Kangta cast in Chinese historical drama

Kangta [SM Entertainment]

Singer Kangta has been cast in a Chinese historical drama, according to his agency SM Entertainment on Monday.

SM announced through a press release that Kangta will play an emperor in the series whose title is translated into "Violin," based on a novel of the same name, which tells about the love, revenge, and struggle for power between two royal families.

Taiwanese director Kim Ao-xun of Hong Kong film "School Days" will produce the upcoming drama while also starring top Chinese actress Liang Yanfei.

Another Korean member of the cast will be actress Lee Tae-ran who made her name known in China after the airing of "The Infamous Chill Sisters" in the country.

Kangta, whose real name is Ahn Chil-hyun was a former member of SM’s first idol group “H.O.T.” that ruled the dance scene in the 90s. H.O.T. was also one of the earliest K-pop bands to advance overseas, gaining wide popularity across Asia with hit songs like “Candy,” “Warrior’s Descent” and “We Are the Future.”

He has continued to see a strong following in the region, particularly China, despite leading a solo career in 2001 after the group disbanded the same year.

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Jessica Kim jesskim@