Kang Ha-neul is a talented South Korean actor who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his versatile performances. As we look at his career up to 2025, let’s explore the top 10 Korean dramas and movies that showcase his incredible acting skills.
1. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
This romantic comedy drama was a turning point in Kang Ha-neul’s career. He plays Hwang Yong-shik, a kind-hearted police officer who falls in love with a single mother named Dongbaek. The story takes place in a small town and shows how love can bloom in unexpected places.
Yong-shik is funny, sweet, and brave. He protects Dongbaek from danger and helps her overcome her fears. Kang Ha-neul’s performance in this drama won him several awards, including the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor.
2. Streaming (2025)
In this thrilling movie, Kang Ha-neul takes on a completely different role. He plays Woo Sang, a popular live-streaming broadcaster who specializes in criminal profiling and covering mysterious cases. The story follows Woo Sang as he chases after a dangerous serial killer while live-streaming his investigation.
This movie shows Kang Ha-neul’s ability to portray intense and complex characters. It’s a departure from his usual romantic roles and demonstrates his growth as an actor.
3. Tastefully Yours (2025)
Returning to the romantic genre, Kang Ha-neul stars as Han Beom Woo in this delightful drama. Beom Woo is a chaebol heir (a wealthy person from a powerful family) who becomes a “recipe hunter” to inherit a food corporation. He meets Mo Yeon Joo, a stubborn chef who runs a small restaurant in Jeonju.
This drama combines romance with the world of food, creating a feast for the eyes and the heart. Kang Ha-neul’s chemistry with his co-star and his portrayal of a man discovering his passion for cooking make this a must-watch.
4. Squid Game Season 3 (2025)
In a surprising turn of events, Kang Ha-neul joined the cast of the globally popular series “Squid Game” for its third season. He plays Kang Dae-ho, also known as “No. 388.” While we can’t reveal too much about the plot to avoid spoilers, Kang Ha-neul’s performance adds depth to the thrilling and intense world of Squid Game.
This role showcases his ability to adapt to different genres and work within a large ensemble cast.
5. The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure (2022)
For those who love adventure, this movie is a treat. Kang Ha-neul plays Wu Mu-chi, a skilled swordsman who joins a group of pirates on a treasure hunt. The film is full of action, comedy, and beautiful scenery.
Kang Ha-neul’s portrayal of Wu Mu-chi is both charming and exciting. He shows off his action skills and proves he can be a convincing action hero as well as a romantic lead.
6. Insider (2022)
In this suspense action series, Kang Ha-neul takes on the role of Kim Yo-han, a judicial trainee who goes undercover in prison to catch a gang leader. The drama is full of twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Kang Ha-neul’s performance as Yo-han is intense and emotional. He perfectly captures the struggle of a man trying to maintain his identity while living a dangerous lie.
7. Forgotten (2017)
This thriller movie shows a different side of Kang Ha-neul. He plays Jin-seok, a man whose brother returns home after being kidnapped, but something seems off. As Jin-seok tries to uncover the truth, he finds himself caught in a web of mysteries and lies.
Kang Ha-neul’s portrayal of Jin-seok’s growing paranoia and desperation is haunting and powerful. This movie proves his ability to take on complex, psychological roles.
8. Midnight Runners (2017)
Lightening the mood, this action-comedy film pairs Kang Ha-neul with Park Seo-joon as two police academy students who get caught up in a real crime. Kang Ha-neul plays Kang Hee-yeol, the more by-the-book of the duo.
The chemistry between the two lead actors is fantastic, and Kang Ha-neul shows his talent for comedy. His timing and expressions add a lot of humor to the film while still delivering in the action scenes.
9. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
This drama was one of Kang Ha-neul’s earlier works, but it remains a fan favorite. Set in a typical Korean office, the series follows the lives of several employees. Kang Ha-neul plays Jang Baek-gi, an overachiever who struggles with the realities of office politics.
His portrayal of Baek-gi’s journey from an arrogant newcomer to a more understanding colleague is nuanced and relatable. This role showed Kang Ha-neul’s ability to bring depth to characters over a long-form series.
10. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Last but not least, this historical fantasy romance drama sees Kang Ha-neul as Wang Wook, the 8th prince in the Goryeo dynasty. The story follows a modern-day woman who travels back in time and finds herself caught between Wang Wook and his half-brother, the 4th prince.
Kang Ha-neul’s portrayal of the conflicted Wang Wook, torn between his duty and his heart, is both romantic and heartbreaking. His performance in traditional costume dramas proves his versatility as an actor.
