Cover Kang Dong Won stars alongside Jun Ji Hyun in Disney Plus’s blockbuster drama Tempest
Kang Dong Won stars alongside Jun Ji Hyun in Disney Plus’s blockbuster drama Tempest
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Known for a string of thrilling action hits, Kang Dong Won is now captivating audiences once again as he appears opposite Jun Ji Hyun in the highly anticipated Disney Plus series Tempest.
After nearly two decades away from television, Kang Dong Won has returned to the small screen with Tempest, produced by Disney Plus. Beyond his poised acting, striking looks and composed presence, the actor has won over audiences worldwide with his moving, romantic scenes alongside Jun Ji Hyun.
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Across more than 20 years in the industry, Kang Dong Won has been celebrated for his dynamic and visually captivating action roles. Yet, his talent extends well beyond stunts and combat. Through diverse performances, he has proven his depth as an actor, embracing emotionally rich and psychologically layered characters across genres.
Temptation of Wolves (2004): The romantic film that brought Kang Dong Won his first award
Also known as Romance of Their Own, this was the film that first propelled Kang Dong Won into the spotlight.
Based on the web novel by Gwiyeoni, Temptation of Wolves centres on a love triangle between high school student Jung Han Kyung (Lee Chung Ah) and two of the most popular boys in school, Ban Hae Won (Jo Han Sun) and Jung Tae Sung (Kang Dong Won).
Above Kang Dong Won makes his first mark on the big screen with the romantic film Temptation of Wolves
Kang Dong Won makes his first mark on the big screen with the romantic film Temptation of Wolves
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Portraying the brooding Tae Sung, Kang Dong Won captured the hearts of countless female fans with his handsome looks and soulful eyes. The role earned him several accolades, including Best New Actor at the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards in 2004.
Jeon Woochi (2009): The first fantasy blockbuster led by Kang Dong Won
Grossing over US$38.7 million from a $12 million budget, Jeon Woochi became one of Korea’s top box office hits in 2009, selling more than six million tickets.
Set during the Joseon era, the film follows shaman Jeon Woo Chi (Kang Dong Won), who is wrongfully accused of murdering his master and sealed inside a painting by three fellow shamans, along with his dog Chorangyi (Yoo Hae Jin).
Above Jeon Woochi is the first fantasy blockbuster starring Kang Dong Won
Jeon Woochi is the first fantasy blockbuster starring Kang Dong Won
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Centuries later in modern-day Seoul, Jeon Woo Chi is released by wizards to battle goblins terrorising the city. During the chaos, he meets a woman resembling his lost love, played by Im Soo Jung.
Secret Reunion (2010): The role that crowned Kang Dong Won as an action star
Following the success of Jeon Woochi, Kang Dong Won solidified his status with Secret Reunion, winner of Best Film at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Best Screenplay at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2010, among other nominations.
Above Secret Reunion is the film that established Kang Dong Won as an action star
Secret Reunion is the film that established Kang Dong Won as an action star
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As North Korean spy Song Ji Won, Kang Dong Won delivered both intense action and emotional depth, showcasing the character’s inner conflict with remarkable subtlety. His performance earned him Best Actor nominations at the Blue Dragon and Golden Bell Awards.
My Brilliant Life (2014): A tender family drama with Song Hye Kyo
Adapted from Kim Ae Ran’s novel My Palpitating Life, this poignant story explores the boundless love of parents for their child.
Kang Dong Won stars as Dae Soo, a devoted father whose son suffers from progeria, a rare condition causing premature ageing. Song Hye Kyo plays Mi Ra, the boy’s mother. Together, they deliver a heartbreaking portrayal of parents facing an unthinkable reality.
Above Kang Dong Won and Song Hye Kyo shine in the moving family drama My Brilliant Life
Kang Dong Won and Song Hye Kyo shine in the moving family drama My Brilliant Life
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With its sincere storytelling and powerful performances, My Brilliant Life remains one of Korea’s most touching family dramas and one of the few psychological works Kang Dong Won has chosen to appear in.
The Priests (2015): An exorcism thriller that drew 1 million viewers in just three days
The Priests is widely regarded as Korea’s first major film to explore the theme of exorcism. Within three days of release, it drew over one million viewers.
Kang Dong Won plays young priest Choi Joon Ho, who joins Father Kim (Kim Yun Seok) in a mission to save a girl, Young Shin (Park So Dam), suffering from mysterious symptoms after a car accident.
Above Kang Dong Won and Kim Yun Seok in the supernatural thriller The Priests
Kang Dong Won and Kim Yun Seok in the supernatural thriller The Priests
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The film’s originality and Kang Dong Won’s compelling performance as a conflicted young cleric facing dark forces earned high praise from critics and audiences alike.
A Violent Prosecutor (2016): Kang Dong Won’s rare comedic turn
In this crime comedy, Kang Dong Won stars alongside veteran actor Hwang Jung Min. He plays Han Chi Won, a 32-year-old conman who has served ten prison terms, while Hwang Jung Min portrays Byun Jae Wook, a prosecutor wrongfully accused of murder. Together, they plan an audacious escape and fight to uncover the truth.
Above Kang Dong Won and Hwang Jung Min in A Violent Prosecutor
Kang Dong Won and Hwang Jung Min in A Violent Prosecutor
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The film highlights Kang Dong Won’s lesser-seen comic timing, adding a fresh layer to his acting range. A Violent Prosecutor became both a critical and commercial success, earning $69 million worldwide.
Peninsula (2020): The sequel to the zombie hit Train to Busan
Set four years after Train to Busan, the film follows Jung Suk (Kang Dong Won) as he returns to a ravaged Korea to retrieve a truck loaded with cash, a mission that quickly spirals into chaos.
Above TRAIN TO BUSAN PRESENTS: PENINSULA (2020) Official Teaser | Zombie Action Movie
Peninsula marked Kang Dong Won’s first foray into the zombie genre. While it didn’t surpass the global sensation of its predecessor, the film was praised for its high-octane action, emotional undertones and strong moral message. Kang Dong Won’s nuanced performance, balancing action with humanity, earned him wide acclaim.
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