SONG SEUNG HUN
Profile
* Name: 송승헌 / Song Seung Hun (Song Seung Heon)
* Real name: 송승복 / Song Seung Bok
* Nickname: Tough guy
* Profession: Actor, model and singer
* Birthdate: 1976-Oct-05
* Birthplace: Suyuri, Seoul, South Korea
* Height: 179cm
* Weight: 70kg
* Star sign: Libra
* Blood type: B
* Family: Brother and sister 
After beginning his career as a model, Song Seung-hun (b. October 5, 1976) first became known to viewers in the popular sitcom Three Men, Three Women in 1996. The following year he started his extremely successful career in TV dramas, which made him well-known throughout Korea. His feature film debut came in 1999 in the film Calla together with star Kim Hee-sun.
True stardom only came to Song in late 2000, however, with the broadcast of the hugely popular TV drama Autumn Story (a.k.a. Endless Love). The series was exported all over Asia, making pan-Asian stars of both him and co-stars Song Hye-gyo and Won Bin. Since then he has been actively recuited for film roles and advertisements in Hong Kong and other Asian countries.
In 2002, Song starred in the comic-action film Make it Big by director Cho Ui-seok, and also in the Hong Kong film So Close with Hong Kong actresses: Karen Mok, Shu Qi and Zhao Wei. He also starred in Scent of Summer, the third "season-themed" TV drama after Autumn Story and Winter Sonata, which was well-received, but not as popular as the ones that preceded it.
In 2004 Song appeared in two films, but neither was judged to be a success: Ice Rain, shot in the Canadian Rockies, failed to enthuse viewers with its mixture of mountaineering and melodrama, while He Was Cool, based on an internet novel, proved unable to compete with Harry Potter and other films from the 2004 summer season. Meanwhile in late 2004, just as he was getting ready to start shooting another high profile TV drama, it was revealed that the actor had illegally avoided his compulsory military service by taking a drug that made him fail the military's health test. Amidst the press coverage and scandal this aroused, Song agreed to immediately serve his two-year term in the military.
TV Series
* The City of God (SBS, 2008)
* East of Eden (MBC, 2008)
* Summer Scent (KBS2, 2003)
* Law Firm (SBS, 2001)
* Autumn Tale (KBS2, 2000)
* Popcorn (SBS, 2000)
* Love Story (SBS, 1999)
* Happy Together (SBS, 1999)
* Message (SBS, 1999)
* Cheat (SBS, 1998)
* You and I (MBC, 1997)
* Beautiful Lady 아름다운 그녀 (SBS, 1997)
* Three Guys and Three Girls (MBC, 1996)
Movies
* A Destiny (http://www.cafe.daum.net/MOVIEDESTINY) (2007)
* He Was Cool (http://imdb.com/title/tt0415819) (2004)
* Ice Rain / Bing Woo (http://imdb.com/title/tt0389805) (2004)
* So Close (http://imdb.com/title/tt0300620) (2002)
* Make It Big (http://imdb.com/title/tt0319546) (2002)
* Calla (http://imdb.com/title/tt0380242) (1999) 
Recognitions
* 2008 MBC Drama Awards: Daesang Award (East of Eden)
* 2008 MBC Drama Awards: Popularity Award (East of Eden)
* 2008 MBC Drama Awards: Best Couple Award (with Lee Yeon Hee in East of Eden)
* 2001 SBS Acting Awards: Top Ten Popularity Award
* 2000 KBS Acting Awards: Most Popular Actor Award
* 2000 KBS Acting Awards: Photogenic Award
* 1999 SBS Acting Awards: Popularity Award
* 1998 Baek Sang Arts Award: Popularity Award
KWON SANG WOO
Profile
* Name: 권상우 / Kwon Sang Woo (Gwon Sang Wu)
* Profession: Actor and model
* Birthdate: 1976-Aug-05
* Birthplace: Daejeon, South Korea
* Height: 182cm
* Weight: 70kg
* Star sign: Leo
* Blood type: O
* Family: Wife/actress Son Tae Young, brother, sister-in-law and niece
* Talent agency: ISTAR
Kwon Sang-woo (b. August 5, 1976), the most visible example of the so-called "mom-zzang" (slang for "great body") movement, started his career as a fashion model in the late 1990s. His first acting experience was in the TV drama Delicious Proposal, and for the first few years of his entertainment career he received only minor roles on television, before debuting in Volcano High (2001). The following year he played his first lead role in the comedy Make It Big together with Song Seung-heon.
Kwon's breakthrough came in the phenomenally successful comedy My Tutor Friend, as a troublesome high school boy who is tutored by a college student of the same age (played by actress Kim Ha-neul). In this year he also starred in My Good Partner, the world's first movie made for mobile phones, and in the music video collection Project X.
His next film released in early 2004 was also a great hit. Once Upon a Time In High School portrays the authoritarian society of the 1970s through a notoriously violent high school. Simultaneously, his TV drama Stairway To Heaven was winning over high ratings on TV. The drama was eventually screened throughout Asia and helped to turn him into a regional star. However Kwon's followup film Love So Divine, about a priest in training who falls in love, earned poor reviews and did not get much attention from audiences.
For 2006, Kwon returns in a big-budget action noir titled Running Wild, about a detective, a prosecutor, and a criminal who are all equally vicious.
TV Series
* Bad Love (KBS2, 2007)
* Sad Love Song (MBC, 2005)
* Stairway to Heaven (SBS, 2003)
* Into the Sun (SBS, 2003)
* We Are Dating Now (SBS, 2002)
* Delicious Proposal (MBC, 2001)
* Legend (SBS, 2001)
* Man and Woman (SBS, 2001) 
Movies
* A Story Sadder than Sadness (2009)
* A Destiny (http://www.cafe.daum.net/MOVIEDESTINY) (2007)
* Almost Love (http://www.awoongdawoong.co.kr) (2006)
* Running Wild (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485552) (2006)
* Wild Beast (http://www.asiandb.com/browse/movie_detail.pfm?code=5876) (2005)
* Love So Divine (http://www.asiandb.com/browse/movie_detail.pfm?code=5656) (2004)
* Spirit of Jeet Kune Do: Once Upon a Time in High School (http://www.cjent.co.kr/english/productlist/highschool/index.asp) (2004)
* Project X (2003)
* My Tutor Friend (http://www.cjent.co.kr/english/productlist/mytutorfriend/index.asp) (2003)
* Make It Big (http://www.asiandb.com/browse/movie_detail.pfm?code=5292) (2002)
* Volcano High (http://www.asiandb.com/browse/movie_detail.pfm?code=5239) (2001) 
Recognitions
* 2005 Korean Movie Association Special Prize
* 25th Blue Dragon Film Awards: Popular Award (2004)
* 40th Baek Sang Art Awards: Most Popular Actor in a Movie (2004)
* 2003 SBS Acting Awards: Best 10 Stars Award
* 2003 SBS Acting Awards: Best Popularity Award
* 39th Baek Sang Art Awards: Best New Actor for "My Tutor Friend" (2003)
* 40th Daejong Film Awards: Best New Actor for "My Tutor Friend" (2003)
* 2002 SBS Acting Awards: New Star Award
BAE YONG JUN
Profile
* Name: 배용준 / Bae Yong Jun
* Japanese nickname: ヨン様 / Yon-sama
* Profession: Actor
* Birthdate: 1972-Aug-29
* Birthplace: Mapo, Seoul, South Korea
* Height: 181cm
* Weight: 78kg
* Star sign: Virgo
* Blood type: RH+ O
* Talent agency: Boundaries of Forest
Bae Yong-joon (b. August 29, 1972) spent the first nine years of his show biz career in TV dramas, gradually building up a tremendous fan base across Asia, and particularly in Japan, that has made him one of Korea's most famous stars. His debut came in the 1994 TV drama Love Greeting, and from 1995 to 2002 he went on to appear in nine more TV dramas. Have We Really Loved? (1999), Hotelier (2001) and especially Winter Sonata (2002) gave him tremendous exposure throughout Asia. In Japan in particular, Winter Sonata enjoyed unprecedented popular success, particularly among middle-aged women. Bae was subsequently dubbed with the honorific nickname "Yonsama", and became the most famous Korean star in Japan. Japanese prime minister Koizumi even joked, perhaps not untruthfully, that Bae's popularity had outstripped his own.
