Actor Park Yong-ha

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Actor and singer Park Yong-ha, one of the top Korean wave (hallyu) stars, will hold a concert at the Hawaii Convention Center Oct. 17, his agency, Yona Entertainment said.

It will be the first time in three years ― since the 32-year-old appeared at a solo concert in Oct. 14, 2006 ― for him to perform in Hawaii. The state has appointed the day as ``Yong-ha Day'' ever since.

``I am excited to think that I will meet my Hawaiian fans for the first time in three years. I am rehearsing very hard to present a memorable performance,'' Park said.

Yona Entertainment added that they were promoting the concert in Hawaii, Los Angeles and Las Veges through KBFD TV, a Honolulu-based television channel that airs Korean programs including dramas and news.

``We are receiving calls from not only the United States, but also from Korea, Japan and Taiwan,'' an agency executive said.

SBS drama ``On Air'' (2008), which starred the actor as the strict yet charismatic celebrity manager, has aired in Japan, and it was confirmed that it will be re-run at the end of the year.

KBS drama ``The Slingshot'' (2009) will also be available for Japanese fans from Oct. 3. Park's recent movie ``The Scam'' will be in theaters later this year.

Park released a mini-album last July to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his debut in Japan and also held a special event for fans at the Saitama Super Arena Aug. 1.

Making his debut as an actor in 1994, Park has appeared in several hit dramas, including ``Winter Sonata'' (2002), ``Loving You'' (2002) and ``On Air.'' He has also released one album and two singles, and participated in the original soundtracks for the dramas he started in.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr