Park Hae-soo: The Versatile South Korean Actor Who Rose to Global Fame with Squid Game
Introduction: Who Is Park Hae-soo?
Park Hae-soo is a talented South Korean actor known for his powerful performances on stage, television, and film. While already a respected name in Korea through projects like Prison Playbook, it was his chilling portrayal of Cho Sang-woo in Netflix’s Squid Game that catapulted him to international recognition.
Early Career: From Theater to the Small Screen
Born on November 21, 1981, Park Hae-soo began his acting career in theater, earning acclaim for his work in Korean stage productions. His deep, controlled performances and strong stage presence quickly led to television roles. He gained significant attention for his role in the popular drama Prison Playbook (2017), where he played a wrongfully convicted baseball player navigating life in prison.
That breakout role earned him the Best New Actor award at the Seoul Awards and established him as a rising star in Korean television.
Breakthrough with Squid Game
In 2021, Park joined the cast of Squid Game as Cho Sang-woo, a brilliant but morally conflicted investment banker who enters the deadly game after financial ruin. His emotionally complex and chilling performance drew international praise, especially for the way he humanized a deeply flawed character.
The series became a global sensation, reaching over 142 million households worldwide. Park’s performance introduced him to a worldwide audience and opened doors to international collaborations.
Post-Squid Game Success and Hollywood Debut
Following Squid Game, Park Hae-soo starred in the Korean remake of Money Heist (Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area), portraying the role of Berlin. He also appeared in Narco-Saints and has become one of the most sought-after Korean actors for both domestic and international projects.
He made his Hollywood red carpet debut at the Critics’ Choice Awards alongside his Squid Game co-stars and signed with the U.S.-based agency United Talent Agency (UTA), signaling further global expansion.
Versatility and Depth as an Actor
Park Hae-soo is celebrated for his emotional depth, subtle facial expressions, and ability to portray morally ambiguous characters with nuance. From sympathetic leads to darker, more conflicted roles, he continues to demonstrate range and versatility across genres, including thriller, crime, and drama.
Authentic Photographs of Park Hae-soo
I photographed Mr. Park for the British magazine Monocle. The story ran in Monocle’s 2022 March issue. Many thanks to Saemi Chung for making this happen. You can read a syndicated version of the article on Nikkei Asia.
See more photos and contact me directly for licensing.