Rising Star Park Soo-oh: From Child Actor to Promising Talent in Korean Cinema

≪Lee So-jung's Star Catcher≫
Introducing the brightest rising stars in the entertainment industry.

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Park Soo-oh, who dreamed of acting since elementary school and actively sought out auditions, shared his journey of overcoming a 1000:1 competition to be cast as the young Kwon Sang-woo at the age of 14.

Born in 2005, Park Soo-oh is a promising young actor at just 20 years old. With striking features, a height over 180cm, and a love for sports, he captures attention instantly. He initially enrolled in Hanyang University's Media and Communication department but later transferred to Yonsei University's Philosophy department, showcasing his diverse interests.

Previously known by his birth name Park Sang-hoon, he signed an exclusive contract with KeyEast in April and changed his stage name to Park Soo-oh. We met him for an interview on the 20th at the Ten Asia office in Jungnim-dong, Seoul. Despite his young age, his extensive social experience was evident as he greeted us warmly and answered questions enthusiastically.

Park Soo-oh made headlines in the industry when he was cast as the young Kwon Sang-woo in the 2019 film 'The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful' after beating a 1000:1 competition. Out of the 52 projects he has worked on, he cites this film as the most memorable. "It was a significant role for someone my age and experience, with complex emotions and action scenes. It solidified my desire to continue acting," he shared.

At the time, Park Soo-oh was in his first year of middle school. "I recently saw a short clip and realized how young I looked," he laughed. Now standing at 181cm, he revealed that he grew 10cm from his first to third year of high school. "Most people stop growing in their first year, but I was an exception," he explained.

To fit the sharp image required for the role, Park Soo-oh went on a salad-only diet at the young age of 14. "If I had eaten better and worked harder, I might have grown even taller," he joked.

"I've found joy in exercising since becoming an adult. It's not about building a body but enjoying the process. Exercise makes me hungry, so I eat more, creating a positive cycle," he said proudly. "I've gained 10kg since my senior year of high school, not intentionally, but by eating and sleeping well," he added, showing off his broad shoulders.

"There's still a long way to go. While I exercise for fun, I also want to build a better physique. However, I'll tailor my body to fit the roles I play," he noted. "I don't have a specific goal, but I hope to be better tomorrow than I am today," Park Soo-oh expressed.

Recently, Park Soo-oh ventured into the romance genre with 'First Love.' Despite having over 50 projects under his belt, this was his first romance. When asked about his experience, he blushed and laughed, "Being my first, there were many regrets. If I were more familiar, I could have expressed it better. But with this experience, I believe I can do much better next time."

So far, Park Soo-oh has mostly played roles alongside senior actors or as a young version of famous actors. When asked about his preferred genres or roles, he said, "I like all genres, but if I had to choose, I'd love to do an action school drama with peers." He added, "I recently enjoyed 'Study Group' and 'Weak Hero,' and I'm looking forward to 'Running Mate.'"

He also expressed a desire to work with actor Ryeoun. When the interviewer mentioned their similar features, Park Soo-oh smiled, "I hear that often. I'd love to meet him. I was very impressed by his performance in 'Weak Hero' and 'Baku.' It would be great to work together."

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr