Nichkhun to meet with badminton player Lee Yong-dae

Boy band 2PM member Nichkhun has been invited to meet with professional badminton player Lee Yong-dae at the Korea Open, according to agency JYP Entertainment (JYPE) on Tuesday.

JYPE explained in a press release that the singer will be meeting the Korean athlete this afternoon at the 2010 Victor Korea Open Super Series by arrangement of the Korean Badminton Association. Nichkhun was reportedly more than happy to accept the offer.

"I really admire Lee Yong-dae," the K-pop idol was quoted as saying. "I used to watch Lee's games on television and I'm very excited to meet him in person." The singer, who used to be the top badminton player at his school in the U.S., added that he was "looking forward to having a good time with Lee Yong-dae."

Nichkhun, whose full name is Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul, is a Thai-American singer who was discovered by a JYPE talent agent in Hollywood. He moved to Korea and joined 2PM, which has become one of the most popular idol groups in Asia since their debut in September 2008.

Lee Yong-dae, a gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, is regarded as one of the most promising stars in the sport. He won six major titles in the men's doubles and three in mixed doubles last year. Lee is also the cousin of famous Korean-American actor John Cho, best known for the "Harold and Kumar" movie series.

The 2010 Victor Korea Open Badminton Super Series will take place at Seoul's Olympic Park 2nd Gymnasium, from January 12 thru 17.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr