Kang Ha-neul recently addressed a humorous rumor about his high school popularity, denying claims that he received enough chocolates on Valentine’s Day to “buy a house.” The actor shared the truth behind the exaggerated story during a candid appearance on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block.
Rumor Sparks Laughter on You Quiz
On the April 23, 2025, episode of You Quiz on the Block, Kang Ha-neul joined hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho for a lively discussion. The conversation turned to his school days when Yoo Jae-suk brought up a viral rumor. He mentioned seeing Kang Ha-neul’s high school graduation photo, praising his handsome looks and charm.
Yoo Jae-suk teased, “There’s a story that you got so many chocolates on Valentine’s Day, you could stack them up and buy a house!” The audience laughed as Kang Ha-neul immediately shook his head, grinning.
Kang Ha-neul Sets the Record Straight
Kang Ha-neul quickly clarified the rumor, saying it was far from the truth.
“That’s absolutely not true. I probably got one or two chocolates, and that was it.”
He explained that the story came from his father, who loves to exaggerate for fun.
“My dad keeps telling people that story, and it’s honestly embarrassing. He’s the real ‘legend maker’ in the family!”
The actor’s lighthearted denial charmed the hosts and audience, showcasing his humble personality.
Father’s Tale Fuels the Myth
Kang Ha-neul shared that his father’s playful storytelling was the source of the chocolate rumor. He recounted how his dad would tell friends and family that his son was so popular, he received mountains of chocolates.
The actor laughed, noting that the tale grew over time, eventually becoming a humorous myth. He jokingly asked his father to stop spreading the story, as it often embarrassed him in public.
A Modest High School Experience
When Yoo Jae-suk pressed further, asking if Kang Ha-neul received love letters during his school days, the actor hesitated before admitting the truth.
“I think I did, maybe once or twice.”
His shy smile and modest response endeared him to viewers, who appreciated his down-to-earth nature. Kang Ha-neul emphasized that his high school life was far less glamorous than the rumors suggested, focusing more on studies and early acting pursuits.
Kang Ha-neul’s Rise to Fame
Born Kim Ha-neul on February 21, 1990, in Busan, Kang Ha-neul adopted his stage name in 2010 to avoid confusion with actress Kim Ha-neul. He began acting at 16, debuting in the 2006 musical The Celestial Watch. His early career included stage roles in productions like Spring Awakening and Thrill Me, where he honed his craft despite initial stage fright.
His breakthrough came with the 2007 KBS drama My Mom! Super Mom!, followed by roles in popular series like The Heirs (2013), Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016). His role as Yong-sik in When the Camellia Blooms (2019) earned him the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor in 2020.
Kang Ha-neul has also starred in films such as Midnight Runners (2017), Forgotten (2017), and Love Reset (2023). His recent role as Dae-ho in Squid Game 2 (2024) has further solidified his status as a versatile actor.
Recent Projects and Public Image
In 2025, Kang Ha-neul continues to shine in the entertainment industry. He stars as Han Beom-woo, a confident chaebol heir, in the ENA drama Tastefully Yours, alongside Go Min-si. The romantic comedy follows his character’s journey to earn a three-star rating for a restaurant, sparking chemistry with a stubborn chef.
He also leads the crime thriller Yadang: The Snitch, playing Lee Kang-soo, a broker navigating the drug trade. The film, co-starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-joon, hit theaters on April 23, 2025. Additionally, Kang Ha-neul is set to appear in the Netflix thriller Wall to Wall, playing a homebuyer troubled by mysterious noises, slated for release later in 2025.
Fans admire Kang Ha-neul for his humility and versatility. Social media reactions to his You Quiz appearance highlighted his relatable charm.
“Kang Ha-neul is so genuine! Love how he laughed off the chocolate rumor.”
“His dad sounds hilarious. Kang Ha-neul is such a sweetheart!”
“From one or two chocolates to a house? His dad’s storytelling is iconic!”
A Humble Star with a Bright Future
Kang Ha-neul’s appearance on You Quiz on the Block reminded fans of his grounded personality. Despite his success, he remains approachable, often sharing stories of his clumsy and homebody lifestyle. In a 2020 interview with 1st Look magazine, he described himself as someone who enjoys staying home, practicing yoga, and reading when not working.
His military service from September 2017 to May 2019 also earned him respect. He was recognized for exemplary performance during training and served as an honorary ambassador for the Military Manpower Administration in 2019.
Most Recent Updates on Kang Ha-neul
As of April 2025, Kang Ha-neul is busy promoting Yadang: The Snitch, which opened in theaters on April 23. He is also preparing for the premiere of Tastefully Yours, which has generated buzz for its fresh storyline and strong cast. Fans are eager for his upcoming role in Wall to Wall, expected to showcase his ability to tackle intense, dramatic roles.
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Kang Ha-neul continues to win hearts with his talent and sincerity, proving he’s more than just a rumored high school heartthrob.
CREDITS: tvN, Naver
