Picture of Shun Oguri

Shun Oguri Profile

Name: Shun Oguri
Japanese name: 小栗 旬
DOB: December 26, 1982
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 184cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Actor

(Also known as Oguri Shun)

Shun Oguri Biography

Shun Oguri made his acting debut in 1995, but his first noticeable role only came in 1998 as supporting cast in popular drama “Great Teacher Onizuka”.

Since then he has been starring in supporting role in various dramas, including popular dramas like “Summer Snow”, “Gokusen”, “Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji 3” and “Densha Otoko” etc.

His breakthrough came in 2005 as one of the leading characters in “Hana Yori Dango”. His subsequent dramas like “Detective Conan” and “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” (also known as “Hana Kimi”) are also well received by fans… making him one of the most sought after Japanese actors at the moment.

Shun Oguri Related Websites

Official Website (Japanese) ll Shun Oguri Forum

Picture of Takuya Kimura

Takuya Kimura Profile

Name: Takuya Kimura
Japanese name: 木村 拓哉
Nickname: Kimutaku
DOB: November 13, 1972
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 176cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Actor and singer

(Also known as Kimura Takuya)

Takuya Kimura Biography

Takuya Kimura was enrolled into Johnny & Associates talent agency which specializes in young male teen idols at the age of 15.

Takuya was first drafted into 12 members unit Skate Boys before forming SMAP in 1988 with the other 5 members (Takuya Kimura + Masahiro Nakai, Goro Inagaki, Katsuyuki Mori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori – Katsuyuki left the team in mid-90s to pursue other interest).

SMAP started their career acting in B-list drama and modelling, before making their singing debut in 1991 with single “Can’t Stop!! ~Loving”, which was not a great hit.

While their singing career was stalling, SMAP began hosting a variety show “I Love SMAP” and gradually gaining popularity.

1993 was the breakthrough year for both SMAP; they finally released a couple of hit singles and rising in fame. Takuya made a breakthrough himself after starring as the main actor in TV drama “Asunaro Hakusho” which turned out to be quite a hit.

SMAP continued to exile since then, both as a team and individually. Takuya in particular became highly demanded model, with youngsters mimicking his style and fashion. The trend gradually became the “Kimutaku Syndrome” as referred by the press, and Takuya began to gain notice outside of Japan.

1996 was another breakthrough year for Takuya… he starred in TV drama “Long Vacation” alongside Tomoko Yamaguchi. The drama was a super hit in Japan and the popularity spread across Asia; and opened the path for Japanese drama to dominate Asian market in mid-late 90s.

Takuya became a superstar and continues to star in countless high rating dramas, including “Love Generation”, “Beautiful Life”, “Hero”, “Good Luck”, “Pride” and “Engine” etc.

Takuya also starred in some movies, including award winning Chinese movie “2046″ directed by renowned director Wong Kar Wai in 2004; co-starring a strong Chinese cast of Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi etc.

His latest movie is “Hero”, a special sequel to the popular (same title) TV drama in 2001. Besides featuring Takako Matsu and the same cast in the drama, the movie also featured a short appearance from popular Korean star Lee Byung-hun. The end result… a blockbuster movie in 2007.

In personal life, Takuya Kimura married Shizuka Kudo, another pop idol in 2000. They have a pair of daughters… Kokomi was born in 2001, while Mitsuki in 2003. Takuya is often regarded as a good father.

Takuya Kimura Related Websites

SMAP’s Official Website (Japanese) ll Takuya Kimura’s Forum

Picture of Bae Yong-joon

Bae Yong-joon Profile

Name: Bae Yong-joon
Korean name: 배용준
Japanese nickname: Yon-sama (ヨン様)
DOB: August 29, 1972
Birth place: Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Height: 180cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Actor and businessman

(Also known as Bae Yong-jun, Bae Yong-june)

Bae Yong-joon Biography

Bae made his debut in TV drama “Salut D’Amour” (also known as “Greetings of Love”) in 1994. He starred in a few more dramas before making his breakthrough in 1997 with “First Love”. First Love was a huge success in Korea, but is relatively unknown in other countries.

Bae become internationally famous after starring in popular drama Hotelier in 2001. His popularity was further boost by the success of another popular drama “Winter Sonata” in 2002.

Winter Sonata, co-starring Choi Ji-woo (also co-star in First Love), is very popular across Asia especially in Japan. The drama made both stars iconic figures in Japan… they are still often rated the most popular Koreans in Japan these days.

Bae then surprised many with in 2003 with movie “Untold Scandal”, with some sensitive plots and sex scene (culture breaking in Asian sense). The movie didn’t perform well but Bae’s performance won acclaims and also landed his some best actor awards.

