Singer Rain sets up entertainment company

Published : Oct 11, 2015 - 22:35 Updated : Oct 11, 2015 - 22:35

South Korean singer-actor Rain has founded his own entertainment agency, the company said Sunday.

"Rain signed up with the Rain Company on Oct. 1," Rain Company said in a release.

It said unlike other entertainment agencies in Korea where a single agency handles all businesses at home and abroad in such sectors as music albums, TV series and films, it will introduce an American-style agent system in which specialists from each sector take control of their field.

The company said it will have separate teams in charge of managing singers, actors and Chinese affairs while the leading Hollywood agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, will handle U.S. affairs for the Korean firm.

It vowed to focus on nurturing young talents and scouting established stars.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is one of the most popular male celebrities in South Korea and a well-known star in other Asian nations.

His musical career includes seven albums, including one Japanese, 28 singles and numerous concert tours around the world.

He began his acting career with the Korean TV series "Sang Doo! Let's Go To School" in 2003.

He has acted in the American films "Speed Racer" (2008) and "Ninja Assassin" (2009), the latter of which made him the first Korean to win an MTV award. (Yonhap)