Global Stars with a Special Love for Korea: Hollywood Icons to Nobel Laureates

Isn't it fascinating when the celebrities we admire show a deep appreciation for Korea? It instantly makes them feel more relatable, almost like family! From Hollywood actors who frequently visit to authors inspired by Korean culture, many non-Asian public figures have formed unique bonds with the Land of the Morning Calm. Here, we've gathered 10 prominent individuals who have shown a special connection to Korea, exploring their background, recent endeavors, and the specific ties that bind them to this vibrant nation.

1. Barack Obama

• Profession: 44th President of the United States
  
• Age: 64 (born 1961)
• Origin: United States (Kenyan father, European-American mother)
• Recent Activities: Since leaving office, he continues his impactful work through the Obama Foundation, focusing on global leadership, civic engagement, and public service. He also releases memoirs and engages in public speaking.
• Korean Connection: President Obama has frequently expressed his admiration for South Korea's education system. He has praised Korea's high regard for teachers, who are compensated as well as doctors, and its longer school days and after-school programs, suggesting them as models for the U.S. He also commended Korea's technological prowess and high educational standards during his visits.

2. Nicolas Cage

• Profession: Actor, Producer
• Age: 61 (born 1964)
• Origin: United States
• Recent Activities: Continuously active in film, starring in both independent and blockbuster productions, showcasing his wide acting range.
• Korean Connection: Affectionately known as "Mr. Cage" (케서방 - Keserbang in Korean, a play on words meaning "Mr. Wife's Family Name Kim" but here referring to "Mr. Kim Cage") by Korean fans, Nicolas Cage established a significant family tie with Korea. In 2004, he married Alice Kim, a Korean American born in the U.S., forming a bond that, though now dissolved, remains a memorable part of his public persona in Korea.

3. Wesley Snipes

• Profession: Actor, Martial Artist
• Age: 63 (born 1962)
• Origin: United States
• Recent Activities: Continuously working in films and television, particularly known for his roles in action genres.
• Korean Connection: Famous for his role in the 'Blade' series, Wesley Snipes also earned the moniker "Mr. Snipes" (웨서방 - Weseobang) among Korean fans. In 2003, he married Nakyung Park, a South Korean makeup artist. They have four children and are known for their respectful embrace of Korean culture, maintaining a happy family life.

4. Angelina Jolie

• Profession: Actress, Humanitarian, Director
• Age: 50 (born 1975)
• Origin: United States
• Recent Activities: Beyond her acting career, she serves as a Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), actively engaging in humanitarian efforts globally and advocating for children's rights.
• Korean Connection: Angelina Jolie established a profound connection with Korea when her eldest son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, enrolled in Yonsei University's Underwood International College (UIC) in Seoul. Her decision to send her son to study in Korea speaks volumes about her trust and admiration for the country's educational standards.

5. Tom Cruise

• Profession: Actor, Producer
  
• Age: 63 (born 1962)
• Origin: United States
• Recent Activities: Continues to lead the highly successful 'Mission: Impossible' series, delivering acclaimed and daring action performances.
• Korean Connection: Tom Cruise is widely regarded as one of Hollywood's most "pro-Korea" actors. He holds the unique distinction of having visited Korea more than 10 times for movie promotions. In May 2025, he is anticipated to make his 12th visit for 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two', with the previous installment, 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One', having its world premiere in Korea, further solidifying his deep affection for the country. He is affectionately known as "Uncle Tom" (톰 아저씨 - Tom Ajeossi) by his Korean fanbase.

6. Hugh Jackman

• Profession: Actor
• Age: 57 (born 1968)
• Origin: Australia
• Recent Activities: Actively working in films and Broadway musicals, renowned globally for his role as Wolverine in the 'X-Men' series.
• Korean Connection: During his visit to Korea in 2013 for 'The Wolverine' promotion, Hugh Jackman was appointed as an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism, highlighting his significant appreciation for the country. He is well-known for his enthusiastic fan service and his frequent expressions of love for Korean food, firmly establishing him as another "pro-Korea" star.

7. Pearl S. Buck

• Profession: Author, Nobel laureate
• Age: 81 (born 1892, died 1973)
• Origin: United States
• Recent Activities: (Deceased)
• Korean Connection: Pearl S. Buck visited Korea multiple times and penned novels inspired by her experiences. Notably, 'The Living Reed', set in rural Korea, depicts the transformations of an upper-class Korean family from 1881 to the end of World War II. She also wrote 'The New Year' (1968), which tells the story of mixed-race children in Korea. Through her works, she significantly contributed to introducing Korean culture to a global audience with deep understanding and affection.

8. Steven Yeun

• Profession: Actor
• Age: 43 (born 1983)
• Origin: Korean American (born in Korea)
• Recent Activities: Gained critical acclaim for his role in the film 'Minari', earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He later received praise for his performance in the Netflix series 'Beef'.
• Korean Connection: Born in Seoul, Steven Yeun immigrated with his family to Canada at age five and then to the United States. He deeply values his Korean identity, which resonates strongly in his work. He explicitly stated that he produced 'Minari' to "convey a true Korean image to the U.S.," highlighting his commitment to authentic Korean representation.

9. Celine Dion

• Profession: Singer
• Age: 57 (born 1968)
• Origin: Canada
• Recent Activities: While battling health issues, she recently shared her journey with fans through the documentary 'I Am: Celine Dion'.
• Korean Connection: Celine Dion held concerts in Korea in 1999 and again in 2008. During her second visit, she was deeply moved by the passionate energy and enthusiastic sing-alongs of her Korean fans, which she has praised on multiple occasions. She often commended the musical fervor of Korean audiences, expressing how much it touched her.

10. Emma Stone

• Profession: Actress
• Age: 38 (born 1988)
• Origin: United States
• Recent Activities: Won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Poor Things', cementing her reputation for diverse and powerful performances.
• Korean Connection: During her visit to Korea in 2017, Emma Stone had a special meeting with Korean fans. She expressed deep interest in Korean food and culture, and particularly gained attention for revealing her enthusiasm for Korean beauty products, which she uses herself.