2013년 상반기는 그 어느 때보다도 할리우드 스타들의 내한이 잦았다. 하루가 멀다 하고 한국을 찾는 A급 스타들이 줄을 잇는 가운데, 지난 6개월 동안 ‘할리우드 내韓 라인업’을 수놓은 별들 중의 별을 만나보자.
1. 패닝 자매 (1월 5일)
올해 한국을 가장 먼저 찾은 스타는 다코타 패닝과 엘르 패닝이다. 패닝 자매는 쥬얼리 브랜드 제이에스티나를 홍보하기 위해 입국했고, 다른 홍보 일정들을 소화하는 도중 홍대에서 목격 되면서 SNS에서 큰 화재를 일으켰다.
2. 톰 크루즈 (1월 9일)
다양한 연령층의 팬을 확보한 톰 크루즈는 “잭 리처” 개봉 전에 한국 팬들을 만나러 입국했다. 그의 인기는 “제리 맥과이어”와 “레인맨” 때 절정에 달했고 꾸준이 인기를 유지해왔다. 이번이 그의 첫 내한이었기에 다른 할리우드 스타들보다 톰 크루즈의 방한이 더 기다려졌던 것도 사실이다. 톰 크루즈의 출국 이후에 그가 애써준 국내 스탭들을 위해 호텔 방에 남긴 짧은 편지와 와인 등 선물들이 SNS에 올라오면서 “역시 톰 크루즈”라는 팬들 반응이 이어졌다.
3. 성룡 (2월 18일)
한국 단골 손님인 성룡의 한국문화에 대한 깊은 관심은 팬들에게도 잘 알려져 있다.
그의 유창한 한국어 실력은 이번 방한 때 MBC “황금어장”과 SBS “러닝맨”같은 예능에 출연하면서 화제가 됐다. “살아있네 살아있어” 같은 유행어를 따라 하며 한국 팬들에게 더 친숙하게 다가갈 수 있는 기회였다.
4. 아놀드 슈왈츠제네거 (2월 19일)
김지운 영화감독의 새 영화 “라스트 스탠드”에 할리우드 스타 아놀드 슈왈츠제네거가 나선다는 소식이 들렸을 때 많은 사람들이 이 둘의 조합에 의아해했다. 비록 “라스트 스탠드”가 미국 흥행에 성공하지는 못했지만 김지운과 슈왈츠제네거가 함께 액션씬들을 풀어나가는 것은 볼만했다. 그는 방한하는 동안 김지운 감독의 영화 촬영장을 방문하는 등 한국 영화계에 깊은 관심을 보였다.
5. 미아 와시코브스카
미아 와시코브스카는 팀 버튼 감독의 “이상한 나라의 엘리스”로 통해 잘 알려져 있다. 묘한 매력의 마스크를 가진 ‘엘리스’로 알려져있던 미아 와시코브스카와 박찬욱 감독의 결합은 영화 제작 당시 화제에 올랐었다. 박 감독의 “스토커”에서 그녀는 10대 소녀의 미스터리한 감정을 잘 소화해냈다는 평을 들었다.
6. 레오나르도 디카프리오 (3월 6일)
올해 모두가 기다렸던 할리우드 스타가 있다면 당연 레오나르도 디카프리오가 아닐까? “타이타닉” 열풍으로 한국에서 엄청난 인기를 끌었던 그가 왜 단 한번도 내한하지 않았는지 많은 사람들이 의아해했었다. “장고: 분노의 추격자” 시사회에서 블랙 수트를 훌륭하게 수화해내며 수많은 팬들의 찬사를 받았다.
7. 로버트 다우니 주니어 (4월 3일)
로버트 다우니 주니어와 기네스 펠트로가 입을 맞춘 “아이언 맨3”는 4월, 한국에서 글로벌 프로모션을 시작했다. 로버트 다우니 주니어는 2008년 내한한 뒤 5년만에 방문했고 싸이의 “강남스타일 말춤”을 선보이며 팬들을 즐겁게 했다.
8. 윌 스미스 (5월 5일)
윌 스미스는 아들 제이든 스미스와 함께 “에프터 어스” 홍보차 내한했다. 이미 그의 유머는 작년 “맨 인 블랙3” 개봉에 앞서 내한을 통해서도 잘 알려져 있다. 대중의 관심은 당연히 영화에 함께 출연한 아들 제이든 스미스에게도 쏠렸다. 제이든은 방문하는 동안 종종 빅뱅, 박재범 같은 아이돌 가수들과도 목격이 되면서 큰 화제를 일으켰다. 윌 스미스는 “기회가 되면 싸이와 콜라보레이션을 해보고 싶다”고 말해 취재진들에게도 큰 호응을 얻었다.
