Kang Ha-neul is a prominent actor known for his versatile performances. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in television series such as “The Heirs” (2013), “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014), “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016), and “When the Camellia Blooms” (2019). His filmography includes notable works like “Twenty” (2015), “Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet” (2016), “Midnight Runners” (2017), and “Forgotten” (2017). In 2020, Kang Ha-neulwon the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor and ranked 23rd in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity annual list. In 2024, he is set to appear in “Squid Game 2,” further solidifying his status in the entertainment industry.
Profile
- Name: Kang Ha-neul (강하늘)
- Birth name: Kim Ha-neul (김하늘)
- Birthday: February 21, 1990
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 181 cm
- Instagram: @galpos3
- Twitter: N/A
Career
Kang Ha-neul started his career in musical theater, gaining early recognition for his performances in productions such as Thrill Me (2010) and Prince Puzzle (2011). His transition to television began with supporting roles in dramas like To the Beautiful You (2012) and Monstar (2013), but it was The Heirs (2013) that introduced him to a wider audience. His portrayal of the intelligent and calm Lee Hyo-shin set him apart despite the star-studded cast.
As he continued to build his career, Kang Ha-neul took on more significant roles, including Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), where his realistic performance as Jang Baek-ki received praise. He further showcased his versatility in the coming-of-age comedy Twenty (2015), starring alongside Kim Woo-bin and Lee Junho, and in Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016), where he portrayed the tragic life of poet Yun Dong-ju, earning critical acclaim.
Kang Ha-neul’s breakthrough came with his role as the noble and loyal 8th Prince Wang Wook in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016). His emotional performance in the historical drama won him fans both in Korea and internationally. He continued to establish himself as a film actor with action-comedy Midnight Runners (2017), alongside Park Seo-joon, and the historical adventure film The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2022).
After completing his mandatory military service, Kang Ha-neul returned with the drama When the Camellia Blooms (2019), playing Hwang Yong-sik, a warm-hearted and straightforward police officer. His role won him the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the KBS Drama Awards, proving his acting prowess. He later starred in Insider (2022), a crime thriller that further expanded his range as an actor.
In 2024, Kang Ha-neul joined the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2, marking his first appearance in the global hit Netflix series. His role remains a mystery, but fans are eager to see how his versatile acting skills will contribute to the intense and suspenseful storyline. With his proven ability to portray deep and complex characters, Kang Ha-neul’s addition to the cast has heightened excitement for the new season.
With his ability to take on diverse roles in different genres, Kang Ha-neul continues to solidify his reputation as one of South Korea’s most talented and versatile actors.
Personal Life
Early Life
Kang Ha-neul was born in Busan as the eldest of two brothers to parents who were both former theater actors. His father studied theater at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, while his mother, who also had experience as a fashion model, graduated from Kyungsung University’s Department of Theater and Film. Growing up in Daeyeon-dong, Busan, Kang Ha-neul developed an early interest in the stage, which was likely influenced by his parents’ artistic background.
His passion for acting emerged during middle school when he stumbled upon a church theater recruitment ad during summer vacation. Despite not being religious, he was drawn to the experience and joined as a prop team member for the production “A Bowl of Udon.” The emotional impact of the curtain call left a lasting impression on him—one so profound that it moved him to tears, though he couldn’t fully understand the mix of emotions he felt at the time.
In 2005, Kang Ha-neul made an early television appearance alongside his father on KBS1’s “Morning Garden,” where they won three consecutive rounds in a family singing contest. The show’s host, announcer Lee Geum-hee, later recalled their performance as particularly memorable.
To support himself, Kang Ha-neul started working part-time jobs from a young age. He initially attended a regular high school with an acting club but later transferred to the National Traditional Arts High School to specialize in music and theater. Moving to Seoul alone from Busan, he had to finance his education independently, which shaped him into a mature and hardworking individual at an early age.
Net Worth
Kang Ha-neul’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, according to various sources. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive career in television dramas, films, and theater productions. Given his continued success and participation in high-profile projects, his net worth is likely to have increased in recent years.
Filmography
Film
- You’re My Pet (2011)
- Battlefield Heroes (2011)
- Peaceful Times (2014)
- Mourning Grave (2014)
- C’est Si Bon (2015)
- Twenty (2015)
- Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016)
- Like for Likes (2016)
- New Trial (2017)
- Midnight Runners (2017)
- Forgotten (2017)
- Waiting for Rain (2021)
- The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2022)
- A Year-End Medley (2021)
- Love Reset (2023)
Television Series
- My Mom! Super Mom! (2007)
- Hometown Over the Hill (2007–2012)
- Midnight Hospital (2011)
- To the Beautiful You (2012)
- Monstar (2013)
- The Heirs (2013)
- Angel Eyes (2014)
- Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
- Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
- When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
- Insider (2022)
- Curtain Call (2022)
- Squid Game 2 (2024)
Variety Shows:
- Hometown Flex (2020)
- House on Wheels (2021)
Web Shows
- Fifteen Nights on a Business Trip 2 (2022)
Fun Facts
- Due to poor eyesight, he underwent LASIK surgery to qualify for military police service.
- His passion for acting began in middle school when he was in charge of props for a church play.
- Initially, he considered not attending college as a form of protest against the entrance exam system but later decided to experience university life and was accepted into Chung-Ang University’s Theater and Film program. His classmates included Go Ara, Kim Bum, Kim So-eun, Linzy, Park Shin-hye, and Cao Lu.
- Kang Ha-neul has stated that he would never date another celebrity due to the shared stress in the industry.
- Kang Ha-neul revealed that he is drawn to women who speak foreign languages well, treat taxi drivers kindly, and prioritize their dreams over their relationships.
