City Hunter North American Release Date Set

YA Entertainment, one of the biggest distributors of K-Dramas in North America, has announced that the entire SBS drama "City Hunter" series will be released in one box set on December 6, 2011. The twenty episode television series. starring stars Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young, is an adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo’s Japanese manga.

City Hunter is set in present day Seoul, with Lee Yoon Sung (Lee Min Ho) dead set on carrying out a revenge plot created by his step-father. Along the way he meets Kim Na Na (Park Min Young), who becomes a love interest.

The series enjoyed wide popularity in South Korea, with an average rating of 15.2 (TNmS Media Korea). It also proved to be popular to those residing outside of South Korea, being featured as one of Soompi’s Drama of the Week. The cost for the DVD set is expected to be $59.99 USD.

In case you missed, here's Soompi's recap of "City Hunter." Enjoy!

Official Box Art:

Credits: soompi

Lee Min Ho’s popularity in the Middle East helps export Personal Preference to Israel and Yemen

Personal Preference, a drama once popular in Korea with a lovely romance between Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Ho, was exported the Middle East, which was unprecedented.

One of the staffs from the production company of Personal Preference, Lee Kim Production, said, “the Middle East countries, Israel and Yemen, asked us about the publication rights for Personal Preference last month. I can tell you the exact price but the deal was concluded at the best price in all Korean dramas exported to the Middle East.”

According to the production company, the export of Personal Preference was strongly contributed by Lee Min Ho because he is highly popular in the Middle East.

The popularity of Lee Min Ho in the Middle East was started from Boys Over Flowers, according to the drama staffs. As Boys Over Flowers was exported to all across Asia, it’s said Lee Min Ho’s popularity increased along. Such popularity got spread to the Middle East beyond Asia.

Due to the popularity, Lee Min Ho is currently trying to interact with his fans through SNS such as Twitter, Metoday, Facebook, and Mini Homepage, etc. Since he can’t see his fans in the Middle East, he is continuously communicating with them by updating his pictures taken on the set or during the break.

Lee Kim Production said, “another Korean drama was exported to the Middle East after Dae Jang Geum. This isn’t the news only good for Personal Preference team but to all Korean dramas.”

Source: TV Report

Credits: Korea.com

Lee Min Ho Releases Teaser Photos for Second Episode of Toyota Camry Web Series

A lot of you may remember last week’s epic storyline of the “2012 Toyota Camry Web Series,” featuringLee Min Ho as an amnesia patient. Following its premiere last week, Toyota has released two teaser images from the second episode of this four-part web series on Tuesday.

In the first photo, Lee Min Ho is seen going through what looks to be his medical records (he’s tracing back his memories). In the second image, however, he seems to be getting into an intense fighting scene wearing a black trench coat that evokes the images of his “City Hunter” persona.

The full video of the much-anticipated second episode is due out on November 4. You can follow the entire web series at Toyota’s “One and Only” campaign channel on YouTube (www.toyota.com/oneandonly).

The following is the basic synopsis of the web series, as explained on Toyota’s Camry YouTube channel:

“Our hero suddenly rises from a coma. He has no idea who or where he is. All he has are the keys to his 2012 Toyota Camry. When he gets inside, something triggers a flood of images from his past. Then, when he uses the Camry's Entune system, a key memory sets him on his journey. Don't miss a minute of the Camry and the drama.”

You can catch the first episode here!

[Disclaimer: This article is in part sponsored by Toyota. The views and opinions stated in this article do not necessarily express the editorial stance of Soompi.com or the whole editorial board.]

Credits: Soompi

Lee Min Ho’s Asia Tour starts in December 2011

H.Brothers announced that it would partner with Starhaus Entertainment to launch an Asia Tour for Lee Min Ho. H.Brothers confirmed that a series of fanmeetings will be held in Dec 2011 in 5 cities including Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, Xiamen & Hong Kong. Details about schedule and arrangement will be announced soon.