Meanwhile his film debut, outside of a brief walk-on in the film Bbilgu in 1995, came after he was already quite famous, in E J-yong's 2003 period drama Untold Scandal. The film, in which he portrayed a womanizing aristocrat quite unlike his popular image from TV dramas, was a hit in Korea and also performed well in Japan. By the time he made his second film April Snow in 2005, his popularity had grown to the extent that an intense media frenzy followed him throughout the shooting schedule. The film, about a man who discovers his wife's infidelity after she falls into a coma, opened weakly in Korea but set a new box office record for a Korean film in Japan.
In fall of 2006, Bae is scheduled to return to TV dramas with the lead role in Taewangsasingi, where he plays an emperor from the Goguryeo Dynasty who lived from 375-413.
TV Series
* The Legend (MBC, 2007)
* Hotelier (TV Asahi, 2007, ep1)
* Winter Sonata (KBS2, 2002)
* Hotelier (MBC, 2001)
* Did We Really Love? (MBC, 1999)
* First Love (KBS, 1997)
* Papa (KBS, 1996)
* A Sunny Place of the Young (KBS, 1995)
* The Six Steps Toward a Separation (KBS, 1995)
* Sea Breeze (PSB, 1995)
* Salut D'Amour (Love Greeting) (KBS, 1994)
* Barefoot Days (KBS2, 1994)
Movies
* April Snow (http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_April_Snow.php) (2005)
* Untold Scandal (http://www.cjent.co.kr/english/productlist/scandal/index.asp) (2003)
* Ppilku (1997)
Recognitions
* 2007 MBC Drama Awards: Best Couple Award (with Lee Ji Ah in The Legend)
* 2007 MBC Drama Awards: Daesang Award for The Legend
* 40th Baeksang Arts Awards: Best Male Newcomer for "The Untold Scandal" (2004)
* 2003 Blue Dragon Awards: Best Newcomer Award & Popular Star Award
* 2002 KBS Acting Awards: Popular Actor Award & Best Actor Award
* 38th Baeksang Arts Awards: Popular Actor Award (2002)
* 33rd Baeksang Arts Awards: Popular Actor Award (1997)
* 1996 KBS Acting Awards: Valuable Actor Award & Popular Actor Award
* 1995 KBS Acting Awards: Rookie Award & Photogenic Award
HAN YE SEUL
Profile
* Name: 한예슬 / Han Ye Seul (Han Hye Seul)
* Real name: Leslie Kim
* Nickname: Barbie Doll
* Profession: Actress and model
* Birthdate: 1982-Sep-18
* Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
* Height: 166cm
* Weight: 46kg
* Star sign: Virgo
* Blood type: A
* Talent agency: Maruon (http://www.maruon.com/) 
Han Ye Seul (born September 18, 1982) is a South Korean actress and model. Her real name is Leslie Kim.[1] She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, USA. She attended Cerritos High School and graduated from Cerritos College with a degree in computer graphics.
Career
Han debuted as a model after winning a super model competition in 2001.[2] Ye-seul is an all-round artist as she is a singer, actress of dramas and movies. She also has starred in a variety of commercials in Korea ranging from health drinks to beauty products to Venus women's apparel to Pizza Hut TV spots, Samsung ads and commercials for Motorola phones
Drama
* 2008: Tazza (SBS)
* 2006: Couple or Trouble [1] (MBC)
* 2005: The Typhoon In That Summer (SBS)
* 2004: Forbidden Love (KBS)
* 2003: Breathless (MBC)
* 2003: Nonstop 4 (MBC)
Film
* 2007: Miss Gold Digger
Awards
* 2008 Daejong Movie Awards: BEST NEW ACTRESS
* 2008 Paeksang Arts Awards: BEST NEW ACTRESS (MISS GOLD DIGGER)
* 2007 Paeksang Arts Awards: TV section Popularity Award-Actress (Couple or Trouble)
* 2006 MBC: Excellence Award (Couple or Trouble)
* 2006 MBC: Popularity Award (Couple or Trouble)
* 2006 MBC: Best Couple (with Oh Ji Ho in Couple or Trouble).jpg)
References & Notes
1. ^ english.tour2korea.com Profile Retrieved on Nov 12, 2007
2. ^ english.chosun.com Han Ye Seul Wins Over Detractors as Amnesiac Heiress Retrieved on Nov 12, 2007
External links
* Han Ye Seul at koreanwiz.org
* Han Ye Seul at koreanstorm.com
JUN MATSUMOTO
Profile
* Name: 松本潤
* Name (romaji): Matsumoto Jun
* Nicknames: Matsujun, Junji, King [by all Arashi], Jun~Chan, Matsumoto~kun, Do-S
* Profession: Actor, singer
* Birthdate: 1983-Aug-30
* Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
* Height: 173cm
* Weight: 58kg
* Star sign: Virgo
* Blood type: A-
* Family: Older sister
* Talent agency: Johnny's Entertainment
Jun Matsumoto (松本 潤, Matsumoto Jun?, born August 30, 1983), often called MatsuJun, is a Japanese idol, singer, actor, television personality and radio host. He is best known for being the youngest member of the popular boy band Arashi. Since the group's debut in 1999, it has achieved 20 number one singles, 6 number one studio albums, 1 number one greatest hits compilation album and has sold 9.9 million records in Japan alone to date.[1]
Matsumoto is also an award-winning actor and is primarily known for his roles in the Hana Yori Dango series, the first season of Gokusen, Bambino!, Kimi wa Pet and the third season of Kinda'ichi Shōnen no Jikenbo.
Early life
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Matsumoto is the youngest child of his parents. He has an older sister whose support of KinKi Kids influenced his decision to join Johnny's Entertainment in 1996. Thinking it might bode good luck, he sent his application to the agency on his elementary school graduation day and received a phone call weeks later from the president himself, Johnny Kitagawa, inviting him to attend a rehearsal. Due to this, Matsumoto is frequently referred to as an elite within the agency because he did not have to audition.[3]
Matsumoto began his career in the entertainment industry as a back-up dancer for other groups like many other Juniors in the agency before he was drafted into a five-member group named Arashi in 1999 at the age of 16. He graduated from Horikoshi Gakuen, a renowned high school known for its many performing arts alumnae, at the age of 18 with other contemporaries Kyoko Fukada and Ai Kato whom he counts as his high school senpai.
