Actress Ha becomes mentor for future filmmakers

Renowned actress Ha Ji-won and director Kim Ji-hoon will serve as mentors for the Korea-China youth cultural exchange program “Beijing Toto Laboratory,” scheduled to be held in Beijing’s Kwanggeomun Middle School, Aug. 13 -17.

Forty teenagers from Korea and China will participate in making eight films during the five-day program jointly sponsored by CJ CGV and Boys Vanguard of the Chinese Communist Youth Association.

Ha and Kim, who gained popularity in China with their film “Sector 7,” will lecture on filmmaking and take part in puzzle games with the teens. On the last day, the actress and the director will attend the screening of films shot by the participants and present prizes to the winners.

“I want to contribute to promoting cultural exchanges between Korea and China through the event being held to mark the 20th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic ties,” Ha said in an interview with Yonhap News.

The 34-year-old actress debuted in 1997 in supporting roles in television productions and eventually acquired fame and large fandom through her diverse roles in hit dramas such as “Damo,” “What Happened in Bali” and “Secret Garden.” She also starred in several films, including “Haeundae” released in 2009 which attracted 11.3 million viewers.

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter (lhj137@heraldcorp.com)