Daniel Henney - Korean Actor

A one on one interview with Daniel Henney at the Shanghai Film Festival, where he was asked a series of questions about his latest movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine on how he landed the role, dream movie with Zhang Zi Yi, his previous drama "My Lovely Kim Sam Soon" and a bit of his life.

How he landed his role in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"?

DH He said it was like a dream come true and he most wants to collaborate with China's film star Zhang Zi Yi, wishing he could act out a beautiful romantic film.

He also said, it is another attempt for Korean actors to break into Hollywood. Regarding the acceptance of this film role Daniel very inspiring said " I am a X-men fan, you can say that I grew up watching this, so being able to act as one of the characters, is like a dream and at the same time I feel very lucky. Being able to work with so many good Hollywood actors in the film allows me to learn and progress".

About his acting?

DH: majority of Chinese fans through the drama "Kim Sam Soon" came to acknowledge Daniel, and within "Kim Sam Soon" playing the handsome character compared to "Wolverine" he plays a more mature and cold character.

Regarding the breakthrough of this role, Daniel said "playing a character that's very romantic isn't that bad but for an actor playing the villain it might give them more room to express because playing a villain there is no restrictions, allowing you freely to express it, so you can act how you want to, but playing the handsome guy you have to stick to the same direction not allowing you to whole heartedly act it out".

Continuing to wait for a good script

HD: Entering first in the industry as a model there hasn't been too many productions featuring Daniel, he said he is waiting for a good script, " actually there has been many reasons why I haven't taken on that many films and dramas, but the most important is that am still waiting for a good script. In Korea everyday there is a new drama that comes out, and being in America I have little chance watching them so am still waiting for a good script and production".

Being a Korean Actor

HD: He expressed in the interview that being a Korean artist there are extreme pressures, and having been raised in America he had never come across such problems before " In Korea, in a family the son's and daughter's success signifies the success of the whole family, so some actors and singers if they fail then this signifies that overall they are all failures, but for me it's not the same, if my acting career doesn't go to well I can go back to my home in America, to work at a golf course or a petrol station. I don't envy those celebrities in the acting business that are really successful and earn a lot of money".

Being a Korean actor in Hollywood

HD: Talking about being an actor in Korea and breaking through Hollywood is very different, Daniel indicated that they each have their advantages, " in Korea the shooting feels more personal, the actors and the production team when working feels like a family working together. In Hollywood everything is timed and planned out, so everything progresses in order accordingly, so what ever time they decide to start shooting is the time they'll start shooting, of course the good point about this, is that your private time is protected".

Wants to act in in romantic film with Zhang Zi Yi

HD: Daniel has also expressed he is willing to come to China to develop, to work with Chinese directors and actors, one of the female celebrities he wishes to collaborate with is Zhang Zi Yi, " 7 years ago we worked together in an advertisement, at that time I was only a model and she was already a superstar but she didn't act all superior at all, treating people and handling affairs in a very friendly manner. I remember that we had to shoot a kissing scene, she had to kiss me, I was really nervous but she helped to relax my mood.

Anticipating love, talks about the criteria for the other half

HD: Not long ago, Daniel for his parent's 31st wedding anniversary prepared a trip to Paris, in the interview he also said he really wants a relationship just like his parents. Apart from work he likes to go fishing, play the guitar and go traveling. He also suggested he really wishes to have a girl to accompany him to go travel the world " Everyone hopes to find someone that loves them and will accompany them for the rest of their lives, I also hope for this. She has to be easy to get along with, respect my family, passionately love traveling but the most important point is they must love dogs because in my house I've adopted dogs".

Credit: AsianFanatics.com