Park Shin-hye is a celebrated South Korean actress who rose to prominence for her childhood roles in the popular television series "Stairway to Heaven" (2003) and "Tree of Heaven" (2006). Her career reached new heights with her performance in the critically acclaimed film "Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013), which became one of the highest-grossing Korean films. She has since starred in numerous successful television dramas, including "You're Beautiful," "The Heirs," "Pinocchio," "Doctors," "Memories of the Alhambra," "#Alive," "Sisyphus: The Myth," "Doctor Slump," and "The Judge from Hell," solidifying her status as a leading actress in the Korean entertainment industry.
Park Shin-hye was born on February 18, 1990.
Park Shin-hye auditioned and featured in singer Lee Seung-hwan's music videos for "Do You Love Me!" in 2001. She began her formal training in singing, dancing, and acting at Lee Seung-hwan's agency, Dream Factory.
Park Shin-hye featured in another Lee Seung-hwan's music video for "Flower" in 2003.
Park Shin-hye gained recognition for her role in the popular Korean drama "Stairway to Heaven" in 2003.
Park Shin-hye continued to build her acting resume with supporting roles in various television series, most notably as a rebellious teenager in the 2004 drama special "Very Merry Christmas".
Park Shin-hye started her advertising career in 2004 with The Pocari Sweat commercial, often referred to as the "Gateway to Stardom." She went on to appear in various campaigns, including those for LG U+, Korean-French Cosmetics "Sugar Ray," Ssamzie Korea, McDonald's China, and Case.
Following her recognition for the drama "Tree of Heaven," Park Shin-hye secured modeling contracts with KTF, Bigi, and Magic N Pym Multipack in 2006. She also became a clothing model for Yeonsung Apparel's Clyde.
Park Shin-hye co-hosted the variety program "Fantastic Partner" from 2006 to 2007.
Park Shin-hye landed her first adult leading role in the South Korean-Japanese melodrama "Tree of Heaven" in 2006. The series received critical acclaim and brought her wider recognition.
Park Shin-hye won the Best Newcomer in a Variety Show award at the MBC Entertainment Awards for her work on "Fantastic Partner".
In 2007, Park Shin-hye signed a one-year contract with Nongshim, becoming the face of their Neoguri ramyeon.
Park Shin-hye made her film debut in the horror film "Evil Twin" in 2007. She also took on roles in the romantic comedy series "Prince Hours" and the weekend drama "Kimcheed Radish Cubes" in the same year.
In 2007, Park Shin-hye donated her time and talent to the omnibus drama "Several Questions That Make Us Happy." All proceeds from the drama, excluding production costs, were donated to charity, including the fees for the writers, directors, and actors. The drama highlighted the value of volunteering.
Park Shin-hye's charming appearance in a commercial for SPC Group's Happy Point Card, where her character sneaks glances at her crush through donuts, went viral in 2008.
Park Shin-hye signed an exclusive modeling contract with Etude in January 2009, the brand announced the partnership in February. She appeared in campaigns alongside Jang Keun-suk, her co-star from "You're Beautiful," and later with Lee Min-ho.
In late 2009, Park Shin-hye embarked on a 6-day volunteer trip to Tapatali village in Nepal. She distributed school supplies, assisted with construction work, and played Santa Claus, bringing Christmas cheer to the villagers. Her experience was featured on KBS's "Love Request" year-end special, "Home Winter Love."
Park Shin-hye rose to fame after starring in the romance comedy music drama "You're Beautiful" alongside Jang Keun-suk in 2009.
Park Shin-hye participated in CeCi magazine's "I Love Pet" campaign in 2010, marking the magazine's 16th anniversary. The campaign promoted the adoption of abandoned dogs and supported service animals through the 'Animal-assisted Therapy Welfare Association,' which provides therapy for disabled children.
Park Shin-hye starred in the romantic comedy film "Cyrano Agency" in 2010, which became a critical and commercial success. She also voiced the main character in the animation film "Green Days: Dinosaur and I", which premiered at the 15th Busan International Film Festival.
Park Shin-hye received the Popular Asian Star award at the LeTV Movie and Drama Awards in August 2011.
Park Shin-hye signed an exclusive contract with Japanese management agency IMX in September 2011.
In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Park Shin-hye joined relief efforts. She participated in fundraising events, including meet-and-greets and charity appearances, with proceeds donated to support survivors in the affected areas.
