“简单亦是快乐”就是<<偶然成为社长>>想传递的主题。身为都市人,我们往往为了五斗米折腰,却忘了放慢脚步, 看看身边美丽的风景,多关心身旁的人、事、物。

原以为看着两位社长, 车太铉和赵寅成,的”10日乡村超市营业日志”,会觉得有点单调乏味。殊不知,在那再也平凡不过的日常里,被乡民间的互动,热心协助两位新手社长打理超市,和各自努力生活的模样而打动,让人体会了在都市里缺乏的浓浓人情味。搭配寅成和太铉oppa拿手的松蟹拉面和烤鳟鱼,简直是让人暖心又暖胃,甚至有眼眶泛泪的时刻。

华川商会是个散发浓浓的温暖的乡村情,人情味的地方。村民都可以赊账,向社长拿免费铜版买咖啡。他们知道货物在哪里,价格是多少。

就像寅成说的: “村子所有人都是社长。大家都同心协力在爱护这间店。”

这除了是让顾客们歇息片刻的地方,更是在冬天里传递温暖的感情交流站。虽然华川的小镇像冰天雪地寒冷般,却充满了炽热的人情味。这是我们所谓的”Kampong Spirit”。

究竟是环境会改变人,还是人会因环境而改变呢?
是都市改变了人们,所以我们都习惯了冷漠与市侩?
这些最原始的情感,感受。。。都到哪儿去了呢?

两位社长从一切不熟悉时的手忙脚乱到之后的驾轻就熟和乡民们打成一片,势必给顾客们带来些新菜色,还出海钓鱼,请驻唱来表达对大家的感激,都令人印象深刻。他们不惜成本,到处寻找最好的食材,以低价格出售,为的是让村民们吃得开心。

在忙碌一天过后,都会和工读生们畅饮一番,聊天说笑,来慰劳自己。
“Work Hard, Play Hard”, 不就是犒赏自己的最佳方式吗?

经营一间简朴的乡村杂货店的收获是,人会变得格外豁达开朗,凡事不会那么斤斤计较。正因那浓浓的人情味和和谐的气氛,他们学会了乐于助人,守望相助的重要性。最重要的大家都开心,而不是营润。

两位社长完全没偶像包袱,凡事亲力亲为,虚心向学,必要时也会寻求协助。犯错时,勇于承认错误,接受批评,也尽力弥补过错,尽量不砸原来社长的招牌。

他们很快地融入民情,也和乡民们打成一片。他们不忘把每日的菜单变得丰富一些,让乡民能尝试更多菜肴。这份出自内心的真诚,让电视荧幕前的我们,都深深感受到。

车太炫是家喻户晓的主持人,幽默风趣,也给观众很舒服,踏实的感觉。他那及具有”魔性”和感染力的笑声, 不必特别制造效果,就综艺感十足。他个性随和,亲民, 乐于助人,也不介意虚心向村民寻求帮助, 给人的感觉就是”好好先生”和”邻家大叔”,很温暖,靠普。

寅成 Oppa 一向给人高冷的感觉,但私下很亲民,也很会”撩”,是位冷面笑将。虽属慢热型,但观察能力强,心思细腻,很会照顾人。

观众也会好奇身为多年好友的两人私下的互动,和如何分担合作,克服这10天对身心灵的挑战。

两人原以为只是管理小型的杂货店,结果到达华川之后,才赫然发现是华川小镇上唯一的”超市+餐酒馆”,每日有络绎不绝的人流。

原本的社长奶奶度假10天,留了封信作为交接,把每天需做的事情记录下来,也分享经营之道。从奶奶的字里行间,大家不难发现她是个和蔼可亲的长辈,很有爱心,责任感和服务精神。

不管在任何工作岗位上,我们都需要抱着感激和愉快的心情,少些抱怨,才会开心地工作。

经营小小的”杂货店”兼”食阁”,是很考验记性,体力,耐力的。他们没松懈,各自朝各自的领域钻研,商讨如何为乡民提供更完善的服务。他们不清楚店里卖哪些商品,商品的摆设排列或价格,更不知有多少存货,该向哪些供应商批货,连该批多少货也一律毫无头绪。

太炫 oppa 和供应商接洽打交道,也努力熟悉店里的所有大小事宜。他会和顾客们嘘寒问暖,也贴心地为小朋友准备蜂蜜糖饼和比萨。

寅成 oppa 主要负责厨房工作。他拜托渔夫好友买新鲜的海产,还向餐饮业老板娘讨教哪些菜肴符合居民的口味。这螃蟹泡面竟成了寅成 oppa 的招牌菜,还大卖150碗之多!

