heartwarming. This looks to be one to keep an eye on, if even for the performances of the two leads alone.

Wan-deuk-yi plans to release later this year.

[News] “The Journals of Musan” wins award at San Francisco film festival.

[News] “The Journals of Musan” wins award at San Francisco film festival.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean director Park Jung-bum has received another award at an international film festival, making it its ninth win for his film "The Journals of Musan."

“Musan,” both helmed by and starring Park Jung-bum, won the New Directors award at the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF54) held from April 21 to May 5, winning 15,000 dollars as prize money, as revealed by the official website of the fest today.

“I do wonder whether such overwhelming attention to my film is because it deals with the sensitive subject of a North Korean defector,” Park said in the statement released today by film’s distributor JinJin Pictures. “It’s wonderful to receive an award but I also feel sorry for Seung-chul who passed away and I feel an even greater responsibility to make good films in the future.”



Jeon Seung-chul, a real-life character of the same name whom the movie is based on, used to be a close friend of director Park's who later passed away from cancer.

Park turned his story into a 127-minute film which tells the plight of the North Korean defector trying to adjust to a capitalist society in South Korea which has been well recognized for delving into one of the most controversial issues in Korean Peninsula and is the extended version of director Park’s earlier short film “125 JEON Seung Chul” (2008) that describes the typical day for the same lead character.



"Musan" has already won a slew of accolades at other international film festivals including the New Currents Award and International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award at the 15th Busan International Film Festival last October, the top prize at the 10th Marrakech International Film Festival held in Morocco in December, the Tiger Award during the 40th International Film Festival Rotterdam in February, the jury prize at the 13th Deauville Asian Film Festival in France in mid- March, the Krakow Film Award at the Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema in mid-April and most recently, the award for best new narrative director at the 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival held at New York City of New York in late April.

The film was also selected one of the top ten must-see movies by magazine Time Out New York early this year and premiered in Korea in mid-April.

[Photo & News] Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suk 'You're Pet' photo shoot.

[Photo & News] Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suk 'You're Pet' photo shoot.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Hallyu star Kim Ha-neul and Jang Keun-suk leader cast couple of 'You're Pet' movies photo shoot has been released.

On 3rd May photo fliming show on You're Pet's facebook site and show photographs of the exercises were scenarios, two star in the photo alongside the pose takes the perfect picture of older woman attracted to younger boy.


Kim Haneul and Jang Geun Suk will star in a new film titled, “You're Pet” a story about growing up through understanding and caring for one another as pet owner and her pet. The original story was written by the Japanese writer Yayoi Ogawa and was later adapted into a popular TBS drama starring Matsumoto Jun.

“You're Pet” Kim Ha-neul plays ‘Eunee,’ a beautiful and successful woman who is socially awkward. Jang Keun-suk plays ‘Inho,’ an aspiring danseur / ballerino extremely popular amongst women. Through certain circumstances, Inho will live with Eunee as her pet and display various sides of a pretty boy.

[News] Ji Jin-hee cast as male lead in upcoming Chinese film.

[News] Ji Jin-hee cast as male lead in upcoming Chinese film.
Cr. - 10asia

Ji Jin-hee has taken a step into the movie industry in China, being cast as the male lead in an upcoming drama flick opposite Chinese actress Eva Huang.

N.O.A Entertainment announced in a press release today that Ji will play the role of Ju-hwan in the film whose translated title is "On the Road," which cranked in yesterday in China, while the film is scheduled to open in theaters later this year.

The movie tells the story of Ju-hwan who by chance falls in love with a Chinese woman (Huang) on a train while traveling in China to forget his past lover.

"Ji was cast for this role a year ago but we had to push back the shooting for the film because he was working on historical drama 'Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown,'" the director of "Road" was quoted as saying. "We didn't cast someone else for the role of Ju-hwan because we felt that Ji was the right actor to express the emotions of the character through his eyes and voice."

Ji, 39, rose to fame for his role in "Jewel in the Palace" in 2003 and has starred in the Hong Kong film "Perhaps Love".

