A famous Korean actor personally shared the story of how he chose acting over performing on stage despite receiving an idol offer during his college years.
On August 26th, Song Kang appeared as a guest on tvN’s variety show You Quiz on the Block and reflected on the time before and after his debut.
While attending Konkuk University’s Department of Film Arts, Song Kang received an offer to become an idol. Yoo Jae Suk described his looks as “idol center material.”
However, Song Kang declined the offer, saying, “I can’t sing or dance.” In fact, a fan meeting video showed him awkwardly dancing.
His parents had mixed reactions to their son’s decision to pursue acting. Song Kang said, “My mother said, ‘What acting? You’re an introvert; just learn a skill.’ On the other hand, my father told me to try it right away if I liked it.”
Encouraged by his father’s support, he enrolled in an acting academy. Adaptation wasn’t easy. Song Kang recalled, “I had to act in front of other students, but I was so shy I kept laughing. Every time I went home, I wondered if I should keep doing this. But I didn’t want to give up.”
In his third year after debuting, he was cast in Love Alarm after beating 900 to 1 odds. Reflecting on the audition, Song Kang said, “I think I was just bold and confident back then.”
He also spoke about hearing the news of his acceptance. “I thought someone else would get the part, but I was at a dermatologist’s office when I got the call. It was the first time my heart really raced. I was so happy walking home,” he said.
After the success of the Sweet Home series, Song Kang gave back to his parents. “I bought my father a car. That felt great. I also gave my parents allowance. I thought I should do better and take good care of them,” he shared.