(Yonhap Interview) 'Acting helped me tap inner self': Park Hyung-sik
By Chang Dong-woo and Lee Jeong-hyun
SEOUL, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Park Hyung-sik of K-pop group ZE:A said Friday that his newfound success in acting has helped him search his inner self as both an artist and a person.
"I stumbled upon the question 'Who am I' when going through the mechanical motions as an idol musician. But later (through acting), the time came when I was able to seek my sense of inner self," Park said during an interview with Yonhap News Agency in southern Seoul.
The star, who recently appeared in JTBC's hit show "Strong Woman Do Bong-soon" explained he learned it was "important to maintain a sense of one's self after passing through that phase in life."
"I think I'm in a stable phase now. My mind isn't wandering any longer."
Idol singers have been dipping their toes in acting for quite some time, but Park is inarguably one of the standout stars among his peers.
Following his music debut in 2010 through ZE:A, the 27-year-old has built up a formidable TV drama resume starting with "Nine: Nine Time Travels" in 2013 to "Do Bong-soon," which recently ended to critical and commercial success.
Park said he felt as if his acting matured from KBS 2TV's period series "Hwarang," where he played the young King Jinheung during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.- A.D. 935).
"Before I had difficulty expressing what I had in my head. But since 'Hwarang,' I've got the feeling that I'm moving forward from my past experiences."
"Do Bong-soon" was Park's first main lead in a TV show. Obviously, much of the show's success was hanging on his performance. Park said he heavily relied on fellow lead actress Park Bo-young psychologically.
"During script readings, Park's presence was really huge for me," Park said, adding, "Bo-young was like a teacher to me."
"We became close personally, but I was also amazed by her acting. I learned a lot from her."
Park's work in "Do Bong-soon" earned him the nickname "king of romcom." The star said he wants to try out other genres too.
"I'm pondering trying something with a strong melodramatic story. I also want to act in a show in which close male buddies cuss at each other and get into trouble," Park laughed.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Ateez to drop new Japanese EP next week
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
Gov't to significantly increase international flights to meet travel demand
-
(2nd LD) BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award
-
Crypto investor probed over allegedly visiting house of Terraform's CEO
-
S. Korea to send condolence delegation to UAE over death of president
-
(LEAD) Yoon, PPP lawmakers travel to Gwangju en masse to commemorate 1980 democracy uprising
-
(URGENT) N. Korea says fever symptoms reported among more than 18,000 people Thursday alone amid COVID-19 outbreak
-
(LEAD) Presidential secretary resigns amid controversy over remarks on homosexuality
-
(3rd LD) N. Korea reports 6 COVID-19 deaths amid 'explosive' spread of fever
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(3rd LD) N. Korean missile or nuclear test very possible during Biden's Asia trip: Sullivan
-
At least 4 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(2nd LD) S. Korea, U.S. have 'plan B' ready in case of N.K. provocation during Biden's visit