Are They Snakes? It's Not an Insult, Just These Performers' Zodiac Sign

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2001 is the year of the snake. In Korea, the year of one's birth, along with the month, day and hour of birth, is believed to strongly influence one's fortune. Because of such beliefs, many entertainers born in snake years, such as 1941, 1953, 1965 and 1977, anticipate this year to be filled with great success and fortune.

"Snakes are rich in wisdom and charm, so people born in snake years are romantic and deep thinkers. They usually do things at their own pace, and when the right moment comes, they shed their old skin and take up a new one," according to the fortunetelling Web site EasyWinning.com (www.easywinning.com).

From the looks of the careers of two young stars born in 1977, it seems that success will follow them this year as well. Kim Hee-sun, a leading film and television actress, began her career in 1993 as a TV program hostess while still in high school. Last year, she filed a lawsuit against her manager and a photographer after nude photos of her were just about to be published. The scandal hurt her "good girl" image.

However, Miss Kim is fully determined to enter a new stage in her career. "I totally lost confidence in everything last year. My acting in almost all of the movies I appeared in received poor reviews. Only my performance in the film 'Bi Chun-moo' was said to be okay. This year I want to forget the past and start fresh. I'm not afraid of shedding my old image and building up a completely new one, as snakes do," the actress says.

The singer Jo Sung-mo, another nationwide star, swept almost all of the awards including the Best Singer honor at last year's MBC and KBS Music Awards, and it appears that he will enjoy continued popularity in 2001.

"This year will not be much different from last year in the sense that I'll always try my best. Since this is the year of the snake, which is my year, I'll try to be more approachable. I'm planning to have more tours so I can meet my fans face to face," he said.Snake years often herald dramatic events such as revolutions and financial upheavals. Most of all, they are years for self-improvement and inner growth.

"The snake is diplomatic and popular, and leads a charming life. However, despite their natural physical ability and lively personalities, snakes have a tendency to be insecure. They will do whatever it takes to be the center of attention. An important lesson for them is to learn humility, along with a stronger sense of self," according to EasyWinning.com.

As to how humility and the ego necessary to be an entertainer can be reconciled, the site is silent.

by Kim Jae-seon