Credits: weibo.com/yuantaorick & sina news, loveghs.wordpress.com

Lee Min Ho Twitter Update 22/10/2011

" #PrayforThailand. We have been hearing about Thailand flooding here in Korea. Thailand means a lot to me because it was a drama location site for "City Hunter". I’m praying for Thai people and the victims of the flood. Korea also experienced heavy flooding this summer. We can understand the hardships you’re going through...I hope the flooding will stop and hope there won’t be any more victims. Please don’t lose hope~I’ll pray for you! pray for Minoz Thailand. kab!
한국에서도 뉴스로 태국의 홍수 피해소식을 전해 듣고 있어요. 태국은 시티헌터촬영으로도 저에게 큰 의미가 있는곳이고 얼마전 한국에서도 비피해가 있었기 때문에 더욱 걱정이 되는데요. 빨리 비가 멈춰서 더이상의 피해가 없기를바래요!! 힘내세요!"

Original Source: Lee Min Ho's Official Facebook Account, Lee Min Ho's Official Twitter Account

Lee Min Ho's Message to Boys Over Flowers Fans in Kyrgyzstan to support Coal Bank

YouTube version:

Credits: www.babsang.or.kr, DC Minho, MinozIndo, Turkish Minoz

DailyMotion version

Lee Min Ho - message to support coal bank in... by meow1313

Credits: loveghs.wordpress.com

Lee Min Ho is giving a congratulations message for the establishment of a Coal Bank in Kyrgyzstan, where the Coal Bank is a nonprofit organization and supporting poor families, giving Coal for energy to help poor families during winter season. Lee Min Ho and Kim Beom is giving 30 Million Won and Coal to Kyrgyzstan people, supported by Wonju Babsang Gongdongche. Again, this organization is a charity organization to help poor families.

Message's Translation:

Hello, i'm Lee Min Ho who portrayed Gu Joon Pyo in Boys Over Flowers. Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country in Middle East. I hope, through this video, i can deliver my gratitude for all of the love that all of you have given to me.
First, i would like to say congratulation to the establishment of a Coal Bank in Kyrgyzstan. Korea also use Coal as a heater for a long time. It's so useful and warm. Even though i can't be there, i hope i can say congratulation through this video.
Me in Korea would always pray for all of you. I hope you can pass through the cold of the Winter, feeling a warm Winter season. Once again i would like to thank you to all of my friends who gives congratulations to the Coal Bank.
Because all of the love that you have give to me. I hope i can repay that with a better way, through the appearance of a happy Lee Min Ho. Take care of your health, i'm waiting for the day when i could meet all of you.

Always Happy, Thank You.

Video Source babsang.co.kr

Message-Chinese Translation: zhangxymh @ Lee Minho Baidu Bar

Message-Indonesian Translation: nana_rea @ minoz-indonesia.com

Message-English Translation: monika @ minoz-indonesia.com
Please credit if you repost in other places.

111019 Lee Min Ho @ Semir Photoshoot

According to DC, Semir (apparel brand in China) photoshoot was taken place at Homestead Coffee in Sam Chong Dong today.

111019 Lee MinHo @ Semir photoshoot [fancam] by meow1313

111019 Lee Min Ho left from Homestead Coffee... by meow1313

111019 Lee Min Ho left from Homestead Coffee... by meow1313

Cre 걍미노 @ DC Minho, loveghs.wordpress.com

Lee Min Ho's Web Series for 2012 Toyota Camry Campaign Released

Lee Min Ho has been picked as the new face of the "2012 Toyota Camry Campaign," where he will play the leading role of a four-part web series. The campaign titled “The One and Only” features a compelling storyline that highlights the many features of the Camry, as the star actor plays a mysterious character strangely linked to the new car series.

“Like the bold, handsome and sophisticated styling of the 2012 Camry, Lee Min Ho exudes the same characteristics. Both are regarded as ‘The One and Only’ in their class, and Toyota is absolutely thrilled with the collaboration,” Toyota said in a statement.

The campaign launched with the premiere of a 60-second trailer on its official website (www.toyota.com/oneandonly). The first episode of the web series has been released already and the rest will be unveiled in two week intervals on Tuesdays. Lee Min Ho’s performance in the trailer and first episode looks quite impressive as his main line, “The Camry will prove it all,” keeps the viewers guessing how the storyline will unfold in the coming weeks.

