Kang Hye-won Expands Her Acting Portfolio with 'Love at First Bite' and 'Spirit Fingers'

Kang Hye-won is making waves in the acting world with her recent roles in TV TOKYO's 'Love at First Bite' and ENA's 'Spirit Fingers'. Since the conclusion of the IZ*ONE project in April 2021, Kang has been actively building her acting career with appearances in projects like 'Boyhood' starring Im Si-wan and 'Friendly Competition' led by Hyeri.

On October 12 and 19, Kang captivated global audiences with her role as Park Rin, a graduate student studying in Japan, in the first two episodes of 'Love at First Bite', which aired simultaneously on TV TOKYO and Netflix. Her character, who once excelled in marathon running, now works part-time at a small Japanese restaurant and forms a close bond with Hase Taiga, played by Akaso Eiji. The drama explores the cultural and value differences between Japan and Korea through a heartfelt love story.

'Love at First Bite' tells the story of two individuals drawn to each other despite the confusion caused by their cultural differences. Kang's character offers comfort to the aimless Hase Taiga with her positive mindset, leaving a lasting impression. The series highlights their budding romance with a sweet first kiss, marking Kang's emergence as a romance heroine.

Kang's acting journey continues with 'Spirit Fingers', which premiered on ENA on October 23 after its initial release on the OTT platform TVING last year. In this series, she plays Ahn Ye-rim, a character who stirs the protagonist Song Woo-yeon’s (played by Park Ji-hoo) anxious heart, creating subtle tension. Kang's portrayal promises to deliver a rich chemistry and gripping tension.

Kang Hye-won has previously impressed audiences with her performances in dramas like 'Friendly Competition', 'Player 2: The War of the Con Artists', 'Boyhood', and 'Youth Blossom'. In 'Youth Blossom', she portrayed Yoon Bo-mi, showcasing a strong inner narrative, while in 'Boyhood', she played the confident and unique Kang Sun-hwa. Her role as Joo Ye-ri in 'Friendly Competition' added complexity to the series with her intricate character.

Currently airing 'Love at First Bite' and 'Spirit Fingers' showcase Kang's detailed character portrayals and her ability to transform her appearance and atmosphere with each project, solidifying her growing filmography and acting prowess.

'Love at First Bite' airs every Monday at 11:06 PM on TV TOKYO and streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide, while 'Spirit Fingers' releases two episodes every Friday at 8:30 PM.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr