Korea tourism promo features Lee, Kuriyama

Some 100 fans braved the cold to show up Friday night at a film shoot in Seoul to get a glimpse of heartthrob Lee Byung-hun in action.

The hugely popular Hallyu actor, currently starring in the popular KBS2 television series "Iris" was at the ASEM Tower in the Gangnam District with Japanese actress Chiaki Kuriyama. They were there to film a new promotional video by the Korea Tourism Organization.

The "2009 Korea Tourism Promotional Video" aims to attract potential inbound tourists from Japan and will have its official premiere early next year.



Many will remember Kuriyama as Go-Go Yubari, the mace-wielding killer high schooler in Quentin Tarantino`s "Kill Bill." But during the shoot, fans got to see the softer side of the 25-year-old actress as she played the role of Lee`s love interest.

Lee, who has recently been on the fast-track to international recognition through prominent roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as this summer`s "G.I. Joe" and "I Come with the Rain," plays a travel photographer who falls in love with Kuriyama.

According to the KTO, the film`s plot pays homage to the classic Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck film "Roman Holiday."

In the film, Kuriyama portrays a Japanese starlet who visits Korea for an international film festival and meets a Korean travel photographer -- played by Lee -- who takes her all over Korea and introduces her to all the beautiful destinations nationwide.

The shoot on Friday night was for the film`s ending, with Kuriyama running towards Lee and the two embracing on her last night in Korea.

"To see two amazing actors in the middle of this hectic city is an honor," said Shin Kyung-ah, a 28-year-old local entrepreneur. "I can`t wait to see the finished video and I hope lots and lots of Japanese tourists come visit this exciting country after watching it."

The completed film will be provided to tourism boards and agencies all over the world to promote Korea as an attractive travel destination.

In addition to Seoul, regions across the nation will be presented in the film, including Hadong, Jeonju, Gongju, Busan and Jeju Island.

"We`re targeting Japanese tourists with this film and that`s why we decided to go with Lee Byung-hun, who is hugely popular in Japan," said the KTO.

"Because of Lee`s rise as an international star through his near-headlining role in the Hollywood blockbuster, `G.I. Joe,` the film will act as promotional material to attract worldwide attention as well."

(kws@heraldm.com)







By Song Woong-ki