Jackman says Korean barbecue behind 'bulkier Wolverine'

(ATTN: photos available)
By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Waking up every morning at 3:30 to a regime of strict
dieting and endless weight training is something even the most devoted actor
would dread. But for Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, there was a small consolation:
Korean barbecue.
"Train hard and Korean barbecue," the Australian actor who plays Wolverine in the
Hollywood blockbuster "X-men," said at a press conference in Seoul Friday,
explaining how he bulked up for the film's fourth installment. "I'm not joking. I
still have Korean barbecue at least once a week at a restaurant in New York. It's
great."
Jackman arrived in Seoul Thursday to promote "X-men Origins: Wolverine," a
prequel to the film trilogy focusing on the mutant superhero Wolverine, whose
skeleton is bonded with an indestructible metal. The film is set to be released
in South Korea April 30.
As renowned fan of Korea, Jackman said there isn't a souvenir here that he "did
not already have at home."
"My father, spending at least two months in Korea every year for some 20 years,
was always bringing presents from Korea. I feel like I know Korea well. I was
very insistent that we come here (to promote the film)," he said, adding his
father, a former businessman, would often describe Korea as being at the
"forefront of technology."
Encouraged by Korean heartthrob Daniel Henney, who co-stars in the upcoming
movie, Jackman was also appointed as a goodwill ambassador for Seoul Friday,
taking up the role of promoting the South Korean capital throughout the United
States and Europe. Seoul was Jackson's choice as the sole Asian destination
during the film's promotional world tour.
Henney, who plays Agent Zero, a lone sniper chasing Wolverine, described working
with Jackman as an "amazing experience."
"He is not only a huge star but an amazing actor. When he was filming Wolverine
he was extremely diligent," said Henney, who also attended the press conference.
"I learned a ton from Hugh in terms of acting and lifestyle too."
Jackman visited Korea in 2006, when he helped cheer for Korea's World Cup team
clad in a Red Devil T-shirt popular with Korean fans.
"In soccer, if I don't go for Australia, I always go for Korea," he said with a
laugh.
Jackman also said he would be "delighted" for a chance to work with Korean
directors and actors.
"To do a film in Korea is something I would love to do one day," he said. "And I
can say my father will be one of the first to get the tickets!"
Born in 1968, Jackman began his professional acting career in 1994 with successes
spanning the "X-men" series, "Kate and Leopold" and "Van Helsing." Named the
"sexiest man alive" by People magazine last year, Jackman is lauded for his
skills and ability to play diverse roles.
Jackman will leave Korea after meeting Korean fans at a red carpet hand-printing
ceremony at Cheonggye Plaza, central Seoul, later in the day, movie promoters
said.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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