Lee Joon Gi and The Stars of Namoo Actors Raise Their Glasses of Chilsung Cider

 

LEE JOON GI

AND

THE STARS

OF
NAMOO ACTORS

RAISE THEIR GLASSES

OF

CHILSUNG CIDER

It seems that the talent management agency, Namoo Actors has more famous stars than in the heavens. Lee Joon Gi, Park Min Young, Kang Ki Young, Park Eun Bin and Song Kang. And many more. The five actors celebrate ‘togetherness’ and raise their glasses of Chilsung Cider to the world. Fans who have been eagerly lining up or clamouring to get a peek at the handsome men and beautiful women of Namoo Actors, specially chosen to be the brand ambassadors for Chilsung Cider, are delighted that the agency has finally released another set of photos featuring them.       The Namoo squad promotes the iconic Chilsung Cider, Korea’s Number 1 carbonated lime-lemon flavour beverage as the perfect drink with meals. Produced by Lotte, Chilsung Cider is a drink which is well-loved by the Koreans for more than 70 years as it is pure, clear and caffeine-free.     It’s no pure coincidence that these famous faces have been chosen to be brand ambassadors for Chilsung Cider. The healthy life-style of the 5 Namoo actors matches Chilsung Cider’s image. It is also a known fact that the five actors have a clean, healthy, sincere and unpretentious reputation. They are full of spirit and life, and have the most beautiful smiles. They seem to be part of a wonderful family of actors. True to form, at the advertisement filming site, the smiling actors appear to be naturally in sync with each other like one big, happy family.     Namoo Actors has an army of good lookers, but the best of them all, is the world famous multihyphenate Actor-Martial Artist-Singer-Dancer-Model Lee Joon Gi. He’s has always been an icon but last year he was rewarded with the title 2020 ICON (Drama) by Cultura for his tour-de-force performance in Flower of Evil. It is often pointed out that actors need more than good looks; good looking people are a dime a dozen in Korean showbusiness. The global star’s sense of humour and healthy lifestyle endear him to his fans. His combination of heart, intelligence, spirit, passion, confidence, versatility, athleticism, work ethics and powerful aura, is altogether sexy. Lee’s beautiful looks are unbelievable; it seems that he can change his appearance whenever he likes: Idol. Boy Next Door. Macho. Sexy Beast. Bad Boy. Gentleman Charmer et cetera. And women find him irresistible. He really packs a potent appeal. These are what have made Lee Joon Gi a global superstar.         Since this famous and popular squad of Namoo stars look so good together, they should collaborate in a movie or a television series, perhaps set in an overseas location. Fans would love to watch the electric sparks between Lee Joon Gi and Park Min Young again. Kang Ki Young and Park Eun Bin would add something new, fresh and interesting to the collaboration if it happens. Song Kang is one of the most famous of the new generation of Hallyu stars.           Lee Joon Gi and Park Min Young’s friendship has endured for fourteen years since they met at the Spris advertisement in 2007. Four years ago, they starred in Candy in My Ears, a wonderful romantic-comedy reality drama set in Florence and Venice, Italy, in which they, Red Ginseng (Lee Joon Gi) and Bunny Bunny (Park Min Young) talked about their life and friendship. Their chemistry is so great and magical that it has spawned some wild romantic speculations. After that show, a new title was given to the heartthrob, who has already been anointed as King of Saguek (Historical Dramas) and King of Action and Martial Arts. Now, the hottest Asian megastar is also the King of Rom-Coms.     Namoo Actors knows how to get the best mileage of out of every event which their stars are attending in order to promote them and to cheer them on. They have used numerous creative ways: producing fictional newspapers, writing funny stories and anecdotes, posting interesting descriptions but most importantly, taking beautiful photos of their stars.   This time around, their fantastic tale, which is inspired by Harry Potter, is not only humorous but also entertaining.

