Kim Hyun-joong joins Bae Yong-joon for Japanese project

Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong will take part in a Japanese project with Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, according to their agency KEYEAST on Monday.

KEYEAST announced in a press release that Kim will be joining Bae for the “Miso Project,” aimed at helping the future of children in Asia, which was set up by Japan’s Digital Adventure TV (DATV). This will be the first official event that Kim and Bae will be attending together.

The first series of the "Miso Project" titled "Message! to Asia" will be held at the Tokyo Dome on December 14 with other stars in participation including Japanese singer GACKT and Vanness Wu.

The "Miso Project" is a contribution-based philanthropy project which with the help of non-profit organization KnK (Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi), they will donate the money to underprivileged children in Cambodia and the Philippines.

"The two stars have willingly agreed to take part in this long-term project to put smiles back on the faces of the children in Asia," an official from KEYEAST explained, adding that they are hoping more children find hope and happiness through this event.

Bae, 34, has made numerous donations to various organizations in Asia including 300 million won to the tsunami victims in 2005 as well as handing funds raised from an environment-themed photo spread to a UNEP committee.

Recently, the actor began delivering medical treatments for premature babies and newborns in various cities in Japan as well as making donations to other Asian countries.

Kim, 23, the leader of boy band SS501, signed an exclusive contract with KEYEAST in late June. He has done charity work with SS501 in the past where the group gave the proceeds from their concert to single mothers and families in the Philippines.

He has also participated in several campaigns and benefit concerts while members of his fan clubs have also made donations to different charities under the K-pop idol's name.

Kim is currently shooting the Korean adaptation of TV series "Itazura na Kiss," originally based on a popular Japanese comic, opposite Korean actress Jung So-min. The show will premiere on MBC on September 1.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@