Actress Kim Hye-soo poses in front of one of her paintings at the Seoul Open Art Fair (SOAF 2009), COEX, southern Seoul, Tuesday evening. / Yonhap

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Actress Kim Hye-soo made her debut as a painter at the ongoing Seoul Open Art Fair (SOAF 2009) at COEX, southern Seoul, Tuesday.

Kim is well known for her sexy, stylish image in movies like ``Tazza,'' and ``Modern Boy,'' but, unknown to many, she is also an budding painter. She was one of several celebrities who were invited to present their paintings at the art fair.

To generate more public interest in the event, SOAF organizers introduced the ``Star Art Project.'' Other famous celebrities who are showing their works are singer Cho Young-nam, actress Shim Eun-ha and actor Kang Seok-woo.

Kim presented delicately colored paintings, while Shim's Oriental paintings have attracted attention for their exquisite detail.

The SOAF 2009 opened to the public on Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Over 5,500 art pieces by 1,200 artists from 70 galleries are being shown at the art fair. Admission is 7,000 won for adults and 5,000 for students.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr