Born in Seoul, South Korea, Park Bo Gum (whose given name means “precious sword”) submitted videos of himself singing and playing piano as a teen to talent agencies nationwide. Now, the star has one of the most famous faces not only in his home country but the world.

The self-taped recordings jettisoned a musically inclined Bo Gum, perhaps unexpectedly, into the realm of acting. He had his breakout role in the Korean television series Reply 1988 (2015-2016), in which he played a genius of the more than the 2,500-year-old abstract strategy board game ‘Baduk’ (perhaps the oldest board game still played today). As a nod to his character, Choi Taek, South Ko- rean audiences began referring to Bo Gum as the “nation’s younger brother.”

“One of the most appealing aspects in my line of work is that acting helps us realize and acknowledge the perspective of others that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to understand before.” —Park Bo Gum

From that point onward, Bo Gum’s list of successes feels longer than a phone book. From starring in Love in the Moonlight (2016) which solidified his status as a bonafide star, going on to take roles in blockbuster films and TV shows ranging from horror (Hello Monster) and drama (Encounter) to comedy (Runway Cop), created what’s been dubbed by the Korean Business Research Institute as the “Park Bo Gum Effect” (any product he touches flies off the shelf), become the face of French luxury brand CELINE, released a Japanese album called Blue Bird, and even served in the South Korean military—where he received his license as a hairdresser.

Next, Bo Gum is working to break through in Hollywood, where American audiences are increasingly anticipating stars from the ever-rising “Korean Wave,” a reference to the growing popularity of South Korean pop culture worldwide—which is really more of a tsunami.

“I always thought that the culture of heung (‘흥,’ joy), han (‘한,’ deep resentment), and jeong (‘정,’ affection) were emotions that are difficult to translate into other languages, but I realized that real emotions are communicated through our hearts and feelings instead of words.” —Park Bo Gum

VMAN spoke with Bo Gum about his career thus far, as well as what one of the world’s most productive men does during his time off.

VMAN: South Korean pop culture is receiving more universal representation right now than ever before. How does it feel to be a part of that wave and, furthermore, to be representing your country internationally?

PARK BO GUM: Though it’s only been discovered recently, I am really proud that the long, multifaceted history of Korean pop culture is getting so much love from people around the world. I always thought that the culture of heung (‘흥,’ joy), han (‘한,’ deep resentment), and jeong (‘정,’ affection) were emotions that are difficult to translate into other languages, but I realized that real emotions are communicated through our hearts and feelings instead of words. So I would like to thank everyone that has shown love and support for Korean culture. There are many well-known artists but there are even more wonderful artists who are working silently to promote traditional Korean culture and Korean pop culture so please continue to support us in the future.

VMAN: Having initially wanted to be a musician, what wound up being your biggest draw to acting? Obviously, music has still remained a big part of your career.

PB: I was captivated by the fact that acting allowed me to gain perspective into the various characters in the different roles I was able to play. It was also intriguing because you are able to learn something new as you prepare to play a character. One of the most appealing aspects in my line of work is that acting helps us realize and acknowledge the perspective of others that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to understand before.

VMAN: What part of being an actor have you found to be the most rewarding?

PB: I feel rewarded for the time and effort I put in as an actor when someone tells me that they were able to shake off the difficult feelings they were going through that day. I felt comfort and encouragement the next day after watching my work have an effect on others. It also gives me a lot of strength when someone says that working with me was one of their most enjoyable experiences.

VMAN: Are there any other creative ventures outside of acting or music that you’d still like to pursue?

PB: Visual and art director or a hair designer. I actually have a certificate in hair design. I’ve given a slight trim and styled a few of my close friends and they were satisfied with the outcome. I also think I have good eyes for visual and art directing. I’m pretty good at suggesting concepts, or coming up with ideas, and visualizing the hair, styling, and camera angles according to the time, place, and concept. So if an opportunity comes for me to showcase any of those skills, I’d love to challenge myself and give it a try.

VMAN: Have you always had an interest in fashion or did that come later in life?

PB: Yes, I am the fashion leader of my house. I began studying Hedi Slimane closely ever since I started working with CELINE. I have a lot of respect for designers who are able to create entirely new collections season after season. It’s amazing.

VMAN: What was one recent news story that really grasped your attention, and why?

PB: Probably climate change. Watching the coverage on climate change has motivated me to take more personal initiatives for the environment, not only for the current generation but for the next generation to come. I’ve been trying to do my part by being more environmentally conscious. I’ve been using tumblers to reduce my plastic usage, carrying personal shopping bags to grocery stores, and generally trying to maintain a clean space wherever I go.

VMAN: What does an ideal day in your life look like?

PB: I would wake up and look at the clear sky, breathe the air, and go for a run by the Han River. I’d come back home feeling refreshed and ready for the day and have a quick breakfast consisting of some fruit and Greek yogurt before heading to set. I’d remember the script clearly in my head, and everyone on set would just have such perfect chemistry that we’d get our shot cut with the first take. The shoot would end before sundown and I’d have a wholesome dinner at home. I’d go to bed feeling at peace and feeling grateful for the day. That is what my ideal day would be like.

VMAN: What would you want to tell anyone out there who wants to have a career like yours?

PB: To everyone out there whether you are just getting started in your career, returning to work, or challenging yourself with a new beginning: Keep in mind that mistakes are bound to happen if you are new to something and that’s okay. If you continue to push through and work hard, you will one day become a much more experienced person. I’m also taking on new challenges every day and will be rooting for you!

A note from the editors of VMAN: The interviews, photography, and video in this cover story predated the SAG-AFTRA strike.

This cover story appears in the pages of VMAN 51: now available for purchase!

Photography Nathaniel Goldberg

Fashion Gro Curtis

Creative Director / Editor-In-Chief Stephen Gan

Grooming Ji Young Kim

Hair Laurent Philippon (Bryant Artists)

Producer Michaël Lacomblez (Louis2)

Production manager Attia Barrère Le Roy (Louis2)

Production coordinator Ambre Silvestre (Louis2) 

Digital technician Sarah Reimmann (Imagin Productions)

Photo assistants Corrine Mutrelle, Aurélien Nobécourt

Stylist assistant Liana Sipos

Hair assistant Michael Thanh Bui

Production assistant Othmane Bouassria (Louis2) 

Location Studio Daylight