Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
More Korean actors to appear in Hollywood films, dramas
By Park Jin-hai
Actor Ma Dong-seok/ Courtesy of Megabox
By Park Jin-hai
Recently actor Ma Dong-seok, star of “Train to Busan” (2016), is rumored to be in talks to join Marvel's new film “The Eternals.” Actress Jeon Jong-seo, who took the lead role in her debut film “Burning,” is also in discussion to star in the upcoming Hollywood movie “Blood Moon,” a fantasy film directed by Ana Lily Amirpour.
Before them, actors like Kim Yun-jin, known for her role in American television series “Lost,” and Lee Byung-hun who has appeared in the “G.I. Joe” series, successfully expanded their acting careers beyond Korean territory.
More actors will follow their footsteps this year. A band of actors and actresses including Gang Dong-won, Han Hyo-joo and Cha In-pyo will appear in Hollywood films and dramas.
Gang will make his Hollywood debut, appearing in disaster blockbuster film “Tsunami LA,” playing a Korean-American surfer who confronts a natural disaster. The film was initially slated to begin shooting in April last year and be released in North America this year, but the filming schedule has been postponed. The film started shooting in September last year and the release date has yet to be decided.
Han will also debut in U.S. with upcoming drama series “Treadstone.” In the drama, a spinoff of the popular “Bourne” film series, the Korean actress will play a CIA agent who lives in North Korea undercover. Currently, Han is shooting the drama and it will be broadcast through American cable channel USA Network within this year.
Veteran actor and TV celebrity Cha In-pyo, who appeared in Netflix drama “Sense8,” has participated in another film ““Heavenquest: A Pilgrim's Progress.”
The actor previously rejected a villainous North Korean role in the James Bond series' 2002 film “Die Another Day” citing its controversial depiction of the South-North Korea confrontation. In his upcoming Hollywood film, based on John Bunyan's 1678 novel “The Pilgrim's Progress,” Cha will take the role of a guardian who protects the main character Vangel on his pilgrimage. He is also participating in the film as a producer.
Henry, former member of boy band Super Junior-M, is a Hong Kong Canadian who has been mainly active both in Korea and China, is also appearing in the American comedy film “A Dog's Journey.” In the film, directed by Gail Mancuso, Henry will takes the role of lead character C.J's boyfriend. The film will be released on May 17 in North America.
Lee Tae-ri, the 25-year-old rookie actor who earned some recognition in the 1998-2000 sitcom “Soonpoong Clinic,” will make a special appearance as an Asian prince named Prince Lee in the upcoming Hollywood fantasy film “Anastasia.” The film has finished filming and is waiting for its North American release.