Park Hyung-sik Reflects on Idol Struggles: “Bullied, Misunderstood, and Rescued by ZE:A Members”
Actor Park Hyung-sik offered a rare and emotional glimpse into his early career, revealing the harsh realities of idol life during his appearance on the April 2 episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block.” From being bullied as a trainee to finding brotherhood in ZE:A, Park’s story struck a chord with viewers for its honesty and warmth.
“The Industry Felt Like a Different World”
Park began by recalling his childhood dreams, which took root after receiving unexpected praise for singing in the car. “The entertainment industry felt like a completely different world to me,” he said. “But I won an award in a school band contest, and casting agents began giving me their cards.”
One moment stood out, “When I showed a card to my mom, she said, ‘Oh my, maybe you really have potential,’” Park recalled with a smile.
At just 13 years old, he was so determined to protect his singing voice during puberty that he entered a period of self-imposed silence, “I barely spoke, let alone sang. I was that anxious.” After three years as a trainee, Park debuted with ZE:A at age 20.
Although Park had trained with hopes of joining a ballad group, he soon realized idol reality was different, “I didn’t know how to perform music with electronic sounds. I never imagined I’d be dancing.”
Even as ZE:A’s main vocalist, he confessed his part in songs was often just five seconds long, “Honestly, being main vocal didn’t mean much. Dong-jun did everything. You could say Kim Dong-jun was ZE:A,” he joked.
Cramped Living and Emotional Isolation
Park also shed light on the physical discomforts of idol life, “All nine of us shared one Carnival van. Since we sat by age, Dong-jun and I always had the seats without headrests.”
“In the dorm, we shared one bathroom with our manager.” He went on to reveal that his journey started with rejection and isolation at another agency, “I didn’t come through an audition, so I looked like a nepotism pick. People avoided me.”
“I thought that was just how trainee life was—everyone kept their distance. But then the ZE:A members brought me out from that moldy-smelling little room into the light.”
Acting: A Leap Into a New Life
After debut, Park realized survival in the industry required more than just talent, “It was a jungle. I felt desperate and went to the company saying, ‘I’ll do anything, just give me something.’ That’s how I started acting.”
His leap of faith paid off, eventually landing him a spot on the hit variety show “Real Men,” which became a turning point in his public image and career.
During the “You Quiz” episode, host Yoo Jae-suk also requested Park to sing ZE:A’s “Aftermath,” which he delivered with his signature smooth vocals. He also impressed the studio with his favorite karaoke song, Park Hyo-shin’s “Goodbye.”
Park Hyung-sik’s story is more than a nostalgic look at idol hardship, it’s a tribute to resilience, gratitude, and the people who help us find light in our darkest moments. His honesty reminded viewers that behind every polished performance is a journey worth hearing.
