Park Hyung Sik is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the K-drama industry today. His journey to stardom, however, wasn’t an easy one. The actor recently shared his personal story on You Quiz on the Block on April 3, discussing the challenges he faced in his career and how perseverance helped him succeed. He opened up about his transition from being a K-pop idol to an actor and the struggles he encountered along the way.
Currently starring in the hit drama Buried Hearts, Park Hyung Sik revealed that his entry into the entertainment world wasn’t planned. He got scouted as a K-pop trainee after receiving a casting card, following his performance in a middle school band competition. Initially, Park had no intention of pursuing a career in the industry but was drawn in by the opportunity.
However, his early days as a trainee were far from easy. Park Hyung Sik confessed that the trainee life was filled with intense competition, side-taking, and even bullying. Reflecting on those tough moments, he said, “I thought it was all about competing with others, choosing sides, and dealing with negative behavior. I decided to focus on improving myself instead.” Despite the challenges, he eventually found his way and adapted by practicing alone, determined to prove his worth through his skills.
Things took a positive turn when he joined ZE:A. Park Hyung Sik described how the group’s members welcomed him with open arms, helping him feel supported and accepted. “The ZE:A members brought me from the darkness into the light, from a basement room that smelled of mold,” he recalled. They encouraged him to join them for meals and made an effort to include him, which helped him gradually open up and feel at ease.
Though his transition to acting wasn’t initially smooth, with negative reviews coming his way, Park remained determined to succeed. His hard work and dedication paid off, as he is now one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea, reportedly ranking as the second highest in the nation. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence and resilience in the face of adversity.