Park Bo-gum
A South Korean actor whose gentle charisma and emotional depth made him a defining face of the Korean Wave for a generation.
Born 1993 (age 33)·South Korean actor·Birthday: June 16·Millennials
Biography
Park Bo-gum emerged from Seoul as a classical music student, his path shifting to acting after a childhood marked by loss. His early roles in film and television hinted at a rare sincerity, but it was his turn as a genius Go player in the 2015 drama 'Reply 1988' that transformed him into a national phenomenon. Park possesses a unique ability to convey profound warmth and integrity, making every character feel like a trusted friend. This connection propelled him to unprecedented popularity, leading him to top influential power lists and host major music shows, all while maintaining a studious, almost princely public demeanor. His career is a masterclass in navigating massive fame with a quiet humility that only deepens his appeal.
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.
Park was born in 1993, 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 Park Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Park's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the youngest actor to be named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year, achieving the honor twice.
- Was the first actor ever to top the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list.
- Gained widespread international recognition starring in the hit television drama 'Reply 1988'.
- Successfully hosted the music program 'Music Bank' alongside singer Irene, with their partnership becoming wildly popular.
Did You Know?
He is a skilled pianist and graduated from Myongji University with a degree in Musical Theatre.
Park is a devout Christian and has been a church choir member since childhood.
He is known for his impeccable manners and is often called 'the nation's son-in-law' in South Korea.
He served his mandatory military service as a cultural promotion soldier in the Navy.
““I want to be an actor who can give comfort and warmth.””
