Song Kang has made a serious name for himself as a Kang's K-drama debut came in 2017 when he took on a minor role in the series, The Liar and His Lover. Just a couple of years later, Kang truly broke into stardom with the romantic comedy, Love Alarm. Since then, he has become a tried and true K-drama star, though not all of his work gets the attention it deserves.
Part of what makes Kang such a beloved actor is his ability to take on vastly different characters and dramas. Although he got his start in romances like Love Alarm and Nevertheless, Kang proved through these projects that he could easily play a lovestruck high schooler or a jaded playboy. After that, Sweet Home showed that Kang is not defined by one genre. He can succeed in a dark horror context as well as in a light, fantasy romance. Because of his versatility, it's surprising that one of his most unique K-dramas hasn't gotten much attention.
Every Song Kang Fan Should Watch Navillera
Navillera Proves Kang's Talent
If you haven't already, Navillera. Released in 2021, the series centers on Shim Deok-chul, a 70-year-old retired mailman who decides he wants to learn ballet after having a lifelong ion for the art. While attending the dance academy, Deok-chul meets Lee Chae-rok, a 23-year-old dancer who is pursuing ballet in honor of his mother, who ed away when he was young. Although those around Deok-chul don't approve of or understand his new pursuit, at first they soon discover how inspiring his ion really is.
Song Kang's K-Dramas |
Character |
|---|---|
The Liar and His Lover |
Baek Jin-woo |
Man in the Kitchen |
Kim Woo-joo |
Touch Your Heart |
Deliveryman |
When the Devil Calls Your Name |
Luka |
Love Alarm |
Hwang Sun-oh |
Sweet Home |
Cha Hyun-soo |
Navillera |
Lee Chae-rok |
Nevertheless |
Park Jae-eon |
Forecasting Love and Weather |
Lee Shi-woo |
My Demon |
Jeong Gu-won |
Kang's diverse array of projects showcase how well he can take on any character, and Navillera is no different. In the role of Chae-rok, Kang portrays a talented artist who is struggling financially and mentally. Lacking money and suffering due to his mother's death and his father's imprisonment, he is quickly losing his ion for the thing he loves most: ballet. However, after meeting the spirited Deok-chul, Kang successfully shows how Chae-rok gets his groove back. His chemistry with Deok-chul is unmatched. Ultimately, this is one of Kang's most heartfelt and moving roles.
Why Navillera Is Not As Popular As Song Kang’s Other K-Dramas
Navillera's Simplicity Is What Makes It So Special
Despite being a strong entry from Kang, Navillera is one of his most underrated K-dramas. This is because Navillera lacks some of the flashier tropes that K-drama audiences are often looking for. The series has no whirlwind romance or juicy drama, but instead, focuses on the simple dreams of an older man. To some, this may seem boring or more suitable for older audiences than younger ones. Kang's other series demand far more attention because of their high-stakes plots and drama, yet Navillera is just as satisfying to watch - perhaps, even more so.
Song Kang’s Most Underrated K-Drama Is Unlike Any Of His Other Shows
Song Kang’s most underrated K-drama may not have been a global hit like Sweet Home, but it was still an incredible series with great performances.
In reality, it is Navillera's simplicity that makes it so good. The K-drama is a slice-of-life series, which means it is concerned with showing off the lives of regular people. This makes Navillera far more relatable than series like My Demon, which include fantastical elements and unlikely romances. Furthermore, Navillera tells a story that just about anyone can identify with. Regardless of age, gender, or race, anyone can relate to following your dreams and finding joy in your life, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Thus, Navillera hits harder emotionally than any of Kang's other K-dramas.
Song Kang’s Career Is Amazing, But Navillera Might Be His Best K-Drama
Kang Should Do More Dramas Like Navillera
There is no doubt that Kang has had an amazing career so far, but Navillera truly could be his best K-drama to date. The show does not rely on cheap tricks to keep audiences invested, but instead, tells a genuine and authentic story about aging, friendship, and ion. Kang's role in Navillera shows that he does not need to be a romantic lead or action hero to be successful. If anything, Kang's performance as Chae-rok shows that he is a talented dramatic actor who could go beyond more typical K-dramas.
Although Kang is currently completing his military service, it would be awesome to see him take on more roles like Navillera when he returns. Rather than playing more love interests, Kang should get to play more realistic people with realistic problems. Arguably, more series like Navillera could boost Kang's popularity even more. All in all, Navillera is proof that Song Kang's K-dramas are the best of the best.
- Creator(s)
- Han Dong-hwa, Lee Eun-mi, Hun
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