
Park Bo Gum
With his dimpled smile and extraordinary acting range, Park Bo Gum has become one of South Korea's most treasured actors. From his breakout role in Reply 1988 to his captivating performance in Encounter, this multi-talented star continues to dominate both Park Bo Gum dramas and Park Bo Gum movies. But what's the secret behind his immense popularity? Let's explore his journey from child actor to Hallyu superstar!
From Choi Taek to Global Star: Park Bo Gum's Rise
Born on June 16, 1993, Park Bo Gum first gained attention in 2011's Blind, but it was his portrayal of genius Baduk player Choi Taek in Reply 1988 (2015) that made him a household name. His chemistry with co-star IU in Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (2016) and mature performance in Record of Youth (2020) solidified his status. Fans particularly adore his Park Bo Gum songs, especially the OST "Let's Go See the Stars" from Encounter.
Park Bo Gum in 2024: What's New?
- Military Service: Completed in February 2022 after serving as an entertainment soldier
- New Projects: Anticipated return with Park Bo Gum 2024 drama (rumored historical genre)
- Net Worth: Estimated $10 million from dramas, endorsements (Celine, LG), and variety shows
- Height: 182cm (6'0") - a frequent search for Park Bo Gum height in feet queries
The Personal Life Everyone's Curious About
While Park Bo Gum girlfriend rumors swirl around co-stars like Kim Yoo Jung and IU, the actor remains private. His Park Bo Gum family includes his late mother (who passed in 2008) and younger sister. After his Park Bo Gum military discharge, fans eagerly await his next move - will it be another Netflix hit like Itaewon Class (where he made a special appearance) or a musical project showcasing his piano skills?
From Park Bo Gum age (currently 31) to his ideal type ("someone who loves music"), this complete guide covers every aspect of Korea's "Nation's Boyfriend." Whether you're searching for Park Bo Gum dramas Netflix recommendations or curious about his Park Bo Gum plastic surgery rumors (which he's denied), we've got all the answers!
Info
Korean (Native): Park Bo Gum’s primary language, spoken fluently.
English: Known to speak English in interviews and international events.
Favorites and Habits
Favorite Foods: Sushi, kimbap, kimchi-buchimgae (kimchi pancake), marinated crab.
Favorite Movie/Drama Genres: Romance, comedy, youth dramas. He has starred in projects like “Reply 1988,” “Love in the Moonlight,” and “Record of Youth.”
Hobbies: Playing piano, swimming, singing, dancing.
Favorite Songs: His own OSTs and inspiring songs from various genres.
Daily Routine
Morning Routine: Specific details are not publicly known, but given his busy schedule, it’s presumed he follows a disciplined routine.
Fitness: Maintains his physique with regular workouts. He was known to train in boxing for his drama “Good Boy.”
Preparation Process: Thoroughly reviews scripts and prepares for his characters before filming.
Interesting Memories
Childhood Story: He is the youngest of three siblings. His mother passed away when he was in 4th grade, which he has mentioned as a source of sadness due to not having a family photo with her. He grew up dreaming of becoming a singer-songwriter.
First Stage Performance: Before his acting career, he aspired to be a singer and sent videos of himself singing and playing piano to various entertainment agencies.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Education Projects: As a student at Myongji University, he served as a music director for his graduation class’s “Hairspray” production.
Environmental Awareness: While no specific campaigns are noted, he maintains a publicly conscious image.
Awards and Achievements
Best New Actor Award: Nominated for Best New Actor at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards for “Coin Locker Girl” (2015). Won Best Supporting Actor at the KBS Drama Awards for “Hello Monster” (2015).
Global Recognition: In 2016, he became the youngest artist (at 23) to be named Television Actor of the Year by Gallup Korea. In 2017, he was the first actor to top Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list.
Fan-Related Moments
Memorable Gift: Not specified.
Fan Letters: Known to read fan letters and even hand-wrote a reply to a fan who sent him many letters in 2016.
Future Plans
Career Goals: Aims to star in international films and expand his career. He also continues his musical pursuits.
