According to the Korean Herald the shooting of "Blood: The Last Vampire", directed by Ronny Yu, has just begun in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday, signaling the formal Hollywood debut of Jeon Ji-hyeon, one of the most widely known Korean Wave stars.

The film, a remake of a Japanese animation with the same title, is expected to be released in 2008. Jeon's management agency Sidus HQ in Seoul also announced that her English name will be "Gianna Jun" in a bid to increase her public recognition in English-speaking countries, and in Hollywood.

Sidus HQ said Gianna Jun will be used in the United States and other English-speaking countries, while in Asia she will continue to be known as Jeon Ji-hyeon, reflecting her popularity since the huge success of "My Sassy Girl".Jeon will play Saya in "Blood", a student who slashes vampires at the Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, just before Halloween. Allison Miller ("CSI: NY") also has a lead role in the film.

source: http://www.24framespersecond.net/


eh...i'm not liking the idea of changing her name They shoulda just let her use Jeon Ji Hyun.

Jun Ji-Hyun to debut in Hollywood
Actress Jun Ji-hyun is gearing up to debut overseas. Jun, who has gained popularity not only in Korea but also in Hong Kong, China and Japan for her sometimes sassy, sometimes naive roles in movies, will make her Hollywood debut in the movie “Blood: The Last Vampire.”

“Blood: The Last Vampire” is based on the same-titled popular animation novel by famous Japanese writer Oshii Mamoru. Jun plays the role of the vampire hunter Saya, who is half-human, half-vampire but who disguises herself as a human being in order to destroy vampires. The actress is expected to display impressive action stunts in the movie.

Playing opposite Jun will be actress Allison Miller, who has gained popularity for her role in the TV show “Desperate Housewives.” In the movie, Miller’s character teaches Saya what it’s like to be a human.

Interest in movies starring Jun has been on the rise in Hollywood. Jun has drawn notice in Hollywood through the movie “The Lake House,” starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. The movie is a remake of the Korean movie “Il Mare,” which stars Jun. Jun’s hit movie “My Sassy Girl” is also currently being remade in the United States, with actress Elisha Cuthbert playing the lead.

The filming of “Blood: The Last Vampire” will begin March 15. The movie has drawn significant attention for its impressive scale as it involves famous film production firms and filmmakers. After shooting several scenes in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the filming location will switch to China before the movie opens in 2008.

The movie is expected to make Jun another hallyu star in Hollywood, like Kim Yun-jin. Jun will go by the name "Gianna Jun" in the United States.

source: http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...4950_11858.html

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yes, i do hope they keep 'Jun(Jeon) Ji Hyun'... i mean i still couldn't pronounce Zhang Ziyi properly but they didn't change her name

WOOO!! Finally Blood has started filming !!

Landon16 : yeah I agree with you, the changing of her name seems a little weird. I think having one name is easier for recognition for her fans around the world (so they won't be confused)

BTW I even think "Gianna" is alot harder to pronounce than "Ji-Hyun"

Thanks for the updates dimsum & Landon16