BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Are you excited to see the other side of Pinoy Pride and former senator Manny Pacquiao, this time, showing his acting prowess?

Our very own “Pambansang Kamao” is set to team up with American-Korean actor Ma Dong-seok, famously known as Don Lee, for an upcoming action movie, with portions to be shot in the Philippines.

On May 23, Don Lee’s Instagram post showed him meeting Manny Pacquiao. They were both wearing yellow gloves, with a boxing ring visible behind them. Later, the South Korean actor was seen hugging the Filipino champ like a “fan boy.”

In a media interview recently, former Ilocos Sur Governor and movie producer Chavit Singson revealed that Pacquiao has met with the “Train to Busan” actor, and the film will feature boxing elements.

Chavit said that he and Manny went to Korea, where he introduced his friend, the boxer, politician, and businessman, to Don Lee.

“Pumunta ako ng Korea, kasama si Manny. Pinakilala ko si Pacquiao sa most popular sa Korea na si Don Lee. Gagawa kami ng pelikula kasama si Manny. Action film ang gagawin namin ni Don Lee. Mga boxing so bagay kay Manny,” Chavit revealed.

Chavit also revealed that Don Lee wants to establish a studio in Vigan.

“Sa Pilipinas gagawin kasi gusto ni Don Lee na gumawa ng studio sa Vigan na puwede rin gamitin ng iba kagaya sa Hollywood, he explained.

Expanding his career beyond boxing and politics, Manny previously starred in the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Wapakman and promoted his documentary film Manny in 2015. Chavit also hinted at additional projects in the Philippines, including the filming of Season 2 of the popular Korean series Vagabond.

Don Lee, also known by his Korean name Ma Dong-seok, is a South Korean actor renowned for his work in both Korean and international films. Born on March 1, 1971, in South Korea, he later moved to the United States, where he lived for several years and acquired American citizenship. 

Lee began his acting career in the early 2000s, initially taking on supporting roles. He gained widespread recognition for his role in the 2016 zombie apocalypse film “Train to Busan,” where he played a tough, heroic character. This film was a major box office success and significantly raised his profile.

Besides “Train to Busan,” Don Lee has appeared in several other popular films, including “The Outlaws” (2017), where he played a tough, no-nonsense detective, and its sequel “The Roundup” (2022). His performance in “The Outlaws” earned him critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a leading actor in action and crime genres.

Don Lee made his Hollywood debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Eternals” (2021), where he played the character Gilgamesh. This role marked his entry into Hollywood and introduced him to a global audience.

Despite his tough on-screen persona, Don Lee is known to be friendly and approachable off-screen. He has dual citizenship in South Korea and the United States.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Screenshot from Instagram (@donlee)