Actor Park Shin-yang Reveals Childhood Art Struggles and Rediscovery Through Russian Influence

Actor and artist Park Shin-yang recently opened up about losing interest in art during his childhood.

On the October 10th episode of KBS 1TV's 'Morning Yard', Park Shin-yang appeared as a guest and shared his story.

During the show, Park recalled, "I had no talent and was scolded harshly by my teacher during art class in elementary school. From that point on, I turned my back on art."

He further explained, "I was enthusiastically drawing an apple during art class, but the teacher criticized it harshly, asking 'What kind of drawing is this?' It was a public class, and I was scolded in front of my mother. It seemed intentional."

Park Shin-yang mentioned, "I lived without any connection to art until I went to Russia and began to understand what art truly is, experiencing museums and galleries on a grand scale."

He credited his Russian acquaintance, Kirill, whom he met during his studies abroad, as the reason he began painting seriously as an adult. "There was a difficult time due to the aftereffects of thyroid and back surgeries. I had four back surgeries during filming," he shared.

Park Shin-yang added, "I missed that friend during tough times. I longed for the days when I could freely discuss art. He was a friend from drama school and is now a national actor in Russia. When I said I would quit school due to lack of tuition, my friends, who were government scholarship students, told the school they would give up their scholarships so I could continue studying. They were such grateful friends." He continued, "I started painting out of that longing, and I'm still doing it, thanks to that friend. The first painting I did was of his face," leaving a lasting impression.

By Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr