Photo Credit: ONE

Korean actor Kang Ha Neul was in Singapore last weekend to promote his upcoming blockbuster drama ‘Scarlet Heart’, where he plays the role of the 8th prince, Wang Uk, who falls in love with the female lead after she is transported back in time. 

The 20-episode drama is a remake of the popular 2011’s Chinese television series of the same title. Set in the Goryeo dynasty, the drama boasts a large and good-looking cast that includes Lee Joon Ki, Hong Jong Hyun, Baek Hyun of K-pop boyband EXO, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Ji Soo.

“I am aware of the original version of the drama, even before this remake was announced. I am also fully aware that the drama is immensely popular, so there was a lot of pressure to be a part of this mega-hit production,” shared Kang at the media conference. 

He added: “At the end of the day, I’ve decided to just give it a go and enjoy as much as I can because that will bring out the best in me as an actor, participating in this drama… I really enjoyed the whole process.”
 

As to what attracted him to accept the role, the smiley actor said it was the ‘growth of the character’ that he wanted to explore future.

“The 8th prince has always wanted to explore life outside of the palace but because of his obligation as a prince, he couldn’t. But as he meets Hae Soo (played by IU), he finds the freedom element and starts to realise what he wants to pursue in life. That growth (in Wang Uk) is what I was attracted to it - the growth of the character and finding what he really wants to do in life.”

The drama after all, is about a girl who travels back in time to the Goryeo dynasty. When asked if he would rather travel back in time or to the future, Kang chose the former.

“I will travel back in time because if I know what’s going to happen in the future, then that’s decided by your present and you still have the power to make the difference,” the 26-year-old chuckled, continuing: “So to travel back in time, that will affect your future, which is now, the present.” 

(Head to the official website for more updates on Scarlet Heart!)
Photo Credit: ONE


Fans can catch Scarlet Heart first and exclusively on channel ONE (Singtel TV Ch 513 & 604 and StarHub TV Ch 124, 820 & 823) every Monday and Tuesday at 9pm.