Song Kang’s most underrated K-drama differs from all his other shows, yet it is arguably one of the best series he has starred in. Although Song Kang’s career is still relatively short – his first TV role happened in 2017 – the 30-year-old actor has been in some of the best K-dramas of recent years. Known as the “Son of Netflix” because most of his projects are streaming on the platform, Song Kang recently starred in My Demon and will return as Cha Hyun-su in the upcoming Sweet Home season 3.

Although Song Kang’s first major leading role was in 2019’s Love Alarm season 1, his career was taken to new heights in 2021 with the back-to-back releases of Navillera, Nevertheless, and Love Alarm season 2. Since then, Song Kang has established himself as one of the most popular Korean actors working right now. While it can be difficult to pick the best Song Kang K-dramas, one of his roles is particularly underrated compared to global hits like Sweet Home.

Navillera Is Song Kang’s Most Underrated K-Drama

Navillera ran from March 22 to April 27, 2021

Navillera may not have been a worldwide hit like Netflix’s Sweet Home or a fan-favorite rom-com like My Demon, yet it is one of Song Kang’s best shows – if not the best. The 2021 K-drama tells the story of Lee Chae-rok, played by Song Kang, who found in ballet something to hold on to after a series of losses and misfortunes. The show also follows Shim Deok-chul, played by Park In-hwan, a 70-year-old man who decides it is not too late to pursue his dream of learning ballet. The stories of Chae-rok and Deok-chul eventually become intertwined.

Navillera gives both of its main characters attention, and while they are in different stages of their lives, their journeys end up becoming the same. Whereas Chae-rok needed the guidance of someone who had experienced losses and disappointments already, Deok-chul needed someone who believed in him and wouldn’t judge him for pursuing an old dream. Chae-rok and Deok-chul form an incredible, emotional bond, with one character learning something from the other in every episode. Navillera is a heartwarming K-drama about how it’s never too late to dream, and how everyone has something to teach and learn.

What Makes Navillera So Different From Song Kang’s Other K-Dramas

Navillera is about two journeys that become intertwined

Song Kang’s most famous K-drama roles come from romantic comedies and romantic series, one exception being Sweet Home. Although there is romance in Navillera, it is not the focus of the show. Song Kang’s character in Navillera has lost his mother at a very young age and does not live with his father – ballet is the only thing he has left after having lost even some of his friends. Chae-rok goes through an amazing journey and becomes a better version of himself thanks to the guidance and friendship of Deok-chul.

There is comedy in Navillera as well, but the show is primarily a drama in which every scene and piece of dialogue feels emotionally charged. Although Song Kang gives great performances in all of his K-dramas, Navillera shows a more vulnerable side of the actor that fits his character perfectly. Navillera does not have a gimmick like Love Alarm or a main couple in which the entire story is centered around Nevertheless – it is about two people from different worlds helping each other in critical moments of their lives.

Navillera Proves Song Kang’s Versatility As An Actor

Song Kangs gives one of his best performances in Navillera

Although Song Kang’s K-drama couples often steal the show in his series, the star has given great performances over the years. Sweet Home’s tragic protagonist Hyun-su is quite different from the charming, flirty lead character from Nevertheless, just like My Demon’s Gu-won is the total opposite of Forecasting Love and Weather’s Shi-woo. Still, compared to his other shows, Navillera is arguably Song Kang’s most unique role. The dynamic between Deok-chul and Chae-rok is moving, and while their scenes together are great, the characters also shine when they are separated.

Navillera is also a highlight of Song Kang’s K-drama career in terms of physical performance. Song Kang learned ballet for Navillera and performed all of his stunts in the series, which sees his character doing some incredible numbers and movements. Speaking to Forbes in 2021, Song revealed he took ballet lessons for six months ahead of Navillera. The actor explained he focused his performance on improving the lines, feelings of [his] moves and gaze” instead of “executing difficult movements.” The fact that Song Kang had no experience in dancing before Navillera makes his performance as Chae-rok even more impressive.

Sources: Forbes

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