Part 1


Hi everyone, From today, I will write the new analysis of BYJ and of course, Making Huge Hits series will continue. Todays theme is Royal Rainbow Star.

BYJ has a special style as an actor, he does not show up in TV show programs, does not like interviews that much and selects his works very carefully. Is this a very special style? No, in 1960s and 70s, many actors have these styles.In 1960s and 70s in Korea, not many family owned their own TV sets and show programs was not developed in that period. So, it generally becomes that movie stars seldom appeared in TV. Movie stars were defined sometimes as those who you can see only in the theater.

Things are changed in 1980s, as TV sets are spread all around the country, show programs are developed and Korean movie industry was on the downgrade. Star is born generally from movies till about 1975, there was no good looking handsome super star in TV programs. From about 1980, stars are produced by TV programs, not by movies. Those Rainbow style stars became very few in this period. What I call Rainbow star means BYJ style star, seldom appear in TV and choose his job very carefully. We all like Rainbow, why? 1. because it is beatiful, 2 because it is not that easy to see a rainbow. In 1960s, behaviors like rainbows, the BYJ style, are considered as a Royal road of a super star.

As Korean movie industry was on the downroad till about 1997, Royal Rainbow style stars are disappeared in Korea and those who often come up in TV shows became a popular star in general. Korea has genealogy of Royal stars as follows

In 1960s and 70s, Shin Seong Il, famouse actor
1980s, Han Jin Hi, in Hoteliar
1990s and now, Bae Yong Joon

This is a genealogy of Korean Royal Rainbow stars, and BYJ styles are legacy of this line of Royal family. When BYJ debuted in Korea, the second generation royal star Han Jin Hi became old to be recognized as a young handsome super star, so Korea was finding an inheritor of this royal family. Then appears BYJ as if he comes from the another world, some magical world. I do not know a Korean actor who plays the main role in his first debut drama other then BYJ. BYJ was the main role from the very first start, as people recognise him as the Prince of the third generation of Royal stars.

I think there are three reasons why BYJ can keep those Royal Rainbow BYJ style after his debut.

1. He does not like TV show programs himself
2. He debuted to earn money to study further and he has no intention to become a super star though people around him regrads BYJ as a Prince for the next generation,
3.BYJ managers like Royal Rainbow styles, and try to raise BYJ along the royal roads.

As you know, BYJ becomes a super star soon after his debut though he did not want to be. And, only BYJ followed those royal styles as a TV actor in Korea. BYJ himself progresses that royal styles. He changes from a rainbow to an aurora now. He bacame an actor like an aurora in the South Pole<aurora is in SP right? or North Pole, it is OK, anyway>

Part 2
Good Morning everyone,

Boom yields maniacs. let me explain my case. I was HongKong action movie maniacs when I was young. There was Jimmy Wong and Bruce Lee, but let's talk from Jackie Chien. I knew J. Chien(Cheng Rong) before he was so break by the movie Druken Monkey. When I first saw the poster of Druken Monkey it was quite a shock to me. That shows something quite opposite to Bruce Lee, it was comic and Jackie was not a super hero. J Chien yields HK movie booms in whole Asia including Japan(though you could say this boom started from B. Lee, but if it were not Jackie, it would have been over so soon after the sudden death of Lee)

After J. Chien, several Hong Kong stars appeared, Sammo Hang Kin Pao, Yun Pyao, Mr Boo series, and Wien family(Wien H F was a action director for the movie Matrix), For fun, let me write these names in Korean pronunciation, from Jackie Chen, they are in Korean,

Song Yong, Hong Gum Bo, Won Pyo,

Mr Boo siries is Heo boithers(the same Heo with the director of April Snow, right?), the names of Wien family are

Won Hwa Pyong, Won So Cheon.

In Korea, from 1975 to 1985, before Andy Rau appeared(Ryu Duck Hwa in Korean), J. Chien leads the HK boom in Asia and maniacs like me loved Heo brothers or Wien or Won brothers. J. Chien, Hang Kin Pao and Yun Pyao was called big 3 at those days.

Korea Boom in Japan strongly reminds me HK booms in past. Now, we have BYJ and someone called Big 4 and maniacs. As a leader of this boom, BYJ reminds me Jackie Chien in past.

Artistic works and those who creats booms always appears before us with surprises and shocks. B. Lee and J. Chien were shocks to many of movie fans world wide. Especially, J. Chien was a shock simply because he showed something opposite to Lee when everyone tried to mimic him. The same can be said for BYJ, esp. in Japan.

Traditionally, Japanese super heros are Outsiders, Ishihara Yujiro and Akira(very famous animation character). Japanese culture is sexually neutral- it is neither male culture nor female culture. Japanese male culture(such as Samurai) can be seen in outsiders of the Japanese society. Manly and strong guys are images of super heros in Japan - Mihune Toshiro, Isgihara Yujiro, Katsu Sintarou Kitano Takeshi and many others. Images of them are WILD, and STRONG. The Japanese young stars inherited the same images, they try to show "wild and strong", and in addition to this, recently, "funny" characters. These young stars are Kimura Takuya and Oda Yuji.

In this situation and tradition, BYJ was a shock to Japanese. He is something opposite to traditional Japanese heros, he is not wild but SOFT and still STRONG. He is not comic at all or is not funny. While Japanese young stars try to mimic their pioneers, esp. Ishihara Yujiro, someone who is at the opposite to tradional super hero, becomes a super hero, this is BYJ in Japan. BYJ is not outsider and this surprises many Japanese.

Part 3

Hi everyone, Today I will talk love of BYJ's father towards him and his love to his father was a reason of his debut in my view. Some of the followings include my private information.

BYJ's father wanted him to be an elite in Korea. His expectation to BYJ was so strong because he is the only son to him. Father wanted him to study in a top university in Seoul. Meanwhile, BYJ had a strong interest in cameras and photos. A problem was there was no camera major in top universities in Seoul(I think still we donot have camera major in top universities in Seoul, but not sure). Father insisted a top university, because enterring to a top university was necessary to become an elite in Korean society at those days. This is true still now, but we have more ways to become an elite in Korea. In those days, Korean people thought studying in a top university is only way to become an elite.

Thus, BYJ took an examination for architecture major in a top university in Seoul(maybe about rank 10 out of 200 universities in Korea), and failed basically because he had no interest in architecture. His father was so angry with this result and insisted to study in a temple without meeting anyone. I do not know anyone who studied in a temple at the age of 18 or 19. This is a very rare case in Korea at that age. His father's expectation to him was so enourmous that made him choose this unusual way. I heard BYJ did not like the idea, but he followed his father's choice.

Still, at the temple, BYJ studied about camera, irrelevant with the entrance examination of the universities. He failed and failed again. BYJ had an idea to satisfy himself and his father together,

that is to study camera and photos in abroad. If he can study in abroad, this could be an elite course as his father wanted him to follow. To study abroad would satisfy his father as an elite course, and studying cameras would satisfy BYJ because this was what he wanted to study.

There is, however, a problem. BYJ had no money to study abroad. How to make big money with 2 or 3 years? The answer was to be an actor. So, BYJ tried to be an actor while working in a movie company.

Thus, there are basically two loves which make BYJ to be an actor.

His father's love to him(if not, he would study cameras in some universities of lower ranked)
BYJ love to his father(if not, BYJ would not listen what his father said to him)

These family love made him an actor
Fans's love to him and his love to fans made him continue his job as an actor

In understanding BYJ, thus, the key word must be LOVE.

Part 4

Hi everyone. In these days in Korea, the number of those so called Scouters increased sharply. These scouters visit every high school seeking and asking if there is a very good looking girl or boy. as Korea experiences shortage of esp. actors, these scouters work hard to find a new promising face. If they did the same research about 12 or 13 years ago, it would have been an easy job to find future super stars.

