Park Si-hoo (born Park Pyeong-ho on April 3, 1978) is a South Korean actor. He began his entertainment career as an underwear model and stage actor, then made his official television debut in 2005. After several years in supporting roles, Park rose to fame in 2010 with the popular romantic comedy series Queen of Reversals and Prosecutor Princess. This was followed by leading roles in period drama The Princess' Man (2011) and thriller film Confession of Murder (2012).
Career
1997–1999: Beginnings
Park Pyeong-ho began his acting career in theater in 1997, putting up posters, handing out flyers, and appearing as an extra or in bit parts on stage,[1] leading to his acting debut in the play The Twelve Nyang Life. During this time, he also worked as an underwear model,[2] before being cast in a bit part in episodes 1 and 2 of 2005 television series Sassy Girl Chun-hyang.[3]
But Park's breakthrough would come in 2010. As the mysterious lawyer Seo In-woo in Prosecutor Princess, he rose to fame and the term "Seo Byun syndrome" was coined for his growing fanbase.[5][6][7][8][9] And such was his popularity with audiences in Queen of Reversals that when the series was extended, screenwriter Park Ji-eun rewrote the script so that his character, chaebol businessman Gu Yong-shik, would end up with the heroine.[10][11] He later won an Excellence Award at the MBC Drama Awards for Queen of Reversals.[12]
He continued his success in 2011 with the Joseon period drama The Princess' Man, a critical and ratings hit.[13][14][15] Park's portrayal of a man torn between revenge and love for his enemy's daughter garnered him a Top Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards.[16] Fan meetings in Asian countries such as Japan, China and Taiwan further cemented his status as a Hallyu star.[17][18][19] He also recorded the Christmas single "Winter Story," along with other stars from his then-agency Eyagi Entertainment.[20]
Park's career was temporarily halted in 2013 when he was involved in a highly publicized sexual assault case (charges were later dropped when the alleged victim withdrew her complaint).[30]
For his comeback, Park was reportedly considering taking on the leading role in 2014 series Golden Cross,[31] but continuing public outrage regarding his 2013 case led broadcaster KBS to cancel his casting, with the Corea Entertainment Management Association stating that "Park still needs more time."[32] Instead, he focused on overseas activities, holding a photo exhibition in Japan titled The Man Who Was There, and starring in the 2014 Chinese film Scent, directed by Jessey Tsang Tsui-Shan.[33][34] He also filmed the Korean-Chinese co-produced drama film After Love opposite Yoon Eun-hye.[35][36]
Two years after his controversy, Park returned in 2015 in the cable series Local Hero, in which he plays a former undercover agent who mentors a young police officer as they fight crime together.[37]
2017–present: Worldwide success
In 2017, Park was cast in KBS2 weekend drama My Golden Life.[38] The drama was a major hit in South Korea and surpassed 40% ratings.[39]
In 2018, Park was cast in KBS's romance horror series Lovely Horribly alongside Song Ji-hyo.[40] In 2019, Park starred in mystery melodrama Babel.[41] In 2020, Park Starred in TV chosun's sageuk drama King Maker : The Change of Destiny. The drama was a huge success in South Korea, with reach 6,3% rating, a very high rating for a TV Cable. In 2021, Park was cast in a leading role in Korean's version of popular American series "The Mentalist" alongside Lee Si Young (Sweet Home). In 2024, Park was cast as Park Gyo Sun, a North Korean officer in the first musical movie set in North Korea along with 2AM member, Jung Jin Woon titled "Choir of God". He also appear in TV Chosun's "Dad&Me" with his father from January 2024.
Personal life
His father Park Yong-hoon used to be a fashion and commercial model in the 1960s and 1970s, and his younger brother Park Wu-ho is a former baseball player for the Hyundai Unicorns.[42][43]
On February 18, 2013, Park was accused of allegedly raping a 22-year-old aspiring actress. The woman said that after drinking heavily at a bar in Gangnam District, she and Park went to his apartment in Cheongdam-dong at around 2:00 a.m. on February 15, where she lost consciousness and realized she had been raped when she woke up. In a statement released through his management agency, Park denied the allegation; he admitted that he had sex with the woman but claimed it was consensual. Ultimately, the woman dropped all complaints, and no verdict was ever reached.[44][45][46][47][48]
In late 2021, after completing the shooting of The Mentalist, Park was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His symptoms were initially suspected to be leukemia after suffering from two weeks of nosebleeds; however, the test results were negative. The illness forced Park to undergo a three-year hiatus before making a comeback in Dad and Me variety show, and new movie Choir of God. He lost approximately 19 kilograms during the course of his treatment.[citation needed]
