Kang Dong-won is a renowned South Korean actor, who will turn another page in his life today on the 18th of January. Starting his career as a model, when he got cast on the street to working his way to establishing himself as an A-list actor, his career has been the most diverse. Therefore, on his birthday, we bring you some best roles by the actor that proves his mettle to play any character efficiently.
5 Diverse Roles by Kang Dong-won
Broker
Broker, which is set to be released in India soon, follows two brokers who sell orphaned infants, left by their parents at the baby box and circumventing the bureaucracy of legal adoption, to affluent couples who can’t have children of their own. After an infant’s mother surprises the duo by returning to ensure her child finds a good home, the three embark on a journey to find the right couple, building an unlikely family of their own.
Starring Song Kang-ho, Bae Doona, Lee Ji-eun, and Lee Joo-young as well, the film has been commended at various film festivals for its heartwarming story and the character of Dong Soo, played by Kang Dong-won acts as a bridge between the mother and his business partner. Looking at the plot, you would think of them as some bad guys selling babies, but you get these tender men who aren’t often portrayed in the films.
Peninsula
Peninsula is a sequel to the famous South Korean Zombie movie and takes place four years after the zombie outbreak in Train to Busan. The Korean peninsula is now devastated and Jung-seok, a former soldier who has managed to escape overseas, is given a mission to go back and retrieve a truck full of money from the wastelands while fighting for his survival and unexpectedly meets survivors.
Jung-seok, a former South Korean Marine Corps Captain feels guilty for not saving his nephew and sister. But through this mission, he is able to help many survivors who aren’t infected and heal his heart in the process. Through this role, you can see the actor in full action as he fights for his life against zombies. You can watch this film on Viki.
Also Read: Cotton Candy Teaser: GOT7 Jinyoung Sounds As Sweet As the Song Title
A Violent Prosecutor
While the above-mentioned roles fall in the serious or emotional category, Kang Dong-won as Chi-won is perfect if you are looking for a comic role. As a well-spoken and handsome swindler, Chi-won joins hands with a prosecutor, played by the actor Hwang Jung-min, who is sent to prison on false charges of murder. In order to escape prison, Chi-won decides to help the prosecutor in his revenge plan and even change the course of his own life.
If you thought that the actor only plays action or melodramatic roles the best, then this film will prove his range as an actor who don a comic character, equally well. Watch this film on Apple TV+.
Haunters
If you ever wondered what the actor will look like in a negative role then you need to see this film where Gang Dong-won as Cho-in, a robber with supernatural abilities is out to harm anyone who comes his way. He had a traumatic childhood, as his parents tried to kill him and in the present, lives his life robbing others by using his mind control abilities on people to do the job for him.
Upon learning that he can’t control Kyu-nam (played by the actor Go Soo) because of his similar supernatural abilities, Cho-in pursues him in frustration to the point of putting everyone’s lives at risk. If you watch the trailer there’s a line that says ‘one look in his eyes and you can’t escape’, well superpower or not, the line still stands true. You can watch this film on Amazon Prime Video.
My Brilliant Life
Starring Song Hye-kyo in the lead as well, the film follows 16-year-old Ah Reum, who is born with a rare genetic disorder and ages far faster than everyone else. Possessing the body of an 80-year-old, he prepares a gift for his young parents who have raised him with unconditional love. Playing the role of Dae-soo, a man who became a father at a young age but does everything in his power to keep his family together.
Kang Dong-won was especially praised for his role, which tugs at the heartstrings and even feels relatable as moments. His chemistry with Song Hye-kyo is also to look out for, as we witness a beautiful love story amidst the emotional roller coaster. Watch this film on Viki.
Have you watched the movies mentioned above? Which other role of his should be added to the list? Let us know in the comment section below.
Also Read: 5 Song Covers By TXT’ Yeonjun That Proves He is an All-Rounder