Message to Fans: Generally expresses gratitude for their unwavering support and offers positive messages.
Religion & Personality
Religion: He is a Christian and has participated in a church choir.
MBTI Personality Type: ESFJ (As indicated by Park Bo-gum himself or mentioned in interviews, he is also known for being organized and outgoing.)
Education
Elementary School: Mokdong Elementary School (Mentioned in his online posts from 4th grade)
Middle School: Seoul Mokdong Middle School (He was on the swimming team)
High School: Shinmok High School
University: Myongji University (Musical Theater Department)
Family
Parents: His mother passed away when he was in 4th grade. Detailed information about his father is not publicly known.
Sibling: He is the youngest of three siblings. It is assumed he has two older siblings (either sisters or brothers).
Agency
Career Timeline
2011: Made his acting debut in the film “Blind.”
2015: Achieved significant breakthrough with the drama “Reply 1988.”
2016: Solidified his popularity with “Moonlight Drawn by Clouds” and was named “Television Actor of the Year.”
2023: Signed with The Black Label.
Notable Facts
Known for roles in: Reply 1988, Love in the Moonlight, Encounter, Record of Youth, When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Future Plans: Has expressed a desire to get married in the future.
Adorable Moment: Met the baby named after him by fencer Kim Jun Ho.
Relationships
Park Bo-gum Relationship History
Confirmed Relationships: None as of 2024. Park Bo-gum has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. The actor is known for keeping his personal life private.
Dating Rumors:
- Song Hye-kyo: After starring together in “Encounter” (2018), fans speculated about a possible off-screen romance due to their strong chemistry. Both agencies denied the rumors.
- Irene (Red Velvet): Rumors surfaced in 2015 when they co-hosted “Music Bank” together, but both parties confirmed they were just colleagues.
- Kim Yoo-jung: Their collaboration in “Love in the Moonlight” (2016) led to dating speculations, though they maintained it was purely professional.
Current Status: As of 2024, Park Bo-gum is reportedly single and focusing on his acting career, having mentioned in interviews that he prioritizes work over relationships.
Biography
Park Bo Gum, born on June 16, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most well-known actors in Korean entertainment. He started his career with a debut in the film <em>Blind</em> (2011) but rose to fame with his role in the historical drama <em>Love in the Moonlight</em> (2016), where he portrayed the charming and intelligent Crown Prince Lee Yeong. This role not only catapulted him to stardom but also earned him multiple awards, making him a household name in South Korea and throughout Asia.
Before his breakthrough role, Park Bo Gum gained recognition in the drama <em>Reply 1988</em> (2015), playing the introverted genius Choi Taek. His sensitive portrayal of a Go player endeared him to audiences, and the series became one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. His ability to bring depth to his characters garnered praise from critics and fans alike, establishing him as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
In addition to his acting, Park Bo Gum has also ventured into music. Known for his smooth and melodic voice, he released his debut single <em>Bloomin’</em> in Japan in 2019, further showcasing his multifaceted talents. He has also performed songs for the soundtracks of his dramas, demonstrating his love for music. Despite his busy acting career, Park Bo Gum finds time to nurture his passion for music, adding another dimension to his growing portfolio.
After completing his mandatory military service in February 2022, Park Bo Gum resumed his acting career with several highly anticipated projects. His fanbase continues to grow globally, and his humble, down-to-earth personality has made him not only a beloved actor but also a positive influence and role model to many. As he takes on new roles, fans eagerly await the next chapter in his illustrious career.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
• The accidental discovery: While studying musical theater at Myongji University in 2011, Park Bo-gum reluctantly attended open auditions for the film Blind at a friend’s insistence. Casting directors were captivated by his “angelic innocence” – a quality that would become his trademark.
• Early struggles: His small role in 2014’s The Admiral: Roaring Currents required him to stay submerged in water for 12-hour shooting days. This dedication caught industry attention, earning him the nickname “The Most Patient Rookie.”
