Gang Dong-won, one of the country’s top movie stars, signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment on his birthday, Jan. 18, according to YG Entertainment.

YG Entertainment posted a congratulatory image welcoming Gang to the YG family, which represents global stars including Psy, Big Bang, Cha Seung-won, and Choi Ji-woo, as well as celebrating his birthday on their official blog, www.yg-life.com.

Gang selected YG Entertainment based on the shared vision of overseas expansion with Korean films, YG Entertainment said. The agency is putting together a team fully in charge of Gang’s activities and will provide comprehensive support for his career and overseas expansion, YG Entertainment added.

Meanwhile, Gang said in a press release that YG Entertainment‘s global network, especially in Asia, influenced his decision to work with the company.

Gang, who debuted as a fashion model, began his career as an actor in an MBC drama in 2003. He has since moved onto the big screen, starring in “Romance of Their Own“ (2004), ”Maundy Thursday“ (2006), ”Secret Reunion“ (2010), ”Gundo: Age of the Rampant“ (2014) and ”The Priests“ (2015).

Gang’s new movie “A Violent Prosecutor,” in which he plays the role of a swindler, is set to be released Feb. 3.By Jung Eun-jin (jej2403@heraldcorp.com)