Park Bo Gum

Biography

​Park Bo-gum (Hangul: 박보검), born on June 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, is a celebrated actor and singer renowned for his versatility and charm. As the youngest of three siblings, Park faced early hardships, including the loss of his mother during his elementary school years. His early life was marked by a passion for music; he began piano lessons at age five and was active in his church choir and school swimming team.

Early Life and Education

Initially aspiring to be a singer-songwriter, Park sent a video of himself singing and playing the piano to various talent agencies during his high school years, which led to multiple offers. He eventually shifted his focus to acting, enrolling in Myongji University's Film and Musical Studies Department. While at university, he remained active in cultural exchange programs and directed a stage production of Anton Chekhov's works.​

Acting Career

Park made his acting debut in the 2011 thriller film Blind. He gained wider recognition with roles in television series such as Hello Monster (2015), where he played a psychopathic lawyer, and Reply 1988 (2015–2016), portraying a genius Go player. His performance in Love in the Moonlight (2016) as a Joseon Crown Prince further solidified his status as a leading actor. Other notable works include Encounter (2018–2019), Record of Youth (2020), and the film Seo Bok (2021). In 2025, he starred alongside IU in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines, set in Jeju Island, depicting the lives of two individuals navigating challenges from the 1960s to 2025.​

Music and Other Endeavors

Apart from acting, Park pursued a music career, releasing his debut single "Let's Go See the Stars" in 2018 and his first studio album Blue Bird in 2020 under the Japanese label Pony Canyon. He also made his stage debut in 2023 with the musical Let Me Fly.​

Personal Life and Military Service

In August 2020, Park enlisted in the South Korean Navy's Military Band and Honor Guard Cultural Promotion Corps. During his service, he obtained a barber's license and was discharged in February 2022 after utilizing his remaining leave. Notably, Park has been privately volunteering at an orphanage since 2013, reflecting his commitment to philanthropy.​

Recognition

Park Bo-gum has received numerous accolades, including two Baeksang Arts Awards. He is the youngest artist to be named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year and the first actor to top the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list. His wholesome image has earned him affectionate nicknames such as "Nation's Boyfriend" and "Nation's Crown Prince" in Korean media.​