‘Money didn’t give me happiness’: K-pop star Kang Daniel on making it big in the US, fame, K-dramas – and reuniting with Wanna One
- Kang Daniel, formerly of boy band Wanna One, has just wrapped up his first North American tour and says he does not do what he does for money, but for happiness
- Kang, one of Forbes Korea’s top 40 celebrities for 2022, talks about the importance of reaching US listeners, the joy of acting and the pressures of fame
At 26 years old, Kang Daniel – one of K-pop’s brightest stars – has already learned that there is more to life than bright lights and fancy restaurants.
“I like to pursue happiness because in the end, time is not eternal … we have to maximise our happiness and it’s almost imprinted in my brain,” explains the “Paranoia” and “Nirvana” singer.
“There are times when I had to do something that I didn’t want to and I didn’t have any money, and there was no outcome that I expected. I was shocked because money didn’t give me happiness.”
Kang, chosen by Forbes Korea as one of its top 40 celebrities for 2022, has just wrapped up his first North American tour.
I pursue happiness above everything
His path to superstardom began in 2017 after winning the second season of the reality talent series Produce 101, which led to the formation of the K-pop boy band Wanna One.