9. 브래드 피트 (6월 11일)
브래드 피트는 지난 11일 “월드워Z” 홍보차 내한했다. 시사회 당시 폭우가 쏟아졌음에도 불구하고 그는 얼굴에 미소를 잃지 않았고 팬들에게 같이 ‘셀카’를 찍어주는 팬 서비스를 보이기도 했다. 그는 아들 팍스 티엔에게 “갈비를 사주기 위해 같이 서울에 데려왔다”고도 말했다.
10. 미란다 커 (6월 11일)
‘미란이’ 혹은 ‘플린이 엄마’로도 잘 알려진 미란다 커는 지난 11일 스키니진과 꽃이 수놓여진 탑을 입고 인천공항에 나타났다. tvN “SNL 코리아”를 포함한 예능 프로그램에도 출연하면서 팬들의 관심을 끌었다.
석지현 기자
(monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)
<관련 영문 기사>
2013 lineup of hottest Hollywood celeb visits in Seoul
A growing number of Hollywood stars make trips to South Korea to promote their films or boost the image of global brands. In 2013 alone, a dozen well-known celebrities flew to the country, and here‘s a list of the top figures.
1. Fanning sisters (Jan. 5)
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning were the first Hollywood celebrities to visit Seoul this year. The sisters reportedly came to Seoul to promote local jewelry brand J. Estina, which is also promoted by figure skater Kim Yu-na. Other than their promotional schedule, the Fannings were spotted in the Hongdae area, a famous arts district in the city.
2. Tom Cruise (Jan. 9)
Having fans of all age groups, Tom Cruise visited Korea before the release of his film “Jack Reacher.” Cruise’s popularity in Korea reached its peak in the late 1990s when he starred in “Jerry Maguire” and “Rain Man,” and has remained strong ever since. His stay in Korea was anticipated more than that of any other celebrity, as this was the actor’s first visit. Upon his departure, a note and care package Cruise left in his hotel room for his local staff went viral online and many were impressed with the Hollywood star’s thoughtfulness.
3. Jackie Chan (Feb. 18)
Jackie Chan is a frequent guest in Korea and is known for his deep interest in Korean culture. The action star’s affection for Korean culture led him to speak conversational-level Korean and that impressed the public when he appeared on variety and talk shows such as MBC’s “Golden Fishery” and SBS’ “Running Man.”
4. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Feb. 19)
Many were surprised when they heard Korean director Kim Ji-woon was to release his English-language debut in partnership with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Although “Last Stand” did not fare well at the U.S. box office, the action-packed collaboration of Schwarzenegger and Kim was worth seeing. During his stay, the “Terminator” star showed his friendship with Kim and interest in Korean cinema.
5. Mia Wasikowska (Feb. 19)
In Korea, Mia Wasikowska is best known for her role in Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” starring Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway. Many were intrigued by her choice of a thriller genre and harmony with the Korean director Park Chan-wook. Playing the lead role in “Stoker,” Wasikowska pulled off her mysterious character quite well, portraying the true complexity of teenage life.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio (Mar. 6)
Without a doubt, Leonardo DiCaprio was the most highly anticipated Hollywood star visit of the year. No one knows for sure why DiCaprio had never visited Korea before, despite his massive popularity here. At the screening of “Django Unchained,” he strutted along the red carpet in his flawless black suit and received a warm reception from fans.
7. Robert Downey, Jr. (Apr. 3)
“Iron Man 3,” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, kicked off its global promotional tour in Seoul in April. Downey, who was here for the first time in five years since promoting the first installment of the superhero franchise, also showed off Psy’s infectious “Gangnam Style” horse dance for the local crowd.
8. Will Smith (May 5)
Will Smith came to Seoul with his son Jaden Smith to promote his film “After Earth.” His humor had already won Korean fans over when he was here for “Men in Black 3” last year. The public’s focus was also shifted to Jaden, as he was frequently spotted with K-pop idols like Big Bang and Jay Park during his stay. Smith also made jokes about collaborating with Psy, and Jaden chimed in saying he would do a song with Korean artist G-Dragon.