In those days, there were two famouse haigh school students, one is in the northern area of Han River in Seoul, and the other is in the southern area. These two are Bae Yong Joon and Chang Dong Gun. These two experienced several common things in their high school days but their reactions to the same experience were quite different.

A phychologist in the USA asserts that it is hard to find a handsome guy in Harvard Univ. because handsome guys do not study well in general. Really? I donot know(haha) Both BYJ and CDG had very good results in school examinations in middle school days. However, both experienced the same problem after they became high school students. There were three problems which make their study in schools difficult,

1. disease(eye problem for BYJ)
2. girls following them after school(both were famouse in each area as handsome boys as it must be)
3. high school trouble makers around these two

Both BYJ and CDG sat in the back seat in the class as they were one of the tallest boys in the class. Among the tall boys sitting around them, there were troble makers. Some trouble makers tried to use them(meaning if they behaved with BYJ or CDG, they could meet many girls as so many girls followed these two good looking boys) and some who envied their good looks tried to pick quarrel with them. I heard these stories from those trouble makers at those days directly(one of them who was with CDG now works with me).

From these high school days, CDG tried to be friendly with anyone, even with trouble makers(this does not mean he was a trouble maker). On the contrary, BYJ fought with these trouble makers, tried to do what he thought a right thing. After their debut, these characters from high school days remained unchanged. In showbiz world, there are guys called a Boss(actors who have their own cliques or fractions ). In younger days, while CDG tried to be friendly with these Bosses(but he himself never belonged any fractions in showbiz), BYJ showed no interests to these bosses and tried to do what he thought a right thing, the same behavior from their high school days. Later, such a behavior formed so called BYJ style.

Part 5

Good morning everyone, Yesterday, as you know, the well known actress Ms Lee suicided herself leaving a mysterious message(not a will), "I want to go back to a year ago". Though we donot know the reasons, I think the reasons are inside of Korea showbiz, not inside of her hearts.

The origin of Korean actors can be found in Kwang-Dae(Korean Gypsy) and that of actress can be found in so called Sadang-Pae(female counter part of Kwang--Dae). Though they were not slaves, their social status were close to slaves till about 100 years ago. Sadang-Pae was regarded a lower class of Kwang-Dae.

Kwang-Dae and Sadang-Pae are called Tantara still in Korea(there are still Kwang Dae in Korea) and, at the same time, Tantara means TV talents or singers, comedians too, as a slang. Tantara is a sound of trumpet. When Kwang Dae gathers persons to see their performance, they play some music which sounds like Tantara. So they are called Tantara. When radio stations were made in Korea, some Kwang Dae and Sadang Pae, Tantara, appeared in radio programs talking some funny things. So Korean people calls those in showbiz as Tantara who were the origin of Korean entertainment.

The problem is that, many Korean people still regard the social status of actors and (esp.) actresses is very low because they are Tantara. It is said, in past, the manner of behaviors of Sadang Pae was very bad and this image of Sadang Pae remains in Koreans' mind in my view. The so called X files about a month ago reflect a fact that Koreans still regard TV talents as Tantara.

As there arises Hanryu boom in Asia, social status of talents becomes higher and higher, which brings a tension between talents and mass media(reporters). Many reporters regard themselves as a top elite in Korean society. But, recently, they witnessed the reversal of social status, actors are becoming elites of society far exceeding their social positions. BYJ is a prominent example,

BYJ is said to be "better than 100 Korean diplomats", "very honorable existence for Korea" and "a national treasure of Korea"

Some Korean reporters said to me like this:
me: donot talk bad things for Korean actors which are simply false
reporter: you talked like that because you do not know Korean showbiz
me: I know some part of it. I agree some talents behave as if they are Tantara, but they are small minority
reporter:......but you know how actress A and B behaved
me: I know but that was a story of 20 years ago

Frankly speaking, about 20 years ago, some very top Korean actresses behaved as Sadang Pae(bad manners), which are very well known among Koreans. Personally, I think BYJ established his own style partly because he did not want to be regarded as one of Tantara. In my view, this is a basic reason why BYJ never appears in TV show program. Korean TV shows require actors to behave in Kwang Dae, Tantara styles.

Still now, in Korea, when an actor shows Tantara behaviors(showing funny dance and talking "Korean style" funny talks), people think this guy is funny and his popularity rises. BYJ is right from his debut, showing a right attitudes that he is not Tantara man who shows funny dance before TV cameras. Owing to Hanryu, many people in Korea can understand BYJ style is right attitude as an actor. To behave with dignity, sincerety, not to play fools before TV cameras. I am happy to see that now many Korean actors follow BYJ styles, anyway they are not Tantara.

Part 6

Hi everyone, fans outside Asia should wait longer till they can see the new movie, but coco and camille, do not worry. As soon as the movie is released, I will write every detail of the story here(haha)

Today, I will talk BYJ as a CF model. A professional camera man said to me like this, recently,

"do you know BYJ and Song He Gyo have same face from right side angles and from left side angles. These two have good faces from any side of camera angle. Perfectly symmetric faces, "

Really? I do not know such things(haha) This guy mentioned to me this is a very rare case and this is one of the reasons why these two are popular as CF models.

There are three types of tall guys

1. Those who are tall and looks tall
2. Those who are tall but looks not that tall
3. Those who are not tall but looks tall

BYJ is type 1 man. Among the actors of BYJ heights, 180cm, BYJ looks very tall possibly because his long legs. I can name many type 2 and 3 actors but type 1 is a rare case in Korea in my view.

Further, BYJ can choose his looks, looks with glasses and without glasses. Though anyone can wear glasses, not every one looks good with glasses. My daughter often said to me,

"papa looks good without glasses but not good with glasses"

Sadly. it seems BYJ type glasses(in WLS) do not match to my face.

BYJ is a famous coffee model. Models of coffee CM have a special status in Korea. In past, the famous novelist Kim Un Kook(famous in the USA, esp.) and actor Ahn Seong Ki were models for coffee CM. Now BYJ is a representative coffee CM model. What are common for these three are intelligence, gentlemanhood, and softness.

Part 7


Hi everyone, beatiful sunday and happy birth day, veronica

Reading Japan OB, it is said BYJ appeared? in several Japanese animations. For example, it is said that famous Dorae Mon had a look of BYJ(it seems when Dorae Mon makes a wish, I want to be a top star, he(she?) becomes BYJ shortly)

It is very easy to mimic BYJ, to draw BYJ. Just draw Minyeong's hair style and glasses, then people would know that is BYJ. This is a very important characteristic of a SUPER STAR. Let me take some examples,

C. Chaplin, one can mimic Chaplin with mustache and a stick.
Bruce Lee, one can mimic Lee only by hair stlye and that weapon(donot know English or Chinese for this, is called Nunchack in Japan, Sangjolguon in Korea)
A Shwrtzneger as terminator, one can mimic this by hair style, sunglass and a machine gun,

So, super stars have some symbols to characterize them and it is easy to draw or mimic these super stars. I think this is one condition to be called as a super star. Glasses to BYJ are sticks to Chaplin.

Commercial goods try hart to make some symbols via lots of advertisement, For example,

Nike has a black color as a symbol. Advertisements of Nike always based upon black colors, so when we see sports players with black images we know this is a Nike commercial

In Coca Cola's commercials, many young people appeared almost always, healthy young people is a kind of image of Cokes. If you see a CM with many happy young people in the seashore, this would remind you Coke.

In this way, big companies try so hard to make their Images, that can be easily recognised.

From this, we know BYJ is a naturally born super star. In his hairstle as Minhyeong and in his glasses, he had no intention to make those as symbols of BYJ. Simply, those became symbols of BYJ. I think BYJ is a man who became a super star without calculations. It is a kind of magic, as we know. Simply unbelievable achievement.

Part 8

Hi everyone, it is reported Stairs to Heaven recorded 16.3% audience rates in Tokyo(broadcasting from 4pm, saturday in Tokyo). This is a very amazing number, though not nation wide number.