忐忑不安的寅成会关注顾客吃食物时的表情,询问意见和需要加强的地方。

“做料理给人吃,是一件很愉快的事。虽然很辛苦。。。”

为了给顾客们最好的,还自告奋勇出海捕鱼。对于会晕船的他,这是极限挑战,要克服身心灵的不适与受海浪折腾的煎熬。他觉得到华川后,自己失去了”野性”。原本是生活理所当然的一部分,但发现自己没钱就什么都做不了,有点像”井底之蛙”。

万事起头难,两位社长的第一天简直是”天下大乱”。印象深刻的是有一次太炫oppa 把能量饮料的价格标错,让顾客付了2倍的价格。基于信任,顾客也不疑由他。在恍然大悟之后,便急忙贴告示,希望所有买该饮料的顾客前来退款。

就像社长在最后一晚时,感慨地表示:”人生可能出错,不可能事事都按照计划走。”

计划永远赶不上变化,所以我们都需要懂得变通。

节目里的工读生都是社长们动用人脉请来助阵的。工读生当中有大家喜爱的朴宝英,南柱赫,尹施允,曹宝儿,等。

实习生们用创意准备新颖的料理,展现诚意出海捕鱼,准备新鲜的生鱼片,重新编排价格表,还把带来当花纹保暖背心的”乡村制服”,当成最夯服装来卖。

“最佳工读生”奖项应颁给尹敬浩。他重新帮社长编排了所有货品的价格,还卖力地打了2天工,连劈柴等杂务都一手包办。架上的物品需要补上时,他机灵地用手机拍下,再到货仓取货。

演艺人员的烦恼就是知名度和怕被定型的问题,能否得到奖项的肯定,观众是否会把他们遗忘,等。知名度是把双刃剑。身为公众人物一定担心没知名度,但知名度过高也是种困扰。就算想突破自己,但如果观众不喜欢,即便再执着,那也只是贪念而已。

两位社长也以过来人的经验,和后辈们分享自己的经历,鼓励他们不要放弃。

所谓”人生如戏,戏如人生”。

在这么简朴的乡村里,在这里工作或居住的人们,都有各自精彩的故事。

他们当中有失去记忆的阿姨, 农业社长和中医师,来自韩国各地,远离家乡的修路工程师, 飘洋过海到韩国工作的外来劳工。身为人父的太炫感同身受,了解他们错过了孩子的成长阶段是既痛心皆无奈的心情。

两位社长的不少”暖男事迹”当中,令小编印象最深刻的就是带小朋友到春川的医院去处理针眼。在两位社长的陪伴下,原本故作坚强的小男孩开始有点慌张,但太炫 oppa也在旁握着他的手,鼓励着他。

就连老板娘饲养的狗狗”小黑”也特别友善。它是华川商会的的万人迷,相信是老板娘的最佳伙伴。

从村民们的反应就看得出两位社长的受欢迎程度。村民都对他们特别亲切,热情,宽容,还伸出援手,带食物慰劳他们,帮他们照顾温室的花朵,赠送画像。

社长奶奶在历经丧偶之痛后,仍坚持继续经营杂货店。或许想打发时间,找个精神寄托,但大多应是为了像家人般的村民们。这除了是她的店,也是村民们的歇息和交流站。这么多年建立的友谊和信赖,不是说能放就放。

最后一晚营业接待的最后一位客人,就是原来的社长奶奶。那段真的令人觉得既感动又心疼。他们真切地体会到奶奶的辛劳,也很佩服她。

老板娘的一句:”工作到很晚,一定很累吧?” 竟然让社长们溃堤。

奶奶也把螃蟹拉面和两位社长分着吃。美食的分享,能温暖人心。这是”Sharing is Caring”的典范.

借以别人的身分生活10天,给予他们何为简单就是幸福的领悟。除了体验如何经营一间店的酸甜苦辣,了解经商非易事外,他们体会了简单的生活和快乐,融入民情,制造了很多珍贵且美好的回忆。

这节目教会我们的事:

– 是观众的喜爱, 而不是奖项, 定义一位演员的成功
– 歌手不一定要有多大的舞台,而是会欣赏他们才艺的人
– 你的态度决定你将乐观或悲观地面对这世界
– 人与人之间是一种礼尚往来
– 不懂不要装懂,而是要问
– 犯了错误,就要承认错误,及时更正

谢谢用心的幕前幕后制作团队,让我们再次感受到暧暧的人情味。

在疫情严峻的情况下,能放慢脚步,好好地感受平凡日常的美好,真的很疗愈。

多些称赞和鼓励,少些批评,能让人得到更大的动力。大家不妨多将心比心,设身处地地为别人着想。
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Riding on the waves of zombie apocalypse movies, “Rampant” attempts to set itself apart by zooming into an era way before our time, set in the Joseon Dynasty 500 to 600 years ago.

