Green Rose summary 

What happened was shin hyun tae (Edward) started arguing with the president and in a state of anger, shin hyun tae revealed what happened to his father, . he pushed the butler away (the guy dying when JH entered the house) and repeated smashed the president's head on the wall...after that he told jung taek soo to buy thinner and come back. suh jae woo who was on his way back saw this after shin hyun tae left, suh jae woo(Staff of SR) went up to the president and the president begged him to help
but suh said to him: who did this to you? It was you beloved son-in law to be! If you die, and that guy goes to jail, then SR is going to be mine. After that, Lee Jung hyun (jerome lee) came to the house, suh jae woo, who was hiding, saw JH about to save the president and he thought, if the president gets saved, then what's going to happen to me, although i'm sorry to you(to JH), but i cant help it, it's your bad luck, so he decided to knock JH out. jung taek soo threw in the thinner from outside and the fire spread. when suh wanted to run away, he was spotted by jung taek soo. at the end, jung taek soo left JH's fingerprints everywhere and then left. The case is brought to court again and the president testifieshe says it wasnt lee jung hyun (jerome lee)who tried to kill him but it was JH who actually saved him~ when he was asked who the real culprit was, the president did not say it was shin hyun tae~ and just said it was a person that he had never seen before. Credits to em2em...

 

Upcoming Films

(Writeups by Tom Giammarco
and Darcy Paquet)

WELCOME TO DONGMAKGOL. Based on a popular stage play by Jang Jin, this film is set in a remote mountain village during the Korean War. The life of the villagers is turned upside down when soldiers from the North and South end up stranded and living in their community. To top things off, an American fighter pilot's plane crashes nearby, so he ends up joining them. Starring Shin Ha-kyun (Save the Green Planet), Jeong Jae-young (Someone Special), and Kang Hye-jung (Old Boy), this $8 million film will mark the feature debut of Park Kwang-hyun, who directed My Nike in the No Comment omnibus collection from 2002. It is scheduled to reach theaters on August 4.

THE WIG. ("Gabal") The director of the award-winning short Bread And Milk is preparing his feature-length debut. In it, Chae Min-seo (Champion) is Su-hyeon a girl suffering from cancer and Yu Seon (The Univited) plays her sister Ji-hyeon. Due to the treatments to fight her malignant cancer, Su-hyeon loses all of her hair. She takes to wearing a wig, although she cannot remember who gave it to her, to cover her baldness but the evil hairpiece begins to cause Su-hyeon to change. This horror movie is a Corea Entertainment film and will be released by CJ Entertainment on August 12.

BIG SCENE. ("Baksu-chilttae ddeonara") A copywriter is killed in an upscale hotel, and the case is assigned to detective Choi Yeon-gi. However, Choi soon discovers that a television crew looking for higher viewer ratings has decided to try to solve the case for themselves. With the crew broadcasting every development in the case on national TV, Choi has to try to save face and solve the crime before the TV crew does. A film by Jang Jin, one of Korea's most talented comic directors, based on his own play, and starring Cha Seung-won and Shin Ha-kyun. Scheduled for an August 12 release.

EMPRESS CHUNG. ("Wanghu-simcheong") An animated film by Nelson Shin that was co-produced between North and South Korea. Making use of North Korea's experienced animators (as have other countries from Europe), Shin has adapted the famous Korean folk tale of Shimchung, who sacrifices herself to save her blind father. Shin is famous in Korea for having created Korea's largest animation outsourcing company, which has done the drawings for many famous US animated works including The Simpsons. Empress Chung will mark the first instance of a roughly simultaneous release in North and South Korea. The northern version will be recorded in Pyongyang dialect by famous local actors. It will be released in North Korea in six theaters on August 15 and in South Korea on August 12.

CELLO. "At different times and in different places, one family who have all listened to a particular piece of music, die gruesome deaths." That quote is a translation of the original one-line plot synopsis I saw for Lee Woo-cheol's debut film. No doubt that the bright spot of this film will be the appearance of actress Lee Hyeon-ah (Woman Is The Future Of Man, The Scarlet Letter...) in the lead role. The only other cast member listed currently is newcomer Park Da-an. The film will grace theaters on August 18.

