KAIST graduate Kang Min-gil, who beat 252 to 1 odds, moves into film

Actor Kang Min-gil has been cast as Il-song, the protagonist of the independent art film 'Ilta Hong.' The casting was decided through an open audition, where Kang secured the lead role by overcoming a fierce competition ratio of 252 to 1. Directed and written by Park Han-yeol, the film is an emotional melodrama inspired by essays found in 'Eou Yadam,' a collection of tales from the mid-Joseon Dynasty.

The film 'Ilta Hong' centers on the core message that "love is what makes us live." It aims to capture the essence of how an individual transforms and grows through love, and how the emotion of love can fundamentally alter a person's life. Kang Min-gil's character, Il-song, is portrayed as a man who appears strong on the outside but harbors a deeper loneliness than anyone else.

From 'Brainy Actor' to 'Rising Star of Chinese Short Dramas': A Unique Trajectory

Born in 1994, Kang Min-gil has drawn attention since his debut due to his extraordinary background. His "brainy" reputation, stemming from his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from KAIST, made him a figure of interest beyond just being an actor. He even demonstrated his intellect firsthand through his appearance on tvN's 'Problematic Men.' However, he did not settle for his academic background, instead expanding his acting spectrum by moving between the stage and the camera.

His foundation in theater is also solid. Having honed his acting skills by performing in works such as 'Liar' and 'Miracle,' he has recently been making his presence felt in overseas markets. In particular, he has earned the nickname "Rising Star of Chinese Short-form Dramas" after a string of successes with Chinese web dramas such as 'Monarch,' 'Rebirth 2,' 'Tonight is You,' and 'Club.' In Korea, he has steadily built public recognition by appearing in major works including 'Miss Granny,' 'What Dreams May Come,' and 'Taxi Driver 3.'

A New Challenge Conquered Through 252-to-1 Competition

Being cast as the lead in 'Ilta Hong' holds more significance for Kang Min-gil than a simple casting call. As the result of a grueling audition process, he has shown deep immersion in the character. Regarding the role, Kang stated, "Il-song appears strong on the surface, but he is lonelier than anyone. I deeply empathize with how he changes through love, and I believe this will be a great challenge for myself."

He also expressed his determination not to remain an actor who merely recites lines. Maintaining close communication with director Park Han-yeol to build the character's inner self, he shared a specific goal: "I want to pour my heart into every scene to create a character that the audience will remember for a long time." The key interest of this film lies in how it will realize the emotional depth of the melodrama genre and the multi-dimensional transformation of the character.

Cranking in August, Meeting Audiences in 2027

The production schedule for 'Ilta Hong' has already been finalized. The film is set to begin principal photography on August 11, and following post-production, it aims for a theatrical release in 2027. This project, which brings together a narrative based on Joseon Dynasty records and Kang Min-gil's new acting transformation, is seen as an attempt to capture both the depth of an independent art film and mainstream sensibility.

Through this work, Kang Min-gil is prepared to solidify his position as a leading film actor, moving beyond his success in Chinese short-form dramas. As the figure of 252 to 1 proves, all eyes on the production site are focused on what kind of impression his portrayal of 'Il-song' will leave on the audience.