Meet Park Bo-young’s Parents: Park Wan-soo and Choi Jeong-ok

Park Bo-young, widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most cherished actresses, has won over audiences with her heartfelt and versatile performances in films such as Scandal Makers (2008), A Werewolf Boy (2012), and On Your Wedding Day (2018), as well as hit television dramas like Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017) and Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023).

Born on February 12, 1990, in Jeungpyeong County, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea, Park grew up in a warm, close-knit household that instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and humility.

Of Korean ethnicity, Park Bo-young is the second of three daughters. Her father, Park Wan-soo, served as a sergeant major in South Korea’s Special Forces for 34 years, while her mother, Choi Jeong-ok, dedicated herself to raising the family as a homemaker. Though Park has not publicly confirmed her religious beliefs, some reports suggest she may be Christian—though this remains unverified.

Her passion for acting sparked during her middle school years, eventually leading her to appear in the short film Equal (2005). She gained early recognition with her first major television role in Secret Campus (2006), all while continuing her education. She later attended Dankook University, majoring in Theater and Film, where she balanced academics with a growing acting career.

Despite her fame, Park has kept much of her personal life—including details about her family—private. However, it’s clear that her parents’ guidance and the supportive atmosphere of her childhood helped shape the resilience and charm that define her public image.

Park Wan-soo

Park Bo-young’s father, Park Wan-soo, is a retired soldier who served an impressive 34 years in the South Korean Special Forces Brigade. His long and distinguished military career reflects a life of discipline, resilience, and commitment—qualities that likely influenced his daughter’s approach to her acting career.

As a sergeant-major, Park Wan-soo dedicated decades to serving his country, showcasing a sense of duty that resonates in Park Bo-young’s own perseverance through challenges, such as legal disputes early in her career and injuries sustained during filming.

While specific details about Park Wan-soo’s military service are scarce, his role as a Special Forces veteran suggests he was involved in high-stakes operations requiring physical and mental fortitude. This background likely instilled in Park Bo-young a sense of determination, evident in her ability to bounce back from setbacks, including a hiatus in 2019 to recover from an arm injury and surgery to remove a scar.

Her father’s influence may also be seen in her disciplined approach to her craft, as she has consistently chosen diverse and challenging roles to showcase her versatility.

Choi Jeong-ok

Park Bo-young’s mother, Choi Jeong-ok, is described as a homemaker who has been the nurturing backbone of the family. While little is publicly known about her personal endeavors, her role in raising three daughters, including a future star, speaks to her dedication and strength.

As the mother of Park Bo-young, the second of three sisters, Choi Jeong-ok likely played a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment that allowed her daughter to pursue her passion for acting from a young age.

Choi Jeong-ok’s influence can be inferred through Park Bo-young’s warm and relatable on-screen persona, often described as the “Nation’s Little Sister” following her breakout role in Scandal Makers. The actress’s ability to portray characters with emotional depth and authenticity may reflect the values of empathy and care instilled by her mother.

Additionally, Choi Jeong-ok’s support likely provided Park Bo-young with the confidence to begin her acting journey as early as middle school, when she appeared in the short film Equal (2005), which won the Challenging Reality Award at the 7th Seoul International Youth Film Festival.