By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman is expected to be appointed as a goodwill ambassador for Seoul today.
"As a goodwill ambassador, Jackman will help raise the brand value of Seoul and publicize the city's policies to the world", a local official said. "He will play an important role in promoting Seoul's charm, especially to America and Europe".
Jackman is visiting Seoul to promote his new movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". Korea is his only Asian destination on the world tour, which was Jackman's choice.
Daniel Henney, a Korean-American actor co-starring in "Wolverine" and also a Seoul goodwill ambassador, suggested Jackman join him in promoting Korea's capital city. Henney will accompany Jackman to the appointment ceremony.
Jackman expressed affection for Korea, saying his father has visited the country for some 20 years on business. Having already visited Korea in 2006, Jackman then cheered the Korean team while wearing a Red Devil T-shirt, a popular item for Korean soccer fans.
"As a goodwill ambassador to Seoul, which has unlimited possibility and charms, I will do my best to show people how beautiful Seoul is and why it is a city worth visiting", Jackman said in a press release.
The Australian actor will donate signed copies of "X-Men" series DVDs and personal items to Seoul Metropolitan Government to be auctioned, with the proceeds going toward helping the needy. During his short visit, he will shoot promotional video clips of Seoul as well.
After the ceremony, Jackman and Henney will meet Korean fans at a red carpet hand-printing ceremony at Cheonggye Plaza at 8:30 p.m.
The movie "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" will have its world premiere release here on April 30. It is a prequel to the "X-Men" trilogy, focusing on the past of the mutant Wolverine. Henney plays the role of Agent Zero, a lone sniper chasing Wolverine.
