Park Hae Jin
Info
🙂 Native Name: 박해진
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: May 1, 1983
🏠 Birth Place: Busan, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Taurus
📏 Height: 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
💍 Spouse: Unmarried
👶 Children: None
Biography
Park Hae-jin, born on May 1, 1983, in Busan, South Korea, began his entertainment career relatively late compared to his peers. After overcoming a challenging childhood and financial difficulties, he debuted in the drama “Famous Chil Princesses” (2006), quickly gaining attention for his charming looks and natural acting. His role in “East of Eden” (2008) further cemented his status as a rising star in Korean drama, and he soon transitioned into leading roles thanks to his calm demeanor and versatility.
Park’s career took a significant turn when he starred in the hit psychological-romance drama “Cheese in the Trap” (2016), playing the enigmatic Yoo Jung. The drama was a huge success both domestically and internationally, with Park receiving praise for portraying a complex, morally ambiguous character. He then starred in “Man to Man” (2017), Netflix’s first simulcast K-drama, which expanded his global fanbase. His ability to effortlessly shift between genres—from romance to action and mystery—has made him one of the most flexible leading men in Korean entertainment.
In addition to acting, Park is well known for his humanitarian efforts. He has donated millions of won to various causes, including fire victims, scholarships, and animal welfare. In 2020, he was awarded the “Dongbaek Medal”, one of Korea’s highest honors for civic contribution. He has been involved in over 15 official charity campaigns and often declines to publicize his donations, gaining the nickname “Donation Angel” among fans.
Despite his fame, Park Hae-jin maintains a low profile regarding his personal life. As of 2025, he remains unmarried and childless. He has stated in interviews that he wishes to focus on his craft and mental wellness before considering marriage. Known for his dedication to roles and meticulous preparation, Park continues to challenge himself with diverse projects, most recently leading the medical thriller “From Now On, Showtime!” (2022). His career is a testament to resilience, talent, and quiet determination in the competitive world of K-drama.
Hobbies
Collecting Shoes – Park is known to be a shoe collector and reportedly owns hundreds of pairs, meticulously arranged at home.
Reading – He enjoys reading books, especially on psychology and self-development, to help understand his characters better.
Driving – He finds peace in long night drives, often using it as time to think or relax between projects.
Gardening – Park has a rooftop garden at his home where he grows herbs and flowers, describing it as his personal healing space.
Organizing Spaces – He loves cleanliness and has a hobby of rearranging furniture and organizing spaces in a minimalist style.
Interests
Architecture & Interior Design – He has a strong interest in modern minimalist interiors and often sketches layout ideas for dream spaces.
Philanthropy – Park is deeply engaged in charitable work and keeps a keen eye on social welfare projects and donation campaigns.
Fashion – A known fashion enthusiast, he keeps up with trends and works closely with stylists to refine his off-screen wardrobe.
Mental Health Advocacy – He is passionate about destigmatizing mental health in Korea and has supported several related campaigns.
International Drama & Cinema – Park regularly watches foreign films and series to expand his perspective and acting range.
Facts
Military Exemption – He was exempted from military service due to depression and panic disorder, which he openly addressed, earning public respect.
Multi-award Winner – Park has received accolades including the Dongbaek Medal for community service and multiple acting awards across Asia.
Model-Turned-Actor – Before acting, he was briefly a fashion model, which helped launch his entertainment career.
Global Fanbase – He is especially popular in China and Japan, and was even the first Korean actor to be awarded an honorary firefighter title.
Introverted Nature – Despite his fame, he is known to be private and shy, often skipping entertainment programs to avoid media spotlight.
Secrets
Keeps a Gratitude Diary – Park has admitted to writing down small daily moments he’s grateful for, which he uses to stay grounded.
Rehearses Alone at Night – He prefers to rehearse in solitude, sometimes staying at filming locations after hours to better absorb his role.
Does Volunteer Work in Disguise – He often participates in community service anonymously or under a pseudonym to avoid public attention.
Had a Fear of Crowds – Earlier in his career, he struggled with large crowds and avoided fan events until he slowly built confidence.
Owns Minimal Furniture – He once revealed in an interview that he only owns the absolute essentials in his home for mental clarity.
Funny Things
Once Slept in His Car After a Shoot – Park got locked out of his home and chose to sleep in his car rather than bother his manager at night.
His Fan Letters Are Color-Coded – He admitted to organizing fan letters by color and storing them in labeled boxes by year.
Once Burned Instant Noodles – Despite his cooking skills, he once burned ramyeon by forgetting to add water, which he laughed about on set.
Superstitious About Socks – He believes wearing mismatched socks on set brings him good luck, and it has become a personal habit.
Talks to His Plants – Park jokingly confessed that he talks to his potted plants at home to relieve stress and “give them energy.”
Fears
Losing His Privacy – Park is known to guard his private life and has stated that public overexposure is one of his biggest anxieties.
Being Misunderstood – Due to his quiet nature, he fears being misjudged as cold or distant by colleagues and fans.
Injuring Himself on Set – He’s highly committed to physical scenes and worries about injuries that could halt production.
Becoming Emotionally Numb – As an actor, he fears losing the emotional sensitivity that allows him to connect with his characters.
Letting Fans Down – Park has openly said that disappointing his loyal fans is something he constantly works hard to avoid.
News
🎬 1. Lead Role in The Killing Vote (2023)
In 2023, Park Hae-jin starred as Police Officer Kim Moo-chan in the SBS drama The Killing Vote. The series, based on a popular webtoon, follows the pursuit of an unknown executioner who conducts public execution votes targeting malicious criminals. Park’s portrayal of the determined officer added depth to the character, contributing to the show’s critical acclaim.
🏆 2. Recognition at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards
At the 2024 SBS Drama Awards, Park Hae-jin received the Top Excellence Award for his performance in The Killing Vote. His compelling portrayal of Kim Moo-chan was praised for its intensity and emotional depth, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Korean television.
📺 3. Return in From Now On, Showtime! (2022)
In 2022, Park took on the role of Cha Cha-woong, a magician who can see ghosts, in the MBC fantasy-comedy drama From Now On, Showtime!. His performance showcased his versatility, blending humor and mystery, and the show was well-received for its unique storyline and Park’s charismatic portrayal.
🤝 4. Departure from Longtime Agency
After 12 years, Park Hae-jin parted ways with his agency, Mountain Movement, in 2022. The decision was amicable, and both parties expressed mutual respect and support for each other’s future endeavors. This move marked a new chapter in Park’s career as he explored opportunities as a free-agent actor.
🌟 5. Continued Philanthropic Efforts
Beyond his acting career, Park Hae-jin is known for his philanthropic activities. He has been involved in various charitable causes, including donations to disaster relief efforts and support for underprivileged communities. His commitment to giving back has earned him recognition and admiration from fans and the public alike.
Movies
Music / OST
There is no public record of Park Hae-jin pursuing a professional music career. He is primarily recognized as a South Korean actor and model, acclaimed for his roles in productions like Cheese in the Trap (2016), Man to Man (2017), Forest (2020), and The Killing Vote (2023).
While Park Hae-jin has appeared in music videos, such as The Way’s “Love… It’s Painful” in 2007 and Fiestar’s “#Like” in 2016, these appearances were as an actor rather than as a singer or musician. There is no evidence of him releasing music albums, participating in musical performances, or engaging in professional singing endeavors.
Gallery
