After making himself a familiar face in Korean living rooms in 2005 by starring in MBC TV drama "My Lovely Sam Soon" ("My Name is Kim Sam-soon"), the Korean-American model-turned-actor Daniel Henney finally received official recognition for his life-changing decision to leave the US and settle in Korea. During the 12th Pusan International Film Festival earlier this month, Henney was awarded the 3rd annual Premiere Rising Star Award for his moving role in his second feature to date, "My Father" (2007).
Released locally on September 6th, the feature is about a Korean adoptee named James (played by Henney) who, in order to search for his biological parents, enlists in the US Armed Forces stationed in Korea. He eventually finds his father who turns out to be a condemned man sitting on Death Row. The 27-year-old American-born Henney is the son of a Korean adoptee, his mother, who left Korea at an early age, becoming a naturalized American citizen and marrying an American of British descent.
"My Father" was warmly received by local critics and audiences and has grossed about US$6.3 million. Henney's debut film was a romantic-comedy released in 2006 titled "Seducing Mr. Perfect" and co-starring Uhm Jung-hwa. The actor, who attended the award ceremony hosted by Premiere Magazine, said later to the press, "I'm not a big award guy, but this was the first time I have been recognized for my acting, I was really proud of it".
The Rising Star Award for Best Actress went to Kim Ah-joong, for her feature debut role in the hit music industry comedy 2"00 Pounds Beauty". Actor Lee Tae-seong and actress Heo I-jae were also awarded as best new-comers.
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