SHORT TIME. ("Yidaero, jugeul sun eopta") Lee Beom-su (Mr Gam's Victory) has taken on the part of the title character in a new comedy. Directed by first-time director Lee Yeon-eun, this project also involves the talents of experienced comedians Choi Sung-guk (Sex Is Zero) and Son Hyun-joo (Two Guys). It is the tale of police officer Lee Dae-ro who is a hero in the eyes of his 8-year-old daughter, Hyeon-ji (Byeon Ju-hyeon) but in reality is a dishonest and violent cop. Other cast members include Oh Ji-hye (Christmas In August) and Kang Seong-yeon (TV drama KAIST). This movie will be released on August 18.

THE CRESCENT MOON. ("Choseungdal-gwa bambae") A film by veteran director Jang Kil-soo (Silver Stallion) about a young boy who lives with his grandmother in a seaside village. One day his mother suddenly appears and drops off his younger sister. This low budget film stars Lee Yo-seob, Han Ye-rin, Kang Boo-ja, and popular TV actress Jang Seo-hee. Although this film screened at the Montreal World Film Festival a couple years ago, it is only getting its commercial release this year on August 25.

DUELIST. ("Hyeongsa") Lee Myung-Se is returning to directing movies after taking a break following his 1999 success, Nowhere To Hide. Set during the Chosun Dynasty, his latest film will be an action movie starring Ha Ji-won (Love So Divine, Phone) as Nam-sun and recently popular Kang Dong-won (Too Beautiful To Lie, Romance Of Their Own) as the mysterious 'Sad Eyes.' Bringing some solid experience to the cast will be veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki. Duelist, a Production M movie, began filming on November 30, 2004 and is currently scheduled for a September 9 release.

APRIL SNOW ("Wechul") Plans are already set to release this film not only in Korea, but simultaneously in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia as well. Negotiations are also underway with the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and China. While director Hur Jin-ho has already proved himself with One Fine Spring Day, the real draw for this film has been the casting of superstar Bae Yong-joon as the lead. His co-stars include Son Ye-jin (The Classic), Ryu Seung-su (Mr Gam's Victory) and Im Sang-hyo (I Believe In Jazz). Filming began in early February and the film will be ready for release in September. It is being produced by Blue Storm and distribution is being handled by a very happy Show East. Scheduled for a September 9 release.

TYPHOON. ("Taepung") Riding high on his popularity following his role in Taegukgi, Jang Dong-gun is prepared to pit himself against Lee Jung-jae (Oh Brothers) in a new film from director Kwak Kyeong-taek, the director of Friend and Champion. Exiled from North Korea, but with a fanatic hatred for South Korea, Jang's character, Myeong-shin, turns to naval piracy but his plans for revenge could result in deaths across both Koreas. Lee Jung-jae plays Se-jong, a navy seal who must stop the pirate from turning terrorist. Filming began at the beginning of September 2004 and took place in Busan, Thailand and Vladivostok. Expect this movie in theaters on December 23.

CHEUNGYEON. (literally, "Blue Sparrow") Sorum's director Yoon Jong-chan has started recreating the story of Korea's first woman pilot, Park Kyeong-won (1901-1933). Jang Jin-yeong (Singles) has been cast in the lead. Her love interest will be played by Kim Ju-hyeok (Singles, Mr. Handy) and Yu Min will be playing a talented, but arrogant, Japanese pilot. Filming started on March 29, 2004 in LA, Korea, Japan and China. This film has been delayed far beyond expectations, but there are plans to release it this fall.

SA-KWA. ("Sagwa") Kang Yi-kwon, the assistant director of Memento Mori and Three Friends has been given the opportunity by Chungeorahm Films to direct a feature length drama starring the great Moon So-ri. The story follows the relationship between Hyeong-jeong (Moon So-ri), recovering from a difficult breakup, and Sang-hwan (Kim Tae-woo). The Korean title "Sagwa" can be interpreted as either "apology" or "apple." The movie was originally scheduled for a May release, but this has now been pushed back.

