She was just a little girl playing a dying child on screen, yet the whole country remembered her face. Park Shin-hye, that girl grew into a star who has ruled Korean television for over two decades.
She is a South Korean actress and singer born on February 18, 1990 (36 years old), in Gwangju, South Korea.
Her journey began as a child actress in the tear-jerking drama Stairway to Heaven (2003) and later Tree of Heaven (2006). What started as a small role soon turned into a career that would capture hearts across Asia and beyond.
Then came the roles that made her a household name. Park lit up the screen in You’re Beautiful (2009), The Heirs (2013), Pinocchio (2014), and Doctors (2016). She kept the magic alive with Memories of the Alhambra (2019), Doctor Slump (2024), and The Judge from Hell (2024).
Her film Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013) became one of the highest-grossing Korean movies ever made. For that unforgettable performance, she won Best Supporting Actress at the 33rd Korean Association of Film Critics Awards.
Quick Facts of Park Shin-hye
| Full Name | Park Shin-hye |
| Profession | Actress, Singer |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1990 |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Gwangju, South Korea |
| Current Address | Seoul, South Korea |
| Gender | Female |
Park Shin-hye Early Life and Education
Park Shin-hye was born in Gwangju, South Korea. She was raised by her parents, along with her older brother.
Her early years were shaped by a deeply religious home, as her family comes from a Christian background with faith passed down over five generations. As a child in Gwangju, she once dreamed of becoming a police officer after her home was burgled.
Her path changed when teachers at her church noticed her spark and encouraged her to audition for singer Lee Seung-hwan’s agency, Dream Factory. She cleared three rounds and was accepted while still in the sixth grade.
Chasing that dream came at a heavy cost for the family. When Park was around eleven, they left everything behind in Gwangju and moved to Seoul, settling into a small semi-basement apartment.
Money was tight in those early days. Her father drove a taxi, while her mother sold insurance, worked in a school cafeteria, and even cleaned toilets to keep the household running.
Watching her parents struggle gave Park a quiet determination. She often said she wanted to succeed quickly so she could give them a more comfortable life, and that pressure pushed her to work hard from a very young age.
Education
Park began her schooling at Hak-Kang Elementary School in her hometown of Gwangju. After the family shifted to Seoul, she completed her higher secondary education at Youngpa Girls’ High School.
She later joined Chung-Ang University to study theatre. Balancing her busy acting career with her studies, she took several breaks and finally graduated with a degree in theatre in February 2016.
At her convocation, she was honoured with a service award for her work as a celebrity ambassador for the university.
| School | Hak-Kang Elementary School, Gwangju;Youngpa Girls’ High School, Seoul |
| Alma Mater | Chung-Ang University |
| Highest Qualification | Graduate (Degree in Theatre) |
Park Shin-hye Personal Life
Park Shin-hye is known for keeping her private life away from the spotlight, yet her real love story reads almost like one of her own dramas. From college seniors and juniors to co-stars and finally life partners, her journey with actor Choi Tae-joon has won many hearts.
Husband
Park Shin-hye is married to South Korean actor, model, and television host Choi Tae-joon. Like her, he began as a child actor, making his debut in the 2001 drama Piano as the younger version of Jo In-sung.
Choi built his name through popular dramas such as Missing 9, Suspicious Partner, The Flower in Prison, and So I Married an Anti-Fan. He also hosted the show Hello Counselor and won Best Villain at the 2017 Korea Drama Awards.
The two first met at Chung-Ang University, where Park was his senior in the theatre and film department. They later shared a cameo together in the 2012 drama The King of Dramas, and a long friendship slowly grew into love.
In March 2018, their agencies confirmed the pair had been dating since late 2017. After Choi completed his military service, Park announced in November 2021 that she was pregnant and getting married.
The couple tied the knot on January 22, 2022, in an intimate church ceremony in Seoul. It was attended by close friends and stars like Lee Min-ho, Lee Hong-gi, and EXO’s D.O.
Children
Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on May 31, 2022.
In April 2026, her agency Salt Entertainment confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child, with the baby due around autumn 2026.
Parents
Park Shin-hye shares a very close bond with her parents, who gave up their settled life in Gwangju to support her dreams in Seoul. She has often spoken about their sacrifices with deep gratitude.
Her father’s name is Park Hyun-jong. In their early days in Seoul, he worked as a taxi driver to support the family.
