Actor Ji Jin-hee to star in Chinese film

Korean actor Ji Jin-hee said he is slated to star in a Chinese melodrama film with a top Chinese actress this coming fall.

"The picture helmed by Korean director Kim Poong-gi will go into shoot starting September," Ji explained during an interview with Asia Economic Daily on Tuesday.

He added that a female lead has yet to be set but creators of the film are talking to the top actresses in China.

The film, tentatively titled "On the Road," will follow the journey of a Korean man and a Chinese woman who encounter each other during a train ride.

Filming is set to end next spring after which the pic will be released in China and Hong Kong. An opening date for Korea has not been set.

Director Kim studied film at Beijing Film Academy, the only Korean to graduate the prestigious school, and has assisted famed Chinese filmmakers including Yimou Zhang. "Road" will be distributed by the production company established by the Academy.

Ji, 38, rose to fame for his role in "Jewel in the Palace" in 2003 and has starred in the Hong Kong film "Perhaps Love".

The actor is currently preparing for the release of his film "Parallel Life" coming out this month and the historical MBC drama "Dong-Yi" which is scheduled to air in March.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr