SIMON READY TO END JINX

KUALA LUMPUR (MAY 13, 2010): Simon Santoso is ready to end his Thomas Cup jinx when Indonesia face Japan in tomorrow's Thomas Cup semifinals

In three previous attempts, the 24-year-old shuttler has never gone past the semi-final stage, yet, he believes 2010 could be the year he changes that.

"I have yet to lift the Thomas Cup and I'm determined to make it happen this year," said Simon, who made his debut at the 2004 Jakarta Thomas Cup.

"Even though Indonesia hosted the event in 2004 and 2008, I have yet to experience playing in the final. I hope to change that this year."

Simon may also take on a new role as the second singles player as there are doubts surrounding the fitness of Sony Dwi Kuncoro.

Having played third fiddle to Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro in all his campaigns, Simon suddenly finds himself thrust into the limelight as Sony has a bad back and made not play in Friday's semi-finals.

If Sony is not fielded, Simon will play either Sho Sasaki or Dieter Domke in the semi-finals and he said Indonesia can count on him to give them a point.

"My confidence is sky high right now so I don't mind facing anyone. In fact, I have been preparing myself to play as the second singles in some matches so it is no big deal," said the eligible bachelor.

"I have never played in a Thomas Cup final and this represents my best chance. I'm not underestimating anybody but apart from China, there rest of the field is quite even.

"I hope to continue my winning ways and the Indonesian fans need not worry about me. I have the confidence in my ability to deliver a point. Hopefully, it will be enough for us to win the tie."

Simon today played his role to perfection as he defeated Arvind Bhatt 21-8, 21 -10 at Putra Stadium to help Indonesia to a 3-0 win over India.

Taufik struggled against Kashyap Parupalli before winning 21-12, 10-21, 21-17, while Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan outplayed Sanave Thomas-Akshay Dewalkar 21- 16, 21-17.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Uber Cup team also made it to the final four after ending Malaysia's hopes of a first ever semi-final appearance with an easy3-0 victory.

Malaysia, who had stunned the Indonesians to win the SEA Games gold last December, were expected to give a tougher fight but wilted under pressure.

Adriyanti Firdasari easily defeated Wong Mew Choo 21-9, 21-16 to give Indonesia the lead and once Greysia Polii-Meilani Jauhari sneaked passed Wong Pei Tty- Chian Eei Hui 26-24, 21-18 there was no doubting an Indonesian victory. Maria Kristin Yulianti sealed the tie after beating a gutsy Tee Jing Yee 21-19, 21- 16.

Firdasari Kalah, Indonesia Terjegal

JAKARTA, Kompas.com - Tim putri Indonesia gagal membuat kejutan di semifinal Piala Uber 2010 yang berlangsung di Stadium Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kamis (13/5/10). Melawan China yang menjadi favorit juara, pasukan Merah Putih menyerah 0-3.


Kepastian Indonesia terjegal itu terjadi setelah tunggal kedua Adriyanti Firdasari menyerah 17-21, -21 dari pemain kidal China nomor dua dunia, Wang Xin. Pasalnya, pada dua partai pertama Indonesia juga kalah, ketika Maria Febe Kusumastuti kalah 7-21, 12-21 dari pemain nomor satu dunia Wang Yihan, dilanjutkan dengan kegagalan ganda pertama Greysia Polii/Meiliana Jauhari, yang menyerah 17-21, 13-21 dari pasangan nomor satu dunia Ma Jin/Wang Xiaoli.


Dengan demikian, China maju ke final untuk bertemu dengan Korea Selatan, yang sudah lebih dulu meraih tiket ke partai puncak usai mengalahkan Jepang 3-1. China tampaknya jadi favorit, dan berpeluang besar merengkuh gelar turnamen beregu dua tahunan ini untuk ketujuh kali secara berturut-turut--sejak 1984 China selalu juara, dan hanya dua kali terjegal pada tahun 1994 dan 1996.

Ryu Si-won posts rehearsal pics for Japan tour

Hallyu star Ryu Si-won has posted up photographs of himself rehearsing for his current Japan tour on his Cyworld mini-hompy (http://www.cyworld.com/jolla106).


The singer and actor over the weekend put up a collection of recent pictures taken during rehearsals for his "2010 JAPAN LIVE - FUN & FAN" tour, which kicked off at Yokosuka Art Theater on Monday.


"It is hard practicing the choreography," the Korean star wrote on his post. "But it feels good to sweat a lot for the first time in a long time."


Ryu was seen hard at work in the photos, practicing his singing with the band as well as going over the dance steps with the dance crew.


He also put up a picture of himself and his team of dancers who all went out for dinner after finishing their final rehearsal, assuring fans, "We will show you a fantastic performance that we have been practicing for two months."


His fans, a majority of whom were Japanese, left responses underneath the photos, encouraging and supporting the singer for the upcoming concerts.


Ryu, 38, made his debut in 1994, starring in various dramas including "Secret" (2000, MBC), "Beautiful Days" (2001, SBS) and most recently "Style" (2009, SBS).


He has led a particularly successful career in Japan since debuting in the country six years ago, releasing 17 albums and holding five concert tours to date. His latest full-length album, which includes a famous Japanese rock tune called "Garden of Love," was released on April 7.


The tour will continue onto various major cities including Saitama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo until July 1.

Song Seung-heon to star in Asian version of "Ghost"

Hallyu star Song Seung-heon will be making his big screen debut in Japan through an Asian remake of U.S. hit film "Ghost," according to the actor's agency on Wednesday.


