Left, Actor Jackie Chan / Right, Actress Choi Ji-woo
Hong Kong star Jackie Chan and Korean actress Choi Ji-woo will be the honorary ambassadors of Hallyuwood, an" Asian entertainment mecca'' in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
"Jackie Chan was chosen because of his continuous interest toward Korea and also his friendship with top Korean hallyu (or the Korean wave) stars. We thought he would be perfect to introduce the Korean culture to the world,'' an organizer of Hallyuwood was quoted as saying by Yonhap News.
Along with Chan, Korean actress Choi Ji-woo will also represent the Asian entertainment mecca. The 32-year-old actress has gained popularity not only in Korea, but also in Japan and China through dramas like "Winter Sonata (2002)'' and "Air City (2007).''
"Choi was born in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, so she was more than eager to join Chan,'' another organizer said.
The two stars will attend a ceremony proclaiming them as ambassadors and also the "Hallyuwood Start Festival,'' which will be held near the construction of the venue today.
Hallyuwood is a project developed by the Gyeonggi Province that will offer an experience where visitors can learn about hallyu and Korean culture all in one place. It will offer a theme park, shopping malls, hotels and other cultural facilities related to hallyu. It is expected to open in 2012.
Chan recently announced his project of the Asian version of "We are the World'' for the relief of victims suffering form the Shichuan earthquake with Korean singer and producer Park Jin-young and director Kang Je-kyu.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
Source: The Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/05/139_24917.html
