Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
Song Kang becomes ballet dancer in new TV series 'Navillera'
Actor Song Kang, right, and Park In-hwan pose for pictures during an online media conference for tvN's new series “Navillera.” Courtesy of tvN
By Lee Gyu-lee
By Lee Gyu-lee
After playing a teenager battling monsters in last year's Netflix hit, “Sweet Home,” actor Song Kang is now set to play a gifted ballet dancer in the upcoming tvN drama “Navillera.”
“It's a fun, heartwarming story, and more importantly, it revolves around an unfamiliar field (for me): ballet … I was really nervous to take it on,” Song said during Tuesday's online media conference. “I'm very excited and thrilled that viewers will see the series.”
Adding that he learned ballet for over six months for the project, Song said he found “charm” in it.
“I think the viewers will also see the beauty of ballet through Navillera. I tried my best to present it as gracefully as possible,” he said confidently.
Based on the web comic of the same name, the series follows a 70-year-old retiree, Shim Deok-chul (Park In-hwan), and a 23-year-old ballet dancer, Lee Chae-rok (Song). It is directed by Han Dong-wha, whose work includes the comedy series, “Miss Lee,” and action series “Bad Guys,” and was scripted by Lee Eun-mi, who previously worked on the thriller “Tunnel.”
Chae-rok who struggles financially after losing his parents, decides to teach ballet to Doek-chul. As the two pull each other through harsh realities, they form an unusual friendship.
Scenes from the series / Courtesy of tvN
Song said he bonded with Park well, despite their big age difference. “He is much more experienced actor so I was very nervous. But when we got together, he made me feel comfortable. All I had to do was just follow along,” he said. “He was just like his character, which allowed me to focus on my character better.”
Park plays a dedicated father figure, Deok-chul, who worked as a mail carrier. For most of his life, his goal was to make ends meet for his family, putting them before his dream. After his retirement, he leaps at a chance to pursue that dream in ballet.
“Navillera” offered the veteran actor, who has appeared in many films and TV dramas during his 56 years of acting, to play a lead role in a mini-series for the first time in more than 30 years.
Park said the story of him taking the role resembles the story of the series.
“It would give hope and encouragement to people in my age, showing we can do it, too,” he said. “At our age, the roles we can play are more limited… I'm so thrilled and honored to take such important role in the series.”
Park added that he did hesitate to take the role at first because of ballet. “The web comics was very moving. So when I was offered, I wanted to dive in and take the challenge. But it was definitely not an easy decision,” he said.
“It was a huge part and I had to do ballet, so I hesitated. But then, I came to think when I will ever get a chance to play such role and accepted it.”
Director Han said it is the type of drama that people would need in these tough times.
“I feel that Navillera is a piece we all need in these times; to everyone who is living through these tough times,” the director said. “Our series builds up the sympathy and sentiment along the story for the big heartwarming, lingering moments towards the ending.”
“Navillera” will premiere at 9 p.m., March 22.