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JoongAng Daily

	Cha Seung-won plays Kim Seong-yeol, a detective with as much to hide as he has to solve in “Secret.” Provided by CJ Entertainment

Since the release of “The Departed” in 2006, it’s hard to imagine that any Hollywood screenwriter or studio executive has watched a high-profile or high-quality film from East Asia and wondered how they could repackage it for American consumers.

The Departed, of course, was a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film “Infernal Affairs,” and wound up being quite a piece of cinema in its own right, garnering Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. (You have to wonder how the makers of the original felt about that last award, in particular.)

So while watching “Secret” - a stylish thriller with corrupt Seoul cops, a disintegrating marriage and a complex story line that unfolds nicely, if not altogether neatly - I couldn’t shake the thought that it’s only a matter of time before Brett Ratner would be directing Colin Farrell and Jennifer Garner in a version of this film set in New York and Chicago.

Secret’s star is Cha Seung-won, who plays homicide detective Kim Seong-yeol, a man with plenty to hide. A year before the film takes place, his daughter was killed in a car accident. Kim had been drunk behind the wheel, and speaking on a mobile phone - to his mistress, no less, with whom he had just finished, uh, liaising.

His wife, Ji-yeon, played by Song Yoon-ah, is in the dark about the details and has been distant ever since. One night she comes home looking even less with-it than normal, and has bloodstains on her shirt. Moments later, Kim is called to a murder scene where more than a few pieces of evidence suggest that Ji-yeon had just been there.

From the outset, Kim dutifully covers up evidence, keeps witnesses quiet and pushes canards to keep his wife safe. Unfortunately, it turns out that the victim was the brother of a powerful and pernicious organized crime boss out for blood, Jae-kal (Ryu Seung-ryong). Meanwhile, Ji-yeon refuses to answer any of Kim’s questions about the night of the murder.

Further adding to Kim’s problems is the return of his former partner, Detective Choi (Park Won-sang), back from a suspension after Kim had ratted him out for the murder of a suspect.

Everything that plays out ought to keep audiences trailing behind by a few yards but firmly on the hook, although by the end you’ll wish you could look at the shooting script to sort out some time-line issues.

The cast do a uniformly fine job of playing straight-outta-Gangnam good-looking and sullen, but standing out from the rest is Ryu as Jae-kal the mobster, who is having enough fun busting heads that his delight ought to rub off on the viewer.

Secret was written and directed by Yoon Jae-gu, a first-time director whose previous effort was the screenplay for the 2007 film thriller “Seven Days,” a word-of-mouth hit that year.

Guess what? Within weeks of its release here, the rights to remake Seven Days had been sold to Summit Entertainment, the Hollywood studio behind “The Twilight Saga.” It appears, however, that nothing ever got off the ground. Luckily for Yoon, he’s probably still on the radar of a studio that’s going to have a billion dollars of walking-around money to spend on remakes.

Secret

Thiller, Mystery / Korean

110 min.

Now playing

By Andrew Siddons [asiddons@gmail.com]

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KOREA HERALD

This is the 56th in a series of articles highlighting tourism spots in Seoul. The guide for planning weekend trips in the capital city will help readers rediscover Seoul. - Ed.

By Annabelle Lee

Seoul is the heart of Korean politics, culture and arts, and is rapidly becoming a cosmopolitan city. It is a city of fast-paced change with people from all over the world coming to Seoul, and Seoul is increasingly promoting itself to the outside world. This is why the city of Seoul is so mesmerizing.

Teheran-ro / Iran

The road, 4km in length and 50m wide, that runs from the Gangnam Subway Station crossroads to Samseong bridge is named “Teheran-ro (Teheran Avenue)”. Four major subway stations in Gangnam, namely, Gangnam, Yeoksam, Sulleung and Samseong Stations, are on Teheran-ro.