An official at Storm S Company said in a phone call with Asia Economic Daily that the Korean actor has been cast as the male lead which had been taken on by the late Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze in the legendary 1990 movie.


The official added that the actor is "leaving for Japan next month" to shoot the pic, which will be released in the country this fall.


In the remake, to be directed by noted filmmaker Otani Taro, Japanese actress Matsushima Nanako will reprise the role originally played by Demi Moore, playing the live-in girlfriend of Song's character who gets murdered by his best friend.


Song, 33, rose to stardom after appearing in the popular sitcom "Three Guys and Three Girls" (MBC, 1996) and has since starred in many television dramas and films including the smash hits "Autumn Tale" (KBS2, 2000), "Summer Scent" (KBS2, 2003) and "East of Eden" (MBC, 2008).


The heartthrob actor will be making a comeback to the small screen in Korea later this year as he recently signed on to star in the new TV series "My Princess" opposite top Korean actress Kim Tae-hee.


He is currently in shooting for a film tentatively titled "The Invincible," a Korean remake of the Hong Kong classic "A Better Tomorrow."

Rain holds up signed album

Singer and actor Rain holds up an album he has signed at the autograph signing session for his latest album "BACK TO THE BASIC" held at the outdoor stage of I-Park in the district of Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea on May 12, 2010.


Photographer : Lee Ki-bum metro83@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Super Junior to sing theme song for new film

Members of Korean idol group Super Junior will be singing the main theme song for upcoming sports film tentatively titled "Dreams Come True," according to its producer on Wednesday.


CJ Entertainment stated in a press release that Super Junior members Shindong, Leeteuk, Eunhyuk, Yesung and Sungmin had prepared the song since its planning stages a year ago.


"The fresh and vibrant image these Super Junior members give off due to their various activities on variety programs, radio shows and musicals, goes well with the title song and theme of the movie," a representative from CJ was quoted as saying.


"Dreams," starring Korean actors Lee Sung-jae, Kang Sung-jin, Yoo Tae-woong and Lee Sun-ho, is about how North Korean and South Korean soldiers near the demilitarized zone separating the two countries come together for their love of soccer.


The movie, a comical drama helmed by Kye Yoon-shik, is set to premiere on May 27 in Korea.


Super Junior is known as one of the biggest K-pop groups in Asia with several hit singles including "Sorry, Sorry," "It's You," Rukkugo," and "Full of Happiness."


They are set to return to the local music scene with their fourth full-length album "BONAMANA" at the end of the week.


Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[CHART] Gaon Weekly Album Chart: May 2-8

[CHART] Gaon Weekly Singles Chart: May 2-8

Actor Ko Joo-won cast in upcoming series "Kim Su-ro"

Korean actor Ko Joo-won has been tapped to star in upcoming MBC weekend series "Kim Su-ro," according to Ko's agency Open-World Entertainment on Monday.

Open-World announced through a press release that Ko will be playing the role of King Ijinashi, the first king of state Daegaya, a major chiefdom of the Gaya confederacy during the Korean Three Kingdoms period.

Ijinashi was in constant battle against King Su-ro, the founder and ruler of the state of Geumgwan Gaya in the 5th century, to be played by actor Ji-sung.

"Ko's clean-cut image fits the role of Ijinashi very well," officials with the drama said. "He is also an actor who can act with his eyes so he will be able to portray his jealousy toward King Su-ro through his eyes perfectly."

"I am excited about playing Ijinashi and hopefully, I will relay the inferiority complex he feels towards Kim Su-ro well enough that the audience will be able to sympathize with it," explained Ko.

The traditional epic series, a 20 billion won blockbuster also starring noted actors Yoo Oh-sung and Bae Jong-ok, is set to air in late May after "The Man Called God" finishes its run.

Ko Joo-won, whose real name is Ko Young-chul, made his debut in the SBS drama "Punch." He became a familiar face on the small screen with his roles in "The Infamous Chill Sisters," "My Lady" and recently in "OB & GY."

Reporter : Yun Tae-hui th20022@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kim Soo Ro - new release 29 May 2010 on MBC

* Title: 김수로 / Kim Soo Ro
* Genre: Historical
* Episodes: 32
* Broadcast network: MBC
* Broadcast period: 2010-May-29 to TBA
* Air time: Saturday & Sunday 21:45


Synopsis
This drama charts the life of Kim Soo Ro, the legendary founder of the city-state of Geumgwan Gaya during the Three Kingdoms Period.


Cast
* Ji Sung as Kim Soo Ro
o Park Gun Tae as young Soo Ro
* Bae Jong Ok as Queen Jung Gyun
* Yoo Oh Sung as Shin Kwi Gan / Tae Gang
* Seo Ji Hye as Heo Hwang Ok
* Go Joo Won as Ijinashi
* Kang Byul as Ah Hyo
* Lee Pil Mo as Suk Tal Hae
* Lee Jong Won as Jo Bang
* Jang Dong Jik as Yoo Chun
* Kim Hyung Il as Kim Yoong
* Son Tae Young as Ah Hyo's aunt
* Choi Hwa Jung
* Lee Won Jong
* Kim Chae Bin (김채빈)
* Won Duk Hyun
* Shin Dong Woo
* Lee Hyo Jung


Production Credits
* Chief Producer: Jang Geun Soo
* Producer: Hong Sun Gwan (홍순관)
* Director: Choi Jong Soo, Jang Soo Bong
* Screenwriter: Kim Mi Sook (김미숙)


External Links
* Official site