The Rise of Song Kang: Exploring the Journey, Birth Year, and Stardom of South Korea’s “Son of Netflix”

When fans search for “Song Kang sinh năm” (Vietnamese for “What year was Song Kang born?”), they are usually diving into the background of one of Hallyu’s most bankable and striking global stars. Born on April 23, 1994, Song Kang has quickly transformed from a fresh-faced rookie into a powerhouse leading man whose face is recognized across streaming platforms worldwide.

1. Quick Profile & Birth Details

• Full Name: Song Kang (송강)
• Date of Birth: April 23, 1994
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Birthplace: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Height: 184 cm (6 feet 1 inch)
• Education: Konkuk University (Department of Film Arts)
• Agency: Namoo Actors
• Fandom Name: Songpyeon (송편)

2. From Artistic Roots to Acting Ambitions

Growing up in Suwon, Song Kang came from a family with an appreciation for aesthetics and discipline—his father was an artistic gymnast, and his mother worked as a piano teacher. Though various talent agencies initially approached him to debut as a K-pop idol, Song Kang realized his true calling lay in acting. He pursued a formal education in film arts at Konkuk University, building a solid technical foundation before stepping in front of the camera.

He made his official acting debut in 2017 with a supporting role in the tvN romantic-comedy series The Liar and His Lover. Though it was a modest start, his towering height, expressive eyes, and undeniable screen presence immediately caught the attention of casting directors.

3. Earning the Title “Son of Netflix”

Song Kang’s career skyrocketed when he was cast in streaming-era adaptations that resonated immensely with international audiences. His ability to anchor high-profile webtoon adaptations earned him the affectionate moniker “Son of Netflix.”

• Love Alarm (2019–2021): As Hwang Sun-oh, a popular model entangled in a high school romance dictated by a mobile application, Song Kang experienced an overnight surge in global social media followers and mainstream recognition.
• Sweet Home (2020–2024): Breaking away from pure romance, he took on the gritty, complex role of Cha Hyun-su—a traumatized high school loner fighting for survival in a world overtaken by monstrous human desires. The apocalyptic horror series became a massive international hit, showcasing his dramatic versatility.
• Navillera (2021): In this emotionally resonant drama, Song Kang played Lee Chae-rok, a 23-year-old ballet dancer struggling through life who forms an unlikely bond with a 70-year-old retiree. To prepare for the role, Song Kang famously dedicated months to intensive ballet training, earning widespread critical praise for his emotional depth and physical dedication.
• Nevertheless (2021): Playing the magnetic, emotionally elusive art student Park Jae-eon, Song Kang drove internet discourse wild, cementing his status as a premier youth romance lead.
• Forecasting Love and Weather (2022) & My Demon (2023): He continued his streak of hits by starring alongside Park Min-young in office romance Forecasting Love and Weather, followed by his charismatic turn as a powerless, centuries-old demon opposite Kim Yoo-jung in the fantasy-romance blockbuster My Demon—a role that won him major accolades at the SBS Drama Awards.

4. Beyond the Screen: Personality and Military Service

Off-screen, Song Kang is known for a humble and slightly introverted personality. Despite his striking looks and leading-man status, he describes himself as a homebody who enjoys playing video games, reading, and exercising. His dedicated fan base, known as Songpyeon (named after the half-moon rice cakes eaten during Chuseok), has supported him through every phase of his career.

In April 2024, Song Kang enlisted to fulfill his mandatory South Korean military service, temporarily pausing his active screen appearances to serve his country. Even during his hiatus, his extensive backlog of hit dramas continues to draw in new fans daily, proving that his star power transcends active release schedules.