Actor Park Joong-hoon publishes essay book celebrating 40 years since his debut

Actor Park Joong-hoon / Courtesy of Namoo Actors

Actor and director Park Joong-hoon, marking the 40th anniversary of his debut, will publish an essay collection, with a title that translates to “No Regrets,” on Oct. 29.

According to Sayuwagonggam Publishers, “No Regrets” recounts Park’s four decades on screen, reflecting on both the hardships and triumphs that shaped his career. Throughout the book, Park shares how his guiding principle — reflect, but never regret — has influenced his journey to becoming a “national actor,” a status reserved for Korea’s most beloved performers.

Cover of essay "No Regrets" by Park Joong-hoon / Courtesy of Sayuwagonggam Publishers

“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 shared.

Debuting in 1986 with the film “Kam-Bo,” Park went on to star in a long list of hits, 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).

His roles in “Two Cops” and its sequels solidified his reputation as Korea’s leading comic film actor. Over nearly 50 films, Park has often been regarded as in the ranks of “national actors.” In 2013, he added film director to his credentials with his debut, “Top Star.”

Park has been on an acting hiatus since the drama “Bad Guys 2: City of Evil” (2017).

To commemorate the book’s release, Park will hold a press conference on Nov. 4 at Jeongdong 1928 Art Center. He will also meet readers at a book talk on Oct. 23 at Kyobo Book Centre in Seoul.