(Hong Kong - May 15, 2006) Highly acclaimed Korean actor Bae Yung Joon took his place in history today as Madame Tussauds Hong Kong officially unveiled his wax figure before his adoring fan club in a private ceremony held at The Peak. Bae is the first Korean star to be honored with a Madame Tussauds wax figure anywhere in the world and over 100 fans - some traveling from as far as the U.S.A, Canada and Japan - were in attendance to witness the moment.

Special guests at the unveiling included representatives from the Korean Tourism Organization and the Consulate General of Korea who were instrumental in supporting Madame Tussauds Hong Kong with the creation Bae's remarkable likeness.

"We are delighted to welcome Bae Yung Joon to the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong family and are very grateful to the Korean Tourism Organization for their support of this significant milestone. Bae is respected throughout Asia for his contributions to the film industry and I'm sure his fans will enjoy cuddling up to him on stage," said Kelly Mak, Head of Marketing & Customer Services of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Fans can meet the handsome star in the World Premiere room where he takes his places alongside Hollywood stars Jodie Foster, Pierce Brosnan, Marilyn Monroe and Andy Lau. Bae's wax figure will be set against a snowy setting reminiscent of his famous acting role in Winter Sonata, and guests will be invited to take photos with the star and even sneak in a quick cuddle!

Mr. Park Sang-Cheol, Executive Director of the Korea Tourism Organization Hong Kong Office said, "It is so encouraging that Mr. Bae Yung Joon is the first Korean celebrity with the wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Mr. Bae is a Korean superstar throughout Asia, and even outside of Asia.

"We are so delighted that Mr. Bae endorsed his wax figure here, accelerating the exchange between the people of Korea and Hong Kong, as well as tourists coming from overseas. It is our great honor that we, the Korea Tourism Organization Hong Kong Office, contributed to this great work."

Known for his stylish acting, Bae achieved international fame in 2002 when the television drama "Winter Sonata" was broadcast throughout Asia, the Middle East area and even as far as North and South America.

"Winter Sonata" dramatically increased Bae's profile in Japan where up to 80% of the country watched the show and his scarf wearing image was seen everywhere from teddy bears to keychains. Dubbed 'Yonsama', Bae was a leading figure in the phenomenal "Korean Wave" which swept Japan, becoming a heartthrob to thousands of fans and one of the most recognized actors in Asia.

Madame Tussauds officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 18 at 10:00am.

About the NEW Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is a unique celebrity-inspired attraction that connects guests with famous people, famous events and famous times. Featuring five themed areas, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong provides guests with the opportunity to meet their idols and do the things that famous people do!

As part of the exciting Peak Tower Renovation, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is currently undergoing a HK$20 million expansion project, building a brand new entrance area on level 3 of the Peak Tower and adding a further 7000 sq. ft of exhibition space.

The new look attraction will feature over 100 local and international celebrity wax figures with exciting audio-visual effects and interactive experiences to create truly magical moments for guests.

Opened to great fanfare in August 2000, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is the first permanent Madame Tussauds in Asia and is one of five Madame Tussauds that are located in London, New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam.

Bae Yong Joon Wows Fans at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
The moment Bae fans have been waiting for! Madame Tussauds Hong Kong officially unveiled the Bae Yong Joon wax figure at a private ceremony at the The Peak today. From left: Katherina Yu, Chairman of BYJ Friends Forever Club in Hong Kong; Park Sang- Cheol, Executive Director of the Korea Tourism Organization, Cho Won-Hyung, the Consul of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and Kelly Mak, Head of Marketing & Customer Services, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

Special guests (from left) Park Sang-Cheol, Executive Director of the Korea Tourism Organization, Katherina Yu, Chairman of BYJ Friends Forever Club in Hong Kong; Cho Won- Hyung, the Consul of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and Kelly Mak, Head of Marketing & Customer Services, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong were on hand to celebrate the unveiling of Bae Yong Joon's wax figure, the first Korean star to be honored with a Madame Tussauds figure anywhere in the world.

Over 100 enthusiastic fans from all over Hong Kong and South Korea (top) and China (bottom), Japan, U.S.A and Canada gathered at The Peak to witness the historic moment and take their own memorable photos with Bae Yong Joon's wax figure.

Visit Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and 'meet' Bae Yong Joon as he stands against a wintery background.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will welcome guests from 10am to 10pm daily.