Autobiography of Park Bo-gum

Park Bo-gum was born on June 16, 1993, in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea. He is the youngest of three siblings. His name “Bo-gum” (寶劍) translates to ‘precious sword’, a fitting name for someone who would carve a significant place for himself in the entertainment industry. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was in fourth grade, a loss that had a profound impact on his early life.

From a young age, Park displayed a diverse array of talents. He began learning to play the piano in kindergarten and continued to develop his musical skills as a pianist and choir member at his church. In addition to his musical pursuits, he was an active member of the varsity swimming team at Seoul Mokdong Middle School. During his sophomore year of high school, he sent a video of himself singing and playing the piano to several talent management agencies. This initiative led to numerous offers and marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry. Initially aspiring to become a singer-songwriter, Park eventually shifted his focus to acting, a suggestion that proved to be pivotal.

Park graduated from Shinmok High School in 2012 and enrolled at Myongji University in March 2014, where he pursued a degree in Musical Theater. Despite his burgeoning acting career, he remained an active participant in collegiate life. He represented his university in a cultural overseas exchange program in Europe, directed a one-act play based on Anton Chekhov’s works, and served as the music director for his graduating class’s production of Hairspray. Park received his baccalaureate in February 2018, demonstrating his commitment to both his education and his craft.

Early Career: 2011–2013

Park Bo-gum made his acting debut under Sidus HQ with a supporting role in the thriller film Blind (2011). He soon joined Blossom Entertainment, where he featured in the action-comedy film Runway Cop (2012), a KBS drama special Still Picture (2012), and the period drama Bridal Mask (2012). In 2013, Park landed his first major role in the weekend drama Wonderful Mama, playing the playboy son of Bae Jong-ok’s character. These early roles showcased his versatility and laid the foundation for his future success.

Rising Popularity and Breakthrough: 2014–2015

In 2014, Park’s career began to gain momentum. He played the teenage version of Lee Seo-jin’s character in the melodrama Wonderful Days and a prodigy cellist in KBS2’s Naeil’s Cantabile, an adaptation of the Japanese manga Nodame Cantabile. These roles earned him Best New Actor nominations at both the KBS Drama Awards and the APAN Star Awards.

Park also appeared in box-office hits A Hard Day (2014) and The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014), the latter becoming the highest-grossing Korean film at the time. In May 2015, he co-hosted the music program Music Bank alongside Red Velvet’s Irene. Their chemistry and hosting skills were widely praised, earning Park the Best Newcomer Award at the KBS Entertainment Awards.

In a significant departure from his previous roles, Park received critical acclaim for his performance as a psychopathic lawyer in the crime drama Hello Monster (2015). This role won him the Popularity and Best Supporting Actor awards at the KBS Drama Awards. He also featured in Coin Locker Girl, which screened at the Cannes Film Festival and earned him a Rising Star Award at the 11th MaxMovie Awards.

Park’s breakout role came in the third installment of the Reply series, Reply 1988 (2015). He played Choi Taek, a genius Go player, in a show that became a cultural phenomenon with peak ratings of 18.8%. This role catapulted him to fame, earning him the nickname “Nation’s Little Brother” and establishing him as a rising star in the Korean Wave. His performance garnered numerous accolades, including the Best International Artist Award at the Top Chinese Music Awards and the Best Rising Star Award at the American-based DramaFever Awards.

Mainstream Success: 2016–2021

In February 2016, Park featured in tvN’s travel program Youth Over Flowers: Africa. Later that year, he left Music Bank to focus on his acting career. In August, he starred in KBS2’s historical drama Love in the Moonlight alongside Kim Yoo-jung. The drama was a massive hit, both domestically and internationally, achieving peak audience ratings of 23.3%. Its popularity, dubbed “Moonlight Syndrome,” solidified Park’s status as a versatile leading actor. He received several accolades for his role, including a Best Actor nomination and a Popularity Award at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards. He also released his first soundtrack for the drama, “My Person,” which topped multiple music charts.

Park embarked on his first Asia-wide fan meeting tour from the end of 2016 to March 2017, visiting eight cities and meeting over 30,000 fans. After a two-year hiatus, he returned to the small screen with the romantic melodrama Encounter (2018) alongside Song Hye-kyo, playing a free-spirited man who finds joy in simple things. In 2019, he released his first Japanese single, “Bloomin,” followed by his first Japanese album, Blue Bird, in 2020. The album featured 11 tracks, including the single “Bloomin”.

In 2020, Park starred in the youth drama Record of Youth, playing a model transitioning into an acting career. He also released a new song, “All My Love,” produced by Sam Kim, to celebrate the ninth anniversary of his debut. His single album for “All My Love” was released in both Korea and Japan.

In 2021, Park made his return to the big screen with the science fiction thriller film Seo Bok, playing the title role. This marked his first film role in six years and showcased his ability to take on diverse characters.

