Kang Ki-young, from Commercial Model to Actor… The Sense of Loss During Bit Part Days and Memories of Being a 'Hand Model'

Actor Kang Ki-young confessed the hardships he faced during his time as a commercial model and the sense of loss he experienced as a bit-part actor in dramas. Appearing on the tvN variety program "You Quiz on the Block," Kang Ki-young calmly recounted the process from his days as a commercial model to establishing himself as an actor today.

From Commercial Model to Drama Bit Part, the Story of Shedding Tears at a 'Hand Model' Suggestion

Kang Ki-young revealed that after choosing to major in theater and film during his college years, he began his career by directly sending out his profile to advertising agencies because he did not know the path into the entertainment industry. He continued his activities starting with a large mart commercial in 2009, but mentioned facing realistic limitations, such as difficulties in negotiating guarantees as his value as a general model declined. Eventually, he expanded his field of activity to bit parts in dramas.

He also opened up about the psychological hardships experienced during this process. Kang Ki-young mentioned experiences where the role he prepared for suddenly disappeared on set, or where he was deployed as a 'hand model' instead of an actor. Recalling a situation where he heard from an assistant director, "You need to prepare to be a hand model quickly," he said, "I had prepared for a role, but I was hurt by the situation where I suddenly had to be a hand model and the cold tone of voice, so I cried on the way back in the car." He added that after experiencing situations where filmed footage was discarded, he developed a habit of not telling his family news of casting until it becomes certain.

Requesting Yoo Jae-suk to Emcee the Wedding and Memories of the First Casting for 'High School King of Savvy'

Kang Ki-young also revealed an anecdote related to his wedding. He held an outdoor wedding at a gallery operated by his wife's family and shared the story of asking Yoo Jae-suk to emcee at the time. Kang Ki-young said, "I asked Yoo Jae-suk hyung if he could emcee, and he said he would do it if possible, so he came to the wedding in time for the morning."

Regarding the work that served as a turning point in his career, he chose 'High School King of Savvy.' He revealed that while working a part-time job at a cafe, he was cast in a role as a hockey player; he went to the audition room bringing his own skates, and was cast after hearing from the director on set, "You didn't act, but you have good energy." Since then, he has solidified his position with his unique, sly acting through works such as 'The Show Must Go On,' 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,' and 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.' He explained that his brief experience filming commercials helped develop instantaneous quick-wittedness, which also influenced his drama acting.

Daily Life with a 19-Month-Old Child, "A Supporter Who Decorates Your World"

He stated that the being that makes Kang Ki-young the happiest lately is his 19-month-old child. Expressing deep affection for the child, he said, "I want to be a supporter who decorates your world." He shared that the child has recently started learning to speak and uses the words 'Appa' (Dad) and 'An-dwae' (No) the most.

Furthermore, he shared an anecdote about the child's fast learning ability. While traveling with the child in a car seat, Kang Ki-young expressed surprise, asking, "Aren't you a prodigy?" upon seeing the child mimicking the song 'Kkot' by singer JISOO.