Actor Lee Wan has been cast for a leading role in a Japanese drama. The Japanese press reported that Lee had already concluded an agreement with Fuji TV to appear in the melodrama “Magnolia.”

A love story between a Korean man and a Japanese woman studying in the U.S., the drama will begin shooting in New York next March.

Anne Suzuki will play Lee’s opposite. Suzuki, who began her acting career when she was a little girl, has appeared in a number of TV shows and films, including “Hana and Alice,” “The Blue Light,” “Start Line, and “Stand Up.”

Lee has enjoyed growing popularity in the island country since the Korean drama “A Tree in Heaven” was aired on Fuji TV in April. He held a fan meeting in Tokyo and Osaka on Nov. 10 and 12, which some 2,000 fans attended.

Source: english.kbs.co.kr

"Tree of Heaven" is showing steady growth in viewer ratings with its leading actor and actress receiving much attention in both Korea and Japan.

Park Shin-hye, who just turned 16, is highly praised for her talented acting in which she speaks the Japanese lines fluently despite the fact that she has never lived in Japan or learned the language.

"Many Japanese commercial-makers and production companies have contacted us, wanting to sign contracts with Park," said Park's agent. "We are happy with the proposals, but because Park has just begun acting, we are planning to be prudent with her entering the overseas entertainment world."

And actor Lee Wan, 23, who had at first received more attention as the younger brother of top actress Kim Tae-hee, is also enjoying compliments for improved acting skills.

"Many Japanese broadcasters have been showing immense interest in Lee after hearing news that 'Tree of Heaven' will also be aired in Japan. And many Korean filmmakers and producers have also been contacting us," said an official at Lee's agent, Logos Film.

Source: www.kimook.com