Actor Kang Ha-neul to take lead role in upcoming KBS drama series

Kang Ha-neul [TH COMPANY]

Actor Kang Ha-neul will take a lead role in the upcoming KBS drama series “Trees Die on Their Feet” (translated),” the broadcaster announced Thursday.

Kang will take on the role of optimistic but anonymous stage actor Yoo Jae-heon. He faces a turning point in his life after he accepts a proposition from an old gentleman. Yoo is asked to act as a North Korean defector, the grandson of an old lady who is terminally ill.

Producer Yoon Sang-ho behind “River Where the Moon Rises” (2021) on KBS and “Saimdang, Memoir of Colors” (2017) on SBS takes helm of the series.

KBS said that they will finalize cast and start production.

Kang debuted through 2007 KBS drama series “My Mom! Super Mom!” and earned praise from audiences in the supporting role of a high school student named Lee Hyo-shin in SBS drama series “The Heirs” in 2013. He was highly also praised for his acting along with other cast members in hit tvN drama series “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” in 2014. His first lead role on television was in KBS series “When the Camellia Blooms” with his counterpart Kong Hyo-jin, which reaped huge success with the final episode ending with with a viewership rating of 23.8 percent. Kang’s notable filmography includes “Dongju: The Portrait of A Poet” (2016), “New Trial” (2017), “Midnight Runners” (2017) and “Forgotten” (2017). He recently appeared on the silver screen in an array of films such as “Waiting For Rain” (2021), “A Year-end Medley” (2021) and “The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure” (2022).

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]