Personal Information and Profile
Park Ji-hoon (박지훈) is a South Korean singer, actor, and entertainer who has captivated audiences with his diverse talents and magnetic personality. His rise from child actor to K-pop sensation and acclaimed actor showcases his artistic versatility and dedication to his craft.
- Full Name: Park Ji-hoon (박지훈)
- Date of Birth: May 29, 1999
- Place of Birth: Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, South Korea
- Height: 173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
- Blood Type: AB
- Fandom Name: MAY
- Agencies: Maroo Entertainment (soloist and actor)
- Education: School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) – Major in Broadcasting Arts
Park Ji-hoon is widely recognized for his boyish charm, expressive visuals, and versatility in both music and acting. With his gentle yet powerful presence, he has become a beloved figure in the Korean entertainment industry, continuously expanding his horizons.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Park Ji-hoon’s journey into the entertainment world began at a remarkably young age. Unlike many K-pop idols who are scouted during their teenage years, Ji-hoon was already familiar with the spotlight as a child actor. His early performances showcased his raw talent and natural charisma.
Ji-hoon made his acting debut in minor roles in South Korean historical dramas. He appeared in Jumong (2006) and Iljimae (2008), where he portrayed young characters in critically acclaimed series. Though his roles were small, they were stepping stones toward building his on-screen presence.
As a child actor, Ji-hoon also participated in musical theater productions, giving him a solid foundation in both singing and acting. His early experiences in front of the camera laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into the K-pop scene, though it would take several years before he found mainstream success.
In 2017, his life took a dramatic turn when he participated in the highly competitive reality survival show Produce 101 Season 2. Competing alongside 101 trainees, Ji-hoon’s adorable visuals, smooth dance moves, and undeniable stage presence made him a fan favorite. His signature catchphrase, “Nae Maeum Soge Jeojang” (Save You in My Heart), became a viral sensation in South Korea, turning him into a household name overnight.
Ji-hoon’s immense popularity throughout the competition led to him securing 2nd place in the final rankings, earning him a spot in Wanna One, a temporary project boy group under Swing Entertainment. This marked the beginning of his meteoric rise to K-pop stardom.
Wanna One Era and Musical Success
From 2017 to 2019, Park Ji-hoon was a core member of Wanna One, which became one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant K-pop project groups. Their debut track, “Energetic,” topped the charts upon its release, breaking multiple records and establishing them as industry heavyweights. The group’s rapid ascent was fueled by their youthful energy, synchronized performances, and undeniable charisma.
Ji-hoon, with his boyish visuals and multifaceted talents, was quickly recognized as an all-rounder. He sang, rapped, and danced with equal proficiency, making him a versatile performer. His stage presence and natural charm made him a standout, drawing massive attention from fans and media alike.
Wanna One released several chart-topping hits, including:
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“Beautiful” – a melancholic yet powerful ballad that showcased the group’s emotional range.
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“Light” – a sleek, synth-heavy track highlighting their more mature and refined musical direction.
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“Spring Breeze” – the group’s farewell song, which captured the bittersweet emotions of their final days together.
During their brief but impactful run, Wanna One embarked on world tours, sold millions of albums, and won numerous awards. Ji-hoon’s individual popularity soared, with fans particularly drawn to his gentle personality and playful aegyo.
The group disbanded in January 2019, as planned, with each member venturing into solo activities. For Ji-hoon, this marked the beginning of a successful solo career, where he proved that he could shine as an individual artist.
Solo Career and Musical Evolution
Following Wanna One’s disbandment, Park Ji-hoon wasted no time establishing himself as a soloist. In March 2019, he debuted with his first solo EP, “O’Clock”, featuring the lead single “L.O.V.E”. The song showcased a more mature and sultry sound, setting him apart from his group’s polished K-pop image. The music video highlighted his artistic growth, with elegant visuals and smooth choreography.
Ji-hoon’s solo career displayed his willingness to experiment with different musical genres, blending R&B, pop, and dance elements. Over the next few years, he released several albums that reflected his evolution as an artist:
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“360” (2019) – This album showcased his versatility with a mix of pop, trap, and dance beats. The title track, “360,” featured slick production and stylish choreography, marking a shift towards a more refined concept.
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“The W” (2020) – This release highlighted his vocal growth and emotional delivery. The lead single “Wing” explored themes of love and heartbreak, with an atmospheric and melodic sound.
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“HOT&COLD” (2021) – This album presented a stylish and sensual concept, with tracks that featured laid-back R&B vibes and a more mature, smoldering tone.
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“Blank or Black” (2023) – Marking a new creative direction, this album featured moody and atmospheric tracks, highlighting Ji-hoon’s refined artistry and storytelling abilities.
With each release, Ji-hoon demonstrated his growth as a musician, experimenting with different sounds and establishing his individual identity in the K-pop landscape.
Acting Career and Critical Acclaim
While Park Ji-hoon was making waves in the music industry, he simultaneously pursued his acting career, proving that he was not just a singer but also a formidable actor.
His first major lead role came in “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency” (2019), a historical rom-com. Ji-hoon played Go Young-soo, a flamboyant and stylish matchmaker. Although the series received mixed reviews, Ji-hoon’s charming and lighthearted performance earned praise for its comedic timing and emotional warmth.
In “At a Distance, Spring is Green” (2021), Ji-hoon took on a more dramatic and emotionally complex role. He portrayed Yeo Joon, a college student struggling with emotional wounds hidden behind a bright facade. His vulnerable and layered performance earned him positive reviews, with many noting his ability to convey depth and authenticity.
However, it was “Weak Hero Class 1” (2022) that truly cemented Park Ji-hoon’s credibility as an actor. In this gritty and emotionally charged drama, he played Yeon Si-eun, a physically weak but highly intelligent and cunning student who stands against school violence. His raw, intense, and nuanced portrayal of a troubled youth earned widespread critical acclaim. Ji-hoon’s transformation from a soft-spoken idol to a commanding on-screen presence showcased his range and acting prowess, earning him respect from critics and viewers alike.
Impact and Future Prospects
Park Ji-hoon’s ability to seamlessly transition between music and acting highlights his multifaceted talent. His enduring popularity as a solo artist, coupled with his growing reputation as a serious actor, makes him one of the most dynamic and versatile entertainers of his generation.
His loyal fanbase, May, continues to support him enthusiastically, ensuring his releases and performances receive significant attention. With each new project, Ji-hoon challenges himself creatively, whether through musical experimentation or emotionally driven roles.
As he continues to grow, Park Ji-hoon is poised for long-term success, with his artistic evolution showing no signs of slowing down. Whether on stage or on screen, he remains a charismatic and captivating force, destined to leave a lasting impact on the Korean entertainment industry.