A Phone Call From BYJ

Jan. 6, 2010


In "Gangshimjhang" or "Strong Heart" TV show of SBS yesterday Jan. 5'10, hosted by Lee Seung Gi and Kang Ho Dong, one of the Korean actor named Philip Choi that have a face resemblance with my "Honey Baeb" Yong Joon ssi was one of the guest. Philip shared his bonding moments with BYJ.

This article was translated and posted by Suehan in BYJ Quilt... many thanks to my Bae sister.

A Secret Phone Call with BYJ

Thanks to baebae72 for this video in You Tube

Emcee 1: You had a secret phone conversation with Bae Yong Joon?
Emcee 2: Are you really close to him?

Phil: What happened was that I said, “I’m me and Bae Yong Joon is Bae Yong Joon”, when I had the interview with the newspaper company. He saw that interview article and called me.

Emcee: Really?

Phil:　Hello.
BYJ: Are you Phillip?
Phill: Who is this?
BYJ: I’m Yong Joon.

I was so nervous when Bae Yong Joon ssi called me

Phil: Oh, senior. How are you doing?
BYJ: You said, “Bae Yong Joon is Bae Yong Joon, and I’m me.”, in the article?

I remember saying that, but I insisted denying it.

Phil: Well, I don’t know. I can’t remember well.

But BYJ said that he had seen it.

BYJ: Did that fact give you damage?

I thought a little while, because I was scared.

Phil: No, brother. I’m honored to have such face.
BYJ: Is that right?

I want to use this incident as an opportunity to get close to him. It was summer time and I like water skiing. So I told him that I would invite him to the shore someday. And we went Cheongpyeong Lake (suehan; 清平湖畔, http://www.gptour.go.kr/site/foreign/english/sub04/01_01.jsp) with his closest friend, Ryu Seong Soo.

Cheongpyeong Lake ....Photo courtesy of Visit Korea

So, we all went there, Bae Yong Joon probably imaged to ride a big yacht, but the shore I went to is a very shabby place. And I even had a hard time turning on the engine. I told to him to get on the boat, and he did. He had a cast on his arm at that time. When I turned on the engine, the boat started shaking.. Daldaldal… And we had fun and I thought he was hungry. He said, “How about ramen?” So I cooked ramen and serve him on an aluminum pot. He picked noodle like this on the lid of pot and ate it uncomfortably. So, I said, “Bro, you look a bit awkward.”, and he responded, “What are you talking about? It’s fine.” He ate it like this..

He was so humanly and awesome to me. And someone asked him for his autograph, but he couldn’t do it because he had a cast on his arm. He told him that he would send it to him later. And I had a phone call from that person (the store owner on the lake) about a week later; he said that BYJ sent him an autograph. He kept his promise. He’s surely different than others.

BYJ's In The Process of Recovering Completely

Nov. 5, 2009

Source: Suehan translated and shared this to us in BYJ Quilt
Many many thanks dear sis.

BYJ’s company said, “in the process of recovering
completely from sepsis.. Exercising hard”

2009-11-05 07:40

Money today Star News Reporter Kim Gyeowool

Photo credit as labeled

It is known that BYJ is recovering from sepsis which he was diagnosed last September.

On the 5th of November, Star News had a phone conversation with an official of his management company and he said, “He is recovering from sepsis. It’s hard to say that he’s fully recovered, but he’s doing normal activities fairly.”

He added, “He takes care of his condition himself and excises earnestly.”, and he shared BYJ’s updates by saying, “He’s working hard for the recording of animation Winter Sonata.”

In the middle of September, he had treatments at the hospital when he collapsed due to the symptoms of the early stage of sepsis. After that, he returned to Korea because he’s condition worsened during the Japan visit on the 2nd of last month. It has been reported that his condition worsened due to overwork and he has been working hard to recover his health.

BYJ Danced in Hip Hop Club

Oct. 29, 2009

So happy to heard that my "Honey Baeb" Yong Joon ssi can at least dance a little, LOL...

Source: Translated and posted by Suehan in
BYJ Quilt/ Freeboard # 14663 last Oct. 20 '09

Hi everyone,

Korean entertainers appeared on the MBC program, “Come and Play’ on the 19 th of October and shared their experiences with BYJ. Boonseongbae nim posted the clip on the café byjintoronto website and I reposted it below with a brief description. Please enjoy.

Ko, third from the left wearing glasses and a black t-shirt, said that he and Park Jin Young are close friends and that PJY visits his store often. One day, Park showed up with BYJ and they all went to the hip-hop club where PJY frequently attends. He saw BYJ dancing there and then mimicked how BYJ danced. He said that BYJ’s hair was long at that time making him move his hair to the back of his ears while he was dancing.

