[Last Updated on March 26, 2022]
Kang Ha-neul is now confirmed to star in “Trees Die on Their Feet” (literal title), an upcoming KBS2 drama about an elderly woman from North Korea who does not have much time left to live.
The award-winning actor will portray the character of Yoo Jae-heon. Believing in his life motto “Do what you want to do,” Jae-heon lives his life as an optimistic person full of self-love and self-esteem despite having grown up in difficult situations. He works as a theater actor from a local theater company and finds his uneventful life changed when he suddenly receives a request to act as the grandson of an old woman to fulfill her final wish.
This old woman is Ja Geum-soon. Born in North Korea, she escapes to the south during wartime and becomes separated from her family. While waiting for her husband and child, she starts a business that later grows into an established hotel chain in South Korea.
Veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung and Son Ye-jin have been offered the role of Geum-soon and her granddaughter, respectively. Youn’s most recent major drama appearance was in “Never Twice” (2019). She made her country proud last year when she became the first Korean to win an Oscar for best supporting actress for her performance in the celebrated film “Minari.”
Son Ye-jin—also an award-winning actress—is starring in the currently airing Korean drama “Thirty Nine.” She recently announced her upcoming marriage with Hyun Bin.
Meanwhile, Kang Ha-neul last played a lead role in “When the Camellia Blooms,” a 2019 drama for which he won best actor at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, beating equally strong nominees Hyun Bin, Namgoong Min, Ju Ji-hoon, and Park Seo-joon. The drama also won the grand prize for television, making it one of Kang’s most successful projects to date.
Before 2019, Kang also played major roles in several other dramas including “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016), “Misaeng: Incomplete Life” (2014), and “The Heirs” (2013).
“Trees Die on Their Feet” (or “A Tree Dies Standing”) will be directed by Yoon Sang-ho, whose previous works include “River Where The Moon Rises” (2021), “King Maker: The Change of Destiny” (2020), and “Different Dreams” (2019). The drama will complete casting its main actors and start production soon.