Korean Star's Strict Security: Why Pinoy fans couldn'tget near 'Sweet 18' actor

Congratulations to The FREEMAN on its anniversary! And special thanks to my editor, Ms. Nathalie and Ms. Tammy Mendoza of The Philippine Star who pushed me into writing a column in Cebu's No. 1 newspaper.

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What's with the security people of Korean actor Lee Dong Gun? During the presscon for Lee hosted by GMA-7, his security escorts were almost brash in screening the people who were trying to get near him. Even the daughter of the network's president had to content herself just taking a photo of her idol.

Lee first charmed Koreanovela fans when he starred in "Lovers in Paris." He currently appears in "Sweet 18," which airs every weekend. GMA-7 brought him over to promote his next series, "Friend," with Won Bin (who played Andrew in "Endless Love 1: Autumn in My Heart").

"Friend" launches on July 26, while "All for Love with Rain" will start on August 1. Even the fans who welcomed Lee at the airport were prevented from taking a picture with him. His promoters are said to be afraid that a girl who has her picture taken with the actor might post the photos on the Internet and claim that he's her boyfriend.

Everything was hectic because Lee was staying in town for only a day. The no-picture ban was enforced at the presscon, which lasted only some 10 minutes. The only people allowed to be shot with Lee were the winners of a text contest on GMA-7. The reporters, however, were able to squeeze in some questions. Lee said he is very much available and that his partner in "Sweet 18" is not his girl. He added he will be doing a movie and cutting an album soon. He's six feet tall and doesn't speak English. He started out in showbiz as a singer, with two albums under his belt, "Time to Fly" in 1998 and "Much More" in 2000.

He gave up singing to concentrate on acting. Lee landed supporting roles in TV series in Korea, but it wasn't until "Sweet 18" did he get his big break.

In the romantic comedy series, Lee plays Matthew Kwon, a brilliant and influential public prosecutor forced by his aristocratic family to marry Lea Yoon (Han Ji Hye), a spoiled high schooler from a prominent family. The age gap between Matthew and Lea provides hilarious situations. Lee has been interviewed by "S-Files" and "Startalk," and "Nuts Entertainment" will provide video coverage of his tour and guestings.

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Madam Violett Sevilla knows all too well the political maneuverings in the Metro Manila Film Festival, scheduled for December. She submitted three scripts for the filmfest for her Violett Films: "Alis Bayan, Balik Bayan" starring Gabby Concepcion and Judy Ann Santos; "Emmanuel" starring Regine Velasquez and Ariel Rivera and "Huwag Hatulan Ang Puso" starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon. None of the three scripts made it.

Needless to say, Madam Violett is disappointed. She hopes the selection committee will have a more open mind when reviewing the films she is offering. She may be downcast, but she's not throwing in the towel. "I won't stop until film producers like me get the attention we deserve," Madam Violett told me.

She's not trying to pick a fight with the MMFF, that she made clear. She'll try to snag the three slots still open for the MMFF finished products category the winners of which will be shown on January 1. Madam Violett plans to push "Alis Bayan, Balik Bayan," which will be Gabby's comeback movie. She said someone is negotiating for her with Gabby, who is based in the US. They haven't discussed the actor's talent fee.

Madam Violett is not exactly a newcomer in Philippine cinema. She produced "Magnifico" which reaped critical acclaim in several film festivals abroad after being spurned by the MMFF. Her last project was "Sa Piling Ng Mga Bellas." She's trying to back on groove with "Lisensyadong Kamao" starring Manny Pacquiao, Aubrey Miles and Juliana Palermo. She's thankful she convinced the Pacman to do a movie for her considering his many offers from other film outfits. How much did she offer Manny? "Secret," Madam Violett said.

"Lisensyadong Kamao" will only have five shooting days. Manny has to leave for the US for a fight.

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Aubrey Miles feels her love interest Troy Montero is aching to get married. "Every time we talk, the topic is always our future. But I tell him I'm not ready yet. Maybe in five years," Aubrey said.

When they reconciled two weeks ago, they agreed that Troy will have to wait. Troy has no problem with that, she said. He's patient, undemanding and faithful.

Aubrey, by her own admission, is jealous, demanding and impatient. Their break-up lasted almost two months. Troy became aggressive in courting Aubrey again when she was linked to TV host Paolo Bediones. She said she and Paolo were never on. "When Troy learned about Paolo, he began to call me up again. He began to get my mom on his side too."