Park Soo-jin
A South Korean entertainer who gracefully pivoted from sugary K-pop idol to a respected actress and the long-running host of a beloved culinary show.
Born 1985 (age 41)·South Korean actress·Birthday: November 27·Millennials
Biography
Park Soo-jin entered the public eye in the early 2000s as a member of the girl group Sugar, embodying the bright, catchy aesthetic of first-generation K-pop. When the group disbanded, she faced the classic idol's dilemma: fade away or reinvent. Park chose reinvention, diligently studying acting and taking on supporting roles in television dramas. Her big break into a different kind of stardom came with 'Tasty Road', a popular food show where her warm, approachable charm found a perfect home. For six years, she guided viewers through Seoul's dining scene, becoming a trusted culinary curator and a fixture in Korean households. This hosting role, more than any acting part, solidified her post-idol career, proving her durability and relatable appeal. She successfully navigated the often-tricky transition from performer to personality, building a lasting career on screen.
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 1985, 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 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Park's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hosted the popular culinary show 'Tasty Road' for six consecutive years from 2010 to 2016.
- Successfully transitioned from K-pop idol to actress, with roles in dramas like 'The King of Legend' and 'Goddess of Fire Jeongi'.
- Was an original member of the K-pop girl group Sugar, which had hits like 'Tell Me Why' and 'Shine' in the early 2000s.
Did You Know?
She is known to be close friends with actress Han Hye-jin.
She studied Theater and Film at Chung-Ang University.
She made her acting debut in the 2007 MBC drama 'The King and I'.
She is a certified yoga instructor.
“I left the stage to learn a new craft in front of the camera.”
