Ha Ji-won and Bae Doo-na team up in sports movie
by javabeans
After knocking out a super-hit drama series (Secret Garden, as if you needed the reminder), Ha Ji-won is jumping right back to the film world with a new project called Korea, which is a working title that dearly needs to be changed. (Can you imagine the aggravation of trying to find information on that movie? It’s like trying to buy That Album by That Band. Or trying to find out Hu’s on first.)
The movie is based on real-life events, centering around the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships in Chiba, Japan, when for the first time ever North and South Korea played as one team and won. It’s got all the makings of a heartwarming, feel-good story, replete with odd-couple dynamics and underdog victory. Will we get another Forever the Moment? (And Take Off?)
Ha was cast early on as one of the players, Hyun Jung-hwa, and looks to be joined by Bae Doo-na (Gloria), who isn’t confirmed yet but is considering the role favorably. Bae’s character is the North Korean player Lee Boon-hee, and the partnership is sure to produce lots of conflict as well as camaraderie.
Another actress who’ll join them is a newcomer, Han Ye-ri (Paju, Road No. 1), who plays Yoo Soon-bok, another player from the North. Apparently she’s working extra-hard to nail down verisimilitude, which includes training to hit right-handed when she’s actually a lefty. If she pulls it off, I am jealous; one of my weird obsessions as a child was achieving ambidexterity. Then I got tired and gave up.
Korea plans to begin filming in April, in time to release for the busy filmgoing Chuseok holiday in the fall.
Bae Doo-na
Han Ye-ri
Via OSEN
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Tags: Bae Doo-na, Ha Ji-won, Han Ye-ri
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1 nanamiaki
March 19, 2011 at 5:42 AM
i'm excited!!! =)
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2 Quaggy
March 19, 2011 at 5:46 AM
one of my weird obsessions as a child was achieving ambidexterity. Then I got tired and gave up.
BWAHAHAHA!! Me too!
The movie itself sounds interesting and I like the actresses attached.
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nynaeve
March 19, 2011 at 7:19 AM
Is javabeans a lefty?
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aviendha
March 19, 2011 at 4:01 PM
is that mrs. mandragoran?
if so, love the wot reference :)
am hanging out for the final book!
re: jb's leftiness - hmmm, could be considering her love of music though this is pure speculation.
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heejung
March 19, 2011 at 8:56 AM
hehe same here. i'm a righty but every so often i like to practice using chopsticks with my left lol
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Kender
March 19, 2011 at 11:53 AM
I tried tooooooo! Now I can write left-handed if I absolutely HAVE to, but my handwriting still looks like a grade schooler's. :/
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jane
March 19, 2011 at 9:55 PM
Yay, I'm not the only one who tried to achieve ambidexterity.
I now can use chopsticks with my left hand and write very slowly with my left hand... but it looks like a kindergartener's handwriting.
I hear that Lee Minho is ambidextrous... so jealous. Anyone else ambidextrous?
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3 Peppy
March 19, 2011 at 6:00 AM
sounds interesting, but yeah, the title REALLY needs to be changed... =/
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Annie
March 19, 2011 at 8:22 AM
Kind of like 2am's "This Song!"
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Jo
April 12, 2012 at 4:15 PM
well 2am "This song" in korea sounds more poetic than it does translated into english.
you...should probably keep these things in mind (and javabeans even explains the title etc)
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4 Dan
March 19, 2011 at 6:00 AM
I LOVE Ha jiwon
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Hyun Bin
March 19, 2011 at 6:13 AM
WHAT?
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x0mi07
March 19, 2011 at 6:37 AM
lolz.
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Kim Joo Won
March 19, 2011 at 6:47 AM
WHAT? Who the fuck is Hyun Bin?
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nynaeve
March 19, 2011 at 7:24 AM
LMAO...
Those comments are just hilarious...
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moonymeia
March 19, 2011 at 7:41 AM
* double like *
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Lilith
March 19, 2011 at 7:56 AM
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
LMAO (2)
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:09 AM
LOLOL!