Lee, second from the right in the sailor clothing, said that he played an online game with BYJ in the PC room. He said that BYJ’s management company and his management company both went to the PC room to play Starcraft. Lee was able to attack BYJ’s virtual house.

(Shin, fourth from the left and right next to Ko, shared his experience with Park Yong Ha)

The first person from the right said that he appeared in BYJ’s movie, “April Snow”.

Koh Young Wook so cute mimicking the moves of BYJ...

Koh says he went clubbing with Bae Yong-Joon

http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent10&idxno=2009102102063512328
jesskim@asiae.co.kr jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Article Date October 21, 2009 02:16

Actor Bae Yong-joon [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Koh Young-wook, member of formerly hit group Roo'ra, said he has been to a club with top Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon.

Koh made the remark on MBC's entertainment show "Let's Play" broadcast on Monday, saying that he went to a hip-hop club with Bae who was friends with Park Jin-young, founder and CEO of talent house JYP Entertainment.

"Park and I were also close so he used to come often to my club, but he once came with Bae and we all went to a hip-hop club," Koh explained, imitating Bae's dance moves.

Rapper Lee Ha-neul of group DJ DOC, who also appeared on the show, shared his experience with the actor, saying that he once played Starcraft with Bae. "I fired a nuclear bomb to his team," Lee taunted.

Member Gil of hip-hop group Leessang, however, said everyone is below him since he appeared in the movie "April Snow" which Bae starred in.

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr
<Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved>

Thanks to Boonseongbae nim of Cafe BYJ in Toronto, Suehan of BYJ Quilt,
Jessica Kim of 10Asia and TinyPic for the Video from MBC.

BYJ is hospitalized as he was down from overwork

Gaeulyeoja posted this on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home
and Joanne translated and posted this in BYJ Quilt News/ # 1982.
Many thanks dear sisters for the info, but I'm so worried about the condition of BYJ.

Thanks to miemi of BYJ Gallery for this photo

BYJ is hospitalized as he was down from overwork

[Yonhap News]9/20/09 16:18

BYJ is hospitalized as he was down with sepsis.

"His immunity had weakened due to overwork and stress"

It was known belatedly that top star BYJ was hospitalized due to sepsis.

BOF, BYJ's agency revealed on 20, "Mr. BYJ was admitted to a hospital in Kangnam on past 17, as he fell as blood sugar and blood pressure dropped suddenly," and "After examination, early stage of sepsis was diagnosed. The result was out that his immunity decreased due to overwork and stress."

Continuing on, saying that "It seems that BYJ 's nerves became very edgy while he wrote a book recently. He lost weight a lot and his body seemed to became very weak, as he wrote pouring his heart and blood (with great devotion)," (BOF) added that "There is no other abnormality, and he is currently taking rest getting IV solution (Ringer's solution.)."

BYJ became very much wasted as he lost weight over 10-lbs while writing 'Travel left to explore beauty of Korea', a photoessay informing Korea, for over one year.

He has commemorative meeting for publication in National Central Museum on 22 ahead of him, and he will attend promotion event for animation 'WLS' and commemorative meeting of publication of the book in Tokyo, Japan, on 29 and 30.

His agency told, "In addition to accumulation of exhaustion while he prepared the book, he lately worked staying up every day for finishing work. Also, he seems to become very sensitive with big event ahead of him in Korea and Japan one after another," and "Although we worry a lot as we have commemorative meeting for publication ahead of us on 22, it seems that he is able to be discharged prior to that."

Reported by Yoon Goeun, in Seoul
Coppyright (c) Yonhap News

[Re]Bae Yong Joon is the Epitome of Hallyu....

July 21, 2009

I've read this news in BOF and seen too in may of my Bae sisters blogs but I choose to lift the English translation of Bb. Thanks dear sisters.

original in korean: e-daily 2009/07/20
translated into japanese: 雪のオンニ / JOB
chinese trans-in-brief: snowkin / loveyongjoon
english trans-in-brief: happiebb / bb's blog

Bae Yong Joon is the Epitome of Hallyu,
Kim Hyun Joong is the New Hallyu Star

Who is the most famous Hallyu star in Japan?

We interviewed over 100 Japanese reporters and journalists who have interviewed many Hallyu stars such as Lee Junki, Song Seung Hun and others.

The verdict, still, "Yonsama" Bae Yong Joon came in tops with an overwhelming win.


The majority of the Japanese media said that they'd ranked Bae Yong Joon as first due to the his extraordinary charisma.

