“Highest-Paid Actor” Park Hyung-sik Recalls Harsh Idol Days with ZE:A: 9 Members, One Bathroom

Park Hyung-sik, now one of Korea’s highest-paid actors earning approximately 500 million KRW per episode, took a heartfelt trip down memory lane on the latest episode of “You Quiz on the Block,” (or “You Quiz”) reflecting on the grueling early days of his career as a K-pop idol.

The preview for the March 26 episode teased Park’s appearance, where he opened up about his current success with the hit drama “Buried Hearts” and shared behind-the-scenes stories, including the physically demanding scene where he had to swim in the sea after being shot. “I didn’t expect we’d actually film in the open ocean,” he admitted, drawing laughter and curiosity.

But it was Park’s memories of his debut as a member of ZE:A at age 20 that touched viewers the most. Recalling the difficult living conditions, he said, “The environment was really tough. Our dorm had nine members and just one bathroom.”

Comedian Jo Se-ho reacted with shock, saying, “One person doing their business in the morning would be chaos!” Park responded with a laugh, “We had to shower while enduring the smell, there was no choice.”

Park Hyung-sik also spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the early years. “I thought debuting would be the start of the good life, but it was just the beginning of the struggle,” he said.

Determined to make it, he worked relentlessly, appearing in dramas like “The Heirs” and variety shows like “Real Men.” “I told them I’d do anything. Just give me work, I kept running forward with blind determination.”

From cramped dorm rooms to record-breaking fees, Park Hyung-sik’s journey is one of grit, humility, and perseverance. Today, Park Hyung-sik has risen to the top tier of Korean actors and was recently reported to earn 500 million KRW (approx. 342,000 USD) per episode, a stark contrast to his modest beginnings, making his story one of resilience, growth, and true star power. His evolution from idol underdog to A-list actor is a testament to his dedication, and fans can expect even more revelations when his full “You Quiz” episode airs.