Kang Haneul: Reinventing himself into leading man
by awcoconuts
He’s definitely on fire: Kang Haneul, who began the year with a short but lauded appearance on Angel Eyes, has been cast as the lead in no less than four — yes, four — movies in 2014. Originally a musical theater actor, his breakthrough small screen performance was in last year’s Monstar, after which he quickly auditioned for and won the part of Hyo-shin in Heirs. Now, less than a year later, the in-demand actor no longer needs to audition for parts, and he is struggling to keep up with the offers that have rolled in.
The actor has been on a publicity tour for Mourning Grave (also known as Ghost Story of a Girl), which is currently in theaters, and he’s being praised for his first leading role in the Oh In-chun-directed feature, with news outlets reporting that he effortlessly navigated between the melodramatic, horror, and comedy aspects of the story to carry the movie. He was asked about how he was juggling his projects, shortly before the wide release of Mourning Grave.
“I’ve been having a hard time due to filming. In addition to supplemental scenes for Mourning Grave, overlap between C’est Si Bon and Age of Innocence productions meant that I recently forgot the code to get into the house I had moved into two weeks prior,” Kang laughed. “However, I’m very grateful to have these projects to work and strive for.” In addition to the three, filming begins this month on Twenty, which will reunite the actor with his Heirs castmate Kim Woo-bin.
Kang’s been so busy he’s hardly had time to breathe, but he took a few minutes to talk about Mourning Grave and how much he treasured the experience. The film was pulled off with difficulty, as production ran low on funds, and the cast and producers had to use all of their collective efforts to get it made.
“Our budget was small so we had to finish everything on schedule. Since we couldn’t do many takes, we paused to look at the continuity and to consult with the director quite often. We had to immediately start performing as soon as the cameras started rolling, so it was important for everyone involved in the film to seek each other’s opinions. I think that’s why we all worked unusually well together. I gave it my all, and everyone else did too. The movie turned out sleeker than we could have imagined, and for that, we are very grateful to the director.”
In Mourning Grave, Kang got to collaborate with his close friend, Kim So-eun (Horse Healer). The pair, who are both alums of Chung-Ang University’s theater/film program, play first loves in the film. When asked how it was to work with each other, they both waved off the question, merely saying it was “ticklish.”
Kang said, “We’re good friends. Even during university, of the friends who pursued acting, we were the closest. So-eun isn’t just a pretty girl. She’s easygoing and unaffected, and is prettier because of her simple air. Our first scene is one where I blow hot air into her hands, and it was so awkward we kept laughing. It was really great and comfortable to collaborate together — we didn’t even need to speak to be on the same page.”
As mentioned, the actor is getting positive affirmations from within the industry and from the general public for his leading performance in Mourning Grave. He has steadily climbed to his current position, and has earned a title as one of the most influential actors of his generation, not by being a part of a large agency or an idol, but through his hard work.
“Of course it feels good to receive favorable reviews. Yet somehow, I gain a strange strength from reading criticisms. I’ll read things like, ‘He is so common-looking, why are they promoting him?’ and ‘Where did this ugly dude come from? Our idol oppas are the best!’ and will think the comments are funny, but I also think to myself, I need to work harder. After Angel Eyes first aired, there were so many articles written about it, I asked my manager if we had issued a press release. As people start to pay more attention, I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I’ll always try to reinvent myself with different characters and will struggle to digest each character and to learn.”
He’s certainly accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, and is more than deserving of a break, but Kang has said he will not stop his efforts at growth, as an actor or as a person. He has said he doesn’t want to be a foolish actor.
“Lately, I’ve been thinking that I need to read more books. Since an actor’s job isn’t just to act, I need to be smarter. I’ve realized a lot of the ways in which I am lacking. Recently I’ve been paying attention to directors at work. My thinking is, if I know a little bit about the editing process, I might be able to become a better actor. There are some individuals who are worried about me taking on back-to-back projects. I’ll try my hardest to put my best efforts on screen so that the busy pace isn’t evident in my work.”
Kang appears to have a long and storied career ahead of him, and I hope he manages to stay appreciative of his opportunities and to maintain his healthy sense of humor about the business in the years ahead. While I won’t be seeing Mourning Grave (I won’t touch horror movies with a ten-foot pole), I promise to support you by watching and waiting for your other work!
Via ENews24
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- Kim Woo-bin, Junho, Kang Haneul star in coming-of-age movie
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- Joseon romance thriller Age of Innocence finalizes its cast
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Tags: interviews, Kang Haneul
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1 Himbuk
July 13, 2014 at 12:04 PM
True!
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2 aly
July 13, 2014 at 12:14 PM
Oh you honestly don't understand the Feels i got from this post. I even got a little mushy by the end. I remember seeing him for the first time in monstar and him really catching my eye. Him and nana were my fave couple. I fell for him and then i saw him in angel eyes and that was that. Seeing him from the beginning and seeing him come so far deffo makes me Feel like a part of that journey, but mostly, i just Feel so proud. I recall an older interview where he seemed so unsure of his future but he was so humble and so clearly im love with acting . I worried a little that people wouldnt see his talent so reading this post is so rewarding. Sorry for being a mush but i always had faith and i'm so happy and proud to see him FINALLY being recognised. You are going to do great things. Congrats <33
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3 Hipployta
July 13, 2014 at 12:24 PM
His latest photo shoot is EXTREMELY eye catching...I'm not sure where this "common looking" label is coming from at all LOL.
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jubilantia
July 13, 2014 at 1:19 PM
Seriously- he's super gorgeous. Of course, no one said k-pop fans were rational in their loyalty...
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Sue
July 13, 2014 at 6:07 PM
If this is common looking in Korea I'm definitely moving there.
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missasoen
July 13, 2014 at 8:18 PM
mwahaha, let's be neighbour :D
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Aya
July 13, 2014 at 9:10 PM
adding myself in the neighbourhood :P
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pigsnout
July 13, 2014 at 11:50 PM
And me!
Miho
July 14, 2014 at 2:10 AM
Count me in!
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Francian
July 14, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Me too!!! ;)
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DeeCee
July 15, 2014 at 3:19 PM
I'm in too - he's adorable! And what a great neighborhood it will be... we can all gather together at night and talk about (or watch) our favorite shows over a glass of wine... imagine a whole neighborhood of people like us! Heaven!
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Julia Fitri
July 14, 2014 at 5:39 AM
Same here, i'm like UGLY? COMMON-LOOKING? Are your eyes broken?
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hm
July 14, 2014 at 7:04 PM
well, he does look like a younger version of a chinese actor called 孙艺洲 (Sun Yi Zhou)
http://news.shm.com.cn/attachement/jpg/site1/20140507/18a905d9c7cb14d41d0106.jpg
http://ent.shangdu.com/portray/20131119/P_5856164_0__1017026973.jpg
and my brother's friend looks a bit similar to him.
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howforwardsale
July 16, 2014 at 2:20 AM
I think he looks a lot like Lee Jung Jin at times. :D
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4 MariD
July 13, 2014 at 12:37 PM
Using her seagull voice *mine! Mine!! Mine!!!*
How in the world is he "common looking"??? How??
Plus even if he was, his voice both singing and speaking make me happy!!!!
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5 cingdoc
July 13, 2014 at 12:38 PM
I started Angel Eyes because of GHS, but was soon mesmerized by KHN... I cried 2 boxes of tissues with him... Pfft, he is not common- he's a rare gem in drama( vs all those( non acting) idols) Fighting, KHN, this ahjumma supports you !!!
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6 maddragonqueen
July 13, 2014 at 12:54 PM
This website can be so frustrating sometimes. I read about these great movies that I really want to see, but when they are out in Korea, I know I have to wait several months for them to appear stateside. Uuuurrrggghhhhh. Must. Watch. Kang Haneul.
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7 Milli
July 13, 2014 at 12:56 PM
He was great in To The Beautiful You. That was my first time to see him as well as Kim Woo Bin who was also in that drama. It was hilarious.