MUDEUNG SANTAJAN, PARK HEUNG-SUK. (formerly "The Brother" or "Hyeong") Here's a name I haven't seen in a while. Park Woo-sang is returning as a director after his last film in 1997, KK Family List, flopped. Director Park has been directing films since the early 70's and is well known for his low-budget action flix like Chinatown 2, My Name Is Twin Bridges, and Don't Ask Where I'm Going. His latest movie stars Ko Ju-won, Kim Gyu-ri (Libera Me, Nightmare), Lee Jong-su (Phone, RU Ready), Lee Jae-eun (Jakarta, Segimal), Jang Tae-seong (Jail Breakers, Kick the Moon), Choi Seong-wook (Sex Is Zero) and Jo Dal-hwan (Sex Is Zero, My Boss My Hero). He has some actors this time, lets see if he can make a movie. This film continues to have its release delayed.

THE BIG SCENE. ("Baksu-chilttae tteonara") The director of Guns And Talks and the critically acclaimed Someone Special, Jang Jin, has prepared a new comedy/mystery. Produced by Another Sunday, the film stars the comedic talents of Cha Seung-won (Ghost House, Teacher Mr Kim...) and the dramatic ability of Shin Ha-gyun (Save The Green Planet, My Brother...). In this film, the police rush against time to solve a murder while television broadcasts make their investigation a prime-time show. Also involved in this project are Shin Gu (2009 Lost Memories, Foul King...), stage actor Ryu Seung-yong, and Park Jeong-ah (Madeleine). The current release date for this feature is August 12.


LOVE HOUSE. A film in which the initial plot synopsis sounds something like the 1996 movie Channel 69, an internet porno site operating out of LA, hires a young couple with connections to the Korean mafia. This movie is written and directed by graduate of the London Film School, Kim Pan-su, who had previously made his mark with two short films in 2001, Sleep Tight My Baby and Whispers In The Wind. The cast includes Park Sang-wook (Mr Butterfly, Another Public Enemy...), Ahn Gyu-ryeon, Jo Dong-hyeok (Hypnotized), Lee Seon-jin (A Moment To Remember) and Kim Byeol. This is an LJ Films production and will be released sometime at the end of 2005.


MR SOCRATES. Choi Jin-won, director of Family (the 2002 movie, not the one from 2004) and writer of Shit Up, has united with Courage Films and Ozone Films to create his second feature film. This one is an action/crime movie centering around an obnoxious police investigator who demonstrates no understanding of human relationships and no concern for anyone's feelings. Kim Rae-won (My Little Bride, ...ing) plays the main character 'Ku Dong-hyeok' and he is joined by Kang Shin-il (Silmido, Public Enemy...), Lee Jong-hyeok (Shin Seok-gi Blues...), Oh Kwang-rok (Oldboy, Spring Bears Love...) and Yun Tae-yeong (Dream Of A Warrior). Audiences can expect this film in theaters in October 2005.


SHADOWLESS SWORD. ("Muyeong Geom") Taewon Entertainment is producing a tragedy in which the greatest swordsman living along the coastal area stands as the last line of defense in the protection of the king. The film is being directed by Kim Yeong-joon who directed, five years ago, the movie Bicheonmoo, sometimes called "The Flying Warriors". Listed first in the credits, Lee Seo-jin is playing the king of the coastal town. Although his last movie credit was the notorious Ghost Taxi, Lee has gained a degree of respectability with his TV work such as Damo and Firebird. Yun So-yi (Arahan), Shin Hyun-joon (Bichunmoo), and Kim Ki-yeong round out the cast. The film, which is co-financed by New Line Cinema, is scheduled to be released in Korea in December 2005, with New Line then releasing it worldwide in 2006.


BATTLE BOYS. Director Park Yeong-cheol is debuting with his first feature length film. His only previous work of note was a short film in 2000 called Dacapo. But Season Entertainment has contracted him to shoot a youth-drama full of passion and breakdancing. The cast consists of Jang Solmaro, Uhm Seong-mo (Taegukgi) and Lee Ju-yeon. Although the information I have claims the movie will be released in June, that seems very unlikely since the same page also claims that filming is 50% complete as of mid-May. A more realistic estimate of its release would be late summer or early fall.


CLOSE TO YOU. ("Sarangni") Popular comic actress Kim Jeong-eun of How To Keep My Love has been cast in a new melodrama in which a thirty-something year old woman falls in love with a 17-year old boy. The director of the film is Jeong Ji-woo. His last film prior to this year was Happy End (1999), but he has recently directed A Boy With A Knapsack for If You Were Me 2. The boy will be played by Lee Tae-seong who had a small role in Mr Gam's Victory but who is primarily known for his work in commercials. The film is being produced by Cinema Service and will be released in August.


