Jinyoung (entertainer, born 1994)
A thoughtful artist who transitioned seamlessly from a sharp-dancing K-pop idol to a critically praised actor of intense, layered characters.
Born 1994 (age 32)·South Korean singer and actor·Birthday: September 22·Millennials
Biography
Park Jin-young's career is a study in graceful evolution. First introduced to the public as Jr., the passionate main dancer and sub-vocalist of Got7, he was known for powerful stage performances and a quiet, observant demeanor. Even during Got7's peak, he was laying groundwork for a second act, taking on acting roles that started small but grew in substance. The shift was decisive. By the time he starred in the dystopian drama 'The Devil Judge', he had shed the idol image completely, delivering a complex, morally ambiguous performance that turned heads in the industry. In 'Yumi's Cells', he revealed a softer, comedic romantic lead. Jinyouth chose a path of deliberate, challenging roles, building a filmography that respects the craft of acting and has established him as a serious, compelling presence in Korean television and film.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jinyoung was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jinyoung Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jinyoung's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a member of Got7, a group that achieved significant international success and multiple music show wins.
- Received critical acclaim for his role as Kang Yo-han's loyal yet conflicted assistant in the television series 'The Devil Judge'.
- Starred as the male lead Yoo Babi in the popular webtoon-based drama 'Yumi's Cells', showcasing his range in romantic comedy.
- Is an accomplished songwriter, having co-written multiple tracks for Got7 and his subunit JJ Project.
Did You Know?
He originally trained to be a professional dancer before becoming a JYP Entertainment trainee.
He is a published author, having released a collection of his photographs and writings titled 'From Now On, We Are...' in 2015.
He is close friends with actor Park Bo-gum, and the two have traveled together.
He legally changed his stage name from 'Jr.' to 'Jinyoung' in 2017 to avoid confusion with other artists.
“I want to be an actor who can show a different side of myself with each project.”
