Park Ji-hoon

Early work

Park debuted as a child actor, participating in musicals like Peter Pan (2007–2010), The Harmonium in My Memory (2010), and Radio Star (2010–2011), and small stints in television dramas Jumong (2006–2007), The King and I (2007–2008), Kimchi Cheese Smile (2007–2008), Iljimae (2008), and more.^[7][8] Park also appeared in SS501's reality show SS501 SOS (2006), although his face was blurred out through the episodes.^[9] In 2007, he appeared in KM Idol War with Big Bang.^[10] During his childhood, he continued to be active in musical theatre, television broadcasts, and film, and also worked as an advertisement model.^[11] Park was less active in the entertainment industry in his teen years.

Return to acting and transition to lead roles

In April 2019 Park was cast in JTBC's historical drama Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,^[12] which was aired on September 16.^[13] He received praise for his acting skills and received positive reviews.^[14] He topped Good Data Corporation's buzzworthy list for eight consecutive weeks.^{[citation needed]} Park took his first leading role in the Kakao M's web drama Love Revolution (2020), an adaptation of the webtoon of the same name. It from September 1 to December 27, 2020.^[15][16] Park received wider recognition through the series.^[17] He released the song "Midnight"as part of the drama's soundtrack.^[18] Park starred in the KBS college drama At a Distance, Spring is Green which aired from June 14 thru July 2021.^[19]

Weak Hero and The King's Warden

Park starred in the wavve k-drama Weak Hero which premiered on November 18.^[20] Before its premiere, the first three episodes of the drama were screened at the 27th Busan International Film Festival where it sold out in two minutes, leading to additional screenings.^[21] The drama was a hit becoming wavve's #1 drama in paid subscribers within the first day.^[22] Park received positive reviews from audience and critics as Park's cute and bubbly persona as an idol is different from his Weak Hero character.^[23] When asked about the casting of Park, filmmaker Han Jun-hee revealed that the production company was impressed with his performance in At a Distance, Spring Is Green (2021), and was suggested to director Yu Su-min.^[24] In 2024, he made his film debut with Beautiful Audrey alongside Kim Jung-nan.^[25]

The drama Love Song for Illusion was released in 2024, with Park portraying dual roles. On August 5, 2024, Park signed an exclusive contract with YY Entertainment for his future activities.^[26] Park starred as King Danjong, the central figure of the historical film The King's Warden directed by Jang Hang-jun.^[27] The film was released on February 4, 2026, coinciding with the Korean New Year holiday.^[28] It received positive reviews and did well at the box office.^[29][30]

Produce 101 and Wanna One

Park began training to become an idol singer under SM Entertainment and Fantagio. Due to a knee injury, he did not make it to the final line up of Fantagio's boy group Astro and subsequently transferred to Maroo Entertainment.^[31]

In 2017, Park represented Maroo Entertainment in the second season of Produce 101. He experienced a sudden rise in popularity after going viral as "wink boy (윙크남)", after the introductory "It's Me (Pick Me)" stage on M Countdown, even before the show had started airing.^[32] Consequently, Park's participation in the survival show received extensive media attention to the extent that his self-made aegyo catchphrase "save you in my heart (내 마음 속에 저장)" trended on social media and was used by various companies for marketing purposes.^[33]

The phrase was later crowned as the best catchphrase of 2017 by KOCCA.^[34] Furthermore, Park received offers from various companies to become their advertisement model while the show was still being aired,^[35] and it was later revealed that Park had signed an exclusive contract with Maroo Entertainment before the show had started.^[36] He finished second, which made him a member of the project boy group Wanna One under YMC Entertainment. Wanna One disbanded on December 31, 2018, and officially completed activities after their sold out 4-day final concert series 'Therefore' that ran from January 24 to 27 at Gocheok Sky Dome.^[37]

Solo activities

On March 26, 2019 Park released his debut EP as a soloist, O'Clock, with the lead single "L.O.V.E".^[38][39] Park took his first solo music show win with his debut album "L.O.V.E" on KBS Music Bank on April 5, 2019.^[40] On December 4, Park released his second EP, 360, and its lead single of the same name.^[41] Park release his third EP, The W, with the title track "Wing" on May 26, 2020.^[42] He then released his first studio album, Message, with the title track "Gotcha".^[43] He had his first ever online solo concert titled "Message" on December 13.^[44][45]

On August 12, Park released his fourth EP My Collection, with the title track "Gallery".^[46] On October 28, Park released his fifth EP Hot&Cold, with the title track "Serious".^[47] In August 2022, it was announced that Park would be making a comeback with his sixth EP The Answer with the title track "Nitro" on October 12, 2022.^[48] On September 30, he pre-released a b-side called "Moon & Back".^[49] On October 9 and 10, Park held a two-day concert called '[CLUE]' at the YES24 Live Hall.^[50] Park released his seventh EP Blank or Black with the title track "Blank Effect" on April 12, 2023.^[51][52]

As lead artist

Other releases