[On The Record] Kang Minhyuk "If You Love Me, Any Wound Can Be Overcome"

Actor Kang Min-hyuk Interview

Netflix 'Celebrity' Third Generation Chaebol Role
Actor = Office Worker... Maintaining Principles for 10 Years

Actor Kang Min-hyuk [Photo by Netflix]

Actor Kang Min-hyuk (32, member of the group CNBLUE) sat down for an interview for the first time since his military discharge. His last interview was before enlistment in 2017, when he took on his first leading role in a drama. Returning more mature after six years, he showed clear signs of nervousness. Next to the large tumbler on the table, lip balm and a snack called Yadom were lined up side by side.

Recently, at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kang Min-hyuk said, "I haven't been able to meet anyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic after my discharge," and greeted, "It's fun and nerve-wracking to do an interview with a new look after a long time."

Kang Min-hyuk played Han Jun-kyung, the CEO of a cosmetic brand, in the Netflix original series "Celebrity," which was released on the 30th of last month.

He said, "I think OTT platforms, which are available in 199 countries along with social media, offer great opportunities for actors. They are windows of sharing that unite everyone. I'm happy and grateful to be able to greet many people through 'Celebrity.'"

Even a Third-Generation Chaebol Is Different When Kang Min-hyuk Plays the Role

'Celebrity' still photo [Photo by Netflix]

Han Jun-kyung is what is commonly called a chaebol heir. He always lets reason take precedence over emotion and expresses his feelings straightforwardly for Seo Ah-ri (played by Park Gyu-young), using any means necessary.

Kang Min-hyuk said, "The overall story and theme resonated with us living in this era. At first, I felt Han Jun-kyung's words and actions were unusual and extraordinary, but I wanted to express him in my own unique way without feeling burdened." He added, "I had a strong desire to do it my own way."

Since "Celebrity" deals with social media and influencers, it attracted a significant number of viewers in their teens and twenties. Kang Min-hyuk touched on the thematic significance. He said, "The words 'influencer' and 'celebrity' have become so familiar that we don't even know when or how they appeared. I thought a lot about when they entered our lives like this."

He continued, "It's positive that it allows us to reflect on whether we are missing something within that world." He also added, "Please enjoy the drama according to your own position or perspective."

Han Jun-kyung actively supports Seo Ah-ri to grow into the influencer she wants to be. Thanks to this, Kang Min-hyuk earned the nickname "Princess Maker."

He said, "Curiosity sparked my interest. Someone wearing a 12 million won outfit taking the subway and paying taxes? I was curious and probably felt intrigued. Seeing her boldness in front of many people made me endlessly curious. I approached with curiosity and found out she was actually a good person."

From Boy Band to Actor... 13 Years of Steadfastness

Actor Kang Min-hyuk [Photo by Netflix]

Kang Min-hyuk debuted as a member of the boy band CNBLUE in 2010 and started his acting career the same year with the drama "It's Okay, Daddy's Daughter." He made a name for himself as an actor through appearances in "I’m Sorry, I Love You" (2011), "You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly" (2012), "The Heirs" (2013), "Entertainer" (2016), and "Hospital Ship" (2017). After his discharge, he has quietly continued his acting career with "Not Yet Thirty," "Oh! Master" (2021), and "Celebrity."

Recalling his debut with CNBLUE, he said, "When I debuted and became popular, I was 19, just out of high school. I don't know what thoughts or visions I had or how I pictured my future as an entertainer back then, but I have walked this path without losing the teachings and principles my parents gave me, and I have come this far."

He added, "I want to have a long career in the entertainment industry. I have walked the past 10 years firmly with my own principles and without wavering, and I plan to continue doing so."

Was there ever a difficult time? Kang Min-hyuk confessed, "Sometimes I made mistakes, got hurt, and felt a lot." He continued, "Through various experiences, I became more cautious. I believed that if I move forward without losing who I am, I can be competitive enough. I trusted myself greatly."

His self-belief became his driving force. He said, "I tend to be grateful for everything. Nothing is guaranteed in any situation. If you love yourself more than anyone else, you can overcome any wound."

It has been exactly 13 years since he started acting. Having diligently built his career compared to his age, Kang Min-hyuk is determined to work even harder this year. He likened his workplace to a "job." When asked why, he answered, "I am an actor and singer, but I think of myself as an employee belonging to an entertainment company."

Kang Min-hyuk [Photo by Netflix]

Kang Min-hyuk said, "I want to maintain this job for a long time and enjoy it. People often say that idols and entertainers have short careers, but this is no different from other professions. I think I can do it for a long time."

He added, "Without having big ambitions or goals, I hope to continue steadily and be loved beautifully. Even when I get older, I want to be someone who shares good stories through interviews like this."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.