At just 20, Park Soo-oh has lived multiple lifetimes. He’s played everything from tearful sons to spirited students across 52 film and drama roles, captivating audiences since his 2014 debut. But behind the camera lights and red carpets lies a young man who finds just as much thrill in unravelling Socrates’ paradoxes as he does in nailing an emotional monologue. A former child star who once navigated middle school hallways unnoticed, Soo-oh now walks the halls of Yonsei University’s Philosophy Department, balancing the quiet rigour of academia with the chaos of celebrity.In an industry obsessed with virality, Soo-oh is disarmingly analog—eschewing social media scrolls for dopamine detoxes, and preferring cooking shows from years past over the latest K-drama. His is a story not just of artistic evolution, but of intellectual courage—one that challenges the idea that young actors must choose between fame and depth.Park Soo-oh, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. You’re currently juggling university life at Yonsei’s Philosophy Department with your acting career. How does it feel to be discussing Socrates instead of scripts?Park Soo-oh: It’s honestly surreal sometimes. When I’m sitting in class and my classmates are debating about Descartes’ theories, I have this moment where I think, “Wow, I’m actually in philosophy department.” It hits me that I’m not just an actor anymore – I’m also a student trying to understand life’s bigger questions.You’ve appeared in 52 productions since your 2014 debut in “Cat.” That’s an incredible number for someone who’s only 20. Do you ever feel like you missed out on a typical childhood?Park Soo-oh: I don’t really see it as missing out. Every experience taught me something. Sure, I wasn’t the popular kid in my all-boys school in Pyeongtaek – I was just average at sports, not particularly outstanding. But those years shaped who I am today. Now at university, I’m experiencing things I never did before, like having female classmates and discussing philosophy. It’s like getting a second chance at youth, but with more wisdom.You mentioned you practice “dopamine detox” and avoid social media. That’s unusual for someone in your generation and profession. Why this choice?Park Soo-oh: Honestly, I’m afraid of getting hurt. Comments can be really harsh, and I’m still learning to handle criticism. I only check what appears at the top of my Instagram feed. Instead of scrolling endlessly, I prefer hanging out with friends, studying, or exercising. I cycle through these detox periods because I realize complete disconnection isn’t healthy either.Your entertainment preferences are quite different from typical Gen-Z trends. You only know “Running Man” among variety shows and barely watch dramas. What do you actually enjoy watching?Park Soo-oh: I know this sounds old-fashioned, but I love cooking shows like “Convenience Store Restaurant” and “Hong Seok-cheon’s Jewelry Box.” When interviewers ask what shows I’d like to appear on, I mention programs like “Mystery Music Show” and “Three Meals a Day” – they always laugh because those shows ended years ago! I guess I’m not very up-to-date with current trends.You’re learning “MZ sensibilities” from your friends. What’s that like?Park Soo-oh: It’s humbling, actually. Here I am, supposed to be this young actor, and my friends are teaching me about memes and social media trends. They find it amusing that I’m so disconnected from digital culture. But I think it keeps me grounded and authentic.From Child Actor to Campus CelebrityHow has your university experience been? Are you recognized on campus?Park Soo-oh: It’s been amazing. My classmates’ parents started recognizing me after my recent MBC drama appearances. They ask, “Isn’t there an actor in your department who appeared in Director Maeng’s series and ‘Labor Attorney Noh Moo-jin’?” It’s the kind of recognition that makes me proud because it’s coming from academic peers, not just entertainment industry people.You transferred from Hanyang University’s Media Communication Department to Yonsei’s Philosophy Department. That’s quite a shift. What drove that decision?Park Soo-oh: Despite maintaining top grades throughout high school, I realized I wanted something deeper than just media studies. Philosophy challenges me in ways that acting alone couldn’t. My first semester focused on theoretical foundations, and I’m looking forward to deeper philosophical discussions in my sophomore and junior years. It’s like exercising a different part of my brain.Handling Fame with GraceWhen discussing your first romance role and messages to fans, you visibly blush. How do you handle the emotional aspects of your career?Park Soo-oh: When I think about fans, I get deeply immersed and embarrassed. I’m genuinely grateful for their support. When I receive encouragement, I feel like humanity is filling up inside me. There are long-time supporters who’ve watched me grow from childhood, and that responsibility is both humbling and motivating.You’ve grown from child actor Park Sang-hoon to Park Soo-oh with KeyEast Entertainment. How do you see your future?Park Soo-oh: I want to prove that you don’t have to choose between education and entertainment, between intellectual growth and artistic development. Standing over 180cm tall now, I know I have the physical presence the industry values, but I hope my philosophical studies will bring depth to my performances that goes beyond just looks.A Message to FansFinally, you have fans not just in Korea but internationally, including in India. Any message for them?Park Soo-oh: To my fans in India – I’m deeply moved that my work has reached you across such distances. I know India has an incredibly rich philosophical tradition, from ancient texts to modern thinkers, and I hope someday I can visit and learn from your culture. Just like how I’m studying philosophy to understand life better, I believe art and stories can connect us beyond language and borders. Your support gives me strength to keep growing as both an actor and a person. I may not be active on social media, but please know that your love reaches my heart. Thank you for believing in me, and I promise to work hard to create stories that touch your hearts the way Indian cinema has touched mine. Namaste!That’s beautifully said. Thank you for this honest conversation.Park Soo-oh: Thank you for letting me share my story. I hope it shows that it’s okay to be different, to choose books over buzz sometimes, and to follow your own path even in a fast-paced industry.
