Kang Ha Neul

Introduction to Kang Ha-neul – Acclaimed South Korean Actor

Kang Ha-neul, born on February 21, 1990, in Busan, South Korea, is a distinguished actor renowned for his versatile performances in television, film, and theater. Raised in a family with a strong theatrical background—his father graduated from the Department of Theater at Seoul Institute of the Arts, and his mother from the Department of Theater and Film at Kyungsung University—Kang's passion for acting was nurtured from a young age. 

Early Life and Education

Growing up in Daeyeon-dong, Busan, Kang discovered his love for the stage during middle school. His first experience in theater was as a prop team member in a church production titled A Bowl of Udon, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. He later pursued formal education in theater at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea. 

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Kang Ha-neul's acting career commenced at the age of 16 with his debut in the musical The Celestial Watch in 2006. Despite initial stage fright, he honed his skills and gained confidence, leading to his first lead role in the KBS Sunday drama My Mom! Super Mom! in 2007. His breakthrough in television came with the 2014 series Angel Eyes, where he portrayed the young Park Dong-joo, earning the New Star Award at the SBS Drama Awards. 

Notable Roles and Achievements

Kang's career flourished with notable roles in various dramas and films. He gained widespread recognition for his performances in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), When the Camellia Blooms (2019), and Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014). His portrayal of Hwang Yong-sik in When the Camellia Blooms earned him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor in Television. 

In addition to his television success, Kang has showcased his talent in films such as Twenty (2015), Midnight Runners (2017), and The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2022). His role in Twenty earned him multiple Best New Actor awards, further solidifying his status in the industry. 

Recent Projects

In 2025, Kang Ha-neul starred in the romantic comedy television series Tastefully Yours, which premiered on May 12, 2025, on ENA and Genie TV. The series is also available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions. 

Personal Life

Beyond his professional endeavors, Kang Ha-neul is known for his warm personality and dedication to his craft. He completed his mandatory military service in 2019, during which he co-starred in the military musical Shinheung Military Academy, a production regarded as one of the largest in the Republic of Korea Army, with cumulative audiences totaling 110,000 viewers.