K-pop stars make forays into Japanese films

A growing number of K-pop singers are venturing into Japanese films, seeking to broaden their career prospects and raise their international profiles.

Kwon Eun-bi, a former member of the disbanded project girl group IZ*ONE, is set to make her acting debut with the Japanese movie “Stolen Identity 3.” Based on the novel of the same name by Akira Shiga, the third installment of “Stolen Identity” will be directed by Hideo Nakata, reputed for his 1998 supernatural psychological horror film, “Ring.”

The upcoming movie follows Yoshiharu Urano (Ryo Narita), a genius hacker and serial killer who heads to Korea at the request of an anti-government group to prevent the Korea-Japan summit from taking place. In the film, Kwon assumes the role of an enigmatic Korean woman named Sumin.

Nakata praised Kwon for her vivid depiction of her character, saying, “She did an outstanding job in expressing her emotions in Japanese while displaying dynamic physical expressions.”

The first installment of “Stolen Identity” became a box office hit in Japan upon its release in 2018, amassing some 1.5 million viewers. Its success gave birth to a sequel in 2020, which attracted more than 900,000 people amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also got a Korean remake in 2023 under the title “Unlocked,” starring Im Si-wan and Chun Woo-hee. The Korean rendition is currently available on the global streaming platform, Netflix.

“Stolen Identity 3” will be screened at this year’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, running from July 4 to 14. It will hit theaters on Nov. 1.

Ok Taec-yeon of K-pop boy group 2PM is also poised to appear in the new Japanese movie, “La Grande Maison Paris” — a cinematic adaptation of the 2019 Japanese drama, “La Grande Maison Tokyo.”

The film pictures a journey of two genius chefs, Natsuki Obana and Rinko Hayami, who open a new restaurant in France to become the first Asians to earn three Michelin stars.

Ok will take the role of Rick Yuan, a zealous Korean-Canadian pastry chef who is often at odds with Obana, played by actor Takuya Kimura. For his role, Ok will speak three languages: Korean, Japanese and French.

“I was thrilled to be featured in the same work with Kimura, an actor whom I have admired,” Ok said through his agency, 51K.

“It was an honor to be part of a good work … For this movie, I shuttled between Japan and Paris, working with staff from around the world. This experience provided great impetus to me … I hope those who watch our movie gain courage and realize that their dreams will come true one day if they continue to pursue them.”

“Maison” is slated to premiere this winter.