Apart from the massive scale of zombies running rampage in colourful Joseon costumes across palaces, the majestic action scenes and swords play, a major draw to watch “Rampant” is definitely to see how this “fatally charismatic” duo, Jang Dong Gun & Hyun Bin, who are best friends in real life, take on confrontational roles in the movie. Their chemistry is impeccable.

Like many audiences, I have mixed reviews of this movie. If you have been a fan of zombie flicks, it would satisfy you to a certain extent with some of the most thrilling and exciting action scenes. However, if you are looking for character development and emotional engagement like “Train in Busan”, it may leave you dismayed.

If all else fails, we can always count upon JDG & Hyun Bin to save the day.

The brilliant cinematography and choreography of the action scenes, CGI effects topped with brilliant music pieces by the London Music Symphony, is what we call a “Sensory Feast”. It’s a refreshing fusion when you see western zombies mixed with Korean zombies set in the Joseon era.

From the landscape view of thousands of zombies aka “night demons” attacking their victims in the palace to the close ups was a sight to behold. We could see close ups of how the victims turned into zombies, with veins forming on their faces and limbs with white, gluey eyes as they began twisting and warping during the transformation.

The tracks by London Music Symphony are so 浩瀚澎湃 that it elevated the “Sensory gratification” it was supposed to deliver on a colossal scale at the gorgeously built Joseon sets.

Excitement kicked in full force towards the later part of the movie. Audiences can expect to be glued to their seats while hoping the leads could make it safely out of danger.

My most favourite scene was during the hoards of zombies breaking into the dungeons trying to have a bite on the “only humans” left. It was such a 惊险 and thrilling scene that it would have your hearts thumping at your throats. You would also enjoy the scenes when Lee Chung fought the so many zombies single-handed in the main hall and the swordplay sparring between the 2 opposing leads. You’d be pleased with how both actors weird their swords like a pro.

What we were curious to find out was really to see how well the chemistry between the 2 real life best friends would turn out. Both shone in their respective ways, yet not stealing the limelight from each other since they complement well with each other and all other cast members.

This movie is about duty and responsibilities, political tensions, human greed and ambitions which would lead to an impending downfall.

It is the King who serves the people, not the King who owns the empire. Without the citizens, there will not be a king.

究竟是效忠还是愚忠? 我觉得张东健在戏里无非也提出了值得思考的一点。

想要做统领并非易事。On top of being a good leader, you need someone who has the abilities and willingness to assume these heavy responsibilities.

Whether you choose to be “good” or “bad”, it all boils down to options and choices in life. There’s always a consequence and price that we have to pay for making such choices.

Minister Kim’s下场 is a good portrayal of how when you have too great ambitions, it turns into personal greed, which will eventually lead to your downfall, or ultimately self-destruction.

The 1st hour was dreadfully slow and there wasn’t much character development or emotional engagement. Most characters are pretty one-dimensional and the plot is pretty predictable.

The reason why “Train to Busan” was a huge success was because it was in a league of its own, paying much details and attention to their character and emotional development that most zombie flicks lack.

There was more screen time for Hyun Bin to have gradual character development as the story progressed, from a 吊儿郎当 Joseon prince who had no interest to ascend the throne, to the hero who saved the day. In a way, you can feel how 迫切 Minister Kim yearns to rule the empire no matter what it takes, including self-sacrifice, but you can’t feel that willingness of Prince Lee Chung to even want to fight the zombies, not to mention protecting his people.

It was a little abrupt, for the switch towards the final showdowns.

Hyun Bin could do better, but with a script that weak on character development, that’s likely the best that he could make of.

He fared well in the intricate moments during emotional scenes whereby you could feel the pain and angst Lee Chung experienced when he lost his loved ones

Hyun Bin had more notable action scenes fighting against zombies, showcasing amazing swordplay skills. It must been very strenuous and physically exhausting for him under harsh weather conditions during winter.

Jang Dong Gun is the scene stealer. Minister Kim’s vast ambition & greed was portrayed subtly initially but it intensified when JDG unleashed his power towards the ending scenes.

He brings playing a villain to another level. It isn’t just a flat one-dimensional character. He stayed true to his words about putting efforts into adding depth and layers to his villain role. He was able to showcase not just his scheming antics, immense ambitions to rule the Joseon Empire, but also the devastation when it came to his downfall. Be it playing the good or bad guy, he’s always ready to assimilate the role and we can say his acting is of “Master” level in “Rampant”.