The deputy head from Sanspo's Usami Cultural Editing department said, "It is difficult to describe Bae Yong Joon with words. He has a certain presence, an aura that is unique only to him."

He also said, "Bae Yong Joon also appears to understand the Japanese fans very well."

According to Usami, the other Hallyu stars often appear in paid events and activities in Japan. On the contrary, Bae Yong Joon manages to strike an appropriate balance in this aspect, and this is something that is significantly different from the other Korean stars. In particular, when Bae Yong Joon visits Japan, his first and foremost consideration is always his fans. His value system and thinking is that that the fans will always come first, and not the monetary aspect of things. His way of thinking is being conveyed directly to the fans, and thus he is able to gain the fans' trust, and he earns credibility.

Also, it feels as though Bae Yong Joon does not visit Japan very often; but whenever the fans need him, he will appear and show up at their sides.

It will be very difficult for another Hallyu star to emerge who can surpass Bae Yong Joon, not within a short period of time anyway. Whenever Hallyu stars visit Japan, they will hold concerts and fan meetings, this is practically all that they do. But if they only remain active at such a level and with only such activities, it is very difficult to surpass Bae Yong Joon who has already scaled to the top of the Hallyu peak.

The Japanese media also brought up other Hallyu stars after mentioning the

Hallyu Superstar, Bae Yong Joon.

They had mentioned DBSK,

Song Seung Hun, Lee Byung Hun ,Ryu Shi Won, etc.

But here, the gap between Bae Yong Joon's status and those Hallyu stars who rank number 2 or 3 is huge. This is something that the Japanese media agreed unanimously.

In fact, a small fraction of the media even took the extreme view of, "If without Yonsama, there will be no Hallyu in Japan."

The translation is not complete, as I read the article in BOF (with the help of google trans of course, but still I found it hard) as my brain understand, it said that the next generation of hallyu pop star is Kim Hyun Joong, one of the member of SS501. Take note Kim Hyun Joong is the leader of SS501 and he's one of the cast of Boys Over Flower too. SS501 sung the OST of Boys Over Flowers that I really like to listen too.

(From left to right) Kim Kyu Jong, Kim Hyun Joong, Park Jung Min(sitting),(up) Heo Yeong Saeng and Kim Hyung Joon(Baby)

The F4- Boys Over Flowers
Left to right- Kim Jun, Kim Hyun Joong, Lee Min Ho and Kim Bum

BoA and

DBSK/TVXQ too were mention as the role models too.

All through the years, My "Honey Baeb" still on the top, yeheeey!!!!!! And the coming up hallyu star is Kim Hyun Joong of SS501.... Hmmmmm.. it's good 'coz I like SS501 too, they're all cute, good singers and dances well.

*^-^*

(Cry of BYJ Family) Reclusive YJ

May 26, 2009

I want to share this very well written fan letter that I've had read from other site. Because I know all of BYJ family can relate to this.

Sources:
Original : http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=581947513
Repost : www.byj.co.kr talkbox #56977 (in Chinese) by xiaoyanl
author : 裴莲儿 (2009-5-22 09:04)
Chinese to English : BYJ quilt/Freeboard/Freeboard -#15105 --by Cam　

[Trans] [Not completely suffering] Reclusive YJ

Recently someone from this website posted Mr Cai Kangyong’s famous diary . I try to reflect the article onto myself after reading it again. In the article it states: if you idolize a star, you must put it in writing – this I manage to do. It also states: if you idolize a star, you must let your mum know – this I manage to do (I did not just tell my mum, I even told my husband in a heat of the moment when I was not completely rational. Let’s put the seriously damaged consequences aside temporarily). It then states: if you idolize a star, you should go to see him in person – this I can’t manage to do, no matter how much I scratch my head to pieces, because my idol BYJ is in reclusion once more.

There has not been any news about YJ for a long while. Occasionally we get to hear that he has been to the library, the art museum, the dye factory and the salt mine to gather information and take photos. Often a few isolated words and phrases, at the most one or two blurred photos, in an attempt to provide a remedy for his fans’ lonely hearts.


It appears that reclusion is a convention for YJ. Like in the past, each time he finishes a project, he goes into hiding for a year or so. Wasn’t there a story about how after the peak of his drama “First Love” he was in reclusion for ten months?


By the time he returned to the TV station, even the concierge at the entrance could not recognize him. This time around it has been over a year and a half, if we also count his recuperation from the injuries after TWSGG.

Although during this period, he made several magnificent appearances. In Japan twice, the MBC’s award ceremony twice, the ambassador of travel, the medal award presentation and the white tiger of TWSSG’s wedding.





