Kang Ha-neul steps into a complex role that blurs the line between good and evil in his latest crime action film, Broker (Yadang).
More than just a drug broker, his character is the mastermind behind the underground drug trade, orchestrating every move.
But there's a twist—he partners with the prosecution.
💬 "Though he's a criminal, he strikes a deal for a reduced sentence to become a broker. I had to constantly question—Is he truly good? Or is he evil?" Kang explained.
The actor attended the film's press conference at Megabox COEX on March 13, alongside Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-joon, Ryu Kyung-soo, Chae Won-bin, and director Hwang Byung-guk.
🔥 A High-Stakes Crime Thriller
🎥 Broker is a crime action film centered on the underground world of drug trading.
- 🌍 The Story:A cunning broker controls the drug trade
- A ruthless prosecutor seeks power
- A relentless detective is determined to take them down
- Their conflicting ambitions collide in a gripping battle
Kang plays Lee Kang-soo, a drug broker who profits from trading classified intel between criminals and law enforcement.
💬 "At first, I thought this was a political drama based on the title," he said. "But once I read the script, I couldn't put it down—it had that kind of pull."
His character exudes confidence and ambition.
💬 "Kang-soo lives with the mindset: 'If you take me down, you'll have to take everyone connected to me too,'" Kang described.
🎭 The Art of Balancing Morality
🔴 Symbolic Styling
- Wears red-tinted sunglasses, watches, and shoes
- Embodies his boldness and unwavering ambition
🌀 Navigating Moral Ambiguity
Kang had to constantly adjust his portrayal:
💬 "Is this scene making him too good? Or too villainous? I kept fine-tuning my performance with the director."
🔍 Character Depth
- He's not a classic hero
- He's not a pure villain
- Instead, he's a man fueled by ambition, navigating a world of crime
💬 "I wanted to show someone who pushes forward, not out of justice, but out of raw ambition," he added.
💥 Action, Suspense, and Satisfaction
✨ What makes this film special?
- A thrilling, fast-paced narrative
- Intense cat-and-mouse tension
- Satisfying, explosive payoffs
💬 "I hope audiences feel the tension, understand Kang-soo's ambition, and ultimately, enjoy the ride with a sense of catharsis," Kang shared.
⭐ Co-Stars Praise Kang Ha-neul's Dedication
Yoo Hae-jin (playing Prosecutor Goo Kwan-hee)
💬 "Kang Ha-neul is full of energy. His quick judgment and sharp instincts on set were incredible."
Ryu Kyung-soo (playing Jo Hoon)
💬 "His energy was so overwhelming, it pushed me to match his intensity. He truly elevated the entire cast."
🎬 Double Feature: Kang Ha-neul's Back-to-Back Films
Kang is also starring in another upcoming film, Streaming.
💬 "It's purely coincidence that both films are being released around the same time. I hope people come to the theater and enjoy them, especially during a quiet period for cinema."
💬 "Everyone wants to watch a great movie—I hope Broker is that movie. We've prepared an exciting, satisfying, and electrifying experience."
📅 Broker (Yadang) hits theaters on April 23.
