[Interview with Park Hyungsik] Revealing the true persona of the globally adored man | Oggi, June 2024
Popular Korean actor Park Hyungsik makes his debut appearance in the June issue of our sister publication, Oggi! Stay tuned as we unveil all his exclusive interviews from the magazine♡ [Oggi & Domani joint project]
What is Park Hyung Sik’s ideal day off?
The June issue of Oggi, currently available, highlights Park Hyungsik in a special feature. He is the first guest in the intermittent series “Ofu Kare,” which showcases photos of Asian stars active globally, focusing on the theme of “holidays.”
The theme of this shoot was “A holiday spent at home doing what you love.” In this article, we will be publishing interviews that didn’t make it into the magazine!
For the June issue of Oggi, we captured photos centered around the theme of ‘holidays.’ What would be your ideal holiday schedule?
First, I wake up early and do some light exercise. Then, I’d like to take a golf lesson and enjoy a nice dinner while chatting with friends. Finally, I look forward to sleeping in a comfortable bed when I get home! If I could stick to this schedule, it would be an ideal day. When I have a day off, I try to make the most of it, but in reality, I end up spending the whole day lying in bed (laughs).
(Staff: Do you often spend your time playing games?) Yes, I do. I just enjoy lounging around.
What do you typically do during your short breaks at work?
During the filming period, it’s challenging to get a good night’s sleep. Therefore, I make an effort to rest as much as possible during my free time. However, if I find it particularly difficult, I opt for vitamin injections or prioritize maximizing my sleep.
You’ve just completed your first fan meeting in Japan in seven years. How was the experience?
Time has really flown by. I felt saddened that it had to end like this. I could sense the fans felt the same way, and it dawned on me that we were all feeling similarly. It’s been seven years since my last visit to Japan, and I’m deeply grateful and moved that so many people took the time to fill the venue. In April, we’ll be hosting an event to commemorate the opening of our Japanese fan club. I’m truly excited about the opportunity to meet you all again.
Your fans were eagerly anticipating your first visit to Japan in seven years. Is there anything you always bring with you when you travel abroad? For instance, many people bring familiar foods; did you bring anything from Korea?
(In fluent Japanese) Japan is great! The food here is so delicious that I don’t miss Korean food all that much while I’m here.
I see! What kind of food did you have in Japan?
(In fluent Japanese) sukiyaki, yakiniku, bento, and teppanyaki.
What was the most delicious option?
(In Japanese) They’re all delicious, so it’s difficult to choose a favorite (laughs). But my favorite would have to be Japanese ramen. There are so many different types like tonkotsu, salt, miso, and more. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet during my stay, but today is the last day of my schedule, so I absolutely have to try it! Additionally, the food at convenience stores in Japan is incredibly tasty. Some of my favorites include rice balls, cream buns, and ice cream (smiles).”
The globally popular Netflix drama series Doctor Slump, currently exclusively distributed on Netflix, is also highly popular in Japan. Yeo Jeongwoo’s character exudes a variety of charms. Was there anything in particular you focused on while portraying this role?
Is he popular in Japan too? (In Japanese) Really? I’m glad! I tried to depict Jeongwoo as bright and positive as possible. He’s someone who remains considerate of others even in challenging situations. I put my heart into the character to convey this image effectively. Adopting Jeongwoo’s mindset isn’t easy. Despite facing tough circumstances, he prioritizes those affected by Haneul and Jeongwoo’s situation. I pondered if such behavior is truly feasible, and I learned a great deal through Jeongwoo.
What are the top three keywords to know about Park Hyungsik?
Three? Any guesses? Hmm… Spicy food, Doctor Slump, and SIKcret (the fan club’s name)!
What’s your favorite food?
I love eating and don’t really have any specific likes or dislikes, so I can enjoy most foods without any trouble. Eating spicy food helps me relieve stress — it makes me sweat and feel refreshed, almost like going to a sauna (laughs). However, I also enjoy non-spicy food just as much.
What do you hope to achieve before you turn 30, and what are your future plans?
I haven’t set specific goals that I must achieve, but now that I have a fan club in Japan, I hope to continue releasing albums there, appearing in dramas and movies, and filming. Additionally, I would love to participate in a significant production in Korea and deliver a great performance to everyone.
How do you lift yourself up when you’re feeling down?
I’m not naturally prone to getting depressed, but if I do feel down, I make sure to meet up with friends or avoid being alone. I think this is crucial because being by myself when I’m feeling low can lead me to overthink and worsen my mood. Instead, being with friends allows me to laugh, find comfort, and feel better. Overall, though, I consider myself a very positive person!
A multiple choice question!
Q: What do you like?
Those who eat first
Those who eat later
Q: When you sleep
pajamas
loungewear
Q: What is your favorite animal?
Dog
Cat
I can’t decide! It’s so difficult!
Q: Where would you like to go if you had a time machine?
past
future
Q. To someone I like
I want to pamper
I want to be pampered
Q. What can’t you stand?
cold
hot
Q: How do you usually spend your time?
Indoor person
Outdoor enthusiast
Q.What do you like?
Spicy food
sweet food
(Behind the scenes of his photoshoot, away from the camera.)
At the start of the interview, the editorial team greeted him by saying, “Thank you for taking the time to interview with us.” Hyungsik, being very polite, responded with, “Thank you very much.”
As he signed the Instax, the staff applauded, exclaiming, “Oh! That’s a real signature!” and “Your handwriting is so beautiful!” He chuckled and replied, “I was just signing an autograph” . With a big smile, he added, “(in Japanese) reaction. The best (so far). Thank you very much.” These signed Polaroids are now being offered as giveaways on Oggi’s official website!
During the shoot, Hyungsik was a pillar of reliability and cuteness, guiding the session and infusing it with excitement. When applause erupted after a perfect take, he joined in enthusiastically, and he fully immersed himself in the prop games. We included pizza, Hyungsik’s favorite, as a prop for the shoot. When we handed him a box while he waited to start shooting, he exclaimed with excitement, “It’s real pizza!” He eagerly devoured it, remarking, “It’s so delicious!”
Some parts of the translation have been paraphrased to better fit spoken English and improve readability while still conveying the meaning and nuances of the original context as accurately as possible. Please refer to the original article for further details.
