Summary
Song Kang-hois one of the most recognizable South Korean actors both domestically and abroad, and yet, despite a slew of international successes, the star still hasn’t made a Hollywood film. Song is an indelible performer who won Best Actor at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival for his role in Hirokazu Kore-eda’sBroker, and was listed onThe New York Timeslist of the 25 greatest actors of the 21st century. He is also a close collaborator of Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook, having appeared in four films from both directors, including the starring role in theOscar-winning film,Parasite.
The so-called Korean Wave is often applied to the growth in popularity of K-Pop and K-Dramas in the West, but it has also brought international attention to numerous South Korean actors and actresses who have transitioned into Hollywood. South Korea’s film and TV industry is among the strongest outside the United States, so actors have numerous opportunities to hone their talents in big-budget movies and shows. Butgiven that Song Kang-ho has starred in some of Korea’s most notable films, it doesn’t make sense that he, too, hasn’t made the leap outside the peninsula.
Song Kang-Ho Talks Uncle Samsik, Vulnerable Characters & Modern Korean History
Song Kang-ho discusses what drew him to Hulu’s new K-drama, Uncle Samsik, and how he hopes to highlight the vulnerability of such a complex character.
Song Kang-ho Is A Powerhouse Performer In Korea’s Most Popular Film Exports
He Frequently Collaborates With Filmmakers Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook
When thinking of South Korean films, it’s likely that most of the movies that spring to mind will feature Song Kang-ho. Hiscollaborations with famed directors Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook have made him one of the most recognizable stars in Koreaand around the world. His performances often blend humor with pathos, demonstrating his versatility that spans across genres, from the intense drama ofMemories of Murder, the bumbling but lovable everyman inA Taxi DriverandThe Host, to out-there comedy inThe Good, The Bad, The Weird.
Song Kang-ho’s collaboration with Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook
2000
2002
2003
2005
Bong Joon-ho (as co-writer)
2006
2009
2013
2019
Parasite
Bong Joon-ho
Song first came to prominence in the 1999 film,Shiri, which was South Korea’s first big-budget Hollywood-style blockbuster, notable also because it was one of the first films out of the country to depict North Koreans in a more positive light. But it was the following year, with the release of Park Chan-wook’sJoint Security Area, that launched Song Kang-ho into the spotlight. Since then, the actor has starred in many well-known Korean films that have found international success and praise from critics. In fact, of Song’s filmography,he currently boasts eight films with scores of over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lee Jung-jae And Other Korean Stars Have Made The Leap To Hollywood
Transitioning To Hollywood Is A Safe Bet With Korean Stars Returning Home For Local Productions
Given his long list of popular and successful films, and his long-running collaborations with top filmmakers, it seems unusual that Hollywood wouldn’t have enlisted Song for any project yet.Numerous Korean actors have found major success in recent years, making the transition to Hollywood. Lee Jung-jae has most recently leveraged his popularity on the Korean Netflix series,Squid Game, to land a leading role asMaster Sol in the Star Wars series,The Acolyte. Bae Doona, who worked with Song onThe HostandBroker, also broke out in the US, most recently starring in Zack Snyder’sRebel Moon, and the sci-fi series,Sense8.
These actors, along with many others, have managed to maintain their star status in South Korea, and continue making films and shows in their home country.Transitioning to Hollywood isn’t a one-way street, and actors who do cross over aren’t cut off from future roles in Korea.Even if a Hollywood role doesn’t pan out to be as well-received as expected, as was the case forMa Dong-seok (Don Lee) as Gilgamesh inEternals, there’s always the safety net of Korea’s massive film and TV industry to fall back on.
A Robust Korean Film Industry Keeps Song Kang-ho Busy
Korea’s Film And TV Industries Have A Long History That Produces Quality Talent
For much of South Korean film history, it has enjoyed a deeply robust industry, which was one of the few countries that saw domestic box office success that exceeded Hollywood movies. This was mostly due to the country’s screen quota that ensured public screenings of foreign, imported films were kept to a minimum. When this quota was reduced, more Hollywood films flooded Korea and diluted the domestic market. But this has since stabilized and,in recent decades, the industry has again pulled ahead, creating a dynamic market of local and foreign cinema.
(Song Kang-ho) is a versatile actor who has proven he’s not afraid to take risks, and consistently delivers powerful and empathetic performances.
This robust film and television industry keeps Song Kang-ho busy and starring in numerous big-budget and widely-loved films. Song is currently starring in his first venture into television, with the Disney+ KDrama,Uncle Samsik. However, the actor’s talents deserve more international attention as well as leading roles in Hollywood productions. He’s a versatile actor who has proven he’s not afraid to take risks, and consistently delivers powerful and empathetic performances. These are the aspects ofSong Kang-ho’s career that have made him so popular in South Korea. It’s time he broke out in Hollywood too.
Uncle Samsik
Cast
Uncle Samsik is a historical drama series set in 1960s South Korea, exploring the life and struggles of Samsik as he navigates a rapidly changing society. The series stars Song Kang-ho in the titular role, presenting a gripping narrative that delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and socio-political upheaval. Detailing both personal and national challenges, Uncle Samsik portrays the complexities of an era marked by transformation.