DAISY. Daisy is sure to spark interest among fans of Korean film. The movie is being directed by Hong Kong filmmaker, Andrew Lau Wai Keung of the Infernal Affairs series and it stars Jeon Ji-hyun (My Sassy Girl), Jung Woo-sung (Musa), Simon Yam (Moving Targets), Lee Sung-jae (Public Enemy), and Cheon Ho-jin (The Big Swindle). It's an urban melodrama action of a woman, the police detective she loves and a killer from whom there is no escape. Daisy is being produced by iFilm and may be completed for release this coming November.


PAILMYEONG HAN GIL-SOO. Based on the true story of Korea's first known double agent Han Gil-soo who, in the early 1940's, infiltrated the Japanese military command and learned of plans to bomb Pearl Harbor. He then made a desperate bid to bring that knowledge to the attention of the US navy. Helming this thriller/action film is director Lee In-soo making his first feature film. Taking the lead role as Han is Ahn Jae-mo (Humanist). The movie will also star Im Yu-jin (Reversal Of Fortune), veteran actor Han In-soo (The Secrets Of Heaven), Ko Jeong-il (Our Twisted Hero), and Seo Mi-yeong. The film is near completion but two months are needed to finish the computer graphics of the Pearl Harbor scenes so it is estimated that this Triumph Pictures film will be ready for release sometime in July.


WEDDING CAMPAIGN. ("Naui gyeolhon wonjeonggi") Someone Special's Jeong Jae-yeong and Yu Jun-sang of Tell Me Something co-star in a new romantic/comedy that involves two lonely men from a rural villages, who are desperate to marry, travelling to Uzbekistan to interview a possible bride played by Soo Ae (A Family). Hwang Byeong-guk is directing. Back in 1997, Hwang had created a forty-minute featurette called I Met A Korean In Japan. This Tube Pictures production will be released in November 2005.


BBALGAN SANTA. One of the screenwriters of JSA and Two North Korean Guys, Jeong Seong-san, once again turns his eyes north of the border and directs a new comedy/drama about North Korea with a holiday twist. Having never celebrated Christmas, chaos follows after presents are dropped into North Korea. The movie stars Kim Hwa-yeong, Lee Jae-min and Park Eun-bin. Although no release date has been set, it seems safe to assume that this Yeonghwasa Saem film will be ready in time for the holiday season.


BEAST AND THE BEAUTY. ("Yasuwa minyeo") CO Films has selected Lee Gye-byeok, a first-time director, the oversee the latest film starring top star Ryu Seung-beom (Crying Fist). The film is a romantic comedy in which Ryu's character Ku Dong-geon has fallen in love with the beautiful Hae-ju (Shin Min-a of A Bittersweet Life). The problem is Gu's looks are somewhat average and their relationship is threatened when a handsome rival (played by Kim Kang-woo of Springtime) makes his move. Also appearing in the film is Ahn Sang-tae, a popular comedian from KBS2's Gag Concert and who recently made a guest appearance in Little Brother. This movie will be released in November 2005.


MARRYING THE MAFIA 2. ("Gamunui yeonggwang 2") The sequel to Jeong Heung-su's surprise box office hit in 2002. This time though, the director is Jeong Yong-gi who previously gave us The Doll Master. In this movie, Shin Hyun-joon (Face) plays the third son of a powerful family who is under heavy pressure to find the perfect wife. He believes that he has finally succeeded in that task, but his family may be shocked to learn that she is the daughter of a district attorney. Oh! Lala Sisters' Kim Won-hee co-stars and this Taewon Entertainment comedy also features Kim Su-mi (Mr. Gam's Victory), Tak Jae-hun (Everybody Has Secrets), Lim Hyeong-jun (The Doll Master), and Shin Yi (To Catch A Virgin Ghost).


8WOLUI ILYOILDEUL. A director of several short films, including God and Dreams Come True? Lee Jin-woo is about to launch his first feature length film in conjuction with the production company, Indiestory. The movie stars Yang Eun-yong (KT), Im Hyeong-guk (Quick Service, Debtor and other short films) and Oh Jeong-se (Red Eye, Into The Mirror...) When a woman falls into a coma following a car accident, her husband flips through her journal and learns that she has been writing about another man. Filled with jealousy, he sets about trying to find him. Filming should finish up long before its scheduled opening at the Seoul Independent Film Festival in December. A general release is planned after that event.