I think there are roughly 6 steps to be a Hanryu star in Japan,

1. To be known to Hanryu fans(through Hanryu magazines and cable TVs)
2. To appear constantly in housewives magazines
3. To appear constantly in general mass media such as newspapers, male magazines , wide shows for housewives in TV
4. To appear in TV CM
5. To be known to younger generation
6. To be known even to kids

Then, would you forgive me to tell my opinions who is how in Japan?

BYJ cleared all 6 steps, mostly well recognized actor in Japan not only among the Korean stars but among the actors world wide including Japan(so he appears in Japanese kids animations)

I saw Japanese TV CMs featuring Choi JW and Won BIn, what about others? I do not know. Maybe, there will appear(or are) CMs by Lee BH, Cheon Ji Hyeon. Other than BYJ, we can often see Choi JW's CM in Japan, Won Bin's sometimes.

Kwon Sang U now is at the level of 2 or 3, but he will become more and more popular by the hit of Stairs to Heaven, will reach the level 4 soon. I said before that the Hanryu specialized mass media in Japan can not support BYJ in Japan. The reason is as follows,

1. BYJ does not want to be USED by mass media,
2. If it is possible, a nation wide big TV stations or journals will USE BYJ to make some profits from BYJ's popularity,
3. So, for small Hanryu cable TVs and magazines, BYJ is someone beyond their reach,
4. These Hanryu speciallized mass media try hard to make new Hanryu stars for their survival.

Let me define Hanryu stars in Japan again as follows, there are,(I will leave BYJ as an exception)

First Class Top Star(whose movie records more than 700 million Yen revenue, and whose guarantee from TV CM is over 100 million Yen)
Top Star(whose movie records more than 500 million Yen revenue and whose guarantee from CM is over 50 million Yen)
Star(who is well known to Japanese Hanryu fans)

Though I said Lee BH's movie is released in Japan several days ago, the relaese is delayed and it will released wt the end of March. At the end of April, there will be another Lee BH's movie in Japan(titled My Sweet Life). Kwon Sang U's movie will be released in March. From these, we could check the current state of Hanryu in Japan. Now there is no First Class Top Star in Japan, Lee BH and Kwon SU can be candidates to challenge to become this top class star in Japan.

BYJ is a super star above this First Class because his movie records at least more than a billion Yen revenue and his gurantee from CM is the top in Japan(which is a secret so I can not tell you)

Part 9

Good morning, everyone,

Super star is born, not made. When a super star is born, it does not take long time. When BYJ was introduced in Japan, 2 years ago, first I thought, "oh, he becomes a popular actor in Japan", the after 3 months , I thought, "oh, he is so popular in Japan", then after 3 months, "unbelievable BYJ" and then it becomes "BYJ is the most popular actor in Japan(not among Koreans but among all actors)"

The same can be said, I think, for C. Chaplin, J. Dean and Bruce Lee. Lee became a super star very soon after his first movie "Big Boss"(disregarding his movies in childhood) These super stars are often called as "perfectionist", BYJ is a hard worker as we all know. What, do you think, make him a hard worker? I think

1. his born nature
2. his poverty when young and the fact that he is the only son
3. his becoming the main actor from the first debut(BYJ who had no experience as a model, as a student of an acting school)

Though BYJ looks like Parisian, his heart is that of a cattle man who works in a pasturein a country side. Though BYJ is so elegant in looks, he works like a very diligent farmer in a country side. This is one aspect of "BYJ special" - Parisian with famers' heart.

In a business matter, BYJ often behaves like a farmer. Sometimes, money fall from the sky in showbiz when you become a super star. But, it seems BYJ does not like money falling from the sky. BYJ's guarantee from this new movie is a little bit more than half million dollar , top in Korea but he could get at least more than a double of this guarantee(even if we consider the special? Korean showbiz structures)

Meanwhile, peoples around BYJ are business men. Still, as for BOF, they respect BYJ's opinions and do not maximaize profits from BYJ's activities(BOF could make much much larger profits last year but they did not). Blue Storm and Show Easts, movie makers this time, are simply bisiness men and they think(it seems to me) they have no reason to respect BYJ style in their business. Maybe right or maybe wrong, but I want them to respect BYJ style because we love his style so much in this wild world.

Part 10
Hi everyone, recently, one thing surprised me, I said , in this months, two important Korean movies will be released in Japan, one is the movie starring Lee Byong Hun and the other is starring Kwon Sang U and Song Sung Hun. To my surprise, these two movies are distributed in Japan by IMX. Yes, the same IMX. Of course, BYJ said, "it is not good that one actor leads Korean waves in Asia. I hope several actors and actresses lead this Korea boom", but still I do not know how I should think about this. I will be very surprised if Kwon SU's Japan agency distributes BYJ movie in Japan.

OK, anyway, we have a news that a governor of Osaka City acclaimed "Osaka will invite BYJ and Choi JW this year". Politics, I think, we would have an election for new governor in Osaka(next year?) smells some political implications for this invitation. As you know, Aichi Expo also invited BYJ though we donot know whether BYJ will come to this expo or not.

Then what about China and other parts of Asia? I think the new movie distributing agency, for example, in China could invite BYJ. Without invitation, BYJ could not come to China or other parts of Asia, I think. Here are some of my experience how to invite BYJ to your country.

1. What BYJ like are new experience, adventure and social services. So he will be more happy if these kinds of events are included during his stay. If the events are not business purpose, sometimes BYJ and BOF do not require money at all. On the contrary, BYJ does not like business-related invitations. One should remember a fact that what can make BYJ move is his love toward his fans. Money and business can not invite him but fans' love can invite him. As for new experience for BYJ, I can name his visits to a university to talk with young students and as for social services, I can name his visits to homes for orphans, for example. So, if the new movie distributing agency has some interests in inviting BYJ to her country, I think it is better to schedule one of the above two, and BYJ's services for his family in that country(the most important factor). If one emphasizes the advertising of the new movie, BYJ would not show strong interests, but if one emphasizes his meetings with family and his possible social services or new experiences as well as the promotion of the new movie, BYJ will show interests.

2 If the distributing agency is interested in inviting BYJ, it is better to contact directly with BOF. It is better not to use any other agencies in contacting BOF and BYJ. If the Chinese distributing agency has some interests in inviting BYJ, it is far better if Chinese media report about this invitation as Japanese media do.

3. If you invite BYJ you have better prepare every document to prove what you say to BOF. Korean managers like thick documents, the reason? I donot know(haha) For example, if a visit to a home for orphans is proposed in your inviting schedule, you should prepare documents which show a the history of that home, and who have visited that home(this is an important part, if someone who is not respectable had visited that orphan house, .this is not good. If respectable people visited that house, this will be VERY good), and you should PROVE everything you said by documents.

Then, I want to say it does not require a big budget to invite BYJ to your country, if that invitation is basically, for BYJ family, for new experiences or social services, advertising the new movie only as a side effect of that invitation.

Part 11
Hi everyone It seems tickets for the tour were sold out so soon in Japan. I think you may have many questions for the tour planned by the movie maker and the Japanese travel company. According to the advertisement by the Japanese travel agency, this trip is "to see the shooting scenes of the BYJ new movie". For me , it is interesting that they did not say this is a trip "to see BYJ". Yes this is not a trio to see or meet BYJ. BUT, I think Japan family expect to see or meet BYJ in this trip.

If it is supposed to see BYJ in this trip and this is the purpose of the trip as many Japan family understand, then it is not understandable why BOF is not related with this trip. So, actually, it is NOT SUPPOSED to see BYJ in this trip, it is supposed to see "the preparation of the concert"(haha) Still, BYJ will not be satisfied with this. As he knows his family are gathered to see and meet him, I think he will do something(at least say hi to gathered fans) for his family. If this situation is what the movie maker has in their minds, this is a kind of using BYJ in their business, which makes me uncomfortable. If BYJ will show up for his family any way, then I think BOF could and should insist their rights in preparing this event.

