Park Hae-soo is a celebrated South Korean actor best known for his intense performances and powerful screen presence. Rising to global prominence with the Netflix megahit Squid Game (2021), Park captivated audiences worldwide with his role as Cho Sang-woo, a complex character navigating desperation and morality. Prior to his global breakthrough, Park had long been a well-respected name in the Korean theatre and television scene, consistently earning accolades for his nuanced portrayals.
Born and raised in South Korea, Park Hae-soo first gained public recognition through his stage work and later made a seamless transition into mainstream television and film. His versatile acting skills have allowed him to tackle a wide array of roles — from crime thrillers like Prison Playbook to espionage dramas such as Yaksha: Ruthless Operations. Beyond his acting talents, Park is admired for his quiet demeanor, professionalism, and the emotional depth he brings to each performance.
Let’s delve deeper into the life and career of this enigmatic actor who continues to captivate audiences across continents.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Park Hae-soo |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 43 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1981 |
| Hometown | Suwon, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Scorpio |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 181 cm (5’11”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 72 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | N/A |
| Mother’s name | N/A |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Relationships
| Boyfriend | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Wife | Unnamed non-celebrity (married in 2019) |
| Son | 1 (born in 2021) |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Local schools in Suwon |
|---|---|
| College/University | Dankook University (Theater Major) |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater and Film |
Controversies
Park Hae-soo has maintained a clean public image and has not been involved in any major controversies. He is widely respected for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Kimchi Stew |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | The Godfather |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island, South Korea |
| Favorite Cafe | N/A |
| Favorite daily wear brand | N/A |
| Favorite Book | Demian by Hermann Hesse |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $100K–$300K per episode |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $4–6 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Park Hae-soo |
|---|---|
| N/A (not active) | |
| N/A | |
| @haesoopark_official |
Personal quote:
“Acting is about empathy. You live someone else’s life and, in doing so, understand your own better.”
Early Life and Career
Park Hae-soo was born on November 21, 1981, in Suwon, South Korea. A quiet and introspective child, Park found his calling in the arts early in life. He attended Dankook University, majoring in theater, and quickly became a fixture in South Korea’s live stage scene. His breakthrough came through the musical The Strongest Comedy Mr. Lobby, followed by acclaimed performances in productions like Judo Boy and Frankenstein.
His transition to the screen began with minor roles in Korean dramas, but his big TV break came with Prison Playbook (2017), where he portrayed a baseball player jailed for assault while defending his sister. The show’s mix of dark humor and raw emotion earned Park praise and a growing fan base.
However, it was Netflix’s Squid Game in 2021 that propelled him to international stardom. His layered performance as the morally ambiguous banker-turned-contestant Cho Sang-woo showcased his emotional depth and acting prowess. Since then, Park has starred in critically acclaimed films like Yaksha: Ruthless Operations and the Korean remake of Money Heist, solidifying his place in both Korean and global entertainment industries.
Current Life/Events
Park Hae-soo continues to take on challenging and diverse roles in both films and television. In 2024, he starred in the Netflix thriller Night Trip, where he played a tormented detective unraveling a serial murder case. He is currently filming an upcoming historical war drama that is expected to premiere in early 2026.
Despite his fame, Park remains grounded and intensely private about his personal life. He enjoys spending time with his family and continues to support local theater communities.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Park Hae-soo
- He made his acting debut in a musical, not on screen.
- Park served in the military before fully pursuing acting — a fact that adds to his disciplined image.
- Despite his fame, he avoids social media and rarely gives interviews.
- He was cast in Squid Game just a few weeks after the birth of his first child.
- He shares a close friendship with fellow actors Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-joon.
- Park is multilingual and can speak basic English and Japanese.
- He initially wanted to be a soccer player before discovering theater in high school.
- Park has said he prefers complex, morally gray characters.
- He is known among crew members for always arriving early to set and staying after hours to rehearse.