 

 

 

 

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo: An Adaptation of The Novel Bu Bu Jing Xin

 

MOON LOVERS

SCARLET HEART RYEO

AN ADAPTATION
OF

THE NOVEL

BU BU JING XIN

None who have watched Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, would be able to forget the timeless masterpiece. The South Korean television series took the world by storm in 2016. The global audience have raved over Lee Joon Gi’s electrifying and stirring performance as Prince Wang So / Emperor Gwangjong and they too have ranted over the heart-breaking ending. Korean historical dramas would never be the same again for those who have watched the stunning drama.     Many viewers of the 2016 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo might not be aware that the South Korean television series is not a remake of the Chinese television series, Bu Bu Jing Xin (Startling By Each Step). The two remarkable Asian television series are actually adaptations; they have been adapted from Tong Hua’s novel (Bu Bu Jing Xin) to television. Therefore, both share similarities; both are historical fiction-romance dramas with time travel elements. Tong Hua, one of the most famous contemporary romance novelists in China, has written many astonishing romance stories.         The SBS Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo masterpiece, which is written by Jo Yoon Young and directed by Kim Kyu Tae, also stars Lee Ji Eun (Hae Soo), Hong Jong-hyun, Kang Ha-neul, Exo’s Byun Baek-hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Ji-soo, Yoon Sun-woo and Kang Han-na. Bu Bu Jing Xin, which stars Damian Lau, Cecelia Liu, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng and Yuan Hong, premiered in China on Hunan Broadcasting System in 2011.     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_film#:~:text=Fantasy%20films%20are%20films%20that,folklore%2C%20or%20exotic%20fantasy%20worlds.&text=Fantasy%20films%20often%20have%20an,%2C%20escapism%2C%20and%20the%20extraordinary.           Both dramas are about a 21st century lady, who, through a disastrous event, is sent back in time and finds herself trapped in the body of a young lady of aristocrat means. She meets several princes and falls in love, first with the Eighth Prince and later, with the Fourth Prince.   Another similarity is that they speak of a house that is divided against itself and a war among brothers.   There are great differences between the two dramas.   Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is significantly shorter than its predecessor, being 20-episode in length compared to the 35-episode Bu Bu Jing Xin.   The Chinese era and Goryeon era are separated from each other by about 7 centuries. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is about the tenth century Goryeo Dynasty founded by Taejo while Bu Bu Jing Xin is about the 17th Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) which was ruled by the Kangxi Emperor so there are great differences. The Qings or Manchus were considered to be a barbarian race from the north but their ability to adapt and assimilate into Chinese culture and civilization was remarkable.       The South Korean television series, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is radically different from Bu Bu Jing Xin in that it is fast-paced, infused with passion, and action-packed with a lot of martial arts scenes. Some parts are injected with unexpected humour.         The Chinese Bu Bu Jing Xin is slow-paced and there are practically no martial arts scenes. Even their few action or horse-riding scenes seem mild compared to Lee Joon Gi’s showcase of martial arts, sword-wielding and horse-riding skills. An exception is the display of equestrian skills by Ruolan and Mingyu, whose skills are probably those of a stuntsman.       The actors and actresses in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo are younger and naturally they portray their young character roles differently from the Chinese actors who are senior actors playing young characters particularly at the beginning of the story. The Chinese actors portray an elegant and more cultured society.   At the beginning of the tale, the young Korean actors, portray spirited teenagers like the scene in which Hae Soo and the Tenth Prince are involved in a hilarious but childish scuffle.     The greatest difference is the interpretation of the role of the Fourth Prince. Wang So, the South Korean Fourth Prince is full of fire, emotion and passion unlike Yinzhen, the Chinese Fourth Prince, who is seen to be cold and detached. However, both exhibit admirable restraint in remaining silent or calm in moments of great stress.     BU BU JING XIN Bu Bu Jing Xin is loaded with many interesting aspects of Chinese, Manchu and Mongol history and culture. Whosoever wants to know more about China will not come away disappointed.   The title Bu Bu Jing Xin speaks volumes about the drama. Bu Bu Jing Xin means ‘On Tenterhooks at Every Turn’. Bu means step. Jing Xin has connotations of fear. If one is to understand the context in which the phrase, Bu Bu Jing Xin has been used, one has to observe life in the palace. It is nerve-racking.  