Park Hee-soon (Korean: 박희순; born February 13, 1970) is a South Korean actor. He graduated with a theater degree from Seoul Institute of the Arts, and was a member of the Mokwha Repertory Company from 1990 to 2001. He became active in film beginning in 2002, and won several Best Supporting Actor awards for his portrayal of a tough cop in Seven Days (2007). He received further acting recognitions for his roles in the films The Scam (2009) and 1987: When the Day Comes (2017). Apart from his film career, Park starred in television series All About My Romance (2013), The Missing (2015), Beautiful World (2019), and My Name (2021), the lattermost of which brought him international attention along with Squid Game (2024).
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Career
Early career in theater
Park was born on February 13, 1970. He graduated with a degree in theater from Seoul Institute of the Arts. Park began his acting career in 1990 when he joined the Mokwha Repertory Company. In 2001, after being a part of the troupe for 12 years, Park visited Oh Tae-seok, the representative and director of the troupe, and said, "I've been in Mokhwa for 12 years. I'll take a look around the outside world."
Chungmuro early career
Park appeared in minor roles in films as early as 1994, but he only became actively involved in film from 2001 onwards. Park decided to pursue a career in film for at least three years, but it was difficult for the rookie actor to establish himself in Chungmuro, the center of the South Korean film industry. However, step by step, Park built his career by appearing in minor roles in films such as "Three," "Box X Files," and "So Cute."
In 2004, Park played the role of a gang leader in the film "A Family," and his performance as the villain was highly praised. He was even nominated for Best New Actor at the 3rd Korean Film Awards for his role in the film.
In February 2005, Park made a comeback to the theater stage, appearing as Dan in the Aligator Theatre Company's Korean debut of the hit play "Closer" by Patrick Marber, which had been adapted into a film in 2004. The play was performed at The Seoul Art Center's Towol Theater.
Park costarred in Antarctic Journal. Park Hee-soon showed an impressive performance as a sober squad leader in the movie.
In the same year, Park got his first lead role in romantic comedy film Love Talk.
Established actor and venture to small screen
In 2007 he established himself as an indispensable acting actor in the film in Seven Days. Park won several Best Supporting Actor awards for his portrayal of a tough cop in Seven Days (2007). Park received the Best Actor Award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Korea Film Awards, making a strong impression on the public and film officials. In the same year, He debuted on the small screen with KBS 2TV Drama City Reservoir. It was followed by his first miniseries Evasive Inquiry Agency.
In 2009, Park acted as Hwang Jong-gu, gangster-turned-financier, in Lee Ho-jae's film The Scam. The film was received well commercially. Park also garnered critical acclaim for his performance which earned Best Supporting Actor Awards from the 17th Chunsa Film Art Awards.
In 2010, Park acted as Kim Won-kang, a former football player who moved to East Timor in drama film A Barefoot Dream. It is based on the true story of Kim Shin-hwan, a retired Korean footballer who goes to East Timor after his business fails and launches a youth football team, thus becoming the "Hiddink of Korea." Directed by Kim Tae-kyun, this film was a co-production between South Korea and Japan.
In 2011, Park acted in Park Hoon-jung's debut film The Showdown. It was set in the 11th year of Gwanghaegun's reign, when Manchus invaded Joseon. Park acted as Heon-myung, Joseon military commander. He was one of three Joseon soldiers who were cornered by the Manchu forces and must fight a bloody battle in the middle of Manchuria.
In 2013, Park back to television after six years with SBS miniseries All About My Romance. Park also costarred in a 2013 South Korean action spy film The Suspect starring Gong Yoo, and directed by Won Shin-yun. Park's role was Min Se-hoon, a South Korean NIS operative demoted to drill sergeant after a failed mission where Ji Dong-cheol (played by Gong Yoo), spared him.
In 2014, Park came back onstage after nine years, for a 20th anniversary performance of Mokhwa. He performed in the play Baekma River in the Moonlight. It performed in Seoul Namsan Arts Drama Center from June 20 to July 6.
Personal life
Relationship and marriage
In 2011, it was reported that Park Hee-Soon and actress Park Ye-Jin were in a relationship. They met two years prior and got close due to friendship formed as artists under the same agency. In January 2016, it was reported that they registered their marriage in 2015. They had a small celebration with family and friends in 2016.
Philanthropy
In 2010, Park was involved in a charity project in Chad. It was to fulfill his promise to his best friend, the late Park Yong-ha. The school, named after Park, was founded on September 18, finally fulfilling Park's wish of helping to shape a brighter future for the children of Chad. It was documented by Hope TV, a special documentary revolving around this special school that was broadcast on October 22.