He has appeared in a number of TV series such as “Miss Kim’s Adventures in Making a Million (2004),” “Spotlight (2008),” “The Man Who Can't Get Married (2009)," and films “The Old Garden (2007),” “Bewitching Attraction (2006)” “Soo (2007)” and “Parallel Life (2009).”

Eva Huang is a Chinese actress and singer and rose to fame with her role as the female lead in the action-comedy "Kung Fu Hustle." She has also starred in TV series "Tianxian Pei (2007)," "Riyue Lingkong (2007)" and "Guangfu Taiji Chuanqi (2010)."

[News] Kim Hee-sun's "Nation" hits number 1 Chinese box office.

[News] Kim Hee-sun's "Nation" hits number 1 Chinese box office.
Cr. - hancinema

Kim Hee-sun's Chinese movie "Nation" was released locally and took first place in the weekend box office.

According to the local Chinese media on the 18th, "Nation" was released in China on the 12th and drew a total profit of 10 billion won (~US$10 million), reaching first place in box office hits.

Along with the hit, favorable reviews about Kim Hee-sun are also endlessly coming out. She plays the role of a strong woman who puts her life on the line for someone she loves, completing her lines in Chinese perfectly as well.

She also appeared at the premiere of the movie for the first time after her marriage.

A member of productions said, "Kim Hee-sun wears traditional clothing in the movie and there will be lots to see including her dancing the classic dance and more".

"Nation" is a Chinese blockbuster war movie based on the Chinese Spring and Autumn War Era.

[News] TOKIO’s Yamaguchi Tatsuya listens as 'Angelina Jolie' shows her support for Japan.

[News] TOKIO’s Yamaguchi Tatsuya listens as 'Angelina Jolie' shows her support for Japan.
Cr. - tokyohive

Yamaguchi Tatsuya from popular music group TOKIO attended an event at Dream Works Studio in California for the debut of the movie, “Kung Fu Panda 2“. Although the event was part of a world media campaign, focus immediately shifted to Japan when the singer met with actress Angelina Jolie.

Yamaguchi first met the actress about three years ago, so there is some history there. Jolie began to ask the singer about the current conditions in Japan: “Are the people around you alright? The attitude of the Japanese in such a great catastrophe is amazing. I want to do something to help.”

Over a hundred reporters from 18 different countries were present at the event, which also featured actor Jack Black in addition to Jolie and other cast members.



Angelina was asked to comment on the earthquake and massive damages that have occurred in Japan since March 11th. “When I see the videos and then read articles about it, I’m very distressed. The disaster is beyond imagination. The people who were affected… when I think about the people, including families, who lost things… I can’t stop crying. We must support the Japanese as much as possible.”

She then turned her attention to the TOKIO member: “Yamaguchi is someone who attracts with his smile and tries to give it to other people… his work will surely heal the hearts of the Japanese.”

Yamaguchi also commented on the movie’s themes. “‘Family bonds’ is a theme of the movie, and is especially important during these times.”

“Kung Fu Panda 2″ comes out on May 26th in North America, and August 19th in Japan.

[News] Na Hong-jin gets Cannes slot for 'The Yellow Sea'.

[News] Na Hong-jin gets Cannes slot for 'The Yellow Sea'.
Cr. - http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

Na Hong-jin's crime thriller "The Yellow Sea" has been invited to show at the parallel Un Certain Regard section of this year's Cannes Film Festival in May, organizers said.

Starring Ha Jung-woo as a desperate man who, in order to find his missing wife, takes up an order to kill, the film is among some 20 films in the special category.

Also co-starring Kim Yoon-seok as a hit man, the film was successful in the local box office. It particularly made headlines for reuniting Na, Ha and Kim, who previously collaborated in "The Chaser", which was also featured in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section in 2008.

Un Certain Regard is among the festival's three main sections, alongside the competitive and non-competitive categories. Last year, Korean director Hong Sang-soo's "Ha Ha Ha" won the section's top prize while in 2009 Bong Joon-ho's "Mother - 2009" received critical acclaim.

