Ha Ji Won May Soon Head To Hollywood

Ha Ji Won is known as one of the hardest working actresses in kdramas. She doesn't just take on a role, she does whatever it takes to make the role as realistic as possible, whether that's martial arts training, learning to box or play tennis. To prepare for one of her roles, the actress spent eight-hour days swimming and lifting weights. For other roles, she obtained scuba diving and motorcycle licenses.

She's also known for working through the injuries she sustains during such physically challenging roles.

And now, in the middle of filming the strenuous 50-episode drama "Empress Ki," Ha Ji Won is getting ready to go to Hollywood. Traveling back and forth between China and Korea to film the successful drama, she is also immersing herself in American culture and studying English whenever she has a break.

How does she do it all? Sources say that she is presently only sleeping three to four hours a day.

It was just a matter of time before she made Hollywood plans. This summer Ha Ji Won signed on with The United Talent Agency, the Hollywood agency that represents Johnny Depp, Ewan McGregor, James McAvoy, Celine Dion, Nicholas Hoult, Gwyneth Paltrow, Daniel Radcliffe, Uma Thurman  and Channing Tatum.  According to her agency she is the first female Korean star to sign with UTA.

Considering her career as a female action star, it makes sense that Hollywood would want to use her talents. Inspired by Angelina Jolie's action films, Ha Ji Won performed her own stunts without a double for the drama "King 2 Hearts" and the film "Sector 7." And she also makes an appealing tough and at the same time feminine romantic lead.

"My ideal female role model is someone who is not fragile," said Ha Ji Won. "I want to keep doing action scenes."

Being so physically capable has not prevented her from being named the ideal woman for male admirers. Ha Ji Won has been described as the ideal woman by several popular idols and actors, including Lee Seung Gi, Taecyeon, Oh Ji Ho and Go Soo.

Why does she feel drawn to action roles?

"I might have been a female warrior in my past life," she once said.

She already declined several movie offers from UTA to star in "Empress Ki" but has reportedly found a project that she wants to appear in once the drama is over. Appearing in the historical drama was a smart move as it has been a ratings success, earning 16.9 percent in the ratings for a recent episode.