December 16, 1988, marks the birth of Park Yong-kyu in Seoul, South Korea. Known professionally as Park Seo-joon, the actor attained prominence through a series of leading roles in television dramas and films. His professional career began in 2011, evolving from early television supporting parts to headlining productions in both South Korean media and international cinema projects.
Formative Years and Military Service
During middle school, Park joined an animation club, an activity that provided his first experiences performing on stage. This exposure prompted him to enroll in the Acting Department at the Seoul Institute of the Arts. In 2008, he paused his studies to fulfill his national military service requirement. He served in the Security Guard Battalion and completed his active duty at the Cheongju Correctional Facility.
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Park made his professional debut in 2011 appearing in Bang Yong-guk's music video for the single I Remember. Between 2013 and 2015, he hosted the program Music Bank. His early television work included Dream High 2, Pots of Gold, and One Warm Word. His career gained momentum in 2015 with performances in Kill Me, Heal Me and She Was Pretty. In 2017, he starred as Ko Dong-man in the hit series Fight for My Way, followed by his role as a vice-chairman in the 2018 series What's Wrong with Secretary Kim.
Cinema and Recent Projects
The actor transitioned into film with the 2015 thriller The Chronicles of Evil and the 2017 action-comedy Midnight Runners. For his performance in Midnight Runners, he received the Best New Actor award at the Grand Bell Awards and the Korean Association of Film Critics Awards. His later credits include the 2019 film The Divine Fury, a guest appearance in the 2019 film Parasite, and roles in the 2023 films Dream and Concrete Utopia. In 2023, he made his Hollywood debut in The Marvels as Prince Yan of Aladna. He starred in the 2025 JTBC series Surely Tomorrow.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Seoul, South Korea
- Full name: Park Yong-kyu
- Education: Seoul Institute of the Arts
- Debut: 2011
- Military service: Cheongju Correctional Facility
- Hollywood debut: The Marvels (2023)
- Philanthropy: ₩100 million donated for 2023 earthquake relief
Questions readers ask
What was Park Seo-joon's first major television leading role?
He had his first leading role in the 2014 drama A Witch's Love.
Did Park Seo-joon serve in the military?
Yes, he enlisted in 2008, served in the Security Guard Battalion, and was stationed at the Cheongju Correctional Facility.
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