Summary

Song Kang’s most underratedK-dramadiffers from all his other shows, yet it is arguably one of the best series he has starred in. Although Song Kang’s career is still relatively short – his first TV role happened in 2017 – the 30-year-old actor has been in some of the best K-dramas of recent years. Known as the“Son of Netflix”because most of his projects are streaming on the platform,Song Kang recently starred inMy Demonand will return as Cha Hyun-su in the upcomingSweet Homeseason 3.

Although Song Kang’s first major leading role was in 2019’sLove Alarmseason 1, his career was taken to new heights in 2021 with the back-to-back releases ofNavillera,Nevertheless, andLove Alarmseason 2. Since then, Song Kang has established himself as one of the most popular Korean actors working right now. While it can be difficult to pick thebest Song Kang K-dramas,one of his roles is particularly underrated compared to global hits likeSweet Home.

Song Kang in Forecasting Love and Weather, My Demon, and Love Alarm

Navilleramay not have been a worldwide hit like Netflix’sSweet Homeor a fan-favorite rom-com likeMy Demon, yet it is one of Song Kang’s best shows – if not the best.The 2021 K-drama tells the story of Lee Chae-rok, played by Song Kang,who found in ballet something to hold on to after a series of losses and misfortunes. The show also follows Shim Deok-chul, played by Park In-hwan, a 70-year-old man who decides it is not too late to pursue his dream of learning ballet. The stories of Chae-rok and Deok-chul eventually become intertwined.

Navilleragives both of its main characters attention, and while they are in different stages of their lives, their journeys end up becoming the same. Whereas Chae-rok needed the guidance of someone who had experienced losses and disappointments already, Deok-chul needed someone who believed in him and wouldn’t judge him for pursuing an old dream. Chae-rok and Deok-chul form an incredible, emotional bond, with one character learning something from the other in every episode.Navillerais a heartwarming K-drama about how it’s never too late to dream, and how everyone has something to teach and learn.

Park In-hwan and Song Kang in the poster for Navillera

What Makes Navillera So Different From Song Kang’s Other K-Dramas

Song Kang’s most famous K-drama roles come from romantic comedies and romantic series, one exception beingSweet Home. Although there is romance inNavillera, it is not the focus of the show.Song Kang’s characterinNavillerahas lost his mother at a very young age and does not live with his father – ballet is the only thing he has left after having lost even some of his friends.Chae-rok goes through an amazing journey and becomes a better version of himselfthanks to the guidance and friendship of Deok-chul.

Navillerais also a highlight of Song Kang’s K-drama career in terms of physical performance.

Song Kang as Sun-oh and Han So-hee as Da-kyeong

There is comedy inNavilleraas well, but the show is primarily a drama in which every scene and piece of dialogue feels emotionally charged. Although Song Kang gives great performances in all of his K-dramas,Navillerashows a more vulnerable side of the actorthat fits his character perfectly.Navilleradoes not have a gimmick likeLove Alarmor a main couple in which the entire story is centered aroundNevertheless– it is about two people from different worlds helping each other in critical moments of their lives.

Song Kangs gives one of his best performances in Navillera

AlthoughSong Kang’s K-drama couplesoften steal the show in his series, the star has given great performances over the years.Sweet Home’s tragic protagonist Hyun-su is quite different from the charming, flirty lead character fromNevertheless, just likeMy Demon’s Gu-won is the total opposite ofForecasting Love and Weather’s Shi-woo. Still, compared to his other shows,Navillerais arguably Song Kang’s most unique role.The dynamic between Deok-chul and Chae-rok is moving, and while their scenes together are great, the characters also shine when they are separated.

Song Kang & Han So-hee’s Romantic K-Drama Is Perfect To Watch While Waiting For Their 2024 Shows

With both Sweet Home and Gyeongseong Creature returning later this year, now is the perfect time to revisit Song Kang and Han So-hee’s 2021 K-drama.

Navillerais also a highlight of Song Kang’sK-dramacareer in terms of physical performance. Song Kang learned ballet forNavilleraand performed all of his stunts in the series, which sees his character doing some incredible numbers and movements. Speaking toForbesin 2021, Song revealed he took ballet lessons for six months ahead ofNavillera. The actor explained he focused his performance on improving the lines,feelings of [his] moves and gaze”instead of“executing difficult movements.”The fact that Song Kang had no experience in dancing beforeNavilleramakes his performance as Chae-rok even more impressive.

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Cast

This drama follows the journey of a 70-year-old man pursuing his lifelong dream of ballet and a 23-year-old talented dancer. Together, they navigate personal challenges and form an inspiring bond as they strive to fulfill their aspirations of becoming ballet dancers.