In 2011, Park Shin-hye was appointed as a public relations ambassador for "Korea Food for the Hungry International" (KFHI). In May of that year, she dedicated 8 nights and 9 days to volunteer work in Ghana, where she distributed food kits to underprivileged children, assisted in malaria treatment, and formed a special bond with a sponsored child named Avanna, providing care and sharing meals.
In August 2012, Park Shin-hye, alongside Jung Yong-hwa and Lee Hong-gi, made a surprise appearance at the "Hopes, Dreams, Happy Trip to Korea" event. This event, organized by "Good Friends Save Children" (GFSC), hosted 80 students and staff from Ogatsu Middle School in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, who were survivors of the Tōhoku disaster. Park, Jung, and Lee offered words of encouragement and presented gifts to the attendees.
In 2012, Park Shin-hye was selected to be the exclusive model for Gounsesang Cosmetics.
On February 18, 2012, Park Shin-hye celebrated her 23rd birthday with a fan meeting titled "Park Shin-hye Fan Meeting: City of Angel" in Seoul. She followed this with another fan meeting in Tokyo on February 24, where her official Japan fan club, "Twinkle," was established. Proceeds from both events were donated to KFHI to support the Starlight Angel Village in Ghana.
Park Shin-hye won the Best One-Act Special Actress Award at the 2012 KBS Drama Awards for her performance in "Don't Worry, I'm a Ghost".
Park Shin-hye starred in the third installment of tvN's "Flower Boy" series entitled "My Cute Guys" alongside actor Yoon Shi-yoon, which premiered in January 2013.
In 2013, Park Shin-hye commemorated her 10th debut anniversary with "The 2013 Park Shin-hye Asia Tour: Kiss of Angel," holding fan meetings in the Philippines, Japan, and China. Proceeds from the tour funded the establishment of the first "Shin-hye's Center" in Ghana, a multifaceted facility comprising a school, library, and playground. The center offers free kindergarten education and meals to local children, and the project also encompassed initiatives like well construction and repair, livestock donation, and mosquito net distribution. Completed in November 2013, the center has impacted the lives of approximately 500 students.
Park Shin-hye starred in the comedy-drama film "Miracle in Cell No. 7" and the teen drama "The Heirs" in 2013. Both projects were commercially successful and critically acclaimed, solidifying her status as a top actress.
Park Shin-hye's popularity surged in 2013 after the success of "Miracle in Cell No. 7" and "My Cute Guys." She starred in a Valentine's Day ad for Market O with "My Cute Guys" co-stars Yoon Si-yoon, Kim Ji-hoon, and Go Kyung-pyo. She also partnered with brands like Sonobi, Jambaengi, Enprani Holika Holika, Job Sarangbang, Educar, and Vegemil.
Throughout 2013, Park Shin-hye continued her charitable work. She donated rice wreaths received from fans to charity and contributed to the production of an inclusive version of the film "One Perfect Day" by providing narration for visually and hearing-impaired audiences.
Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik previously worked together in the drama "The Heirs" which aired in 2013.
Park Shin-hye attended the 2014 DramaFever Awards and embarked on "The 2014 Park Shin-hye World Tour: Story of Angel," commencing with a fan meeting in New York on May 1, 2014. The tour included stops in Osaka, Tokyo, five cities in China (Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Changsha, and Beijing), Taiwan, Hong Kong, Manila, and concluded in Bangkok. Proceeds from the tour were donated to KFHI, supporting the KFHI Happy Home School, a local children's center providing after-school programs.
Park Shin-hye starred in the hit drama "Pinocchio" opposite actor Lee Jong-suk in 2014. Her performance was praised, and the drama was a commercial success. This year she was also included in Forbes Korea's Korea Power Celebrity 40 list and dubbed "Nation's Little Sister" by MBC's Section TV Entertainment Relay.
Park Shin-hye's endorsement opportunities expanded following the success of "The Heirs." In 2014, she appeared in a commercial for the delivery app Yogiyo with Kang Ha-neul and reunited with Jang Keun-suk for a Chinese beverage brand's anniversary. She became the first Korean star chosen as a Visa model and also became the muse for French jewelry brand Agatha Paris.
In April 2015, following a devastating earthquake in Nepal, Park Shin-hye personally donated ₩30 million (approximately US$28,000) to support the victims. Her agency, S.A.L.T. Entertainment, also contributed ₩10 million. Both donations were made through KFHI.