THE WINDMILL PALM FOREST. ("Jongryeonamu Sup") Yu Sang-wook is making a comeback after seven years of not directing films. His last film, Mystery of the Cube was back in 1998 and prior to that he directed to other horror/thrillers, Piano Man and Absolute Love. Perhaps trying to break away from the horror genre, Yu has entered the realm of melodrama with his new feature. It is the story of a man telling the tale of his one true love to a woman whom he recently dated. He relates his story while the two are riding a bus to the east coast. The man is played by Kim Min-jong (Romantic Assassin, Mr Butterfly...) and his lovers, past and present, are played by Kim Yu-mi (Phone, Doll Master...). Other cast members include Jo Eun-suk (Plastic Tree, Naked Being...), Lee Ah-hyeon (TV actress) and Lee Kyeong-yeong (Again, Maria and the Inn...). For further plot information, visit www.windmillpalm.net where you can read the screenplay, up to scene 72, in English. A Cham and Jonathan Yu Film Company production. This has been selected as the closing film of the 2005 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan).


POLICE STORY. ("Kangryeok 3Ban") Unit 3 of the Division of Violent Crimes is known for its passion, drive and the tight bonds of friendship among its members. However, with the poorest arrest record on the force, everyone is surprised when they are assigned to take down the largest, most dangerous criminal organization in the city. This is the plot of the debut feature from the assistant director of Break Out, Son Hee-chang. Cast in this action film are Kim Min-joon (A Letter From Mars), Heo Jun-ho (Silmido, Libera Me...), Jang Hang-seon (Mr Gam's Victory, Ghost House...) and Nam Sang-mi (She's On Duty, Spy Girl...). This Cinenet Production will be released in September 2005.


NUNBUSHIN HARU. The production company Indiestory has enlisted three young directors to create an omnibus describing interaction among individuals of Korean and Japanese heritage. Director Kim Sang-ho (Into The Mirror) is filming "Bomulseom" in which a Japanese woman goes to Jeju Island to find the remains of her grandfather. Kim Jong-kwan, a director of short films including Tell Her I Love Her is making "Eomma Chaja Sammalri" and Min Dong-hyeon (Eraser Wrestling...) is directing the romantic story of two people from different countries meeting at the airport in "Gonghang Namnyeo". This digital omnibus project will be released in theaters October 2005.


PRINCESS AURORA. (working title) ("Aurora gongju") Actress Pang Eun-jin, who the press dubbed the 'Korean Jodi Foster' for her work in movies like Address Unknown and 301/302, will now be trying her hand at directing with this new project from East Film. It's the story of a woman, played by Uhm Jung-hwa (Singles, Mr Handy) who finds herself being drawn into the mystery surrounding a series of unexplained killings. Moon Seong-geun is also involved in the project, taking the part of Detective Oh who is leading the homicide investigation. Filming should wrap up by the end of June and the film is expected to be released this October.


CHODAE. A new thriller is currently being filmed featuring the talents of Chae Hee, most recently seen as the silent 'houseguest' in 3-Iron, and Seong Hyeon-ah of The Scarlet Letter. The movie is being helmed by Jeong Heung-sun, returning after the dismal failure of My Wife Is A Gangster 2. Perhaps the performance of that movie is what led director Jeong to hint that he was hoping to get away from comedies and was excited when he read the script of Chodae, calling it a 'nearly perfect suspense/thriller.' Filming began at snowy Yongpyeong Ski Resort in mid-March and this Gamun Cinema movie will be released into theaters at the beginning of August.


DIFFERENT ROMANCE. ("Gwang-shik-i dongsaeng Gwang-tae") Kim Hyeon-seok, director of YMCA Baseball Team and assistant director of The Isle, is currently directing a new romantic comedy. The story examines the different styles of dating between timid Gwang-shik (Kim Ju-hyeok of Mr Handy), who cannot tell the woman he loves that he loves her, and his younger brother Gwang-tae (Bong Tae-gyu of A Good Lawyer's Wife) who cannot settle for just loving one woman. Taking the roles of the female leads are Lee Yo-won (Take Care Of My Cat) and Kim Ah-jung (Who's Got The Tape). This movie from MK Pictures will be released sometime in the summer of 2005.


