SKorea's Rain to star in Hollywood film

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korean pop star and actor Rain has been cast in his first leading role in a Hollywood

 

film, set to begin shooting later this year, his agency said Thursday.

Rain — whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon — signed a contract to star in "Ninja Assassin," an action movie to be directed by James McTeigue, said Lee Hee-jin, a spokeswoman at J.Tune Entertainment.

McTeigue was a protege of the Wachowski brothers as assistant director on "The Matrix" movies.

Rain, 26, is scheduled to make his Hollywood debut in a supporting role in the Wachowski brothers' action film "Speed Racer," to be released worldwide in May.

"Ninja Assassin" will be co-produced by the Wachowski brothers and Joel Silver, Lee said.

Rain played a leading role in the 2006 South Korean film "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK," directed by Park Chan-wook.

Rain is popular across Asia, where his smooth dance moves and sculpted body have earned him the nickname of the "Justin Timberlake of Asia."

[14-Feb-08][AP]