A book of photos from Lee Hong Ki's recent film, "Passionate Goodbye," has ranked number one in Japan's Tower Record book and magazine sales. The book contains film stills and behind the scenes photographs, many of them featuring the F.T. Island singer and "You're Beautiful" star. That's good news for Lee, who must be disappointed at the short run of his film in Korean theaters.
The film was released in Korea on May 30 and critics generally gave it positive reviews. It was the eighth most sold movie in Korea and the third ranking Korean film during its run. It played in over 160 theaters but theater owners said they cancelled it due to poor ticket sales.
Netizens were upset about the film's quick termination, saying that theaters did not give the film a chance and that it was of a better quality than many summer blockbusters with weak plots.
Although the film had an uplifting message, it was not exactly an upbeat subject. "In "Passionate Goodbye," Lee Hong Ki plays a troublesome idol who is forced to do community service at hospice for the terminally ill. His volunteer work helps him realize life's important priorities. It was the first film role for the singer who has a few drama credits to his name, but he is not letting the short run get him down.
An optimist, he recently tweeted, "Somehow we can't expect too much for our first try. Fighting!"
His fellow band members also sent supportive tweets. They clearly found the movie and his portrayal to be very moving. After seeing the film, Choi Min Hwan said that he and Song Seung Hyun cried a lot because there were so many things they could relate to.
But there's more good news besides the promising sales of the photo book. Subsidiary rights sales to other countries will cover the film's production costs and there are rumors it may yet be turned into a television film.
Also, the film premiered in Japan on June 7. Lee Hong Ki and F.T. Island are very popular in Japan so it may have a longer run there. Lee recently filmed a 90-minute Korean/Japanese drama called "Noriko Goes To Seoul" with Japanese actress Takashima.
This week F.T. Island released its third studio album, "Rated-FT," in Japan, and it is getting good reviews. Recochoku, a Japanese music downloading site reported that "Orange Sky, the song written by Lee has topped the K-Pop Asia daily and weekly charts.
The band also begins the "F.T. Island Arena Tour 2013 - Freedom" tour this weekend. The tour will include seven Japanese cities.
Lee Hong Ki, if at first you don't succeed, "Fighting!"