Here’s the full description of the video on its YouTube channel:

“Our hero suddenly rises from a coma. He has no idea who or where he is. All he has are the keys to his 2012 Toyota Camry. When he gets inside, something triggers a flood of images from his past. Then, when he uses the Camry's Entune system, a key memory sets him on his journey. Don't miss a minute of the Camry and the drama.”

Make sure you check out the video here!

Credits: soompi

Lee Min Ho – 2012 Toyota Camry — The One and Only [Trailer & Ep1: Entune]

60″ Trailer

Ep1 Entune

Credits: Toyota USA, loveghs.wordpress.com

P.S:

In Toyota Camry CF, Lee Min Ho is playing a role as Twins (Joon and Kwon). Joon and Kwon were twins that were separated from birth and never know each other's existence. Joon is the Protagonist here and were SoHee's lover, he is very wealthy and get so much love from people around him and being successful when he was tragically separated from his twin brother. Joon and SoHee were lover and Joon already propose to SoHee, where SoHee happily received, and they already prepare to get married. In the other hand, Kwon is the antagonist here he get many rejection and neglect when he was separated from his twin brother, and make him join the dark side. When Kwon know that he got such kind of twin brother, The knowledge of his twin brother makes him envy because he thinks that he could be the one with that kind of happy life. He's getting jealous and try to get what he want, even though he has to hurt Joon by getting it.

The CF start when Lee Min Ho as Joon was beaten by Kwon and woke up and the hospital after 1 month of coma. He loss his short-term memory and try to recall everything, his name and his life. The thing he already recall (by his Toyota Camry and by the song "My Everything") was his name and his lover's name and he's trying to get his lover back. Toyota Camry CF with Lee Min Ho "The One &Only"  for US Region would be like a mini drama with 4 episodes where the first episode titled "Entune".

Lee Min Ho & YoonA – 2011 Eider Style

Credits: DC Minho, loveghs.wordpress.com

Lee Min Ho to endorse Toyota Camry in the US

According to minoz news from the official site, Lee Min Ho will be endorsing Toyota Camry in the US. During his previous trip in L.A. back in September, Lee Min Ho has secretly filmed the CF for Toyota Camry. This CF has been filmed in the US, which is a brand new experience to Lee Min Ho. Much time & effort has been put into it, aiming to create a unique one. The CF will be released on Oct 17 (Oct 18 early morning).

Cre leeminho.kr, Falcon & minoz_豆豆 for provision of relavant info

Credits: as tagged, loveghs.wordpress.com

Lee Min Ho partners with H.Brothers to launch his Asia Tour

Lee Min Ho will commence his ultra-premium Asia tour

Lee Min Ho partners with H. Brothers in China to launch his Asia tour. H. Brothers stated, ” Lee Min Ho has been the new Korean wave in Asia and he will become the best Hallyu Star ever in Chinese market.”

Regarding the collaboration between Lee Min Ho & H.Brothers, Chinese media commented as ” strong collaboration, Asian King Lee Min Ho will initiate the biggest Korean wave in history.”

The Asia tour launched jointly by Starhaus & H.Brothers will take place in Shanghai & Beijing etc. Details to be announced soon.

Lee Min Ho is currently having a break and enjoys his precious free time.

Source: innolife
Credits: loveghs.wordpress.com
Translation: meow (pls credit to loveghs.wordpress.com if repost)

Lee Min Ho's Agency Warns Against International Promotion Scams

Lee Min Ho's overseas popularity is quite explosive. Lee Min Ho, who already rose to the top overseas through the drama, "Boys Over Flowers," has once again revamped his popularity through his most recent drama, "City Hunter."

Due to this popularity, there has been many reports of false advertising using Lee Min Ho's name in many different Asian countries. Therefore, Lee Min Ho's agency is taking cautionary measures.

In this past September, there was a Hyundai Motors launching event in China. At this launching, tickets for a free event with Lee Min Ho was being sold for about 300 dollars. When this was discovered, Lee Min Ho's official Chinese blog announced that it was a scam and that the event is free. In Hong Kong, false information was being passed around about Lee Min Ho having a fan sign meeting in December.

Representatives from Lee Min Ho's agency stated, "Many people from different countries are asking about Lee Min Ho's schedule ever since the spike of his popularity from 'City Hunter.' Recently, there have been many false events veiled as Lee Min Ho's fan meetings and fan sign meetings in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand and other countries. We have given them warnings and have taken disciplinary measures for these fabrications. Please be cautious about these false events."

Lee Min Ho is planning to have an Asia Tour at the end of the year. Information for the tour will be posted on Lee Min Ho's official website and on Lee Min Ho's official Chinese blog.

On the other hand, Lee Min Ho, who has won the Best Actor award and the Hallyu Star Award at the 2011 Korea Drama Awards, is taking time to focus on himself and is resting.

Credits: soompi
English Translation: jnkm @soompi

Lee Min Ho, the overwhelming number 1 favorite actor, also in Russia

[ENews 24 Reporter Choi Eun Hwa] Lee Min Ho is ranked number 1 as favorite actor in Russia.
Lee Min Ho's name came up in a Russian website for Korean Drama (Http://korean-drama.ru) in the "Favorite Man" survey category, making a record by getting 50.39%, which makes him getting an overwhelming support.

This result about Lee Min Ho in Russia makes him appointed as a star actor with the largest fan community by  Korean Wave website. Recently, "Boys Over Flowers" became Russian favorite drama and was so popular, led Lee Min Ho to became popular too.
To conclude it, last July, came SBS action drama "City Hunter" and it was reported that international/foreign  blogger's interest was high. It was expected that in the future, love and interest against Lee Min Ho would grow widely.
The first place goes to Lee Min Ho while the second place record goes to Kim Hyun Joong with 27.03% and Rain (Bi) took the third place with 13.65%.
Several days ago, Lee Min Ho attend 2011 Korea Drama Award held  in JeonJu, where he was awarded as the Best Korean Male Actor and Special Hallyu Star. Through the end of 2011, he was expected to make some time to meet his overseas fans and do some overseas promotion.

Original Korean Text:
이민호, 러시아가 좋아하는 배우 압도적 1위 '러시아에서도 통하네~'

[enews24 최은화 기자] 배우 이민호가 러시아인이 가장 좋아하는 배우 1위에 올랐다.
이민호는 최근 러시아의 한국드라마 사이트(Http://korean-drama.ru)에서 실시한 '가장 좋아하는 남자배우는 누구"라는 설문조사에서 50.39%를 기록하며 압도적인 지지를 받았다.

이민호는 러시아의 한류 사이트 검색 결과에 따르면 한국 배우 가운데 가장 많은 팬 커뮤니티를 가진 스타로 지목됐다. 러시아인들이 가장 좋아하는 한국 드라마는 '꽃보다 남자'였으며 이는 이민호의 인기가 러시아에서도 이어지고 있음을 증명했다.

또한 지난 7월 종영한 SBS 수목극 '시티헌터'에 대한 해외 블로거들의 관심이 높은 것으로 전해졌다. 이는 앞으로 이민호에 대한 해외팬들의 사랑과 관심이 더욱 커질 것이라는 전망이다.

1위는 이민호가 차지한 가운데, 김현중이 27.03%를 기록해 2위에 올랐고, 정지훈이 13.65%로 3위를 기록했다.

한편 이민호는 지난 2일 전주에서 열린 '2011 코리아 드라마 어워즈'에서 최우수 연기상과 한류특별상을 수상했다. 올해 연말에는 해외 프로모션을 통해 팬들과 만나는 자리를 마련한다.

<사진=김병관 기자, Http://korean-drama.ru>

최은화 기자 choieh@cj.net

Original Source: newsnate

English Translation: Monika

Lee Min Ho - Behind the story of Japanese Fan Meeting

[ENEWS 24 Reporter Kim Ji Young] The new crazy-about Hallyu Star, the hero from City Hunter Lee Min Ho held a special Japanese fan meeting again. Thanks to Lee Min Ho's popularity in Japan, where both him and the drama City Hunter received so much love even though it's not the first time for Lee Min Ho to come there.

In the Japanese fan meeting, Lee Min Ho's fans comes through in all ages and sexes, a proof how large Lee Min  Ho was loved by all ages, and showing how popular Lee Min Ho is.

