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Kang Shin-il

Kang Shin-il

Actor · Born November 26, 1960 (65) · South Korea

Kang Shin-il (hangul: 강신일; born November 26, 1960) is a South Korean actor. Kang graduated from Kyung Hee University with a degree in electronic engineering, but he soon put aside his studies and spent most of his time in Daehangno, Seoul's theater district, where he formed a troupe called Testimony that performed at smaller venues. In 1985, he made his acting debut in Chilsu and Mansu, and soon gained fame as a stage actor in plays such as Kimchigook Goes Crazy and Chronicles of Han. He appeared onscreen for the first time in the 1988 film adaptation of Chilsu and Mansu and became a prolific supporting actor in Korean cinema and television (notably in Kang Woo-suk's Public Enemy franchise), while continuing to do theater. In 2007, Kang was diagnosed with liver cancer, but after recovering from surgery, he resumed his acting career.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
November 26, 1960 (65)
From
South Korea
Works as
Actor
Titles
36 on MovieCove · 88 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 63 days to Oct 26Down 5% in 30 days

What are Kang Shin-il's films like?

Across their 20 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Bonds.

Genres

Action7 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 61st percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies
Crime3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 55th percentile
: browse their Crime movies
Drama3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 56th percentile
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
36%
Bonds
26%
Self
13%
Power
10%
Survival
8%
Ideas
5%
Society
1%
Justice8 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love5 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds4 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception4 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCorruption3 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 14 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Dark: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their dark movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 2 · Serious 2 · Dark 10

Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 9 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 0

Intense: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their intense movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 5 · Intense 8

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 1 · Shifting 12 · Whiplash 1

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 11 · Some laughs 2 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 2 · Even-paced 8 · Relentless 4

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 2 · Engaged 8 · Full focus 4

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 9 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

4 analyzed roles

Usually the Shadow: 2 of 4 analyzed roles.

Shadow
2 of 4
Mentor
1 of 4
Threshold guardian
1 of 4

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
15
Melancholic
8
Romantic
4
Thrilling
4
Dread
3
Other
14

How their films linger

Thought-provoking9 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteDevastating2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 7 with a twist

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet7
  • Tragic3
  • Ambiguous5

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Kang Shin-il's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 28 of their 36 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (11).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Kang Shin-il's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

88 credits, 36 with a MovieCove page.

  • Fifties Professionals(2026)

    Show 12 episodes · Actor

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all shows

  • Still Shining(2026)

    Show as Yeon Chang Sik

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all shows

  • Resident Playbook(2025)

    Show 1 episode · as Im Dong-ju

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Marie and Her Three Daddies(2025)

    Show as Lee Ok-soon (Gang-se's father)

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all shows (provisional, few ratings)

  • Can We Get Married? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Actor

  • The Judge from Hell(2024)

    Show 2 episodes · as Won Chang-seon

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • The Unforgettable Day(2024)

    as Cheol-soo's grandfather

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Love Song for Illusion(2024)

    Show 16 episodes · as Jin Mu-dal

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all shows

  • Tell Me That You Love Me(2023)

    Show 16 episodes · as Jung Ji-pyeong

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • Korea-Khitan War(2023)

    Show 32 episodes · as Mon Jin-gwan

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Numbers: Watchdogs in the Building Forest(2023)

    Show 12 episodes · as Jin Tae-soo

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all shows

  • Bloodhounds(2023)

    Show 1 episode · as Heo Jung Ho

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • My Heart Puppy(2023)

    as Jin-gook's Uncle

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films

  • Bloody Heart (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    Show 16 episodes · as Kim Chi-won

  • I Want to Know Your Parents(2022)

    as Principal

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Chimera(2021)

    Show 16 episodes · as Han Ju-seok

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all shows

  • Police University (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    Show 16 episodes · as Seo Sang-hak

  • My Lovely Angel(2021)

    as Yeon-joo's Father

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • Beyond That Mountain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Father Yoon

  • Fatal Promise (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Show 105 episodes · as Kang Il-Sub

  • Nobody Knows(2020)

    Show 2 episodes · as Seo Sang Won

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all shows

  • When the Weather Is Fine(2020)

    Show 16 episodes · as Im Jong-pil

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • I Am Home (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Jin-cheol

  • Black Money(2019)

    as Investigator Jang

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Doctor Prisoner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Show 32 episodes · as Kim Sang-Choon

  • It's My Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 124 episodes · as Heo Chung San

  • Room No. 9(2018)

    Show 16 episodes · as Eulji Sung

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all shows

  • Mr. Sunshine(2018)

    Show 24 episodes · as Lee Jeong-mun

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Sketch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 16 episodes · as Moon Jae-hyun

  • Sketch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 16 episodes · as Moon Jae-Hyun

