Becoming Park Bo Gum:Components of Success

He may be the "Nation's Boyfriend" and "Nation's Crown Prince" who took a break from the spotlight, but with several projects on the way - including a newly-released series with IU and an ambassadorship with CELINE Park Bo Gum is well on his way to reclaiming his "royal" status.

- Manfred Lu

There is nothing like being hailed the "Nation's Boyfriend," "Nation's Little Brother," or even the "Nation's Crown Prince". Anyone with the rare fortune of receiving such affectionate nicknames from the public might consider themselves to be at the peak of their career. But Park Bo Gum is showing no signs of resting on laurels nor slowing down.

The actor first gained attention for his role in Reply 1988 almost a decade ago, alongside actress and singer Hyeri. This led to subsequent opportunities for lead roles in Love In The Moonlight (2016), The Encounter (2018) and Record of Youth (2020), which enjoyed tremendous success and lit his stardom.

Then duty called, and the 31-year-old retreated from the spotlight to complete his military service.

Three years away from the public eye did little to dim his light, however, and he is back. His comeback project was a challenge to himself in stage acting, where he made his theatre debut in the musical Let Me Fly. It was followed up by the release of the science fiction romance film Wonderland, filmed prior to his military service enlistment. He is also in the new series When Life Gives You Tangerines, appearing alongside singer-songwriter and actress IU. And filming is already underway for the upcoming series Good Boy.

Park Bo Gum is manifestly hard at work reclaiming lost time, much to the delight and approval of his fans, who are glad their screen idol is living up to his "good image". Ostensibly, these very elements - of having a good image and working hard - are what helped earn him prime position as one of the most important stars in South Korea's acting industry now.