K-pop idol Kang Daniel opens up about pets, mental health and his Rookie Cops acting debut
The singer-actor tells CNA Lifestyle about how "small moments of happiness really helps improve mental health" and how he tries to make Rookie Cops co-star Chae Soo-bin laugh all the time.
That said, the 25-year-old, who rose to fame through the
Korean reality singing contest show Produce 101 before becoming the lead singer
in boyband Wanna One, told CNA Lifestyle that he is also “excited” for the
world to watch his coming-of-age rom-com Rookie Cops.
The drama is centered around the trials, tribulations, and
budding romance among a group of freshmen at the Korean National Police
Academy.
Kang makes his screen debut as Wi Seung-Hyun, a student with
top marks who can’t stand injustice, alongside Chae Soo-bin (I'm Not a Robot,
Love In The Moonlight, A Piece Of Your Mind) who plays campus troublemaker Ko
Eun-Kang.
The two leads are joined by True Beauty’s Park Yoo-Na, Crash
Landing On You’s Lee Shin-young, and former Tiny-G member Min Do-hee.
The newly minted actor, whose real name is Kang Eui-geon, revealed to CNA Lifestyle that he would try to make his co-star Chae laugh all the time.
“When the camera is only focusing on (Chae) Soo-bin and I’m
not on the screen, I will make a funny face like this,” he said in Korean, making a
hilarious face to which Chae responded by playfully hitting him on the arm. “We
have fun on set like this.”
So, what has Kang learned in the process of making his debut
in the world of acting?
“The hardest part about acting is making the lines
completely my own,” shared Kang. “And to really bring the character to life.
The easiest thing? When I receive the script there are some lines with
parentheses. These lines indicate that I can improvise or react naturally.
That’s what makes it easy and fun.”
Kang was also open about his ongoing struggle with his
mental wellness. Back in 2019, the star took a hiatus from work, citing
depression and panic disorder.
Now that he’s back in action, what measures has he taken to
handle his mental health? Especially as a first-time actor stepping into a role
of a police cadet, which in real life is a profession that is both physically
and mentally challenging.
“I like to stay within the neighbourhood. Compared to going out,
I prefer staying home,” said Kang. “We don’t usually leave our homes.”
Looking over to his co-star Chae for support, Kang declared:
“I think we’re the same. We both like to stay at home, is that right?”
And according to Kang, furry friends are also a major boost
for one’s spirit.
“We both have pets too. I have a cat and she has multiple
pets,” shared Kang. “So, savouring these small moments of happiness really
helps improve mental health.”
Chae agreed: “Compared to looking for something grand,
happiness can be found in the small things at home. Or in the people around you
who give you support.”
And support is clearly evident between the two co-stars.
Chae had nothing but effusive praise for Kang and his acting debut.
“He’s very good at the physical stuff. The action scenes”
she said. “I completely trusted that Daniel did his research and made the
character his own."
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