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South Korean actor Kim Jin Sung tackles relationship problems – in Bahasa Malaysia – in 'Autumn Di Hatiku'.

AT first glance, Kim Jin Sung is everything you would expect a South Korean heartthrob to be.

He's gloriously tall (1.86m), mysteriously handsome, effortlessly fashionable and has a complexion so fair and flawless even my Hazeline Snow-using aunt would envy. But many would be surprised to discover that the 27-year-old actor speaks Bahasa Malaysia quite fluently.

"Bahasa Malaysia Dan Indonesia: Terjemahan Dan Intonasi," he said proudly of the course he took in Hankuk University Of Foreign Studies in Seoul, South Korea while working part time as a model and actor. Kim, who spoke mostly in Bahasa Malaysia during this interview, said he decided to take the course because he fell in love with the unique language.

After completing the year-long course, Kim's Malaysian lecturer encouraged him to pursue an acting career here.

His first project is the 28-episode Autumn Di Hatiku, a five-minute web series aired on Tonton. Not to be mistaken as a remake of the 2000 South Korean drama Autumn In My Heart, Autumn Di Hatiku is an original series by the local video portal. It tells the story of the K-pop-obsessed Nina (Hanez Suraya) and her hilarious adventures in trying to land a hunky South Korean businessman, Park Au Tum (nicknamed "Autumn"), played by Kim.

Autumn, a young CEO who plans to expand his business in Malaysia, catches Nina's attention one day when he stops by the bakery she works in. Smitten, Nina begs her co-worker Zidick (Aiman Hakim) who lived in South Korea during his teenage years, to teach her everything she needs to know about the Korean culture in order to impress Autumn. But little does she know that Zidick is harbouring feelings for her.

The romantic comedy, helmed by well-known short film directors MJ Woo and Edmund Yeo, was shot at the end of May for over a period of 10 days.

"I watched a lot of Bahasa Malaysia dramas like Teduhan Kasih and Epilog Cinta Kirana to get a feel of things. After that, I memorised the script and practised in front of the mirror regularly," said Kim, describing his preparations for the show.

He also felt pressured to perform well as this was his first time acting in a lead role, having only starred in TV commercials and a non-speaking role in the 2009 South Korean hit Iris prior to this.

As his character is the subject of Nina's affection, many may wonder what Kim's thoughts are on Malaysian ladies – take note, female fans!

Kim expressed his fondness for Malaysian girls, stating they are "kind and friendly" and wouldn't rule out going on a date with them if the opportunity arises.

Kim also talked about Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, saying he didn't realise the magnitude of the trend before coming to Malaysia.

"I'm proud of my country and my culture. I'm glad so many people here embrace it," he said, adding that catchy K-pop songs play a part in drawing people to the culture.

In light of the plastic surgery "craze" in South Korea (brought about by reality series Let Me In where participants are given the chance to go under the knife for free), the actor also spoke candidly about his stand against it.

"I've never done it and I don't think I ever will because it makes everyone look the same after the operation," he shared.

Although Kim's commitment with Autumn Di Hatiku will end in September, he said that he will continue to stay in Malaysia if he receives more acting offers. Asked if he feels his career may be limited here – as he would probably be cast as "the Korean guy" in most local productions – Kim said: "I know people will start to get bored if I keep doing the same thing. But I will improve my Bahasa Malaysia and English so I can play more varied roles."

Catch Autumn Di Hatiku from Monday to Saturday at noon on tonton.com.my/autumndihatiku.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Isnin, 15 Julai 2013