Kang Min-hyuk on playing Han Jun Kyung in ‘Celebrity’ and his evolving acting process

Kang Min Hyuk speaks about his latest hit K-drama series ‘Celebrity,’ his on-screen chemistry with Park Gyu Young, balancing acting with K-pop, and more

“Followers. Several people who know me and watch me. That’s what gives you power and lets you make money.” This striking statement is from the hit Netflix K-drama Celebrity,which delves deep into the hyper-competitive world of social media influencers as they sway and manipulate trends in a bid to enhance their social currency.

Directed by Kim Cheol Kyu (Flower Of Evil, Chicago Typewriter), Celebrity tells the story of Aa Ri (Park Gyu-Young), a door-to-door salesperson, whose meteoric rise to fame is as swift as her downfall in the world of social media. Actor Kang Min-Hyuk plays the suave Han Jun Kyung, who finds himself entangled in Aa Ri’s conflicting web of ambition and desire.

Speaking from Seoul, Kang Min-Hyuk confesses that the overwhelming reactions to the series were unexpected. “I thought many people would sympathise with the stories on social media because they are so close to our lives, but I didn’t expect that so many people would enjoy it the way they did.”

Kang Min-Hyuk’s Han Jun Kyung, a third-generation conglomerate, though one of the most morally upright characters in the narrative, where everyone is influenced by their motives and deep-seated agendas, can also be ruthless when provoked.

“Han Jun Kyung is a “chaebol’, a man born into wealth but possesses an unshakable belief in himself. Though other characters also belong to the upper echelons of society or are in constant contact with money, Kyung retains an innate strength todistinguish between right and wrong,” he says, adding, “Since he is aware of his status, he also sees himself as the voice of have-nots and empathises with them. I wanted to present these aspects of his character with confidence, and the belief that comes from knowing you’ve not done anything wrong, even though you may be in the wrong, is the strength of Kyung’s character”.

The show makes a strong social commentary against capitalism and classism, through the lens of its female protagonist. One of the key moments from the show is when Kyung invites Aa Ri home, and she is left speechless as one of his many helps carefully watches his every step and helps him take off his shoes.

The said scene, which became a viral topic of discussion, clocked nearly 25 million views within 24 hours since it aired. Kang confesses that he was aware the scene would evoke strong sentiments but it has to be seen from the perspective of the character.