Bae then starred in movie “April Snow” (co-starring Son Ye-jin) in 2005. The movie was not a huge box office success in Korea, but was doing well across Asia (Japan in particular).

Bae’s latest project is in high budget epic TV drama “The Legend“, which has just started showing in Korea at the time of writing.

Bae Yong-joon Related Websites

Official Website ll Bae Yong-joon Forum

Picture of Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu Profile

Name: Wu Yanzu, Daniel
Chinese name: 吴彦祖 (吳彥祖)
DOB: September 30, 1974
Birth place: San Francisco, California, USA
Height: 183cm
Profession: Actor, director and model

(Also known as Daniel Ng, Wu Yan Zu, Ng Yin Zou, Ng Yin Jo, Ng Yin Jo, Ng Yin Cho, Ng Yin Chou)

Daniel Wu Biography

Daniel Wu is a Chinese martial art practitioner since his youth; he moved to Hong Kong in 1997 after graduated from University of Oregon (architecture), and started his entertainment career in modelling.

Daniel made his acting debut in 1998 in “Young and Dangerous: The Prequel” as supporting cast. He starred in a few more movies before making his breakthrough as the leading actor for “Purple Storm” in 1999. Purple Storm won some awards in various film festivals, and people started to notice Daniel’s acting besides his look.

Daniel continued to star in dozens of movies, but his next breakthrough came years later in 2004, with his performances in “One Nite in Mongkok” and “New Police Story”. He won the prestigious Golden Horse award (best supporting actor) with the later movie.

With the Golden Horse success, Daniel managed to land more roles in high profile movies, like “The Banquet”, “Protégé” and “Blood Brothers” etc.

Daniel forms a boyband, ‘Alive’ in 2005. His attention however, is not about the music, but to direct a mockumentary about Hong Kong music industry, using Alive as the centre of the plots.

His directing debut, “The Heavenly Kings” was released in April 2006. The movie is not a huge box office success, but Daniel claimed the best new director award the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2007.

Daniel Wu Related Websites

Alivenotdead ll Daniel Wu Forum

Picture of Wang Lee Hom

Wang Lee Hom Profile

Name: Wang Lee Hom, Alexander
Chinese name: 王力宏
Nickname: Homeboy
DOB: May 17, 1976
Birth place: Rochester, New York, USA
Height: 180cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Singer, songwriter and actor

(Also known as Lee-Hom Wang, Wang Leehom, Wang Lee Hong)

Wang Lee Hom Biography

Wang Lee Hom was born in New York, and started learning music at young age.

He inked a recording deal in 1995 in Taiwan when visiting his grandparents, and released his debut album “Love Rival Beethoven” in late 1995. Love Rival Beethoven was not a huge commercial success, but LeeHom was getting notice with his talent…

He wrote his own songs, and could play multiple musical instruments particularly with violin. Besides, he looks handsome, and it helps gaining lots of young female fans over the years.

LeeHom released 3 more albums with decent success while continuing his study at Williams College. His breakthrough came in 1998 after his graduation, with his 5th album, “Revolution”.

The album was a great hit, and won LeeHom multiple music awards, including the Best Producer and Best Male Vocalist at the prestigious Golden Melody Award in Taiwan.

LeeHom never looks back since then, releasing multiple best selling albums over the years.

Besides his popular melodic pop, LeeHom is famously known for mixing traditional music element into his pop songs, vice versa. His first attempt was in 2000 by remaking iconic Chinese song, “The Descendants of the Dragons” (龙的传人), and had received great responses.

His most noticeable attempt on the traditional-pop mixing was in 2004 with album “Shangri-La”, which he incorporated Chinese aboriginal music into mainstream hip hop (he calls it ‘chinked-out’). LeeHom researched into the tribal songs and sounds in China, Tibet, and Mongolia; and travelled to remote villages to get the up-close experience.

LeeHom made his acting debut in 2000 with “China Strike Force”, starring alongside Hong Kong star Aaron Kwok and Japanese actress Norika Fujiwara. LeeHom took the leading role in “The Avenging Fist” the following year. Both movies had achieved decent box office success, but LeeHom’s acting was not highly rated.

LeeHom starred in another 2 Japanese movies, “Moon Child” (2002) and “Starlit High Noon” (2005) before surprisingly landed a role in “Lust, Caution”, directed by Oscar winning director Ang Lee; the film was released in September 2007).