This year's official Cannes selection is to be announced in Paris on Thursday.

[News] Kim Myung-min Main cast for new film "Pacemaker".

[News] Kim Myung-min Main cast for new film "Pacemaker".
Cr. - 10asia

The main cast for an upcoming human drama pic has been revealed today, according to the film's distributor Synergy on Thursday.

Synergy announced in a press release that Korean actors Kim Myung-min, Ahn Sung-ki and actress Ara have been cast in the new film titled "Pacemaker" which cranked in on Monday.

"Pacemaker," a directorial debut for musical director Kim Dal-joong whose works include "Thrill Me" and "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," tells the inspiring story of marathon runner Joo Man-ho (Kim) who runs at a set pace but decides to break that record with the help of pacemaker Park Seong-il (Ahn), while Ara will play the role of Yoo Ji-won, a pole jumper.

"I think that 'Pacemaker' will be an uplifting and emotional movie for the audience and I feel really great about this film because I will reflect on my experiences from my past movies to play Joo Man-ho," Kim was quoted as saying.

"Pacemaker" will be shot in various cities in South Korea including Daegu, Daejeon and Jeju Island as well as London and is scheduled to open in local theaters later this year.

[News] Kwon Sang-woo Cast in New Film with Actress Cecilia Cheung.

[News] Kwon Sang-woo Cast in New Film with Actress Cecilia Cheung.
Cr. -http://www.asiae.co.kr/

Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo has taken a step forward in the movie industry in China, being cast as the male lead in an upcoming romance flick opposite top Chinese actress Cecilia Cheung .

Bel Actors Entertainment announced in a press release today that Kwon will play the male lead alongside Cheung in the film tentatively titled "Love Again," set to crank in on April 26 in Shenzhen of China and Hong Kong, while the film is scheduled to open in theaters later this year.

Cecilia Cheung began her career in 1998 through a television commercial and made her film debut in Stephen Chow 's "King of Comedy" a year later. She won the award for best newcomer at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1999 for her role in "Fly Me to Polaris."

She also expanded her career into music, releasing her first Cantopop album "Any Weather" in 1999. She then returned to the big screen in 2003 with a role in "Lost in Time" which won her the best actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Kwon, 34, has starred in several dramas and movies since his debut in 2001 and rose to stardom in Asia after playing the male lead in 2003 TV series "Stairway to Heaven."

He has also starred in war movie "71 Into the Fire" and SBS' TV series "The President" alongside actress Ko Hyun-jung.

The actor recently finished shooting the romance film tentatively titled "Pain," based on the comic series of the same name by artist Kangfull, opposite actress Jung Ryeo-won.

He is also in talks to play the main character in "12 Chinese Zodiac Heads," which is the third installment of action flick "Armour of God," to be helmed by famed Hong Kong actor and stuntman Jackie Chan .

[News] Son Ye-jin, Lee Min-ki finish shooting 'Eerie Romance' new movie.

[News] Son Ye-jin, Lee Min-ki finish shooting 'Eerie Romance' new movie.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu Star Son Ye-jin and actor Lee Min-ki have finished shooting a new horror romance film, according to the film's distributor CJ Entertainment.

On Tuesday, CJ announced in a press release that Son and Lee recently completed filming their feature flick tentatively titled "Eerie Romance" which will open in local theaters during the latter half of the year.

"Eerie Romance," helmed by first-time director Hwang In-ho, tells the love story that blossoms between Yeo-ri who starts seeing ghosts after an accident and Jo-goo, a magician that performs magic tricks with ghosts.

"The cast and the staff went through a lot of hardships because of the weather this winter but I still had a lot of fun working on this film," Son was quoted as saying, while co-star Lee explained that "Eerie Romance" contains various genres that the audience will enjoy.

Son made her debut in 2001 through MBC drama "Delicious Proposal" and has since appeared in many successful TV series and movies including "Summer Scent" (KBS, 2003), "Alone in Love" (SBS, 2006) “Personal Taste” (MBC, 2010) and movie "The Classic" in 2003.

Lee made his debut in the entertainment industry in 2005 with his role in the drama “Be Strong, Geum Soon!” (MBC, 2005) followed by appearing in the series "I Really Really Like You" (MBC, 2006) and films "A Good Day to Have an Affair" (2007) and the Korean blockbuster "Haeundae" (2009), which was the highest-grossing Korean film that year.

[News] Arnold Schwarzenegger, candidate for director Kim Ji-woon's Hollywood flick.

[News] Arnold Schwarzenegger, candidate for director Kim Ji-woon's Hollywood flick.
Cr. - hancinema

Possibilities of Arnold Schwarzenegger who announced he will be finishing his duties as the governor of California and returning as an actor, starring in director Kim Ji-woon's Hollywood flick have been mentioned.

According to Hollywood entertainment media "Hollywood Showbiz", Arnold Schwarzenegger is weighing out director Kim Ji-woon's "The Last Stand" and "The Tomb".

"The Last Stand" is about a border marshal who tries to capture drug dealers who run away to Mexico.

Previously Liam Neeson was cast for the lead role but he stepped down.

Schwarzenegger recently also said in an interview, "I want to be in a big action movie" and raised the possibility that he might be in "The Last Stand" rather than "The Tomb".

[News] So Ji-sub gearing up for boxer role in 'Only You' new movie.

[News] So Ji-sub gearing up for boxer role in 'Only You' new movie.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu Star So Ji-sub is undergoing intensive training for his role as a boxer in his upcoming film co-starring actress Han Hyo-joo.

A press release by his agency 51K said Monday that So, set to take on a former boxer named Chul-min in film "Only You," is building on his basic physical strength through aerobic exercises and jump rope, while receiving all-out training in punching the sandbag, shadow-boxing and sparring as well.

So, who is athletic and has worked out regularly, is adapting and learning the sport quickly, 51K explained in the statement, the thorough preparation coming particularly for a scene where he will play a match against another boxer to be taken on by actual K1 fighter Whi Seung-bae.

So's character Chul-min, who makes a living by delivering water and managing a parking lot, will have a rough personality yet sacrifice his all for a girl gradually losing her eyesight, to be played by Han Hyo-joo.

"Only You," helmed by critically acclaimed director Song Il-gon whose previous works include "Flower Island" and "Spider Forest," cranked in at the end of last month and is eyeing for a premiere around the latter half of this year.

[News] Jackie Chan Teams Up With Kwon Sang Woo on Chinese Zodiac.

[News] Jackie Chan Teams Up With Kwon Sang Woo on Chinese Zodiac.
Cr. - HK Morning

Hong Kong performing artists earlier held an 'ARTISTES 311 LOVE BEYOND BORDER' Japan relief show. Jackie Chan donated both money and effort that day as he donated HK$3 million. Two nights ago he attended a Japanese restaurant opening in Beijing and announced that he will donate another 10 million yen. He urged everyone to lend a helping hand to Japan Earthquake victims. Jackie Chan at the event said, Japan just had an earthquake, he as one of Nobu restaurant bosses would donate another 10 million yen.

In addition 500 yuan out from each charity special order would be donated to the victims as well. Jackie Chan said, "I hope to share the love with all the less fortunate people around the world." The restaurant prepared a super large birthday cake for Jackie Chan's birthday on the 7th. Jackie Chan tried to force cake into friends' mouths, but Lin Peng stopped him. He said, "I don't dare to be fed, let's try this: give him a 'Xu Jinglei kiss'."

In addition, Korean actor Kwon Sang-woo earlier came to Hong Kong for the relief show. Later he will work with Jackie Chan on an action film. According to Kwon Sang-woo's management, "Kwon Sang-woo will join the Jackie Chan starred action film 'CHINESE ZODIAC'. The production dates and other matter have already been negotiated. Jackie Chan thought Kwon Sang-woo's action performance in films like 'SPIRIT OF JEET KUNE DO' was very exciting." CHINESE ZODIAC will be a 100 billion won action epic, with four Asian superstars in its cast. Production will begin in early June in Paris.

