Korean actor Jo Min-ki featured in Mainichi Shimbun

Published on 2009/12/28 | Source

Korean actor and activist Jo Min-ki [Mentor Entertainment]

Korean actor Jo Min-ki has been featured in a special column by Japanese daily newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, according to a press release by agency Mentor Entertainment.

Mainichi Shimbun -- one of three major daily newspapers in Japan along with Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun -- ran a special year-end column which profiled Jo as a prominent actor, photographer and activist in its issues published from December 22 thru December 25.

"We are building a foundation for Jo's activities in Japan next year", an official at Mentor Entertainment was quoted as saying. "We are trying to set a good standard in presenting Jo not only as a veteran actor but as a true artist".

The column in Mainichi was part of the promotion that Jo carried out with Japanese broadcaster TBS for the hit Korean drama "East of Eden", which recently aired in the country.

The show's successful airing has led to a growing interest in the actor, who is reportedly receiving requests for a local fan meeting as well as a photo exhibition. He is planning to present his photography works at Tokyo's Keumsan Gallery in May.

Jo Min-ki, 44, has appeared in more than a dozen television dramas including the recent hit "Queen Seon-deok" (MBC, 2009), "Iljimae" (SBS, 2008) and "Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin" (KBS1, 2004). He currently stars in SBS daily drama "My Wife is Back".

He is well-known for his volunteer work in Africa, helping children and malaria victims while raising funds for various causes including water shortages. As PR ambassador for global aid organization KFHI (Korea Food for the Hungry International), he made headlines earlier this year when he took actor Park Hae-jin, his co-star in "East of Eden", for volunteer work in Africa.