Popular singer-turned-actor KIM Jung-hoon is set to make his Hollywood debut after being cast in a small role in the upcoming tentpole sequel Pacific Rim: Maelstrom. 

A member of the K-pop boyband UN since 2000 until the duo’s disbandment in 2005, KIM added acting to his portfolio as early as 2002 and shot to fame in the series Princess Hours. Over the years he has featured in several TV dramas while also amassing a number of film credits. 2004 saw him feature in D M Z and Shit Up!, while subsequent film credits included Cafe Seoul (2010), Sunday Punch (2011) and Stray Dogs (2014). Most recently he appeared in the Chinese film Emperor’s Holidays.

Produced by Guillermo Del Toro and directed by Steven S. DeKnight, Pacific Rim: Maelstrom began shooting this month and is aiming for a February 23rd release date in 2018. KIM joins a cast which already features Star Wars lead John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Jing Tiang, Levi Meaden and Adria Arjona.

The original Pacific Rim, released in 2013, was directed by Del Toro and became a significant global hit despite poor returns in its native United States. Coming to the film’s rescue was a particularly strong showing in the growing Chinese market. Due to this several Chinese names have been added to the sequel’s cast, including JING Tian, ZHANG Jin, Lily JI, Wesley WONG, CHEN Zitong, LAN Yingying, QIAN Yongchen and XIAO Yang.