[Interview] Kang Ha-neul "What If a Large Sum of Money Is Deposited at Once from Internet Broadcasting?"

Kang Ha-neul Portrays a Solo Online Channel Host in "Streaming"
A Crime Analysis Streamer Chasing Provocative Content for Popularity
A Film Reflecting the Dark Side of One-Person Online Broadcasts

Actor Kang Ha-neul. Photo by Lotte Entertainment

The movie theater screen transforms into a gigantic online window, and the audience freely swims through the online world while seated. They search for trending keywords, and even mid-video ads play as they do online. This is the story of the film "Streaming," which deals with the dark side of one-person online broadcasts. Actor Kang Ha-neul (35) plays the role of 'Woo-sang,' a solo internet broadcast host (streamer) who runs a crime analysis channel, leading the story.

The competitive landscape of streaming platforms, where only the top channel takes all the donations without commission, closely mirrors reality. Woo-sang chases increasingly provocative content to maintain his number one spot, capturing the attention of live viewers. This reflects the real-world social issues caused by some BJs or YouTube streamers crossing the line with their broadcasts, evoking a bitter feeling.

The film centers around the "Clothing Hem Serial Murder Case." After a series of murders where the perpetrator cuts off the victims' clothing hems, Woo-sang starts a broadcast to track the case. He is boastful and narcissistic. Though he pretends to be righteous, his violent side occasionally surfaces. Kang Ha-neul said, "I couldn't empathize with Woo-sang," and shared, "I seriously thought about what it would be like if a large sum of money was deposited into my bank account every time I spoke or acted." He added, "If audiences leave the theater reflecting on social issues even once, then the film has fulfilled its role."

Kang Ha-neul faced the streaming world while playing a streamer and gave it serious thought. He believed Woo-sang should not be portrayed as a 'righteous character' and shared his opinion with director Jo Jang-ho. "The director intended for the audience to feel that 'Woo-sang is going to save someone' while watching the film, but I saw it differently. I thought Woo-sang was someone who flaunts, 'Look at me doing good deeds, putting my heart and soul into it, how about that?'"

In the original script, Woo-sang was described as wearing ordinary clothes with hair covering his forehead. Kang Ha-neul said, "The initial setting was somewhat bland. I suggested making him look boastful and appearance-conscious." He explained, "I came up with ideas like an exaggerated three-piece suit, tattoos visible between the suit, and earrings." This was an appropriate character analysis that ran through the film's thematic consciousness.

Still photo from the movie 'Streaming'. Provided by Lotte Entertainment.

"Streaming" is practically a one-man show for Kang Ha-neul. Born to parents who are theater actors and having debuted on stage in plays and musicals, he liked the film’s format, which unfolds much like a play. "The script was filled with Woo-sang’s name. It felt like a play where the actor leads the story. It was fun to think about how to deliver the lines deliciously, and acting alone while looking at the camera was exciting."

When asked if he ever considered doing actual streaming broadcasts, Kang Ha-neul shook his head with a smile. "Actor Kang Ha-neul performs in front of the public, but Kim Ha-neul (his real name) doesn’t like standing in front of others." He added, "If I were to do YouTube, I’d like to create travel content. However, I’m uncomfortable showing my face or voice. Videos capturing only natural scenery and sounds are popular these days, and I’d like to try that kind of content."

Born in 1990, Kang Ha-neul pursues an analog sensibility in daily life. He said social networking services (SNS) are difficult for him. "Just imagining posting my face on SNS... (laughs) It’s not easy for me. It requires great effort and becomes stressful. I want to avoid stressful things in life," he said with a smile.

Kang Ha-neul earned the nickname "Good Deeds Machine" after stories of him helping people in trouble became known. When asked about this, he laughed heartily. "I’m just someone who lives life enjoyably and happily, not necessarily a good person. It’s natural to be considerate and not harm others. Someone asked me if I curse in daily life, and of course, I do when I’m angry. Especially when I see people being rude to delivery workers or others, I curse more. But when I work, I’m Kang Ha-neul, and in daily life, I go back to being Kim Ha-neul, living a plain life without stimulation, which I like."