Sure, he’s got the moves. But the real question is: Can he drive?

We’ll just have to find out on May 9, when K-pop king Rain makes his U.S. acting debut in the live-action flick “Speed Racer.” Playing rival driver Taejo Togokahn, the 26-year-old entertainer shares the big screen with stars Emile Hirsch, Susan Sarandon, Christina Ricci and Matthew Fox.

 

Last year, to the dismay of ticket holders and fans anticipating his U.S. crossover move, Rain’s Los Angeles concert was inexplicably cancelled less than two hours before show time. In a written response, he skirted the question of who’s to blame, simply stating “what’s done is done.”

 

As for the movie, Rain explained through an interpreter that though he had never seen the original “Speed Racer” cartoon series, he prepared for his role by practicing his lines with an English teacher. Next up: He’s set to play a leading role in the upcoming film “Ninja Assassin” and plans to release an English album in 2009.

 

“Hollywood is the biggest market in the world,” says Rain of his introduction to tinsel town. “Now I am part of it.”