ENHYPEN Sunghoon, whose full name is Park Sung-hoon, was born in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. He was introduced as a contestant in the survival show “I-LAND” and ranked 6th in the final episode with 1,088,413 votes, making him a member of ENHYPEN.
Biography
- Birth Name: Park Sung-hoon (박성훈)
- Stage Name: Sunghoon (성훈)
- Date of Birth: December 8, 2002
- Age: 22 (as of 2024)
- Nationality: Korean
- Education: Pangok High School.
- Position: Dancer, Vocalist
- Agency: Belift Lab
- Height: 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Fun Facts
- Aside from his hometome, Sunghoon also lived in various other cities like Suwon, Seoul, Anyang, and Namyangju.
- He is known to have trained for 2 years and 1 month before his appearance on “I-LAND”. At the time, he was a trainee under Big Hit Entertainment alongside fellow members Heeseung, Jay, and Jungwon.
- He reportedly had severe amblyopia (lazy eye) as a child and could barely see out of his right eye. He had to go through a tough treatment process, covering one eye for 12 hours a day. This experience made him more introverted and lowered his confidence, so his parents encouraged him to exercise. That led him to start ice hockey at age 7, but due to physical limitations, he switched to figure skating at age 9.
- Prior to becoming a trainee, Sunghoon was a professional figure skater who competed in various competitions. Having started figure skating at 9 and skated for 10 years, he won silver at the Asian Figure Skating Trophy twice, during different years, and participated in the Korea Figure Skating Championship in 2018. This past earned him the nickname of “Ice Prince” and “Figure Skate Prince” among ENHYPEN fans and the public alike.
- He described figure skating as a friend who had been with him for half his life — a nostalgic presence. He now considers it a special skill.
- After attending a BTS concert, he was inspired by the performers and dreamed of becoming someone cool on stage like them — that’s how he started aspiring to be an idol.
- The male idol has a 5 years younger sister named Park Ye-jin and also has a dog named Gaeul. He is very close with his younger sister, as seen in My Heart’s Crayon, which shows their strong bond. When asked which member he’d introduce to his sister, he has always firmly answered, “No one.”
- Sunghoon was chosen as the top visual in the group, and is known to be good at contemporary dance along with having great facial expression skills. With these, he has been called the “Fancam Expert” by many people.
- Sunghoon’s motto is to “Just do it”, and his ideal type is Red Velvet’s Irene. The male idol dislikes disorganization and untidiness to the point most ENHYPEN members voted him as the neatest in the group.
- According to the members, Sunghoon constantly works hard, is very self-disciplined, and is determined in whatever he sets his mind on. Even when things are tough, he maintains unyielding passion.
- His greatest fear is failure.
- He enjoys holding hands and is often seen holding the hands of other I-LAND trainees. In My Heart’s Crayon, he was shown holding his sister’s hand tightly while walking.
- His hand size is 20 cm, and his shoe size is 270 mm.
- He was scouted through Instagram DMs by BigHit during his figure skating career.
- His blood type is O, so he reportedly gets bitten by mosquitoes more easily.
- He uses the “eagle typing” method (typing with two fingers). Because of this, a mobile phone made its first appearance in the PLIT series on the KBS Kpop YouTube channel.
- His Pokémon collaboration partner was Lucario.
Career
The Skating Virtuoso: A Decade on Ice
Sunghoon’s journey onto the figure skating rink began not with an immediate ambition for competitive glory, but as an extension of his comfort on the ice, having already dabbled in ice hockey and short track speed skating for enjoyment. His parents suggested he try figure skating, and the distinct blend of athleticism and artistry, the lighter feel without heavy hockey gear, and the unique challenge of its intricate movements and techniques, immediately appealed to him. A significant turning point came when he won his first gold medal at the National Winter Sports Festival. This victory crystallized his ambition, fueling a desire to pursue figure skating with greater seriousness and to continually strive for improvement.
His competitive figure skating career spanned a decade, from 2010 to early 2020, during which he emerged as a notable talent on the South Korean national scene. He successfully passed all eight levels of figure skating proficiency before his retirement from the sport.