These appearances are far too little for his deserving fans that have been missing him deeply. Every time when the news about another wedding, we are like the nagging Ajima hoping he may turn up. But the end result is too often a no show amidst the crowd. No matter how disappointed his fans are. He stays far away like before, away from the aloofly noisy pla-ces and people. A recluse in his own world, leaving behind the soft clouds and light winds.

Honestly speaking, from this point of view, being a BYJ fan is really hard work. Recently I pop my head over to another popular star’s site (don’t kill me). This star is constantly appearing in public. He is promoting his new album straight after the TV drama. His next project of another TV drama and a movie are waiting for him in the pipeline. His news is reported one after another. His website is boiling, postings such as,”I am going to see him”, “I have seen him”, “I just returned and haven’t got over from feeling dizzy after seeing him” are all over the place. Various activities, video, artwork are everywhere, until our eyes can’t take it anymore. His fans are over indulging in happiness. I was following the lead, but at the same time, when I think about YJ, my heart feels somewhat quite lonesome.

Occasionally I even feel a bit resentful: YJ a, YJ, loving you is not an easy task.

Back to being a bit resentful, but truly in my mind it was clear that YJ’s excellence and how he stands out from the crowd, are his most precious qualities.

In this world, there is fewer and fewer who would handle matters in the same manner as BYJ in the entertainment industry. We could say it is fairly unique. New stars, more intense competitions. It is hard to stay at the top. Maintaining public appearance and popularity is most important. Fame and fortune come hand in hand. Just a simple truth. But this truth would not hold up when it comes to BYJ.

Fame and fortune is not BYJ’s aim, although he has been successful when compared with others. Improving himself continuously, enriching himself continuously and pursing self perfection continuously, are the utmost boundary for BYJ.

Since his debut, he has been behaving this way. Although this kind of individualism does not go down well with the trends and could trouble him frequently. A junior dares not participate in variety shows, dares not to accept interviews, ignoring piles of script offers. Doesn’t buy into others. In turn, he recedes and went off on a self education journey. He paid no attention to the TV station’s freeze and the media’s criticism. He continued enriching himself quietly, polishing himself, preparing himself for “the act with restraint on the bases of extensive knowledge”. Until one day, when he returned with a graceful smile and confident steps, as powerful as a thunderbolt. Hence forth standing at the summit, pointing and smiling at the world.

But his reclusion has not changed, live simply by wisely, live tranquilly by remotely. YJ knows the essence of it deeply.

Actually, without his continuous pursuit of self perfection and self improvement, we would not have such an enriched and unusually refined BYJ. It was said that there are lights of wisdom in his eyes, where do they come from? It was also said that there is this noble aura in his movements, how did he possess them?

Answer :
always have a book in his hand
Erudited and received in deep knowledgeIndifferent to fame and fortune
Without desire is firm and uncompromising

He is a contemporary reclusive star.
He is someone that I admire, love and praise sincerely from my heart

YJ a

You, like the mountains are high and the rivers are far, I will look from here, far across the distance.
You, like the tree of love stay evergreen, I will accompany you forever, stay true.

YJ a

Continuing your joyful reclusion. I can manage… sob sob.

Though I miss him a lot, still I'm waiting for him since we all know that he will be back sooner or later to give us another surprises.

Photos credit as labelled

BYJ - Riches South Korean Actor

May 22,2009

Source: Singapore News at Yahoo
Entertainment/Asia Pacific/World

Bae Yong Joon richest celebrity in Korea

Xin.sg - Thursday, May 21

Besides the usual performance and endorsement deals, many artistes are also likely to invest. According to Korea media reports, actor Bae Yong Joon is currently the richest South Korean celebrity.

With the rebound of the Korean stock market this year, celebrities who dabbled in the stock market benefited significantly in terms of wealth. According to Korean media reports, there are currently five South Korean celebrities with stocks worth over 1 billion won (about S$1.16million); among them is Bae, who owns the largest portion, 34.8%, of the shares in Korean listed company KeyEast.

As compared to the first trading day of this year, KeyEast's share price has soared by over 50 percent with Bae earning about 6 billion won (about S$7 million) from it, making him into the richest South Korean celebrity at present.

Second in line is the entertainment company which manages the famous South Korean boy band Tohoshinki. Third is Asian superstar Rain, who owns 13.36% of the shares of J.Tune Entertainment, which shares have hit a market price of 3.6 billion won (S$4.3million).

Thanks to BYJ gallery/ style for the photo and to Xin.sg

WLS - choosen as the Best TV Program in NHK BS -20th Anni.

May 6, 2009

At 20th Anniversary of NHK BS2 -- WLS was choosen as the Best TV Program for the past 20 years.

