Jung Woo-sung to appear in Japanese drama

Actor Jung Woo-sung [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

Actor Jung Woo-sung has been cast in a Japanese TV series set to go on air later this month, making it the first time for the Korean star to take part in a production in Japan.

A report by Japanese sports daily Sankei Sports said Monday that Jung will appear in the drama whose title is translated into "Good Life," set to show every Tuesday night on Fuji TV starting April 19.

The show will be based on 2007 best-selling Korean novel "Thorn Fish (translated titled)" which tells about a father who sacrifices himself to save his young son suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Jung will play the child's doctor, supporting Japanese actor Takashi Sorimachi who will take on the lead role of the father.

"I have high expectations in making an appearance with Sorimachi who I feel an affinity to since we're the same age but also because he's such a popular star," Jung was quoted as saying in the paper.

The drama's chief producer expressed his anticipation as well, saying that Jung is "ideal in serving as the bridge between Korea and Japan."

Jung, 38, has been one of the most widely recognized actors in Korea and became known in Japan after starring in film "A Moment to Remember" alongside actress Son Ye-jin in 2004.

He recently made headlines after admitting to dating actress E Ji-ah, his co-star from recently ended TV series "Athena."

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Jessica Kim jesskim@