The Rise, Reign, and Return of Song Kang: Everything You Need to Know About the “Son of Netflix”

When fans search for “song kang sinh năm” (Vietnamese for “what year was Song Kang born?”), they are looking for the birth year of one of South Korea’s most magnetic global superstars. Born on April 23, 1994, this Taurus actor has taken the entertainment world by storm.

Often dubbed the “Son of Netflix” due to the unprecedented global reach of his hit streaming series, Song Kang has transitioned from a fresh-faced rookie into a powerhouse leading man. Let’s dive into his journey, his iconic roles, and what makes him a generational talent.

1. The Early Years and Artistic Roots

Song Kang was born and raised in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Creativity runs deep in his family background: his father was a former artistic gymnast, and his mother worked as a piano teacher. Growing up surrounded by athleticism and art, Song originally explored diverse paths before finding his true calling in acting.

He pursued higher education at Konkuk University, majoring in the Department of Film Arts—the alma mater of several prominent Korean actors. Before landing his official acting debut, he received numerous casting offers to become a K-pop idol, but he continuously turned them down because his heart was set entirely on the silver screen.

2. Career Breakthrough: From Rookie to Global Icon

Song Kang officially stepped into the spotlight in 2017 with a supporting role in the tvN romantic-comedy series The Liar and His Lover. However, his meteoric rise came when he beat out 900 other auditionees to land the lead role of Hwang Sun-oh in the groundbreaking Netflix series Love Alarm (2019).

His ability to effortlessly switch between vulnerable romance, intense action, and deep emotional drama turned him into an overnight international sensation. His resume quickly filled up with a streak of monumental hits:

• Sweet Home (2020–2023): Displaying his range in the dark fantasy-horror genre as Cha Hyun-su, a troubled teenager fighting for survival against terrifying monsters.
• Navillera (2021): A heartwarming, tear-jerking drama where he played a struggling ballet dancer, requiring him to undergo intense ballet training.
• Nevertheless (2021): Captivates audiences worldwide as the charming yet emotionally elusive art student Park Jae-eon.
• Forecasting Love and Weather (2022): Showcased his brighter, sunnier side as a passionate weather forecaster alongside Park Min-young.
• My Demon (2023–2024): Played a gorgeous, centuries-old demon who loses his powers, starring opposite Kim Yoo-jung and winning massive global acclaim (including Top Excellence and Best Couple awards at the SBS Drama Awards).

3. Military Service and Recent Updates

In line with South Korea’s mandatory military service laws for able-bodied men, Song Kang enlisted as an active-duty soldier in the Republic of Korea Army on April 2, 2024. Before his enlistment, he left fans with heartfelt parting projects, including the final season of Sweet Home.

Having successfully completed his service, Song Kang was officially discharged on October 1, 2025, clearing the path for his much-anticipated return to the entertainment industry and future acting projects.

Quick Facts About Song Kang

• Full Name: Song Kang (송강)
• Date of Birth: April 23, 1994
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Height: 186 cm (6 feet 1 inch)
• MBTI Type: INTP
• Fandom Name: Songpyeon (송편) — signifying that just as half-moon rice cakes are incomplete without their filling, Song Kang is incomplete without his fans.
• Hobbies: Playing the piano, reading, gaming, and working out.

Whether he is playing a supernatural entity, a troubled hero, or a romantic lead, Song Kang continues to captivate audiences with his undeniable screen presence, proving that his birth year of 1994 ushered in one of Hallyu’s brightest stars.