不管是穿着龙袍登基的那一幕,犀利的眼神。。还有惊警觉自己被咬到后嚎啕哀,嚎崩溃的模样。。决一死战的最后几幕,都令人为之动容。

演奸角的厉害之处,不是单方面地让观众对你咬牙切齿,恨之入骨,而是能让观众也感受到你内心深处的出发点。他的歇斯底里,已传达到观众的心里。那已经绝望到底,也要捍战到底的毅力,的确会让你为他感到稍微的心疼。这就是我们所谓的 “内心戏”。

The only thing he could have done better was the reciting of the Chinese poem. Some lines were pronounced very accurately and beautifully recited though.

Some of the notable supporting roles were Jeong Man Sik’s portrayal of Hak Soo, Lee Chung’s servant, who added much humour to the horror genre movie. Kim Eui Sung who acted in “Train to Busan” acts as King Lee Jon in “Rampant”. There was also Seo Ji Hye’s cameo as Concubine Jo whose transformation was an excruciatingly painful but impactful one. It was key to the development of the story line. Jo Woo Jin’s role as the head of rebel, Park Eul Ryoung, was one that may evoke a little of your emotions towards the ending.

It’s a pity that Lee Sun Bin’s role as Deok Hee, was nothing more than a potential love interest for Prince Lee Chung and a skilled archer, but failed to create much impact as a heroine in this male-dominated movie.

The above reasons would give you good enough gauge as to whether you would want to watch this movie at the cinema.

If you want to watch a zombie flick with a refreshing time setting back in the Joseon Dynasty, or have been either a JDG or Hyun Bin fan, or fan of both, it is definitely one blockbuster not to be missed.Read More →

Never had the fans of zombie apocalypses movies been more excited, than to have Korean Superstars Jang Dong Gun and Hyun Bin, gracing the red carpet at Suntec City Mall, with Singapore being the only overseas stop for their latest movie “Rampant”’s promotional activities.

The 2 hunky and gorgeous looking men made their appearance, decked in black suits, on all smiles and acceding to fans’ requests (for handshake, autograph and wefies) on the red carpet. Jang Dong Gun & Hyun Bin sent hearts fluttering with their grace, class, thoughtfulness and impeccable, oozing manliness.

No other Korean Stars have spent so much time at the red carpet just to give such great fan service. It was definitely the first, with a class on its own. They are one of the biggest stars with the most easy going & friendly personalities. 他们和蔼可亲和随和的举动,令你感觉到的不是巨星的霸气,而是暖男们的贴心。这无疑也顿时拉近他们和影迷, 媒体之间的距离。It’s not their duty, but they made it their call to reciprocate to the fans.

Some “1st” that SG achieved with this International Junket:

– The 1st time that Korean stars would spend 30 min signing autographs & taking wefies on the red carpet, there was no rush or haste but to satisfy their ardent fans’
– There was no prior screening of interview questions. The director and stars answered every single question that was directed at them.
– It’s also the 1st time when the audiences would clap and cheer after all on stage took their turns to make their speeches (even at the gala premiere)
– The 1st time that Korean stars suggested for the host to take a centre position in a group photo (according to Host Danny Yeo).

It shows how easy-going and confident they are.

Would you have felt awkward if you have to act as opponents in a movie with your longtime bestie? It didn’t feel so the case for our MANLY leads of “Rampant” though they have never collaborated in any drama or movie before. They were able to rely on each other during filming and get to know another side of their bestie as a professional actor.

Jang Dong Gun, who’s the “epitome of aging with class and grace”, topped with Hyun Bin’s attractiveness in his prime, is a “deadly” combination. This duo, who are best friends in real life, have a lot in common, including their easy-going personalities. That’s also a major draw as to why you should watch “Rampant”, to see how these besties take on confrontational roles in the movie.

The 2 stars look really suave in real life, SO MUCH more dashing than on TV. They are starkly tall at 1.8 to 1.84m. Standing so close to them with just less than 1m away, would put you to shame when you marveled at their flawless and radiant complexions.

