Kang Ha-neul

Biography:

Kang Ha-neul, born on February 21, 1990, in Busan, South Korea, is a renowned actor best known for his roles in popular TV shows such as The Heirs (2013), Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), When the Camellia Blooms (2019), and Squid Game 2 (2024). He has also appeared in several films, including Twenty (2015), Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016), New Trial (2017), Midnight Runners (2017), and Forgotten (2017). In 2020, he won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor in Television and ranked 23rd on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list.

Kang’s interest in acting began in middle school when he joined a theater group, and he was inspired by his parents, both former theater actors. He started performing on stage at the age of 16, debuting in the musical The Celestial Watch in 2006. Despite experiencing stage fright initially, Kang overcame his fears and developed his craft. His passion for theater remained strong, even as he ventured into television and film.

His breakthrough role was in the 2007 drama My Mom! Super Mom!, where he impressed the director with his baseball skills despite having no prior experience with the sport. Afterward, Kang continued to pursue theater, appearing in musicals like Carpe Diem and Spring Awakening (2009), where he performed 266 times without missing a show.

Kang also worked as an understudy in the musical Thrill Me before being recruited by actor Hwang Jung-min’s agency. His first film, Battlefield Heroes (2011), marked his official entry into cinema. Later, he starred in the 2011 musical Prince Puzzle and the rock musical Black Mary Poppins. He continued to build his filmography with roles in dramas like To the Beautiful You (2012) and Monstar (2013), solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

In 2013, Kang gained widespread recognition for his role in the hit drama The Heirs, where he played Lee Hyo-shin, a character who is the student council president at a prestigious high school. His performance earned him significant attention and cemented his status as a prominent actor.

Kang’s career continued to soar with roles in Angel Eyes (2014), Mourning Grave (2014), and Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014). His work in Misaeng was especially praised, leading to a surge in his popularity. In addition to his work in film and television, Kang has appeared in various stage productions, such as Harold and Maude (2015), where he performed alongside the esteemed actress Park Jeong-ja.