Recording and hosting career
[edit] 1999-present: Arashi
The group's debut was announced with much fanfare aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Honolulu, Hawai'i on September 15, 1999. The group's name, chosen by the agency, means "storm" and is meant to represent the group's ambition of "creating a storm throughout the world" through their music. Arashi's debut single, "A・RA・SHI", was a massive success upon its release reaching number 1 on the charts and selling over 970,000 copies at the end of its chart-run setting a new record for the highest first-week sales. A fan favorite, the group still performs the song during their live concerts to this day. Arashi's record would only be broken almost 7 years later by fellow JE boy band KAT-TUN's debut single, "Real Face", in March 2006.
All of Arashi's singles, album and DVD releases have been successful chart performers. The only singles that did not top the Oricon singles chart were "Typhoon Generation", "Tomadoi Nagara" and "Hadashi No Mirai/Kotoba yori Taisetsu na Mono". Their 2008 single, "Truth/Kaze no Mukō e", is their most successful release since their debut single and has sold over 600,000 copies as of October 2008.
In addition to music, Arashi are also prominent television personalities having hosted 12 different variety shows since 2001. Their first program, Mayonaka no Arashi ("Midnight Arashi"), lasted 38 episodes. Currently, the five are the hosts of two variety programs, Arashi no Shukudai-kun ("Arashi's Homework"), Himitsu no Arashi-chan ("Arashi-chan's Secrets") and a game show, VS Arashi.
Acting career
[edit] 1997- present
Matsumoto made his television debut as an actor in 1997 in the mystery-thriller series, Bokura no Yūki ~Miman Toshi~, opposite both members of KinKi Kids and band mate Masaki Aiba.[5] He appeared on the silver screen for the first time a year later in Shinjuku Tanteidan Shōnen[2]but his breakthrough did not come till 2001 however when he was cast as Hajime Kinda'ichi in the third season of Kinda'ichi Shōnen no Jikenbo taking over the role from senpai Tsuyoshi Domoto and co-starring opposite Anne Suzuki.[6] Arashi's single, "Jidai", was used as the theme song for the drama and was named "Best Theme Song" at the 30th Television Drama Academy Awards.[7]
Matsumoto gained further popularity as an actor in 2002 when he starred in the first season of Gokusen with Yukie Nakama, Shun Oguri, Tomohiro Waki, Hiroki Narimiya and Yuma Ishigaki. His portrayal of the troubled but highly intelligent student, Shin Sawada, drew acclaim and won him "Best Supporting Actor" at the 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards. He later returned with most of the original cast to star in the special epilogue episode in 2003.[8] His character also made a cameo in bandmate Shō Sakurai's comedy series, Yoiko no Mikata, in the same year.[9] Matsumoto took another high-profile role in the live-action adaptation of manga series, Kimi wa Pet, as Takeshi "Momo" Goda, starring opposite Koyuki the same year.[10] Arashi starred in their first film together in 2002 entitled Pika*nchi Life Is Hard Dakedo Happy and came together again for its sequel, Pika**nchi Life Is Hard Dakara Happy, in 2004. He also starred in the film Tokyo Tower as a womanizer with a preference for older women with senpai Junichi Okada in the same year.
In 2005, Matsumoto took the most prominent role of his career to date when he was cast as Tsukasa Domyōji in the live-action adaptation of shōjo manga Hana Yori Dango. Co-starring opposite Mao Inoue, Shun Oguri, Shota Matsuda and Tsuyoshi Abe, the series was a success with an average viewership rating of 19.6%. Matsumoto's portrayal as the air-headed and arrogant leader of four heirs to billionaire business empires won him "Best Supporting Actor" again at the 47th Television Drama Academy Awards.[11] The show's success spawned a second season which aired in 2007 and was an even bigger hit with television audiences with an improved viewership rating of 21.7% at the end of its run. The second series were lauded with more accolades when it was named "Best Drama" while Inoue and Matsumoto won "Best Lead Actress" and "Best Supporting Actor" at the Television Drama Academy Awards and the Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix respectively.[12] TBS decided to end the series through a film, Hana Yori Dango -Final-, which hit the big screen on June 28, 2008 in Japan. The film stayed at number 1 at the box office for 3 consecutive weekends[13][14][15] and stayed in the top 10 for 10 weekends with returns of more than 6 billion yen at the end of its run.[16] The film was also released in Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea.[17]
In 2007, Matsumoto starred in Bambino! which won him his first "Best Lead Actor" trophy at the 53rd Television Drama Academy Awards. In the same year, Arashi starred in their third film together entitled Kiroii Namida while Matsumoto was cast in his most controversial role to date when he co-starred with Nana Eikura in the independent film Boku wa Imōto ni Koi o Suru as the lead character, Yūki Yori, who falls in love and develops a romantic relationship with his younger twin sister. Matsumoto also continued to choose more varied characters when he took on his first jidaigeki (period piece) role in a 2008 re-make of Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress, Kakushi Toride no San-Akunin: The Last Princess, with other award-winning actors Hiroshi Abe, Kippei Shiina and Masami Nagasawa. He also re-united with Bambino! co-star, Karina, in the special television movie, Myū no Anyo Papa ni Ageru, which aired as part of the 24 Hours TV charity special in 2008. He portrayed a man diagnosed with CIDP struggling to recuperate and return to normal life with his wife and young daughter. This tanpatsu was highly rated with a viewership rating of 25.6%.
Due to his highly acclaimed role as Domyouji Tsukasa in the Hanadan trilogy, Matsumoto was awarded GQ man of the year under the Singer/Actor category.
Personal life and personality
Matsumoto was once designated the "Comedy Leader" of Arashi but has more or less lost that image as he grew up. Now known more for his frank nature and sharp tongue, he has been called "DoS" ("extreme sadist") by his bandmates and openly admits to being rather neurotic and methodical.[18] Despite this, all of Arashi have stated that he cares most for the members and the group itself. He is close to his bandmates and has stated that they have never properly fought since they were brought together by the agency, mostly in part to the peaceful nature of the group's leader Satoshi Ohno and band member Masaki Aiba[19] -- a claim supported by bandmate Shō Sakurai.[20] He is also known for his serious work ethic -- often juggling several projects (music, television, film and radio) at the same time.
Matsumoto is a fan of American actors Johnny Depp, Kevin Spacey, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt and enjoys kabuki.[3] He is near-sighted and usually wears contacts on stage and screen but reverts to glasses when he's not working. He has expressed a deep admiration for his label's president, Johnny Kitagawa, describing him as the biggest influence in his life.[3][19] He also enjoys surfing and drives to the beach alone whenever he has free time.
References
1. ^ Wikitheppn: Arashi profile; retrieved on October 17, 2008.
2. ^ a b DramaWiki: Matsumoto Jun; retrieved on October 17, 2008.
3. ^ a b c POP! Goes the MatsuJun (or Lessons Learned from a Japanese Idol), Asia Pacific Arts; University of California in Los Angeles; retrieved on October 29, 2008.
4. ^ Arashi no Shukudai-kun episode 23, 2007-03-17; retrieved on October 17, 2008
5. ^ DramaWiki: Bokura no Yuuki -Miman Toshi-; retrieved on October 17, 2008.
6. ^ DramaWiki: Kinda'ichi Shounen no Jikenbo Season 3; retrieved on October 18, 2008.
7. ^ 30th Television Drama Academy Awards; retrieved on October 18, 2008.
