Park Jin-young facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Park Jin-young
Park in 2025
Born	Park Jin-young (1994-09-22) September 22, 1994 (age 32) Changwon, South Korea
Other names	Junior Jr.
Education	Howon University
Occupation	Singer actor songwriter
Years active	2012–present
Agent	BH Entertainment
Works	Filmography discography
Musical career
Genres	K-pop J-pop dance R&B
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	JYP
Korean name
Hangul	박진영
RR	Bak Jinyeong
MR	Pak Chinyŏng

Park Jin-young (born September 22, 1994) is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actor. Many fans know him simply as Jinyoung. He became famous as a member of the popular K-pop boy band Got7 and the musical duo JJ Project. In these groups, he sings dynamic songs, creates dance moves, and writes music.

Along with his music career, Park is a successful actor in television series and movies. He has starred in exciting shows such as The Devil Judge, Yumi's Cells, and Our Unwritten Seoul. He has also played leading roles in major movies, including Christmas Carol and Hi-Five. His expressive performances have earned him major awards, including the Best New Actor trophy.

Early Life and Growing Up in Korea

Park was born on September 22, 1994, in Changwon, South Korea. He spent his early childhood near Udo Island in the Jinhae District, where his grandparents lived. Later, he grew up in the town of Yongwon-dong.

When Park was in the fifth grade of primary school, he decided he wanted to perform on television. His mother wanted him to focus on ordinary schoolwork instead. To test his determination, she let him try out for a talent contest held by SM Entertainment. She promised that if he failed, he would give up on show business. Instead, Park reached the final round and won a special popularity award.

Seeing his passion, his family agreed to support his dreams. During middle school, he started taking formal dance lessons in the city of Busan. At first, he did not practice hard, but after his father encouraged him, he became very dedicated. In 2009, Park joined an open tryout for JYP Entertainment. He competed alongside performer Jay B against 10,000 other hopefuls. They won first place together. Park moved to Seoul as a teenager to finish high school at Gyeonggi High School and later attended Howon University.

Musical Journey and Rise to Fame

Park spent several years practicing singing, dancing, and acting before releasing his first professional work. His talent allowed him to succeed in both television and live pop concerts.

Making a Debut with JJ Project and Got7

Park made his television debut in early 2012 by acting in the musical school drama Dream High 2 on KBS. For the show's soundtrack, he sang "We Are The B" with co-stars Jinwoon, Kang So-ra, and Kim Ji-soo. That same spring, Park and his friend Jay B formed the musical duo JJ Project. They released their fun, upbeat single titled "Bounce."

In January 2014, Park officially joined the new seven-member boy group Got7 under JYP Entertainment. The band released their first EP, which quickly gained fans around the world. Park even created the dance steps for their energetic track "Follow Me." Got7 soon became one of the most successful groups in the global K-pop wave.

Writing Music and Solo Releases

Park is a skilled songwriter who helps compose and write lyrics for many popular songs. For Got7, he co-wrote songs such as "Can't" on the album Flight Log: Departure with group member Mark. He also wrote the track "Paradise" alongside BamBam for Flight Log: Arrival, and worked with bandmate Yugyeom on later albums like Present: You.

In July 2021, Park released a solo song called "Dive." This tune was inspired by the energetic instruments of live bands and appeared on the Billboard charts. In January 2023, he celebrated ten years as an artist by releasing his first solo extended play, titled Chapter 0: With. In May 2026, he released his second solo mini-album, Said & Done, which featured the single "Everlove" and a duet with Wonpil from the rock group Day6.

Television and Film Career

While singing on stage, Park built an equally impressive career as an actor on television screens and in movie theaters.

Park performing on stage in 2016

Early Roles and Hosting Shows

In 2015, Park took on a role in the television series This is My Love. Reviewers praised his natural ability to show the heartfelt feelings of a young teenager. During this project, Park realized that acting was something he truly loved. Around this time, he also hosted the live music broadcast M Countdown with fellow performers like Key from Shinee. He stepped down from hosting in 2016 so Got7 could begin their major worldwide concert tour.

Park also acted in movies, starring as the lead character in the 2016 drama A Stray Goat. Soon after, he played a younger version of a character played by star Lee Min-ho in The Legend of the Blue Sea. From 2017 to 2018, he worked as a weekly host for the television concert show Inkigayo with Jisoo from Blackpink and Doyoung from NCT.

Leading Roles in Television Dramas

Park earned his first television lead role in 2019 in the mystery show He Is Psychometric. He played a boy with supernatural senses alongside actors Kim Kwon and Shin Ye-eun. In 2020, he starred in the family drama When My Love Blooms with veteran actor Yoo Ji-tae. He also joined the action-packed movie Yaksha: Ruthless Operations as a skilled team member.

Park speaking at a press event for He Is Psychometric

In 2021, Park starred in the popular legal series The Devil Judge alongside actor Ji Sung. He portrayed an honest young judge named Kim Ga-on who fights for justice. Later that year, he joined the television adaptation of the hit comic Yumi's Cells, acting opposite actress Kim Go-eun. Viewers loved his warm and charming personality on the show.

Award-Winning Films and Later Projects

Park took on a challenging dramatic role in the 2022 movie Christmas Carol. He played twin brothers facing difficult hardships. Critics praised his ability to convey deep emotion through silent looks and expressive eyes. His performance earned him the Best New Actor trophy at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Park attending an awards show in 2023

In May 2023, Park paused his entertainment career to fulfill his mandatory military service. He served honorably as an active-duty soldier in the 11th Maneuver Division of the Republic of Korea Army until his discharge in November 2024.

After completing his service, Park quickly returned to performing. In 2025, he starred in the romance drama Our Unwritten Seoul with Park Bo-young. He also appeared in the exciting superhero film Hi-Five, which earned him a nomination for the Best New Actor award. In 2026, he starred in the television series Still Shining alongside actress Kim Min-ju.

Helping Others and Charity Work

Park frequently uses his success to help people and animals around the world. In early 2020, he sent funds to help wildlife affected by large bushfires in Australia. In August 2020, he donated ₩20 million to help families harmed by floods in South Korea.

When heavy rains struck again during the 2022 South Korean floods, Park contributed another ₩30 million for disaster relief. He also gave ₩50 million to a specialized center caring for children with disabilities. In 2023, he joined with Save the Children to give ₩30 million to help kids after major earthquakes struck abroad. Over the following years, he continued supporting meal programs for children and funded international music classes for young students.

Selected Music and Screen Roles

Here is a quick look at some of Park's most famous work as a solo singer and actor:

Solo Extended Plays

• Chapter 0: With (2023)
• Said & Done (2026)

Famous Television and Film Roles

• Dream High 2 (2012)
• He Is Psychometric (2019)
• The Devil Judge (2021)
• Yumi's Cells (2021–2022)
• Christmas Carol (2022)
• Hi-Five (2025)
• Our Unwritten Seoul (2025)
• Still Shining (2026)

See also

In Spanish: J.Y. Park para niños