The Making of a Star: Life and Ambitions Before Song Kang Became the “Son of Netflix”
Long before he was commanding global screens, setting internet trends, and earning the coveted title of the “Son of Netflix”, Song Kang was just a regular young man navigating his passions, trying to figure out where he belonged. Today, he is celebrated for mega-hits like Sweet Home, Nevertheless, and My Demon. But tracing back to the era before his massive breakout reveals a journey defined by artistic roots, rejected idol scouts, and a quiet determination to master his craft.
Artistic Roots and Early Life
Born on April 23, 1994, in Suwon, South Korea, Song Kang grew up in an environment naturally infused with creativity. Art wasn’t just a distant hobby for him—it was part of his household. His father was an artistic gymnast, while his mother worked as a piano teacher.
Growing up surrounded by physical discipline and musical expression shaped his appreciation for aesthetics and performance. However, unlike many young stars who chase the spotlight from childhood, Song Kang’s early school days at Songpa Middle School and Changhyun High School were relatively ordinary. He spent much of his youth playing sports, exploring video games, and figuring out his future step-by-step.
The Turning Point: Choosing Acting Over K-Pop
As his striking looks and tall frame began to draw attention, the entertainment industry came knocking early. Before ever landing an acting role, Song Kang was scouted multiple times by K-pop idol agencies.
In a landscape where many young actors or trainees happily pivot into music, Song Kang turned them down. He realized early on that his true passion wasn’t singing or performing on music show stages as an idol—it was storytelling. He wanted to evoke raw emotions through characters.
To pursue this dream seriously, he enrolled in the Department of Film Arts at Konkuk University, a well-known breeding ground for top-tier Korean actors. Immersing himself in film studies, he learned the foundational mechanics of cinema, script analysis, and character building, laying the heavy groundwork required for a sustainable acting career.
The Grinds of a Rookie (2017–2018)
Song Kang officially made his debut in 2017 with a minor supporting role in the tvN romantic comedy series The Liar and His Lover, followed by a part in the family weekend drama Man in the Kitchen.
During these early years, he wasn’t an overnight sensation. He experienced the typical grueling hustle of a rookie actor:
- Stepping Stones in Music Videos: He padded his resume by appearing in emotive music videos, such as The Ade’s “Sweet Summer Night” and Suran’s “Love Story” in 2017.
- Branching into Variety: To build public recognition and overcome his initial shyness in front of cameras, he stepped into variety shows. In 2018, he became a fixed cast member of the mystery variety show Village Survival, the Eight alongside veteran entertainers.
- Music Show Hosting: He served as a co-host for the weekly music program Inkigayo in 2018, rubbing shoulders with top K-pop idols and sharpening his live-broadcast presence.
These foundational gigs tested his adaptability. Though he wasn’t yet a household name, these varied experiences built his confidence, helping him transition from a hesitant newcomer to a versatile camera-ready performer.
The Calm Before the Global Storm
Everything changed when he beat out massive competition—reportedly out-auditioning hundreds of candidates—to land his first major lead role as Hwang Sun-oh in Netflix’s Love Alarm (2019). That role rocketed him into international stardom, paving the way for the intensive physical training he underwent for Sweet Home and the ballet training he endured for Navillera.
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