15 Things To Know About Kang Ha-Neul, 56th Baeksang Arts Awards' Best Actor For TV
We're turning the spotlight on one of South Korea's actors of the moment—you'll love him after reading this!
The 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, dubbed as the “Oscars of Korea,” ended on a high note. One of the best moments of the night was the announcement of the Best Actor for TV award. And much to the delight of Hallyu fans, When the Camellia Blooms lead actor Kang Ha-neul was called onstage to receive the recognition.
It’s a much-deserved win for the passionate and talented celebrity, who beat other top actors like Namgoong Min (from Stove League), Park Seo-joon (from Itaewon Class), Ju Ji-hoon (from Hyena), and Hyun Bin (from Crash Landing on You).
Hwang Yong-sik—a police officer who falls for single mother Oh Dong-baek (played by Gong Hyo-jin), who owns the bar named Camelia in fictional town Ongsan—has been one of the most unforgettable characters in recent K-Dramas. As a headstrong and romantic guy who goes all the way to pursue the love of his life despite all challenges, Kang Ha-neul made the viewers love his smooth yet powerful performance.
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♬ 오리지널 사운드 - TikTok K-ENT
His name may not ring a bell for new fans of K-Dramas, but seasoned binge-watchers of all things Korean have long been smitten by the actor of the moment. People would recognize him for his roles in notable dramas like The Heirs and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, as well as his films Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet, New Trial, and Midnight Runners (which he starred in with Park Seo-joon). But whether you’re a long-time follower of Kang Ha-neul or just starting to get charmed by the 30-year-old, we can tell that the interest towards the actor is steadily rising.
And no, we’re not just talking about the surge of feelings towards his attractive face, beautiful physique, and killer acting skills. Digging deeper into Kang Ha-neul’s roots, you’ll learn that there’s more to admire and love about the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor for TV. In this gallery, we gathered 15 facts that you should know about Kang Ha-neul! Get ready to be surprised and discover his favorites, what life was like in his younger years, and other interesting tidbits.
Get to Know Kang Ha-neul
Get to Know Kang Ha-neul
He came from a family of actors.
It’s no surprise to Kang Ha-neul’s family when he decided to pursue acting as a career, as both his parents are theater actors themselves. Since he was young, his folks have been supportive when he participated in plays in church and in school. In high school, he initially attended an ordinary high school that had an acting club, but decided later on to transfer to National High School of Traditional Arts. Eventually, he pursued a degree in Theatre in Chung-Ang University.
Photo Credit: HanCinema
Kang Ha-neul debuted at 16 years old.
Tracing his acting history, it transports us to 2006, where he debuted in the musical “The Celestial Watch.” After the success of his first stage appearance, he continued performing onstage in plays like “Thrill Me,” “Prince Puzzle,” “Black Mary Poppins,” and “Assassins.” Later on, he landed a role on mainstream TV through his initial projects “To the Beautiful You,” “The Heirs,” and “Misaeng: Incomplete Life.” Currently, he juggles his schedule acting on the theater stage and both the small and big screen.
Photo Credit: HanCinema
The 56th Baeksang Awards Best Actor award is his third Best Actor win.
Kang Ha-neul had his first taste of the Best Actor award in the 18th Korea First Brand Awards, followed by another Best Actor win in the 2019 KBS Drama Awards. Before receiving these top awards, though, he’s already had a taste of several acting nods as the Best New Actor and other awards and nominations since 2014, as granted in 2014 SBS Drama Awards, Korean Film Actors' Guild Awards, 15th Korea World Youth Film Festival, and 21st Chunsa Film Art Awards, among others.
Photo Credit: Soompi
Going on a vacation is his official break after each project he engages in.
He’s definitely bit by the travel bug, as the actor confesses that traveling is his form of therapy after doing an acting gig. Fans also got to see his side as a traveler via his variety shows “Youth Over Flowers,” where he explores Iceland to see the Northern Lights with co-stars Jung Sang-hoon, Jung Woo, and Jo Jung-suk, and “Traveler 2,” where he visits Argentina alongside Ahn Jae-hong and Ong Seong-wu. Sadly, he doesn't have a social media account to update his fans about his travel experiences.