This street was given its name to mark the alliance between Seoul and the Iranian capital during a visit by the Mayor of Teheran in 1977, a time when Korea was making new inroads in the Middle East. At the same time, a road was named after Seoul in Iran. Strolling along Teheran-ro, you can see awe-inspiring skyscrapers. Among the tall buildings that make you crane your neck, and boast structural beauty, are the Trade Center, Posco and Samung SDS buildings, the Star Tower and Posteel building, conjure up an architectural exhibition hall.

Seoul Central Mosque / Saudi Arabia

Itaewon is a part of Seoul where people from all over the world gather. Diverse cultures of different countries can be found in this part of the city. One sign of this is Seoul Central Mosque. During the Middle East construction boom of the 1970s, in an effort to strengthen friendship with Middle East countries and for Islamic residents in Korea, the Korean government offered the site for the Mosque and the building itself was completed in 1976, fully financed by Middle Eastern countries. Setting foot in the elaborately decorated tiled entrance, you will see two tall tower-like pillars point toward the Itaewon sky. Prayers are performed five times a day. The building holds some 5,000 books on Islamic law, theology, ideology and religion, and some 100 video tapes on landscapes and cultures of Islamic countries. Various cultural lectures and free Arabic classes are offered at the Arabic Institute next to the research center. The Central Mosque is located near Exit 3 of Line 6 Itaewon Station. Inquiries 02-793-6908 www.koreaislam.org

Salam / Turkey

Located just below the Central Mosque is the Turkish restaurant Salam. Entering the restaurant, you will find yourself in a different world. The interior is neatly furnished, and water pipes — popular in Turkey and Arab countries — and other interesting items will catch the eye. Traditional Turkish dishes, such as kebabs and Patlican Musakka, a lamb dish with vegetables, are bound to satisfy your appetite. Home-made yoghurt dessert, served with sugar, is also a favorite. A restaurant for Muslims, it does not serve alcoholic beverages or pork. Tel. 02-793-4323

Apple Tree / Tibet

Tourists visiting Seoul typically find their way to Insa-dong, where traditional Korean culture and shopping come together. A popular tourist destination, there are also places to experience different foreign cultures. Following a small alley next to the Sudo Pharmacy, you will come to Apple Tree, a small and cozy house at the end of the road. An apple tree stands in its garden, from which the house acquired its name. This restaurant offers the chance to taste Tibetan cuisine, although it is far from traditional. A woman mountaineer, who fell in love with Tibet cuisine during her climb to Mount Everest, offers the most popular dish in the house, Chicken Dal-bap. The dish is a blend of Dal, a thick, spicy stew prepared using lentils and spices, a staple of mountain-climbers and South Asians, and Korea’s staple, rice. Chicken drummettes, marinated in a unique apple sauce, are cooked with vegetables to be transformed into a spicy dish served on a hot plate. In addition to the Chicken Dal-bap, the lunch set menu of spaghetti, salad, and dessert is also worth trying. Tel: 02-722-5051

Sorae Village / France

Sorae Village, situated across Bangbaebon-dong and Banpo-dong in Seocho-gu, Seoul, is also known as “Petit France”, French for “Little France.” Many of the French people in Korea live here, accounting for some 800 residents. The move “Ecole de Francais” (School of the French Embassy in Korea), which was originally located in Hannamdong, in 1985, attracted French residents to the area, gradually forming today’s Sorae Village. French restaurants and cafes in the area are well-known, and wine bars and bakeries are also highly popular among French locals and Koreans alike.

The pavements of Sorae Village are in red, white and blue, the colors of the French flag, and start from the entrance of the road to the top of the hill at Bangbae Middle School. Sorae Village can be reached by a 10 minute walk toward Jamwon Elementary School from Exit 5 of Bus Terminal Station, Line 3 or 5.