Her mother’s name is Jo Mi-sook. She took up several jobs, including selling insurance and working in a school cafeteria, during their difficult years.
Siblings
Park Shin-hye has one older brother named Park Shin-won, who works as a guitarist and composer.
The two siblings share a creative bond. He composed the song “My Dear” for her debut single in 2014, and the pair even co-wrote the lyrics together.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Choi Tae-joon |
| Children | One Son; Second child expected in autumn 2026 |
| Parents | Father: Park Hyun-jong Mother: Jo Mi-sook |
| Siblings | Brother: Park Shin-won |
Park Shin-hye Career
Park Shin-hye’s career is a rare story of a child actress who kept reinventing herself into adulthood. Over two decades, she has moved through melodrama, romance, horror, fantasy, and thrillers, working with some of Korea’s biggest stars along the way.
Child Actress and Early Roles (2003 to 2008)
Park made her acting debut in 2003 with the hit SBS melodrama Stairway to Heaven. She played the younger version of the lead character Han Jung-suh, a role headlined by Choi Ji-woo, Kwon Sang-woo, and Kim Tae-hee.
In 2006, she earned her first adult lead in the Korean and Japanese melodrama Tree of Heaven, opposite Lee Wan. The series also aired in Japan and marked the start of her international recognition.
She then made her film debut in the 2007 horror movie Evil Twin, playing a haunting dual role. Around the same time, she took on an antagonist role in the drama Prince Hours.
Breakthrough with You’re Beautiful (2009 to 2011)
Her real turning point came in 2009 with the musical drama You’re Beautiful. Playing a girl who disguises herself as her twin brother, she shared the screen with Jang Keun-suk, Jung Yong-hwa, and Lee Hong-gi.
The show made her a Hallyu star across Asia. In 2010, she followed it with the hit romantic comedy film Cyrano Agency, acting alongside Uhm Tae-woong, Lee Min-jung, and Choi Daniel.
In 2011, she reunited with Jung Yong-hwa for the music-themed drama Heartstrings, further growing her fanbase in Korea and Japan. The cast included Moon Ga-young, Song Chang-eui, So E-hyun, Kim Yoon-hye, and Kang Min-hyuk.
Rise to Stardom (2013)
The year 2013 turned out to be a landmark for Park. She began with the cosy romance Flower Boy Next Door, sharing the screen with Yoon Si-yoon, Kim Ji-hoon, and Ko Kyung-pyo.
She then appeared in the emotional blockbuster Miracle in Cell No. 7, alongside Ryu Seung-ryong, Kal So-won, and Jung Jin-young. The film became one of the highest-grossing Korean movies of all time.
Later that year, she led the mega hit teen drama The Heirs, opposite Lee Min-ho. The star-studded cast also featured Kim Woo-bin, Kim Ji-won, and Krystal Jung.
Peak Years (2014 to 2017)
In 2014, Park took on the role of a reporter with a lie-detecting condition in the acclaimed drama Pinocchio. She starred with Lee Jong-suk, Kim Young-kwang, and Lee Yu-bi.
The same year, she played a queen in the historical film The Royal Tailor, working with Han Suk-kyu, Go Soo, and Yoo Yeon-seok. In 2016, she headlined the medical drama Doctors opposite Kim Rae-won, Yoon Kyun-sang, and Lee Sung-kyung.
She also appeared in the comedy film My Annoying Brother (2016) with Jo Jung-suk and Do Kyung-soo. In 2017, she took a darker turn in the thriller Heart Blackened alongside veteran actor Choi Min-sik.
Fantasy and Thriller Turn (2018 to 2021)
Park explored new ground with the fantasy drama Memories of the Alhambra (2018 to 2019), set in Spain. She starred with Hyun Bin, with EXO’s Park Chanyeol in a key supporting role.
In 2020, she showed her range in two films. She fought off the undead with Yoo Ah-in in the horror hit #Alive, and played a chilling role opposite Jeon Jong-seo in the thriller The Call.
She continued this streak in 2021 with the science fiction drama Sisyphus: The Myth, where she played a fierce warrior alongside Cho Seung-woo.
Recent Work (2024 to 2026)
After becoming a mother, Park returned with the medical romance Doctor Slump in 2024, reuniting with her Heirs co-star Park Hyung-sik. The same year, she played a demon judge in the fantasy thriller The Judge from Hell, opposite Kim Jae-young.
