Park Ji-hoon
A former reality competition sensation who successfully reinvented himself as a compelling actor, captivating audiences with intense and vulnerable performances.
Born 1999 (age 27)·South Korean singer and actor·Birthday: May 29·Generation Z
Biography
Park Ji-hoon has lived two distinct lives in the Korean entertainment spotlight. His first began in childhood, modeling and acting in minor roles, a background that gave him a comfort on camera that would prove crucial. His trajectory changed dramatically in 2017 when he became a central figure on the survival show 'Produce 101 Season 2.' His earnest demeanor and polished performances won over a nation of voters, landing him in the supergroup Wanna One. That experience forged a dedicated fanbase and the discipline of idol life. Rather than resting on that pop fame, Ji-hoon deliberately pivoted back to his first love: acting. He chose projects carefully, avoiding easy, pretty-boy roles. His breakthrough came with the web series 'Weak Hero Class 1,' where he played a quiet, intellectually gifted student pushed to brutal violence. The role showcased a startling depth and physical commitment, silencing any doubts about his transition and marking him as one of his generation's most promising dramatic actors.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Park was born in 1999, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Park Was Born
The biggest hits of 1999
#1 Movie
Star Wars: Episode I
Best Picture
American Beauty
#1 TV Show
ER
Park's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1999Born
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2004Started school
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
2012Became a teenager
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
2015Could drive
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
2017Could vote
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2020Turned 21
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 27 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished in second place on the reality competition series 'Produce 101 Season 2,' leading to his debut in the project boy group Wanna One.
- Released his debut solo studio album, 'Message,' in 2020, establishing his musical identity post-Wanna One.
- Gained critical acclaim for his leading role as Yeon Si-eun in the action-thriller web series 'Weak Hero Class 1.'
Did You Know?
He was a child model and appeared in commercials for brands like KFC and Lotte before his teenage fame.
He is an only child and has stated his mother is his biggest supporter and influence.
He graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul, a prestigious arts high school.
“I want to show my own colors through my music.”