Joo-won FTW.
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x0mi07
March 19, 2011 at 11:03 AM
rofl.
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maria
March 19, 2011 at 12:51 PM
hahaha trumped ya there!
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moonymeia
March 19, 2011 at 7:39 AM
*like*
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yakno
March 19, 2011 at 8:51 AM
lol
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Director Im
March 19, 2011 at 9:41 AM
i love her first
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:47 AM
LMAO! whre is OSKA the fairy godmother.
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:47 AM
LMAO! whre is OSKA the fairy godfather.?
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OSKA *hallyu-star*
March 19, 2011 at 12:06 PM
She already loves me, baby.
noi
March 20, 2011 at 6:35 AM
LOL xD
joZD
March 20, 2011 at 12:14 AM
no. Me first!
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jambo42
April 26, 2012 at 8:03 AM
Wow, one year later and these comments are still a hoot!
5 kgal
March 19, 2011 at 6:20 AM
She is so amazing. Truly Korea's chameleon. Looking forward to this film project, though I hope we get some new drama news eventually? While I initially watched SG for HKW, I stopped in the middle when it started to get ridiculous and boring (tho I'm probably in the minority in thinking this). Hopefully her next drama project will be something in which she isn't wasted.
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:24 AM
agree that she was way too wasted in SG. *sigh*
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6 Doris
March 19, 2011 at 6:26 AM
thanks jb,
How come there is no male actor in this sport movie ?
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:29 AM
It's not like there's no male actor. The full cast has not been finalized yet. Only Ha has been confirmed early on.
Besides, this is the movie about two FEMALE table tennis player who made it to the final and eventually WON. There maybe romance involves BUT that's not the main plot I guess.
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Doris
March 19, 2011 at 7:15 PM
oh ! now I know it is like mini dress movie the male actors are secondary in the movie.
I guess, they have to find an actor who can do well in the kissing act like in secret garden, because that is the impact (exchanging bodies) that was shown in that drama.
Although I didn't watch it but followed some of the recaps before I totally gave up on the drama.
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7 malia
March 19, 2011 at 6:31 AM
Ha Ji-won looks so pretty in that photo *envy*
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8 Arhazivory
March 19, 2011 at 7:50 AM
Sounds like the kinda strong chick flick I'll like. Anyone knows if she's started filming Sector 7 yet?
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Annie
March 19, 2011 at 8:23 AM
I thought she already finished this?
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:05 AM
Sector 7 has finished filming just before she jumps into SG's shooting.
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Arhazivory
March 19, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Really? :O Wow..I'm misinformed as usual. Haha. Thanks
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:11 AM
no problem.
Sector 7 will be on theaters this summer. ANTICIPATING IT SO MUCH!
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9 anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Ha Ji-won and Bae Doo-na's tandem. I SO CAN'T WAIT!.
Both are good actresses. Glad that Bae Doo-na is considering the role since reports have been circulating hat the casting team was having hard time to cast any actress in the role opposite of Ha Ji-won.
A proof that Ha's acting is in a league of her OWN. :)
'Will we get another Forever the Moment? (And Take Off?)'
Both were good movies so here's hoping Korea? would just do as well or even BETTER.
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Beng
March 19, 2011 at 1:44 PM
i think Bae Doo na is a match to Ha Ji-won in terms of acting. They are both great actress in my opinion. Well, i just love them both. I hope the casting is final already =)
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anna hae
March 19, 2011 at 9:58 PM
SO that's my point. Other actresses found it hard to act opposite heavyweight like Ha, and when I heard Bae is considering the role, I'M SO HAPPY.
Two of my favorite actresses in a movie is AWESOME.
Been a a fan of Bae since Plum Blossom. :)
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Lea
March 20, 2011 at 3:19 AM
Except that Bae Doo Na may be even a league above Ha Ji Won in terms of acting.
Anyone who is casted by both Park Chan Wook AND Hirokazu Koreeda must be amazing in her own rights. Her acting range is awesome, from the cracktastic Song in Linda Linda Linda, to the innocent, childlike human-like doll Nozomi to the self-destructive Yeong-mi in Sympathy for Mr Vengeance. Whoever thinks that HJW is the only star in this movie must do some fact-checking.
