Rain says was "choked with tears" after MTV award win

A triumphant Rain returning to Korea on Tuesday after winning the award for "Biggest Badass Star" at this year's MTV Movie Awards, said he "choked with tears" as he stepped up to claim his prize.

At the event held Sunday (U.S. time) in Los Angeles, Rain had picked up MTV's signature popcorn trophy for his star turn in last year's martial arts pic "Ninja Assassin," beating out high-profile nominees such as Angelina Jolie, Channing Tatum, Chris Pine and Sam Worthington.

"I had a really hard time while shooting film 'Ninja Assassin' so I choked with tears when I went up on stage at the awards ceremony but I was extremely happy because I felt rewarded for my hard work," the 27-year-old superstar told reporters upon arriving at Incheon International Airport.

"Something that would only be possible in my imagination has happened. I wholeheartedly thank my fans," the singer and actor said, adding he had expected Channing Tatum to win the award.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is one of Asia's most popular entertainers whose singing and acting career have both been successful.

He has released six studio albums to date and performed at numerous concert tours throughout Asia and in the U.S. including a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden.

He has also been busy building his career in Hollywood over the past few years, making his debut through the Wachowski Brothers' pic "Speed Racer" in 2008 and following it up with a lead role in "Assassin."

Over numerous occasions, Rain had spoken of the hardships he endured to achieve close to zero percent body fat in order to pull off the role of a ninja.

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@