In addition, Cha Seung Won and Lee Min Ho was invited to China also for a show (launching show), and received a lot of love and good treat in China, thanks to the popularity of both of the man's drama. Promoting and attending a popular launching show, both of them received a lot of attention. They surely blow the country.

Original Korean Text:

이민호 日팬미팅 비하인드스토리…직접 쓴 팬 레터에 '뭉클'

[enews24 김지영 기자] 한류 열풍의 새 주자, <씨티헌터>의 히어로 이민호는 일본에서 첫 팬미팅을 열어 팬들과 특별한 만남을 가졌다. 드라마의 인기에 힘입어 일본에서도 큰 사랑을 받고 있는 이민호는 일본 팬들을 위해 그동안 감춰왔던 노래 실력을 공개했다.

팬미팅 현장에는 다양한 연령대의 일본 팬들이 찾아와, 남녀노소 불문하고 넓게 사랑받는 이민호의 인기를 확인할 수 있었다.

중국의 유명 패션쇼에 초청받은 차승원 역시 드라마의 인기에 힘입어, 중국에서도 톱스타 대접을 받으며 패션쇼를 관람했다. 패션쇼를 찾은 중국의 유명 스타들 역시 차승원에게 높은 관심을 받으며, 대륙에 부는 차승원 열풍을 짐작케 했다.

김지영 기자 sluggerk@cj.net


Original Source: newsnate
English Translation: Monika

Lee Min Ho to become the next face of Chinese apparel brand

Lee Min Ho is rising as a blue-chip model for Chinese advertisements.

After signing with Hyundai as a model for ‘Veloster’ in the Chinese market, Lee Min Ho has once again scored another endorsement contract with the Shunma, the biggest casual apparel brand in China. He will be continuing in the footsteps of Hangeng (Super Junior) as the next face of Shunma.

Shunma, who only employs top stars as their models, currently has 6,000 stores and has proved their status as a top fashion brand by securing a deal with Lee Min Ho.

A source stated, “The Korean idol groups who promote in China have fan bases that consist of mostly teenagers, while in contrast, Lee Min Ho is loved by broad age groups ranging from teens to the 50′s. This is a major distinguishing factor from other stars… With the luxurious image he has as an actor and with physical attributes even better than models, he will be popular not only among women but men as well.”

Source + Photo: Newsen via Nate

Source: Allkpop

P.S: 

Shunma / Senma is written 森马 in Chinese, also recognized as Semir

Lee Min Ho interview @ KDA 2011

Best Actor Awardee Lee Min Ho,
“This is a spur to improve myself”

Lee Min Ho won the Best Actor Award at Korea Drama Award 2011. Lee Min Ho’s acting in SBS drama City Hunter is highly praised, and won over other nominees including Giant‘s Lee Beom Soo and Best Love‘s Cha Seung Won.

- Congratulations

Thank you. This is an opportunity for me to review my performance, and to spur myself for further improvement in my acting.

- What is the project City Hunter to Lee Min Ho?

To me it is a project that is full of sentiment and worth to be thankful. It is not simply a project that shows action scenes. Being the lead actor, I have to perform both the action scenes and to show the emotions. Everytime I would try my best to show my improved performance, and I also learn more about acting through co-acting with seniors. It is a very valuable experience.


- Your thought about filming this project?

Lee Yoon Sung is a PhD from MIT and works in the Blue House national communications team, and at the same time he is the City Hunter. it is not a simple but very complicated character. Thus I feel tried when it started filming but my emotion has become more natural as the drama progress. I guess that helped me to gain some credits.


- What kind of role you want to play in future?

If I gave others the impression that I am a star who would be popular for only a short period of time. I hope it is a step towards being an actor through this drama. Now not only invitations for lightheart dramas were received, I was also invited by some overseas funding projects. The choice/variety of projects has been widen.

- Future plan

There are lots of schedule pending. Before the end of this year, there will be fanmeetings in the areas in China. I will also continue to pick my next project. Now I am reading scripts of movie project as well as drama that will air in first half of next year. I’m preparing to meet my fans through a good project in near future.

