Hollywood actress Megan Fox arrived in Seoul on Tuesday to promote the Korean release of action comedy film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

Fox was joined by director Jonathan Liebesman and producers Andrew Form and Brad Fuller at the press conference on Wednesday at a hotel in Seoul.

The 28-year-old actress plays April O’Neil in the film, an intrepid reporter in New York City who teams up with four teenage anthropomorphic turtles to fight against the evil villain Shredder and his organized crime group “Foot Clan.”

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” first appeared as an American comic book, then developed into an animated television series, which gained popularity in Korea during the 1990s. Later, the franchise expanded into video games, toys and five live-action feature films, including the most recent reboot. 

Fox did a fair amount of research to play the role of an aspiring journalist. She looked into what is happening now with journalists in their late 20s and 30s, especially into “what would be referred to as the crime beat.”

“But you have to keep in mind that the film is a summer film, and the film is more about the ninjas, so there is less time spent on April’s career as a journalist,” she said.

The actress added that she is similar to April in that she can be assertive and courageous. “I have the ability to pursue things I believe in,” Fox said. “Even when people say I am wrong or crazy.”

Megan Fox rose to international stardom with the “Transformers” film series, which highlighted her distinctive sex appeal. So when asked what it was like to play a character that fights for justice, she simply replied, “I don’t think being sexy and being assertive or fighting for justice is different. They are not contradictory.”

Fox, who visited Korea in 2007 and 2009 for the local releases of the first two movies in the “Transformers” series, says she always loves coming to Korea.

“The fans are so polite and sweet,” Fox said. “It’s interesting for me because back home, everyone wants a selfie and an autograph, but here, they just want a handshake. I had a lot of fun interacting with them.”

On Wednesday after the press conference, Fox was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Doosan Bears-LG Twins baseball game.

“The film is a massive fun spectacle,” said director Liebesman. He added that the flick talks about what family is through the turtles. “You realize it is your family that are most loyal people in your life no matter what.”

“Even though ninja turtle sounds absurd and insane, everyone can see themselves in each one of the turtles. There is a beating heart behind the franchise,” said the South African director.

Fox, who got pregnant about three weeks into filming, did her best to perform the action stunts. Still she had to give up some wire scenes.

“I’ve been in many movies and this is by far the one I am most proud of,” said Fox.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” which has topped the North American box office since its premiere on Aug. 8, opened in Korean theaters Thursday.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)