Shin Hyun-joon Builds Church in Kazakhstan

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Movie star Shin Hyun-joon, 40, has extended his philanthropic activities overseas by constructing a church in Kazakhstan.

Shin has long planned the church-building project and had been saving up funds through his church here. In addition to the church built in Kazakhstan, two others in the Middle East region and China are being mapped out.

"It's been a childhood prayer to construct a church, and I am elated to have finally built one in Kazakhstan", the actor was quoted as saying according to his agency Olive9.

Having debuted in the 1990 epic film "General's Son", Shin has since transformed his charismatic heartthrob image into that of a compelling actor who can be both goofy and sincere.

He appeared in the popular gangster comedy "Marrying the Mafia 2: Enemy-in-Law" (2005) and touching human drama "Barefoot Ki-bong" (2006).

Following his personification of a physically-challenged Marathon runner, the actor has been active as a goodwill ambassador for a film festival and sports competition for the disabled.

Hyeon-joon is well known for volunteering regularly and giving back to the community. Shin is working toward earning a top degree at his alma mater Yonsei University's Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Fans will be able to see Hyeon-joon on the silver screen when "Short Time Vacation" opens across theaters mid-November.

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