Park Shin-hye continued her annual fan meeting tradition with "The 2015 Park Shin-hye Asia Tour: Dream of Angel." The tour began in Shanghai and included a stop in Taiwan. Proceeds from the events were donated to KFHI's Starlight Angel Village project and "Tasowon" (Other Wishes), a Chinese animal protection organization.
Park Shin-hye was included in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list for the first time in 2015.
Park Shin-hye graduated from Chung-Ang University with a degree in theater in February 2016. She received a service award for her accomplishments as a celebrity ambassador during the convocation ceremony.
In 2016, Park Shin-hye spearheaded the planning and development of the second Shin-hye's Centre, located in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. This center, similar to the one in Ghana, aims to serve as a cultural hub for the community, with a particular focus on providing educational and nutritional support to children. The groundbreaking ceremony for the center was held in July 2016.
In 2016, Park Shin-hye spearheaded the planning and development of the second Shin-hye's Centre, located in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. This center, similar to the one in Ghana, aims to serve as a cultural hub for the community, with a particular focus on providing educational and nutritional support to children. The groundbreaking ceremony for the center was held in July 2016.
In recognition of her substantial contributions to KFHI, Park Shin-hye was honored as the 36th member of the organization's Philanthropic Club on November 24, 2016. This prestigious membership is reserved for individuals who have donated ₩100 million (US$85,000) or more to KFHI.
Park Shin-hye starred in the popular medical drama "Doctors" in 2016.
In 2016, Park Shin-hye returned to television with a leading role in the popular medical drama "Doctors," where she played a troubled teen who becomes a successful doctor. The show was a hit, topping viewership ratings during its run. She also starred in the comedy film "My Annoying Brother" alongside Jo Jung-suk and Do Kyung-soo of Exo. That same year, she was voted "Most Favored Korean Actress" by fans of the Korean Wave in the United States.
Park Shin-hye embarked on her fourth consecutive fan meeting tour, "The 2017 Park Shin-hye Asia Tour: Flower of Angel," starting in Hong Kong and continuing to Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Proceeds from the tour were donated to KFHI through the "Starlight Angel Project."
Construction on the Philippine Shinhye Center, a project initiated by Park Shin-hye, was completed in September 2017. This center aimed to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children in need.
Salt Entertainment announced in November 2017 the completion of two significant projects led by Park Shin-hye: the "Philippine Shinhye Center" and the "Hwado Happy Home School Renovation Support Project." The Philippine center, constructed between July 2016 and September 2017, aimed to provide a supportive space for children in need. The Hwado Happy Home School project, initiated in March 2017, involved the renovation of a local children's center in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do.
Making history in 2017, Park Shin-hye became Swarovski's first-ever Korean global ambassador. She was also chosen as the Korean muse for Coach and Filipino clothing brand Bench.
Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon began dating in 2017.
Park Shin-hye was included in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list for the second time in 2017.
In 2017, Park Shin-hye starred in the crime thriller "Heart Blackened," a Korean remake of the Hong Kong film "Silent Witness."
Following the 2017 Pohang earthquake, Park Shin-hye donated ₩50 million through KFHI to aid those affected. She also organized a heartwarming charity event in Seoul called "Park Shin-hye's Starlight Angel Project 2017: Kimchi Sharing of Love." Park, along with KFHI representatives, employees, and members of her fan club, prepared and distributed kimchi to approximately 200 families with children impacted by the earthquake.
On March 7, 2018, Park Shin-hye publicly confirmed her relationship with fellow actor Choi Tae-joon, which began in late 2017.
On May 18, 2018, Park Shin-hye participated in the "Star Relay Heart Challenge" to support children from low-income families. She engaged with fans through live streams, completing tasks like making cards for the children. The donations to KFHI were determined by the number of "hearts" received, with a potential maximum contribution of three million won.
On December 20, 2018, Park Shin-hye donated 20 washing machines, valued at approximately ₩50 million, designed for fire-retardant clothing to express gratitude for firefighters' hard work. LG Electronics committed to donating a dryer for each washing machine to complement her donation.
In 2018, Park Shin-hye joined the cast of Na Young-seok's reality show "Little Cabin in the Woods" with actor So Ji-sub, documenting their lives in a Jeju Island house. She also starred in the fantasy suspense drama "Memories of the Alhambra," playing dual roles as a hostel owner and a guitar-playing NPC. The show was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.
Park Shin-hye starred in the drama "Memories of the Alhambra" alongside Hyun Bin in 2018.
