Netflix’s latest South Korean drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, has taken the world by storm with its heartfelt story of love and life on Jeju Island. Among the talented cast, Park Hae Joon stands out for his moving performance as the older Yang Gwan Sik, a devoted husband and father. His seamless portrayal alongside Park Bo Gum, who plays the younger Gwan Sik, has earned him widespread praise. But who is this gifted actor? Here’s a detailed dive into Park Hae Joon’s journey, from his early days in theater to becoming a celebrated name in South Korean entertainment.
From Stage to Screen: Early Beginnings
Park Hae Joon, born Park Sang Woo on June 14, 1976, in Busan, South Korea, started his acting career in the early 2000s. Known for his striking looks, he was nicknamed the “Jong Dong Gun” of his high school. He graduated from the Korea National University of Arts Theater Department, laying a strong foundation for his craft.
His career began on the theater stage, where he honed his skills in plays and musicals. In 2003, he performed in the musical Samcheon—Flower of Ruin, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences. By 2007, he moved to Seoul’s Daehangno, a hub for theater, and continued building his reputation as a stage actor.
“Theater taught me discipline and how to connect with an audience in real time,” Park Hae Joon once shared about his early career.
In 2011, he made his film debut with a small role in Helpless, a thriller that marked his entry into cinema. The following year, he appeared in the historical drama God of War (2012), taking his first steps into television. These supporting roles, though minor, showed his potential to shine in any part he played.
Rising to Fame: Breakthrough Roles
Park Hae Joon’s career gained momentum in 2013 with his supporting role in the action thriller Hwayi: A Monster Boy. His performance caught the attention of critics and audiences, proving he could hold his own alongside major stars. In 2014, he landed a pivotal role in the workplace drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life, directed by Kim Won Seok. Playing Chun Kwan Woong, a principled team leader, he earned praise for adding depth to the series’ realistic portrayal of office life.
“His quiet intensity in Misaeng made every scene he was in unforgettable,” wrote a fan on social media after the drama aired.
In 2015, he starred in the indie film 4th Place, a drama about a young swimmer facing intense pressure. His nuanced performance as a struggling coach won critical acclaim, marking a turning point in his career. That same year, he appeared in the crime drama The Missing, further showcasing his versatility.
His big break came in 2018 with multiple standout projects. In the heartfelt drama My Mister, directed by Kim Won Seok, he played Lee Kwang Il, a complex monk with a troubled past, opposite IU. The series was a hit, and his chemistry with the cast deepened his reputation.
“Working with Kim Won Seok on My Mister was a privilege. It pushed me to explore new sides of myself as an actor,” Park Hae Joon said in an interview.
Also in 2018, he starred in the crime action film Believer, playing Sun Chang, a loyal subordinate in a drug cartel. His intense performance earned nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the 27th Buil Film Awards and the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards. The film’s success made him a recognizable face in South Korean cinema.
A Versatile Star: Major Roles and Recognition
Park Hae Joon truly captured global attention in 2020 with The World of the Married, a record-breaking drama that became the highest-rated series in Korean cable TV history at the time. As Lee Tae Oh, an unfaithful husband, he delivered a performance that was both infuriating and charismatic. The role earned him the nickname “Nation’s Cheater” and sparked buzz with his iconic line:
“It’s not a crime to fall in love!”
The drama’s massive success, with a peak rating of 28.371%, solidified his status as a leading actor. Fans on social media praised his ability to make a flawed character compelling.
“Park Hae Joon made me hate Lee Tae Oh but still want to watch him. That’s talent!” posted a viewer online.
In 2021, he ventured into horror with The 8th Night, playing a detective chasing a supernatural threat, and joined the star-studded cast of Emergency Declaration, a disaster film screened at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. Both projects highlighted his range, from gritty intensity to understated emotion.
In 2023, he starred in the historical film 12.12: The Day, portraying Major General Noh Tae Geon. The movie, centered on a real-life military coup, became the highest-grossing Korean film of the year and the fourth-highest-grossing Korean film ever, drawing over 10 million viewers. His performance earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
“Playing a historical figure was a responsibility I took seriously. I wanted to honor the truth of that time,” he shared about his role.
In 2024, he took on a darker role in The 8 Show, a Netflix black comedy series, as a ruthless contestant in a deadly game. His chilling portrayal of the “sixth-floor resident” showed his ability to tackle complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Stealing Hearts in When Life Gives You Tangerines
In 2025, Park Hae Joon won over audiences as the older Yang Gwan Sik in When Life Gives You Tangerines, a Netflix drama directed by Kim Won Seok and written by Lim Sang Choon. The series, released from March 7 to March 28, 2025, follows the lifelong love story of Oh Ae Sun (IU and Moon So Ri) and Yang Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum and Park Hae Joon) across five decades on Jeju Island. With a budget of ₩60 billion, it’s one of the most expensive K-dramas ever made.
Park Hae Joon plays Gwan Sik in his middle and later years, a steadfast man who supports his wife and family through joy and hardship. His performance, paired with Moon So Ri as the older Ae Sun, brings warmth and depth to the series’ winter episodes. Fans have called their chemistry “heart-melting,” especially in a scene where Gwan Sik carries Ae Sun on his back under snowy Jeju skies.
“Park Hae Joon and Moon So Ri made me cry and smile at the same time. They’re perfect as the older couple,” wrote a fan online.
The series has been a global hit, topping Netflix charts in 42 countries and earning praise for its nostalgic storytelling, often compared to Reply 1988. Park Hae Joon’s role has sparked a viral social media trend called “My Own Gwan Sik,” where fans share stories of loved ones who embody Gwan Sik’s kindness.
“After watching Tangerines, I told my husband he’s my Gwan Sik. This drama hits deep,” posted a viewer.
His work in the series marks his fourth collaboration with Kim Won Seok, following Misaeng, My Mister, and Arthdal Chronicles. Critics have hailed his ability to mirror Park Bo Gum’s younger Gwan Sik, creating a seamless transition across time.
“Park Hae Joon brings such grace to Gwan Sik. You believe he’s loved Ae Sun his whole life,” said a review in South China Morning Post.
Upcoming Projects and Personal Life
Park Hae Joon continues to take on diverse roles. In April 2025, he stars in the crime thriller Yadang: The Snitch, playing Oh Sang Jae, a determined narcotics detective alongside Kang Ha Neul. The film, set for release on April 16, promises a gritty performance that contrasts with his gentle role in Tangerines.
He’s also confirmed for two dramas: Tempest, a Disney+ thriller series, and First, For Love, a romantic tvN drama, both slated for 2025. These projects show his commitment to exploring new genres and characters.
Off-screen, Park Hae Joon is a family man. He married theater actress Oh Yoo Jin in 2011 after seven years of dating, and they have two children. He keeps his personal life private but has spoken fondly of how his role as Gwan Sik made him reflect on his own family.
“Playing Gwan Sik reminded me to be a better husband and father. It was a turning point for me,” he said in an interview.
Why Park Hae Joon Stands Out
Park Hae Joon’s career is a testament to hard work and versatility. From theater stages to global Netflix hits, he’s played everything from villains to loving fathers with equal skill. At 48, he’s at the peak of his craft, bringing authenticity to every role. His performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines has cemented his place as one of South Korea’s finest actors, proving he can touch hearts with quiet strength.