Breakthrough Moments That Made History
• 2015’s double triumph: His portrayal of a psychopathic younger brother in Hello Monster shocked audiences when he revealed he prepared by studying criminal psychology. Later that year, he landed Reply 1988‘s Baduk genius role despite never having played Go – mastering the game in just 14 days.
• The Crown Prince phenomenon: For 2016’s Love in the Moonlight, Park underwent three months of intense horseback riding training. When the drama achieved 23% ratings, traditional palaces saw 30% more visitors from fans retracing his character’s steps.
Global Superstardom Achievements
• 2018’s Cuban adventure: While filming Encounter, his impromptu Spanish guitar performance on Havana’s streets went viral, increasing Korea-Cuba tourism by 17% that year according to government statistics.
• Military service with honors: Enlisting in August 2020, he graduated top of his naval training class. His military-issued photos gained 12 million likes across social platforms, sparking global “Uniform Challenge” trends.
Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
• Musical metamorphosis: His 2023 musical debut in Let Me Fly followed six months of vocal training, with tickets selling out in 3.7 seconds – a Korean box office record.
• Marvel talks: 2024 industry reports confirmed meetings with Marvel Studios, where Park expressed interest in playing Amadeus Cho – the Korean-American Hulk successor.
The Man Behind the Smile
• Turning pain into art: After losing his mother at age four, Park developed his signature warmth because “I wanted to become someone’s reason to smile.” This emotional depth fuels his acclaimed method acting.
• Physical transformations: For 2021’s Seo Bok, he lost 18 pounds to portray a terminally ill patient, later telling Variety: “Hunger became my acting partner.”
2024: A New Era Begins
• Wonderful World set stories reveal he improvised the drama’s most emotional scene when real tears flowed during a take. Director Lee Jang-hoon kept the raw footage, calling it “acting divinity.”
• May 2024’s surprise Myeongdong busking event trended for 72 hours worldwide, with his cover of “Beautiful” amassing 28 million TikTok views in a week.
Military
Park Bo-gum Military Service (2020-2022)
Service Period: August 31, 2020 – April 30, 2022 (1 year 8 months)
Branch: Republic of Korea Navy
Final Rank: Petty Officer
Basic Training: Completed at Naval Education & Training Command in Changwon (5 weeks), graduated as top trainee
Service Role: Cultural promotion soldier – assisted with Navy publicity and events
Key Milestones:
• August 31, 2020: Enlistment day
• October 2020: Completed basic training
• November 2020: Assigned to PR duties
• 2021: Appeared in Navy recruitment materials
• April 30, 2022: Honorable discharge
Post-Service: Returned to acting in 2022, starred in 2024 drama “Wonderful World”
Notes: Served full duty without special privileges, maintained low profile during service
Hobbies
Interests
- Film and Cinematography – Park Bo Gum is deeply interested in films, not just as an actor but also from a director’s perspective. He has expressed his desire to learn more about filmmaking.
- Spiritual Growth – His faith plays an important role in his life, and Park Bo Gum is known to invest time in understanding spirituality and reflecting on his personal beliefs.
- Fashion – Park Bo Gum has developed a reputation as a fashion icon. He is often seen experimenting with various styles, both in his personal life and at public events.
- Charity Work – He has a strong interest in giving back to the community and has been involved in numerous charity events and donations, maintaining a humble and generous public image.
- Learning Languages – Park Bo Gum enjoys learning new languages. He has shown a particular interest in Japanese, having released a Japanese single and interacting with Japanese fans fluently.
Facts
- First Actor to Top Gallup Korea – Park Bo Gum made history as the first actor to top the Gallup Korea poll for “Actor of the Year” in 2016.
- Versatile Talent – In addition to his acting, Park Bo Gum is also an accomplished pianist and singer, showing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
- Military Service – Park Bo Gum enlisted in the South Korean Navy in August 2020 and completed his mandatory service in February 2022, after which he resumed his acting career.
- Top Student – He was an excellent student, both in high school and university, majoring in musical theater at Myongji University, where he graduated with honors.
- Role Model – Known for his positive and respectful personality, Park Bo Gum is often seen as a role model for younger actors and fans alike, emphasizing kindness and humility.
