<embed> :wink:
S. Korean actor Bae Yong-joon says he will focus on career at home
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Bae Yong-joon said on Tuesday he would focus on his domestic acting career rather than seeking overseas jobs, but will make efforts to become a more widely recognized actor in Asia.
Bae rose to stardom in neighboring Asian countries after his leading role in the hit South Korean television drama "Winter Sonata."
The 33-year-old actor was speaking at a news conference to promote his new movie "April Snow" after the film's premier in Seoul.
He was asked by a Chinese reporter about whether he hopes the new film will help smooth his way into the mainland Chinese market.
"I heard that this movie is to be shown in mainland China, too, thanks to a signature-collecting campaign by my Chinese fans."
"But I want to work more at home to become an actor widely recognized by Asian countries rather than remaining as a 'Hallyu' star," he said, flashing his trademark smile at the more than one thousand reporters in attendance.
Directed by Hur Jin-ho and co-starring Son Ye-jin, "April Snow" is about a man and a woman drawn together after a traffic accident reveals their spouses were having an affair.
The movie is scheduled to simultaneously open in South Korea and seven Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia in September. Movie goers in three other Asian countries -- Singapore, Malaysia and China -- will see the film later in the year.
"Hallyu" refers to the popularity of South Korean soap operas and pop music in neighboring Asian countries such as China, Taiwan and Japan. Bae's work "Winter Sonata" is at the center of the phenomena.
"I think this work will do well thanks to much anticipation and attention from my Asian fans," Bae said.
"I hope this movie's simultaneous opening will serve as a chance to further facilitate exchanges between Asian cultures."
sshim@yna.co.kr
(END