[News Trans] BYJ becomes Honorary Director for Iwayama

Finally a translation of the news about the photos that came out today on several portals regarading Yong Joon.

Much thanks to tomato99 for sharing this on BYJ's Quilt

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[JOB news] BYJ becomes Honorary Director for Iwayama
source: JOB

BYJ delegated to be Honorary Director for Iwayama Lacquer Art Museum
2 June 2009

Bae Yong Joon is delegated to be Honorary Director for Iwayama Lacquer
Art Museum (Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan).

Iwayama Lacquer Art Museum is the world largest lacquer art museum
which world known Korean lacquer artist, Mr. Jun Yong Bok manages as director.

Bae Yong Joon visited Japan in March in order to write Korean culture introductory
and travel book, “Beauty of Korea (tentative)” which he report and shoot photos
by himself. 　

This delegation for Honorary Director has come true as he had studied
lacquer artwork for one week and received techniques
from Mr. Jun Yong Bok.

Some of Bae Yong Joon’s lacquer works which he created during his stay
will be displayed at museum’s opening at its renewal open in August this year,
also they will be exhibited at Mr. Jun’s lacquer artwork exhibition
which will be held for Japan and Korea cultural exchanges.

“Beauty of Korea (tentative)” is scheduled to be on sale in autumn this year.
Please look forward for it.

Yet another news about BYJ's stocks

Bae Yong Joon richest celebrity in Korea
source :news.yahoo.com

Besides the usual performance and endorsement deals, many artistes are also likely to invest. According to Korea media reports, actor Bae Yong Joon is currently the richest South Korean celebrity.

With the rebound of the Korean stock market this year, celebrities who dabbled in the stock market benefitted significantly in terms of wealth. According to Korean media reports, there are currently five South Korean celebrities with stocks worth over 1 billion won (about S$1.16million); among them is Bae, who owns the largest portion, 34.8%, of the shares in Korean listed company KeyEast.

As compared to the first trading day of this year, KeyEast's share price has soared by over 50 percent with Bae earning about 6 billion won (about S$7 million) from it, making him into the richest South Korean celebrity at present.

Second in line is the entertainment company [liezle : SM Ent w/ Lee Soo Mas as Pres] which manages the famous South Korean boy band Tohoshinki. Third is Asian superstar Rain, who owns 13.36% of the shares of J.Tune Entertainment, which shares have hit a market price of 3.6 billion won (S$4.3million).

***

The article is somewhat confusing. As the title says richest Korean entertainer when I think it should have probably been biggest shareholder since until anyone of them sell their stocks, it will only be then we'll know how much these personalities profit are. For the meantime, it's just paper gain

Anyway, to add more details on this article. It was reported in another news that I blogged earlier that BYJ's stock value now is about 15 million dollars and Key East value about 50 mil dollars in a report ending March 31. KE's stock price increased more than 60% since January, while SM Entertainment recorded 88% increase.

The article above is actually referring to BYJ as the richest stockholder [liezle : not the richest celebrity in Korea suppose] in the entertainment industry followed by SM CEO Lee Soo Man.

But in terms of the percentage increase SM Ent has the biggest increase. That is why we read some few weeks ago that SM is no longer in the red.

Quick New on Yong Joon 05.14.09

Bae Yong Joon is in several news portals today. Here are few of the details of the news that Mariko shared with me. [thanks again Marikoo!]

Regarding BYJ's stocks again. It was reported that his stock value now is about 15 million dollars and Key East value about 50 mil dollars in a report ending March 31. KE's stock price increased more than 60% since January, while SM Entertainment recorded 88% increase. This is almost the same news that I posted yesterday with the addition of BYJ as the richest stockholder in the entertainment industry followed by SM CEO Lee Soo Man. Yong Joon's stock value is more than 15,000,000,000 while the SM CEO has more than 12,000,000,000 won. our BYJ is 3,000,000,000 won richer. [liezle : i'm so happy with the way things are going with KE/BYJ. It's still considered to be a young company that was established in 2004 and yet it is now at the same level as SM Ent who's more known to manage idols and been in the industry longer. Though SJS may have left the company, I've been following some of BOF's talents and I'm glad that they've so many project such as endorsement, movies and dramas]

Next news that I saw with Yong Joon on it is about the Democratic Party Congressman Kim met topstar BYJ through Hallyu Expo which was held in Jeju on November, 2006. Kim was the chairperson of the Expo and BYJ participated as the Hallyu Ambassador. BYJ's influence is tremendous because he said the economical value fo the Expo was over 75,000,000,000 Won.