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anna hae
March 20, 2011 at 7:06 AM
I DO agree that Bae's acting is also in a league of her own.
So that's why I'M VERY GLAD that the director is approaching her and she's considering the role opposite Ha. Can't wait to see whose charisma shines better or better yet, both actresses holds each of their own.
how I love her in Linda Linda Linda.
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10 Ally
March 19, 2011 at 9:54 AM
Wow. Han Ye-ri is naturally beautiful. Jealous!
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Goyangi
March 19, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Yeah, I thought her pic was pretty striking so I looked her up ... and got really confused because she changed her name from Kim to Han.
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11 disfigurine
March 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Hahah xD I'm a lefty and all my friends are jealous. It's nothing special. I also can use my right hand but I'm slow with it. Remember, right hand is also cool too ^^
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jusash
March 19, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Ahaha ... outing of the lefties?? :)
really depends on what the action/movement is. i am ambidextrous (though slower on the right).
for eg: definitely a confirmed *leftie* for writing and chopsticks, but can use a knife for chopping, scissors for cutting with either hand.
and yes, almost everyone who notices does comment when they see me write. though 'their world' is unfairly geared towards the majority 'righties'.
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disfigurine
March 19, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Weird thing is that for my right hand, I'm better with sports: tennis, ping pong, and baseball. And I use the right hand to use my mouse. I've gotten too used to it. The only permanent thing I do with my left hand is to use the chopsticks, write, and chop.
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jusash
March 19, 2011 at 11:22 PM
mouse = works for both hands, for me. right seems more comfortable but that's bec it's a habit (to do with my PC-desk placement)
i think using a mouse ambidextrously should NOT be much of a problem for anyone left-handed or right-handed ... just a matter of getting used to it and a preference thing.
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12 Beng
March 19, 2011 at 1:39 PM
very good cast!!! =)
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13 jomo143
March 19, 2011 at 3:12 PM
Are we going to see a pretty ahjusshi crush coach?
Or a younger type who is intense, say Go Soo?
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14 BOGCHI
March 19, 2011 at 6:45 PM
box office hit for sure! Ha Ji Won is hot especially now!
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arke12
March 20, 2011 at 3:33 AM
of course, it's freaking Ha ji won, S.Korean only actress with 10-million-ticket
Feb 7, 2010
2000-2009 Bankable Actors Top 50
The report is based on the box office, percentage of the film's box office compare with the annual total box office of domestic films, leading role or supporting role, etc, in past 10 years. Through data processing and evaluation to come up with a 'Box Office Index' to get the top 50, and then grouped into 7 categories. (the figure next to the actor's name is the Box Office Index)
Source: http://movie.naver.com/movie/mzine/cstory.nhn?nid=748
Group 1. Box Office Stars
One special feature about this group is that their movies have more than 50% of chance to be successful. There are 9 actors.
Song Kang Ho ，36.349
Sul Kyung Gu ，34.808
Jang Dong Gun ，23.760
Ha Ji Won ，21.262
Cha Seung Won ，21.164
Lee Byung Hun ，18.689
Won Bin ，14.940
Lee Young Ae ，14.056
Son Ye Jin ，11.589
Group 2. Slow Starters
The actors in this group are mostly stage actor or TV actor, and through supporting roles tailored to their box-office power to fly high after quite some time. Or already a recognized star, but has to take a longer time to be recognized as a box-office star.
Jung Jae Young ，20.694
Jung Jin Young ，20.636
Kim Hye Soo ，13.938
Kim Yoon Seok ，10.671
Lee Bum Soo ，14.875
Hwang Jung Min ，11.169
Joo Jin Mo ，11.339
Kim Sang Kyung ，8.031
Group 3. Steady Sellers
Perhaps the true glory for the actor may not be the short moment of 'Best Sellers'. In that sense, 'Steady Sellers' belong to a group of actors who are the most solid.