Source: nate news
Chi translation: leeminho.net
Credits: loveghs.wordpress.com

Eng translation: meow (pls credit to loveghs.wordpress.com if re-post)

Lee Min Ho – Hyundai Veloster Making Film

Credits: sina, loveghs.wordpress.com

111002 Lee Min Ho @ Korea Drama Festival 2011

RED CARPET

111002 Lee Min Ho @ Korea Drama Festival red... by meow1313

Cre jenny52967 @ naver

Cre silvergirl0622

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

111002 Lee Min Ho's acceptance speech @ Korea... by meow1313

Credits: loveghs.wordpress.com

Winners from the ’2011 Korea Drama Awards’

On October 2nd, the ‘2011 Korea Drama Awards‘ kicked off its ceremony at the Kyungnam Culture & Arts Center.

Hosted by Son Ho Young and Choi Song Hyun, the awards ceremony featured winners from 13 different categories, all of which were chosen through three rounds of rigorous judging. The judge panel was made up of Korea’s representative actor, Lee Soon Jae, pop culture critics, professors, reporters, and media professionals.

The director of the ceremony stated, “The Korea Drama Awards is a ceremony that congratulates the successes of the most-loved dramas of the year. We hope that everyone enjoys the event.”

–

Check out the winners below!

- Daesang: Secret Garden (SBS)

- Best Writer: Kim Eun Sook (Secret Garden)

- Best Director: Kim Won Suk (Sungkyunkwan Scandal)

- Best Actor (남자최우수연기상): Lee Min Ho (City Hunter)
- Best Actress: Yum Jung Ah (Royal Family)

- Best Supporting Actor: Joo Sang Wook (Giant)

- Best Supporting Actress: Lee Yuri (Shiny Shiny Shining)

- Best Rookie Actor: Kim Soo Hyun (Dream High)

- Best Rookie Actress: Im Soo Hyang (Paradise Ranch)

- Cable TV: Jun Hye Bin (Yacha, OCN)

- Popularity Award: Kim Soo Hyun (Dream High)

- Hallyu Star Award (한류특별상): Lee Min Ho (City Hunter)

- OST Award: Huh Gak (The Greatest Love - ‘Don’t Forget Me’)

Credits: Allkpop

Lee Min Ho chased by fans while in China

Lee Min Ho‘s adventurous Chinese fans have recently become a hot topic after photos of the idol being chased were revealed on the internet.

In the photo revealed on September 30th, Lee Min Ho can be observed getting into a car with fans surrounding him in every direction. Despite Lee Min Ho’s big and bright smile implanted on his face, it appeared that it was quite tough for the local officers to keep the crowd under control.

The actor made his way to China from September 25th to the 27th in order to attend the launching event for Hyundai‘s new vehicle, ‘Veloster‘.

A representative of Lee Min Ho revealed, “Not only in China do the fans go wild. Any foreign country we go to, we always have cars chasing us. Due to safety issues, we contract local law enforcement agencies prior to our arrival, in order to keep things organized and safe for fans.”

Meanwhile, Lee Min Ho was nominated for ‘Best Actor’ at the 5th annual ‘Korea Drama Festival‘, planned to take place on October 2nd.

Source: StarIn via Naver

Credits: Allkpop

Lee Min Ho ranks as the sixth Most Influential Person in China

Actor Lee Min Ho, who has visited China on the 25th, ranked the sixth Most Influential Person in China on a Chinese popular website, Weibo.

The survey had all Weibo users such as Chinese celebrities, politicians, and athletes as nominees, while Lee Min Ho was the only nominee from Korea.

This Chinese portal website covers Lee’s visit to China which gathered thousands of fans at the airport and his promotion that involved the Public Security Officer.

In addition, Lee impressed Chinese fans by not losing smile at the promotion. His fans visit restaurants and hotel that Lee has visited calling this trip as a “pilgrimage.”

A staff at the promotion says, “Lee’s visit to China created a stir here. Unlike other Korean Wave stars, Lee had communications with his fans before his arrival here. Lee has shown favorable impression toward China, and it has brought positive reactions from Chinese people.”

Lee Min Ho will appear at the Fifth Korean Drama Festival on October 2, as one of the nominees for the grand prize for male actors.

Source: TV Report

Credits: en.korea.com