Wang Lee Hom Related Websites

Sony BMG (Chinese) ll Homeboy Music Studios (Chinese)

Picture of Daniel Henney

Daniel Henney Profile

Name: Daniel Phillip Henney
Korean name: 다니엘 헤니
DOB: November 28, 1979
Birth place: Carson City, Michigan, USA
Height: 188cm
Profession: Actor and model

Daniel Henney Biography

Daniel’s father is an American of British (some say Irish) descent while her mother an American of Korean descent. He was a basketball player and attended colleges on scholarship; and admitted into University of Illinois at Chicago.

Daniel didn’t graduate from university though; he decided to quit his study and ventured into modelling in 2001 instead. He started modelling in Korea as well as some other Asian and European countries.

Daniel was already an established supermodel before making his acting debut in 2005… first in some cameo roles for “Hello Franceska”, before making his full debut with “My Lovely Sam Soon” the same year.

Sam Soon is the most popular Korean drama in 2005; although Daniel was starring as the supporting actor, his performance (and look) was widely notice.

Daniel then starred in another decent drama “Spring Waltz” in 2006; he also made his movie debut “Seducing Mr Perfect” but the movie didn’t perform very well on box office. His 2nd movie “My Father” (2007) did much better though.

Seducing Mr Perfect however revealed another of Daniel’s talent… singing. He sang the ending theme song together with Alex from boyband Clazziquai. I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniel managed to ink a recording deal and releases his album soon.

Daniel Henney Related Websites

Daniel Henney Forum

Picture of Rain

Rain Profile

Name: Jung Ji-hoon, Rain
Korean name: 정지훈
Nickname: Bi (means rain in Korean; 비)
DOB: June 25, 1982
Birth place: Seoul, Korea
Height: 184cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Singer and actor

(Also known as Ji-hoon Jung, Pi, Jung Ji-hun, Jeong Ji-hun)

Rain Biography

Rain started his entertainment career in teenage with boyband Fanclub, but the group didn’t achieve good results and was disbanded.

Rain didn’t want to give up on his music career, and went for lots of auditions before being accepted as a trainee with JYP Entertainment. Rain worked as a backup dancer while learning the skills to become a pop star under the guidance of his singer-boss Park Jin-young.

Rain made his solo debut in 2002 with album “Bad Guy” by using his stage name ‘Rain”. The album was a hit and Rain was rising in fame. It was also in 2002 that he made his acting debut in TV drama “Orange”.

Rain released his 2nd album, “How to Avoid the Sun” in 2003, which was a great hit as well.

Rain’s international breakthrough came in 2004 with popular drama “Full House”, co-starring famous Korean actress Song Hye-kyo. The drama achieved great ratings not just in Korea, but across Asia as well… making Rain an Asia superstar

Following his international fame, Rain held a concert tour in 2005 in Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and ended in New York in early 2006. His exposure in USA has gained notice from Times magazine, which named him as one of the “100 Most Influential People Who Shape Our World” for 2006.

Rain made his movie debut in 2006 with “I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK” (co-starring Im Soo-jung) Rain’s performance was well received by critics, but the movie was a box office disappointment.

Rain started his 2nd world tour later in 2006. The tour started well in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Australia etc. before facing problems in Shanghai; the Shanghai concert has to be postponed indefinitely due to unpredicted circumstances.

Rain’s real trouble however, was in USA and Canada. 5 concerts were planned initially but all of the concerts have to been cancelled for various issues. The worst case happened in Los Angeles where the concert was cancelled just hours before its schedule. Rain and his agencies are currently facing lawsuit from Hawaii’s local promoter over various accusations for cancelling the tour.

Rain is currently filming his Hollywood debut movie, “Speedracer” using the name Ji Hoon Jung. He is not the main character but is playing as supporting role instead.

Rain Related Websites

Official Website (Korean) ll Rain Forum

Picture of Joe Cheng

Joe Cheng Profile

Name: Cheng Yuan Chang, Joseph
Chinese name: 郑元畅 (鄭元暢)
Nickname: Xiao Zhong (小综)
DOB: June 19, 1982
Birth place: Taiwan
Height: 188cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Actor and model

(Also known as Zheng Yuan Chang)

Joe Cheng Biography

Joe started his entertainment career as a fashion and commercial model. He made his acting debut in 2003 TV drama “The Rose”, starring alongside Ella Chen and Jerry Huang. The drama was a big hit, and Joe became a popular actor in Taiwan since then.

Joe continued to star in numerous dramas while keeping his modelling job. He has mentioned that he won’t give up as a model because it’s where he started his entertainment career, and he hopes that he will do well in both acting and modelling.

2005 was another breakthrough year for Joe; he starred in Japanese manga adapted TV drama “It Started with a Kiss” (ISWAK) with Ariel Lin, which was a big hit across Asia… and Joe becomes an international star.

