Actor Kwon Sang-woo

Actor Kwon Sang-woo has established a cosmetics company, Natural Tears, and will become an advertising model for its brand "Tears," the company's PR agency said.

Tears has been named after his nickname "Mr. Tears," which was given by his fans in Japan and other Asian nations in recognition of his tear-jerking acting in the SBS-TV drama "Stairway to Heaven." He starred in it with actress Choi Ji-woo.

It will be the first time in two years that he will appear as a model in a commercial for cosmetics goods.

Natural Tears will open its first outlet in Myeongdong, Seoul, in December. Kwon will run the company as its CEO and will hold autographing sessions at the grand opening.

It is his second business launching following the opening of the coffee shop chain Tea'us in Myeongdong in May.

The star made headlines last year when his secret romance with actress Sohn Tae-young became public. The two tied the knot in September and are expecting a baby in the spring.

Kwon is expected to return to the movie screen in the first half of next year, with a romance movie, "A Sad Story," slated for a March 14 release.

chojh@koreatimes.co.kr