Sisyphus’ Sigma: A Look into Mental Illness
Kangin
Once upon a time... Yes I'll be narrating a story. Those who read my articles know pretty well how I always have to narrate a story. A kind of disease I guess!! So it was my first year of teaching and I was barely getting used to it when a work seonbae kept bugging me to watch some Korean stuff. I was an English literature graduate and my mind and heart were so filled with literature I had no time for anything else and honestly I was not interested in the least. I always liked England and Europe and I had not the least interest in Asian countries, so I kept making excuses until I ran out of them. I thought watching one thing would shush her so I took the punch of CDs she gave me. The first CD contained Exploration of the Human Body; the 2007 medical show. I was so unused to the language I couldn't properly follow along. But I knew after 2 episodes that even if I wasn't in love with the language just yet I was in love with the tall, broad-shouldered and hilarious guy who kept teasing his friends. Next day I ran to my seonbae and I asked her who the hell that guy was. She told me he was called Kangin, and he and the other guys in the show formed a boy band called Super Junior. I googled him, I watched every video of him alone, and I decided to give the other CDs a try. One week and I was officially a fan of Korean popculture.
For two years from that day, I only followed his and Super Junior's news, listened to every song they sang, watched every show they MCed or guest appeared in, and watched the dramas they acted in. Watching their dramas I started knowing other actors and my drama addiction started. Only after I ran out of his and their stuff did I start watching other bands and singers and other dramas and films. Still, he always comes first. Kangin always comes first; Super Junior always come first. I owe him the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks to him I got to know and learn one of the most beautiful languages. Thanks to him I was given the chance to look into a great country like South Korea. Thanks to him I met awesome friends from all parts of the world. Thanks to him I got new inspiration, new motivation; a new life.
Attack on the Pin-Up Boys
After watching EHB, I watched the film Attack on the Pin-Up Boys. Alright; if you want to watch a film and criticise it; don't watch this. This film is not a film in what the word means. It's simply a hilarious piece where all Super Junior members give their all trying to make you laugh. Kangin here is a judo fighter. He had won a competition once but he kept using the same method of fighting and he had never won again. He's the leader of the judo club and he always fights with Heechul - the dancing club's leader - whom he thinks is his rival. He's clumsy, impulsive, and childish. He believes fists solve everything and hides his insecurity behind them. I believe the director asked him to just be himself and he perfectly acted the role. I completely loved him here because I love him anywhere and no matter what he does.
Despite the plot which some might consider silly; Kangin really acted here and was awesome. I watched the film more than once; being a Super Junior fan. If you're in a good mood - not judging mood - watch this, I bet you'll enjoy it; if even just for Kangin.
Hello School Girl was Kangin's official debut. Kangin plays the insecure young Sook Kang who has just started working in a district office. Sook Kang falls in love with an older woman; Kwon Ha Kyung (Chae Jun Ah) and lies about his age to gain her attention. Kangin in the film shows much potential acting the friend of Yoo Ji Tae.
His expressions, the sadness and helplessness in his eyes but at the same time the strong emotions they carry, his clumsiness while trying to hide his vulnerability, his selfless try to console the girl he likes and his desperate attempt to be a big dependable man are so beautifully acted. Regardless of my personal love and endless support, in Hello School Girl Kangin actually acted; really well.
Romance Zero
Romance Zero was a lovely and cute work. As the inexperienced intern in a matchmaking company, Na Ho Tae (Kangin) tries his best to prove himself and cheer his team. He's passionate, kind, bright, consistent, and self-confident. He quietly observes the situation, but when it needs his interference he bravely steps in. The way he treats the girl he likes, Oh Soo Jung (Lee Kyung Eun), and the way he stands out against his boss, Kim Woo Jin (Lee Tae Sung), and speaks his mind is so arresting. As the second lead in a romantic comedy, Kangin totally won over my heart.
Then the ever-debatable hit-and-run incident happened. With the merciless public opinion; rising actor Kangin had to put his career on halt and enlist in the army. He was Super Junior's most popular member at the time. He was the MC of a TV show and the host of a radio show. He guest appeared in many shows, and earlier in that year he acted in the reality show We Got Married - and was the worst husband material ever.
The Cat Funeral
After his discharge and even after his comeback with Super Junior, Kangin himself was not confident about having a comeback in acting. He finally did and his Cat Funeral is to premier soon. Along with the ever-adorable Park Se Young; they play an ex-couple who meet after the cat they raised dies. To hold a funeral for the cat, they go on a trip together. The director of Cat Funeral said when filming started that he chose Kangin for the sadness his eyes can express. I can only wish that the film will be a hit and will mark Kangin's acting comeback.
The 29-year old Kangin, who acted in musicals as well, has loads of talents. I can see him as a well-established actor. No matter what he does, I'll cheer him on unconditionally.
Have you ever watched Kangin the actor?! If you haven't give him a chance. I promise you'll never regret it or run out of emotions. The eyes which can smile and make you smile along, can cry so heartbreakingly you'll find yourself sobbing. His deep voice will take your hand and show you a variety of emotions you had never imagined would be summarized in one person.
If there is an actor or an actress that is worthy of a Stalker's Guide in your opinion, and you have watched enough dramas of his/hers to prove it, please contact Elisabetta about it.