In 2026, she made her long-awaited television comeback with the period office comedy Undercover Miss Hong. She led the series with Go Kyung-pyo, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Cho Han-gyeol, with ITZY’s Yuna in a supporting role.
Upcoming Projects
Park Shin-hye’s next confirmed project is The Judge from Hell Season 2. Studio S confirmed her return during the SBS Drama Media Day on June 1, 2026.
She is set to reprise her role as the demon judge Kang Bit-na. Since she is focusing on her health ahead of her delivery, the series is currently in development and expected to premiere in 2027.
Park Shin-hye Filmography
Park Shin-hye Movies
| Year | Title | Role | IMDb |
| 2006 | Love Phobia | Byeon-ja | 6.8 |
| 2007 | Evil Twin | So-yeon / Hyo-jin | 5.5 |
| 2010 | Cyrano Agency | Min-yeong | 6.5 |
| 2011 | Green Days: Dinosaur and I | Oh Yi-rang (voice) | 6.6 |
| 2012 | Don’t Worry, I’m a Ghost | Yeon-hwa | 6.6 |
| 2013 | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Ye-seung (adult) | 8.1 |
| 2013 | One Perfect Day (short) | Eun-hee | 6.5 |
| 2014 | The Royal Tailor | The Queen | 7.1 |
| 2016 | My Annoying Brother | Lee Soo-hyun | 7.3 |
| 2017 | Heart Blackened | Choi Hee-jung | 6.6 |
| 2020 | #Alive | Kim Yoo-bin | 6.3 |
| 2020 | The Call | Kim Seo-yeon | 7.1 |
Park Shin-hye TV Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Platform | IMDb |
| 2003 to 2004 | Stairway to Heaven | Han Jeong-Seo (young) | Prime Video / Rakuten Viki | 7.9 |
| 2006 | Tree of Heaven | Hana | – | 7.3 |
| 2007 | Prince Hours (Goong S) | Shin Sae Ryung | Prime Video | 6.5 |
| 2009 | You’re Beautiful | Ko Mi-nyeo / Ko Mi-nam | Netflix / Rakuten Viki | 7.6 |
| 2011 | Heartstrings | Lee Gyu-won | Netflix / Rakuten Viki | 7.1 |
| 2013 | Flower Boys Next Door | Go Dok-mi | Prime Video | 7.1 |
| 2013 | The Heirs | Cha Eun-sang | Prime Video / Zee5 / Netflix | 7.5 |
| 2014 to 2015 | Pinocchio | Choi In-ha | Netflix / Prime Video | 8.0 |
| 2016 | Doctors | Yoo Hye-jung | Netflix / Prime Video | 7.6 |
| 2018 to 2019 | Memories of the Alhambra | Jung Hee-joo / Emma | Netflix | 7.7 |
| 2021 | Sisyphus: The Myth | Kang Seo-hae | Netflix | 7.0 |
| 2024 | Doctor Slump | Nam Ha-neul | Netflix | 7.5 |
| 2024 | The Judge from Hell | Kang Bit-na | Disney+ (JioHotstar) | 7.8 |
| 2026 | Undercover Miss Hong | Hong Geum-bo | Netflix | 7.5 |
Park Shin-hye Upcoming Projects
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2027 (expected) | The Judge from Hell Season 2 | Kang Bit-na |
Note: IMDb scores are as of August 2026 and can change over time. Streaming availability may also vary by country.
Park Shin-hye Awards and Achievements
Park Shin-hye has earned recognition across films, television, and popular culture through her long career. Her most celebrated honours include Best Supporting Actress for Miracle in Cell No. 7 and several Most Popular Actress wins at the Baeksang Arts Awards for hits like Cyrano Agency, The Heirs, and The Royal Tailor.
Her Major Wins
- SBS Drama Awards (2003): Won Best Young Actress for Stairway to Heaven (2003).
- SBS Drama Awards (2009): Won New Star Award for You’re Beautiful (2009).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2011): Won Most Popular Actress (Film) for Cyrano Agency (2010).
- KBS Drama Awards (2012): Won Best One Act Special Actress for Don’t Worry, I’m a Ghost (2012).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2013): Won Popular Actress Award (Film) for Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013).
