Kim Bum Is Busier Than Ever

Kim Bum is one busy guy. But then he seems to like being busy. During an interview he once said he had not taken off more than five days during the length of his acting career. And it does not seem like he is going to take off any time in the next few months.

The actor is already doing script readings for the new saeguk drama, "Goddess of Fire," in which he will play Moon Geun Young's love interest, but he has also been cast in a Chinese drama. The drama, "V Love," is reported to be similar to the American series "Gossip Girl."

He will also appear in the Chinese action thriller film, "Detective Dee: The Prequel," directed by Tsui Hark. Kim has long been a fan of his films.

"I grew up with Tsui Hark's action movies and he is someone who I respect a lot," said Kim. "I thought I might never get a chance to work with Tsui Hark again if I don't take this part."

And he obviously doesn't mind having a full schedule.

The actor, who is becoming more fluent in Chinese, is already shooting "V Love" in Shanghai. He was recently photographed there in character, wearing an immaculate white suit and sunglasses.

The drama "V Love," weaves together six stories of wealthy and upwardly mobile characters. Kim will appear in the sixth season of the drama as the owner of a high-class restaurant whose exacting standards keep people at a distance. He's a confident character but is perfectionist tendencies make him a lonely one.

His co-stars in the drama include rookie actress Li Xi Rui and Chinese stars Yang Mi, Yue Man Lok and Zhou Bi Chang.

The actor became well known in China after playing So Yi Jung in "Boys Over Flowers." That role led to invitations to do print and commercial modeling in China. He is the face of the Chinese clothing line, Eichitoo, and has graced a Chinese men's magazine cover.

His fine acting as the personal angel Lee Gook Soo in the drama "Padam Padam" strengthened his reputation as an actor and his recent appearance as Park Jin Sung in "That Winter the Wind Blows" only helped to boost his international popularity.

While filming "V Love" and reading for "Goddess of Fire," the actor is also busy with Japanese fanmeetings, commercial and photo shoots.