SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Waking up every morning at 3:30 to a regime of strict dieting and endless weight training is something even the most devoted actor would dread. But for Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, there was a small consolation: Korean barbecue.
"Train hard and Korean barbecue," the Australian actor who plays Wolverine in the Hollywood blockbuster "X-men," said at a press conference in Seoul Friday, explaining how he bulked up for the film's fourth installment. "I'm not joking. I still have Korean barbecue at least once a week at a restaurant in New York. It's great."
Jackman arrived in Seoul Thursday to promote "X-men Origins: Wolverine," a prequel to the film trilogy focusing on the mutant superhero Wolverine, whose skeleton is bonded with an indestructible metal. The film is set to be released in South Korea April 30.
As renowned fan of Korea, Jackman said there isn't a souvenir here that he "did not already have at home."
"My father, spending at least two months in Korea every year for some 20 years, was always bringing presents from Korea. I feel like I know Korea well. I was very insistent that we come here (to promote the film)," he said, adding his father, a former businessman, would often describe Korea as being at the "forefront of technology."
Encouraged by Korean heartthrob Daniel Henney, who co-stars in the upcoming movie, Jackman was also appointed as a goodwill ambassador for Seoul Friday, taking up the role of promoting the South Korean capital throughout the United States and Europe. Seoul was Jackson's choice as the sole Asian destination during the film's promotional world tour.
Henney, who plays Agent Zero, a lone sniper chasing Wolverine, described working with Jackman as an "amazing experience."
"He is not only a huge star but an amazing actor. When he was filming Wolverine he was extremely diligent," said Henney, who also attended the press conference. "I learned a ton from Hugh in terms of acting and lifestyle too."
Jackman visited Korea in 2006, when he helped cheer for Korea's World Cup team clad in a Red Devil T-shirt popular with Korean fans.
"In soccer, if I don't go for Australia, I always go for Korea," he said with a laugh.
Jackman also said he would be "delighted" for a chance to work with Korean directors and actors.
"To do a film in Korea is something I would love to do one day," he said. "And I can say my father will be one of the first to get the tickets!"
Born in 1968, Jackman began his professional acting career in 1994 with successes spanning the "X-men" series, "Kate and Leopold" and "Van Helsing." Named the "sexiest man alive" by People magazine last year, Jackman is lauded for his skills and ability to play diverse roles.
Jackman will leave Korea after meeting Korean fans at a red carpet hand-printing ceremony at Cheonggye Plaza, central Seoul, later in the day, movie promoters said.
Credits : Shin Hae-in (hayney@yna.co.kr)
Source : Yonhap News