The message of BYJ to NHK Station...
Original in Japanese by BYJ
Translated in Chinese by Snowkin
And translated in English by Happiebb/bb's blog


Hello everyone, this is Bae Yong Joon.

First, let me congratulate NHK satellite station for its 20th anniversary in broadcasting.

I've heard that Winter Sonata has been chosen as the number one drama out of all the works broadcast by BS2 for its 20th anniversary. I'm delighted that this drama has been chosen. It's because of this drama that has allowed me the opportunity to get closer to the viewers in Japan.

My first visit to Japan and my first time greeting everyone was five years ago, and I can still remember very vividly this very special day.

From now on, as an actor and also as a person, I would be appearing in front of everyone in various ways to be the bridge between, Korea, Japan as well as Asia.

Here's wishing everyone good health and happiness.

Thank you.

2009.04

Thanks to: BYJ, Snowkin and Happiebb

BYJ --- Photos with the team

May 4, 2009

Kwon Ohkyeong posted this on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home.
Joanne in BYJ Quilt/ freeboard/freeboard ---- #15076-may 4'09

Inauguration of Promotional Group for Globalization of Korean Cuisine-Photo of BYJ in the Group

Yonhap News-Seoul 5/4/09 11:28

Mrs. Kim Yoonok, wife of President Lee Myeongbak, is watching a promotional video at a meeting for inauguration of Promotional Group for Globalization of Korean Cuisine, held in the morning on 4 at the Korean Chamber of Commerce.

From the second on the left side, Lee Cham, CEO of Cham Smart, BYJ, an actor, Roh Heeyoung, CEO at Hino Consulting.
Reported byjobo@yna.co.kr
Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency

Gaeulyeoja posted this as a reply to above article on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home

[PHOTO]'Globalization of Korean Cuisine', Mrs. Kim Yoonok..encouraged YJ-nim (more photos)

At 10 today (4th) at the Korean Chamber of Commerce..off the press appearance of YJ-nim..^^

First Lady Kim Yoon-ok (fourth from the left) and actor Bae Yong-joon (second from the right) watch Korean dishes on tables at a ceremony to launch a committee to promote Korean food abroad held at the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in central Seoul.

Before the event began, Mrs. Kim had a pleasant chat with 'Hallyu star' BYJ, who was commissioned as a priviate citizen committee member, and greeted him by saying "Thank you (for participation)". Mrs. Kim encouraged (BYJ) saying, "When I went to London some time ago (she seemed to comment at the time of G20 London Finance Summit Meeting), wife of Japn's Prime Minister told that she had been to the restaurant owned by Mr. BYJ. She looked like she liked Mr. BYJ. I appreciated your hard work in many areas."

*This is only excerpt of a newpaper article..^^

Thinking About Environment by BYJ's Manager

April 24, 2009

source: BYJ Mobile Official Site
BYJ Manager’s Blog

Think About Environment
20 April 2009
by: Manager Yang Geun Hwan
Japanese to English: tomato99
(Thanks to Mngr. Hwan and Tomato )

Greetings, dear family.

This is Yang Geun Hwan.

It has been a while.
^^Korea is getting much warmer these days and cherry trees are in full bloom.
How about Japan?
It may be a good idea to go out to see cherry blossoms with your friends
over the weekend.

Other day, including Bae Yong Joon and other BOF artists Choi Gang Hee,
Lee Bo Young, Park Ye Jin, E Ji Ah, Bong Tae Gyu, Kim Jung Wook,
Hong Soo Hyun, Kim Heung Soo, You Seol A, Yoo Joo Hee, Kang Yo Hwan,
Lee Se Na, and Ryu Sang Wook happily joined the shooting
to create a photo book to protect environment.

All the profit will be donated to environmental organization,
and it will be used for environment protection activities.

Unfortunately, two artists could not join because of their schedule,
but it was heart warming to see everyone encouraging each other
and enjoying the shooting.

Especially, Bae Yong Joon did an interview and seriously talked about
environment and his ideas regarding the issue.

This photo book will be on sale from 20th of this month,
I would be pleased to see everyone’s concern for it.

How about thinking about environment for one day today?

Lee Ji Ah - "Let's grow more trees on earth"

Hong Soo Hyun - calling everyone to save electricity by turning
off the lights when it's not needed.

BYJ, A Considerate Person

April 24, 2009

Originally in Korean - Kwon Ohkyeong posted this on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home. And translated in English by Joanne in BYJ Quilt/ news

BYJ, extraordinary consideration of taking care of pocket money for lowerest ranked manager in company

[Sports World]4/23/09

'Successful people have something different no matter what it is'

It was revealed that BYJ, an entrepreneur as well as an actor, accomplished his current success with careful personality of taking care of the lowest ranks in his company.