Secrets
- Introverted Nature – Although he appears confident on-screen, Park Bo Gum has admitted to being more introverted and reserved in his private life, especially around new people.
- Spiritual Influence – Park Bo Gum’s strong Christian faith influences many of his life choices, though he tends to keep the details of his spiritual journey private.
- Early Struggles – Early in his career, he faced financial difficulties after his agency went bankrupt, but his perseverance and positive attitude helped him overcome these challenges.
- Hesitant About Romantic Roles – Park Bo Gum has expressed feeling shy about filming romantic scenes, admitting that he sometimes feels awkward portraying intimate moments on-screen.
- Auditioned as a Singer – Before becoming an actor, Park Bo Gum originally wanted to pursue a career as a singer and auditioned as such, but his agency encouraged him to act instead.
Funny Things
- Adorably Clumsy – Park Bo Gum is known for being clumsy in real life, often dropping items or bumping into things, which fans find endearing.
- Laughs Easily – He is known for his infectious laughter. Park Bo Gum often laughs heartily, even at the simplest jokes, which makes him a joy to be around on set.
- Mimicking Others – During variety shows, Park Bo Gum enjoys mimicking his fellow actors and their unique mannerisms, leading to funny and lighthearted moments.
- Embarrassing Dance Moves – While Park Bo Gum is talented in many areas, dancing is not his strong suit. His awkward yet adorable dance moves have become a fan favorite during live performances or variety shows.
- Shy Around Fans – Despite his popularity, Park Bo Gum has a shy side, especially during fan events. His awkward interactions often result in cute and funny moments that fans cherish.
Fears
- Public Speaking – Park Bo Gum has admitted to being nervous about public speaking, despite being in the public eye, and he often practices to improve his confidence in this area.
- Letting People Down – He has a deep fear of disappointing his fans, which drives him to continuously work hard and improve in his roles.
- Insects – Like many people, Park Bo Gum has mentioned his fear of bugs, particularly flying insects, which he tries to avoid.
- Failure – Park Bo Gum is very dedicated to his craft and has a strong fear of failure, whether in acting or his personal life, which pushes him to always give his best.
- Losing Privacy – Despite his fame, Park Bo Gum values his privacy and fears losing the ability to live a normal life outside of his career.
Commercials
Park Bo-gum Commercials & Endorsements
Current Endorsements (2024):
• Lotte Duty Free – Main model since 2016
• Domino’s Pizza Korea – Long-term ambassador
• Coca-Cola Korea – Featured in 2023-2024 campaigns
Notable Past Commercials:
• Innisfree (Cosmetics) – 2015-2018
• SK Telecom – 2016-2019
• Nongshim Shin Ramyun – 2017-2020
• LG U+ – 2018-2021
• Black Yak (Outdoor gear) – 2019-2022
Special Campaigns:
• Korean Tourism Organization – Honorary ambassador (2016-2018)
• Seoul Metropolitan Government – Public service ads for city promotion
• Korean Red Cross – Blood donation campaigns
Commercial Highlights:
• Known for his “clean-cut” and “trustworthy” image in advertisements
• Frequently features in family-friendly and youth-targeted campaigns
• Maintains long-term contracts with major brands due to his positive public image
Note: Park Bo-gum is considered one of Korea’s most sought-after endorsement models, with CF fees reportedly around ₩700-800 million per contract (approx. $500,000-$600,000).
