Celebrated Korean actor and director Park Joong-hoon is set to publish a deeply personal essay collection titled "No Regrets" on October 29, marking the 40th anniversary of his debut in the entertainment industry. The book, published by Sayuwagonggam Publishers, offers readers an intimate look into the veteran performer's four-decade journey through Korea's film and television landscape.
The essay collection chronicles Park's extensive career, detailing both the challenges and victories that have defined his path to becoming one of Korea's most respected "national actors" - a prestigious designation reserved for the country's most beloved performers. Throughout the book, Park reveals how his personal philosophy of "reflect, but never regret" has guided his artistic decisions and career choices over the years.
Reflecting on his decision to finally publish a book, Park shared his journey to authorship. "Years ago, after writing a newspaper column, I received multiple offers to publish a book. Back then, I didn't feel confident enough to write one. I used to think I would try when I turned 60, but this year I felt compelled to write. So I spent that entire summer tucked away at the foot of Daegwallyeong, writing," he explained.
Park's illustrious career began in 1986 with his debut film "Kam-Bo," which launched what would become one of Korea's most enduring acting careers. Following his debut, he went on to star in numerous box office hits that have become classics of Korean cinema, including "Springtime of Mimi and Cheol-Su" (1987), "Chilsu and Mansu" (1988), "Don Quixote on Asphalt" (1988), "My Love, My Bride" (1990), and "Rules of the Game" (1994).
The actor particularly gained recognition for his comedic talents through his roles in "Two Cops" and its sequels, which solidified his reputation as Korea's leading comic film actor. Over the course of his career, Park has appeared in nearly 50 films, earning him a place among Korea's elite "national actors." In 2013, he expanded his creative horizons by making his directorial debut with "Top Star," adding filmmaker to his impressive list of credentials.
Park has been taking a break from acting since his last project, the television drama "Bad Guys 2: City of Evil," which aired in 2017. His upcoming essay collection represents a new chapter in his creative expression, offering fans and readers insight into the mind and experiences of one of Korea's most enduring entertainers.
To celebrate the publication of "No Regrets," Park has planned several public appearances. He will hold a press conference on November 4 at the Jeongdong 1928 Art Center, where he is expected to discuss the book and his career reflections. Additionally, he will meet with readers and fans at a special book talk event scheduled for October 23 at Kyobo Book Centre in Seoul, providing an opportunity for direct interaction with his audience.