Jang Dong Gun is slightly tanned, has this radiant glow on his face and is always on all smiles. His big, beautiful eyes are the most electrifying. He seems like someone who is very mild and fun-loving in real life. His voice is very soothing and pleasing to the ears. He’s also pretty composed and relaxed. 他就像红酒一样,越来越浓和有味道。

他懂得如何优雅地让后辈们 take central stage & enjoy the limelight. Just look at how he would always let Hyun Bin speak more as a Hoobae. 他从来都不会 “玄彬”夺主 (喧宾夺主) 。

虽然张东健长得帅,但他是个演员,不是偶像,凭的是实力。演技早已深入民心。眼神就有足够的磁场和霸气。即便不是第一男主角,怎样都盖不住他的光芒。为人处事低调,说话温文有理,没有巨星架子。但一旦进入角色,就像似变了个人一样,完全地融入角色。很随和,也很爱笑,似乎是一个 Happy Go Lucky 的人。

这不只是历练老成,也是有一份提拔后辈的心。实力派演员是不大需要当心自己年长之后是否会在观众们的心目中掉价,而是如何继续挑战更艰难的角色,带给观众不同的惊喜。

Hyun Bin who’s at his prime at 36 years old, had more ardent fans screaming for him. He’s one who would turn heads a few times if you see him on the streets. Photographs and videos do not do Hyun Bin justice. This guy is so NOT photogenic at all. He looks tonnes better in real life. He may not be the walk-out-of-comic type of “Handsome”, but he looks so much more dashing in real life.

He would acknowledge and gesture to the fans shouting “Hyun Bin Oppa” from both ends of the red carpet. It was a sweet yet funny sight to see that he was as if, satisfying “little kids” who were vying for attention. He’s more cool compared to JDG.

Most audiences got to know Hyun Bin during “My Lovely Samsoon”, but “Secret Garden” propelled him to Superstardom. He’s not just being loved for his acting, but also for his tenacity as a real man who enlisted into the toughest branch at Marine Corps during military service.

While his works after his military service may not have received as much love as compared to before, his recent movie attempts to take on tougher and more diverse roles seem to be working well. He has begun to take on more mature role in “Confidential Assignment” and even being a villain in “The Negotiation”. It is a good swerve for him as he approaches his mid-thirties.

Danny first mentioned that he wanted the director and stars to know that this is the longest and friendliest red carpet we ever had in Singapore.

The trio shared some of their thoughts about being in Singapore and receiving such a warm and passionate welcome. JDG was here for a holiday with his family last summer and he attempted some Chinese poems in the movie, however he is only able to make a simple greeting like “大家好, 我是张东健” now。。It sent the fans chuckling with his cute and earnest response.

The challenges for Hyun Bin were that there were many strenuous scenes in the movie and they had to put a lot of thought into safety precautions.

It was towards the end that Danny asked if the fans would like to have the 2 stars turning into zombies to attack them, that sent the stars and director laughing away. When asked what is it that they are most scared of, Jang Dong Gun replied that he seldom loses control in real life and loves zombie flicks, but he is more scared of his children as they don’t always turn out or behave as he wishes them to. Well, that’s an earnest response from a dad.

If what Jang Dong Gun mentioned that the movie theme is about losing control is true, I wonder how many ladies lost all control when they saw them, at least a few thousand at Suntec City Mall.

Hyun Bin said that he probably has nothing that he fears, not even insects, pests or beasts.

Well, that’s likely the vast difference between a married vs single man.

When you have a family of your own, you will have more things to worry or be cautious about, but when you are single, you are carefree.

It seemed that the trio’s mood had never been better, especially at the moment right before the movie “Rampant” makes its debut in Singapore at RWS. They laughed out loud when Danny asked if the fans reaching out their “claws” to the actors were scarier than the zombies in the movie. This is when Director Kim Sung Hoon jokingly expressed that he should have brought all his crew and equipment along to film a sequel to “Rampant”.

The leading actors talked a little more about the portrayal of their characters in the movie. It has always been an enjoyment to watch Jang Dong Gun act. Being the villain in this movie, he tried to add more depths and layers to make it stand out more than just a one-dimensional villain.

He focused on creating and bringing out the harmony on set, than to focus just solely on his character. This is what we call a “seasoned veteran actor”.

Hyun Bin mentioned more about his challenges filming the movie and also praised the unsung heroes, such as the zombie extras and the music that they used in the movie was performed by the London Symphony.

The dashing oppas would also hope that the audience would try to look out for the message that this movie is trying to bring across, the massive action scenes and visuals as the movie pulls towards the climax and the sheer scale of the production.

While it was a short encounter, I am grateful that we had the honour & privilege to grace the same red carpet (though not at the same time) as Korean Superstars, Jang Dong Gun Oppa & Hyun Bin.

It’s a dream come true for me to see Jang Dong Gun at least once this lifetime. Hopefully there will be more opportunities in future.

Thanks to all the organizers and crew for having put up such a successful event.

It was a night to remember for all present.Read More →