Ryu Si-won to lure in foreign visitors

Ryu Si-won, an actor well-known for his romantic roles and good looks, this week began working with the Korea Tourism Organization to foreign travelers to Korea.

Ryu, 37, a popular actor, singer and MC since the late 1990s, has recently been gaining recognition in Japan and other Asian countries after starring in the hit SBS drama "Beautiful Days" in 2001. Ryu has also released a number of records in Japan since 2004.

The KTO said that Ryu will be working with the organization with an aim of bringing in 12,000 additional foreign visitors this year by co-hosting a number of special events and tours.

Ryu has been an honorary ambassador for Korea's tourism for three consecutive years.

"Ryu has great influence in Japan, and one of Korea's top hallyu stars by not only simply showing Korea to the fans but also bringing them to come visit here," the KTO said.

Last month, Ryu's Single Collection Album hit No. 2 on its release date of April 22 on Japan's Oricon Top 10 Daily Album Charts. Each year, more than 3,000 of Ryu's Japanese fans attend his birthday party on Oct. 6, the KTO said.

The organization and Ryu's agency R's Company will be working on six different projects to eventually see approximately 20 billion won ($16 million) in profits.

They include tours around his hometown in Andong, Gyeongsang Province, a food tour related to the show "Mat vs. Mat" that he used to MC for, as well as coming to see a super model competition he will be hosting this summer.

Ryu is also well-known for being a professional car racer, bringing his international fans here to the watch the games held in Taebaek of Gangwon Province.

"The KTO has always been working together with various hallyu-related projects with hallyu stars, but this is the first year-based contract and we have great hopes (to see a good outcome)," said KTO president Oh Jee-chul.

Ryu Si-won said, "I thank all the fans who come as far as Korea to see me. More and more fans who first came here just to meet their stars are discovering the hidden gems of Korea and hence show greater interest in other travel destinations."

JKorea Herald