South Korea's Rain wants a torrent of fans for 'Ninja Assassin'

South Korean pop star Rain says he drew inspiration from fellow Asian stars who successfully crossed over to Hollywood.

"I watched a lot of action films of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan to create a different, unique character in the movie," the 27-year-old actor-singer said Monday at a press conference in his home country to promote "Ninja Assassin."

Jeong Ji-hoon, who goes by his stage name Rain, was first recognized in the region for his singing and slick dance moves. He gained exposure in the West when Stephen Colbert parodied one of his music videos on "The Colbert Report" in 2007, which led to a second spoof — a "dance-off" with the U.S. comedian.

He made his Hollywood debut alongside Emile Hirsch in Andy and Larry Wachowski's 2008 thriller "Speed Racer."

"Ninja Assassin," opening Nov. 25, gives Rain his first leading role in an American film. He plays an orphan adopted and trained to be a deadly assassin by the secret society Ozunu Clan, only to turn against it when he finds out that the group's leader executed his friend.

"Speed Racer" posted mediocre box office numbers. Can Rain carry "Ninja Assassin"?

He said for now he's just glad if he can pave the way for more Asian faces in Hollywood.

"I hope the movie reaches No. 1 at the box office, but regardless of the numbers, it will open doors for more opportunities in Hollywood not only for myself but for other Asian actors," he said.

"Ninja Assassin" director James McTeigue said in a press statement that the Wachowski brothers, best known for "The Matrix" trilogy, eagerly recommended Rain to him.

"The day that Rain did his first scene in 'Speed Racer,' the Wachowski brothers called me and said, 'This guy is unbelievable.' And we began to plan 'Ninja Assassin' immediately," McTeigue said.

By YEWON KANG
Source: kansascity.com