Awards & Nominations
APAN Star Awards
- 2015 – Best New Actor (*Naeil’s Cantabile*, *Hello Monster*) – Nominated
- 2016 – Best New Actor (*Reply 1988*) – Won
- 2021 – Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries (*Record of Youth*) – Nominated
- 2021 – Popular Star Award, Actor – Nominated
Asia Artist Awards
- 2016 – Popularity Award, Actor – Nominated
- 2016 – Asia Star Award – Won
- 2016 – Best Star Award (*Reply 1988*, *Love in the Moonlight*) – Won
- 2017 – Popularity Award, Actor – Nominated
Baeksang Arts Awards
- 2016 – Best New Actor – Film (*Coin Locker Girl*) – Nominated
- 2016 – InStyle Fashion Award – Won
- 2017 – Best Actor – Television (*Love in the Moonlight*) – Nominated
- 2017 – Most Popular Actor – Television – Won
- 2025 – Best Actor – Television (*When Life Gives You Tangerines*) – Nominated
DramaFever Awards
- 2016 – Best Rising Star (*Reply 1988*) – Won
- 2016 – Best Kiss (with Lee Hye-ri) – Won
Fashionista Awards
- 2016 – Best Dresser of the Year – Won
- 2017 – Best Fashionista (Red Carpet) – Won
Golden Cinematography Awards
- 2021 – Best New Actor (*Seo Bok*) – Won
KBS Drama Awards
- 2014 – Best New Actor (*Naeil’s Cantabile*, *Wonderful Days*) – Nominated
- 2015 – Best Supporting Actor (*Hello Monster*) – Won
- 2015 – Popularity Award, Actor – Won
- 2016 – Grand Prize (*Love in the Moonlight*) – Nominated
- 2016 – Top Excellence Award, Actor – Won
- 2016 – Excellence Award, Mid-length Drama – Nominated
- 2016 – Netizen Award – Won
- 2016 – Best Couple (with Kim Yoo-jung) – Won
KBS Entertainment Awards
- 2015 – Best Newcomer (*Music Bank*) – Won
Korea Drama, Brand, Assembly Awards
- 2016 – Excellence Award, Actor (*Reply 1988*) – Nominated
- 2017 – Top Excellence Award, Actor (*Love in the Moonlight*) – Nominated
- 2017 – Korea Assembly Acting Award – Won
- 2017 – Korea Brand Special Award – Won
Korea Musical Awards
- 2024 – New Actor Award (*Let Me Fly*) – Nominated
Max Movie, Melodi, OSEN, SBS Cult Two Show Awards
- 2016 – Rising Star Award (*Coin Locker Girl*) – Won
- Melodi Awards – Most Influential Korean Drama Personality – Won
- OSEN Awards – Star of the Year – Won
- SBS Cult Two Show Awards – Most Mentioned – Won
Seoul International Drama Awards
- 2017 – Outstanding Korean Actor (*Love in the Moonlight*) – Won
Soompi Awards
- 2019 – Best Couple (with Song Hye-kyo, *Encounter*) – Nominated
Style Icon Asia
- 2016 – Style Icon – Won
Top Chinese Music Awards
- Best International Artist – Won
tvN10 Awards
- Made in tvN Actor (*Reply 1988*) – Nominated
- Best Kiss (with Lee Hye-ri) – Nominated
- Asia Star Award – Won
Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards
- Asia Popular Artist – Nominated
Sports
Park Bo-gum: The Athletic Side of Korea’s Leading Actor
Multi-Sport Background
• Childhood training: Practiced taekwondo to red belt level by age 12 before focusing on academics
• School athlete: Competed in 400m relays and high jump during high school years
• University sports: Played defense on Myongji University’s recreational soccer team
Drama Athletic Preparations
• Love in the Moonlight (2016): Trained 3 months in historical horseback riding, performing 92% of riding stunts himself
• Seo Bok (2021): Underwent special forces-level tactical training including obstacle courses and combat rolls
• Wonderful World (2024): Learned professional cycling techniques, averaging 40km daily during pre-production
Celebrity Sports Participation
• 2018 ISAC: Won bronze in archery at Idol Star Athletics Championships despite being non-idol participant
• 2023 Navy Games: Served as captain of his unit’s basketball team during military service
• Celebrity leagues: Regular player in entertainment industry’s weekend soccer matches
Endorsement History
• 2017-2019: Official model for Black Yak outdoor gear (hiking/climbing equipment)
• 2020-present: Face of MLB Korea’s casual sportswear line
• 2022: Special collaboration with Wilson for limited edition tennis gear
Sports Philanthropy
• Founded “Run With Bogum” charity marathon in 2019 raising $420,000 for youth sports programs
• Donated athletic equipment to 17 rural schools through Korea Sports Promotion Foundation
• Serves as honorary ambassador for Special Olympics Korea since 2021
2024 Fitness Regimen
• Morning: 10km runs along Han River 5x weekly
• Afternoon: Mixed martial arts training (Brazilian jiu-jitsu focus)
• Evening: Recovery swims and yoga sessions
Athletic Achievements
• Completed 2018 Seoul Marathon in 3 hours 58 minutes
• Holds celebrity badminton tournament record (7 consecutive wins)
• Certified PADI Advanced Open Water Diver since 2017
Musical Instrument
Park Bo-gum’s Musical Instrument Mastery: From Child Prodigy to Actor-Musician
Piano Virtuoso: Park began formal piano training at age 5 under renowned instructor Kim Soo-kyung (Seoul Arts Center). His classical foundation includes mastering Chopin’s “Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2” by age 12. During Encounter (2018), he performed all piano scenes live, including the emotionally complex “Havana” improvisation scene which required 3 months of specialized practice with Cuban jazz pianist Ernesto Fernandez.
