YONHAP NEWS

S.Korean actor and singer to pitch in Asia baseball championship series opener

   TOKYO, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Famous South Korean actor and singer Ryu Si-won will throw out the first pitch in the Konami Cup Asia Series 2007's opening game, a Japanese newspaper said Wednesday.

   According to the Sports Houchi, the Korean star will pitch to open the series, which will draw the best professional baseball league teams from South Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Ryu will take the mound next month before the match between South Korea and Japan.

   The South Korean actor and singer, who faced the sudden death of his father earlier this month, is enjoying success in Japan for his role in the popular Japanese TV drama "Joshi Deka!"(Female Detective), aired by Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. "Joshi Deka!" broadcast its first episode last week and had viewer ratings of 13.4%.

   Ryu became a heartthrob after playing leading roles in the South Korean TV dramas "Propose" and "Beautiful Days." He has also released several albums in South Korea and Japan, including his latest single titled "Hanano Kubikazari"(Flower Necklace), which is currently ranked No. 2 on the Japanese Oricon Weekly Chart.

   asur@yna.co.kr
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