[News] So Ji Sub & Han Hyo Joo begin filming for new romance movie, “Only You”.

[News] So Ji Sub & Han Hyo Joo begin filming for new romance movie, “Only You”.
Cr. - allkpop

So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo have begun filming for their new movie, “Only You“! On April 4th, Show Box Mediaplex revealed, “On March 31st, So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo held their first filming together at a vet hospital in Seoul.”

Directed by Song Il Gon, the film details the fate-like love story between a former boxer who’s lived a rough-and-tumble life and a blind, but confident woman.

Han Hyo Joo plays the role of the blind ‘Jung Hwa’. Though she’s known for her cute and naive characters in other dramas and CFs, she gained a more mature angle after it was discovered that she was living with a blind person in order to better study her role.

Meanwhile, So Ji Sub will play ‘Chul Min’, a former boxer-turned-water deliveryman who can barely make his ends meet and is literally living hour-to-hour.

The movie will hit theaters this fall.

[News] So Ji-sub is a contract killer in "The Salary Man" new movies.

[News] So Ji-sub is a contract killer in "The Salary Man" new movies.
Cr. - hancinema

So Ji-sub is confirmed for cast in movie "The Salary Man" following the movie "Only You - Movie".

So Ji-sub signed to be on board with the movie last week. He works in a contract killing company, killing people with no guilt but meets a woman and becomes a target among his co-workers when he tries to leave the organization.

As soon as So Ji-sub is done filming the movie "Only You - Movie" on the 31st, he will start "The Salary Man".

"The Salary Man" is the best action movie incomparable to the movie last year, "The Stranger". So Ji-sub is a former boxer who fights for the woman he loves who can't see in the movie "Only You - Movie".

So Ji-sub will be showing the action and mellow act in a row with movies, "Only You - Movie" and "The Salary man".

[News] 'Poetry' get 17th awards from '25th Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF)'.

[News] 'Poetry' get 17th awards from '25th Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF)'.
Cr. - javabeans

The awards keep rolling in for 'Poetry', which has just collected its 17th from Switzerland’s 25th Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF), taking home the festival’s top prize, the Regard d’Or. Starring Yoon Jung-hee as an elderly woman finding happiness writing poetry for the first time, the film was praised “for the skillful fusion, the perfect unity, the beauty, the purity and essence of art in itself: poetry.”

Writer-director Lee Chang-dong can add this to his well-decorated mantel: Poetry’s highest-profile win to date is probably the Best Screenplay award from the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. (He also wrote and directed Secret Sunshine back in 2007, which took home Cannes’ top prize.)



Just a week ago, Poetry also won for Best Director and Screenplay at Hong Kong’s Asian Film Awards, which joins its Best Picture prize at the Grand Bell Awards and Best Actress trophy at the Blue Dragon Awards. Breaking down the 17 wins by category, four were for Best Picture, five for its screenplay, three each for its director and actress, one for supporting actor, and one critic’s award.



Meanwhile, FIFF was also a good day for director Kim Tae-yong and his classic-film remake Late Autumn — starring Hyun Bin and Tang Wei — which won two awards of its own. One was the Special Mention of the Jury of the International Federation of Film Societies, and the other was the special youth-jury-selected Ex-Change Award. It was lauded as “a beautiful film that delicately portrays the process of two people opening their hearts to each other, transcending language.”

Not a bad showing for Korean films, which are starting to make greater headway on the international scene and the festival circuit. It’s funny how the ones that get raves abroad aren’t the ones pulling in the major attention back home — or maybe that’s just always the way.

[News] 'Late Autumn' picks up awards at '25th Fribourg International Film Festival'.

[News] 'Late Autumn' picks up awards at '25th Fribourg International Film Festival'.
By Lee Hyo-won@www.koreatimes.co.kr


Lee Chang-dong's "Poetry" won the top award, the Regard d'Or, at the 25th Fribourg International Film Festival while Kim Tae-yong's "Late Autumn - 2010" picked up two prizes at the Swiss event.