8. ^ DramaWiki: Gokusen Season 1; retrieved on October 17, 2008.
9. ^ DramaWiki: Yoiko no Mikata; retrieved on October 18, 2008.
10. ^ DramaWiki: Kimi wa Pet
11. ^ DramaWiki: Hana Yori Dango Season 1
12. ^ DramaWiki: Hana Yori Dango Season 2
13. ^ Japanese Box Office, June 28–29: HanaDan Final at #1, Anime News Network
14. ^ Japanese Box Office, July 5–6: HanaDan Stays at #1, Anime News Network
15. ^ Japanese Box Office, July 12–13: HanaDan's 3rd #1 Week, Anime News Network
16. ^ Japanese Boz Office, August 2-3: Ponyo's 3rd Week at #1, Anime News Network; retrieved on October 18, 2008.
17. ^ Release dates for Hana Yori Dango: Fainaru, IMDB; retrieved on October 18, 2008.
18. ^ Oshareism interview: Jun Matsumoto
19. ^ a b Shōnen Club Premium interview
20. ^ Oshareism interview: Sho Sakurai
21. ^ Oshareism interview: Jun Matsumoto
Filmography
Dramas
* Myu no Anyo Papa ni Ageru as Hayato Yamaguchi (NTV, 2008)
* Bambino! as Ban Shogo (NTV, 2007)
* Hana Yori Dango 2 as Domyouji Tsukasa (TBS, 2007)
* Yonimo Kimyona Monogatari "Imakiyo-san" (Fuji TV, 2006)
* Hana Yori Dango as Domyouji Tsukasa (TBS, 2005)
* Propose (NTV, 2005, ep1)
* Kimi wa Petto as Momo/Goda Takeshi (TBS, 2003)
* Gokusen SP as Sawada Shin (NTV, 2003)
* Yoiko no Mikata as Sawada Shin (Gokusen) (NTV, 2003, Cameo)
* Gokusen as Sawada Shin (NTV, 2002)
* Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo 3 as Kindaichi Hajime (NTV, 2001)
* Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo: Murder on the Magic Express as Kindaichi Hajime (NTV, 2001)
* Mukai Arata No Doubutsu Nikki ~Aiken Roshinante No Sainan~ as Kindaichi Hajime (NTV, 2001, Cameo)
* The Worst Dates as Yuusuke (NTV, 2000, ep2)
* V no Arashi as Matsumoto Jun (Fuji TV, 1999)
* Kowai Nichiyoubi "Furugiya" as S (NTV, 1999, ep10)
* Nekketsu Ren-ai Dou "Case 2: Leo A-type Boy" as Nikaidou Akira and "Case 11: Gemini B-type Boy" as Fukunaga Kousuke (NTV, 1999, ep2 & 11)
* Hitsuyou no Nai Hito as Ohno Takuji (NHK, 1998)
* BOYS BE... Jr. "Hakunetsu! Renai Shitai Shoukougun" as Yuu (NTV, 1998, ep1)
* Mou Hitotsu no Shinzou as Kitamura Tooru (NHK, 1997)
* Bokura no Yuuki ~Miman Toshi~ as Mori (NTV, 1997)
* Hoken Chousa Shigarami Tarou no Jikenbo Kijin Jiken (TBS, 1997)
Movies
* Hana Yori Dango Final (2008)
* Kakushi Toride no San Akunin/The Last Princess(2008)
* Kiiroi Namida (2007)
* Boku wa Imôto ni Koi wo Suru (2007)
* Tokyo Tower (2005) as iyot
* Pika**nchi Life Is Hard Dakara Happy (2004)
* Pika*nchi Life Is Hard Dakedo Happy(2002)
* Shinjuku Shônen Tanteidan (1998)
Stage
* West Side Story (2004)
* East of Eden (2005)
* Stand By Me (1997)
Commercials
* AU KDDI
* Pepsi Nex (solo)
* Tongari Corn
* C1000
* Pino
* O'Zack
* McDonald's
* Coca Cola
* Parco
* Petit
Awards
Year Awards
2007
* Best Actor (Bambino[1]), [53rd Television Drama Academy Awards][2]
* Best Supporting Actor (Hana Yori Dango 2[3]), 10th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Jan-Mar 07)
2005
* Best Supporting Actor (Hana Yori Dango[4]), [47th Television Drama Academy Award][5]
2002
* Best Supporting Actor (Gokusen[6]), [33rd Television Drama Academy Awards][7]
KYOKO FUKADA
Profile
* Name: 深田恭子
* Name (romaji): Fukada Kyoko
* Nicknames: Fukakyon, Kyokorin
* Profession: Actress, model, and singer
* Birthdate: 1982-Nov-02
* Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
* Height: 163cm
* Weight: 45kg
* Star sign: Scorpio
* Blood type: O
* Talent agency : Horipro
Kyoko Fukada (深田 恭子, Fukada Kyōko?, born November 2, 1982, in Tokyo, Japan) is an actress, model, and singer. In Japan, her name is sometimes contracted to the nickname Fukakyon.
Biography
Fukada Kyoko debuted in 1997 with her first appearance in the television drama Sore ga Kotae da! as Kazune. Fukada appeared in her first movie Ring 2 as Kanae Sawaguchi in 1999 and in later in School Day of the Dead, released in 2000, and Dolls, released in 2002, as Haruna. Kyoko Fukada is also a J-pop singer and her debut single "The Last Fruit" lead to her album Dear, both released in 1999.
Filmography
Dramas
* [1997] FIVE
* [1997] Kaikyou
* [1997] Sore ga kotae da!
* [1998] News no Onna
* [1998] [[Kamisama, mou sukoshi dake the BEST! :) LOVE YOU :)
* [1999] Oni no Sumika
* [1999] to Heart ~Koishite Shinitai~
* [2000] Soshite, tomodachi
* [2000] Imagine
* [2000] Food Fight
* [2000] 17 nenme no papa e
* [2001] Strawberry on the Shortcake
* [2001] Fighting Girl
* [2002] Friends
* [2002] First Love
* [2002] Remote
* [2002] Otousan
* [2003] Futari ~Watashitachi ga eranda michi~
* [2003] Hakoiri musume
* [2004] Kanojo ga shinjatta
* [2004] Nouka no yome ni naritai
* [2004] Minamikun no koibito
* [2004] X'mas nante daikirai
* [2004] Tokugawa Tsunayoshi inu to yobareta otoko
* [2005] Fugou Keiji
* [2005] Shiawase ni Naritai
* [2005] Umeko
* [2006] Fugou Keiji Deluxe
* [2006] Akai Kiseki
* [2007] Yama Onna Kabe Onna
* [2007] Kimi ga Kureta Natsu
* [2008] Mirai Koshi Meguru
Movies
* [1998.04] Shinjuku Shounen Tanteidan
* [1999.01] Ring 2
* [2000.08] Shisha no Gakuensai
* [2001.02] Tokyo Zansu
* [2002.10] Dolls
* [2003.10] Onmyoji II
* [2003.11] Ashura no Gotoku
* [2004.05] Kamikaze Girls (Shimotsuma Monogatari)
* [2006.01] Tenshi
* [2006.12] Inugamike no Ichizoku
* [2009 (upoming)] Yatterman
TV shows
* [2000] Heaven Cannot Wait (Tengoku ni Ichiban Chikai Otoko Special) - Kimishima Hikaru
* [2000] Imagine (TV) - Yu Iijima
* [2000] Heaven Cannot Wait Special: The Final Assignment
* [2006- present] Shin Domoto Kyodai (Kinki Kids weekly variety show): show regular & band pianist
Discography
Albums
* [1999.11.17] Dear...
