Lee Seung-gi to make debut in Japan in March

Lee Seung-gi speaks after receiving the top entertainment award in television talk show category on SBS last December. / Yonhap

By Ko Tae-young

All-round entertainer Lee Seung-gi will make his debut as a singer in Japan in March. He will also give a solo performance at Nippon Budokan in June.

Japanese media showed keen interest where about 150 members flocked to his press conference held at MLB cafe in Tokyo, Japan.

During the conference, he sang his first Japanese single "Love Time" and "Friends", which will be released on March 6.

Lee said in anticipation of the 14,201-seat Budokan performance, "I heard that not everyone has the opportunity to perform there but I am very grateful that I am able to perform on such an honorable stage".

Meanwhile, Lee stated that his character in variety show "1 Night 2 Days" is the closest to his real personality. "If I have the chance, I would like to join a program where Korean and Japanese artists take a trip together" he added.

When asked if he wanted to film a romantic comedy during the press conference, he said "I would like to act with Japanese actress Haruka Ayase. But since my Japanese is not so good, I'd like to play a quiet character", he added

"I will do my best as a singer and actor as if I were in Korea", he went on to say. "Through sharing with other Japanese actors and singers, someday, I would like to see a show that broadcasts in both Korea and Japan at the same time".