[Interview] Kang Ha-neul "Top Casting Choice? Because I Do Tasks Well and Am Easygoing"

Interview with Actor Kang Ha-neul from The Pirates: Goblin Flag

Kang Ha-neul / Photo by TH Company

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Kang Ha-neul is recently regarded as the most desirable male actor in his 30s to work with in Chungmuro. When mentioned, he laughed heartily and said, "Where did you hear that?" He added, "It's not bad to be praised for good acting, but I want to hear that the work itself is good."

In a video interview with Asia Economy on the morning of the 18th, Kang Ha-neul revealed, "I wanted Muchi to be a boisterous and bold character," and said, "After considering several options including shaving my head, I decided to perm my hair."

The sequel to the 2014 film 'Pirates: The Treasure Hunter,' which attracted 8.66 million viewers, titled 'Pirates: The Goblin Flag' (directed by Kim Jeong-hoon, hereafter 'Pirates 2'), is a spectacular adventure film about pirates who gather at sea to become the owners of the royal treasure that disappeared without a trace. It will be released on the 26th.

Kang Ha-neul plays Muchi, the leader of the righteous band and the best swordsman of Goryeo, and stars alongside actors Han Hyo-joo, Lee Kwang-soo, Kwon Sang-woo, Chae Soo-bin, Oh Se-hun, Kim Sung-oh, and Park Ji-hwan.

Kang Ha-neul debuted in 2007 with the drama 'Strongest Mom' and rose to stardom with the drama 'Misaeng' (2014). Since then, he has been active in films such as 'Dongju' (2016), 'Midnight Runners' (2017), and 'Forgotten Night.' After his military discharge in 2019, he returned with the play 'Fantasy Fairy Tale' and hit the jackpot with the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms.' Currently, he is considered the most sought-after male actor in his 30s and is active as a 'Chungmuro trendsetter.'

His love for the stage is also exceptional. He has consistently met audiences through performances in plays like 'Thrill Me' and 'Harold and Maude,' as well as musicals such as 'Assassins,' 'Black Mary Poppins,' and 'Shinheung Military Academy.'

Kang Ha-neul / Photo by TH Company

=What was the most important aspect when portraying Muchi?

I wanted to express him as a character who is excellent at fighting but somewhat clumsy. If I exaggerated it, it would come across as flat. I thought that might be an easier approach, so I was cautious and tried to find a middle ground in laughter, breathing, and sounds. He has clumsiness but works hard. I focused on showing him fighting well but sometimes failing.

=What did you focus on most on set?

I believe it is not the actor's role to worry about whether the team harmonizes well on set. Actors should focus on acting; it's the director's responsibility.

=Your portrayal of rough, grimy skin stands out.

We used minimal makeup. I thought Muchi needed to look grimy to make his past feel more distant. I tried to express him as differently as possible from his past self.

=Was underwater filming difficult?

The production team was considerate, so I was able to film well. I am grateful. It was a necessary scene to express Muchi and the story.

=What was the most challenging part of portraying Muchi?

The perm was the hardest. I had to get a perm every two weeks, which took 3 to 4 hours each time. Sitting in the salon with nothing to do was tough. The perm was so strong that even when I sprayed water to wash my hair, it wouldn't soak in. I had to force it in with my fingers to wash it. After filming, my hair started breaking.

Photo by Lotte Entertainment

=Are you satisfied with the completed film?

I trusted the director and all the filming crew and pirate members. I enjoyed watching it.

=What do you think distinguishes 'Pirates 2' from other works?

Existing marine adventure action films like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' focus on a strong or symbolic main character, expanding from one person's story. In contrast, 'Pirates 2' is a work where multiple characters come together, and teamwork shines. Although they bicker, their closeness makes the teamwork feel alive.

=You said you found Ha-rang (Han Hyo-joo)'s character attractive after reading the script. Why?

Han Hyo-joo practically lived at the action school; it was impressive. She trained every time I visited. On set, she kept moving to stay warm and warmed up continuously. I felt she was deeply committed. On set, we even joked, 'Why didn't we get closer during "C'est Si Bon" (2015)?'

=How was your action chemistry with Kwon Sang-woo?

It felt like learning a move from a master. I had some action scenes in works like 'Midnight Runners' and 'Twenty,' but Kwon Sang-woo is truly top-tier in action. He knows when to apply and release force and moves organically. It felt instinctive rather than trained.

=How was filming 'SNL Korea'?

It was fun. The crew, including Shin Dong-yup, Ahn Young-mi, and Kwon Hyuk-soo, are all amazing. I was drenched in sweat, but they film every week. There are run-throughs and notes within the schedule. It really felt like performing. I talked with Jung Sang-hoon about how it really felt like theater.

=You are regarded as the most desirable 30s trend actor to work with in Chungmuro and the content market recently. How do you view this?

I don't really know. If I answer, it might seem like I'm acknowledging it. (laughs) I'm filming dramas and have a movie release coming up. I don't mind being praised for good acting, but the thing I want to hear most is that the work is good. What I feel these days is that regardless of box office success, all actors, directors, and production staff on set put in their best effort.

=Why do you think directors want to work with Kang Ha-neul?

Maybe because I do what I'm told without complaint and am easy to work with. I'm not difficult and work hard on what I'm asked to do.

=You are also considered an actor every actress wants to work with at least once.

Well, I don't really know about that either. There's no particularly sensitive point. Maybe because I make it comfortable to act.

Kang Ha-neul / Photo by TH Company

=It can't always be good. Sometimes it must be hard. How do you handle that?

I'm not a nice person. I just want to have fun on set. I try to find fun rather than get stressed. So I tend to be relaxed. I organize my thoughts when I wake up and before going to bed as a way to relieve stress. I don't meet people except when filming. Maybe because I don't go outside. Or maybe because I'm an INFP. (laughs)

=How do you feel about releasing a new work during the Lunar New Year holiday after the COVID-19 pandemic, and what are your plans for the holiday?

I think I'll be filming during the Lunar New Year holiday. It feels a bit unfamiliar to have a release coming up. It's both fortunate and painful. Recently, I saw 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' doing well and felt relieved. It gave me a small hope that audiences want to watch good works in theaters. I hope many people come to see it and that the day comes when Korean films can be released without worry.

=What are your plans for the Year of the Black Rabbit?

This year, I want to rest a bit. I think a little break is necessary. When I rest, I don't go outside and do nothing.