Joe and Ariel are currently filming the sequel for ISWAK.

Joe Cheng Related Websites

Official Website (Chinese) ll Joe Cheng Forum

Picture of Kwon Sang-woo

Kwon Sang-woo Profile

Name: Kwon Sang-woo
Korean name: 권상우
DOB: August 5, 1976
Birth place: Daejoon, Korea
Height: 183cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Actor and model

(Also known as Sang-woo Kwon, Kwon Sang-wu, Kwone Sang-woo, Gwon Sang-woo)

Kwon Sang-woo Biography

Kwon Sang-woo worked as a model before making his acting debut in 2001. He started with some small roles in various movies and TV dramas before making his breakthrough in 2003 with movie “My Tutor Friend” and TV drama “Into the Sun”.

Later that year he starred in TV drama “Stairway to Heaven”, alongside popular actress Choi Ji-woo. The drama was a superhit in Korea and across Asia; Kwon Sang-woo becomes one of the most well-known Korean stars outside of Korea.

Kwon Sang-woo continued to star in other movies and dramas like “Love So Divine”, “Sad Sonata” and “Yasu” etc. His latest projects are movie “Fate” (also known as “Destiny”) and TV drama “Bad Love” (or “Cruel Love”).

Kwon Sang-woo Related Websites

Kwon Sang-woo Forum ll Buy Kwon’s dramas & movies

Picture of Wu Chun

Wu Chun Profile

Name: Wu Chun
Chinese name: 吴尊 (吳尊)
Real name: Goh Kiat Chun (吴吉尊)
DOB: October 10, 1980
Birth place: Brunei
Height: 181cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Actor, model and singer

(Also known as Wu Zun)

Wu Chun Biography

Wu Chun was born in a rich family in Brunei. He graduated from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, and worked as a model and fitness coach before starting his entertainment career in Taiwan in 2005.

Wu Chun made a couple of TV drama’s cameo appearances before being introduced as a member of boy-band Fahrenheit (飛輪海; Fei Lun Hai) in late 2005.

Wu Chun starred in his first leading role in early 2006 in TV drama “Tokyo Juliet”, co-starring actress Ariel Lin. His appearance gained wide notice from drama fans; and alongside with the rising fame of Fahrenheit… Wu Chun was becoming the hottest rising star in Taiwan.

In late 2006, Wu Chun starred in another TV drama “Hana Kimi” with Ella Chen (from popular girls group S.H.E); the drama was a great hit, and Wu Chun becomes one of the most popular artists in Taiwan and other Chinese regions.

Wu Chun’s latest drama is “Romantic Princess”, co-starring pop star Angela Chang, which is quite popular as well.

Wu Chun is currently filming a drama with popular Asian hunks Jerry Yan and Show Luo.

Wu Chun Related Websites

Official Blog (Chinese) ll Wu Chun Forum ll Buy Wu Chun’s dramas ll Buy Fahrenheit’s albums

Picture of Takashi Sorimachi

Takashi Sorimachi Profile

Name: Takashi Sorimachi
Japanese name: 反町 隆史
Birth name: Takashi Noguchi (野口 隆史)
DOB: December 19, 1973
Birth place: Saitama, Japan
Height: 183cm
Blood type: AB
Profession: Actor and singer

(Also known as Sorimachi Takashi)

Takashi Sorimachi Biography

Takashi Sorimachi started his entertainment career with Johnny’s Agency as a boyband singer and backup dancer for other popular boybands.

Takashi only stayed with Johnny’s for a short period before turning into modelling in 1990 and started to build some fame.

Takashi started acting in some TV dramas in 1994, and got his first leading role in 1997 with “Virgin Road”.

Takashi then starred in hit drama “Beach Boys”, which made him and his co-stars (Yutaka Takenouchi and Ryoko Hirosue) instant big names in Japan and Asia. Takashi released his debut album, “Message” in conjunction with the drama.

Takashi’s fame continued to rise in 1998 with drama “GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka”, co-starring Nanako Matsushima, whom he married with in 2001. The couple has a daughter.

GTO is probably the peak of his career; the manga-based TV drama was making waves in Japan and across Asia, and Takashi was arguably the most popular Japanese actor back then.

Takashi’s following drama in 1999, “Overtime” (co-starring Makiko Esumi) also achieved good ratings; but his popularity started fading after that.

Takashi remains decently popular though; he still managed to star in some good dramas and movies like “Hotman”, “Wonderful Life” and “Yamato” etc.

Takashi Sorimachi Related Websites

Ken-On (Japanese) ll Takashi Sorimachi Forum ll Buy Takashi’s dramas and movies