Kang Ha-neul

Kang Ha-neul (February 21, 1990), born Kim Ha-neul, is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in television dramas The Heirs (2013), Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), When the Camellia Blooms (2019) and Insider (2022). Known as a prolific Chungmu-ro actor, he has also starred in the movies Twenty (2015), Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016), New Trial (2017), Midnight Runners (2017), Forgotten (2017), The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2022), and Love Reset (2023).

In 2020, Kang received the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor – Television and ranked 23rd in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity annual list. Kang also ranked 2nd in Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year in 2019.

Early life
Kim Ha-neul was born in Busan as the eldest of two brothers to parents who were former theater actors. His father graduated from the Department of Theater at Seoul Institute of the Arts, and his mother graduated from the Department of Theater and Film at Kyungsung University. His Mother used to work as a fashion model. Growing up in Daeyeon-dong, Busan, Kim discovered his passion for the stage during middle school when he became involved in theater for fun. "Perhaps due to the influence of my parents, theater was not a field that was far from me from a young age. Then, during the summer vacation of my second year of middle school, I came across an advertisement for church theater members and became curious about theater. I wasn't religious, but I wanted to experience theater. He participated as a prop team member in the production A Bowl of Udon, and he can’t forget the feeling of the curtain call. I still don't know what I was feeling, but I remember crying. I think it was a complex feeling, including sadness, disappointment, and relief."In 2005, Kim appeared with his father on KBS1 Morning Garden and won three consecutive wins in the family singing contest. Announcer Lee Geum-hee at the time commented, It remains strongly in her memory.

Kim worked part-time since middle school. He enrolled in a regular high school with an acting club. When he expressed his desire to pursue acting as a career, his parents, who were also stage actors, fully supported him. To further his passion, he transferred to the National Traditional Arts High School, where he majored in music and theater. He came from Busan alone and had to earn his tuition, so he couldn't take a break from work. As a result, he became perceptive at a young age.

2006 to 2010: Early career as actor Kim Ha-neul
Kim Ha-neul started his career as actor in musical theatre. He made his debut in the musical The Celestial Watch in 2006 at the age of sixteen, while in his first year of high school. Landing the lead role in his first musical, he developed stage fright. Even the smallest announcement made him tremble. His teacher observed this and remarked, "There is no place to hide on the stage. You either win and take control, or you lose and give up." This advice prompted Kim to relearn basic skills like walking, raising his hand, and speaking. He began the process of emptying out the accumulated fears and insecurities within him.

In 2007, at the age of seventeen, Kim landed the main lead role in the KBS Sunday drama ''My Mom! Super Mom!''. His first scene involved playing baseball, a sport he had never played before. To prepare, he spent a week practicing at a baseball range. On the day of filming, he impressed everyone with his baseball skills, earning praise from the director. He portrayed Choi Hoon, a popular high school student known for his academic prowess and good looks, beating out 800 other candidates for the role. However, as he was able to solve the challenge, he also had many concerns about it. "'It was a transitional period for me. I didn't feel ready for the acting, and I didn't like being thrust into the public eye through the drama. I really wanted to learn more by doing theater. So even as I was auditioning for My Mom! Super Mom!, I kept wanting to do theater. In the end, after the audition, I called the director and politely asked them if they could let me drop out, as I didn't want to do it.'"Despite the rookie's seemingly arrogant attitude, the direcor managed to persuade Kim to take on the role. Ultimately, Kang realized that the issue was not with the genre but with himself. He felt a sense of responsibility towards those who had supported him and decided to accept the role. He became determined to push himself beyond his limits and improve his skills. However, after completing the drama, he found himself drawn back to the world of theater. After finishing the drama, he returned to musical with Carpe Diem. He successfully auditioned for and landed the role of Lee Il.

In the same year, Kim became a part of the cast of the KBS daily rural drama Hometown Over the Hill, playing the role of Kim Jong-hee, the youngest son of the head family. In 2010, Kim was admitted to the 50th Batch of the Theater Department at Chung-Ang University. As a result, his character in the drama was written out of the storyline as pursuing further studies in Seoul.

