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SEOUL — Dependable foreigners can find rewarding part-time jobs as models and actors in South Korea, say some of Seoul’s talent agencies.

“Foreign models and actors are always in high demand in Korea,” said Hwarang Info-tainment’s Francesco Kweon. “But it’s a very demanding job. What we’re seeking first are people with good manners and sincerity, who really like acting and model work.”

Hwarang supplies foreign actors to “TV Surprise,” a highly rated show appearing on the MBC network Sundays. The company has worked with U.S. soldiers before, but Kweon said they quit after showing up a few times.

Modeling and acting income depends on a role’s importance, Kweon said.

Smaller acting roles may pay $100 to $150 for either a half or full day, while commercials generally pay $400 to $800, Kweon said. Adults and children often are paid the same rates, Kweon said.

Hwarang’s accounting department deducts .3 percent of income in advance to pay South Korean taxes, Kweon said.

With other agencies, it may be up to the individual to pay income taxes, a South Korean justice ministry spokesman said.

There also may be “startup costs” associated with modeling and acting.

The Starloan agency says it wants to add SOFA personnel to its roster and won’t charge any registration fees.

However, Starloan and some other agencies require professional portfolio pictures, including a close-up and a full body shot, at the prospect’s expense.

Depending on the photographer, portfolio pictures can cost more than $300, a Starloan employee said.

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