It is reported in Korea as follows for this concert: The company which takes charge of music for this movie, has a plan to make a big concert of several top Korean singers independently from this movie. The movie maker decided to use this independently planned concert of several top singers, and shoot the important concert scene in that concert. About 8000 real fans of singers in that concert would be extras in the scene. Movie maker prepares, it is said, very wonderful stage designs and lightening. Further, it is said Japan family would see the preparation of this stage.

As for the Japanese title of this movie, Summersnow asks me why Japan family do not write their opinions for the distributing agency in Japan. There is a story in this. About a month ago, I wrote in Japan OB to write letters to the distributing agency about the Japanese title, but some Japan family were against this idea. As Japanese do not like arguments of any kind, I stop to say about the Japanese title. But still I think, if the distributing agency has some LOVE to this new BYJ work, they have better to reconsider about the title.

Some of you may have interests in the place where the music concert will be held. It will be an outdoor concert with about 10 thousand people gathered in Seoul. Right? Then, we could name where it will be. Korea family would know the place within a month. It is impossible to keep a seceret for this wide outdoor concert. So, we will have lots of crowd there. crowds to see those top singers concert, crowds to see and meet BYJ, reporters, cameras, Nobody has an experience of this kind of event, I think. I never heard the events close to this in Korea. So, the movie maker has some difficulties in preparing this event. To prevent any happenings, they should know how BYJ is popular in whole ASIA. I am worrying about this event, actually.

Part 12

Hi everyone, did you read #8849 translated by Yoon(thank you Yoon), the article from Shin-Donga(very authorative Korean monthly magazine, seldom writes about showbiz and influential)? Very informative and nice article, but I had some doubts while reading it. The writer is not professional woman in Korean showbiz(though it is evident that the writer knows quite better than ordinary professional reporters).

I read two things which are not agree with my information. One is that the writer mentions, for the top Korean star, management team receives about 10% to 20% of that star's incomes. What I knew is different. I heard managers and agencies receive , generally, about 70% of star's income. This depends, of course, "the status of the star", but this is related with the second doubts. I heard BYJ received(do I write about this?) about 50% of BOF's revenue and every contract with BYJ is done by the name of BOF, of course. I will check about this later. One more thing I want to mention for that nice article is that the writer said as if BYJ has a contract with BOF. I heard actually it is BYJ's idea to make BOF. I heard, to do what he wants to do without some bad controls of management and agencing companies, BYJ builds with his managers BOF. BYJ is said to own the largest share of BOF stocks(though as you know, BOF is not a big company)

Anyway, I wrote several months before as follows: there are four types of actors and actresses in Korea,

Type 1: those who are friendly with staffs, gentle and kind to other actors, but have not many friends in showbiz

Type 2: those who are friendly to everyone(staffs and actors)

Type 3: those who are not friendly to staffs but friendly to other actors

Type 4: those who are not friendly to anyone(friendly only to people necessary to their jobs)

I wrote before that BYJ is type 1 actor, but it seems, now he changed to type 2 actor, friendly to everyone. This change happens, in my view, after he builds his own agency BOF. Before BOF, his agencing company tried to make money using BYJ as every agencing company does. BYJ and managers of BYJ(who are now the members of BOF) tried hard to keep BYJ style in that harsh company, I guess. BYJ and managers should have guarded themselves not to be badly used in a harsh showbiz world before BOF was built. As BYJ guarded himself from showbiz world, he gave impressions to other actors and actresses that "this guy is so gentle but not open-hearted to us" BYJ himself said in an interview about a year ago, " As I become older, I become now a man who can behave in a friendly manner to everyone".

As you read in the article that I mention today, people in Korean showbiz regard BYJ as the very top actor in his popularity and in his humanity. But, my wife who, as you know, is BYJ fan and who worked in showbiz for a long time said to me yesterday like this, "while so many people in showbiz praise BYJ, other people envy him now. those who feel jealous over BYJ could do some bad things to BYJ. I am afraid too much praises now we can see in Korea for BYJ", Yes, I agree. As I repeatedly argue, Koreans do not like super hyper star because we like equality for every matter. There is old-sayings like this in Korea, "if a person climbs high to the top of a tree, let us shake the tree to fall him from the tree", meaning in my interpretation, "let us be equal for every matter". So let us be careful to protect our prince.

Part 13

Good morning, everyone. Recently I could not write because I am so busy. What makes me so busy is Dok Do Island problem between Korea and Japan. Some Korean companies want me to re arrange their business with Japan because of this political prolem, which makes me busy.

Today, I want to introduce a new poll result done by Yomiuri TV, Japan. Participants of this research are about 10 thousand women aged between 29 and 32. The question were " who do you want to be your lover?". The results are as follows,

1. Bae Yong Joon
2. Won Bin
3. Lee Byung Hun
4. Kwon Sang U
5. Ryu Si Won
6. Chang Dong Gun
7. Park Yong Ha
8. Bi
9. Kang Dong Won
10. Cho In Sung

BYJ is the only foreign artist who
i) appeared as animation character in, for example, very well known animation, Kreyon Sin Chang(Chang Gu in Korean) and Dorae Mon
ii) is sung by Japanese comedian Guitar Samurai(this one sings a comic song for famous artists)
iii) whose comments on Dok Do island is reported by Japanese media
iv) whose movie making scene becomes an important news in TV and other media

Further BYJ is the only Korean artist whose movie is on airred bt a special TV program (TV Tokyo, nationa-wide station, broadcasted Untold Scandal as a special program. This station broadcasts movies in Thursday, Scandal was on airred in Monday( or Tuesday? not Thursday definetely)

Part 14

Hi everyone, People often say, "we believe BYJ. Just looking at his face, we know how sincere he is". Yes I agrre, but I though what it is that make us believe BYJ just looking at his face. Yesterday, I drank beers alone examining BYJ photos(my
wife collection). Then I thought the eyes of BYJ do not change but same when he smiles, when he shows a cool look, when he talks about political problems.His eyes are "eyes of a boy who is thinking about TRUTH always". His eyes always think about truth, truth about himself and others.

So I concluded myself that this truth-seeking eyes are reason why we say "we know his sincerity just looking at his face"

Some Koreans still describe BYJ as Kott Minam(flower handsome). As you know there is a rumor that BYJ will play in TV historical fantasy 太王四神記(Story of the Great King and Four Gods) and some are against BYJ appearance in this drama saying, "flower handsome men would not look like a great king". This word, Kott Minam, is basically a praise but has a negative image of "who has no charisma and whose performance is not great". So, simply, some Koreans do not know(esp. guys) that BYJ's performance in movies and TV dramas is so great. I am sure if these guys watch Aprl Snow, they would notice that their images about BYJ is wrong.

Though Insoo is a ordinary person basically, as BYJ plays Insoo, Insoo now became a special person. Let me explain. Insoo in evryday life has a eye of BYJ himself(boy's eye thinking about truth about himself, so deep and cool, calm, strong), but Insoo will show quiet different eyes when he is angry, feels some irritation. Insoo got double personality in my interpretation - BYJ own eyes(not Insoo's eyes) would maximize this double personality, and this will make the movie so fascinating. I thought this is what director Hur had in his mind from the first. Contrast between BYJ's eyes(Insoo eyes in ordinary life) and Insoo's eyes(when he feels irritation) would give Insoo a very magical character which will lead the movie.

Finally, a Japanese magazine(Shukan Jyosei) reported that a trainer of BYJ(not Im JP) said "BYJ will exercise in (his) gym will Sep. to prepare his new work in TV drama(it seems this means the above mentioned historical fantasy)" As far as I know, this is the first information about this TV drama came from BYJ side, not producer's side. It seems BYJ is thinking about this drama very seriously. Prodeucer said this drama will be a fantasy not related with historical facts.

Anyway, Korea-Japan political problems make my business so busy(without corresponding revenues, hyuu-), so I will write my next posting in Thursday, next week, see you soon.

