Fans Obsess over Song Kang’s Character in ‘Navillera’ + Episode 1 Recap

Song Kang's role in "Navillera" sparked an online frenzy following the drama's debut.

Based on the webtoon of the same name, written by Hun and illustrated by Ji-min for the Daum platform, the highly anticipated tvN's series dropped its first episode featuring the "Sweet Home" star as a 23-year-old ballet dancer, Lee Chae Rok, alongside veteran actor Park In Hwan, who portrayed the role of the 70-year-old Sim Deok Chool.

"Navillera" Premiere Recap

"Navillera" Episode 1 shows Sim Deok Chool attending a friend's funeral. He, later on, spoke to a friend and discussed life in general and how he got used to saying goodbye.

On his way home, he saw a ballet studio and was drawn to Lee Chae Rok, who was practicing his dance.

Unfortunately, despite his love for ballet, Lee Chae Rok starts to doubt himself, mainly because his coach, Ki Seung Joo, played by Kim Tae Hoon, keeps on berating him and telling him he is not good enough.

Wanting to understand his student feelings, Kim Tae Hoon asked if he was thinking about his father.

Lee Chae Rok shared that his father is currently in prison and about to be released while her mother has passed away.

As for Sim Deok Chool, who got to celebrate his 70th birthday, he visited an old friend who was isolated in a hospital. His friend shared how he regrets not being able to build a boat.

He then advised Sim Deok Chool to follow his dreams while he still had the time and energy.

tvN's "Navillera" revolves around a life of living in guilt and regrets. Song Kang's new drama reminds viewers not to be caught up in frustration and continue to dream.

ALSO CHECK: Confirmed! Song Kang and Han So Hee to Lead Forthcoming Drama 'I Know But'

Song Kang's Role as a Ballet Dancer Receives Positive Feedback from Netizens

Following the show's debut, fans can't help but gush over the "Love Alarm" actor as he transforms into a ballet dancer. This gained a ton of positive feedback from netizens and pointed out how Song Kang wowed the audience.

navillera is so cute. there’s song kang as a ballerino concept and the old man trynna achieve his dreams
— hello, a 🎬 (@seokmyballs) March 23, 2021

The second fan, who happens to be a ballet dancer, praised the actor's portrayal as Lee Chae Rok.

as a former ballet dancer i am soooo excited to watch navillera because it seems so heartwarming 🥺🥺 and song kang as a ballerino?? i couldn’t ask for more 🤩
— m⁷ (@wakeupintokyoo) March 23, 2021

Meanwhile, a fan was amazed at Song Kang's versatility and even cited his famous films and drama, including "Sweet Home" and "Love Alarm."

wait a min why is song kang in navillera too this man is everywhere i thought he was similar to that love alarm dude and turns out they are the same person. he also is the dude in sweet home im gonna die
— moved accs 🪦 (@bbogonie) March 23, 2021

On the other hand, one lauded the three-time Baeksang Arts winner for giving justice to his role.

I haven’t even started #Navillera yet but woahhh the fact that song kang can manage to look this insane dancing ballet from 5-6 months of learning is incredible 😍😍😭 whether he used a stunt double or not, this is still amazing 👏🏼👏🏼pic.twitter.com/XZ6SDl22IC
— ً ً (@lalalisa_area) March 23, 2021

Song Kang Details How He Learned Ballet

To recall, Song Kang revealed in a press conference that he poured his heart out to learn ballet in just a short period of time.

According to a report, the 26-year-old celebrity studied ballet for "five to six months" prior to the start of the drama.

Moreover, the actor shared how he motivates and prepares himself mentally and physically.

"I tried to prepare to the best of my ability, and I thought that to move my body, to draw this very elegant and very graceful line would be very important, so I watched a lot of videos," he explained.