Kim Hyun Joong fans may want to celebrate today. The singer and actor just signed on to play a leading role in "Inspiring Generation," his first drama in three years. And true to form his new role was inspired by a manga, which has been the case with every drama he has starred in or wanted to star in until now.

Kim, who is the lead rapper for the band SS501, became a kdrama star when he played Yoon Ji Hoo in the 2009 drama "Boys Over Flowers," which was adapted from the Japanese manga "Hana Yori Dango," For that drama he received both Best Actor and Popularity awards.

Then he played Baek Seung Jo, the genius at everything but relationships, in "Playful Kiss," which was also based on a Japanese manga "Itazura Na Kiss."

For his third role, he was planning to act in yet another drama based on a manga. The drama "City Conquest" was adapted from the Korean manga of the same name by Shin Hyung Bin. In that drama, he was going to play Baek Mir, a boy who was abandoned when young. His character was angry with the parents who abandoned him and upset by the injustice of his nation's officials. He wanted to change the world with his fists.

The drama was in production but never got a time slot and so was cancelled. No explanation was given as to why it was denied a time slot.

For his new role, Kim Hyun Joong has chosen another drama based on a manga. "Inspiring Generation," which takes place in 1930 Shanghai. In this role Kim Hyun Joong will get to use his fists again as he plays Sin Jeong Tae, a backstreet fighter.

Kim Hyun Joong did not have to learn how to fight in acting school. When he was young, the high school dropout often wound up in the police station for fighting. Fortunately, he started a band and his life went in another direction. After performing with SS501, the singer also launched an international solo career and is very popular in Japan.

He is also a big fan of mangas. When appearing in "Boys Over Flowers," he read much of the original manga. And rumors said he tried to buy the film rights to the Japanese manga "Berserk."

Kim Jong Goo will direct. He previously directed "Call of My Country," "The Man Who Can't Get Married" and "Sweet 18." No leading actress has yet been cast.