Song Kang returns from military service to star in music K-drama ‘Four Hands’

Song Kang / Courtesy of Namoo Actors, Billions

Song Kang is set to return to television following his military discharge, headlining tvN’s upcoming drama “Four Hands” alongside Lee Jun-young and Jang Gyu-ri — a youth series that blends elite classical music, rivalry and emotional growth.

Scheduled to premiere in the second half of 2026, “Four Hands” follows a group of gifted students who meet at an elite arts high school reserved for musical prodigies. The drama explores their friendships, romances, fierce competition and personal growth, using music as both a battleground and a bond.

The project brings together director Park Hyun-suk, known for his genre-spanning work on “Uncontrollably fond,” “Stranger 2” and “Hometown,” and writer Shin Yi-won, who earned praise for her sharp psychological portrayals in “Green Mothers’ Club.” The combination has already generated anticipation, with fans expecting a visually refined and emotionally layered youth drama.

Song takes on the role of Kang Bi-o, a piano prodigy with an aristocratic aura who never relinquishes his top ranking in either academics or performance. A perfectionist driven by both natural talent and relentless practice, Kang is widely seen as a future winner of the world’s three major classical music competitions. His seemingly flawless path, however, is shaken when he encounters a rival who disrupts both his music and his sense of self. Song is expected to portray the internal conflict of a “hardworking genius,” marking a notable post-discharge comeback.

Lee plays Choi Jung-yo, Kang’s rival and a piano genius shaped by hardship. Having grown up in a difficult environment, Choi deliberately turned away from his talent — until he suddenly appears at the elite arts school and comes face to face with the pianist who once made his heart race. Whether Choi can reclaim his buried gift forms a key emotional axis of the story, with Lee’s intense performance drawing early attention.

Jang stars as Hong Jae-in, a viola major blessed with extraordinarily sensitive hearing. Capable of instantly identifying beautiful melodies, Hong struggles to find music that truly satisfies her ears. She becomes a close friend and supporter of Kang Bi-o, whose music has moved her since childhood, positioning her as both a grounding presence and emotional catalyst within the trio.

From left, Song Kang, Lee Jun-young, and Jang Gyu-ri / Courtesy of Namoo Actors, Billions

Set against the competitive backdrop of Korea Arts High School, “Four Hands” follows Kang, Choi and Hong as they clash, connect and mature through music. The series promises a mix of rivalry-turned-friendship, subtle romance and electrifying ensemble performances designed to deliver what producers describe as “dopamine-boosting” storytelling.

“Four Hands” is set to premiere on tvN in the second half of 2026.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.