Yang Jae-woo becomes first Korean actor to star in Spanish film; bags lead role in 'Follow My Voice'

In a groundbreaking development for international cinema, Korean actor and soccer player Yang Jae-woo, aged 24, has been cast as the lead in the Spanish commercial film 'Sigue Mi Voz' (Follow My Voice). This marks the first time a Korean actor has taken on a starring role in a Spanish feature film, as reported by industry sources on August 20, 2025. Previously, Korean performers have appeared in supporting roles in Spanish productions, but never as the central character. The decision to cast Yang reflects the production team's commitment to staying true to the original web novel's setting, where the male protagonist, Kang, is explicitly Korean. This choice underscores a growing trend of cultural authenticity in global adaptations. The film, a romantic tale, follows Clara, a young woman who has isolated herself at home for 76 days, finding solace only in radio broadcasts. Her life changes when she hears the voice of late-night radio host Kang, sparking a budding romance that draws her back into the world. Directed and produced in Spain, the movie draws from a web novel of the same name by Venezuelan author Ariana Godoy, originally written in Spanish and published on Wattpad. According to Wattpad's official metrics, the novel has amassed over 36.8 million reads since its release, showcasing its massive online popularity. The adaptation of 'Sigue Mi Voz' is a collaborative effort involving Webtoon Production (formerly Wattpad Webtoon Studios), a subsidiary of Naver Webtoon, alongside Zeta Studios and Beta Fiction Spain. This partnership highlights how web novels and webtoons are increasingly serving as source material for films and series worldwide. Unlike typical casting practices where Asian roles often go to Chinese actors, the team conducted an open audition specifically seeking a Korean actor fluent in natural Spanish to honour the source material's details. Yang Jae-woo emerged from this process, bringing a unique background that aligns with the character's profile. Yang Jae-woo's path to stardom is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Originally a soccer player, he moved to Spain at age 11 in 2012 after receiving an offer from Villarreal's youth team. Currently, he plays for Mostoles CF and serves as a coach for Mostoles URJC Alevin B Football 11. His acting debut came unexpectedly when a fan alerted him to the film's audition notice. In an interview, Yang shared, "I applied out of curiosity and was thrilled to pass, despite my initial doubts." His natural Spanish proficiency, honed from years living in the country, made him an ideal fit for the role of Kang, the charismatic radio host. The production of 'Sigue Mi Voz' exemplifies the expanding global footprint of webtoon and web novel-based films and series. Webtoon Production is at the forefront, venturing beyond Korean content to adapt international IPs into localized entertainment. Recent projects include the series 'Bad Influence' (Mala Influencia), the 'Through My Window' trilogy, the Thai drama 'Beauty Newbie,' and the Indonesian series 'Turn On.' These initiatives demonstrate a shift where non-English stories are gaining traction, with adaptations tailored for specific markets.