Because of such effect that BYJ is the only entertainer in the related Hallyu Expo Event at the homepage of the Congressman that time of the Hallyu Boom, the pictures of the likes of Lee Jong Hyun, Super Junior, SG Wanabe, etc were also at his homepage related to the Hallyu Expo. [source : SportsSeoul.com ]

And this I was sort of surprised seeing Yong Joon's name in the news related to JYP's idol group 2AM member Lim Seolong. He mentioned in a program that he was influenced by Yong Joong when he was young [probably to become an entertainer] so he auditioned at the age of 5. ^^

There's also news about The Face Shop [where Yong Joon is its current endorser] chosen by consumers as one of the Most Trusted Brands in Korea together with Korean Airlines, Sonata, Anycall, KB People's Banck etc.

Interesting Article from the Pres. & CEO of KeyEast/BOF

I saw an interesting article on BYJGallery today wherein KeyEast / Boundaries of Forest's President & CEO, Mr. Pyo Jong Rok, gave an interview regarding Hally Wave.

With the help of Mariko, I was able to get some of the details of the interview. I'll post them here but I hope that later on we can get the complete translation.

According to Mr.President [PJR], Hallyu is not possible to continue by only focusing on cultural contents. He said that something must be done to continue the Hallyu as part of the Asian Culture. One example is Bae Yong Joon's book that will introduce South Korea and that it will present brand image of South KOrea.

He continued by saying that they've got to continue seeking possibilities so that Asian people will have interest in Korea through drama and other possible ways, not concentrate on single contents.

He even said that Bae Yong Joon's idea is not to have one-sided profit for Japanese market. Mr Pyo said that Yong Joon is thinking to have interaction through Japanese contents being introduced to Korean market as well. In short he wants to create an Asian kind of brand that's is why he decided to collaborate with japanese companies to produce the 'WLS Anime' and the drama 'Drops of God'.

Mr. Pyo was then asked about the production status of 'Drops of God' [liezle : this is exciting]. But Mr. President only said that they are in the stage of free production and deciding the casting. Also, he said that they would like to develop a good story and able to make the work competitive in the market [liezle : geez, he didn't give much info]. But he added that they plan is to concentrate on the original story but with Korean touch. They are planning to rewrite the drama focusing on the wine and to present a different approach to make the drama interesting. [liezle : interesting and i'm getting anxious again...sighs... but we've to wait until next year]. Then he said that they plan to break even domestically and make profit through overseas sales and DVD marketing.

Regarding the Hallyu Stars, he mentioned that Hallyu's image bar should be raised first and foremost more than just depending on a small number of Hallyu star. He cited HK movies as a negative example. They did a mass production without much consideration on the quality that leads to the cooling down of HK movie's popularity in Korea (and Asia as well).

He was then asked about the talent fees of the actors. Mr. President said something like -- it is not just the talent fees that should be considered in order for the South Korean cultural contents to survive. They should focus more on producing good quality works. [liezle : he must be saying that whether the talent fee is high or low what is important is the quality of the finish product of the project so that it can earn recognition not only in Korea but as well as in other countries]. He also said that, there should be a long term planning in order to promote K- culture all over Asia. [except japan where it is already popular but of course they need to maintain the market].

Well, that's all of the details I've got. It's actually a long article and Mariko only gave me the important details. Thank so much dear sis! Like what I mentioned earlier, I hope some kind soul will do the translation for us English speaking fans later.

I've blogged about 'Drops of God' earlier. There might be some who are curious about this Japanese manga that will be made into a drama next year, you may click on the label in this post and you'll be directed to some of my post about it. You may also want to check on 'WLS Animation'. ^^

[BYJ] More about Korean Cuisine Globalization

Aside from being a member of Korean Cuisine Globalization and being the Ambassor for the Visiting Korea is there any additional role under his sleeves? He's been doing so much already as a businessman. I'm just worried that this may hamper some of his activities as an actor. I'm not complaining it's just that I want to hear/read more news about new projects not related to being a businessman. Don't get me wrong, k? I'm elated to know that his hardwork as an entrepreneur is being recognized but still he's an actor and has fans all over the world waiting for his next project.

