Park Hyung-sik’s Journey Through Isolation to Stardom
In a revealing interview on the popular tvN show You Quiz on the Block, aired on April 2, 2025, acclaimed actor Park Hyung-sik opened up about his challenging experiences with bullying during his trainee years. The Buried Hearts star reflected on a significant and difficult period prior to his debut with Star Empire Entertainment, shedding light on the pressures faced by aspiring artists.
Initial Aspirations and Musical Beginnings
Park Hyung-sik discovered his love for music during his school days, where he actively engaged in band competitions that showcased his vocal abilities. His impressive performances attracted the attention of several major entertainment agencies, including names like SM and JYP Entertainment, who expressed interest in recruiting him.
Motivated by his mother’s encouragement, Park made the pivotal decision to enter the entertainment industry and began his journey as a trainee.
“At first, I had no dreams of entering the entertainment industry. I thought it was a completely different world from mine. In middle school, I joined the band club because I knew how to sing. We entered a competition, and while I won an award, I also received a casting card, and that’s how it all began.”
Challenges Faced During Trainee Life
Before making his debut as a member of ZE:A, Park Hyung-sik trained at another company where he felt misunderstood by his peers. He discussed how these experiences shaped his beliefs about the music industry, leading him to feel that “bullying”and isolation were simply part of being an artist.
In a bid to succeed, Park shared that he began isolating himself and neglecting his health, believing that he needed to be the best to avoid bullying from other trainees.
“Before joining ZE:A, I briefly stayed at another company that had cast me in a band competition. At that time, I had been cast, but there were other trainees who came in through auditions, so I probably looked like a ‘parachute’ to them. As a result, the other trainees kept their distance from me. I thought trainee life was all about competition, picking sides, and bullying.”
Joining Star Empire Entertainment and the Birth of ZE:A
In search of a nurturing environment, Park Hyung-sik decided to part ways with his initial agency, ultimately joining Star Empire Entertainment, where he became a member of the boy band ZE:A, debuting in 2010. This new group provided a supportive network that was crucial in helping Park heal from his prior experiences of isolation.
ZE:A is composed of nine talented individuals, including Park Hyung-sik, Yim Si-wan, Kevin, Moon Joon-young, Hwang Kwang-hee, Kim Tae-heon, Jung Hee-chul, Ha Min-woo, and Kim Dong-jun. Park credits his fellow members with bringing joy and companionship into his life, helping him transition out of his dark times.
His colleagues not only encouraged him to socialize more but also invited him out for meals, emphasizing the importance of support and togetherness in overcoming personal struggles.
Life as a ZE:A Member
During his time with ZE:A, Park Hyung-sik shared that not everything was ideal; he and the other members often faced cramped living conditions. They shared a small room, which had only one bathroom, necessitating early morning routines so everyone could prepare for training.
“We lived in one room with two bunk beds and shared one bathroom among nine people. With so many members, it was the same. We woke up 2 hours earlier, and Dongjun and I would wash first. When it was the next member’s turn, we’d wake them up, but it took them so long to wash, so Dongjun and I would go back to sleep.”
Additionally, the members had to adhere to a strict seating arrangement in their vehicle based on age, with the leader sitting next to the driver.
Current and Future Endeavors
As of now, Park Hyung-sik stars in the ongoing drama Buried Heart, which has aired 12 episodes thus far, with new episodes premiering on SBS TV every Friday and Saturday at 10 PM (KST). Fans can also catch his previous successful dramas, such as Doctor Slump and Strong Girl Bong-soon, currently available for streaming on Netflix.