In 2009, Kim, who was cast as an understudy for musical Thrill Me, had opportunity to perform as role Richard (he) on April 10 and 17. He also passed audition the rock musical Spring Awakening. From June 30, 2009, to January 10, 2010, Kim played the role of Ernst in the rock musical Spring Awakening alongside Jo Jung-suk and Kim Mu-yeol (double cast as Moritz), as well as Joo Won (as Melchior). Despite others falling ill or missing performances, Kim attended every show without fail. The cast changed midway through, but he remained dedicated, completing a total of 266 performances. It was a challenging yet fulfilling experience for him.

Hwang Jung-min watched his performance in musical Thrill Me. Immediately after musical Spring Awakening, he recruited Kim Ha-neul as first actor under Sam Company, an entertainment agency founded in 2010 by Hwang Jung-min and his wife.

The following year, Kim was cast in Thrill Me again, this time playing the role of Nathan (me), after previously portraying Richard (he) in 2009. Ji Chang-wook played the role of Richard (he) in the 2009 production. Kim was evaluated as having dominated the stage with his stable emotional acting, breathing, and vocalization.

Also in 2010, Kim passed the audition for Lee Joon-ik's film Battlefield Heroes. The film is a sequel to Lee Joon-ik's successful film Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield. It follows the story of the Silla-Tang Allied Forces as they attack Goguryeo's Pyongyang fortress. He plays the role of Namsan, the youngest son of Yeon Gaesomun of Goguryeo, caught between his two brothers' differing views on negotiation and war. "'I'm still grateful to director Lee Joon-ik for making my first set so beautiful. One day after filming, we were drinking together when he suddenly asked me and [Lee] Kwang-soo to be friends. I said, 'Director, how dare we be friends with you?' He replied, 'Why? Foreigners are friends with everyone, even their grandparents and children, so why can't we be friends?' Because of that connection, even after Battlefield Heroes was finished, I would go to the director's office to hang out and drink with him. It was so nice.'"In November 2010, Kim Ha-neul changed surname into stage name Kang Ha-neul to avoid confusion with actress Kim Ha-neul. He won a supporting role in actress Kim Ha-neul's film You're My Pet through an audition. He played the role of musical actor Yang Young-soo, a friend of the male lead In-ho (played by Jang Keun-suk), who is responsible for guiding In-ho in matters of love.

2011 to 2014: Starting career with stage name Kang Ha-neul, breakthrough roles in television
The year 2011 marked his new beginning under the stage name Kang Ha-neul. His debut film, Battlefield Heroes, was released in January of that year.

In September 2011, Kang played the role of Eunuch Gu-dong in the musical Prince Puzzle. This work became a hot topic because it was being performed in Sungjeongjeon Hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace rather than a performance hall. It was written by playwright Han A-reum and directed by Seo Jae-hyeong of theater troupe Jukdorok Dalinda, which means running until death in Korean. Kang said, "I chose this work because I wanted to work hard until I die." When the offer to appear in Prince Puzzle came in, he initially thought it was for the role of the crown prince. In this work, the crown prince is a character who, as the title suggests, disappears and does not appear. Kang thinks that Prince Puzzle was a physically demanding role. The stage manager, noticing his exhaustion, advised him, "If you're tired, go home and read the reviews written by the audience." This indicates that the musical was receiving positive feedback. Director Lee Joon-ik attended a performance and praised Kang, saying, "You're really good, as expected."

In 2012, Kang was cast in the original production Black Mary Poppins, a musical inspired by the Mary Poppins series by P. L. Travers. The show, produced by Kim Soo-ro, was written, directed, and composed by Seo Youn-mi, a rising dramatist in Daehangno. The musical thriller explores a fire incident in a German mansion in the 1930s, focusing on four siblings who were present during the event. Kang reunited with a former co-star from Thrill Me in this production. Kang, double cast alongside Jeon Sung-woo, played the role of Hermann, the second son and a painter with a crucial clue to the case. Jung Sang-yoon and Jang Hyun-duk as double cast for the role of Hans. Other cast members included Jang Seung-jo, Yoon Na-moo, and Lim Kang-hee portraying the other siblings.