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kanz
July 13, 2014 at 1:34 PM
I also first notice him in TTBY. I want to erase the whole drama, but the casts are eye-candy. LOL
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m92
July 14, 2014 at 5:53 AM
its not that i exaggerate but i think i got a keen eye in finding a talented actors and actresses when they still rookie and can feel that they will be big in the future. First, lee jong seok when he still rookie in secret garden but his capture my eyes with his pure gaze. Kim woo bin caught when he in gentleman dignity as trouble student. I like kang ha neul the most in TTBY. He got a charisma that totally overshadowed choi min ho awkward acting. Seo in guk caught my eyes in his debut drama love rain. He is so cute and lovable for the past time in that drama. For eunji, she got charisma onstage and her voice is so powerful with her cute eyesmile since "I don't know". Lee min jung captured for her beauty in BOF. Lee Bo young because of her beauty in her debut drama Save the Last Dance for Me. Suzy as natural goddess in Miss A with her innocent face. Park Se Young in Faith. Park Seo Joon in bang yong guk debut song , "i remember".For now, i predict Seonhwa will be talented actress on the future. Girls day yura n mina would be big also. Park ki woong gonna be leading man material after his post army.
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m92
July 14, 2014 at 5:58 AM
i almost forgot! i think kim ji won and lee yoo bi deserved to get better role. And they gonna be leading actress material. They got talent and beauty too!
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8 D
July 13, 2014 at 1:00 PM
This post made me so happy. He's honestly one of my favorites and I'm glad he's getting leads. Even in shows I haven't liked, I've always loved him. He's so natural with his acting - his scenes always feel real and true.
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9 Quiet Thought
July 13, 2014 at 1:03 PM
I don't know what this kid's got, but he's got plenty of it.
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10 Miz Miz
July 13, 2014 at 1:16 PM
I think Kang Haneul oppa's back to back success is due to the WILDLY popular "The Heirs".
I still cannot BELIEVE it that "The Heirs" has become this much popular & successful!!
I read in an article that "City Hunter" & "Boys Over Flowers" became so popular.While,"The Heirs" has caused sensation & syndrome!!
plsss don't get mad at me,if you dislike this drama! I just think ALL the cast of Heirs has become MORE SUCCESSFUL thanks to this drama.One of which is Kang Haneul oppa!
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11 August
July 13, 2014 at 1:18 PM
Finally!!!!!
:) :) :)
Many Beanies have lamented when will the industry recognize and see what we see - that Kang Haneul has shown us time and time again that he is more than ready to be a leading man.
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August
July 13, 2014 at 1:39 PM
So happy and excited for Kang Ha-Neul.
Absolutely loved his portrayal of Jung Sun-Woon in Monstar. As the character Lee Hyo-Shin in Heirs, he successfully balanced and navigated between being charming and heart-rending. Next, he had a nice cameo as Kim Sung-Joon in Two Weeks. He definitely knocked it out of the ballpark with his performance as the young Park Dong-Joo in Angel Eyes.
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jusash
July 14, 2014 at 7:16 AM
He was the best thing for me, in Angel Eyes. His chemistry with everyone - his mom, sister and gf was sooo good.
The 'adult' actors didn't quite have the spark or intensity for me. I dropped it.
From a short Monstar - > Angel Eyes journey, this dude already keeps getting better.
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skelly
July 14, 2014 at 12:04 PM
Same here. I did not feel that the "adult" version of Dong-Joo could match Kang Ha-Neul's intensity, breadth of emotion, or charisma - I felt the teenagers had a lot more chemistry than the adults, because of Kang Ha-Neul's portrayal.
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SD
July 14, 2014 at 3:12 PM
Me too. I'm not saying that Lee Sang Yoon's performance was bad. It was pretty decent, it's just that I couldn't see the Park Dong Joon that Kang Ha Neul has portrayed.
pogo
July 13, 2014 at 7:45 PM
Bless him, I think we've been waiting for this ever since Monstar.
(and now for the industry to recognise the talent of some of the girls who've been languishing in supporting parts..)
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12 whatsthescenario
July 13, 2014 at 1:21 PM
I love him!
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13 Abbie
July 13, 2014 at 1:30 PM
Wow. I'm impressed. I loved him in both Monstar and Heirs and I'm glad he's getting a lot of buzz and roles, especially as a leading man. But seriously, he needs to slow down. He doesn't want to be seen as a "foolish actor" but there are many ways of being foolish. Tackling too much at one time, or having projects back to back with hardly any time to rest is one of them. Don't be foolish, oppa, and take a break. If you don't, you may regret it.