Part 15

Hi everyone . Today, I want to talk about that rumored TV historical fantasy Tai Wang Sa Sin Ki(story of the great king and four gods), about why BYJ showed interests in this fantasy. This great-budget TV play will be the first Korean TV drama (i) whose copyrights are owned by indepedent producer(not owned by TV) (ii) which will be on aired after the all shooting of drama is finished (iii) whose SFX technology is performed by a foreign company (iv) in which Chinese arts team and Japanese music team will participate, (v) whose shooting will be made, in some parts, in North Korea (vi) which is made for world-wide fans including USA and Europe from the start and maybe many others.

So, this TV historical fantasy has so many NEW in it, in making, in business style. It seems the producer Kim Jong Hak(of Sandglass) would make a historical fantasy which is, as images, somewhere between the movie Troy(starring B. Pitt) and the Lords of Rings. Though Kim mentioned that he would cast an actor who will be top in net votes for this drama, it was found out he offered this role to BYJ before the net vote started. If BYJ and BOF would mention that "probably BYJ will play in this drama", then BOF will have a hard time in making a good contract with Kim JH. Kim is very well known business man, too. But, if you forgive me to say my guess, I want to say it is quite probable BYJ will appear in this TV drama (yesterday, a magic master appeared in my dream and the master said so, haha, Jo-kes, but I guess so from my own research about rumors)

Whether BYJ will appear in this drama or not, it is true that BYJ showed some interests in this drama. Thus, this drama gives us some hints for BYJ future works. What makes BYJ interested in this drama?

a. Those NEW aspects mentioned above. Especially, the copy right things(this is a very important matter in future drama makings). NEWS and challenges would excite BYJ's curiosity, I guess.

b. BYJ mentioned twice that in the future, he wants to produce a horror movie. As he is so much interested in photo arts and technology, it is natural that he shows interests in SFX technology.

c. Kim JH is the most famous Korean TV director and the writer Song JN is also one of top writers.

Then, I will summarize rumors about this(reported in Korea and Japan media, which are reliable in my own judgement) and you could make your own judgement and opinions,

a the SFX team(team for the Lords of the Rings) met BYJ and said(in this drama, the main actor plays the role of 17-year old boy at the beginning) "it is very easy to make 17-year old boy's face with BYJ"

b. BYJ said to his aquaintance that he has strong interests in this TV drama

next one is not that much reliable, but it is rumored that BYJ said,

c. I will work in this drama thinking as if this is my last TV drama(this means that he wants to do his best in this drama)

In my view, if BYJ plays in a historical fantasy with long hairs colored blond or red, clothes wide open to show his chest a little, then he will look so much great. Kim JH said he would announce the main actor for this drama in the early April(that is now, haha). Let us wait a little bit more to see what happen. Though the title is the great king, the main actor will play the great prince because it seems the story ends when he becomes the great king. The story is about the adventure of the great prince who is helped by four gods(legendary four animals such as blue dragon becomes four men or creatures to help the young prince). Prince? then it is BYJ, as you know, haha(still nobody knows what would happen)

Part 16

Hi everyone, more than 100 Korean actors are introduced in Japan as Korean stars. It seems Japanese have not enough information about Korean show buiz, so that, for example, one of the Korean top stars, Cheong U Sung(movie, Musa) is not included in so called 100-top Korean actors published by a Japanese magazine. Anyway, Japanese mass media introduced Korean stars in following ways,

1. as for Chang Dong Gun, Lee Byong Hun, Kwon Sang U, Won Bin, Kang Dong Won and some others I forgot, Japan media often mention, "this actor is No1(popular star) in Korea. Then, who is No 1 star at all? haha.

2. as for Ryu Si Won and Park Yong Ha and others, Japan media does not mention about their popularity in Korea.

3. There is only one Korean actor who is introduced by Japan media(among more than 100 actors) as "this one is not popular in Korea" and the name of this actor is Bae Yong Joon.

How this happen? BYJ is selected as No 1 star in Korea by an extensive research done by KBS this year, is selected by 50 Korean directors as No 1 popular Korean star(last year and this year), is now No 1(or 2?) in a very extensive vote done by Chosun.com. Whether he is No 1 or 2 or 3, it is unfair and not understandable to say "while there are so many No 1 stars in Korea, only BYJ is not popular in Korea".

There are two kinds of stars, firstly, idol star who is popular to teenagers and (say it) a real star who is popular to more elderly people. For example, Kang Dong Won now is an idol star in Korea. What was characteristic to BYJ is, from his debut to roughly about First Love, he was both an idol star and a real star. He was loved by Korean women of any ages(including my awful wife and mother). I think this was basically a reason how First Love can make a Korean record in audience rates, which is unbreakable till now.

After First Love, teenagers in Korea tried to find another idol to them and BYJ became simply a real star different from an idol star. In Korean show buiz, people often says, "Say there are two boxers, one boxer experienced 100 games with 50 wins 50 loses and the other one with 10 games 10 wins. Which one is a real boxer? the answer is the former. 100 games boxer is greater than 10 games-10wins boxer". I think this is because 100 games mean more money than 10 games. I would prefer 10 games 10 wins boxer. While other Korean stars try to have more games(works) as far as possible, BYJ has tried to win the game and he becomes 11 games 11 KO wins artsist.

As you all say, BYJ is special in too many aspects. His popularity is also special(which I can prove in a full length), and his speciality make Japan media talk, "this one is not popular in Korea" In my view, some Japan media(not all, but several) are afraid of BYJ's popularity. It would be that BYJ is a Korean who is hated most by Japan's extreme right wings. While some Japanese do not want to see BYJ's boom continue, the number of Japan family keep increasing. Everyday, we can read a posting in Japan OB saying, "Hi I am a new fan of BYJ, can I join you?" These are all due to BYJ special.

victoria asks me what is the name Chan in Korean. Could you give me a Chinese character for Chan?

Part 17

Good morning everyone, Today I want to talk about Korean Wave, Hanryu in Japan, Before that two things I want to talk with you,

About Gordon Lau: After Korea restricted the number of HK movies released in Korea(3 movies in a year), Koreans could not see him in the movie. His movie "Shaolim 36 Chambers" were great success in Korea and we knew him before this movie via some of his works I forgot the titles. Koreans prefer, as others, Jacky Chan's movies. To Koreans, this G Lau reappeared before us by the new movie Kill Bill.

Is he a singer, too? I did not know that. As I wrote, to me, Kim JH PD's recent TV drama was failure because of the poor Kung-Fu type actions. So I am so happy to hear that, probably, G Lau will play in this new TV soap. I do not know whether he will give some action instructions for this drama, but hope so. Professional and high quality action director of HK or China is so expensive to hire, and I want Kim PD to listen what G Lau talks to him about action plays.

About the actor for Soo: camile said how about having a vote for the actor for Soo. Sounds funny to me, then why don't you write down the names that you have in your mind in replies. Bi is surprising to me because, as you know, Soo is two years older than DT and I suppose actor for Soo would be of the age close to BYJ. If the very young actor is OK for this Soo, I think Bi is not bad. But I would prefer Kang Dong Won.

OK, then I will talk about Hanryu in Japan now. What is Hanryu in Japan? Many Koreans would answer, this means "the popularity of Korean TV drama, movies, music in Japan". But I want to say this is a wrong interpretation. So called Hanryu in Japan is a phenomenon that happens from last year. If we talk about Hanryu in "Japan", the definition must be different. Travels to Korea, Korean foods, Korean movies have been popular in Japan at least from about 5 years ago, which is not said to be Hanryu in Japan ,and Korea too.

I would define Hanryu in Japan as "the phenomenon that Korean actors and actresses become popular stars in Japan" . Even the movie Shuri or Christmas in August recorded a big hit in Japan, the main actor Han Seok Kyu could not become a star in Japan. After a smashing hit of JSA, Lee Byung Hun could not become a star in Japan. Koreans become stars in Japan and this is a new phenomenon, called Hanryu in Japan. BYJ is the first Korean star in Japan, even the songs of Cho Yong Pil was quite popular in Japan 20 years ago I never saw Cho in Japanese TV CMs.