Comeback from Military Service: 2022–Present

After completing his military service, Park reunited with the director and cast members of Love in the Moonlight in the travel entertainment program Young Actors’ Retreat, released in September 2022 on TVING. In December 2022, he ended his contract with Blossom Entertainment after nearly a decade and signed with The Black Label in January 2023. He is set to star in Lim Sang-choon’s upcoming television series, further demonstrating his ongoing commitment to his acting career.

Public Image and Endorsements

Park Bo-gum‘s public image is that of a versatile and dedicated actor, known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters. In 2016, at the age of 23, he became the youngest artist to be named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year. In 2017, he topped Forbes magazine’s Korea Power Celebrity list, making him the first actor to achieve this distinction.

Park is a highly sought-after endorser for a wide range of brands both in and outside South Korea. The “Park Bo-gum Effect,” coined by the Korean Business Research Institute, refers to his consistent high brand reputation ranking, indicating his effectiveness as an endorser across different demographics. He was voted by marketing executives as the Top Celebrity Endorser of 2017 and served as a torchbearer for the 2018 Winter Olympics as “Korea’s Representative Actor” and an endorser of Coca-Cola.

Personal Life and Military Service

On August 31, 2020, Park Bo-gum enlisted in the navy military band as a cultural promotion soldier to fulfill his mandatory military service. He was promoted to sergeant in November 2021 and was scheduled to be discharged on April 30, 2022. However, he was discharged early on February 21, 2022, after using up his remaining personal and pre-discharge leave in accordance with Ministry of Defense guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

During his military service, Park obtained a hairdresser’s license and hosted several patriotic concerts for the Republic of Korea Navy. His dedication to his duties and continued engagement in public activities during his service demonstrated his commitment to his country and his profession.

Conclusion

Park Bo-gum’s journey from a young boy with a passion for music and acting to a celebrated actor and public figure is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. His diverse roles in film and television have showcased his versatility and earned him recognition both in South Korea and internationally. As he continues to take on new challenges and opportunities, Park Bo-gum remains a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring fans and fellow actors alike with his performances and personal achievements.

FAQ’s

Who is Park Bo-gum?

Park Bo-gum is a South Korean actor born on June 16, 1993. He is known for his versatile roles in film and television, including a psychopathic lawyer in “Hello Monster,” a genius Go player in “Reply 1988,” and a Joseon crown prince in “Love in the Moonlight.”

What is the significance of Park Bo-gum’s name?

Park Bo-gum’s name “Bo-gum” (寶劍) means ‘precious sword.’

How did Park Bo-gum start his career?

Park began his career after sending a video of himself singing and playing the piano to talent management agencies. Initially aspiring to be a singer-songwriter, he shifted to acting upon a suggestion that he had the potential for it.

What was Park Bo-gum’s breakthrough role?

Park Bo-gum’s breakthrough role was in “Reply 1988” where he played the character Choi Taek, a genius Go player. The role brought him widespread recognition and fame.

What are some of Park Bo-gum’s notable roles?

Notable roles of Park Bo-gum include a psychopathic lawyer in “Hello Monster,” a genius Go player in “Reply 1988,” a crown prince in “Love in the Moonlight,” a free-spirited young man in “Encounter,” and a model-turned-actor in “Record of Youth.”

What are Park Bo-gum’s educational achievements?

Park Bo-gum graduated from Shinmok High School in 2012 and later enrolled at Myongji University, where he pursued a degree in Musical Theater. He graduated in February 2018.

What accolades has Park Bo-gum received?

Park Bo-gum has received numerous awards, including the Best Supporting Actor at the KBS Drama Awards for “Hello Monster,” and the Popularity Award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. He was also the youngest artist to be named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year.

What was Park Bo-gum’s involvement in music?

Besides acting, Park Bo-gum has pursued music, releasing his first soundtrack for “Love in the Moonlight,” and his first Japanese single “Bloomin” in 2019. He released his first Japanese album “Blue Bird” in 2020.

What did Park Bo-gum do during his military service?

Park Bo-gum enlisted in the navy military band as a cultural promotion soldier on August 31, 2020. He was promoted to sergeant and hosted several patriotic concerts during his service. He was discharged on February 21, 2022, after using up his remaining personal leave.

What agency is Park Bo-gum currently signed with?

As of January 2023, Park Bo-gum signed with The Black Label.

What are Park Bo-gum’s recent and upcoming projects?

Park Bo-gum’s recent projects include starring in the science fiction thriller film “Seo Bok” and the travel entertainment program “Young Actors’ Retreat.” He is set to star in Lim Sang-choon’s upcoming television series.

What endorsements has Park Bo-gum done?

Park Bo-gum is a sought-after endorser for various brands. He has been associated with Coca-Cola, and his high brand reputation ranking has earned him the nickname “Park Bo-gum Effect.”

What personal achievements has Park Bo-gum accomplished outside of acting?

During his military service, Park Bo-gum obtained a hairdresser’s license and actively participated in public events and patriotic concerts, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his duties.