In any case, I'm happy for him. Fighting!
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14 kanz
July 13, 2014 at 1:39 PM
I'm so happy that Kang Haneul now gets more popular. That man has great acting talent and who comments him not good looking? From which angle he's not great.
I don't watch Angel Eyes, but I watch his other dramas, TTBY, Heirs, and his musical. Even with small roles he shows great acting. Same as JCW, I always pray so he can get the recognitions they deserved.
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15 gia
July 13, 2014 at 2:46 PM
YES YES YES!!!
I always thought he was an underrated actor that deserved more! Saw him in Monstar and wanted to hate his character but just couldn't! Saw him on The Heirs and omg, him and Woo Bin's character were the icing! <3
And of course I saw Two Weeks with his cameo - completely different to his other roles and THEN Angel Eyes. OMG. He was so perfect as the young Dong-Joo! Love him!
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16 ujsid
July 13, 2014 at 4:12 PM
"I’ll read things like, ‘He is so common-looking, why are they promoting him?’ and ‘Where did this ugly dude come from? Our idol oppas are the best!’ and will think the comments are funny, but I also think to myself, I need to work harder."
Ughhhh!!!! one of these days with these annoying/delusional fangirls :/
He is a good actor and for me he is actually pretty easy on the eyes and for the longest time i wondered why such a handsome guy wasn't getting any lead roles!
Glad to know that his career is going forward in full gear! Lots of love from your noona fan :)
I see a cute chemistry between KHN and KSE from the pictures, can't wait to see "Morning grave" :D
Best of luck for the future Kang Ha Neul! <3
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17 minah
July 13, 2014 at 4:27 PM
Ugly?! Plastic surgery-fied idols who can't act are totally better than Kang Ha Neul...
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18 blnmom
July 13, 2014 at 4:34 PM
Thanks for this article! Loved Kang Haneul in Monstar, and he KILLED me in the first eps of Angel eyes. I'm glad he's getting a lot of work in movies, but I hope he'll be able to take the leading role in a drama, for our long-term viewing pleasure...
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19 Miky
July 13, 2014 at 6:01 PM
So happy that the movie is doing so great and even more because people are recognizing his talent....for me he is among the greatest young actors of his generation...while looks are a total subjective matter i still think he is hery handsome and carismatic and even more on screen so i find it fuuny when hearing people call him ugly or even more that he might lack talent...
i'm still sad that till now he dindn't get the full recognizion and leading roles he might deserve...i really like the guy,he seems quite deep and not stupid or superficial...
loved him in Monstar,well i loved all the cast there actually...hope they will make a second season but i know i dream too much...
Sadly his talent in Heirs was wasted,just like many others but he did his best with what he had,his character there had so much potential,so i think he did even more than what might have been written for that character and the writer didn't know what to do when people actually wanted to see more of it thanks to Ha Neul...totally adored him in Angel Eyes,i watched the 2 episodes for him and loved the young generation to bites...he is such a versatile actor,i really hope he will land a leading role in tvN...tehy sure like too use talented actors that aren't always sooooo famous in good projects,hope he will get a good drama in cable rather than teh big 3 that lack somehow the originality
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20 coffeenlucia
July 13, 2014 at 6:46 PM
Fell in love with him in Angel Eyes. <3
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21 Changminie
July 13, 2014 at 7:17 PM
He have good talent,good attitude. You don't need at big agency or to be idol,you just such be a good actor.keep a good.work kang ha neul
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22 pogo
July 13, 2014 at 7:43 PM
'common looking'? Has to be the words of some delusional idol fangirl, for sure - that face is NOT common, in or out of Korea!
I'm so happy to see him finally breaking beyond the supporting roles and smaller parts he's been doing so far, for his young age he's a fantastic, subtle actor and brought far more to his part in Heirs than the script warranted (that was true of many of the other Heirs cast as well).
And I'm really looking forward to Twenty, it's clustered none other than 4 of my biases in its cast - him, Kim Woobin, and then the double actress whammy of Jung So-min AND Lee Yubi! I really hope it's great.