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Group aims to extend reach of local cuisine

First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, center, and actor Bae Yong-joon, far right,
and other members of the Task Force for Korean Cuisine to the World
listen to a chef explain traditional Korean refreshments
at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
in central Seoul yesterday. [YONHAP]

Fried rice, foie gras, spaghetti and kimchi?

In a bid to globalize and commercialize hansik, Korean cuisine, a group of government leaders, academics and prominent personalities officially launched a committee yesterday that will focus on, what else, food.

The Task Force for Korean Cuisine to the World is part of the government’s efforts to position Korean food among the world’s top five cuisines within a decade. That elite tier currently includes Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese and Thai food.

First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, honorary chairwoman of the task force, stressed yesterday that globalization of Korean food will be crucial to economic growth and the spread of Korean culture worldwide.

“Korean cuisine has a great potential to be well-received by foreigners as it meets one of the prevailing conditions of the current world food trend - being healthy,” Kim said in the inauguration ceremony at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul. “But there are many [challenges] that lie ahead.”

To get Korean foods on the plates of people across the world, a strategic promotional approach is a must, Kim said. “We need to find the foods that foreigners will like,” she said. “To make it suit their taste buds, we need to make some adjustments. It is also urgent and vital to increase the number of places and occasions where foreigners can experience Korean cuisine.”

The committee is composed of 36 members from government ministries, academia, the general population and the private sector. The Agriculture Ministry said it will focus this year on promoting bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and meat), tteokbokki (sweet and spicy boiled rice cakes), traditional Korean liquors and kimchi.

By Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr]

BYJ in Globalization of Korean Cuisine

The following are news about Bae Yong Jong that came out today. I was sort of surprised with this news since there's no notice at all from KOB about this Globalization of Korean Cuisine wherein Yong Joon was invited to be a committee member.

I'm glad to have seen his latest photos and to read about this news.

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Kwon Ohkyeong posted this on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home.
Korean to English translation by Joanne on BYJ's Quilt

Inauguration of Promotional Group for Globalization of Korean Cuisine-Photo of BYJ in the Group
Yonhap News-Seoul 5/4/09 11:28

From the second on the left side, Lee Cham, CEO of Cham Smart,
BYJ, an actor, Roh Heeyoung, CEO at Hino Consulting.

Mrs. Kim Yoonok, wife of President Lee Myeongbak, is watching a promotional video at a meeting for inauguration of Promotional Group for Globalization of Korean Cuisine, held in the morning on 4 at the Korean Chamber of Commerce.

Reported byjobo@yna.co.kr
Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency

***

Gaeulyeoja posted this as a reply to above article on the Talk Box of BYJ's official home.
Korean to English translation by Joanne in BYJ's Quilt

[PHOTO]'Globalization of Korean Cuisine', Mrs. Kim Yoonok..encouraged YJ-nim (more photos)

At 10 today (4th) at the Korean Chamber of Commerce..off the press appearance of YJ-nim..^^







Before the event began, Mrs. Kim had a pleasant chat with 'Hallyu star' BYJ, who was commissioned as a private citizen committee member, and greeted him by saying "Thank you (for participation)". Mrs. Kim encouraged (BYJ) saying, "Wn I went to London some time ago (she seemed to comment at the time of G20 London Finance Summit Meeting), wife of Japn's Prime Minister told that she had been to the restaurant owned by Mr. BYJ. She looked like she liked Mr. BYJ. I appreciated your hard work in many areas."

*This is only excerpt of a newpaper article..^^

***

If you are interested to know more about Yong Joon's restaurant in Japan and Korea check this website. In the 'INTHEFAMILY' you'll see there the three restaurants that Yong Joon owned [Gosireh Hwa in Nagoya is not on the list yet].

I've been in 'Gorilla in the Kitchen' [Kangnam] and 'Tea Loft' [Lotte Hotel] twice and I'll make sure to go again for the 3rd time around. Wasn't lucky to be at 'Gosireh' last year since when I was in Japan last May Yong Joon was also there for the promotion of 'Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi' and making reservation whenever Yong Joon is in Japan is almost next to impossible.

