ACTOR YOU NEED TO KNOW: KANG HA-NEUL

Particularly persuasive in expressions, Kang's performances go off the beaten path, creating distinct characters and winning illustrious awards

-  DEBASHREE DUTTA

THE ALCHEMY OF Kang Haneul relies on two things: He is a crackerjack actor, and he is, as his industry admits, one of the kindest and most comfortable costars to work with. Kang’s mind’s eye is what you see when you see him on screen, per the insiders in Korean showbiz. A production specialist I know well shared, “Kang is all heart; he is pleasing, damn good-looking, humble, and people dote on him. When on camera, he can deliver amazing acts of transition. It is as if something gets inside of him and he is someone else between ‘action’ and ‘cut,’ he is cool!” she added.

That is visible. The actor can command attention with the draw of a role while simultaneously dashing expectations for them. Particularly persuasive in expressions, Kang’s performances go off the beaten path, creating distinct characters, picking up appreciation, and winning illustrious awards. The box office response to his most recent film, 30 Days with Jung So-min, has been humongous. Since its release on October 3, the romantic comedy has led the charts for seven days in a row—reported The Korea Times—as of Monday, October 9, it sold over 774,000 tickets and grossed a total of 7.65 billion won ($5.67 million).