* [2000.03.15] moon
* [2001.11.21] Universe
* [2002.08.21] Flow ~Kyoko Fukada Remixes~
Singles
* [1999.05.19] Saigo no Kajitsu
* [1999.09.01] Easy Rider
* [2000.02.02] Kirameki no Shunkan
* [2000.07.19] How?
* [2001.06.06] Swimming
* [2001.10.03] Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru
* [2002.05.22] Route 246
External links
* Kyoko Fukada's official site at Horipro, Inc.
* KyokoFukada.org - Kyoko Fukada Unofficial site - pictures, profile, videos
* Kyoko Fukada at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
* Kyoko Fukada at the Internet Movie Database
JOO JI HOON
Profile
- Name: Ju Ji Hoon (朱智勛, 주지훈, Joo Ji Hoon, Ju Ji Hun)
- Education:
- Tongwon College, Major: e-Business
- Kyonggi University, Major: Acting
- Modeling Debut: 2003
- Acting Debut: 2006
- Height: 187 cm
- Weight: 68 kg
- Hobbies: Games, Swimming, Basketball
- Talents: Speed-Reading, Self Defense
- Date of Birth: May 16 1982
- Blood Type: A
- Favorite Sports: Basketball
- Favorite Drinks: Coffee
Joo Ji Hoon (or Ju Ji Hoon) (Korean: 주지훈, Hanja: 朱智勛, born on May 16, 1982) is a popular model and actor from South Korea. He is well known for portraying Crown Prince Lee Shin in Princess Hours (Goong), which was his acting debut.
Before entering the entertainment industry, he studied at Tongwon College, majoring in e-Business. He was known as "Handy Man" in his school for his tall height of 6'2".
Career
Model
Ji Hoon started out as a model. In 2003, he went into modeling and advertised for brand names like
Calvin Klein, Levi's and Reebok. He has won many awards for modelling.
Acting
2006: Breakthrough Success
Ji Hoon's debut drama was "Old Love," but it was Princess Hours that made him notable throughout Asia. In Princess Hours, also known as Goong, he portrayed Prince Shin, a cold-hearted prince who was forced to marry a regular town girl. He starred alongside former Baby V.O.X. member Yoon Eun Hye and UN member Kim Jeong Hoon. He won the MBC Drama Awards for "Best New Actor." The drama was so popular that a similar season has been released, though it isn't a sequel, named "Goong S."
2007: The Devil
In 2007, Ji Hoon stared in the 2007 KBS drama, The Devil, alongside popular actress Shin Min A. In "The Devil," he portrays a lawyer. He also cut his hair, which use to be rather shaggy, into a neat trim that framed his long face. He also lost 5 kg by eating only chicken and exercising three times a day. [1] In March, "The Devil" was one of the three most highly anticipated dramas along with "The Thank You" and "Witch Amusement". [2]
Ji Hoon was selected in 2007 to be the New Asian Star of 2007 at the 1st Astar TV Drama Awards which was held on March 30, 2007 at the COEX in Seoul. New Asian Stars have been chosen from Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. Astar TV said the six were chosen for their high recognition in their respective countries, their celebrity status, and potential to emerge as top Asian stars.
Singer/Actor Kamenashi Kazuya was chosen among Japanese stars, while Fan Bing Bing represented China. Actor Wilson Chan was chosen among Taiwanese stars, actor Daniel Wu among Hong Kong stars and model/actress Patcharapa Chaichua among Thai stars. [3]
Filmography
Movie
- Antique Bakery(2008)
TV Series
- The Devil / Mawang (KBS, 2007)
- Princess Hours / Goong (MBC, 2006)
- Old Love (MBC, 2004)
Commercials
- Crown Butter Waffle
- Clride
- Bon
- Hi Harriet Shopping Mall
- Calvin Klein
- CF- SKT
- Cass Beer
- IBM
- Levi's
- POLO
- Reebok
- Cyworld
- KTF
- Sshil On-line game
- OB Lager Beer
- SK Teleco
SONG HYE KYO
Song Hye-kyo (born November 22, 1981; registered on February 26, 1982) is a South Korean model and actress. While getting her arts degree at Sejong University (did not finish degree), Song made her debut by winning the Grand Prize in model search in SunKyung Smart and starring in a Sunday morning drama called Happy Morning (KBS, 1996). She starred in number of hit dramas including All In, Autumn Fairy Tale, and Full House. Due to her popularity she can be seen frequently on advertisements when she is not acting. She is currently signed to Eden 9 talent agency.
Career
Song debuted in the entertainment industry when she won the Grand Prize in SunKyung Smart, a school uniform company in 1996 when she was finishing her third year in junior high school. It was not long until she starred in her first drama, Happy Morning. Since then, she would continued to star in a string of various dramas and sitcoms but it wasn't until the KBS drama Autumn Fairy Tale in 2000 with Song Seung-hun and Won Bin that Song rose to fame throughout Asia. The show quickly became popular as it depicted a tragic love story between three people.
Song's popularity continued to climb when she played a leading role in the poker drama All In, alongside Lee Byung-Hun. The drama was so popular that the title of the show itself entered everyday vocabulary in Korea.[citation needed]
Song then played as a supporting role in the drama Sunlight Pours Down, and later in the popular TV comedy series Full House, in which she co-starred with pop figure Rain. Full House became one of the highest rating drama during its year. After the successful Full House, Song starred in the movie, My Girl And I, which was critically panned by audience and critics alike. Song went on a 2-year hiatus afterward, returning to acting to star in her second film, the movie-version of Hwang Jin-i, which was released in South Korea on June 6, 2007, as the kisaeng Hwang Jin-i. Though promoted heavily, it fared poorly at the box office.
She is planning to release a video album, produced by StarM Planning entertainment company because she has been pursuing her dream of becoming a "hallyu queen" in Japan. However, while the shooting is already completed, the release date is still unconfirmed. She also became known in computer graphics circles when Indonesian 3D artist Max Edwin Wahyudi created a remarkable quality 3D picture of her.[1]
Song is currently preparing to star in KBS2 Miniseries The World They Live In, together with fellow Korean actor Hyun Bin. Filming is scheduled to start in July and will end this year. On the 2008 Cannes Festival, Director John Woo announced Song will be starring in his next work 1949, joining Taiwanese actor Chang Chen. 1949 will start filming at the end of the year and aims to release sometime in 2009.[2][3]
Television shows
* 2008 KBS2 Miniseries: The World That They Live In (그들이 사는 세상)[4]
* 2004 KBS Miniseries: Full House (풀하우스)
* 2004 SBS Miniseries: Sunlight Pours Down (also titled Sunshine of Love) (햇빛 쏟아지다)
* 2003 SBS Miniseries: All In (올인)
* 2001 MBC Miniseries: Hotelier (호텔리어)
* 2001 SBS Miniseries: Guardian Angel (수호천사)
* 2000 KBS: Host of Music Bank
* 2000 KBS Miniseries: Endless Love I: Autumn in My Heart (가을동화)
* 1999 SBS Comedy: Soonpoong Clinic (순풍 산부인과)
* 1999 SBS Sunday Morning Drama: Sweet Bride
* 1999 Angels in LoveLetter Skit
* 1998 SBS Situation Comedy: Who am I? (나 어때?)
