Discovery Press Web Asia-Pacific

• Print

FOLLOW THE METEORIC RISE OF KOREAN POP CULTURE THROUGH THE PERSONAL STORIES OF TWO LOCAL SUPERSTARS IN HIP KOREA
- Singer Jihoon Jung (popularly known as Rain) and actor Byung Hun Lee show viewers the changing city of Seoul and how its culture is taking the world by storm -

This February, ride the wave of Korean pop culture's popularity as it sweeps across the world, leaving masses of screaming fans in its wake. Discovery Channel's HIP KOREA chronicles the rise of this phenomenon through the personal stories of two superstars who are making an impact on the global scene - pop idol Jihoon Jung, popularly known as Rain, and veteran filmstar Byung Hun Lee. Take a look at the changing face of the dynamic city of Seoul: the emergence of the classy and the elegant, from the wine bars of Apgujongdong to the fashionable area of Myondong, as well as a first hand look at the vitality and passion of the youth driving Korea's pop scene as seen through the street art and B-Boys of Hongdae and Daehakno.

Considered Asia's greatest pop-star, Jung will be the focus of the ongoing story on the rise of a new generation of Korean youth who are capturing global attention. HIP KOREA: SEOUL VIBES - JIHOON JUNG follows the launch of Jung's newly released album and showcases his stunning talent as a musician and performing artist. Jung debuted internationally in the Hollywood blockbuster film Speed Racer this year and will star in the movie Ninja Assassin to be released in 2009.

HIP KOREA's hour on critically acclaimed actor Byung Hun Lee will profile Lee as the first in a generation of seasoned Korean directors and actors who have engaged an enthusiastic
following overseas for their thought-provoking dramatic work. HIP KOREA: SEOUL SAVVY - BYUNG HUN LEE follows Lee during the launch of The Good, The Bad and The Weird, Korea's top grossing film this year, and the release of his best-selling Japanese single ‘Itsuka'. A celebrated veteran with a prodigious body of work in both film and drama, Lee showcases his talent on the international scene in I Come With the Rain and in Paramount's GI Joe in 2009.

HIP KOREAis a broadcast initiative by Discovery Networks in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The series is co-produced with Bang Singapore Pte Ltd.