Assessments of his skating highlight both strengths and areas for development. He possessed all his triple jumps, though consistency varied, and some jumps were noted as being muscled or lacking power. His skating was characterized by fluid and lyrical qualities, though his spins and step sequences were not considered the most complex. Observers noted he could appear expressionless at times, focusing intently on the technical elements, and his speed could have been greater, although a decent knee bend contributed to a softer skating aesthetic. His highest recorded combined total score, 163.76 at the Asian Open Trophy in 2018, while respectable, indicated that reaching the uppermost echelons of international senior competition would be a formidable challenge.
The Idol’s Ascent: From I-LAND to ENHYPEN
Sunghoon’s formal entry into the K-pop industry was through the crucible of I-Land, a survival reality show produced by Mnet and Belift Lab (a joint venture between CJ E&M and Hybe Corporation). Announced as a contestant on June 1, 2020, he embarked on a televised journey of intense training, rigorous evaluations, and public scrutiny.
His I-Land journey commenced with a strong start. For the entry test, Sunghoon, alongside fellow trainee Jay, performed “The 7th Sense” by NCT U, earning an impressive 21 out of 22 votes from their peers, which granted them immediate entry into the coveted ‘I-Land’ facility. Throughout the competition, he navigated various missions, including performing the show’s theme song, “Into The I-LAND,” where he was assigned Part 7. His perseverance and developing skills culminated in him securing the sixth position among the seven finalists, a result determined by a combination of global fan votes and producer choices, indicating a broad appeal that resonated with both the public and industry insiders.
Following the conclusion of I-Land, ENHYPEN was officially formed. The group made their highly anticipated debut on November 30, 2020, with the mini-album Border: Day One, featuring the title track “Given-Taken”. This debut was met with immediate success; the album topped various charts, and ENHYPEN quickly garnered several “Rookie of the Year” awards, signaling a powerful launch into the competitive K-pop scene. Sunghoon’s unique backstory as a figure skater undoubtedly contributed to the initial intrigue surrounding the group.
Within ENHYPEN, Sunghoon’s official roles are listed as Vocalist, Dancer, and Rapper. While Belift Lab does not assign extensive official positions beyond the Leader (held by Jungwon), Sunghoon is frequently referred to by his fellow members and ENGENEs (ENHYPEN’s fanbase) as the group’s ‘Main Visual’. This informally acknowledged yet potent role highlights his striking appearance and how he embodies the group’s aesthetic, significantly contributing to their image and marketing. His years of figure skating have also undeniably shaped his dance style, lending it a characteristic grace, precision, and elegance.
Shining Solo: Sunghoon’s Individual Activities
While deeply integrated into ENHYPEN’s group activities, Sunghoon has also carved out a notable presence through various solo endeavors, showcasing his versatility and individual charm.
His most prominent solo role was as an MC for the prestigious KBS music program Music Bank. He co-hosted the show with Jang Wonyoung of IVE from October 8, 2021, to September 1, 2022. Their chemistry and engaging presentation earned them the affectionate nickname “Jangkku” from fans and led to them winning the “Best Couple Award” at the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards, where Sunghoon was also nominated for the Rookie Award in the Show/Variety Category. This early-career hosting role on a major broadcast network, and the subsequent accolades, highlighted his strong public presentation skills and potential in the variety sphere, extending his appeal beyond stage performances. He also served as a backstage MC for the 2021 KBS Song Festival and made a special MC appearance on Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant in 2023.
Sunghoon’s striking visuals and sophisticated image have made him a sought-after face for brand endorsements. In April 2024, he and fellow ENHYPEN member Jake were announced as regional ‘friends of the house’ ambassadors for the luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. in South Korea and Japan. Shortly thereafter, in May 2024, he was named the exclusive model for the South Korean cosmetics brand Hince, a significant milestone noted as his first solo brand endorsement. Adding to his portfolio, L’Oreal Paris appointed him as its latest ambassador in September 2024, specifically for their ‘Extraordinary Oil Cherry Wood’ hair oil in Korea. These high-profile partnerships with leading luxury and beauty brands underscore his substantial marketability and individual brand power.
He has also dipped his toes into acting. In July 2022, Sunghoon made a special cameo appearance as himself in Playlist’s web series Mimicus. This brief role garnered positive attention, earning him the Idol Champ Artist Award at the 2023 Seoul International Drama Awards, suggesting that even minor acting appearances are recognized and could pave the way for more substantial roles should he choose to pursue them.