* 1998 SBS Special Drama: A White Night 3.98 (백야 3.98)
* 1998 SBS: Host of Gippeun Toyoil (Happy Saturday)
* 1998 SBS Situation Comedy: Marching
* 1998 SBS Special Summer Evening Drama: Lively Eyes
* 1998 MBC Week Drama: Five Siblings
* 1997 KBS: Dalkomhan Sinbu
* 1997 MBC: Jack (Couple match)
* 1997 KBS: Wedding Dress
* 1996 KBS Weekend Drama: First love (첫사랑)
* 1993 KBS Sunday Morning Drama: Merry Morning
Movies
* 2009: 1949
* 2008 Hollywood Indie Film: Make Yourself at Home
* 2007 Sidus: Hwang Jin-i (황진이)
* 2005 Sidus: My Girl and I (파랑주의보)
Awards
* 2004 KBS Drama Awards: Best Actress (Full House)
* 2004 KBS Drama Awards: Most Popular Actress in Asia
* 2004 KBS Drama Awards: Best Couple (with Rain)
* 2003 SBS Drama Awards: Best Actress (Full House)
* 2003 SBS Drama Awards: Top 5 Star
* 2002 CE (China Entertainment) TV Awards: Top 10 Asian Entertainer
* 2001 SBS TV Awards: SBS Top 10 Star
* 2001 37th Baeksang Art Awards: Most Popular Award (TV category)
* 2001 Gold Song Awards (Hong Kong): Top Korean Star
* 2000 KBS Drama Awards: Photogenic Award (Endless Love I)
* 2000 KBS Drama Awards: Most Popular Actress (Endless Love I)
* 1998 SBS TV Awards: Best Newcomer Award (Soonpoong Clinic)
* 1996 First Prize for MTM (Model Talent Management)
References
1. ^ Making of the Korean Actress "Song Hye Kyo" by Max Edwin Wahyudi, Indonesia
2. ^ Han Sang-hee (2008-05-21). "Song Hye-kyo to Star in New John Woo Movie". The Korea Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
3. ^ (Korean) "송혜교 "첫사랑 같은 영화를 하게 됐어요"". Star News (2008-05-20). Retrieved on 2008-05-26.
4. ^ (Korean) "송혜교 4년만에 드라마 복귀, 현빈과 연기호흡 맞춰". Newsen.com (2008-05-06). Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
External links
* Official website (Korean)
* Song Hye-kyo at the Internet Movie Database
* Song Hye-kyo at HanCinema
* A Giant Leap for Song Hye-gyo? from Chosun Ilbo
* KBS News: Song Hye-gyo to Release Video Album
YOON EUN HYE
Yoon, Eun-Hye (Korean: 윤은혜, Hanja: 尹恩惠, born October 3, 1984) is a South Korean actress, singer, and model. She debuted as a member of the popular girl group Baby V.O.X, staying with the group from 1999 - 2005. She has since moved on to acting, receiving popularity and fame from her role as a crown princess on the drama Princess Hours, also known as "Goong", as well as her role as the main protagonist in the highly successful drama, The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince. She is a sufferer of Pernicious Anaemia, a disease that causes great weakness, clumsiness and eventual death in the patient.
In addition to her acting and singing, Yoon Eun-Hye graduated from Kyung Hee Cyber University in February 2007, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Tourism Management. [1]
Baby V.O.X. days
Main article: Baby V.O.X
When the girl group Baby V.O.X dropped a member due to a scandal, Yoon Eun-Hye was chosen to replace her. Yoon Eun-Hye was by far the youngest member in the group, debuting at the age of 15. She recorded four albums with the band before leaving the group in July 2005[2] in order to pursue an acting career. While with the group, Eun-Hye quickly became known as the "cute" one not only for her young age, but because of her bright personality. However, she was also criticized for her weight, as she looked overweight compared to her very slim band mates. Although she debuted a new, skinnier body in early 2005, she appeared to be experiencing a "yoyo" effect, as noted by various Korean netizens.[3]
Eun-Hye suffered in the hands of detractors Baby V.O.X. when she joined the group to produce their third album. In a water gun incident, Baby V.O.X. was scheduled to appear on Gyun-Ahn Broadcasts Music Engine and was waiting inside their van when Eun-Hye was shot by a water gun by an unidentified man. The man pretended to be a passionate fan of the group and attempted to offer a Pikachu doll as a present. Suddenly, he took out a water gun and shot Yoon Eun-Hye right in the eye before fleeing. After being shot, Eun-Hye expressed severe pain and could not open her eyes for a long period of time. Baby V.O.X. had to cancel their performance and Eun-Hye was taken straight to the hospital. There, Eun-Hye was informed that her cornea was damaged. The members of the group claimed they smelled soy sauce and vinegar from the water that came out of the water pistol. No further information regarding this incident was released.[4]
Music career
Besides singing in the band, Baby V.O.X, Yoon Eun-Hye lent her voice to Mighty Mouth, for their song 'Sarang Hae,' better known as 'I Love You.' She however, DOES NOT appear in the music video. Yoon Eun-Hye preformed with Mighty Mouth in 2008 at her fan meeting. In 2008, Yoon Eun-Hye sang 'Salad Song' with korean actor Lee Dong Gun to promote Samsung CF.
Acting career
Yoon Eun-Hye has played a small role on the sitcom "Nonstop Four", where she had a small role with MC Mong, before moving on to became a regular guest for the variety show X-Man on SBS. While on "X-Man", she became involved in a romantic scandal with popular K-pop singer Kim Jong Kook which received coverage from a local newspaper. Although "X-Man" raised her public profile, she left the show a year later in order to pursue acting. Eun Hye also played Kim Jong Kook's love interest in his music video "Saying You Love Me" which was released in July 2006.
Eun Hye had her first major acting role in popular Korean drama, Princess Hours (also known as Goong). Initially, however, fans of Goong had questioned her acting ability leading to controversy.[5][6] The success of the drama also appeared unclear as it competed with My Girl which also boasted casting of popular celebrities such as Lee Jun Ki and Lee Dong Wook.[7] The drama began with average ratings, but as it continued, viewership increased to 28.3% nationally, leading to an extension of the first season (from 20 to 24 episodes) and a Princess Hours special on MBC. Although Yoon and the other main actors initially agreed to work on a second season of Princess Hours, only one of them officially agreed to do so. Another director of a different company eventually filmed a spin-off series with brand new characters, known as Goong S which was not to be confused with the actual Goong sequel planned by the original director and company.
Due to the success of her first drama, Yoon has been able to continue acting in other dramas such as The Vineyard Man. Like most Korean dramas at that time[citation needed], The Vineyard Man initially suffered from low ratings due to strong competition from the MBC 45th anniversary drama Jumong; however, the drama ratings gradually increased and reached a successful 15.6% on its finale.
