First Magazine Interview

Rain in Hollywood

Rain is Pan-Asia's phenomenon. He is frequently called as the Justin Timberlake of Asia. This year, he has begun to find opportunities for worldwide success. Apart from appearing in and singing the theme song for , this star will also star in a movie called , under the direction of James McTeigue of. Of course this could not be passed up due to recommendations from the Wachowski Brothers themselves for this handsome star originally from South Korea. Diving into the international movie world does not mean that Rain has stopped singing. Aside from recording a new version of the 70's hit song called "Kung Fu Fighting" for , he is also involved in a music project for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Let's check on Rain regarding his experience and involvement in his big Hollywood projects.

Q: What are your feelings working with the Wachowski Brothers?
Rain: I'm a big fan of and have been interested in working with its director(s). In this movie that is based off a Japanese cartoon series, I play a role of a Japanese race car driver who struggles to save his family. Based on the plot, I've to drive a car in tremendous high speed, but I've never once thought of replacing myself with a stunt man. Even if I'm not the main character, with the trust they're giving me, I'm challenged to give forth my best. When I saw the set completed by the crew, I realized how great of an opportunity I've gotten, and at the same time how this is my first step into Hollywood. Surely there is much more for me to learn.

Q: You feel enthusiastic whenever you play a defiant character. Are there any other sort of characters you would like to play? Why?
Rain: I'm lacking in experience in the acting world. But each time I read various scripts/texts, I feel like I've experienced those characters. Just like in "I'm a Cyborg, But That's Ok", I spent a lot of time submerging myself into the character of a psychopath. That sort of acting is complicating, and I've to concentrate even more when I do it.

Q: Who is your idol?
Rain: Hmm...to put it this way, my life is like a long journey. And I'm on a journey that no one else has traveled on before. Because of this, I think I don't have an idol. I create my own journey. A journey that is just for Rain, and I believe everyone else goes through such a similar situation.

Q: If you had the chance to live your life over, what occupation or life would you hope for?
Rain: Even if I had the chance to do that, I'm still very thankful for the life I have now. The life of a singer and an actor. There is nothing else that can live up to this kind of enjoyment.

Q: You've been chosen as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. How has this changed your life?
Rain: I'm very grateful for that honor given to me. And starting from now, I'm conscious that every word I say, every move I make will get the attention of the western world. Therefore the lifestyle and responsibility to work will become more important than before. The challenge for me is to do something even better, and hope that it will be successful.

Q: What are you hoping for from your involvement in ?
Rain: I'm a fan of Michael Jackson and have been influenced by him since my teen hood. I always dream of enchanting the world the same way he did. The way I dance is a combination of Michael Jackson's dance movements and elements of martial arts. But I always do my own choreography. Because I do not want to be seen as an American singer, I have the mission of promoting Korean pop music in the world market. As a singer and an actor I will work hard to achieve it.

Picture from Rain's official website
Source: FIRST Magazine (Indonesia)
Credit: Benamoo, Rain Indonesia & RainHK Bahasa Indonesia to Eng Translation & edited by dsl99a@Rain-USA - Edited for this blog