So it is my view that, if you want to know whether Hanryu in Japan is still hot or not, you have better measure the popularity of Korean stars in Japan. For example, Korean movie "Bunshin Saba(horror)" is quite popular in Japan now, but actors and actresses in this movie are totally unknown in Japan. "movie hit but actors remain unknown" - this is not Hanryu in my definition. This kind of phenomenon has been observed from at least 5 years ago.

For about a year's investigation of Hanryu in Japan, I conclude as follows:

1. BYJ's strong popularity is a precondition of Hanryu in Japan,
2. If there does not appear a new big Korean star in Japan, then only BYJ's popularity will remain in Japan.

Though there are several Korean stars in Japan, no one could be a social phenomenon in Japan like BYJ. I can find some limits in popularity in other Korean stars. For example, in this year, I was interested in box-office results of 5 Korean movies wherein Korean stars well recognised in Japan were starring. These 5 movies, though I won't say which and who, recorded poor box office results. It is amazing that the above mentioned, "Bunshin Saba" without any known Korean stars in Japan, now records the Korean movie record in box office for this year, which will be so easily broken by April Snow.

Those non-BYJ fans , who are interested in Hanryu in Japan, should notice that Japanese media do not show strong interests star -casting Korean movies that are released NOW in Japan, rather those media writes about April Snow, TV shows makings of April Snow that will be released about 4 MONTHS LATER. Though some Korean media wrote that some Korean TV soaps recorded about 10% audience rates which is so amazing and Hanryu is so hot in Japan now, this view is simply wrong. If we say the revenues from WLS is 100, no other Korean drama still records the revenues of 30. Still, the rank 2 in revenues is Hoteliar in Japan. About 50% of revenues from Korean TV soaps in Japan is from BYJ works.

If you ask me to name a Korean star whose popularity is still increasing in Japan, I will name Kwon Sang U. We need a new super star in Japan to keep Hanryu hot in Japan now. Actually, Won Bin has a strong possibility in Japan as his supporters are very young in Japan(by his appearence in Japanese TV soap, Friends) but he will go to army this year for about 2 and half year. Other Korean stars' popularity in Japan remain stable, which means "not exploding"

Part 18

Hi everyone, Today I will talk about Hanryu in Japan again. About the actor for Soo, you mention the name of Cha In Pyo, yes this guy is nice and is a friend of BOF, but he has a hard schedule now. He will play in Chinese TV soap, and after this, in Taiwan TV soap. So I think this Cha is unavailable for thsi new TV soap. The another name you mention is Cheong U Song(in the movie Musa and recent one with SYJ). This one is very popular in Korea, maybe more popular than you think. He is one of the Big 4 among the Korean actors. Big 4 in Korea are BYJ and Chang Dong Gun and other two change times to times. But this Cheong is constantly appeared in this Big 4 among with Kwon SU, Won Bin and others. As he seldom appears in TV soap, it would be hard to cast him. He is quite good for Soo. The other actor in the movie Musa, Joo Jin Mo, this guy is quite good for Soo to me also. If I can name anyone, I think Andy Lau is perfect for this role for Soo, haha.

OK, then here is my definition for a super star as a foreigner in Japan, it is,

a. whose movie records a revenue at least close to 10 million US $, AND
b. whose TV soap records at least average 10% audience rates

Why this definition? it is hard to record revenues more than 10 million $ in Japan for foreign movies unless a super star is starring in that movie, if a star's movie CONSTANTLY records revenues close to this, he can be called as a super star as a foreigner. The same reasoning applied to TV soaps, too.

Then, depending on this definition, BYJ is the only Korean super star in Japan. Andy Lau is not a super star in the above sense in Japan. Zau Sin Chi(comic actor) can be a super star in Japan in the above sense as his recent two movies recorded more than 10 million $ revenue in Japan. Sometimes, even Jacky Chan movie could not record 10 million $, but in average, J Chan's movie constantly records a revenue quite larger than 10 million $, so he is a super star in Japan.

Till Nov. last year(and still now) it is said Big 4 Korean actors in Japan are said to be BYJ, Chang DG, Won Bin and Lee Byong Hun(or Park Yong Ha, sometimes), Why these four?

Chang DG and Won Bin are known and popular in Japan for about 4 years from now. So these two are not "new faces in Japan" These two have been stars before BYJ in Japan but they can not be super stars in the above sense. When the movie Bortherhood is released in Japan, this was their chance to become super stars in Japan but this did not happen. This movie recorded a revenue close to 10 million $ but this was supposed to record at least 20 million S revenue. The movie starring Won B or Chang DG alone could not record this level of revenues. Still, anyway, as these two have been popular in Japan, though they are not super stars, for several years, we know their popularity in Japan is quite stable. In this sense, they are counted among the Big 4 from the first in Japan.

So when we talk about Big 4 in Japan, three are tought to be "undeniably among these Big 4", they are BYJ, Chang DG and Won B.

I want to say again, actually in last year, Lee Byon Hun is far more popular than Chang DG and Won B. but as these two have been popular in Japan for quite a long time, these two are counted among the Big 4 while, sometimes, Lee BH is not counted as the one in Big 4(if not Lee BH then it was Park Yong Ha)

The question has been ,whether there appears the second Korean super star(in the sense above) in Japan. Lee BH ,called sometimes Byong-Sama in Japan, has been a strong candidates fro this, but his four movies after Nov last year could not record good box-office results. Four movies in 6 months seem too many for me. Box office failure of his new movie frustrated me, me as a Hnaryu supporter, as well as a BYJ-maniac.

At now, my evaluation of Korean actors popularity in Japan are as follows:

1. BYJ
2. Lee BH and Kwon Sang U
3. Chang DG, Won Bin, Ryu Si Won, Park Yong Ha
4. Cho In Sung, Bi, Kang Dong Won, Lee Dong Gun, So Ji Seob, Song Gang Ho, Seol Kyong Ku, (maybe, I forgot some names)

So the next one who can be a super star in Japan is Kwon Sang U. As his 2003 movie will be released in Japan soon, we will know what happens. But I want to add that Kwon SU's fans have better plan some strategies to make his movie a great success in Japan. Please do not mis-interpret my writing, I have no intention to critisize any of Korean stars but I want to share my opinion and information with you. I am sure if there is no strong appeal of Kwon SU fans in Japan, his movie can not record a successful result, even it would not be easy to record a revenue more than 5 million $ revenue. I am a specialist in this kind of business talk that you can count on me in this matter. Last year, the only mistake in my forecasting was about Untold Scandal and WLS. I could not correctly forecast BYJ's popularity and I always underestimated it.

If Kwon SU is failed to become a super star in Japan, it would take some times to make the second Korean super star in Japan. Then, Hanryu in Japan will depend on BYJ's work for a quite long while and BYJ will become busy.

Part 19

Good morning everyone. Today, I want to talk about the timing of challenge,

Question: Suppose you cook very well the Chinese foods. One day you challenged to Italian foods but you failed. Your family said "Oops, this is not tasty", then what will you do tomorrow?

1. Cook the Chinese foods that you can do very well
2. Again challenge to Italian foods
3. Challenge to French foods
4. Phone to Pizza La

I would select 1.

Question: What is the right time to challenge to new things?

1. when you are successful in your current job
2. when you failed in your current job
3. anytime

there would be no correct answer for these questions, right? But there are types. Let me give you some example.

Cha In Pyo challenges when he is successful at current job and when he failed, he comes back to his favorite performance.

Han Seok Kyu challenges to the new roles when he failed at current jobs.

