Song Kang Before Fame: The Rise of the K-Drama Star

Before the Stardom: The Journey and Early Days of Song Kang

Long before he earned the global title of the “Son of Netflix” and melted hearts in massive hits like Sweet Home, Nevertheless, and My Demon, Song Kang was just a regular student trying to figure out his path.

Taking a trip down memory lane to look at Song Kang “before” the fame reveals a fascinating story of an artistic upbringing, humble beginnings, and a steadfast dedication to his craft.

An Art-Filled Childhood and School Days

Born on April 23, 1994, in Suwon, South Korea, Song Kang grew up in a household deeply immersed in creativity. His father was an artistic gymnast, and his mother worked as a piano teacher. Growing up surrounded by athleticism and music, it’s no surprise that Song Kang naturally developed an appreciation for the arts early on.

During his school years—attending Songpa Middle School and later Changhyun High School—he was known among peers for his striking looks. Long before making his official television debut, his pre-debut and school yearbook photos circulated online, earning him praise as a natural “face genius” whose signature charm has remained unchanged.

Almost an Idol, Completely an Actor

As he approached adulthood, Song Kang’s striking visuals and tall frame caught the attention of talent scouts.

• The Idol Scouting Phase: He was approached multiple times by various K-pop entertainment agencies hoping to train him as an idol.
• Following His True Passion: Despite lucrative opportunities to enter the music industry, Song Kang politely turned them down. His heart was set entirely on acting, a medium through which he could truly express deep human emotions.

To pursue this dream seriously, he enrolled in the Department of Film Arts at Konkuk University, throwing himself into learning the technical and emotional foundations of acting.

The Rookie Years: Stepping Into the Spotlight

Song Kang officially broke into the entertainment industry in 2017, landing his first minor television role as a sweet, music-loving supporting character in the tvN series The Liar and His Lover.

Knowing that every great career starts small, he took on diverse odd jobs to build his portfolio:

• Music Video Cameos: He appeared in sentimental music videos like Suran’s “Love Story” and The Ade’s “Sweet Summer Night”.
• Variety Show Exposure: He expanded his public presence by joining the fixed cast of the mystery variety show Village Survival, the Eight alongside heavyweights like Yoo Jae-suk.
• Hosting Gig: He even stepped up as an MC for the popular music program SBS Inkigayo in 2018, showcasing his bright energy and bubbly personality to live audiences.

From Unknown Rookie to Global Icon

Though his early roles were mostly supporting parts—such as playing a delivery worker cameo or a secondary friend—Song Kang’s persistent auditions eventually paid off. His breakout came when he beat out hundreds of hopefuls to star as Hwang Sun-oh in Netflix’s Love Alarm.

Looking back at the pre-debut and early rookie days of Song Kang highlights a powerful lesson: even global superstars start as ordinary students with big dreams, relying on patience, hard work, and staying true to their passions to make it to the top.