An Sung Ki ，14.041
Park Joong Hoon ，7.644
Jung Woo Sung ，11.983
Lee Jung Jae ，9.934
Jeon Do Yeon ，8.700
Moon So Ri ，7.553
Shin Ha Kyun ，19.417
Kam Woo Sung ，12.033
Um Jung Hwa ，9.375
Group 4. Genre Masters
Actors in this group are strong in a particular genre. A lot of their works are comedy genre. The capability of the actors in this group reflect the trend of movies in Korea in past 10 years.
Lim Chang Jung ，15.085
Kim Sun A ，6.851
Cha Tae Hyun ，16.891
Kim Jung Eun ，9.674
Jung Jun Ho ，19.899
Shin Hyun June ，15.703
Group 5. Ups and Downs
Whether their movies can meet audiences' taste are fluctuated. The actor also has ups and downs. One has to hope for good opportunity.
Choi Min Shik ，7.858
Han Suk Kyu ，6.818
Yoo Oh Sung ，9.349
Lee Sung Jae ，11.334
Park Shin Yang ，7.207
Group 6. All-Round Players
Starring in main role or supporting role, switching between various genres, they all seem capable. Regardless of the proportion of the role, they still can give out good performance.
Park Hae Il ，11.297
Kim Soo Ro ，10.590
Lee Mum Shik ，10.066
Yu Hae Jin ，9.936
Group 7. Youth Power
Their stardom based on youth audiences as they love the image of the actors. We have to see what will happen to their movies in the next 10 years.
Jo Seung Woo ，12.225
Yoo Ji Tae ，9.429
Kim Ha Neul ，11.447
Kwon Sang Woo ，10.836
Ryu Seung Bum ，7.765
Ha Jung Woo ，10.408
Jun Ji Hyun ，9.009
Kang Dong Won ，7.235
Lim Soo Jung ，7.050
all credits to Rita at wonbin yuku
http://wonbin.yuku.com/topic/4235/t/Feb-News-2-1-2000-2009-Bankable-Actors-Top-50.html
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15 bjharm
March 19, 2011 at 7:53 PM
yep instant hit..wave the flag sing the national song..that all you need. It be a hit inside Korea, but like the huge Korean hit film President?..how well will it do outside of Korea..well if it anything like President, not too well. Depends if they go for only flag waving or actually bother putting a story in there worth watching by non koreans....
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16 marmar
March 20, 2011 at 1:28 AM
OMG OMG!!
I so frickkin' hope Bae Doo Na accepts. The woman is movie magic. Her movies are legit. Love her.
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Lea
March 20, 2011 at 3:25 AM
IKR? She first caught my attention in Barking Dogs Never Bite, then I checked out her other movies like Take Care of my cat, Sympathy for Mr Vengeance, Air Doll, The host... and I'm in awe ever since. Glad that she makes a movie comeback now. I miss watching her on the big screen.
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17 Cam
March 21, 2011 at 3:56 PM
WWHHOOOOOOOO for Ha Ji Won, of coursseee!!!
I love her when I really enjoyed watching that drama "Secret Garden" but it was fun and awesome! =D =D
Oooh, it seem very interesting, but I hope I will be available to watch this incoming movie! ^__^
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18 mj
March 21, 2011 at 3:58 PM
whoa.....Bae Doo Na.....getting hotter with age.
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arke12
March 21, 2011 at 6:46 PM
agree, She is getting hotter and hotter, I've watched at least 4 of her films and she was not bad,
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19 "Korea"
March 21, 2011 at 7:01 PM
I don't think they're going to change the title of the movie.
At first, I also thought it was not a good title, but then someone posted this on HJW's dc gallery...
During the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships, there was a problem regarding the naming of the team from the 2 Koreas. South Korea is known as ROK and North Korea is DPRK. So they decided to just use "Korea" for the team name and for their flag, they used a picture of the Korean peninsula in blue on a white background.
So the name "Korea" is fitting for the title of the movie.
I'm sorry if it is aggravating for you...
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