From his real birth name and childhood dream to his favourite actor, let’s take you through some lesser-known facts about Park Seo Joon you ought to know.
With K-dramas proliferating into every nook and cranny of mainstream entertainment, it’s only natural that South Korean stars are enjoying an all-time career high. If you even remotely follow K-dramas, you know one celebrity who’s making all the rage these days – Park Seo Joon. While the actor has been in showbiz for over a decade now, it was his stint in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Itaewon Class that made the masses swoon over him. Thanks to his illustrious filmography, you might know a lot about Park Seo Joon, the actor. But have you ever wondered what’s brewing beneath the glitz and glam? Let’s take you through some fun facts about Park Seo Joon you ought to know.
From his real birth name and childhood dream to his favourite actor, philanthropic efforts, military service and more – there’s so much you’ll be thrilled to find out about your favourite star. Keep reading.
10 fun facts about Park Seo Joon you probably didn’t know
1. His birth name is actually Park Yong-kyu
Surprised? Park Seo Joon is actually not the Korean actor’s birth name but a stage name. Born on December 16, 1988, his real name is Park Yong-kyu. Also, since many people are unaware of this name, the star uses it to make charitable donations.
2. Park Seo Joon has already completed his mandatory military service
While our favourite BTS members and other South Korean celebrities are enlisting in military service now, Park Seo Joon enrolled in it right after high school in 2008 when he was 19 years old. He was discharged from the army in 2010. For the actor, fulfilling the military service was his first priority. Joon was assigned to the Security Guard Battalion and finished his service at the Cheongju Correctional Facility. He’s one of the very few actors who didn’t have to put his acting career on hold for military duties.
3. He’s great friends with BTS V and Parasite’s Choi Woo Shik
For the unversed, Park Seo Joon is a part of the high-profile celebrity squad, the ‘Wooga squad’. The group includes BTS’ V aka Kim Taehyung, Parasite star Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik and Peakboy. The word ‘Wooga’ comes from ‘Woori-ga gajok-inga?’ which means ‘Are we family’. And just like any other boy gang, these celebrities are often seen showcasing unwavering support for one another, spending holidays together, going on trips and more.
4. His childhood dream was to become a baseball player
In an earlier V Live interview, Park Seo Joon revealed that his childhood dream was to become a baseball player. He added, “My decision to become an actor was coincidental. I wanted to change my introverted personality, so I thought, ‘How about I try to put myself in front of people?’”
Joon was a part of an animation club during his middle school years, which gave him the opportunity to perform on stage. Eventually, the actor realised that he enjoyed being on the stage and further pursued a career in acting at the Seoul Institute of the Arts.
5. His ideal type? Someone with a charming smile and good communication skills
Girls, take note. According to Soompi, Park Seo Joon once said in an interview that he finds ‘pretty hands and a charming smile’ to be the two most attractive traits in a girl. Having a good conversation is another important aspect. “I care a lot about first impressions. Also, our communication styles should match,” Joon revealed.
6. Park Seo Joon made his debut not with a K-drama, but with a music video
While Joon has cemented his status as the most bankable K-drama star, his entry into the entertainment scene happened with an appearance in former B.A.P member Bang Yong-guk’s 2011 single, I Remember. The younger, skinnier version of Park Seo Joon played a man who could kill for his love, no matter how troubled their relationship was. After turning heads with his intense glare, Joon landed his first official acting job in the sports flick Perfect Game. His breakout roles came years later in 2015 with Kill Me, Heal Me and She Was Pretty.
7. Park Seo Joon appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Park Seo Joon made his MCU debut as Prince Yan in The Marvels. The 2023 Marvel flick featuring Brie Larson (Carol Danvers a.k.a. Captain Marvel) in the lead role, saw Joon appear as a prince from planet Aladna where people speak musically. While the actor had a brief screen time of about two to three minutes, this Hollywood outing was a major breakthrough in his career. This makes him the third South Korean actor to join the MCU after Don Lee a.k.a Ma Dong-seok (The Eternals) and Claudia Kim (Avengers: Age of Ultron).
8. His favourite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio
Well, who doesnt love the Titanic heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio? Park Seo Joon revealed that DiCaprio is his all-time favourite star, who inspires him to work hard. Not only this, Joon also stated that DiCaprio is the reason he started studying English.
9. Park Seo Joon is a generous celebrity philanthropist
Park Seo Joon is among the large number of stars who have shown their passion for being charitable. In 2019, the actor donated a generous sum of KRW 100 million (around 75,000 USD) to Hope Bridge during the forest fire in Gangwon Province. The next year, he made another donation worth KRW 100 million amid Korea’s heavy rains and flooding. Another donation of the same amount was made to Daegu Metropolitan City for COVID-19 relief efforts.
10. He takes fitness very seriously
We’re completely floored by the star’s perfectly sculpted body and the classic Korean glazed face, thanks to his intense gym sessions and healthy diet. Being an actor of that stature, fitness surely becomes one’s priority. Do you know that he trained eight hours a day for the movie The Divine Fury until the film officially wrapped up? From morning cardio and strength training to consuming a protein-rich diet – he abides by a regular workout routine and diet plan.
Park Seo Joon’s most notable performances
Currently basking in the success of his latest Netflix release, Gyeongseong Creature, Park Seo Joon has given many memorable performances over the years. The massive success of films like Kill Me, Heal Me, She Was Pretty and more landed him multiple awards including MBC Drama Awards, Korean Drama Awards, Korean Association of Film Critics Awards and whatnot.
He’s also known for his role as the narcissistic vice-chairman Lee Young Joon in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. Not to miss projects like Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Fight For My Way and Itaewon Class.
(Hero and feature image credit: bn_sj2013/ Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Park Seo Joon in the military?
No. He completed his mandatory military service in 2008 when he was 19 years old.
- What was Park Seo Joon’s first K-drama?
The actor’s first-ever K-drama was Dream High 2, which was released in 2012.
- How old is Park Seo Joon?
As of January 2024, Park Seo Joon is 35 years old.
- Is Park Seo Joon married?
No, the actor is unmarried.
