FTIsland Lee Hong-gi promotes J-drama “Muscle Girl”

FTIsland member Lee Hong-gi (left) and Japanese actress Yui Ichikawa at press conference for J-drama "Muscle Girl" on April 13, 2011 [FNC Music]

Korean rock band FTIsland member Lee Hong-gi promoted his upcoming Japanese drama yesterday, attending a press conference for the show set to go on air next week, informed his agency FNC Music on Thursday.

According to a press release by FNC today, Lee showed up at a press conference for the series titled “Muscle Girl,” a new drama where he plays the main lead opposite Japanese actress Yui Ichikawa.

“Muscle Girl,” which is set to premiere next Tuesday, is a combination of a sports drama and a romantic comedy, about the female president of a small pro wrestling organization who gets entangled with a popular Korean star in the process of turning around the wrestling business.

The drama will also feature Japanese actors Makami Kensei and Yamamoto Hikaru in supporting roles.

“When I first heard the news that I was cast as a male lead in the Japanese drama I was elated and worried at the same time. But filming has begun and it’s a lot of fun. I can hardly wait for the drama to go on air,” said Lee at the press conference.

“He is learning Japanese so fast that I’m always surprised every time I see him,” said Ichikawa, adding that Lee a very considerate person.

Lee, too complimented the female actress, saying, “I first thought she would have a cold personality but she turned out to be cheerful and kind. She sometimes learns a Korean phrase or two to speak to me.”

The upcoming drama has also adopted two of FTIsland’s songs for its original soundtrack: “Haruka” (ハルカ) and “Itsuka” (いつか) from FTIsland’s first regular Japanese album “FIVE TREASURE ISLAND” which will go on sale on May 18.

Lee explained that the two songs were re-recorded with different musical instruments so they "fit the drama perfectly." These versions of the songs will be included in “FIVE TREASURE ISLAND” as well.

Meanwhile FTIsland is also set to release their first Japanese single titled “SATISFACTION” next Wednesday.

Hong-ki is the lead singer of FTIsland composed of other members Song Seung-hyun, and Choi Min-hwan, and Choi Jong-hoon.

They released their first album "Cheerful Sensibility" in 2007 and followed it up with several singles and studio albums including "Colorful Sensibility," "Cross and Change" and recently "beautiful journey."

They expanded their career into Japan in 2008 with two single albums “Flower Rock” and “Brand-new days" and has seen three of their singles rank within the top 10 slots of the Oricon albums chart.

Outside of his group activities, Hong-gi has appeared in the SBS hit series "He's Beautiful" alongside actor Jang Keun-suk and in the Japanese drama "Hard to Say I Love You" with Jaejoong from boy band JYJ.

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