Park Ji-hoon Shines with Authenticity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Park Ji-hoon, who gained immense popularity with his wink ending on the stage of 'Produce 101 Season 2' in 2017, recently connected with the public through his candid storytelling.

On the October 25th episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block', Park Ji-hoon captivated audiences with his genuine demeanor.

During the show, Park Ji-hoon appeared as the protagonist of the 'Danjong Syndrome', which attracted 6.7 million viewers (as of the 27th) for the film 'The Man Living with the King'. Reflecting on the film's success, Park humbly stated, "This is almost my first commercial film, so I didn't expect it to surpass one million so quickly." He added, "It's all thanks to the great director Jang Hang-jun and senior actor Yoo Hae-jin. They are the masters in my heart," setting a cheerful tone from the start.

However, Park Ji-hoon revealed a behind-the-scenes story about not immediately accepting director Jang Hang-jun's casting offer. He shared, "I still have many doubts about my acting, and I was concerned about whether I could empathize with the tragic king Danjong's heart," showcasing his thoughtful side.

Park Ji-hoon surprised everyone by revealing that he ate only one apple a day for two months before filming. He explained, "I wanted to capture the painful exile process on my face, so I worked hard to lose weight," demonstrating his dedication to the role. He also emphasized, "I focused on the change in my voice as well," detailing his research into Danjong's character.

Regarding rumors of being inseparable from Yoo Hae-jin on set, Park Ji-hoon commented, "I think he liked me because I'm not someone who speaks insincerely or acts fake." He added, "Even when he invited me to eat after filming, I politely declined, saying I had to go. I think he appreciated my honesty," eliciting laughter.

Park Ji-hoon also shared stories about his time with Wanna One before meeting 'The Man Living with the King', his expansion as an actor in 'Weak Hero Class 1 & 2', and the film 'The Beautiful Audrey', which he filmed while thinking of his late grandmother, proving his potential as a versatile artist.

Previously, during his appearance on 'Produce 101 Season 2', Park Ji-hoon demonstrated his strength by being the only trainee among 101 to receive over one million votes, securing first place in the initial ranking announcement. He consistently maintained a top position, ultimately debuting in second place. After his music career, he expanded into acting, leaving a strong impression with 'Weak Hero' and standing out on the big screen with 'The Man Living with the King'. The public now regards Park Ji-hoon as someone destined for success, often saying, "He who is meant to succeed will succeed."

Park Ji-hoon is set to return to the small screen with the upcoming TVING original series 'Becoming a Legend in the Kitchen', scheduled for release in the first half of this year.

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