Park Hae Joon transformed his image from the “nation’s adulterer” to a beloved romantic lead in When Life Gives You Tangerines, but he found the role of a devoted husband far more demanding than his infamous cheating character in The World of the Married. The actor opened up about the emotional and personal challenges of portraying Yang Gwan Sik, revealing how the role impacted his real life.
From On-Screen Cheater to Devoted Husband
In The World of the Married (2020), Park Hae Joon played Lee Tae Oh, a charismatic but unfaithful husband whose actions sparked intense drama. The role earned him the nickname “nation’s adulterer” in South Korea and made him a household name. The series became the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history at the time, with a peak rating of 28.371%.
“Portraying a shameless character committing adultery had a certain thrill and catharsis because it allowed me to act out something that I don’t do in real life,” Park said in an interview with The Korea Times.
In contrast, When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) saw Park take on the older version of Yang Gwan Sik, a steadfast and loving husband to Oh Ae Sun, played by Moon So Ri. The Netflix drama, set on Jeju Island, follows the couple’s lifelong journey through love, hardship, and family. Park’s performance as a selfless family man won widespread praise, with fans calling him the “nation’s romantic lead.”
Why Gwan Sik Was a Tougher Role
Park Hae Joon explained that playing Yang Gwan Sik was more challenging because it forced him to reflect on his own life and relationships. Unlike the detached thrill of playing a cheater, Gwan Sik’s emotional depth required Park to connect with the character on a personal level.
“Playing Gwan Sik was more demanding as it constantly made me reflect on myself and draw parallels to my own life,” Park told The Korea Times. “It was a role that pushed me to question whether I deserved to portray such a character.”
Park, who is married to theater actress Oh Yu Jin and has two children, said the role made him think about his wife.
“After filming, I would come home and look at my wife, feeling determined to treat her better,” he shared. “This role became a turning point for me in real life, inspiring me to change and grow alongside the character.”
The actor revealed that Gwan Sik’s personality felt close to his own, estimating he was “50% like” the character. This similarity made it harder to separate himself from the role, unlike the fictional distance he could maintain with Lee Tae Oh.
Physical and Emotional Demands
Yang Gwan Sik’s journey in When Life Gives You Tangerines spans decades, showing him as a young man (played by Park Bo Gum) and later as an aging father and grandfather. Park Hae Joon had to portray Gwan Sik’s physical decline, including injuries and illness.
Gwan Sik suffers a hand injury while working on a squid boat, losing the ability to bend his right index finger. As he ages, one leg becomes impaired, making walking difficult. In the final episodes, Gwan Sik battles cancer and undergoes chemotherapy, which Park prepared for with intense focus.
“The hospital scenes were tough,” Park said, noting the effort he put into showing Gwan Sik’s weakening body.
The emotional weight of Gwan Sik’s death in the final episode was particularly heavy. As he passes away, Gwan Sik apologizes to Ae Sun for not making her life easier.
“Thanks to you, I was never lonely for a day,” Ae Sun reassures him, a moment that left viewers in tears.
A Role Inspired by Real Life
When Life Gives You Tangerines is inspired by the real-life Jeju Island couple Hong Kyung Ja and her husband. Hong Kyung Ja’s struggles as a haenyeo diver shaped Ae Sun’s character, while her husband’s devotion inspired Gwan Sik. The real husband won the “Beautiful Husband Award” in 2002 for his love and support, though he passed away seven years ago.
This real-life connection added depth to Park’s performance. He said the script by Lim Sang Choon and direction by Kim Won Seok helped him fully embody Gwan Sik.
“The writer’s words were so beautiful—so much so that I couldn’t fully grasp them,” Park said. “The direction was equally impressive; seeing the effort behind every scene made me realize how much care went into the production.”
Transforming His Image
Park Hae Joon’s role in When Life Gives You Tangerines marked a significant shift in his public image. After The World of the Married, he was typecast as a villain or unlikable character. Gwan Sik allowed him to showcase his range, earning him new fans and praise from his agency.
“HYUNGNIM!!! SEKARANG ORANG-ORANG BAKAL LUPAIN MASA LALUMU (PERAN LEE TAEOH),” the CEO of Park’s agency reportedly said, excited about his changing image.
Fans echoed this sentiment online.
“This is the first time I watched this drama played by Ahjushi. Honestly, the role of a husband and father played is very good and very touching.” “He’s an excellent actor in any role, whether it’s a likeable character, as in Tangerines, or an unlikeable character, as in My Mister, playing that selfish monk.”
A Career of Versatility
Park Hae Joon, born Park Sang Woo on June 14, 1976, in Busan, has built a diverse career since starting in theater in the early 2000s. He gained recognition for roles in Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014), Arthdal Chronicles (2019), and films like Believer (2018) and 12.12: The Day (2023).
His role in The World of the Married was a turning point, but it came with hesitation. Park initially doubted he could portray Lee Tae Oh’s intensity but was convinced by director Byun Young Joo and co-star Kim Hee Ae.
“She said I would be foolish not to take the drama role—especially when the costar is actress Kim Hee Ae,” Park recalled.
When Life Gives You Tangerines reunited Park with director Kim Won Seok, marking their fourth collaboration after Misaeng, My Mister, and Arthdal Chronicles. The drama’s success, with a 9.3 IMDb rating and a 9.8 for its finale, cemented Park’s status as a versatile actor.
Current Projects and Fan Reactions
Park Hae Joon is currently filming First, For Love, a romantic comedy with Yum Jung Ah. He plays Ryu Jeongseok, a single father and architect reconnecting with his first love. The drama, set to release in late 2025, has fans excited for his lighter role.
“It’s a heartwarming story about making room for one another in our lives. I’m also excited to work with Yum Jung Ah,”Park said.
Fans continue to praise Park’s performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
“Top recommended family drama!! Finale episode really makes drying out tears.. But still happy ending. All the actors played the character greatly. Especially Park Hae Joon and Moon So Ri that can make you feel like a real life!” “Lovely series Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon and IU are just like peas in a pod throughout the entirety of the series.”
Park Hae Joon’s next project, the film Yadang: The Snitch, premiered on April 16, 2025, where he plays a narcotics detective alongside Kang Ha Neul. His role in the Disney+ series Tempest is also slated for release later this year.
