Park Cho-rong
The steady, graceful leader of Apink who guided her group through a decade of K-pop evolution with warmth and quiet strength.
Born 1991 (age 35)·South Korean singer and actress·Birthday: March 3·Millennials
Biography
Park Cho-rong, known as Chorong, stepped into the spotlight not as the loudest voice, but as the foundational heart of the girl group Apink. Debuting in 2011, she provided stability and a gentle, approachable charm that became central to the group's identity during the 'innocent concept' era. As leader, her role was often that of a supportive older sister, navigating the intense pressures of the industry while maintaining the group's cohesive bond. Her artistry extended beyond performing; she penned lyrics for the group, contributing songs that reflected Apink's sentimental and hopeful sound. Chorong's career mirrors Apink's own journey—successfully maturing their style while retaining a loyal fanbase, proving that in K-pop, enduring sincerity can be as powerful as constant reinvention.
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 1991, 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 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Park's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
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
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
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
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Apink to multiple music show wins and a sustained career spanning over a decade in the competitive K-pop industry.
- Authored lyrics for several of Apink's songs, including the track 'April 19th' dedicated to the group's fans.
- Successfully transitioned into acting, taking roles in dramas like 'The Guardians' and 'Meloholic.'
Did You Know?
She is a licensed barista.
Chorong was scouted by a talent agent while visiting Seoul with her mother as a high school student.
She has a younger brother who is a professional baseball player in South Korea.
Her nickname within Apink is 'Ddung Rong' which translates to 'Chorong the Poop,' a joke about her being cute like a baby.
“Even if we’re apart, let’s walk on the same road. That’s Apink.”