In November 2012, Kang worked with Hwang Jung-min in the third Korean production of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. Participating in a Sondheim show was a dream come true for Kang, who found the music challenging but rewarding. The complex melodies and unusual time signatures required him to listen to the songs repeatedly to master them. Despite the difficulty, Kang was proud to transform from the Balladeer into Oswald on stage, a role that brought him a sense of accomplishment not found in other shows. The production opened at Yonkang Hall of Doosan Art Center in central Seoul and run through February 3, 2013.

Kang later back to the small screen, starring in the television dramas To the Beautiful You (2012), where he appeared as Min Hyeon-jae, a high jumper, and developed a rivalry with the male lead.

In 2013, Kang was chosen to portray the lead character Jeong Seon-woo in the cable channel Mnet's music drama Monstar, directed by Kim Won-seok. In this role, he had to play the cello, bass, and contrabass, instruments he had never played before. He dedicated himself to practicing these instruments, sacrificing rest by only sleeping for an hour or 30 minutes. Despite the challenges, he was grateful for the director's faith in him and the praise for his efforts.

After the conclusion of Monstar, Kang made a special appearance in the MBC drama Two Weeks as Kim Seong-jun, the autistic son of Jo Seo-hee (played by Kim Hye-ok). Following that, Kang took on the role of Lee Jun-kyung, a yangban of lower status as the illegitimate son, in the second installment of the one-act drama series MBC Drama Festival Unrest, which aired on October 3. In his quest to uncover the unjust circumstances surrounding a woman's sudden death, he portrayed the anguish caused by the caste system in the Joseon Dynasty. Kang's portrayal of Jun-kyung in the drama was showcasing his talent through nuanced facial expressions and emotional depth, effectively conveyed the character's inner conflict and grief.

In July 2013, Kang landed a role in writer Kim Eun-sook's drama The Heirs (2013). He played a supporting role alongside Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Krystal, Kim Woo-bin, Kim Ji-won, and Park Hyung-sik. Kang portrayed the charismatic tsundere Lee Hyo-shin, the son of the Prosecutor General, the student council president and Broadcasting club of Imperial High School. Kang had his first onscreen kiss scene while filming Lee Hyo-shin and Rachel's kiss. The Heirs became incredibly popular, achieving a peak rating of 28.6% locally and accumulating over one billion views on the Chinese streaming website iQiyi. Kang gained widespread recognition for his performance in this role.

In 2014, Kang returned with the 20-episode series Angel Eyes, where he played the role of teen Park Dong-joo, with Lee Sang-yoon portraying the adult version. The drama aired on SBS from April 5 to June 15, 2014, on every Saturdays and Sundays. Kang received the New Star Award at the 2014 SBS Drama Awards for his portrayal as Park Dong-joo. Shortly after, Oh In-chun's film Mourning Grave released in theaters on July 3, 2014. The film combines horror, romance, drama, and comedy in a rural school setting. Kang took his first lead role as In-soo, a loner with the ability to see ghosts, opposite his college friend Kim So-eun.

Kang worked together once again with director Kim Won-seok in his series Misaeng: Incomplete Life as Jang Baek-gi, who joins Steel Team as permanent employee at One International. His popularity soared with the success of the drama, leading to him winning the popularity award at the 2015 Cable TV Broadcasting Awards.