Everyone in the Forbidden City walks on a tightrope; they have to be wary of their every step. The power struggles bring out the worst in the Yongzhen (Yinzhen) emperor. His reign is overshadowed by ruthlessness, cruelty and barbarity.   Maids are cruelly beaten to death and Ruoxi’s personal maid is steamed alive.     Some palace servants have their tongues or limbs cut off and some are forced to drink poison.           The 8th Prince is forced to watch the barbaric punishment of an official who has betrayed the Yongzhen emperor. Each of his 4 limbs is tied to a horse and all the four horses gallop away in different directions.   It is worthy to note that The Usurpation of The Throne by the Fourth Prince is one of the most exciting scenes in Bu Bu Jing Xin.   There is a widely circulated legend that Yinzhen had usurped the Qing throne. He had been accused of modifying the Kangxi emperor's will by changing key Chinese characters specifying the heir to the throne. It was rumoured that Yinzhen had modified the phrase ‘transfer the throne to the Fourteenth Prince’ (Chinese: 傳位十四子→ shísì) to ‘transfer the throne to the Fourth Prince’ (Chinese: 傳位于四子 → yúsì) by changing the character shi (十) to yu (于). In 2013, an exhibit in Liaoning's Archive Bureau unveiled the Kangxi Emperor's succession will for the first time, and the exhibit finally disproved any notion that Yinzhen had changed his father's will.   The romance of the Thirteenth Prince, played by Yuan Hong, and the Mongolian princess, MinMin, is also one of the most moving and memorable segments of the series.   Bu Bu Jing Xin is one of China’s best historical television series. If you have not watched it, then, it’s your loss.       MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO     In Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Lee Joon Gi’s passionate and deeply emotional Wang So, hurt by his hostage status and deeply traumatised by his biological mother’s cruelty towards him, is propelled into the limelight by palace intrigues.         A great warrior, Wang So is passionate, aggressive, violent and fearless. His biological and half-brothers’ jealousy and naked ambition and his biological mother’s deep-seated prejudice against him drive him to deeply suspect those around him. Fate deals a helping hand and Wang So ascends the Goryeo throne to become Emperor Gwangjong. Life as an emperor is not what he had anticipated; his enemies continue to harass him and his few allies leave him one by one and he ends up lonely at the top.     What are the most exciting and impressive Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart scenes?    One can say that the viewers’ hearts must have skipped a beat whenever the handsome, gorgeous and masculine Fourth Prince appears on the screen. Oh, the throbbing heart, the racing heartbeats.     WANG SO THE RETURN OF WANG SO TO SONGAK (GORYEO)     Source: A Review of Korean History Vol 1 Ancient Goryeo Era      THE BATHING RITUAL     THE SHAMANISTIC MASK DANCE       MOTHER AND SON THE QUEEN AND WANG SO   THE RAINMAKING CEREMONY         THE POISONED WINE CONSPIRACY         THE FORCED KILLING OF THE TENTH PRINCE       GWANGJONG’S WEDDING NIGHT         WANG SO’S SOLILOQUY AT HIS MOTHER’S DEATHBED         Another impressive scene, Standing in the Rain, in which Wang So protects Hae Soo with his black cloak has been favourably compared to the scene in the original drama in which Yinzhen shields Ruoxi from the pouring rain.       The tragic romance in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is heart-breaking. When the story ends, many in the audience must have broken down. Hearts ache for Emperor Gwangjong and Hae Soo.         The global success of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo has cemented Lee Joon Gi's place as the King of Historical Dramas. It is without a shadow of a doubt that the main reason for the runaway global success of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is Lee Joon Gi’s spectacular performance. Lee as Wang So, the spirit of the Goryeo, completely dominates the television series with his natural charisma, handsome and powerful visual appearance, royal demeanour, formidable presence, powerful and mysterious aura. His tour de force-soul-stirring performance has won every viewer’s heart and affection. The passionate Lee Joon Gi has ridden the crest of the Hallyu Wave yet again.         It is not often that a historical drama touches so many souls. The tale of love, hate, passion, ambition and regret is beautiful and moving, the cinematography is fantastic and the way the tale is narrated is absolutely divine. And the actors’ performance, particularly, Lee Joon Gi’s takes the breath out of everyone in the audience.  Although the Fourth Prince is in a mask, viewers cannot help but fall in love with him; they rave over his gorgeous looks and sexiness. Lee Joon Gi’s appeal cannot be easily distilled and explained. It is certain that Lee Joon Gi has stolen a piece of the viewers’ hearts. They look at him but cannot touch him; it is like pressing one's nose against the candy store window. After watching Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, historical dramas will never be the same again.   