Yoon's second lead role was for MBC's Monday/Tuesday drama The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince that started airing in July 2007, where she plays the employee Go Eun-chan at a coffee shop, who was once a master of Taekwondo. With her short haircut and tomboyish ways, she is presumed to be a boy by the owner of the shop, thus leading to romantic complications.[8] The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince garnered higher ratings than her first series Princess Hours. Coffee Prince reached the viewership ratings as high as 32.1% in Seoul, making it number one for it's timeslot in MBC and 29.9% nationwide. During the time of her popularity peaking, Yoon was also diagnosed with Pernicious anemia.[9][10]
Complications also ventured out around the same time with Yoon's own management company. Although the producer initially planned to produce a Princess Hours 2, a fued evolved and Yoon eventually filed the second certification of contents (COC) to cancel her contractual agreement with her management company, Eight Peaks. When asked to reveal the information behind the second COC, Yoon's counsel stated, "if Eight Peaks refused to cancel the contract then they would not hesitate to file a lawsuit, suing them for their refusal." The contents of the first COC stated that in January 2007 Yoon was confirmed to be starring in the MBC drama Que Sera Sera and had even participated and completed the script reading and rehearsal for the upcoming shoot. However, Eight Peaks had cancelled Yoon's involvement in Que Sera, Sera in order for Yoon to star in Princess Hours 2, which is Eight Peaks' self produced drama.
Consequently, after the cancellation of Yoon's involvement in Que Sera, Sera, Yoon took a two day vacation to Gangwon-do in March. Eight Peaks claimed that they had no knowledge of this so-called incident and spread a rumor of Yoon's irresponsibility online which damaged her reputation. Yoon's manager, Park Geun-Soo has stated "the second COC includes evidence to support the disagreeable actions made by Eight Peaks." Those actions included the improper handling and distribution/division of earnings and proceeds as well as the unilateral (one-sided) manner of making and carrying out decisions which caused immense problems.[11]
After it was been reported that Yoon was paid 20 million won per episode for starring in Coffee Prince, she was enable to join South Korea's A-list of stars who also are members of the 20 million won club, which includes of Bae Yong-joon, Kwon Sang Woo, Ko Hyun Jung, and Song Il kook. Due to the success of Coffee Prince, Yoon Eun Hye got a huge fan following not only in Korea, but also in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and China. She has recently visited Japan to meet her fans and inaugrate her fan club. Her growing popularity can also be seen in the Korean entertainment as many business conglomerates are vying to get Eun Hye to be the product ambassador, where she was later dub as the "CF Queen" in Korea.
After having settled the disputes with Eight Peaks through careful negotiation, Yoon later sign with her new management agency, Kraze Entertainment. As a result, she was able to focus on her acting career, which will be Kraze Entertainment's focal point of attention. Her successful performance in 'Coffee Prince', has put her in the list of being one of the best actresses in Korean entertainment.
Dramas
* Princess Hours (MBC, 2006)
* The Vineyard Man (KBS, 2006)
* The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (MBC, 2007)
Movies/TV Shows
* The Legend of Seven Cutter, also known as Escaping Charisma (2006)
* X-Man (Korean Variety Show) 2004-2005
* Nonstop 4 (MBC, 2005) sitcom
* Emergency 19 (2002)
Awards
- 2008 44th Baeksang Awards: Best Actress Award for The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince
- 2007 MBC Drama Awards: Top Excellence Acting Award for The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince
- 2006 The Grime Awards: Best Actress for The Vineyard Man
- 2006 KBS Acting Awards: Best New Actress Award for The Vineyard Man
- 2006 KBS Acting Awards: Best Couple Award with Oh Man Suk
- 2006 MBC Drama Awards: New Actress Award for Goong
- 2004 Hallyu Award: 15th Seoul Music Awards
- 2003 Korean Music Awards: Best Singer Award
- 2002 SBS Music Awards: Representative Award
- 2001 Award Model Line: Best Dressed Singer
- 1999 10th Seoul Music Awards: Best Singer Award
MORE ABOUT YOON EUN HYE
Yoon Eun-hye has fallen in a happy dilemma, for she is becoming popular after the success of "Coffee Prince".
She is not doing a drama or movie right now but is so busy with commercials that she hasn't found time to recharge as an actress. It seems she's resting after her drama but truthfully, she is spending at least twenty days in a month for promotions. For this month, she has filming for Basic House and JoinUs, and a commercial for v=b in April.
She is a model for many clothing brands, and although she received proposals for alcohol, tire, candy, and fast food commercials, she refused because it did not fit with either her image or her busy schedule.
"Coffee Prince" has gained much popularity in Japan and China, and there are requests for her to visit or have promotions there. But she is so busy in Korea that it is impossible to have three free days. The media press of Japan, who has become tired of waiting, requested press coverage of Yoon Eun-hye in Korea, and are planning to go in April.
It has been a while since she became the first choice for dramas and movies. Because of this, there are rumors that the pay must be 50,000 dollars per drama episode, and it is leaving her company speechless.
TAKUYA KIMURA
Profile
* Name: 木村拓哉 (きむら たくや)
* Name (romaji): Kimura Takuya
* Nickname: Kimutaku
* Profession: Actor and singer
* Birthdate: 1972-Nov-13
* Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
* Height: 176cm
* Weight: 57kg
* Star sign: Scorpio
* Blood type: O
* Family: Wife/actress Kudo Shizuka, daughters Kokomi & Mitsuki
* Talent agency: Johnny's Entertainment (http://www.johnnys-net.jp)
TV Shows
* CHANGE (Fuji TV, 2008)
* Karei naru Ichizoku as Manypo Teppei (TBS, 2007)
* Hero SP as Kuriyu Kouhei (Fuji TV, 2006)
* Saiyuuki as Emperor Genyoku (Fuji TV, 2006, ep1)
* Engine as Kanzaki Jiro (Fuji TV, 2005)
* Pride as Satonaka Halu (Fuji TV, 2004)
* Good Luck!! as Shinkai Hajime (TBS, 2003)
* Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi as Katase Ryo (Fuji TV, 2002)
* Chuushingura 1/47 as Hirobe Yasubei (Fuji TV, 2001)
* Hero as Kuriyu Kouhei (Fuji TV, 2001)
* Yonimo Kimyona Monogatari BLACK ROOM (Fuji TV, 2001)
* Food Fight as voice of the crow (NTV, 2000)
* Beautiful Life as Okishima Shuji (TBS, 2000)
* Konya wa Eigyouchu (Fuji TV, 1999)
* Nemureru Mori as Ito Naoki (Fuji TV, 1998)
* Oda Nobunaga as Oda Nobunaga (TBS, 1998)
* Love Generation as Katagiri Teppei (Fuji TV, 1997)
* Gift as Yukio/Takehiro (Fuji TV, 1997)
* Ii Hito (Fuji TV, 1997)
* Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni as Kurosawa Riki (Fuji TV, 1997)
* Kyosokyoku as Takakura Kakeru (TBS, 1996)
* Long Vacation as Hidetoshi Senna (Fuji TV, 1996)
* Lieutenant Ninzaburo Furuhata as Hayashi Isao (Fuji TV, 1996, ep17)
* Jinsei wa Jojo da as Ogami Kazuma (TBS, 1995)
* Kimi wa Toki no Kanata e (TV Asahi, 1995)
* Wakamono no Subete as Ueda Takeshi (Fuji TV, 1994)
* Asunaro Hakusho as Toride Osamu (Fuji TV, 1993)
* Izu no Odorikko as Kawabata Yasunari (TV Tokyo, 1993)
* Sono Toki, Heart wa Nusumareta (Fuji TV, 1992)
* Otouto (TBS, 1990)
Movies
* I Come with the Rain (http://imdb.com/title/tt1024744) as Shitao (2008)
* Hero (http://www.hero-movie.net) as Kuriyu Kouhei (2007)
* Bushi no Ichibun / Love and Honor (http://www.ichibun.jp) as Mimura Shinnojo (2006)
* Hauru no Ugoku Shiro / Howl's Moving Castle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347149) as Hauru (2005, voice)
* 2046 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212712) as Tak/Wang Jing Wen's boyfriend (2004)
* Kimi wo Wasurenai / Fly Boys, Fly! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0256131) as Ueda Junichiro (1995)
* Shoot (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0184896) as Yoshiharu Kubo (1994)
* Hajimete no Natsu ~Airplane Brothers~ as as Kitayama Hiroshi (1993)
* Kokoro no Kagami ~Mirror of the Heart~ as Takeru (1990)
Endorsements
* Georgia Coffee (2006~ )
* Nikon Camera (2006~ )
* Mandom Gatsby (2006~ )
* Levi's (2000~2001)
* Fujitsu PC (2000~ )
* Kirin Fire White Coffee (1999~ )
* Morinaga Weider in Jelly (1999~2005)
Recognitions
* 57th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for CHANGE
* 12th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (Spring 2008): Best Actor for CHANGE
* 2nd Seoul Drama Awards: Best Actor for Karei naru Ichizoku (2007)
* 52nd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Karei naru Ichizoku (2007)
* 6th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (02-03): Best Actor for Good Luck!!
