Howard Shore, the world-renowned film composer who composed the scores for THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, will compose game music for Webzen Inc.’s next in-house developed game, SUN: SOUL OF THE ULTIMATE NATION. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) will be first introduced in early 2005 and launched later in the year. The original SUN soundtrack will be distributed for sale globally.

In addition to his success with the original score for THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Shore has composed for more than 25motion pictures, including THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, PANIC ROOM and PHILADELPHIA. He received three Academy Awards for his work on THE LORD OF THE RINGS in 2001 and 2003 for Best Original Score and Best Song. As one of the most recognized composers in Hollywood, Shore will be the first to add his musical touch to a game title, according to Webzen.

"We are confident that Howard Shore's musical contribution to SUN will greatly enhance the quality of the final product. We will continue to devote our energies into creating the next world class online game," commented Nam Ju Kim, ceo of Webzen.

Headquartered in Seoul, Webzen is a leading developer and publisher of online games. The company's game MU is a 3D, multiplayer online role-playing game that has grown since its introduction in 2001 to become one of the most popular online games in Korea and China. Founded in 2000, Webzen recorded revenues of $48 million for fiscal year 2003. More information about Webzen can be found at www.webzen.co.kr.