Is there going to be a sequel? Another Time, Another Place: Meeting Wang So, the Fourth Prince Again in The 21st Century.    In South Korea, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, another historical drama, were broadcast in the same timeslot but the former lost to the latter in ratings.   One of the reasons which was given is hilarious. The South Korean reporter really has a sense of humour.  ‘… the audience was tired of bad guys and complicated emotions, preferring a kind male lead and a simple story like Love in the Moonlight’. (Moonlight Drawn By Clouds)     K-CULTURE PRIDE AWARD KOREA BRAND AWARDS 2016         It cannot be denied that Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a huge global success. The global reception to Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is the REAL indication of the superior quality of the drama and the outstanding performance of the actors, particularly that of Lee Joon Gi.     CHINA   Wikipedia originally recorded that Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo had 2.5 billion views in China in 2016 but someone had vandalised the Wikipedia site.   According to Soompi, ‘…. eighteen (18) episodes have aired so far and the drama has reached a total of two billion views on Youku in total, with each episode viewed over 100 million times.’   ‘On October 26, star Lee Joon Gi took to Instagram to post a video of himself and included a caption in English where he thanks fans and expresses his amazement at the record-breaking number of views’, that is 2,023, 991, 992.   The last two (2) episodes of the 20-episode drama, were only aired on 31 October and 1 November 2016.   Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo had reached 2.5 billion views by 1 November 2016.  The Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo WIKIPEDIA site has been vandalised by unseen hands.    https://www.soompi.com/article/910319wpp/lee-joon-gi-thanks-fans-scarlet-heart-goryeo-hits-2-billion-views-china     SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA   The television series garnered 73% (nearly three quarters) of viewership (and not 'surpassing 70%' as noted in Wikipedia) in Singapore and Malaysia, a lion share compared to Moonlight Drawn By Clouds, its rival historical drama which aired simultaneously. Note that there are 4 Korean channels in ONE.     https://www.onetvasia.com/onescoop/scarlet-heart-wins-hearts-and-ratings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_Lovers:_Scarlet_Heart_Ryeo   SINGAPORE   In Singapore, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo was number three in 2016 Google Trends (TV shows section).       NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA   DramaFever, which made Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo available in North and South America, recorded more than two million views within the mid-series.     AMERICAN SURVEY ON KOREAN CONTENT CONSUMERS OCTOBER 2016   DRAMA CHART: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo was placed SECOND.   FAVORITE ACTORS CHART: Lee Joon Gi was placed SECOND.   FAVORITE ACTORESSES CHART: Lee Ji Eun was placed THIRD.     TAIWAN   Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo topped Taiwan's VOD service website KKTV Drama Chart in the September 19–25 week. Lee Joon Gi was presented with the 2016 Best Actor of the Year award by Taiwan’s KKTV for his amazing performance.    KKTV TAIWAN ACTOR OF THE YEAR 2016   https://www.facebook.com/KKTV.me/videos/391096531241891/     HONG KONG   Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo was the top content on Hong Kong VOD service's Laiko since the first week of September.      12th SOOMPI AWARDS 2016   THE BEST ADAPTATION AWARD   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXwgHRiHJc     5TH ANNUAL DRAMA FEVER  AWARDS   MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART  RYEO   BEST ENSEMBLE AND  BEST HISTORICAL DRAMA     https://www.facebook.com/ScarletHeartQuotes/videos/lee-joon-gi-thanking-everyone-in-english-and-hangeul-for-their-support-in-the-5t/453784504963864/     https://www.ibtimes.co.in/did-moon-lovers-scarlet-heart-ryeo-cast-members-just-confirm-season-2-724504       SBS AWARDS 2016   LEE JOON GI 1ST PLACE   ACTORS WHO ARE RECOGNIZED  OVERSEAS SHOWBIZ KOREA 20.03.2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkO3NPnWDxg         Wikipedia: The information is incomplete       Lee Joon Gi’s brilliant performance in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and his Hallyu influence were noticed and in 2019, the sterling actor was appointed the Brand Ambassador for Palace 3D, a Hong Kong mobile game featuring Emperor Gwangjong and the imperial palace.           One important fact that was not well-publicised is Tong Hua’s visit to the filming set of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. The drama team met up with Tong Hua who was in South Korea for the Seoul International Book Fair on 19 June 2016. Tong Hua was with the director and the cast of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and after watching the initial video made for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, she immediately approved of it.