TEXTURE OF SKIN. ("Salgyeol") Lee Sung-gang, the director of the award-winning animated film My Beautiful Girl, Mari, has made his first live-action film. Texture of Skin focuses on a photographer who restarts an affair with his ex-lover, who is now married. At the same time, he finds himself having visions of the woman who lived in his apartment in the past. Co-produced by Sodom Production and East Film, and sold internationally by Mirovision, this film is scheduled to be complete in mid-2005.


TIME BETWEEN THE DOG AND WOLF. ("Gae-wa neukdae sai-ui shigan") Jeon Soo-il, director of the independent films Wind Echoing in my Being, The Bird That Stops in the Air, and My Right to Ravage Myself, returns with his fourth major work. A filmmaker returns to his hometown after twenty years, and gets to know a woman who is looking for her lost sibling. The film's title comes from a French expression referring to the moment after sunset when it is too dark to tell whether the animal in front of your eyes is a dog or a wolf. Starring An Kil-gang and Kim Seon-jae, this film was completed in spring 2005.


RUNNING WILD. ("Yasu") A lot of faith is being shown in Kim Seong-su, the man who was the assistant director of Failan and Trio. (Not to be confused with the director of Musa, who has the same name) He is being entrusted by Popcorn Films with a big-budget movie that is already being called a blockbuster. Part of that reason has to do with the cast which includes Kwon Sang-woo (Love So Divine) and Yu Ji-tae (Oldboy). Kwon Sang-woo will be taking on a very different role than what he has done in the past. This time he is playing a tough, short-tempered cop who has teamed up with a by-the-books lawyer (Yu) to take down a vicious ring of organzied criminals. This movie also stars Yu Dong-geun (Marrying The Mafia) and will hit the theaters in December.


SAD MOVIE. Some of Korea's most popular stars are pooling their collective talent and appearing in this iFilm 'omnibus' of melodramatic stories that early reports indicate will be, as the title indicates, quite moving as we watch several couples struggle with their relationships. The director leading the cast is Kwon Jong-gwan (S-Diary), returning for his second feature film. The impressive cast includes Jung Woo-sung (Mutt Boy), Im Su-jeong (A Tale Of Two Sisters), Cha Tae-hyeon (My Sassy Girl), Yeom Jeong-ah (The Big Swindle), Shin Min-ah (A Bittersweet Life), Son Tae-yeong (Ghost House) and Lee Ki-woo (The Classic). The film started cranking in mid-April and will be released in the autumn.


YOU'RE MY SUNSHINE. ("Neoneun Nae Unmyeong") Park Jin-pyo, director of Too Young To Die has convinced top star Jeon Do-yeon to sign on to star in his next film. Ms Jeon takes the role of Eun-ha, a sex worker who contracts AIDS. Hwang Jeong-min (A Good Lawyer's Wife) co-stars as Seok-jung, Eun-ha's sincere and committed love interest. While no release date has been set of this film by b.o.m. productions, it will open sometime in the fall of 2005.


NAESAENGAE GAJANG AREUMDAWOON ILJUIL. Memento Mori's director, Min Kyu-dong has begun making a film inspired by the US/UK co-production Love Actually.... He has cast Lim Chang-jung (Jakarta), Uhm Jeong-hwa (Singles), Kim Su-ro (Dance With The Wind) and Ju Hyun (A Family) in the primary roles. The film follows the ups and downs in the relationships of six couples, ranging in age from their teens through their sixties, as they fall in and out of love. Director Min's second feature-length film is being produced by Doosaboo Films.


HOST & GUEST. ("Bangmungaek, juin-doeda") This feature debut by Shin Dong-il, who saw his short film The Holy Family screen at the Cannes Film Festival several years back, tells the story of a part time film lecturer who has recently divorced his wife. Shot for just $170,000, it stars Kim Jae-rok and Kang Ji-hwan. Produced by LJ Film.


GEOCHILMARU - THE SHOWDOWN. ("Geochilmaru") A low-budget action film shot on digital video about eight masters in various martial arts who are summoned to a secluded mountain area for a competition. The winner of the competition will then go on to battle the mysterious host of the event, who is known only as Geochilmaru. Featuring singer Kim C, this feature is complete and will be released in the fall by Sponge, a small distributor of foreign films that is moving into local production.


