Every time Kang Ha-neul appears on screen, it feels like seeing him for the first time familiar yet brand new. With his sixth project this year, the actor once again reminds audiences why he’s one of Korea’s most trusted stars. Effortlessly transforming into completely different characters in every film and drama, Kang embodies that rare paradox: an actor who’s both steady and unpredictable, consistent yet constantly evolving.
His latest film First Ride, released on October 29, has quietly taken over autumn theaters, topping Korea’s box office for seven straight days. The premise lifelong friends finally taking their first overseas trip together might sound simple, but it’s Kang’s magnetic presence that draws audiences in. When his name appears in the cast list, moviegoers already know they’re in good hands. Directed by Nam Dae-jung, who previously helmed the 2023 sleeper hit 30 Days, the film thrives on heartfelt chemistry and relatable humor. Kang’s loyalty shines too; he reunited with Nam after their previous success, driven not by favoritism but by genuine respect for the story. “The script is always the most important,” Kang said. “Even if I like the director, I don’t decide until I’ve read the script this one was just so much fun.”
For Kang, a good script isn’t about perfection but imagination. “No script is flawless,” he explained. “What matters is whether my imagination fills in the blanks. If it does, then it’s fun on paper and on set.” He adds that the atmosphere on set matters just as much: “If it feels too intense or sensitive, I usually turn it down. I want the work to be enjoyable.”
In First Ride, Kang plays Tae-jeong a once-perfect student turned National Assembly aide who naturally takes the lead among a quirky group of friends played by Kim Young-kwang, Cha Eun-woo, Kang Young-seok, and Han Sun-hwa. Their mix of personalities brings out the humor and warmth that make the film’s dynamic irresistible.
From Streaming earlier this year to Opposition Party, Your Taste (ENA), Squid Game Season 3 (Netflix), and 84 Square Meters (Netflix), Kang Ha-neul has worked harder than nearly anyone in the industry this year. Yet he shows no signs of fatigue or self-consciousness about being “overexposed.” “It’s better for my mental health not to think about it,” he said calmly. “If I start worrying that I’m doing too much, I’ll actually feel tired and lose joy. Some people may be tired of seeing me, but I believe they’ll always discover something new with every role.”
Now, as he wraps up a year packed with promotions and filming, Kang finally allows himself a breath. “I feel relieved,” he admitted with a smile. “If First Ride marks the end of my year, it feels like a proper wrap-up like saying, ‘This is it for now.’”
And that’s the secret of Kang Ha-neul’s staying power: his joy in the craft. While some chase trends, Kang simply keeps reinventing himself, one story at a time and somehow, every performance still feels like the first.
