JEJU-DO, anyone?

{I think it was my turn to blog tonight...heehee...
Sheesh - who am I kidding? Like, I would be able to keep up with superwoman over there in the "wet"lands.}



Translated by Joanne of Quilt -

Director Kim Jonhak told, "I expect that the peak period of Korean Current industry can be accomplished through this work," and "Because Jeju Province makes it possible to shoot for 4 seasons a year and as it has diverse natural environment, so that I changed the Mongolia and Kangwon Province, which I originally decided as shooting sites, into Jeju Province."
Kim Daehwui, Jeju CBS, jejupop@cbs.co.kr

Was it just me, or did anyone raise their eyebrow (singular, because I have almost no eyebrows, haha) also when that announcement came about “Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi” being shot entirely in Jeju-do?

What with all the sensational talk before about shooting in N. Korea, Mongolia, Ubekiztan, the news really caught me off-guard. It’s true - all these exotic locales sounded a bit far-fetched to me initially, but some sis, after investing a lot of jaw power, managed to finally convince me that it had to be that way, in order to amass the manpower, volumes of horsemen, etc. to realistically portray the great battle scenes planned. Boy, I even feel a little guilty now, remembering back to last fall, when a newbie signed on KOB from Ubekiztan, and I participated in raising her hopes about BYJ visiting her country. Oh…she was so excited, too. Oh well, not that it was under my control. Sorry, dil, wherever you are.

Who knows? I’m sure that a million and one considerations including finances, simplification of shooting schedules/procedure, etc. all had something to do with this. Not the least of which is the fact that the Korean Government launched an active campaign called “Visit Jeju 2006.” (This change of location is a good thing, believe me, because the thought of attending open filming days in Mongolia had me secretly worried - last I heard, there were no BK Burgers over there! Mishio breathes a big sigh of relief!)

Just stopped by the local branch of the KTO, and they could not emphasize this Jeju-do promotion enough. An oft-picked honeymoon retreat, it is called “Island of the Gods” for a reason. So, based on its own merits, this island draws a hefty number of tourists annually anyway. I think I read on Quilt that the Jeju government has voiced a lofty goal of drawing 200-300K additional tourists this year due to BYJ’s drama. That’s like a 2-3 fold increase over the calculated effects of BYJ on Samcheok !! Maybe just a bit ambitious?

Hey, if anyone can do it, the magnetic power of BYJ will get it done. I truly believe this. I think we all do. Especially considering the fact that every Bae sister I know has already begun planning their own little trips to Korea this year.
But give our man a break, okay travel guys??? How about helping out a little by at least running the “right” ad campaign?
Dude, I can’t believe it. KTO then went out and named Rain (??!!) as their travel Promotion guy for 2006. Well…his popularity is spreading like wildfire, so I understand the selection. I really do. But if not BYJ, how about Lee Young-Ae ? A big chunk of Dae jang geum was filmed in Jeju. And Even Choi Ji Woo who just on location in Jeju for her next film. There are so many “in the moment” Korean superstars who would do wonders to promote Jeju! I actually like Rain, but it’s just that he and Jeju have no commonality, at least for 2006. Oh well, nobody ever said that A had to communicate with B. And honest to goodness, I have no idea how I got off on this tangent.
Ay, whatever.
Family, you’ll then just have to work harder to support BYJ, okay? Take matters in your own hands.
Mission?
Simple.
Go twice, not once, this year to Jeju!! That will surely make the mark! Heehee
Hey, I hope it really happens for some of you. Have fun!

Oh……I’m getting so excited about the new drama. Is it the end of January yet? Is it?

(Source of all pics: KTO)