Seoul ( CNN ) -- What could bring together the biggest names in the Korean pop industry ? A visit by the Pope will do it . As Pope Francis tours South Korea through August 18 , some 20 Korean household names got together to record a video for a song titled `` Koinonia , '' which means camaraderie and communion in Greek . It was composed by K-pop veteran Noh Young-shim to celebrate the first papal visit to Korea in 25 years . Some 5.4 million Koreans are Catholics -- roughly 10 % of the population -- and amongst them are pop stars and actors . Figure skating star Kim Yuna is also a follower of the faith and one of the celebs expected to appear at official functions during the Pope 's visit . During a recent TV appearance , she had appealed to the Pope to bless Korea and `` provide messages of hope . '' Unfortunately for fans , she does not appear in the new music video . Video worship . Despite involving some serious pop star power , the video for `` Koinonia '' is devoid of the typical trappings of a K-pop music video . There 's no tightly choreographed dancing or thematic costumes . Instead , director Cha Eun-taek has the famous faces hidden behind sheet music , huddled together like a devout church choir . It 's a far cry from Cha 's previous work , such as the `` Hangover '' video starring Psy and Snoop Dogg . `` When I called everyone they were extremely happy to be part of the music video , and those who could not make it were extremely regretful , '' said veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki , who helped organize the project . Ahn has been at the forefront of several cultural projects that support religious causes , such as narrating a biopic about the life of Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan , the country 's first Catholic cardinal and a much respected figure amongst religious and secular groups . Devoted diva . The number of Catholics in Korea continues to grow , with roughly 100,000 baptisms per year . The baptism du jour is that of pop star Rain ( aka . Jung Ji-hoon ) in July . Local media widely reported that his actress girlfriend Kim Tae-hee inspired the conversion , and the celebrity rumor mill spelled an impending marriage . Rain 's agency Cube Entertainment has rejected the claim : `` Rain has indeed been baptized , but this is something he has been meaning to do for some time now . It would be rash to make assumptions about engagement plans . '' Rain 's girlfriend Kim , who rose to international stardom through TV soaps such as Iris , is outspoken on religious beliefs . She had espoused premarital chastity through press interviews early on in her career and continues to make statements on religion through the media . Korean celebrities are far from shy when it comes to expressing their faith , and actors and singers frequently pay religious tributes while making award acceptance speeches onstage . Pop singers including Lee Chang-min of 2AM , Taemin of SHINee and YeSung of Super Junior have been open about being Catholic , as have popular actors Jung Il-woo , Lee Joon-gi and Kim Rae-won . `` Korean celebrities convey their religiosity much more openly than their political views . They have been more outspoken and proactive since the 1980s as religion became increasingly secularized here , '' said culture critic Kim Bongseok . Strong resonation . Protestant Christian celebrities have often been more vocal than their Catholic counterparts , and many are part of well-known church gatherings . HaMiMo is a church group of young screen actresses including Han Hye-jin and Eom Ji-won , while Moonmien includes members of K-pop group such as Girls ' Generation , Super Junior and 2NE1 as well as actor Kim Soo-hyun . `` These groups are not only for Bible studies and prayer , but also for carrying out volunteer work and networking . It 's difficult for celebrities to socialize even if they are in show business together , and mutual religious views often become a strong basis for building friendship or even romance , '' said an industry insider who asked to remain anonymous . Sooyoung of Girls ' Generation has been reported to have met her actor boyfriend Jung Kyung-ho through Moonmien . Meanwhile , celebrities are posting welcome messages for Pope Francis on social media networks . `` I hear this is the Pope 's first visit to Korea in 25 years , and I wish he could instill hope in youths across Korea and beyond , '' tweeted RyeoWook of Super Junior . His fellow band member , KangIn , also tweeted : `` I would like to welcome Pope Francis ' arrival on Aug. 14 . I pray you can safely wrap up the four-night , five-day trip and that you can inspire youths across the world with visionary messages . '' `` Pope Francis is particularly respected for making socially meaningful statements , which are resonating strongly among even non-Catholic Koreans . This is largely due to the prevailing sense of anxiousness and mistrust here following recent traumatic events , '' culture critic Kim said , referring to a ferry sinking earlier this year that left hundreds dead .
About 10 % of the South Korean population is Catholic , including some of the country 's most famous pop stars . Comment: Pop sensation Rain , figure skating star Kim Yuna amongst the devoted .