Olympic main character Kim Ye-ji bags role in 'Asia' spin-off series

Olympic shooter Kim Ye-ji is kicking off her acting career with a role in a spin-off series of the film "Asia."

A still from the spin-off series ″Crush″ [ASIA LAB]

Olympic shooter Kim Ye-ji is set to kick off her acting career with a spin-off series of the film “Asia,” according to its production company, Asia Lab.

“Asia,” directed by Lee Jung-sub, who is also the CEO of Asia Lab, centers on the diverse stories of individuals confronting racial hatred and discrimination. The film features stars from the United States and Asia, including Thai actor Pakorn Chatborrirak, Indian actor Anushka Sen, Malaysian singer Daiyan Trisha, Malaysian actor Sean Lee and Korean actor Jang Yoon-young.

The film is still in production and has yet to be released.

Kim will feature in the film's spin-off series “Crush,” which will also be directed by Lee. The shooter will appear alongside Sen, who appeared in “Asia,” as an assassin in the series, which will be released in a short form format.

Other specific details of the series will be disclosed at a later date, according to Asia Lab.

“Kim expressed that she is both nervous and thrilled as she takes her first acting role as a captivating assassin alongside world-renowned actors in the spin-off of 'Asia,' a major global project by Asia Lab.” You Min-guk, the CEO of Kim’s agency Plfil, said. “[I believe] that the series will be a huge gift to fans around the world when it is soon released."

Asia Lab CEO and director Lee added, “The joint casting of Sen and Kim as assassins in the 'Asia' spin-off series will mark a groundbreaking moment in paving the way for innovation and a new chapter in global short-form series.”

Kim went viral for her remarkable performance that earned her a silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol at the Paris Olympics, making U.S. broadcaster NBC’s “Top 10 Stars to Watch” list for the global sporting event last month.

She was also touted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on social media in July, praising her “She should be cast in an action movie. No acting required!”

Kim recently signed with the agency Plfil on Aug. 19 to assist with her promotional activities.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]