* 33rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi (2002)
* 28th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Hero (2001)
* 4th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (00-01): Best Actor for Hero
* 24th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Beautiful Life (2000)
* 3rd Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (99-00): Best Actor for Beautiful Life
* 19th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Nemureru Mori (1998)
* 1st Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix (97-98): Best Actor for Love Generation
* 15th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Love Generation (1997)
* 9th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Actor for Long Vacation (1996)
* 7th Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Outfit in Jinsei wa Jojo da (1995)
* 3rd Television Drama Academy Awards: Best Outfit in Wakamono no Subete (1994)
* Award: Best Jeanist (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Trivia
* JPOP group: SMAP (http://www.johnnys-net.jp/j/artists/smap/index.html) with Nakai Masahiro, Inagaki Goro, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo
* Self taught guitar player
* Became himself a qualified hairdresser after Beautiful Life
External Links
* Japanese Wikipedia
* English Wikipedia
* JDorama.com (http://www.jdorama.com/artiste.220.htm)
Retrieved from "http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Kimura_Takuya"
Early life and pre-fame
Born in Tokyo, Kimura lived in Minoo, Osaka Prefecture until he was six years old. Then, he lived and attended elementary school and junior high school in Chiba. One of his relatives sent in the application to the Johnny & Associates talent agency, which specializes in young male teen idols, and he became a member of Johnny's Juniors, a group of trainees, in 1987. Then he became one of the 12 members in a unit called "Skate Boys". Skate Boys used to be backup dancers of Hikaru Genji, which at the time was a very popular group. In 1988, SMAP was created, and he joined. The group then consisted of six members: Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Katsuyuki Mori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori; Katsuyuki Mori later left SMAP to pursue an autoracing career in mid 90s. After SMAP was formed, each member pursued an individual career by starring in B-list dramas. Their first single "Can't Stop!! ~Lovin." was released in 1991, but it received mixed reviews. When SMAP had their first concert, the hall was almost empty, too.
Rise to fame
1993 can be considered to be a breakthrough year for Kimura and SMAP. After years of starring in low-budget dramas, Kimura played a leading role in the teen drama Asunaro Hakusho (あすなろ白書) as Osamu Toride, a college freshman in love with a friend Narumi Sonoda. The series, based on a then-popular manga of the same name, quickly became a hit. SMAP also released their hit single $10. In 1994, a phrase "Kimutaku Syndrome" started to be observed in some media. The term refers to a phenomenon in which some young boys copy his fashion. In 1995, he played a role in a movie Kimi o Wasurenai (君を忘れない). In 1996 he starred with Yamaguchi Tomoko in a TV series Long Vacation, which also became a hit. Kimura played a young shy pianist "Sena" who falls in love with an older woman, a former model. In the same year, SMAP began to host a weekly Japanese variety show SMAP×SMAP. During 1997, Kimura continued his streak of hit dramas with Gift and Love Generation. However Gift, was criticized for its violent plot which allegedly promoted teenage crime.[citation needed] In 2000, he played a leading role in a TV series Beautiful Life. He also announced his marriage with Shizuka Kudo, another idol. By the time of the announcement, Shizuka was pregnant. In 2001, Kimura starred in Hero, which set a record with its high TV ratings of about 36.8%. [1] He enjoyed more success in string of many hit series after Hero, such as Sorakara Furu Ichiokuno Hoshi, Good Luck!!, Pride, and "ENGINE." "Good Luck" topped 2003's TV view ratings at 37.6%.[2]
Kimura starred in 2046, marking a move into international cinema
In 2004 Kimura made an appearance as an extra in the movie 2046, nominated at Cannes. The cast of this Hong Kong film included Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, and Faye Wong. The film won many awards including Best Art Direction and Best Original Film Score at Golden Horse Film Festival in 2004 and scored Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design and Make-Up, Best Art Direction, and Best Original Film Score at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2005. In the original version shown in the Cannes film festival, his scene lasted about 7 minutes, although in the final edition, which was played in Japan, it was extended to approximately 20 minutes. In 2005 he voiced Howl in Hayao Miyazaki's animation Howl's Moving Castle. In July 2006, Fuji TV aired a 2 hour long HERO special. Along with the original cast, he revived his role as prosecutor Kuryu Kohei. Additional big name stars were also seen in this drama, including Socrates in Love star Haruka Ayase. Kimura's latest movie is Bushi no Ichibun, released in December 2006. Directed by Yoji Yamada he played a young blind samurai during the Edo period. He earned a Japan Academy Prize nomination for Best Actor. However, he declined it because his agency, Johnny & Associates, was reluctant to have him compete with the other nominees, who are experienced film actors. This has been said to be the first case of decline for such reason. The film is the final in the trilogy, which includes The Twilight Samurai(2002) and The Hidden Blade(2004). In 2007, Kimura starred in TBS' 55th Anniversary drama, Karei-naru Ichizoku, which stars other big-name actors and actresses. In September, the movie sequel to 2001's HERO was released, continuing the story from where the last episode on TV special in 2006 left off. It has proved a major success, sparking rumours that a sequel will be produced. Continuing his huge success, Kimura will appear in a 2008 film produced in France, I Come with the Rain with Korean actor, Lee Byung-Hun.
Personal life
In 1999 he ended the nine-year relationship with his longtime girlfriend Kaorin. A year later, he announced he was going to marry Shizuka Kudo, another pop idol. His first daughter, Kokomi, was born in 2001, and his second daughter, Mitsuki, was born in 2003.
Trivia
Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (October 2008)
A relatively long vertical scar on one of his nostrils is visible in some of his posters.
In the manga Gantz the character Kenzo Sakata looks like Takuya Kimura.
Masami Tsuda declared on the Vol 3 of 'Karekano' (His and Hers Circumstances) manga that a picture of Kimura Takuya before being famous was the inspiration for the look of Arima (one of the manga's main characters).