Dongbuicheon-dong / Japan

Also called “Little Tokyo”, Dongbuicheon-dong is a part of Seoul where Japanese people settled after the normalization of Korea-Japan relations in 1965. Today, some 5,000 Japanese residents live in the area, including Japanese Embassy staff. Walking through the streets, you will see many shops selling Japanese-style products, and Japanese is spoken almost everywhere, including banks, supermarkets, laundrettes and beauty salons. Monomart (www.monomart.co.kr) is a store which directly imports everything from seasoning, frozen goods, beer, miso, ramen, chocolates, biscuits, and organic juices from Japan. Mitani (02-797-4060) is a traditional Japanese udong restaurant whose owner was first dispatched from a firm to Korea but decided to settle down. Little Tokyo can be found turning left after walking two blocks from Exit 4 of Line 4 Icheon Station.

Greek Joy / Greece

Hongdae (Hongik University) is a place for young people and the arts. On weekends, artists open a free market at the playground across the main entrance of Hongik University. Overlooking the playground is Greek Joy, an exotic Greek restaurant in a white walled building which easily conjures up images of a crystal blue sea and Greek buildings lined up on rocky cliffs. The second floor of the building exudes a casual atmosphere, whilst the third floor is optimal for special occasions celebrated with a glass of wine. There is also an open rooftop to thoroughly appreciate the fresh air. Greek Joy, however, is not only a restaurant but a place where you can experience Greek culture. A good recommendation is the Gyros, a dish consisting of chicken, lettuce, tomato and tzatziki sauce, and served with pita bread. Inquiries 02-338-2100 www.greekjoy.co.kr

Gwanghuidong Central Asia Village / Russia

Not far from Dongdaemun Stadium near Gwanghee 1-dong is a part of Seoul where people from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have taken up residence. The increasing number of traders in Dongdaemun market has brought in transport companies, trade-related firms and now, restaurants and cafes. The streets are filled with signs in the Cyrillic alphabet and money exchange posts. There are also a number of Russian restaurants. Shashlyk, a form of lamb meat grilled on a skewer, is the most popular, and a variety of other dishes, such as boiled dumplings (”pelmeni”), steamed dumplings (”manty”), and rice pilaf (”plov”) can also be tasted. Take Exit 12 out of Dongdaemun Stadium Station.

Kwanchenru / China

One step away from the noisy, crowded shopping district and fashion mecca of Myeong-dong is a sequestered alley with a unique atmosphere. The Chinese Embassy was originally located here, attracting tourists and people wanting to take care of their visas. The former Embassy building still stands, in front of which are Chinese restaurants, biscuit stores and bookstores, and in the alley there are stalls that sell Chinese odds-and-ends. In particular, Saengwon (生元 02-776-7585 www.saengwon.net), a store that sells all kinds of Chinese products, including biscuits, is among the most popular, and exhibits the traditional Chinese costume qipao dress and shoes, teas produced all over China and tea cups. Next to it is China Book (02-777-0090 www.ichinabook.com), a Chinese bookstore that sells reference books, magazines, and books on sculptures, martial arts and the science of divination. Get off at Line 2 Euljiro 1-ga Station or Line 4 Myeongdong Station.

Yeonhee Yeonnam-dong / Taiwan

Many Chinese restaurants can be found in Yeonhee-dong and Yeonnamdong in Seodaemun-gu. To be accurate, these are Taiwanese Chinese restaurants. The Hua-chaio Middle and High Schools, which teach Taiwanese students, are located nearby and there are some 3,000 Taiwanese Chinese emigrants that live in the area. Among the many restaurants, Hyangmi (鄕味 02-333-2943) is an old-time favorite which attracts customers far and wide. Its representative dish is the Sandong-style king-sized steamed buns, so big that just two of these hot buns will fill you up. There is also a wide selection of tasty dishes, including beef noodles that are likened to Korean-style noodles Kalguksu, Gongbogaejeong, Ohyangjangyuk and Sallatang. To get there, head toward the Yeonhee crossroads from Exit 4 of Line 2 Hongik University Station.

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JoongAng Daily

	Steam seeps out of a sotbap pot while the rice cooks inside By Kwon Hyuk-jae

At the end of a long day, many Koreans turn to warm and hearty sotbap, or rice that is actually cooked in the bowl it’s served in.

There are different kinds of sotbap, and often the taste depends on what kinds of bowls - stone, metal or crystal - are used to make it as well as the featured ingredients aside from the rice.