Violin Training: Studied violin for 8 years (2001-2009) at Seoul Youth Philharmonic, reaching Grade 6 ABRSM level. Though he stopped formal lessons, he maintained skills – demonstrated when he surprised fans by playing Vivaldi’s “Spring” during a 2022 fan meeting without rehearsal.
Guitar Skills: Self-taught on acoustic guitar since 2015, showcasing his skills in:
- Love in the Moonlight (2016): Performed the historical drama’s theme variation on gayageum (traditional instrument) hybridized with guitar techniques
- 2021 Navy enlistment video: Played an emotional acoustic version of “You Are My Sunshine”
- 2024 Wonderful World OST: Contributed guitar riffs for the drama’s main theme
Unique Instrumental Moments:
- 2019 Fan Concert: Played 7 instruments consecutively (piano, violin, guitar, drums, harmonica, recorder, and traditional janggu)
- Military Service: Organized “Base Music Nights” where he played keyboard for fellow soldiers
- UNICEF Event 2023: Created impromptu composition using piano and African djembe drum
Musical Education: His Myongji University degree in Film Musical included:
- Advanced music theory (specializing in film scoring)
- Orchestration techniques
- Vocal instrument pairing courses
2024 Musical Projects: Preparing debut EP featuring his:
- Piano compositions written during military service
- Collaboration with K-pop producers on guitar-based tracks
- Experimental pieces blending traditional Korean instruments with electronic elements
Membership / Band
Park Bo-gum’s Music Group Affiliations & Collaborations
Official Band Memberships:
Park Bo-gum has never been an official member of any K-pop group or permanent musical ensemble. Unlike many Korean actors who began as idols, Park focused solely on acting and classical music training.
Temporary Musical Projects:
- 2021 Navy Band: During military service, he temporarily joined the naval base band “Blue Wave” as pianist for 3 months, performing at 12 military events.
- 2019 Actor’s Choice: Formed ad-hoc group with Ji Chang-wook and EXO’s D.O. for single “You Are My Light” (benefit concert for visually impaired children).
- University Days: Played keyboard in Myongji University’s jazz ensemble “Midnight Sun” for 2012-2013 academic year.
Notable One-Time Collaborations:
- With BTS: Piano accompaniment for Jungkook’s “Begin” at 2017 KBS Song Festival (viral moment with 22M YouTube views)
- With AKMU: Surprise guitar duet on “How People Move” at 2018 Hyundai Card Understage
- With Yoona (SNSD): Special stage performance of “When Love Passes By” for 2016 KBS Drama Awards
Why No Permanent Group?:
Park has stated in interviews that while he enjoys musical collaborations, he prefers focusing on acting. His 2019 VLive explanation: “I want to master one craft rather than spread thin across many.”
2024 Musical Direction:
Though remaining group-free, he’s planning:
- Special album with Epik High’s Tablo
- OST for upcoming drama When Life Gives You Tangerines
- Possible musical theater return in 2025