Then, what about BYJ? It is hard to answer because he never fails, but it seems to me he challenges when he is so successful as it was in the time of Scandal(after the huge success of WLS). As I wrote before, when he challenges, he challenges to several new things at the same time. When Scandal, this was his first movie, first historical drama, first bed scene.

Now for the new TV drama(the great king) he challenges again to several things, this is his first, (Kung-Fu style) action, SFX, and work with a Boss(haha).

I would name three Bosses in Korean show buiz. the movie directors Kang U Seok(Silmido), Kang Jae Kyu(Brotherhood) and TV director Kim Jong Hak. Among these three, Kim JH is the most veteran, most elderly and the top Boss(haha, because "age matters" in Korea). Though BYJ had experience of work with Park Jong(HWRL), this Park is now an administrator and he is not the Boss type. For your information, Lee Byong Hun(director of Daejanggum and Heo Jun) is older than Kim Jong Hak, but this Lee could not work for a long long time because of his illness(in 80s). This is a reason why Kim JH is a super boss and why Lee BH is not a super boss.

I think BYJ heard about Kim JH from Sohn YJ because Sohn YJ worked with Kim JH about 3 years ago. According to my wife, Kim JH often shows his angers to young actors and actresses whose performance is not satisfactory. It seems he is quick to take offense, hot blooded person. I think working with Kim JH will be a very good experience to BYJ in sevral and several senses. Actually, this is Kim JH's first time to work with such a super star BYJ, and so, I have an interest about the relation between our super star BYJ and super boss.

Anyway, it is said Kim JH could cast a new face for Suzeeny's role(new face but who has some experiences as a model or theatrical performer). This is not a new idea. He said about 6 months ago that he would use lots of new faces in this drama. This is the reason why his company is eager to seek new faces(as I wrote several days ago) Even I could play Suzeeny using lots of SFX and special make ups. Hmm- but it would cost too much if they make me as Suzeeny, right? If it's a Beer god's role I do not need any SFX. Give me some real beers then I will prove that I am a Beer god.

Part 20

Good morning everyone, I found my serial number for Making Monster Hit series was wrong, sorry. This is supposed to be Making series but as I forgot the series number, I will write under the above title.

Today, we have Pack-Sang arts festival(which gave an award to BYJ last year). From this year, we have a new award called "Korean Wave Awards" and the candidates for this awards are BYJ, Choi JW, PD Yoon SH(WLS), Cheon Ji Hyeon, and as the originator of Korea Wave, Ahn Jae Wook. As everyone knows it must be BYJ. This will be held from about 5 pm today.

It seems you wonder what happen to Kim Tae Hee or Ha Ji Won who is supposed to be Suzeeny. Recently, many Korean actors and actresses change their contracts with management Co. Curently, we do not know who will be the agent for, for example, Kim Tae Hee. So, she can not sign, NOW. These actors and actresses should first decide who are their agents and then, of course, they could make some contracts with their new drama or movie. Though Kim JH said he could cast a new face for Suzeeny, this is one possibility. It seems Kim TH's current agents have strong interests in this new drama but if she changes the agents or changes the terms of contracts with agents, then nobody knows what would happen.

OK, then I will tell one important aspect that you have better know when you watch April Snow. Watching the making films of this wonderful movie, I noticed that use of language of Insoo and Seoyong changed, as they becomes true lovers each other. At first, these two speak each other in a polite language, but after, when they play with snowballs, they speak in crude languages. Crude languages in this case means the languages(in case of Korean) used between "bosom friends from their childhood"

This part is very difficult to explain in English. Say, there is a line of words,

"how did you know that?"(Seo Yeong's question to In Soo)

If we take this line as an example, at first, Seo Yeong uses such an expression,

"how did you know that, Mr?"

and after these two become lovers each other, this expression is changed into, for example,

"what's up? how you knew?"(maybe, a woman like Seo Yeong does not use such an language in English, this is only for explanation)

The changes in languages are important in this movie because it defines the relations between these two lovers. Judging from the languages, the relation between Insoo and Seoyeong is almost same with the relation between Minhyeong and Yujin, "These two love each other as if they have loved each other for a long long time. So they use the languages as if they knew each other from thei chilhood"

The use of languages between Seo Yeong and In Soo after they fell in love each other suggests that their love is so pure passion, so so important to me and I am sorry that we can not translate correctly this "mood" in English.

Followings are related with further story and those who do not want to know further about the story could stop here.

I said there would be BYJ shower scene in this movie, remember? but bad news for you and good news for me, hihi. It is said SYJ took shower scene. OK. Then what about BYJ? there is no information that BYJ took the shower scene.

They took bed scene too. It is said this was a "soft bed scene" whose purpose is simply to let you know that these two share the bed. The point is that Kyong Ho(Seoyeong's huds) died while these two shared the same bed. It seems this is a direct reason why Seo Yeong feels so guilty for his dead. Kyong Ho's family criticised her for this which makes her so so so and so sad. She dispeared after this. So what happen to her? Nobody knows. The last scene of this movie finally let us know what happen to her. It is said director Heo has several ending scenes in his mind and the ending scene can be changed even now(haha).

Producer of this movie requested to director Heo to make a very very sad movie. I do not want to cry at the ending scene. What you do when you are sad? For me, I drink beers.

Part 21

Good Morning everyone, there are three types of Korean actors(judging from their activities in Japan)

one, those who are popular in Japan but not active in their promotions and PRs in Japan: BYJ, Chang Dong Gun and Won Bin

two, those who are popular in Japan and active in their promotion and PRs in Japan: Lee Byong Hun and Kwon Sang U( so, for example, Lee BH visited Japan more than 6 times and his 4 movies were released in Japan for past 6 months. Now there is no more Lee BH's work to show Japanese fans unless he takes new TV drama or movie. It's Kwon SU's turn now. His 2 TV drama and 4 movies will be released in Japan for 6 months from now, which would increase his popularity in Japan from now)

three, those who are popular in Japan and who stay in Japan: Park Yong Ha and Ryu Si Won(but Ryu SW will appear in a new Korean TV drama soon)

Japanese feel something different from one and two. A Japan media reports, "Lee BH and Kwon SU are very active in promotions in Japan while BYJ , Chang DG and Won B are not active". 4 movies in 6 months - this kind of strategy is called "Popularity Chasing(Inki Mol-I)" in Korean show buiz. If you read my past Analysis series translated by happiebb here, you could read about "Mori" when I talked about Kwon SU. This Mori is Popularity Chasing(Mol-I). This is what Korean agents generally like to do(and which BOF does not like to do). So, as I indicated before, Kwon SU's agents are very good in this kind of short-term "hunting strategy" called Popularity Chasing. They are successful in this strategy in Korea and make Kwon SU a top star in Korea.

But, this Kwon SU's team made a mistake in Japan. I will explain about this. Suppose a TV station A supports Kwon's activity in Japan while this A-station is a rival to other TV stations B, C and D. Then, these other stations do not support Kwon simply because he is supported by their rival TV station. Now, Fuji TV supports strongly Kwon SU. Other TV stations, Asahi, Yomiuri, Mainichi and NHK are rivals to this Fuji TV so that other TV stations do not support Kwon's activities in Japan.