Co-starring China's Tang Wei and South Korea's Hyun Bin, "Late Autumn - 2010" won the Special Mention of the Jury of the International Federation of Film Societies and the Ex-Change Award. The latter is a prize selected by a special jury of youths.

The remake of the 1966 Lee Man-hee-I classic competed in Fribourg's competition section even though it made its European premiere at the Berlin Film Festival last month. Fribourg's jury praised "Late Autumn - 2010" as "a beautiful film that delicately portrays the process of two people opening their hearts to each other, transcending language".

But the film lost out to another Korean contender, "Poetry", a Cannes-winning film that also won prizes for Best Director and Best Screenplay at Hong Kong's Asian Film Awards last week.

The Fribourg Festival is one of Europe's most eclectic cinema events known for introducing international works to the region, particularly those from Latin American and Asian countries.

In past editions, it has invited numerous Korean films including "Breathless", "Memories of Murder", "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", "3-Iron" and "The Way Home".

만추 (Late Autumn, 2010) trailer

[News] Han Jae-seok is returning with director Lee Seong-han's new "HIT".

[News] Han Jae-suu is returning with director Lee Sung-han's new "HIT".
Cr. - hancinema

According to the movies in the 28th, Han Jae-suk is in the process of negotiating deals about "HIT" (produced by Owl Entertainment). "HIT" is a new piece by Lee Sung-han, who is known for his unique movie styles such as "Spare" and "Wish".

Like the work by Lee Sung-han, this movie is supposed to be about the friendship and affection between men. Han Jae-seok made a friendly appearance in movie "Quiz King - 2010" and "Romantic Heaven".

From last September he had been working with Tang Wei in a Korea, Japan and China collaboration film, "...ing".

"HIT" will finalize in casting soon and start filming as soon as possible.

[News] Son Ye-jin back to the big screen with 'Tower'.

[News] Son Ye-jin back to the big screen with 'Tower'.
Cr. - javabeans

Son Ye-jin (Chilling Romance, Personal Taste) has announced her next project. As expected, she’ll be returning to filmlandia; what’s not as expected is the genre. She’ll be starring in her first blockbuster action flick, Tower, a disaster film about a skyscraper fire, due out later this year. Iiiinteresting. Move over, Ha Ji-won?

While I don’t think Son will be going the Ha Ji-won Kickass Heroine route, she will be playing something different from her repertoire of late, which is always nice. I just love her no matter what she plays, because she imbues every character with such earnestness and down-to-earth charm. She’ll be starring opposite the intensely charismatic Sol Kyung-gu (The Fixer, Haeundae), a stronghold in the tough leading-man-of-action roles, as well as Kim Sang-kyung. Directing is Kim Ji-hoon, who is ALSO directing summer blockbuster 'Sector 7'.

If you’re wondering how one man can crank out two blockbusters in one six-month period, it’s because Sector 7 is already shot and well into post-production, while Tower has just begun principal photography. Needless to say, the man’s busy. The movie is actually a remake of the 1974 Hollywood film The Towering Inferno, starring Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden, and Faye Dunaway. It’s based on the novel by Richard Martin Stern, which was in turn inspired by the construction of the World Trade Center in the early 70s.

The fictional version takes place in a 140-floor skyscraper, where a fire breaks out on Christmas Eve and well, chaos ensues. What’s with Christmas Eve and action movies? Is Die Hard just the terrorist version of this story? This remake of course takes place in downtown Seoul. Sol Kyung-gu plays Steve McQueen’s leading role, as the firefighter who’s first on the scene. Sohn Ye-jin will be playing a restaurant manager who works in the building, and Kim Sang-kyung plays the building’s facilities manager. Hm, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a good disaster film.

Maybe this one will deliver some classic heartstring-tugging-action, but with the slick k-film veneer. 'Tower' has begun shooting and plans to premiere later this year. If director Kim Ji-hoon can sweep the box office with not one, but TWO big domestic blockbusters, it’ll be a massive coup, and they’ll probably name a street after him.