Park Shin-hye was selected as the exclusive model for bedding brand Allerman in 2018.
On April 24, 2019, Park Shin-hye was honored with the Special Philanthropy Celebrity of the Year Award at the 5th Asia Philanthropy Awards (APA) ceremony. Unable to attend due to prior international commitments, KFHI director Kim Kyung-sook accepted the award on her behalf.
On May 11, 2019, Park Shin-hye held her "2019 Park Shin-hye Fan Meeting: Voice of Angel" at Yamano Hall in Tokyo.
In August 2019, Park Shin-hye embarked on a 15-day trip to Kenya and Botswana, where she collaborated with Elephants Without Borders activists in caring for orphaned elephants and attaching GPS devices to wild elephants.
On December 8, 2019, Park Shin-hye held her "2019 Park Shin-hye Fan Meeting: Voice of Angel" in Seoul, with all proceeds donated to the Starlight Angel Project.
Park Shin-hye was chosen as British jewelry brand Olivia Burton's first-ever brand ambassador for Korea in 2019. She also became the muse for the clothing brand MOJO.S.PHINE.
Park Shin-hye's experiences in Kenya and Botswana were featured in the MBC documentary "Humanimal Part 1 - Killing an Elephant," which aired in January 2020. Her appearance fee for the documentary was donated to the foundation.
In March 2020, Park Shin-hye donated ₩50 million to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association's fund dedicated to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In 2020, Park Shin-hye starred in the disaster film "#Alive" with Yoo Ah-in, based on a script by Hollywood's Matt Naylor. The film was a hit, becoming the 7th highest-grossing film in South Korea for that year. She also starred in Lee Chung-hyun's thriller "The Call," about two women connected through time by a phone call.
Park Shin-hye starred in the zombie thriller film "#Alive" alongside Yoo Ah-in in 2020.
Park Shin-hye announced her engagement to Choi Tae-joon on November 23, 2021, alongside the news of expecting their first child. They also shared their plans for an upcoming wedding.
Park Shin-hye starred in the science fiction mystery drama "Sisyphus: The Myth" alongside Cho Seung-woo in 2021.
Park Shin-hye was included in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list for the third time in 2021.
Park Shin-hye was selected as the new model for French golf wear brand Castelbajac in 2021.
On January 22, 2022, Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon celebrated their marriage with a church ceremony, followed by a wedding reception in Seoul.
In March 2022, Park Shin-hye donated ₩50 million to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to support those affected by the devastating forest fires in Uljin, Gyeongbuk and Samcheok, Gangwon.
Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon welcomed their first child, a son, on May 31, 2022.
In November 2022, Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik were cast as the leads in the romantic-comedy medical drama "Doctor Slump." This marked their reunion since starring together in "The Heirs" in 2013.
Park Shin-hye was included in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list for the fourth time in 2022.
In March 2023, Park Shin-hye, Park Hyung-sik, Yoon Park, and Kong Seong-ha were officially confirmed as the main cast for "Doctor Slump."
In July 2023, Park Shin-hye donated ₩100 million worth of 2,000 summer blankets to provide aid to those impacted by severe flooding caused by torrential rain. The blankets were distributed through The Korean Red Cross branches in Sejong, North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, and Gyeongbuk regions.
To commemorate her 20th debut anniversary on December 3, 2023, Park Shin-hye organized the "Memory of Angel" fan meeting at Ilji Art Hall. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales were donated to the Starlight Angel Project.
Park Shin-hye and Kim Jae-young were confirmed to star in the SBS TV drama "The Judge from Hell" on December 29, 2023. The series is directed by Park Jin-pyo and is scheduled to air in September 2024.
"Doctor Slump," the romantic-comedy medical drama starring Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik, premiered on JTBC on March 17, 2024. The drama, which aired every Saturday and Sunday, follows the story of Nam Ha-neul (Park Shin-hye) and Yeo Jeong-woo (Park Hyung-sik), former high school rivals who reunite as doctors facing career slumps. The series explores their journey from animosity to love. It's also available on TVING in South Korea and on Netflix in certain regions.
"The Judge from Hell," an action fantasy drama, is scheduled to premiere in September 2024. It follows the story of Justitia, the devil who possesses judge Kang Bit-na, and her encounter with detective Han Da-on, leading to her rebirth as a true judge.
Park Shin-hye is set to star in the upcoming dramas "Doctor Slump" and "The Judge from Hell" in 2024.