Kang Chan-hee

Kang Chan-hee is a South Korean actor and singer who rose to prominence as a child performer before transitioning into adult roles and K-pop stardom. Known professionally by his stage name Chani, he serves as a main vocalist and dancer for the boy group SF9 under FNC Entertainment. His career is defined by a rare duality that allows him to maintain a steady presence in both the entertainment industry's acting and music sectors simultaneously.

While many idols focus solely on their musical careers, Kang built a substantial filmography starting in elementary school. He gained international recognition for his role as Hwang Woo-joo in the hit drama Sky Castle and later starred as Lee Su-ho in the Netflix series True Beauty. As of 2026, he remains an active member of SF9 while continuing to take on leading roles in television and film projects. [edit]

Kang Chan-hee was born on January 17, 2000, in Daegu, South Korea. His entry into the entertainment world happened earlier than most peers, with his first television appearances occurring during his elementary school years. By age ten or eleven, he was already navigating auditions and shooting commercials, establishing himself as a reliable young talent long before his official debut as an idol.

He attended middle and high school in Seoul while balancing a demanding schedule of filming and training. Unlike many trainees who start their preparation in their late teens, Kang joined FNC Entertainment's pre-debut unit NEOZ in 2015 at just fifteen years old. This early immersion allowed him to refine his skills in singing and dancing alongside his acting commitments. He completed his secondary education without pausing his career, a feat that required intense discipline and time management from a very young age. [edit]

His professional journey began in earnest with minor roles in 2011 dramas like Listen to My Heart, followed by appearances in The Innocent Man and The Queen's Classroom. These early credits established him as a seasoned child actor capable of handling complex emotional scenes. In 2016, he debuted as a member of SF9 with the single album Fanfare, marking the start of his dual career path. That same year, he appeared in the interactive drama Click Your Heart and the acclaimed crime thriller Signal.

The turning point for his acting career arrived in 2018 with the JTBC drama Sky Castle. Playing the kind-hearted son of ambitious parents, Kang delivered a performance that resonated deeply with audiences as the show's ratings soared past 20 percent. The role earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including Best New Actor honors at the Asian Academy Creative Awards. Following this success, he expanded his reach internationally by starring as Lee Su-ho in the Netflix adaptation of True Beauty in 2020. His continued work includes a lead role in the black comedy film Method Acting, released in March 2026, where he acted alongside veteran star Lee Dong-hwi. [edit]

Known for his clean-cut image and versatile look, Kang transitions effortlessly from youthful roles to mature characters. His style is often described as fresh and approachable, reflecting his genuine personality off-screen. Media outlets frequently praise his work ethic and ability to balance the rigorous schedules of both idol promotions and drama filming. On social media, particularly Instagram, he shares a mix of professional photos and candid moments that keep fans engaged without revealing too much about his private life. [edit]

iFANN has evaluated Kang Chan-hee but does not currently list him in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Despite lacking a formal ranking placement, his influence remains significant within the K-pop and drama communities. Fans affectionately refer to him as "Chani" and often celebrate his unique position as a child actor turned idol. The fanbase organizes streaming parties for his dramas and creates birthday tributes featuring digital billboards in Seoul and Daegu. A beloved inside joke among supporters involves his recurring appearances on Running Man, where fans cheer for his playful interactions with the cast. [edit]

Kang has a unique reputation among fans for his frequent appearances on the variety show Running Man. Over the years, he has become such a familiar face that cast members often joke about him being a staff member rather than a guest. One viral moment involved the cast racing to present him with gifts like ginseng to celebrate his long association with the program. Another fun fact is his ability to seamlessly switch between the innocent charm of his childhood roles and the brooding intensity required for adult characters. He also maintains a strong connection to his hometown of Daegu, often visiting for personal events despite living in Seoul for his career. [edit]

Kang was raised in Daegu before moving to Seoul to pursue his career. While he keeps his family life relatively private, he has mentioned in interviews that his parents were supportive of his early interest in performing arts. There are no public records of siblings, though he often speaks about the importance of family values in his life. He currently lives alone in Seoul, managing his own affairs as a successful entertainer. [edit]

Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Yoo-jung, Yoo Yeon-seok, FNC Entertainment[edit]

As of 2026, Kang Chan-hee is widely reported to be single. There are no confirmed public romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages attributed to him. Like many young K-pop idols, his personal life is kept private to maintain focus on his career and protect his public image. Rumors occasionally circulate regarding potential pairings with co-stars, but none have been substantiated by credible sources or official statements from FNC Entertainment. His dating history remains non-existent in the public record, consistent with the standard practices of idols during their peak promotion years. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Kang Chan-hee's net worth at approximately $2 million. This figure reflects his earnings from over a decade of work in the entertainment industry. His income streams include acting salaries from popular dramas like Sky Castle and True Beauty, as well as royalties from SF9's music sales and streaming revenue. Brand endorsements and variety show appearances also contribute significantly to his financial portfolio. While specific contract details remain private, his consistent activity across multiple platforms suggests a steady growth in wealth as of 2026. [edit]

Kang Chan-hee has received numerous accolades primarily for his acting work. He won the Best New Actor award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2019 for his role in Sky Castle. In 2021, he took home the Best New Actor prize at the Asia Artist Awards for True Beauty. Additionally, he received the Rising Star Award at the 2021 Korea Drama Awards. As a member of SF9, he also shared in the group's wins, including the Golden Disc Award for Best New Artist. [edit]