Lee Byung-heon signs deal with the devil?

Well not exactly. Reports from KBSGlobal today state that the Korean entertainment agency, Player Entertainment, signed a contract with U.S. entertainment agency, CAA. Other agencies also joined in on the contract including showbiz firm Web and distribution company Tube Entertainment.

Player Entertainment represents Lee Byung-heon, who has been the toast of the town in the Asian market recently thanks in part to the success of A Bittersweet Life. The firm also represents such actors as Shin Eun-kyung [My Wife is a Gangster] and Kim Sang-kyung [Memories of Murder, Tale of Cinema].

CAA represents pretty much the who's who of Hollow-wood. Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Cameron Diaz are part of the ranks. Steven Speilberg and Jerry Bruckheimer are also on the CAA team. CAA has talent to give away. But, they also represent David Franzoni, the producer who bought the rights for the U.S. remake of the movie Joint Security Area, and South Korean movie director Kang Je-kyu [Shiri and Taegukgi].

Hopes are high for the opportunities this contract may present. "We plan to continue to introduce Korean actors and directors to the world, including the U.S. This contract will produce significant results in both the Korean and U.S. markets, and will serve as a springboard for the advancement of Korean movies overseas," said Web’s CEO.

Hollow-wood has never really been a pleasant place for Asian entertainment talent as they mostly drop into oblivion and are part of mediocre products. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.