Korean actors set to cast hand- and footprints in Hollywood
There is no stopping the Hallyu phenomenon. Korean pop culture including music, movies, drama, and fashion has infiltrated not just Korea's neighboring Asian countries but has also entered the Western market.
On June 23, another historic event for the Korean entertainment industry is set to happen. Action superstar Lee Byung Hun and veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki are scheduled to cast their hand- and footprints in front of the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. So far, only more than 200 imprints have been cast on the forecourt of the theater since the ceremony began 85 years ago.
Lee Byung Hun is an award winning international star who recently appeared as Storm Shadow in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." He will be seen in the upcoming sequel "G.I. Joe 2: The Retaliation" with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. Lee Byung Hun is also a top actor in Korean movies and dramas, having starred in crossover hits like "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" and "Iris".
Ahn Sung Ki is a veteran actor who has made nearly 100 movies including hits like "The Housemaid," "The Romantic President" and "Sector 7."
As part of this celebration, The Look East Korean Film Festival will also be held that weekend from June 23 to 24 at Grauman's Chinese Theater. The event, sponsored by Hyundai Motors, will feature top Korean films including those by recognized directors Im Kwon Taek Im, Kim Jae Woon and Lee Chang Dong. The detailed schedule of activities will be released through the official festival website.
Congratulations to Lee Byung Hun and Ahn Sung Ki!
Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.
