Park Jung-min Says He Never Imagined Himself in Romance Roles, Despite Growing Interest

Actor Park Jung-min has addressed the recent rise in interest surrounding his potential as a romance lead, admitting that for much of his career, he believed the genre simply was not meant for him.

“I Thought It Would Never Be for Me”

In an interview held on February 9 at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Park spoke with local media ahead of the release of his upcoming film ‘Humint,’ directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. Reflecting on the sudden attention toward his romantic appeal, he explained that while he has always enjoyed watching love stories, he never imagined himself acting in one.

Park shared that even as a young film fan, romance movies moved him deeply. However, when he began thinking seriously about acting as a career, he quietly ruled the genre out for himself. “I’ve always liked romance films. I cried watching them when I was younger,” he said. “But from the moment I thought about becoming an actor, I assumed I would never be in that kind of movie.”

That assumption, he explained, came from self-awareness rather than rejection of the genre itself. Park said he felt that romance roles might not suit his image and worried about how they would be perceived. “I thought it wouldn’t fit me,” he added. “I was afraid people would think I was trying too hard or making a fool of myself. I didn’t want to invite criticism, so I convinced myself it wouldn’t happen.”

A Shift After an Unexpected Moment

The conversation gained renewed relevance following Park’s surprise appearance with Hwasa at last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards, where the two shared a stage performance that drew widespread attention. Their chemistry sparked online discussion and, unexpectedly, led to growing curiosity about Park’s potential in romantic roles.

Asked about the change, Park acknowledged that the industry’s response has shifted. While romantic scripts were once rare for him, he noted that the situation has gradually evolved. “In the past, those scripts barely came my way,” he said. “Out of maybe fifteen offers, there would be one romance project if that. The range of choices was very limited.”

Now, however, he is more open to the idea. “If something truly interesting and well-written comes along, I might do it. I want to try, if the opportunity feels right.”

Focused on ‘Humint’ for Now

Despite the conversation around future possibilities, Park emphasized that his immediate focus remains on ‘Humint,’ which opens in theaters on February 11. The film is a geopolitical thriller set in Vladivostok, where conflicting motives collide amid secrecy and survival.

Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, known for films such as ‘Veteran,’ ‘The Berlin File,’ ‘Escape from Mogadishu,’ and ‘Smugglers,’ the movie features Park as Park Geon, an officer from North Korea’s State Security Department.