South Korean actor Lee Joon Gi's new film, "Under the Sicily Sun" was released on Aug. 9, Tuesday, which is the Qixi Festival or Chinese Valentine's Day. The film is the actor's first Chinese project and he gets the chance to draw attention in China's fast-growing movie market.
Lee is popular among Chinese fans with his 2005 hit "King and the Clown." His new film gave him an opportunity to learn more not only about acting but also photography and Chinese type of filmmaking. Produced by Stanley Kwan and directed by Taiwan Director Lin Yu Hsien, "Under the Sicily Sun" cast actors in late of 2014 and started filming in January 2015. It was finally launched in Beijing on June 7, Women of China reported.
The film features the love between a Korean man and a Chinese woman, with Lee portraying a Korean exchange student who studies in Shanghai and falls in love with a local Chinese lady. The romantic film is set in Shanghai, China as well as in Sicily, Italy's largest island.
Growing up watching Hong Kong films, the 34-year-old South Korean actor Lee had much anticipation working with the two filmmakers whom he believed would further his acting skills. He was in China on Aug. 7, Sunday, to promote the movie and set to return to South Korea on Aug. 10, Wednesday, after a five-day trip.
Kwan had a good impression that Lee is hard working and very dedicated in his previous works, hence, Lin was more determined to work for him. Doing mostly action projects after his mandatory military service, Lee took his time in considering the romantic flick. Lin, who helmed the 2011 "Jump Ashin!" went to South Korea twice and had drinks with the actor to woo him in doing the movie, according to Tofupost.
"He's like a boy-next-door, very natural and down-to-earth, with his own unique charm," Lin revealed the casting of Lee during the film's press conference. "So my determination to cast him grew as I got to know him better."
"Under the Sicily Sun" also stars Taiwanese actor Ethan Ruan and Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu who starred in Zhang Yimou's 2010 romantic film "Under the Hawthorn Tree." The film's international crew is comprised of professionals from Malaysia, South Korea and Italy to showcase the evergreen theme, romance.
Check on the fan clip below of Lee leaving Beijing after the conference of his first Chinese project.