- Korean Association of Film Critics Awards (2013): Won Best Supporting Actress for Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013).
- SBS Drama Awards (2013): Won Excellence Award and Top 10 Stars for The Heirs (2013).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2014): Won Popular Actress Award (Television) for The Heirs (2013).
- SBS Drama Awards (2014): Won Top Excellence Award and Top 10 Stars for Pinocchio (2014).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2015): Won Popular Actress Award (Film) for The Royal Tailor (2014).
- Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards (2015): Won the Prime Minister’s Commendation for her contribution to the Korean Wave.
- SBS Drama Awards (2016): Won Top Excellence Award and Top 10 Stars for Doctors (2016).
- SBS Drama Awards (2024): Won the Directors Award for The Judge from Hell (2024).
Her Key Nominations
- Korean Film Awards (2010): Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Cyrano Agency (2010).
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2013): Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Film) for Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013).
Park Shin-hye Controversies
Park Shin-hye has largely maintained a clean public image over her long career. Still, a few issues have surfaced, mostly tied to her work and recent business matters.
- Doctors nail art criticism (2016): While playing a neurosurgeon in the drama Doctors, Park faced backlash for wearing nail art and stylish outfits that many viewers felt were unrealistic for a surgeon. She posted an apology on Instagram showing bare nails, but netizens found her tone insincere, and she later deleted the post.
- One person agency tax evasion suspicion (2026): Reports in February 2026 claimed that Park ran a one person agency called Ebenezer Entertainment from 2015 to 2021, registered at her home address. The setup drew tax evasion suspicions amid a wider industry crackdown. Her agency Salt Entertainment denied any wrongdoing, saying no fees were settled through the company.
Park Shin-hye Net Worth
Park Shin-hye’s net worth has not been officially declared by her or her team. Because of this, most figures online are estimates.
Her net worth is estimated at around $18 million (approx. ₹172 crore), built through acting, endorsements, music, and property investments.
Her earnings vary by project. Credible reports place her drama fee at around ₩130 million per episode (approx. $100,000 or ₹95 lakh).
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $18 million (approx. ₹172 crore) |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₩130 million (approx. ₹95 lakh) per ep. |
Park Shin-hye Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Height | In centimetres: 168 cm In meters: 1.68 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 52 kg In lbs: 115 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-33 inches |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Black |
Park Shin-hye Social media
 @ssinz7 |
Interesting Facts about Park Shin-hye
- She runs her own charity, the Starlight Angel Project, launched in 2011 with her global fans. Through it, she has set up education centres for children in Ghana and the Philippines.
- She is the reason behind Epik High’s famous song “Fly”. Singer Lee Seung-hwan asked Tablo to write it for her singing debut, but she chose acting instead, and the song went to Epik High.
- She is a devoted baseball fan of the KIA Tigers, her hometown team. Her left-handed first pitch at a 2006 game earned her the nickname “Randy Shin-hye”.
- On the MBC documentary Humanimal, she donated her entire appearance fee to an elephant protection group and was praised for her deep involvement with the animals.
- She was the first Korean female star to cross five million followers on the Chinese platform Weibo, showing her huge popularity in China.
- She made history as the first Korean celebrity to become a model for Visa in 2014, and later the first Korean global ambassador for Swarovski in 2017.
- During her school days, her love for food earned her the funny nickname “Park Pig” among her friends.
FAQs
How old is Park Shin-hye?
She is 36 years old. She was born on February 18, 1990, in Gwangju, South Korea.
Who is the husband of Park Shin-hye?
She is married to South Korean actor Choi Tae-joon. They tied the knot on January 22, 2022, in Seoul.
What is Park Shin-hye famous for?
She is best known for dramas like You’re Beautiful, The Heirs, Pinocchio, and Doctors, and the film Miracle in Cell No. 7.
Does Park Shin-hye have children?
Yes. She and Choi Tae-joon have a son born in May 2022, and they are expecting their second child in autumn 2026.
What is the latest Park Shin-hye drama?
Her most recent drama is the 2026 tvN office comedy Undercover Miss Hong, where she plays Hong Keum-bo.
What is the upcoming project of Park Shin-hye?
She is confirmed to return in The Judge from Hell Season 2, which is expected to premiere in 2027.
What did Park Shin-hye study?
She graduated from Chung-Ang University in 2016 with a degree in theatre.