His individual content also includes web shows such as his own series King Sunghoon Review Park in 2021 and an appearance on Idol’s Snack Spree with his Music Bank co-host, Wonyoung.
Personal Life
The name “Sunghoon” itself carries auspicious meanings: “Sung” (成) translates to “to accomplish,” and “Hoon” (訓) to “wise words,” a fitting premonition for a young man who would achieve distinction in multiple demanding fields.
His early childhood was marked by a significant personal challenge: a struggle with severe amblyopia, commonly known as a lazy eye, which impacted his vision and, understandably, his confidence. It was through the world of sports that he began to find his footing and passion. Initially, at the age of nine, he ventured into ice hockey, a decision partly aimed at improving his social skills. However, it was the subsequent introduction to figure skating that truly ignited his spirit, offering him a profound sense of purpose and a new avenue for self-expression. This transition from a team sport focused on social development to an individual artistic sport suggests a pivotal period of self-discovery, where the discipline and artistry of figure skating provided a unique platform for building the confidence that may have been affected by his early visual impairment. Alongside these icy pursuits, Sunghoon also explored other forms of graceful movement, reportedly taking ballet lessons around the age of ten.
Regarding his formal education, Sunghoon graduated from Pangkok High School in 2020. His school life, however, was far from typical. The intense demands of his figure skating training, and later his idol apprenticeship, meant that he often had limited attendance at school.
The transition to the world of K-pop began in 2018 when Sunghoon was scouted by Big Hit Music, reportedly through Instagram DMs, while still actively competing as a figure skater. He then embarked on a demanding period of idol training for two years and one month before his participation in the survival show I-Land, remarkably continuing his figure skating commitments concurrently for two of those years, right up until his K-pop debut.
Initially, Sunghoon did not harbor intentions of becoming an idol; his primary motivation for dance training was to enhance his figure skating performances. However, a pivotal experience—witnessing a BTS concert—inspired him to pursue a career as an idol. He found himself falling in love with the multifaceted demands and expressive potential of being an idol. This organic development of passion, rather than a lifelong singular dream of K-pop stardom, lends an authenticity to his commitment. He officially retired from competitive figure skating in early 2020, with his final competition in February of that year serving as a “swan song” to his decade-long skating journey as he prepared to fully immerse himself in the challenge of I-Land. While he acknowledged a touch of sadness in closing that significant chapter, a new dream had taken hold.
Controversies
Inappropriate Greeting of TWICE
Back in 2021, Sunghoon was involved in a controversy over his attitude towards girl group TWICE. The male idol was an MC of the weekly music show “Music Bank” along with IVE’s Jang Wonyoung at the time.
In an episode of “Music Bank”, Sunghoon interviewed TWICE for their comeback with “SCIENTIST”. However, after finishing the interview, Sunghoon only bobbed his head to greet TWICE instead of bowing like Jang Wonyoung. As TWICE is a major senior who debuted 5 years before Sunghoon (TWICE debuted in 2015 while ENHYPEN debuted in 2020), many netizens expressed dissatisfaction, saying that Sunghoon should have greeted the girl group more properly.
Criticism Over Comments on Korean History
In January 2023, during an online broadcast with fellow member Jay, Jay made comments about Korean history that were perceived by some as disparaging, stating it felt “like a short novel” with “not much information.” Sunghoon was present during this conversation, having initially mentioned he was becoming interested in Korean history.
Jay later issued an official apology for his remarks. While Sunghoon’s direct contribution to the controversial statements was minimal compared to Jay’s, his presence during the broadcast drew him into the periphery of the discussion.
‘Fat-Shaming’ Remarks
During an episode of ENHYPEN’s YouTube series En-O’Clock, the members were on a meal break when Sunghoon remarked, “everyone knows Sunoo can eat more,” with Jay adding that Sunoo “could easily finish all the food on the table.” The group laughed in response, but some viewers found the comments insensitive, labeling them as “fat-shaming,” especially considering Sunoo’s previous concerns about his body image.
After the remarks, Sunoo reportedly became quiet and seemed to withdraw from the conversation. This incident sparked a significant online debate, with some fans calling for more sensitivity. At the time, neither HYBE, Belift Lab, nor ENHYPEN issued an official statement addressing the backlash directly.
