Park So-jin
As the steady leader of Girl's Day, she guided the group from indie hopefuls to K-pop chart-toppers.
Born 1986 (age 40)·South Korean singer and actress·Birthday: May 21·Millennials
Biography
Park So-jin, known mononymously as Sojin, entered the K-pop scene not as a teenage trainee but as a determined young adult, bringing a distinct maturity to Girl's Day. Debuting in 2010, she became the group's leader and main vocalist, her poised presence and powerful voice providing a foundation as they navigated a rocky start. Her leadership was instrumental in the group's pivotal reinvention in 2013, which saw them shed a cute image for a more confident, mature concept. This shift, highlighted by hits like 'Expectation' and 'Something,' propelled Girl's Day to the top of the charts. Sojin's own artistry shone through with solo OSTs for dramas, showcasing a warmer, more traditional vocal tone that earned her the nickname 'Korean Beyoncé' from fans for her emotive runs. While Girl's Day entered an indefinite hiatus, Sojin's legacy is that of the reliable, talented unnie (older sister) who steered her group to success and later carved a niche as a soloist and actress.
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 1986, 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 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Park's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
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
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Girl's Day to their first music show win with "Expectation" in 2013, breaking their years-long streak.
- Released several successful solo soundtrack songs for K-dramas like "The Heirs" and "My Love from the Star."
- Served as the fixed host for the KBS music program "Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook" for a period.
- Acted in web dramas and television series, including "Soul Plate," expanding her career beyond music.
Did You Know?
Sojin is known for her love of gaming and has appeared on variety shows discussing it.
She debuted later than most K-pop idols, at age 24.
She is a skilled cook and has shown her abilities on cooking-themed variety programs.
Sojin is a licensed bartender.
“I entered the industry later, so I had to work with a clear mind and strong will.”