9. Brad Pitt (June 11)
Pitt came to Korea to meet his fans and plug his film “World War Z.” Despite the pouring rain he kept a smile on his face and responded to several fans trying to take photos with him. The Hollywood star brought his son Pax Thien, and told reporters that Pax tagged along to eat galbi, Korean barbecue ribs.
10. Miranda Kerr (June 11)
Kerr arrived at Incheon International Airport, looking gorgeous in skin-tight jeans and floral top. She is here for several TV appearances including tvN’s “SNL Korea” and other promotional events.
By Suk Gee-hyun
(monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)
2013 lineup of hottest Hollywood celeb visits in Seoul
A growing number of Hollywood stars make trips to South Korea to promote their films or boost the image of global brands. In 2013 alone, a dozen well-known celebrities flew to the country, and here‘s a list of the top figures.
1. Fanning sisters (Jan. 5)
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning were the first Hollywood celebrities to visit Seoul this year. The sisters reportedly came to Seoul to promote local jewelry brand J. Estina, which is also promoted by figure skater Kim Yu-na. Other than their promotional schedule, the Fannings were spotted in the Hongdae area, a famous arts district in the city.
2. Tom Cruise (Jan. 9)
Having fans of all age groups, Tom Cruise visited Korea before the release of his film “Jack Reacher.” Cruise’s popularity in Korea reached its peak in the late 1990s when he starred in “Jerry Maguire” and “Rain Man,” and has remained strong ever since. His stay in Korea was anticipated more than that of any other celebrity, as this was the actor’s first visit. Upon his departure, a note and care package Cruise left in his hotel room for his local staff went viral online and many were impressed with the Hollywood star’s thoughtfulness.
3. Jackie Chan (Feb. 18)
Jackie Chan is a frequent guest in Korea and is known for his deep interest in Korean culture. The action star’s affection for Korean culture led him to speak conversational-level Korean and that impressed the public when he appeared on variety and talk shows such as MBC’s “Golden Fishery” and SBS’ “Running Man.”
4. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Feb. 19)
Many were surprised when they heard Korean director Kim Ji-woon was to release his English-language debut in partnership with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Although “Last Stand” did not fare well at the U.S. box office, the action-packed collaboration of Schwarzenegger and Kim was worth seeing. During his stay, the “Terminator” star showed his friendship with Kim and interest in Korean cinema.
5. Mia Wasikowska (Feb. 19)
In Korea, Mia Wasikowska is best known for her role in Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” starring Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway. Many were intrigued by her choice of a thriller genre and harmony with the Korean director Park Chan-wook. Playing the lead role in “Stoker,” Wasikowska pulled off her mysterious character quite well, portraying the true complexity of teenage life.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio (Mar. 6)
Without a doubt, Leonardo DiCaprio was the most highly anticipated Hollywood star visit of the year. No one knows for sure why DiCaprio had never visited Korea before, despite his massive popularity here. At the screening of “Django Unchained,” he strutted along the red carpet in his flawless black suit and received a warm reception from fans.
7. Robert Downey, Jr. (Apr. 3)
“Iron Man 3,” starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, kicked off its global promotional tour in Seoul in April. Downey, who was here for the first time in five years since promoting the first installment of the superhero franchise, also showed off Psy’s infectious “Gangnam Style” horse dance for the local crowd.
8. Will Smith (May 5)
Will Smith came to Seoul with his son Jaden Smith to promote his film “After Earth.” His humor had already won Korean fans over when he was here for “Men in Black 3” last year. The public’s focus was also shifted to Jaden, as he was frequently spotted with K-pop idols like Big Bang and Jay Park during his stay. Smith also made jokes about collaborating with Psy, and Jaden chimed in saying he would do a song with Korean artist G-Dragon.
9. Brad Pitt (June 11)
Pitt came to Korea to meet his fans and plug his film “World War Z.” Despite the pouring rain he kept a smile on his face and responded to several fans trying to take photos with him. The Hollywood star brought his son Pax Thien, and told reporters that Pax tagged along to eat galbi, Korean barbecue ribs.
10. Miranda Kerr (June 11)
Kerr arrived at Incheon International Airport, looking gorgeous in skin-tight jeans and floral top. She is here for several TV appearances including tvN’s “SNL Korea” and other promotional events.
By Suk Gee-hyun
(monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)