Photo Credit: Soompi
He entered the military at 27 years old.
Fans were sad about Kang Ha-neul's military enlistment, as he began this mandatory service a year after his successful stint in "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo." He left for his duties on September 11, 2017, when he was 27 years old. He was discharged in May last year.
Photo Credit: Dramabeans
Being in the military did not stop him from acting.
Although he has to serve in the military for two years, Kang Ha-neul didn't stop as an actor. For the Republic of Korea Army’s 70th founding anniversary, the army staged the musical "Shinheung Military Academy," where he played the lead role alongside fellow celebrities Ji Chang-wook and Kim Sung-kyu who were enlisted at the time as well.
Photo Credit: Dramacool
Singing is his middle name.
We can credit him for inheriting his parents’ musical genes! His dad, in particular, is also a folk singer, a talent undeniably passed on to the "When the Camellia Blooms" actor. His voice is featured in several OSTs, and fans approve of his singing chops which he showcased when he appeared as a guest in hit variety show “Running Man.” Another notable moment of him as a singer was when he sang the National Anthem while in the military with Ji Chang-wook, Im Si-wan, and Joo Won-sang.
Photo Credit: A Koala's Playground
Greet him as "Sky."
Both fans and friends fondly call Kang Ha-neul as "Sky." This nickname came from his actual name, which means—you guessed it—sky.
Photo Credit: HanCinema
He’s been linked to four Korean actresses.
A few years ago, there were rumors of him dating rapper Cheetah and “Mourning Grave” co-star Kim So-eun at the same time, which he and the parties involved denied. Meanwhile, he was also linked to singer and actress IU whom he worked with in "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo," but brushes off the rumors and explains that they’re just friends. And just recently, speculation of dating musical actress Lee Tae-eun also surfaced, which Kang Ha-neul denied as well. Currently, the 30-year-old is very much single.
Photo Credit: HanCinema
If he isn’t an actor, he would be a documentarist.
In a recent interview with a Korean magazine, Kang Ha-neul reveals that he intended to be a documentary director if he didn’t push through with acting. He spills that he’s more inclined to watch documentaries than actual films when he’s at home, citing nature- and space-related themes as his preferences.
Photo Credit: HanCinema
“Fat kid” no more.
Back in junior high school, he was insulted by his peers for being overweight—he weighed over 100kg! Instead of moping over his label as the "fat kid," he used this as motivation to turn over a new leaf and the rest, as we know it, is history. The hard work he put in to achieve his current physique is truly admirable!
Photo Credit: HanCinema
He’s a bookworm.
In several interviews, Kang Ha-neul had confessed that he loves books. He believes that reading is part of his training as an actor, thus, turning this hobby into a habit. After his discharge in the military, he revealed how he read a lot of books during his stay. In September last year, he was tapped by actress and fellow enthusiast Yoo In-na to collaborate for an audiobook concept.
Photo Credit: Kanghaneul Org on YouTube channel
He's a yogi.
Initially, the Best Actor awardee incorporated yoga into his routine to prepare for his Muay Thai training. In time, though, he’s learned to love and embrace yoga, stating how the calming and positive effects convinced him to keep it in his current lifestyle.
Photo Credit: HanCinema
Kang Ha-neul is claustrophobic.
In an episode of travel show “Traveler 2,” he admits to his companions Ong Seong-wu and Ahn Jae-hong that he’s having a hard time in airplanes, or getting in on any enclosed vehicle, because of his severe claustrophobia. So whenever he has to travel, he gets a prescription for sleeping pills ahead of time.
Photo Credit: Soompi
“Living in the present” is his motto.
In a Reporter Eun’s LIT NEWS interview, he shares how important it is for him to “live in the present.” “This is the fuel that my life runs on,” the free-spirited actor explains. “I don't want to live always worrying about things.”
Photo Credit: Viki
Lead photos from Vonin and Unsplash
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