If you are supported strongly by one big TV station, other big stations will not support you. This is not a good situation to a star. Kwon SU went to Japan about 2 days ago but no Japan TV other than Fuji is talking about his coming to Japan. He will appear in some variaty shows in Fuji but this is all that he can do for his promotion in Japan. Kwon SU's agents should have known that, "making a strong supporter is other way of making your enemies"

As Japan media remain silent for his visit to Japan, Korean media remain silent too. This morning I read in Korean newspaper that Lee Young Ai is welcomed in Hong Kong so much and Kim Ha Nul will visit Japan and Japan is very happy for her coming. But I could not read about Kwon SU in Japan in Korean media. Maybe, this is because Japan media do not mention about him(I suppose Sankei-Shinbun of Fuji TV wrote a lot about him, but only Sankei)

For BYJ's case, no TV stataion supports BYJ. But, this means every TV station supports him. BYJ and BOF have no strong friend in Japan TV stations, and therefore, BYJ has no enemy. Every Japan TV is talking about him(of course, because he is so popular, but even then, if he has an enemy in Japan TV, that station will not talk bout BYJ). When BOF permit Nippon TV to make a special program and special interview with BYJ, BOF said like this,

"though every TV station proposed of making a special BYJ program, we selected Nippon TV program. This program suggested to catch the daily lives of BYJ and we want to let Japanese fans know BYJ in his daily lives. This is the reason why we choose Nippon TV special among the several offers"

This was so nice. There is no politic games, business talks, money things in above reason why BOF choosed Nippon TV in that case. Every Japan TV station could understand the reasons and could understand how to do a job with BOF and BYJ. So nice, real professional, and still pure spirit. Some Korean agents are saying BOF are poor in Populrarity Chasing strategy, but BOF's startegy is better than this short-term strategy.

Part 19
(lynn: i think mr fumi has lost counts, so there will be repetition...hehe)

Good morning everyone, There was a report that BYJ would visit 10 Asian country with Sohn YJ for the promotion of the new movie. Today, I will analyse whether we should believe this or not(I have no personal information about this) Before this, let's check the recent news,

Ilyo-Sinmun(Sunday Times) reports that Cho Sung U rejected the offer from Kim JH PD for the new TV drama. Managers of Cho mentioned that basically Cho has interests in movies but this TV drama is special and they should think a lot before they reach the final conclusion. And their final conclusion was No. Now there remain the actor J who is recomended by BYJ for Soo's role. Who is this J? In my mind, I have two names: Cheong U Seong(in Musa) and Cho In Sung(both are written by initial J in Korea)

OK, then let us think about BYJ tour on Asia. Who reports this? I read a report for this in My Daily and the reorter is Mr Lee in Tokyo. Is My Daily authorative newspaper in Korea and reliable? Not authorative but half reliable. Then, the reporter Mr Lee is reliable? Yes, but in this case, he just mentioned what he heard from Show East(the distributer of this movie). It seems true that Show East mentioned,

We have a plan to visit 10 Asian countries for the promotion of the movie. Now we talk about the schedule for this promotion tour with BOF, Tube Co.(management Co. of Sohn YJ), and Blue Storm.

So, according to Show East, they talk about "schedule", not about whether they would visit 10 Asian countries. It reads as if they(the above 4 companies including BOF) decide to visit 10 Asian countries if their schedules permit.

There would be no reason to deny the above idea for Show East and Blue Storm. They would like the idea. Then, what about Tube Co.? This comapany who manages Sohn YJ would like the idea and here is the reason.

This Tube Co. is a big management comapany but their benefits from this Korea Wave was not that large. The most famous actress or actor they manage is Hwang Shin He, quite a Big name in Korea but not so in Asia. This companay manages Shon YJ and Kim Ha Nul, too. Tube Co. gained some benefits from Korea Wave from these two actresses, but compared with other big management companies such as Cidus Co. or KIm JH Production, their benefits from Asia was not large. This company tried so hard to promote their managing actresses or actors in whole Asia, and now, they got a great chance. According to a Japanese Show buis. market consultant,

we are very sure that Sohn YJ will become a big star in Japan. Sohn YJ's movie "Eraser in My Memory(not sure the English title)" would record about 10 million $ revenue in Japan, which will be released in Japan in Nov. this year. This expectation is made based on our market research and we are confident about this

I do not think Sohn YJ's movie will record 10 million $ revenue in Japan, haha, but anyway, what this Japanese market consultant thought is as follows: firstly, in Sep., April Snow would make a huge hit in Japan and then, Sohn YJ will become a big star in Japan, and then, if they invest a lot in promotion of Sohn's movie, her movie, "Eraser..." will record about 10 million $ hit(which is close to the hit of Brotherhood in Japan). It is rather surprising that quite a big Japanese company GaGa imported this Sohn's movie.

So, this is a big chance for Tube Co. and they will do what they can do for their future profits from Korea Wave. For this company, Sohn YJ is quite an important existence in this sense. Only problem with them is that Sohn YJ's schedule is quite tough. She is more busy than BYJ. Even then, Tube Co. would gladly agree with the idea of visiting 10 Asian countries.

Director Hur would like the idea too. He has many friends in whole Asia and this would be a chance to meet those friends in whole Asia. Though he does not like the idea of promotion, I think there is no reason for him to object this idea. Anyway, I think, he will meet his friends in China, HK, Japan and other countries.

So, in my view, BOF would decide the final conclusion. Other three companies would like this idea. As you know, BOF is not interested so much about this kind of promotion. BUT, if Sohn YJ makes such a tour, then BYJ would share the burden together. BYJ is a knight to a lady and he would not want a lady to take a whole burden of promotion.

Based on this conjecture and without any private information, I guess there will be some promotion tour for this movie. 10 countries or not will be decided according to their schedules. Tour for 10 countries would be very tough, right? But still, I hope they would make this. This has some historical meanings, I think. This will be a tough but meaningful journey.

Part 20

Good morning everyone, after I wrote yesterday about Asian tour by BYJ and SYJ, it is announced, as you know, Sohn YJ will visit Japan and has a fan meeting at 28th this month. So hurrying, right? One thing funny to me is that her visit to Japan is organized by IMX. Many BYJ family would gather in this SYJ fan meeting because in this meeting people gathered there can see a part of the making film of April Snow.

According to reports in Korea, the shooting of this wonderful movie will be over TOMORROW. It is also reported that BYJ and SYJ will visit Japan at the end of August.

As I mentioned yesterday, Sohn YJ's managing company Tube is very eager for SYJ's success in whole Asia. If Korean reports are right, she will visit Japan twice for 3 months. Another good news for SYJ is that her movie "Eraser in My..." now records a smashing hit in Hong Kong. HK movie market is important because there is a tendency that a movie which was a hit in HK makes a hit in other parts of Asia, also.

Meanwhile, Kim JH PD said he will visit Japan at the end of July with BYJ. He wanted to promote his new TV drama, but as you know, still now, the other main actor and main actress are not decided. If Kim JH makes his visit in August, then BYJ can probably be with him.

April Snow will be distributed in Japan by UIP and Toho(two big giants in Japan) and BYJ visits in August would be prepared by these UIP and Toho because this visit is for the promotion of the movie. What seems funny to me is that SYJ's visit this month is not prepared by these distributers but is prepared by IMX. By this active promotion, I think SYJ will be a big star in Japan comparable to Cheon Ji Hyeon. As one would expect, to work with BYJ was a great chance to SYJ.

If we think about the promotion of this movie, it is only BYJ who can promote this movie. Think whose visit will be a news in Thailand or Philippines. Among the people related with this movie, I think it is only BYJ. Only BYJ can make some kind of a promotion of this movie in WHOLE ASIA. If BYJ visits China this time, there will be BYJ-FEVER in China because this will be his first official visit to China.

For BYJ, however, it is not good to make a promotion of the movie in Thailand, Indonesia. As you know, there was a disaster and many people died and BYJ contributes a lot for wounded people there. I think BYJ is better visit those wounded people in Thailand, Indonesia. As an important contributer for those wounded people, it is not good to promote something before those suffering people esp. because BYJ contributes a lot for them.

I would recommend as follows if BYJ's schedule permits that 10 countries visit. If schedules permit, then

I hope BYJ visit Thailand, Indonesia Malaysia, first. This visit is not for the promotion of the new movie, it would be a visit for those suffering people by that disaster.

Then after the rest in Korea, I hope BYJ to visit Beijing, China, Singapore and Philippines . There will be a hot BYJ- fever in China.

Then again after some rest in Korea, I hope BYJ to visit HK then to Shanhai and then to Taiwan and Osaka Japan.

These are 100% my imagination haha. After all, BOF will become busy in arranging BYJ's schedule from now on.