MOVIE > I'm a Cyborg , But That's OK

Synopsis

Young-goon, mentally deranged and frequently electro-charging herself with a transistor radio, has been admitted into a mental institution. Firmly believing herself to be a cyborg, she refuses to consume like a human being. Il-soon is another patient, who catches the eye of Young-goon and soon becomes a close friend. Il-soon is now confronted with the biggest task – to cure Young-goon’s mental problem and have her eat real food.

Cast :

Im Soo-jeong

Rain

Oh Dal-soo

Park Joon-myeon

Kim Byeong-wook

Directed by :

Park Chan-wook

Screenplay by :

Jeong Seo-kyeong

Park Chan-wook

Link : cyborg2006

CUISINE > Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)

Ginseng chicken soup, or samgyetang, is one of traditional Korean dishes, which optimally combines meat with vegetables. The main ingredients of this soup are chicken, ginseng, glutinous rice, chestnuts, jujubes, and garlic. People who are exposed to stress or cannot endure heat are advised to take a sufficient amount of high-quality protein and vitamin C.Samgyetang is an optimal dish for relieving stress as chicken is rich in high-quality protein and fat, while ginseng effectively relieves fatigue and depression, and even helps fight anemia and diabetes.

Samgyetang is one of the most effective summer dishes as it blends the medicinal effects and nutritive elements of ginseng, glutinous rice, jujubes and chestnuts. And chicken is especially good for pregnant women and children because it is low-fat and easy to digest, and is richer in amino acids than beef.

Samgyetang is prepared by stuffing a young chicken with ginseng, glutinous rice, garlic, pine nuts, jujube and other ingredients, and boiling it for a long time. Ginseng used in samgyetang is a cure-all medicine whose effects have been proved by centuries. The scientific name of this sort of ginseng is Panax; it is effective in improving the heart functions.

Garlic used in samgyetang plays the role of an aphrodisiac; jujubes and chestnuts tone up the stomach and prevent anemia; pumpkin seeds improve hormone excretion and prevent parasites; adlay prevents diabetes and removes waste matters from the body, thus minimizing side-effects of various diseases; ginger protects the lungs; and black sesame seeds prevent arteriosclerosis. Well-cooked samgyetang has a soft taste, while its chewy meat and the combination of fragrances of medicinal stuffs are effective in stimulating appetite.

- How to cook:

Main ingredients: chicken, ginseng, jujubes, chestnuts, glutinous rice

Sub-ingredients (to be used in preparing the broth): pine nuts, walnuts, peanuts, Korean liquor, chicken feet, salt

1. Clean the chicken and soak in cold water to remove blood.
2. Prepare the broth.
3. Blend peanuts, pine seeds and walnuts in a mixer (1:0.5:0.5).
4. Stuff the chicken with raw glutinous rice, one jujube, one chestnut, and a ginseng root, and close the bottom of the chicken with a toothpick.
6. Cook the stuffed chicken in cold water.
7. When the chicken is half cooked, add milk vetch.
8. Boil for 40 min-1 hour more.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS > Jun Ji-hyun to Debut in Hollywood

Actress Jun Ji-hyun is gearing up to debut overseas. Jun, who has gained popularity not only in Korea but also in Hong Kong, China and Japan for her sometimes sassy, sometimes naive roles in movies, will make her Hollywood debut in the movie “Blood: The Last Vampire.”“Blood: The Last Vampire” is based on the same-titled popular animation novel by famous Japanese writer Oshii Mamoru. Jun plays the role of the vampire hunter Saya, who is half-human, half-vampire but who disguises herself as a human being in order to destroy vampires. The actress is expected to display impressive action stunts in the movie.Playing opposite Jun will be actress Allison Miller, who has gained popularity for her role in the TV show “Desperate Housewives.” In the movie, Miller’s character teaches Saya what it’s like to be a human.Interest in movies starring Jun has been on the rise in Hollywood. Jun has drawn notice in Hollywood through the movie “The Lake House,” starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. The movie is a remake of the Korean movie “Il Mare,” which stars Jun. Jun’s hit movie “My Sassy Girl” is also currently being remade in the United States, with actress Elisha Cuthbert playing the lead.The filming of “Blood: The Last Vampire” will begin March 15. The movie has drawn significant attention for its impressive scale as it involves famous film production firms and filmmakers. After shooting several scenes in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the filming location will switch to China before the movie opens in 2008.The movie is expected to make Jun another hallyu star in Hollywood, like Kim Yun-jin. Jun will go by the name "Gianna Jun" in the United States.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS > Song Seung-hun to Hold Fan Meeting in Japan

Actor Song Seung-hun will visit Japan on Friday to hold a large fan meeting on Saturday at Saitama Super Arena, where some 15,000 fans are expected to attend. Interest in the event was so great that all tickets were already sold out a month ago.The Korean actor will also hold an autograph session for his photo book “The Sun” released on February 28 at a department store in Tokyo’s entertainment district, Ginza. His photo exhibition, which displays some 150 photos of the actor and his apparel, is also being held at the department store. It opened on Feb. 14 and will end on March 27.Song has already proved his popularity in Japan when he was greeted by some 6,000 fans at the National International Airport on his first visit to the island country in December after his discharge from military service.Meanwhile, Song will move to China on Sunday for an official visit as a model for Lotte Department Store, which is opening its first branch in China. He will also attend other official events including a press conference.