Actress Ha Ji Won's latest film 'As One' (Korean Title: 'Korea') will be making its way into select North American theaters on Friday, June 1.
'As One' is based on the true story of the first unified Korean sports team since the Korean War. Ha Ji Won stars as the South Korean ping pong star Hyun Jung Hwa, and Bae Doo Na plays the role of Rhee Boon Hee from North Korea. The two athletes were teamed up by politicians from their respective countries to compete as Team Korea at the 41st World Table Tennis Championships in 1991.
The movie was filmed without the use of stunt or body doubles. The actresses are reported to have trained for months prior to filming to learn the playing style and habits of the athletes they portrayed. Ha Ji Won was fortunate enough to get the help of the actual Hyun Jung Hwa for training and during the filming process. Though Bae Doo Na was not able to receive aid from Rhee Boon Hee, she worked hard to represent her character as accurately as possible. She even had to switch the hand she played ping pong with because Rhee Boon Hee was a left-handed player.
With the London Olympics around the corner, 'As One' will likely stir some competitive spirit in filmgoers.
'As One' will be opening at the following theaters on Friday, June 1 with English subtitles:
Ridgefield Park, NJ - AMC Ridgefield Park
Philadelphia, PA - AMC 309
Chicago, IL - AMC Showplace Niles
Toronto - AMC Yonge & Dundas
Vancouver - Cineplex Silvercity Coquitlam
Los Angeles, CA - CGV Cinemas (Friday, June 8th release)
Check out the movie trailer below.
For more information, check out the Asian Movies n More Facebook page.
Source: CJ Entertainment
Log in to comment