* Translated by AI

Starnews

Forget Wanna One's Park Ji-hoon.. The 'Single-Track Brother' Who Runs Without Rest Ahead of Military Service [★FOCUS]

Published:

Lee Seunghun

*This content was translated by AI.

/Photo provided by Showbox 2026.01.27 / Photo by Lee Dong-hoon photoguy@
/Photo provided by Showbox 2026.01.27 / Photo by Lee Dong-hoon photoguy@

The first impression that most vividly comes to mind when people think of Park Ji-hoon is undoubtedly the fresh and youthful face of the boy who shouted "Stored in My Heart."

Park Ji-hoon, who captivated the hearts of national producers with a single wink on Mnet's "Produce 101 Season 2" in 2017 and stood at the center of a cultural phenomenon, has now firmly secured the title of a "10-million-viewer actor" who leads both the film industry and broadcasting world, rising as an irreplaceable lead.

The narrative Park Ji-hoon has written to grow from the top idol who basked in dazzling stage lights and roaring cheers into a sincere actor radiating a substantial presence across screens and television is nothing short of a dramatic youth drama.

/Photo by Kim Hwi-seon reporter hwijpg@
/Photo by Kim Hwi-seon reporter hwijpg@

Park Ji-hoon's acting journey after the conclusion of Wanna One's activities was smarter and more steadfast than anyone else's. Rather than relying solely on the star power or buzz of his time, he steadily built a solid foundation for his acting skills from the ground up. Starting with his major previous works that marked the beginning of this journey, Park Ji-hoon unreservedly demonstrated his explosive potential as an actor. The chilling anger, hidden wounds, and deep tears behind his youthful face drew overwhelming praise from critics and the public alike, which directly translated into remarkable achievements on the big screen.

Having started as a child actor and officially beginning his acting career with JTBC's "Joseon Matchmaker: Flower Shop" in 2019, Park Ji-hoon finally mobilized the dream number of "10 million viewers" with the February-released film "The Man Who Lives with the King," solidifying his status as a genuine box office guarantee. Recently, he has even become the protagonist of a new phenomenon, earning the nickname "Single-Track Brother" among the public.

Park Ji-hoon's acting, which perfectly reinterpreted characters with deep narratives through delicate and profound emotional lines, was more than enough to stir the tear ducts of viewers. His deep gaze, previously overshadowed by flashy performances, pierced through the camera, completely erasing the label of "former idol." The restrained sorrow and strong will he portrayed led the public to forget "Idol Park Ji-hoon" and fully immerse themselves in the charm of "Actor Park Ji-hoon."

(Seoul=NEWS1) Reporter Kim Jin-hwan = Actor Park Ji-hoon poses at a press conference for the film "The Man Who Lives with the King" held at Megabox in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st. "The Man Who Lives with the King" tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily went into exile to revitalize his village at Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, and a young former king who was exiled after being driven from the throne. The film will be released next month on the 4th. 2026.1.21/NEWS1 Copyright © NEWS1. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and AI learning are prohibited. /Photo=NEWS1) Reporter Kim Jin-hwan
(Seoul=NEWS1) Reporter Kim Jin-hwan = Actor Park Ji-hoon poses at a press conference for the film "The Man Who Lives with the King" held at Megabox in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 21st. "The Man Who Lives with the King" tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily went into exile to revitalize his village at Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, and a young former king who was exiled after being driven from the throne. The film will be released next month on the 4th. 2026.1.21/NEWS1 Copyright © NEWS1. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and AI learning are prohibited. /Photo=NEWS1) Reporter Kim Jin-hwan

Despite such dazzling achievements, Park Ji-hoon never settles for reality. Even as he approaches military service, the so-called "military gap period" (military service + gap period), he continues to confirm major upcoming projects one after another and stands before the camera without rest. His intense passion for acting is evident in his determination to fill his filmography densely before viewers even notice the gap caused by his enlistment.

Most notably surprising to the public was his recent statement regarding military service. In stark contrast to the cute and delicate "flower boy" image the public remembered from the past, he boldly expressed his ambition to join the "Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit," known for having the highest and most rigorous training intensity even within the military. This is not mere posturing but reveals Park Ji-hoon's firm resolve to constantly push himself to his limits and strengthen his inner self, both as an actor and as a young man.

2026.04.06. jini@newsis.com / Photo by Kim Hye-jin
2026.04.06. jini@newsis.com / Photo by Kim Hye-jin

Park Ji-hoon, who has risen to the ranks of a 10-million-viewer actor through constant acting transformations and intense efforts, now dreams of walking the rough path of a Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit soldier. This is why his tomorrow is eagerly anticipated, as the "Single-Track Brother" Park Ji-hoon continues to reveal new faces to the public and quietly forge his own path even ahead of his military service.

While the boy from Wanna One, Park Ji-hoon, may have been forgotten, the name "Actor Park Ji-hoon" is being stored even deeper and more firmly in the minds of the Korean public.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.

Recommended News

Daily Trending News

Editor’s Pick

Latest in Entertainment