2015 to 2018: Theater debut, breakthrough roles in films, critical acclaims, and military musical
In 2015, Kang was deeply honored to have the opportunity to make his debut in a two-hander play alongside the esteemed senior actress Park Jeong-ja. The play, titled Harold and Maude, explored the friendship and love between Harold, a 19-year-old contemplating suicide, and Maude, an 80-year-old woman embracing a graceful death. The play was adapted from Colin Higgins' novel and had been previously performed in Korea under the title 19 and 80 starting in 2003. Over the years, Park Jeong-ja has consistently portrayed the role of Maude, while the role of Harold has been played by different actors in each production. The 6th production was performed at the Deloreum Theater of the National Theater in Seoul from January 9 to February 28. In the press conference, Kang humorously remarked, "I may be disposable, but I will strive to be an unforgettable disposable Harold." He said, "I came across this work and Teacher Park Jeong-ja when I needed to study more and wanted to fill the feeling that something was empty." He continued, "When I heard that Teacher Park Jeong-ja would be appearing, I naturally decided to appear as well. When we read the script together, the really good lines felt like they were being spoken to me by Teacher Park Jeong-ja, so I felt really comfortable when acting." In that same year, Kang's three films were released one after another. On February 5, 2015, the musical film C'est si bon was released in theaters. The film is set at the C'est Si Bon music center, which launched renowned artists like Cho Young-nam, Yoon Hyeong-ju, Song Chang-sik, and Lee Jang-hee, who sparked the folk music trend in Korea. Kang played the role of Yoon Hyeong-ju, a member of the Twinfolio band. Influenced by his father and early exposure to Yoon Hyeong-ju's music, Kang's singing talent shone through as he mastered Yoon Hyeong-ju's clear, melodious voice and precise enunciation.

On March 5, 2015, Ahn Sang-hoon's period film Empire of Lust, was released in theaters. In the film, Kang played Jin, the King's son-in-law, who is forbidden from politics and enjoys pleasure-seeking activities. It was his first time filming an intense and violent bed scene, which was a challenging experience. Despite the actress reassuring him that it was just acting, he felt guilty and remorseful afterwards.

Shortly after, on March 25, 2015, Lee Byeong-heon's coming-of-age film Twenty, was released in theaters. In the film, Kang played Kyung-jae, a nerdy university student aiming for a corporate job. He earned nominations for Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards, and 2015 Grand Bell Awards for his performance in the film. He then went on to win Best New Actor at the 2015 Golden Cinematography Awards, Korean Film Actors' Guild Awards, Korea World Youth Film Festival, and 2016 Chunsa Film Art Award.

Due to his commitment to appear at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Kang initially thought he couldn't join the Youth Over Flowers trip. However, he was surprised by the team and taken right after the award show to join the other actors on November 26, 2015. Youth Over Flowers Iceland was initially announced with three cast members: Jung Sang-hoon, Jung Woo, and Jo Jung-suk. The quartet traveled to Iceland on November 25, 2015, with a mission to see the aurora before returning on December 4, 2015.



In 2016, Kang starred in the black and white biographical period film Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet, where he played the titular role of poet Yun Dong-ju. His role as Yun Dong-ju earned him Best Actor nominations at the 25th Buil Film Awards and 4th Wildflower Film Awards. He also appeared in the romantic comedy film Like for Likes, playing a young songwriter who suffers a hearing disability. The same year, he co-starred in the historical drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, playing the role of 8th Prince Wang Wook, which earned him an Excellence Award at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards.

In 2017, Kang starred in the film New Trial, acting as a young man who spent a decade in prison after an abusive investigation for a crime he did not commit. He then starred alongside Park Seo-joon in the action comedy film Midnight Runners, playing a nerdy student of the Korean National Police University. The film was a success, becoming the 4th highest-grossing South Korean film in 2017. In the same year, he also appeared in mystery thriller film Forgotten alongside Kim Mu-yeol.

During his mandatory military enlistment, in September 2018, Kang co-starred with fellow actor Ji Chang-wook and K-Pop idol Kim Sung-kyu from Infinite in military musical Shinheung Military Academy. The musical is regarded as one of the largest productions of the Republic of Korea Army, with cumulative audiences totaling 110,000 viewers. Kang's performance as Paldo has earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the 7th Yegreen Musical Awards.

2019 to present: Career after military enlistment and recent projects
In 2019, Kang made a comeback in the entertainment industry in the KBS2 TV series When the Camellia Blooms alongside Gong Hyo-jin. The drama achieved impressive ratings, and was the highest-rated miniseries in 2019. It also led to numerous accolades and critical acclaim, including the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor – Television.

In November 2019, Kang's contract with SEM Company, his agency since 2010 expired and he joined his former manager in the newly established entertainment agency, TH Company. In January 2020, he returned to theater in Kim Dong-yeon's Fantasy Fairy Tale,  which marked his comeback performance after Harold and Maude in 2015.

In 2020, Kang joined Season 2 of Traveler with Ahn Jae-hong and Ong Seong-wu. From November 30 to December 12, 2019, the trio embarked on a two-week journey in Argentina, immersing themselves in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the country. They visited iconic locations such as Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Patagonia.

In 2021, Kang made his comeback to the silver screen with Waiting for Rain, playing the role of Young Ho, a man who lives his life aimlessly while exchanging letters with his lover. The same year he was confirmed to star in the mystery thriller film Streaming in which Kang's character runs a popular YouTube channel based on criminal profiling. The story follows him live streaming as he solves a murder case.

In 2022, Kang starred in the period adventure film The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure, a sequel to the blockbuster hit The Pirates. Later the same year, he starred in the JTBC series Insider, playing a judicial trainee who goes undercover in prison to catch a gang leader. Later in the year, he also starred in the drama Curtain Call that earned him the Top Excellence Actor Award at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards.

On June 24, 2023, it was reported that Kang will join season 2 of Squid Game. Kang is also confirmed to lead the movie Opposition scheduled to be released in 2024.

On October 3, 2023, the romantic comedy film Love Reset, directed by Nam Dae-jung, was released in theaters in South Korea. The film stars Ha-neul and Jung So-min and follows the story of a couple who experience amnesia after an accident, just 30 days before their scheduled divorce.

Endorsement
In 2012, Kang's role in the drama To the Beautiful You opened opportunities for him as an advertising model. He starred with Han Ga-young in a Mercilon commercial in September and with Cha Soo-yeon for Amos Professional in October. The success of the drama Monstar brought more endorsement offers, including a "Love Taste" commercial with Ha Yeon-soo for Danish Drinking Yogurt.

In 2014, Kang's popularity surged thanks to the success of The Heirs, leading to numerous endorsement opportunities. He featured in commercials for Yogiyo delivery app with Park Shin-hye, Nongshim Ramen with Hyeri, Buckaroo Jeans with Seolhyun, and Daeng Gi Meori Shampoo. In 2015, Kang and Kang So-ra reunited as exclusive models for a sports brand post-Misaeng success. He also starred in another commercials for Nongshim Ramen and partnered with Seo Jang-hoon for KT Sky Life commercial. He also became a model for GSGM Chase Cult clothing brand.

In 2016, Kang's endorsements for consumer products and services grew significantly following the success of the films Dongju and Twenty. GM Korea chose Kang as the new advertising model for the Chevrolet Trax. Kang was also selected as the exclusive model for Caffe Bene. He partnered with Kim Woo-bin and Lee Jun-ho for The "Smuseul's Part-time Paradise" job search portal. From 2016 to 2017, he endorsed LG's Vonin and WiFi Lunch Box. In 2017, he expanded his portfolio to include endorsements for Kayak flight booking site, Parkland men's suits, and Socar car sharing service. He then took a break during his military enlistment in 2017.

Following his successful role in the 2019 drama When the Camellia Blooms, Kang was back as a popular choice for commercial endorsements. In 2019, he collaborated with Jeong Yeo-been for the Wadiz crowdfunding platform and featured in CJ CheilJedang's instant rice advertisement alongside child actor Kim Jun. Kang was appointed as a brand ambassador for the outdoor brand Black Yak in 2020. He secured three-year contracts from 2020 to 2023 with Duolac probiotic supplements and Hyundai Rental Care. In 2021, Kang became the face of kitchen appliances from Corel. In 2021, Kang became the face of Corel kitchen appliances and financial services with NH Nonghyup Bank, partnering Han So-hee. He also endorsed the clean and vegan beauty brand Aromatica, and home and living brands Bomsowa furniture. In 2022, he modeled for the food franchise Noodle Tree.

Personal life
Kang Ha-neul began his mandatory military service on September 11, 2017, at Nonsan Army Training Center. The completion ceremony took place on October 24 wherein Kang was recognized for his exemplary performance during basic training. On February 22, 2019, Kang was appointed as honorary ambassador of the Military Manpower Administration (MMA). The ceremony took place at the Air Force Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. As an honorary ambassador, Kang participated in events organized by the MMA until December 2019. Kang was discharged on May 23, 2019.