Manager is the one of the poorest paid jobs in the society. When listening to stories from people in the entertainment businesses, (managers) start receiving poorer salaries than temporary employees which are becoming a social issue lately. However, they would stand those sufferings because they heard of myths of their seniors who raised stars. They bear the pain with one thought that they will become like seniors who accomplished success myth rising up from the bottom. However, the situation is that making stars is more difficult than getting stars (in sky). Even though numerous young people enter path of manager, most of them give up being unable to overcome poor pay and tremendous schedule.

Because BYJ is aware of such situation, he encouraged newbies who began managing job in BOF founded by himself as he took care of separate spending money every month. A person in entertainment business, who had begun manager career in the BOF recalls that time saying, "At that time the salary was very much poor," and "I was very much disappointed after getting my first pay, but Mr. BYJ took care of pocket money separately on next day. I was really too thankful to an extent that I was not able to say anything." Such consideration gave pride to managers in his agency, and that grew the BOF as big tree in Korean entertainment business.

Continuing on, he also say a word about rumor surrounding BYJ. "As Mr. BYJ's personality is free & easy and manly, he does a lot of playful things to people around him. I think people misunderstand him at the sight of those," and "As people ask me about Mr. BYJ and my heart is really wanting to record those and play for them."

By the way, BYJ recently set out to social service including taking pictorials for environmental protection along with actors in his agency, and donating that profit to Korean Committee of UNEP, an environmental (protection) organization.

Reported by Hwang Inseong, enter@sportsworldi.com
Copyright (c) Sports World

===========================================================

Another news......

I've heard that the New Megane Ichiba CF will be seen

starting today April 24, 2009

See.......

http://dearyongjoon.blogspot.com/2009/04/vod-meganeitiba-new-cm.html

It seems that BYJ is working with dogs again... so cute ...

Thanks for Miemi of BYJ Gallery for the photo

BYJ Effect ....

April 21, 2009

Moris posted this on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home.
Joanne posted it too in BYJ Quilt /news and in freeboard.

BYJ effect! Magazines with environment pictorials are sold out

[Nocut News]4/21/09 08:34

As cover model for Asian edition of fashion magazine, Cosmopolitan

'Yon-sama' BYJ was proud of majestic air worthy of the Hallyu star.

According to people in the business on 21, first printings of fashion magazine Cosmopolitan, where BYJ is the cover model, were all sold out. It is extremely rare happening for first printings of a magazine to be sold out without any particular supplements, so that even in publication business cannot help being surprised.

The Cosmopolitan carried BYJ's face in covers of April (Joanne: ?May) issue not only of Korean edition but also of those sold in entire Asian region. This magazine, being a licensed fashion magazine, has been using overseas stars as cover models all the time. It is an exceptional event for domestic star to set out as its cover model.

BYJ also shot environmental pictorials that stretch no less than 22 pages along with 14 actors from his agency, BOF. A staff at his agency hinted, "Frankly, it was not certain if Mr. BYJ was going to shoot the environmental pictorials along with other actors."

As BYJ responded to unscheduled interview for about one hour on the filming site also, giving impression of 'being professional after all'. In that interview, BYJ exposed his thoughts on environment without addition and subtraction.

By the way, BYJ and actors of BOF donated entire profits from these environmental pictorials to Korean Committee of UNEP (United Nations Environmenal Plan), an environmental organization under United Nations. The profit is planned to be used not only in supporting environmental LED lamps to domestic children's welfare facilities, but also in water purification work to improve water quality & supply drinking water in contaminated water areas in Asia.

Reported by Cho Eunbyeol, Broadcasting & Entertainment Team, Nocut News,mulgae@cbs.co.kr
Copyright (c) Nocut News

(Repost) Korea Can Learn From Japanese

April 21. 2009




Korea Can Learn from Japanese Drama Production

(Source) The Korea Times
Arts and Living - 4/20/2009 - 16:23
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter



Korea and Japan have been at center stage when it comes to television dramas, and the Korean Broadcasting Institute has revealed the differences of the two close yet distant countries' drama production.

According to the report ``Comparison on Drama Making of Japan and Korea,'' led by researcher Kim Young-duk, the acting fees given to local star actors exceed those in Japan, decreasing the competitiveness in the drama production market. While local actors' pay account for 60 percent of the drama budget, Japanese actors based on a similar budget receive only 20 to 30 percent the amount.