YOON BAND PROJECT. ("Yoon Do-hyun Band Project") Kim Tae-yong, one half of the directing duo behind Memento Mori, returns with this rock documentary about a popular Korean rock band that tours Europe. A glimpse of the Yoon Band's daily lives and the challenges they face as they move from city to city. Produced by Sponge, and scheduled for an October release.


MOMMY, DEAREST. ("Eomma eolgul yeppeunneyo") The talented Moon So-ri (Oasis) is once again proving herself to be the most versatile actress in Korea and is almost unrecognizable in her role in a film directed by Park Heung-shik (My Mother The Mermaid). This bittersweet film, described as being sad but laced with a warm humor, focuses on the violent times following the death of President Park Jung-hee in 1979 as seen through the eyes of a young man in middle school. The cast includes Lee Jae-eung (The President's Barber) and Yun Jin-seo (Mr Gam's Victory, Oldboy). This Bluestorm film will be released sometime in spring 2005.


WAY TO GO, ROSE. The third feature film by arthouse director Kim Eung-su (Desire) is, unexpectedly, a comedy. Starring Kim Tae-hoon and Choi Ban-ya, the film tells the story of a married couple who try re-igniting their sex life on their second anniversary, only to end up in an argument about the wife's former boyfriend that leads to their divorce. Two years after their divorce, they meet again to try to make sense of what has happened to their lives. A co-production between Kim Eungsu Film and Jowoo Film.


LOVE IS A CRAZY THING. ("Yeonae-neun michin jishida") From Sidus Pictures, the production company behind Marriage is a Crazy Thing, although this film appears to have a completely different storyline, cast and crew. Actress Jeon Mi-seon (who played Song Kang-ho's girlfriend in Memories of Murder, and Han Suk-kyu's old flame in Christmas in August) will take on her first lead role after 16 years in the movies, playing a housewife working part-time in a "phone room" who discovers a new hope for life after entering into an affair. Debut director Oh Seok-geun takes the megaphone.


AACHI & SSIPAK. An animated film from director Joe Bum-jin about a futuristic world powered entirely by human feces. With the government anxious to control this sole, important source of energy, they install special sensors on its citizens' anuses to monitor production, while controlling the populace by distributing addictive popsicles. This quirky feature animation has already been pre-sold to multiple countries, and MTV has licensed rights to create an animated series on the same theme and characters. This film is now reportedly completed.


DRAGON WARS. Directed by Shim Hyung-rae (Yongary, Tirano's Claws). In modern-day LA, something huge is waking beneath the city. Imoogi is stirring and waiting to destroy civilization but the key to defeating him lies 500 years in the past. Odd that in its very well developed homepage, a lot of detail is given to the various CGI monsters, but not a single mention is made of the human cast... This film finished shooting in late 2004, and is scheduled to be completed in mid-2005.

ROAD. ("Gil") A movie from director Bae Chang-ho (My Heart, Last Witness, Deep Blue Night...) and starring Bae Chang-ho. Director Bae has appeared as an actor in two movies previously: Gagman and Love Story, and here he plays a wandering blacksmith who meets up with a young woman who brings back memories of his past. A product of Lee Shin Productions, the film is complete and is waiting for its premiere. It screened as the Closing Film of the 2004 Gwangju International Film Festival in September.

STAR RUNNER. Kim Hyun-ju and Oh Geon-ho (TV's Meteor Garden) are united under the direction of Lee In-hang (a Hong Kong director working under the name of Daniel Lee who recently directed Fighter Blue). In this film, a woman goes to Hong Kong to teach Korean and falls in love with one of her students who dreams of being a kickboxing champion. This film has already been released in Hong Kong, and is waiting for a Korean release.


WINTER STORY. ("Gyeol iyagi") Director Shin Sang-ok, who has been directing movies since the early 1950s including such classics as Romance Papa, Youth '75, and Pulgasari, returns with a new drama of a man suffering from senility. As his condition worsens, his relationships with his family deteriorates as well, especially the relationship with his daughter-in-law. Starring veteran actor Shin Gu (whose recent works include YMCA Baseball Team and Christmas in August) and Kim Ji-suk. Status: Finished, but waiting for release.