Latest news with #FollowMyVoice
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yang Jae-woo becomes first Korean actor to star in Spanish film; bags lead role in 'Follow My Voice'
In a groundbreaking development for international cinema, Korean actor and soccer player Yang Jae-woo , aged 24, has been cast as the lead in the Spanish commercial film ' Sigue Mi Voz ' (Follow My Voice). This marks the first time a Korean actor has taken on a starring role in a Spanish feature film, as reported by industry sources on August 20, 2025. Previously, Korean performers have appeared in supporting roles in Spanish productions, but never as the central character. The decision to cast Yang reflects the production team's commitment to staying true to the original web novel 's setting, where the male protagonist, Kang, is explicitly Korean. This choice underscores a growing trend of cultural authenticity in global adaptations. The film, a romantic tale, follows Clara, a young woman who has isolated herself at home for 76 days, finding solace only in radio broadcasts. Her life changes when she hears the voice of late-night radio host Kang, sparking a budding romance that draws her back into the world. Directed and produced in Spain, the movie draws from a web novel of the same name by Venezuelan author Ariana Godoy, originally written in Spanish and published on Wattpad. According to Wattpad's official metrics, the novel has amassed over 36.8 million reads since its release, showcasing its massive online popularity. From Web Novel to Silver Screen Adaptation The adaptation of 'Sigue Mi Voz' is a collaborative effort involving Webtoon Production (formerly Wattpad Webtoon Studios), a subsidiary of Naver Webtoon, alongside Zeta Studios and Beta Fiction Spain. This partnership highlights how web novels and webtoons are increasingly serving as source material for films and series worldwide. Unlike typical casting practices where Asian roles often go to Chinese actors, the team conducted an open audition specifically seeking a Korean actor fluent in natural Spanish to honour the source material's details. Yang Jae-woo emerged from this process, bringing a unique background that aligns with the character's profile. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Yang Jae-woo's Journey from Soccer Fields to Film Sets Yang Jae-woo's path to stardom is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Originally a soccer player, he moved to Spain at age 11 in 2012 after receiving an offer from Villarreal's youth team. Currently, he plays for Mostoles CF and serves as a coach for Mostoles URJC Alevin B Football 11. His acting debut came unexpectedly when a fan alerted him to the film's audition notice. In an interview, Yang shared, "I applied out of curiosity and was thrilled to pass, despite my initial doubts." His natural Spanish proficiency, honed from years living in the country, made him an ideal fit for the role of Kang, the charismatic radio host. Global Surge in Webtoon and Web Novel Productions The production of 'Sigue Mi Voz' exemplifies the expanding global footprint of webtoon and web novel-based films and series. Webtoon Production is at the forefront, venturing beyond Korean content to adapt international IPs into localized entertainment. Recent projects include the series 'Bad Influence' (Mala Influencia), the 'Through My Window' trilogy, the Thai drama 'Beauty Newbie,' and the Indonesian series 'Turn On.' These initiatives demonstrate a shift where non-English stories are gaining traction, with adaptations tailored for specific markets.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korean soccer player cast as lead in Spanish film
Yang Jae-woo, who plays, coaches soccer in Madrid, breaks new ground in 'Follow My Voice' Yang Jae-woo has been cast as the male lead in the upcoming Spanish film "Sigue Mi Voz (Follow My Voice)," marking the first time a Korean actor has taken a leading role in a Spanish feature film, industry officials confirmed Wednesday. Yang, 24, a soccer player and actor, will play Kang, a radio host and singer, in the romance film scheduled for release on Sept. 12. The film is based on Venezuelan writer Ariana Godoy's web novel, which has garnered 36.8 million views on Wattpad, a platform owned by Korean tech giant Naver. Godoy's previous work "Through My Window," originally posted on Wattpad from 2016 to 2018, was adapted into a Netflix hit in 2022 and topped charts in 22 regions. "Sigue Mi Voz" follows Klara (Berta Castane), who's spent months holed up at home after a mental health crisis, listening to nothing but her favorite radio show. She falls for the voice of Kang, a late-night show host she has never met, and slowly finds her way back into the world. The film is produced by Webtoon Production, a Webtoon Entertainment affiliate, along with Spain's Zeta Studios and Beta Fiction Spain. The producers stuck to the original story's setup, where Kang is explicitly described as Korean. To match the original character's profiles, they held open auditions specifically seeking a Korean actor fluent in Spanish who could play the guitar and soccer, according to director Ines Pintor, who spoke to Vogue Spain in June. Yang moved to Spain at 11 years old in 2012 to join Villarreal CF's youth team. He currently plays for Mostoles CF, based in an autonomous community of Madrid, and coaches the team's youth squad.