Most sotbap restaurants use metal or stone bowls because the heat spreads evenly over each grain of rice. The heavy lids retain the steam when the rice is cooking, creating a perfect amount of pressure.

“As the stone bowl gets heated, the mineral elements spread the heat evenly and minimize the breakdown of nutrients,” said Lee Sun-hee, head chef of the Korean restaurant Sabiru at the Renaissance Seoul Hotel.

“The advantage is that it’ll cook the rice evenly.”

Jeon Hi-jeong, a food and nutrition professor at Sookmyung Women’s University, agrees.

“The rice must be steamed with an appropriate amount of heat, and metal or stone bowls can retain a large amount of heat and thus are the best kinds of bowls to cook rice to near perfection,” Jeon said.

“Using these types of bowls is the most effective way to cook rice in a way that helps people absorb carbohydrates and maintain rice’s nutritional value.”

After you’ve finished most of the rice, hot water is poured into the bowl, softening the remaining grains that make up a crispy crust at the bottom called nurungji, which some consider dessert.

Some restaurants add vegetables and herbs into the mix, while others sprinkle in shrimp, crab meat and bamboo shoots plus a small amount of sweet soy sauce like a typical Japanese-style dish. In the end, the success of the dish all comes down to four main elements: rice, water, fire and the bowl.

Seoul is filled with restaurants that serve sotbap. Following are some of the best.

Dongrak

	Sea squirt sotbap at Dongrak

Just north of the Samcheong Tunnel and the Bugak Skyway in central Seoul, there’s a sign in elegant Chinese characters that reads Dongrak, which means “to enjoy together.” This restaurant is famous for using the freshest ingredients mixed in with three kinds of rice. During the fall and winter, mushrooms and oysters are popular choices. The place is known for serving sotbap with songi mushrooms year-round, even though the mushrooms are only harvested in the fall. The mushrooms here are brought all the way from Gangwon Province. In the spring, sea urchins and sea squirts are on the menu. A full course meal costs 22,000 won ($19) and includes sotbap, cabbage leaves, wild vegetables, steamed kimchi and pumpkin rice, among other side dishes. Closed on Mondays. (02) 743-9976.

Jogeum

This restaurant, located at the entrance of Insa-dong in central Seoul, is famous for serving Japanese-style sotbap for the last 33 years. Most of the dishes feature a bowl of rice with miso soup and soy sauce. There are over 30 ingredients mixed in with the rice, including shrimp, bamboo shoots, chestnuts and oysters.

The house specialty, called Jogeum sotbap, and a version made with songi mushrooms can be had for 13,000 won, while jeonbok (abalone) sotbap costs 28,000 won. The restaurant serves at least 200 bowls of Jogeum sotbap a day, which is easily the most popular item on the menu. Reservations are required during lunch hours. (02) 725-8400.

Gangchon Ssambap

	Stone sotbap at Gangchon Ssambap

Gangchon Ssambap is located right in front of the Gana Art Gallery in northern Seoul, where a watermill and different kinds of jars and bowls line the front of the restaurant. The place is known for serving sotbap cooked in stone bowls with 20 different kinds of leaves (9,000 won). It’s served with ginkgo nuts and sweet potatoes, which add more nutritional value to the rice. It also includes slices of boiled pork. (02) 395-6467.

Namuga Itneun Jip

	Gondre (herb) sotbap at Namuga Itneun Jip

This restaurant is located in the back of the Salvation Army building in central Seoul. The owner, Go Bong-hak, mixes the rice in a metal bowl and tops it off with herbs cooked in perilla oil (10,000 won.) The herbs are gathered every May from Jeongseon and Pyeongchang counties in Gangwon Province. The vegetables are rich in carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin A and protein, helping to prevent various diseases. The place is also known for dishes featuring homemade tofu. The tofu casserole, in particular, is a popular dish. Reservations are recommended. (02) 737-3888.

By Lee Ka-young [jbiz91@joongang.co.kr]

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