Early career in theater

Park was born on February 13, 1970. He graduated with a degree in Theater from Seoul Institute of the Arts.^[4] Park began his acting career in 1990 when he joined the Mokwha Repertory Company.^[7] In 2001, after being a part of the troupe for 12 years, Park visited Oh Tae-seok, the representative and director of the troupe, and said, "I've been in Mokhwa for 12 years. I'll take a look around the outside world."^[8]

Chungmuro early career

Park appeared in minor roles in films as early as 1994, but he only became actively involved in film from 2001 onwards. Park decided to pursue a career in film for at least three years, but it was difficult for the rookie actor to establish himself in Chungmuro, the center of the South Korean film industry. However, step by step, Park built his career by appearing in minor roles in films such as "Three," "Box X Files," and "So Cute."^[8]

In 2004, Park played the role of a gang leader in the film "A Family," and his performance as the villain was highly praised.^[9] He was even nominated for Best New Actor at the 3rd Korean Film Awards for his role in the film.^[10]

Fixed: In February 2005, Park made a comeback to the theater stage, appearing as Dan in the Aligator Theatre Company's Korean debut of the hit play "Closer" by Patrick Marber, which had been adapted into a film in 2004.^[11] The play was performed at The Seoul Art Center's Towol Theater.^[12]

Park costarred in Antarctic Journal.^[13] Park Hee-soon showed an impressive performance as a sober squad leader in the movie.^[14]

In the same year, Park got his first lead role in romantic comedy film Love Talk.^[15]

Established actor and venture to small screen

In 2007 he established himself as an indispensable acting actor in the film in Seven Days. Park won several Best Supporting Actor awards for his portrayal of a tough cop in Seven Days (2007).^[5][6] Park received the Best Actor Award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards^[16] and the Korea Film Awards, making a strong impression on the public and film officials. In the same year, He debut in small screen with KBS 2TV Drama City Reservoir.^[17] It was followed by his first miniseries Evasive Inquiry Agency.^[18]

In 2009, Park acted as Hwang Jong-gu, gangster-turned-financier, in Lee Ho-jae's film The Scam.^[19] The film was received well commercially.^[20][21] Park also garnered critical acclaim for his performance which earned Best Supporting Actor Awards from 17th Chunsa Film Art Awards.^[22][23]

In 2010, Park acted as Kim Won-kang, a former football player who moved to East Timor in drama film A Barefoot Dream. It is based on the true story of Kim Shin-hwan, a retired Korean footballer who goes to East Timor after his business fails and launches a youth football team, thus becoming the "Hiddink of Korea."^[24] Directed by Kim Tae-kyun, this film was a co-production between South Korea and Japan.^[25]

In 2011, Park acted in Park Hoon-jung's debut film The Showdown. It was set in the 11th year of Gwanghaegun's reign, when Manchus invade of Joseon. Park acted as Heon-myung, Joseon military commander.^[26] He was one of three Joseon soldiers who are cornered by the Manchu forces and must fight a bloody battle in the middle of Manchuria.^[27]

In 2013, Park back to television after six years with SBS miniseries All About My Romance.^[28] Park also costarred in a 2013 South Korean action spy film The Suspect starring Gong Yoo, and directed by Won Shin-yun. Park's role was Min Se-hoon, a South Korean NIS operative demoted to drill sergeant after a failed mission where Ji Dong-cheol (played by Gong Yoo), spared him.^[29][30][31]

In 2014, Park comeback onstage after nine years, for 20th anniversary performance of Mokhwa.^[32] He performed in play Baekma River in the Moonlight. It performed in Seoul Namsan Arts Drama Center from June 20 to July 6.^[33]

When you act, you act with sincerity. Authenticity is directly related to how much sweat and effort you put in for the role. How diligently I practiced for a role has been passed on since I was in a play, so I think a lot about that role and work hard in the movie. I tend to put in a lot of effort to bring the sincerity I learned from theater to film even when filming

— Park Hee-soon on his acting philosophy, ^[32]

Park costarred in 2017 Korean political thriller film 1987: When the Day Comes directed by Jang Joon-hwan and written by Kim Kyung-chan, alongside Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Tae-ri, and Lee Hee-joon.^[34][35] He acted as Lieutenant Jo Han-kyung and won Best Supporting Actor at 54th Baeksang Arts Awards.^[36] In the same year, Park reunited with director Park Hoon-jung in his 2017 crime-action thriller film V.I.P.. He acted as Ri Dae-bum, a North Korean police officer who secretly crosses the border into the South to track down Kim Kwang-il (played by Lee Jong-suk).^[37][38]

In 2018, Park played the role of Mr. Choi in science fiction action horror film "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion," which was written and directed by Park Hoon-jung.^[39]

In 2021, Park joined My Name, Netflix original series directed by Kim Jin-min. He played Choi Mu-jin, the boss of Dongcheon who has described himself as a best friend and brother to Ji-woo's father. Mu-jin takes Ji-woo under his wing when she first joins his organization and teaches her how to fight.^[40] In the same year, Park acted alongside Lee Sun-kyun in Dr. Brain. Park portrays Kangmu Lee, a private investigator. Dr. Brain was the first Korean-language show produced for Apple TV+. The series marks the drama debut of renowned filmmaker Kim Jee-woon and is based on the Korean webtoon of the same name drawn by Hongjacga.^[41][42]

In 2022, Park costarred in Kim Jin-woo's Netflix original series A Model Family as Gwang-cheol.^[43]

Film

Television series

Web series

Music video appearances

Theater

Musical