``Excessive fees can lead to oversized production costs, which may also lead to poor profits. Korea must come up with a rational fee estimate system by observing objective data,'' the report suggested.


The reason why Japanese actors don't get paid excessively is because of negotiations carried out based on accumulated data. Japan emphasizes what is called ``potential ratings,'' which is basically possible ratings based on the actors' series ratings and number of appearances on television and other media for the three previous years. The report gave examples of this system, including that of Nanako Matsushima, who receives 4.5 million yen (approximately $ 45,514) with potential ratings of 14.8 percent; Yukie Nakama with 3 million yen ($ 30,342) at 14.1 percent and Kimura Takuya receiving 3.5 million yen ($ 35,400) with 13.1 percent. Top local actors such as Bae Yong-joon are known to receive approximately 250 million won ($ 185,800) and Song Seung-heon 70 million won ($ 52,025) per episode.

``We need a similar system that is transparent and based on trust,'' the report said.

Although many actors including Kwon Sang-woo, Ko Hyun-joung and Song have noted the difficulties in drama production and have decided to lower their paychecks, the problem still lingers among other ``expensive'' actors and also them appearing in the same dramas.

Apart from production costs, other differences included the number of episodes aired weekly and running time.

While Korean dramas usually air twice a week ― Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and on weekends ― Japanese productions mostly present dramas once weekly. Korean dramas are relatively longer, at 70 minutes, while Japanese episodes air for approximately 46 minutes.

``The two-day airing system may be effective in raising ratings, but to produce more globally competitive shows, we need to look into airing one episode per week and cut running time and pre-production,'' Kim said in the report.

Drama production in Japan starts about six months to a year prior to actual airing, which gives actors, crew and producers time to deliver their best work. Such is rarely the case in Korea.

``Many Korean dramas are made in a rush due to conflicting schedules,'' according to the report.

Many episodes of local dramas are made at the last minute, creating words like ``jjok-daebon,'' which means scripts being given out right before the shooting of a particular scene. Some suddenly extend the number of episodes, riding on popularity, but later get criticized for stretching the storyline too much.

In order to break the bad production habits, Kim suggested the need of specializing.

``Having a producer and also a scene director may help cut the time in drama production and help strengthen overall quality,'' Kim said in the report.

Considering the impact television soaps have on social, economic and cultural aspects, it's important to understand how to best create them and how to present them in effective time slots, the report added.

``According to the Korea Economic Research Institute, the economic effect of the drama `Winter Sonata' was 3 trillion won. For production companies, dramas are among the content they are highly interested in for creating a firm image of themselves and also as stable moneymakers,'' Kim wrote.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

REPOST- [KEYEAST]Entry of Korea's Alcoholic Beverage Into The Global Market

April 8, 2009

Hi Baesisters, I want to share to you again the news I found in KeyEast News --press release just today. Here it is, read....

First news....



2009. 4.8

Entry of Korea¡¯s alcoholic beverage into the global market

Commencement of sales of ¡°Gosire Makgeolli¡± in Japan by Keyeast subsidiary BOFi and Kooksoondang

- Development of high quality traditional makgeolli by the Korean traditional restaurant Gosire and Kooksoondang
- Sales to begin on March 28 in food stores throughout Japan
- Third item of Gosire¡¯s original food series

BOF International Inc., a subsidiary of the Asian cultural content company Keyeast Co., Ltd. (www.keyeast.co.kr), officially announced that it will begin to sell throughout Japan ¡°Gosire Makgeolli,¡± which was developed by the traditional Korean restaurant Gosire and by Kooksoondang Brewery Co., Ltd. with the assistance of Bae Yong Joon.

Gosire Makgeolli is made from 100% high quality Korean rice from Incheon, Kyungki-do, and Goheung, Jeonla-do and other similar areas and its amino acid content is higher than other makgeolli brands due to its steam-less raw rice fermentation method. In addition, Gosire Makgeolli does not contain any sugars or additives and therefore the natural sweet taste of rice is not lost.

Gosire Makgeolli sales are to begin on March 28 in food stores throughout Japan.

Gosire began operations in Tokyo in August of 2006 and it introduces Korean culture to Japan with a focus on customer satisfaction. Gosire has garnered much attention with the original food products it has developed and it now plans to introduce makgeolli to the world with Gosire Makgeolli.

A spokesperson involved in the development of Gosire Makgeolli stated ¡°we are planning to use our best efforts to give the Japanese public a chance to get to know Korean culture at a deeper level through Gosire Makgeolli, which you can enjoy with all types of foods.¡±

Product Gosire Makgeolli
Category Brewage
Alcohol Content 7%
Volume 320ml
Country Korea
Expected Price 480 yen£¨excluding taxes£©

Gosire
In August of 2006, Gosire opened its doors in Tokyo and has since introduced Korean culture to Japan with its focus on customer satisfaction and with its development of original food products.

Kooksoondang
Kooksoondang is Korea¡¯s representative traditional alcoholic beverages manufacturer with 70% of the Korean traditional alcoholic beverage market.

Then the second news...



2009. 4.8

Merger between Keyeast subsidiary BOFi and listed Japanese
company DA

¡°Asian Wave global entertainment content company¡±

- Merger between Keyeast subsidiary BOFi and the Japanese company DA, final approval of general meeting of shareholders
- Keyeast and special related person to become largest shareholders of DA with 13,875,620 shares (25.5%)
- Reorganization resulting in Yajima Shigehiko and Bae Sung Woong at the helm


The Asian cultural content company Keyeast Co., Ltd. (www.keyeast.co.kr) officially announced that the merger between subsidiary BOF International Inc.(¡°BOFi¡±) and the listed Japanese company Digital Adventure Inc. (¡°DA¡±) received final approval on March 19 at the DA extraordinary general meeting of shareholders.

This transaction will be a merger of BOFi into DA and will result in the BOFi shareholder Keyeast and a special related person holding 13,875,620 common shares of DA.

This means that Keyeast and the special related person will be the largest shareholders of DA (25.5% shareholding ratio) and that through this exceptional case whereby a domestic entertainment company becomes a shareholder of a listed Japanese company, Keyeast will be able to participate in the Asian Wave cultural and entertainment businesses with a more strategic approach.

In May when the merger is expected to be completed, Yajima Shigehiko (current CEO of DA) and Bae Sung Woong (current CEO of BOFi) will lead the new company. The companies plan to utilize the current businesses of DA and the superior content of BOFi to create a profitable business model based on company synergies.

A spokesperson for BOFi stated that ¡°both parties agreed upon and caused this merger to happen to form a mutually beneficial partnership through the utilization of DA¡¯s know-how regarding the Japanese market and its vast distribution network plus BOFi¡¯s superior content.¡± In addition, the spokesperson said that ¡°we will focus on making this merger a significant contributing element to our overall vision of being the leading cultural/entertainment company of Asia.¡±

DA is the leading Japanese digital content distribution enterprise, which was established in 1971 and which, among other things, is involved in the distribution of digital content, licensing businesses with a focus on Korean television series, and the broadcast business. It recently recorded sales of 4,171,095,000 yen and a net profit of 323,587,000 yen (March 2008 accounting period and based upon consolidated financial statements).

[KEYEAST]

BYJ's AD Impressed Japanese

April 2, 2009

Hi , I've just read this news just this morning and I want it to share to you too.


Source: Korea Herald
Thursday April 2, 2009


[CELEBRITY LOUNGE]Bae Yong-joon tourism ad given praise

A full page print ad featuring top Hallyu-star Bae Yong-joon posing at Gyeongbok Palace has been selected by Japan's Yomiuri Shinbun as a "good advertisement," Bae's management company Boundaries of Forest said Tuesday. The ad shows the 37-year-old actor standing in front of the open Geumjeongmun gate on the foreground, looking much like his "Winter Sonata" character that catapulted him to fame throughout Asia, with the prominent view of the throne hall in the background. The ad, which had been sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization, has been shown in Japan's major newspaper outlets such as the Yomiuri and Asahi dailies since last month. The copy on the ad includes a quote from Bae saying, "Come visit Korea where future and tradition coexist, with a variety of attractions at your finger tips." According to BOF, "The ad recorded a 70 percent rating based on a reader survey and was given merit for boosting interest in and creating favorable impressions of (Korea)." They further added that newspapers containing the full-page advertisement had been sold out due to Japanese fans buying up existing hard copies. (kws@heraldm.com)



Source: English. chosun.com Cultural / Sports
April 1, 2009 11:59 KST


Photos credit as labeled -- thanks

Japanese Impressed by Bae Yong-joon Advert

A Korea Tourism Organization's advertisement featuring Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon has been singled out for quality by the Yomiuri Shimbun, the actor's agency said Tuesday. Major Japanese newspapers including the Yomiuri and Asahi Shimbun carried the full-page advert titled "Korean Palaces" by the KTO on Feb. 12. The actor's agency claimed 70 percent of Yomiuri readers paid attention to it. "Since it enhanced people's interest in the advertised subject and made a favorable impression, it has been selected as a good advertisement," it said. It claimed Bae's fans, who know the actor as Yonsama, flocked to collect the advert, causing the day's copies of the paper to sell out.