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23 tablet
July 13, 2014 at 7:49 PM
Woah good for him. Even before Heirs and Angel Eyes I remember him from To the Beautiful You (dunno how I managed to finish that one lol) and thinking that acting-wise he was the most competent out of the bunch who starred in that drama.
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24 ais
July 13, 2014 at 8:49 PM
He has a bright future as an actor. He was exceptional playing young Park dong joo in Angel eyes. I do hope he bags a lead role in a drama soon. Preferably with Nam ji hyun :)
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25 Jellinda
July 13, 2014 at 9:23 PM
Don't get the "common" comment at all! The first time I saw him act was in Angel eyes and he leapt off the screen and dominated all he action. His distinctive looks make him so unforgettable. So I looked him up on YouTube and his interview confirmed what a serious actor he is. Handsome, intelligent, creative... What's not to like? And by the looks of the comments on top, others don't think he's hard to look at either..
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26 risa
July 13, 2014 at 10:10 PM
FOUR movies back-to-back?! That's intense. I'm really happy for him. He's not just good-looking and talented~ he has this lovely, emotional air about him, and you can feel his sincerity and warm heart.
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27 coby
July 14, 2014 at 12:27 AM
I love him and can't wait to see his career flourish! I first saw him in To the Beautiful You and was so happy with his role in Monstar. I only watched the episodes where KHN is in Angel Eyes and he is awesome there.
Kang Ha Neul fighting!
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28 e.
July 14, 2014 at 12:54 AM
"Common-looking" and "ugly"... Are these seriously the comments he gets? Omg, this kid is HAWT! Wish him a wonderful career.
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29 snow
July 14, 2014 at 1:41 AM
Kang Ha Neul is so charismatic....love him :)
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30 Miho
July 14, 2014 at 2:14 AM
He is nothing less than any idol. Looks as well as his voice. I totally love him. He is gonna be a star someday. Oppa, fighting! We all love you.
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31 john
July 14, 2014 at 3:35 AM
Common looking? Wow, where do these people hang out at?
He's so handsome. Lucky guy is friends with Kim So-eun too.
What a beautiful couple they make.
Glad he's being recognized for his talent. Look forward to his new projects.
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32 Net-chan
July 14, 2014 at 5:25 AM
Oh I'm so proud of him! He really deserves it.
He is so charismatic, I wish him the best in the years and decades to come!
I don't understand hate messages from crazy K-Pop fans: "Who's this ugly dude?" WHAT? WHUUUT???
Idols are so ugly, even WITH some job done on them, it hurt my eyes when I see them.
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33 cheekbones
July 14, 2014 at 6:15 AM
Thank you awcoconuts for the article.
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34 Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan
July 14, 2014 at 7:18 AM
That black and white picture of him and Kim So-eun is so cute, I love it.
I can't wait for this movie and I thought Min-min wasn't doing twenty anymore? I hope she still does it because I have this insane urge to see her act with Kim Woo-bin. On what planet is Haneul considered ugly?! I loved him in Heirs and now he'll forever be Park Ddong-joo (that's how he introduces himself to Yoon Soo-wan) to me. I saw the episodes with the adults first in Angel Eyes, then I watched the childhood portion after the drama ended. He killed that role dead and buried it.
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35 sweetlove618
July 14, 2014 at 12:45 PM
I think he did a really great job in angel eyes.
I love to hear/read bout actors who's always trying to improve because they care bout the job they do.
Looking forward to seeing him more!!!
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36 ham
July 14, 2014 at 6:38 PM
To be honest, to me he was just okay on Monstar and Heirs. Definitely pleasing to the eye, but maybe it was his roles - he just didn't seem to stand out. But that definitely all changed after watching Angel Eyes. His performance was so unforgettable I couldn't get into the older version of his character (even though I love Lee Sang Yoon). He's really matured through his roles, I can see him going far - esp. when he gets into his 30s.
- ham
kdramame.wordpress.com
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37 Kaybee
July 17, 2014 at 12:32 PM
He has the total package of the lead. I was in fact surprised by his sidey roles in Monstar and Heirs, esp. the later. He deserves better because he was way better than the leads of these 2 dramas. I am so glad he is getting his due but I don't know why, once the actor is seen all over the place and gets common, I tend to loose interest... I hope he retains his allure.
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