Fasion designer Andre Kim passed away at the age of 75, netizens: “Another star has left us”

World known fashion designer Andre Kim (Kim BongNam) passed away on 12th August at the age of 75.

He was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia after being down with flu and on 12th August at 7.25pm he was announced dead. Even though there were reports recently about his health recovering for the better, his health was known to be deteriorating and he had to rely on a respirator. There were also speculations that the main cause of his health deterioration is colorectal cancer.

With news of his passing on, many netizens commented, “He had made many big achievement in the fashion arena. He will not be forgotten”, “I was worried about him since we did not get to see him recently, and knowing that he has passed away is just sad”, “Another star has left us” etc.

News of Andre Kim’s health deteriorating surfaced a month back in June. An official said back then, “Teacher has been hospitalised because of health issues”.

His wake will be held at Seoul University Hospital.

http://sookyeong.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/fasion-designer-andre-kim-dies-at-the-age-of-75/

Lee Byung-hun may shoot "G.I. Joe" sequel early next year

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun says filming for the sequel to Hollywood action flick "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" is expected to start early next year.

Lee made the remark on Wednesday during a press screening and press conference for his movie "I Saw the Devil," critically acclaimed director Kim Ji-woon's latest pic co-starring actor Choi Min-shik from smash hit Korean pic "Old Boy."

"We were supposed to go into shoot around winter of this year but I had heard it would be delayed to summer of next year over problems with the scenario. But then I heard that the scenario is done so I think we'll start early next year but I'm not sure about this either," Lee explained.

The 40-year-old actor, long considered one of the most popular actors in Korea, made his Hollywood debut through the hit action figure pic from last year, playing the role of Storm Shadow opposite actors Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller.

"Devil," about a secret agent (played by Lee) plotting revenge against a serial killer (Choi) who killed his fiancee, has been lauded one of the most anticipated films this year for the collaboration of filmmaker Kim of "The Good, The Bad, the Weird" and two of the country's top actors.

The revenge thriller opened in theaters today after three rounds of ratings reviews -- the film was slapped a restricted rating twice before it received approval for an 18+ rating.

In Korea, a restricted rating virtually bans a film from being screened since they can only be shown in special theaters only showing adult films but no such theaters exist in the country.

http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent8&idxno=2010081216495354877