  • Duck Town (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Mr. Park

  • Roman Holiday(2017)

    as Detective Squad Chief Ahn

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Queen For Seven Days (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Show 20 episodes · as Im Sa-Hong

  • Whisper (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Show 17 episodes · as Shin Chang-Ho

  • The Prison(2017)

    as Director Noh

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Pandora(2016)

    as Mr. Kong

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Begin Again (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Show 121 episodes · Actor

  • The Great Actor (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Dae-ho

  • My Lawyer, Mr. Jo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Show 20 episodes · as Jang Shin-Woo

  • Descendants of the Sun (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Show 16 episodes · as Lieutenant General Yoon

  • All is Well (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Show 102 episodes · as Geum Man Soo

  • Pinocchio(2014)

    Show 20 episodes · as Lee Yeong-tak

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • See, Beethoven (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Beethoven

  • Blood and Ties(2013)

    as Han Sang-soo

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Passionate Love(2013)

    Show 47 episodes · as Han Sung-bok

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all shows (provisional, few ratings)

  • Secret Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Show 16 episodes · as Ahn In-hwan

  • Project Cheonan Ship (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Narrator

  • Fists of Legend(2013)

    as Director Jo

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Thorn Flower (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    Show 120 episodes · as Mr. Jeon

  • Deranged(2012)

    as Dr. Hwang

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • The Chaser (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 18 episodes · as Squad Chief Detective Hwang

  • God of War (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 56 episodes · as Monk Soo-beop

  • Fermentation Family (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 24 episodes · as Lee Ki-chan

  • Always(2011)

    as Manager Choi

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Lie to Me (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 16 episodes · as Gong Joon-ho

  • Glove (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Vice Principal

  • Heartbeat (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Director Choi

  • President (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 20 episodes · as Lee Chi-soo

  • Moss(2010)

    as Chief Prosecutor

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • A Little Pond (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Mr. Kang

  • Secret Agent Miss Oh (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 16 episodes · as Deputy Shin Ki-joon

  • Triangle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Vice president Son

  • Closer to Heaven (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    as Lee Hak-cheon

  • Heading to the Ground (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Show 16 episodes · as Lee Choong Ryul

  • My Girlfriend Is an Agent(2009)

    as Doctor Noh

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Public Enemy Returns(2008)

    as Eom Chung-il

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Golden Bride (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 64 episodes · as Kang Woo Nam (Jun Woo's father)

  • Black House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Chung-bae

  • Flowers for My Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 16 episodes · as Choi Pil-Goo

  • Good Morning Shanghai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 24 episodes · as Hao Yun's Father

  • Mermaid Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Show 4 episodes · Actor

  • Maundy Thursday (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Chief Lee

  • Hanbando (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Kim Yoo-sik

  • Love Phobia (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Jo-kang's Dad

  • Alone in Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Blind Date

  • Hello, God! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 16 episodes · as Jang Pil-Koo

  • Mr. Socrates (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Beom-pyo

  • Resurrection (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Show 24 episodes · as Seo Jae-soo

  • Another Public Enemy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Eom Chung-il

  • Some (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Chief Oh

  • Shining Days (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Show 16 episodes · as Detective Nam

  • Silmido(2003)

    as Geun-jae

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • The Legend of Evil Lake(2003)

    as Minister Mun-su

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • Sword in the Moon(2003)

    as His Majesty

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Jail Breakers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Security guard

  • Public Enemy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Eom Chung-il

  • Friend(2001)

    as Sang-taek's Father

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • The Uprising (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Ma Chan-sam

Career shape

Star power in the 98th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 86 titles from 1999 to 2026; peak year 2006.

Biggest box office

Deranged (2012)

$28M worldwide

Highest rated

Always (2011)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

Pinocchio (2014)

Film career

19992026

Peak 2006 · steadily prominent in film for years. Top draw in 2 MovieCove titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting86 of 86: 86 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score70th

By decade

1990s1 · acting2000s26 · acting2010s39 · acting2020s20 · acting

Billing

usually 5th · top billed in 0% of 20 roles
010611

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Kang Shin-il's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 66th percentile, the median of all 19; across their 14 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 65th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

65thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Approval · how many liked their films

55thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Reach · how many have seen their films

63rdpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Midcredits score across 36 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up14
  • 50th to 74th14
  • 25th to 49th6
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

18 of their 36 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved6
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser18
  • Mixed11

Most divisive · actor

Passionate Love (2013)

84th percentile spread · 29% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Midcredits 98th · 92% liked

Reviewers score the acting 71/100 in their films, across 10 reviewed titles; fans 77, detractors 45. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Kang Shin-il work with?

People who share at least 2 of Kang Shin-il's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Kang Woo-suk shares the most, 4.

Directors

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers