2PM's Chansung has become the latest k-celeb to sign on for a Chinese production. He will appear in the musical film titled "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." It is a title inspired a Beatles song.
This coming of age film is actually a collaborative effort between Korea's JYP Entertainment and the Chinese entertainment company East Entertainment Group.
According to a JYP representative, Hwang Chansung will appear as G.O., the youngest member of Stars, a once popular idol group.
That's fitting because in real life, Chansung, 24, is also the youngest member of the band 2PM. Except that in real life, 2PM is still popular.
The JYP representative said that the singer and actor plays a supporting role to fellow JYPE actor Wei Da Xun, who has been cast as the film's lead.
Chansung's character in the film "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" is named D.O. He is described as a quirky spontaneous genius composer. D.O. is so spontaneous that his impulsive actions often land him in trouble. And if he is in trouble, the rest of the group also has a problem.
Chansung is currently shooting his first film "Red Carpet." The romantic comedy tells the story of a romance between a porn director and a former child actress. In that film Chansung plays Dae Yun, a member of the director's filming crew. Hwang Chansung also has drama acting experience, having appeared in the Korean dramas "Unstoppable High Kick," "Level 7 Civil Servant" and the Japanese drama "Kaito Royale."
More JYP idols may also appear in the film, as the musical will feature singing and dancing.
So, it's fitting that the director has music video credentials. Hwang Soo, who created music videos for Infinite's "Chaser," IU's "Good Day" and Ga In's "Bloom" will direct the film.
Korean actors and idols have become increasingly popular in China. And there is a greater demand for them to appear in Chinese films and dramas. Song Seung Hoon, Song Hye Kyo, Kim Tae Hee, Kim Bum, miss A's Gia and Kwon Sang Woo are all either considering roles or have recently taken roles in a Chinese film or drama.
In 2013 a Beijing newspaper Cheonbao said that Korean actors had taken as many as 10 leading roles since 2011, while they only filled 20 roles in the previous decade.
"I Wanna Hold Your Hand" is expected to premiere in 2015.
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