		INTERVIEW with  TONG HUA The author of Bu Bu Jing Xin  28.06. 2016  https://iu-jjang.tumblr.com/post/146604810642 https://www.weibo.com/2417482174/DClFO5TbL?from=page_1005052417482174_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime
Q1		Does it feel different compared to the actors in the Chinese version of Scarlet Heart?
A		Although there are great differences, the Korean actors have their own unique characteristics.   I feel that the actors each of their own distinct image and style. While they’re not that similar to the actors in the Chinese version of Scarlet Heart, I personally think they do match the original characters in the novel well.   I believe the director took references from the characters in the novel and cast the actors with the intention of helping the audience interpret (the novel) more easily.   Through communicating with the actors, he preserved the important characteristics of each personality, while combining that with the actors’ own personalities and acting abilities to craft each character.   The actors in the Chinese drama are outstanding, so I’m looking forward how ‘Scarlet Heart: Ryeo’ will showcase each of the actors’ strong personalities through their acting.
Q2		How do you feel attending the Seoul International Book Fair for the first time and meeting your Korean readers?
A		I didn’t know so many people in Korea read my books and that so many people would attend this event. I’m really glad.
Q3		You’ve met the Scarlet Heart: Ryeo cast then?
A		I met them yesterday (19th June 2016) and watched the video they produced, then greeted the actors at the filming site.
Q4		How did you feel upon meeting the actors?
A		Great, I’m filled with greater anticipation now.
Q5		This is your first novel that’s been produced into a Korean drama. To some extent, you’re probably worried about it.
A		Initially, due to the difference in cultures between the two countries, I was indeed worried, but to not experiment with the new just because of these concerns would be akin to not eating for fear of choking. (TL note: meaning to avoid something essential because of a slight risk).   I really like this new attempt to make an originally Chinese novel into a Korean drama and I’ve seen Kim Kyu Tae PD’s works before, so I trust him completely. I’m really looking forward to the new drama.
Q6		How do you find the Korean actors’ acting abilities?
A		While I haven’t seen all their works, I’ve seen Kang Ha Neul, Lee Joon Gi and Baek Hyun (EXO)’s acting before. IU is too adorable. The cast is full of actors that I like.