News About BYJ [04.06.09]

there seems to be quite some news about yong joon today.

i saw one about Yong Joon and JYP about entering in to a cosmetic market using Wonder Girls [JYP's girlband who sang the catchy song 'Nobody']. yong joon featured in a short segment in infinity challenge and about megane ichiba. from what i understand from the megane ichiba post, the contract has already expired last march but looks like it'll be renewed/extended and that new CF was filmed last March 29 and will be coming.

and there's also a news about the lawsuit against Okura Publishing Company which apparently BOFi won. here's translated news from tomato99 as posted by Mariko on BYJ thread @ soompi.

BOF won the lawsuit they filed against the publishing company of It's Koreal
date:2009/04/02

We would like to report to you that Bae Yong Joon has filed a suit for damages
on the ground of infringe on portrait rights (publicity rights) against Okura
Publishing Company (Meguro-ku Tokyo, representative president Masahiro Nagashima)
on 12 February 2009 at Tokyo District Court.
Okura Publishing has published and sold the magazine
“Bae Yong Joon Japan Visit Special, It’s Koreal July 2008 extra issue” which
has used large amount of Bae Yong Joon photos.

Through private attorney, BYJ and BOF international have repeatedly requested Okura Publishing for
cancellation of sales of the mentioned magazine and compensation for the damages.
However, Okura Publishing have not accepted our request and continued sales
of the mentioned magazine.
Under these circumstances,
we have determined it is difficult to settle through negotiations
and have no choice but to bring a case.

Currently, there are many illegal goods, copied goods and pirates goods
of BYJ related products which are distributed in market
and purchased by many fans without knowing it.
BOF international will strictly deal with these products including law enforcement.

We will continue to stand firmly against any situation that we determine
as violation of Bae Yong Joon’s portrait rights (publicity rights).

BOF international, Inc.

byj in l.a.

If you’re a hard core fan of Yong Joon, I’m sure you already know by now that he was in LA on the 10th and went to Ra Beauty Core. A fan actually saw him and Suehan shared the translation of the fan’s very very short encounter with Yong Joon on BYJ’s Quilt. You may click here to read.

And at soompi Khin Myint said that when she learned about this she checked the salon and was informed that he got a skin care treatment and hair massage [no he didn't have a haircut yet]. She also wrote that the receptionist told her that he is a soft talker, gentle and very tall. The receptionist also mentioned to her that Yong Joon will be back again next week ^^ and that he came with his manager [I’m guessing that it’s Brian Lee].

In addition to the above, Khin Myint said that the receptionist doesn’t know until when he will be in LA and that he is not visiting his sister who lives in Glendale, CA.

Geez, with this info being known in bae community, I wonder how the staffs in the salon are handling the reservations now. I've a feeling that many are setting already an appointment in the coming days. That has always been the trend whenever fans learn where yong joon has set his footprints.

Btw, I checked the website of RA Beauty Core you might want to check it too. Click here to be directed to the site. ^^

and here's a photo of the waiting area from the website

p.s. thanks to suehan and khin myint for the information ^^

yong joon's life in NY

There are 2 articles today that i read about yong joon. They reported yong joon's life in new york. Not sure how accurate this news is but i'm glad to read something about what he's been doing in new york.

Hancinema wrote a short news about him. It says that yong joon has been strolling around NY in his casual style clothing. To read more about the article that Hancinema posted on its site click here.

The other article came from Ilgan Sports which Joanne translated and posted on the news section of BYJ's Quilt. The news that Ilgan reported is much longer than the one by Hancinema. Reporter Lee Inkyeong wrote that yong joon is enjoying his freedom in NY as he does his own cooking. ^^ He also reported what Hancinema wrote and added that he strolls around with his camera [and fans recognize him ^^] and that he is also devoting some time at a fitness center. The article also mentioned that according to a BOF staff, they're not sure when he is going back to Korea and denies rumor that he's studying to learn english. [hmm, i read somewhere that he's in therapy for his knee and that he's studying english?]

There was a mention of the japanese manga 'Drops of God' but there's nothing new about it. The article only says that yong joon is thinking of appearing and producing the drama.

To read the article from Ilgan that Joanne translated into english, click here.

p.s. the photo posted here is not the photo on either article ^^ just thought of using it since i really like that photo which i think from the megane ichiba designer series. hee, i'm using that image too as my avatar in soompi.