From Ma Dong-seok to Lee Jong-hyuk, Stars Go to Hollywood

Published on 2019/09/19 | Source

Korean actors are going to Hollywood.

With the start of Lee Byung-hun's appearance in "G.I. Joe" in 2009, "Terminator Genisys" in 2015 and "The Magnificent Seven" in 2016 opening the gates for Korean actors to Hollywood, many Korean actors have been going there. Above all, it is meaningful that actors credited for their acting skills are knocking on the doors of Hollywood, and not just Hallyu stars like Lee Byung-hun and Rain with world-class fan bases in Asia.

Lee Jong-hyuk has confirmed a role in the Bourne film series' spin-off drama "Treadstone". His role is strictly private, but it seems like a key role that increases tension in the drama. It is even more particular, because he was chosen more for his acting skills, rather than his popularity or reputation.

Han Hyo-joo is also in "Treadstone". She plays the role of So-yoon, a woman who finds out the secret to her past and has to make a choice for her family. "Treadstone" will be broadcast in October on USA Network.

Ma Dong-seok is by far the most interesting actor that's going to Hollywood. He's starring in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest, "The Eternals", which comes out in November next year in North America. It is especially anticipated, because this movie is the latest by Marvel Studios in the transition to phase 4 after phase 3, which was "Avengers: Endgame". Ma Dong-seok plays Gilgamesh and gets to show off all his strength. Ma Dong-seok has been going back and forth between America and the UK for "The Eternals", which is the newest film by MCU, a worldwide famous company.

Gang Dong-won resided in L.A., USA for the filming of the American natural disaster movie "Tsunami LA" and Lee Hanee signed an agent and management contract with William Morris Endeavor (WME) and Artist International Group, getting ready to move onto Hollywood.

Youn Yuh-jung and Han Ye-ri also knock the doors to Hollywood, as they both star in the movie "Minari", a story about a Korean family. "Minari" is produced by Plan B Entertainment, Brad Pitt's production company, and Steven Yeun, who is also well known in Korea, takes on the leading role.

The atmosphere in the United States contributed a lot to this Hollywood movement. "Crazy Rich Asians", a movie starring only Asian actors, came in 6th place in the rom-com category last year, causing a stir, and MCU's featuring of Asian heroes shows that a multicultural movement is underway. An industry source said, "It's only natural that the demand for actors from various countries increases along with the change in contents. Out of all Asian actors, Korean actors have delicate acting skills to become the center of the Hallyu Wave, and the Korean market is also very competitive".

Hollywood is a place every actor dreams of. An agency stated, "There are actors like Ma Dong-seok and Claudia Kim who have excellent English speaking skills, but those who don't have been learning English very hard. Even top stars work their way into auditions to get a chance to go to Hollywood".