Park Bo Gum: From a childhood burdened by loss and debt to a national icon of South Korea.

Having lost his mother at a young age and shouldering his father's debts in his teens, Park Bo Gum entered the entertainment industry not through glamour but through sheer determination. From a boy who loved music and transitioned into acting, he became an acting icon and a "national star" of Korean television.

A childhood marked by deprivation and years growing up under pressure.

Park Bo Gum was born in 1993 in Seoul, the youngest of three siblings. His childhood was marked by loss when his mother passed away at a very young age. This family tragedy not only left a void in his life but also forced him to mature earlier than his peers. At the age of 15, he took on his father's debt – a huge burden for a teenager, but one that shaped his calm, independent, and resilient personality.

During those years, music became a rare source of spiritual refuge. Park Bo Gum showed early talent in singing and playing the piano, joining the church choir and using music as a way to get through difficult times. He seriously focused on weight loss and physical training with the dream of becoming a professional singer-songwriter, while simultaneously studying and participating in his school's swimming team.

An unexpected shift from music to acting.

Driven by his musical dreams, Park Bo Gum sent vocal recordings to numerous major entertainment companies such as SM, JYP, and YG, and received offers for training from all of them. However, a fateful turning point came when SidusHQ – a company specializing in managing actors – was the first to officially contact him and sign a contract. This seemingly "misguided" decision opened up a completely new path for him.

At SidusHQ, Park Bo Gum discovered his hidden acting potential. He began to approach acting seriously, not viewing it as a temporary choice. Despite his busy schedule, Park studied and graduated with a major in musical theater from Myongji University, and even directed a play inspired by Anton Chekhov's work – a testament to his systematic and long-term artistic thinking.

The supporting roles quietly lay the foundation.

Unlike many young actors who choose the safe path, Park Bo Gum accepted starting with small roles in films to gain experience. He appeared in works such as Blind, Roaring Currents and A Hard Day – films that were successful both commercially and critically. Despite limited screen time, Park left a lasting impression with his eyes, expressions, and ability to blend seamlessly into the atmosphere of the film.

One of his most memorable debut roles was in Coin Locker Girl, where he played a poor boy being chased because of his father's debt. The character shared many similarities with Park's real life, allowing him to fully portray the character's vulnerability, resilience, and yet not weakness. His performance even captivated his co-star Kim Go Eun, who admitted to being mesmerized.

Reply 1988 and the moment she became a "national star"

In 2015, Park Bo Gum took a major turn with Hello Monster, trying his hand at a villainous role for the first time. But just a few months later, Reply 1988 was the work that propelled his name to stardom across Asia. In the role of Choi Taek – a genius, taciturn, and emotionally rich Go player – Park Bo Gum captivated audiences with his genuine shyness, a far cry from the boisterous male lead archetype.

Reply 1988 was not only a success in terms of viewership but also became a cultural icon, associated with the memories of an entire generation. Park Bo Gum's Choi Taek is considered one of the most beloved male characters in the history of Korean television dramas, making him a true "nation's younger brother."

A series of roles solidified her star status.

Following his resounding success, Park Bo Gum has consistently taken on challenging leading roles. Love in the Moonlight allowed him to shine in the image of a young, intelligent, and emotionally rich Joseon prince alongside Kim Yoo Jung. The drama was not only a domestic success but also created a wave of international adoration, elevating Park Bo Gum to the ranks of top Hallyu stars.

In *Encounter*, Park Bo Gum collaborated with Song Hye Kyo, playing a free-spirited young man contrasting with a woman bound by social status. In *Record of Youth*, Park portrayed a model from a poor background, reflecting his own journey of self-improvement in real life. Although each work received mixed reviews, Park Bo Gum has consistently been praised for his subtle acting and restrained emotions.

Growing up after military service and reaching new heights with " When Life Gives You Tangerines "

After completing his military service, Park Bo Gum returned to the screen with When Life Gives You Tangerines – a work considered the most mature milestone in his career. Taking on the role of a father for the first time, Park portrayed Yang Gwan Sik as a tough exterior but deeply emotional character. He gained weight, changed his physique, and delved deeply into the character's psychology instead of simply relying on historical context.

This role earned Park Bo Gum the Actor of the Year (OTT) award at AAA 2025, and also brought him significant gains by winning Best Couple with IU and AAA 10 Legendary Couple with Kim Yoo Jung. Notably, all three main characters in When Life Gives You Tangerines won the Daesang award, affirming the work's weight and Park Bo Gum's status in his post-military career.

A "good boy" who keeps moving forward.

Alongside his acting career, Park Bo Gum continues to nurture his love for music. He is pursuing a master's degree in music and media, and is currently the host of The Seasons – Park Bo-gum's Gandabella on KBS2. With his warm and sincere hosting style, Park continues to win over the general public.

Soon, he will return with Good Boy on JTBC, playing a former boxer who joins a special police unit – a completely different role, promising to open a new chapter in his career. From a motherless boy burdened with debt to a powerful Asian star, Park Bo Gum is not only a beauty icon but also a testament to the strength of perseverance, discipline, and kindness in the harsh world of showbiz.

Hyeri Ryu Jun Yeol attends Reply 1988 anniversary, the audience is waiting for the moment of reunion Hồng An16:03:37 02/12/2025The cast of Reply 1988 officially reunited in the 10th anniversary program, the audience was both eager and curious. Besides that joy, the focus of attention is on Ryu Jun Yeol and Hyeri, a couple who used to love each other, can now meet face to face after a noisy breakup.