A year ago, Park Hyung Sik was just another member of the group ZE:A. He was a talented, attractive young singer with some acting experience, but not one earning much attention outside of his group.
But in that time ZEA's Hyungsik has found many opportunities to shine. He was praised for his first significant role in a drama, cast in a musical, and appeared on a military-themed variety show. Then he landed a coveted role in the highly anticipated drama, "The Heirs."
He proved his acting potential when he earned positive reviews for his role as the young Lee Jin Wook in the time-travel drama "Nine: Nine Time Travels."
The producer of the drama about an anchorman who time-travels to correct his family's tragedies was very pleased with Park's work and thought he really matured throughout the series.
"He's an actor that grows every day, said producer Kim Young Kyu. "Though he is an idol he has great potential. He will definitely be successful."
However, Park credited his success in the show to not understanding what was actually involved.
"They say you become more courageous when you are ignorant," said Park. "I was able to become more absorbed in my role because I knew so little about acting. Then, something surprising happened. People liked my acting and the offers started pouring in."
On the variety show "Real Men" he appeared as a likeable new soldier, earning laughs from fellow cast members and viewers. Netizens dubbed him a "baby soldier." The other cast members branded him "most clumsy."
After playing soldier, he will try his hand at playing a bank robber. He is one of four actors to take on the role of the legendary bank robber Clyde Barrow in the musical "Bonnie and Clyde." Clyde, the Depression-era criminal, captured the nation's attention when he robbed banks with his girlfriend Bonnie Parker. Park shares the role with Um Ki Hoon, Han Ji Sang and SHINee's Key. The production runs from Sept 4 to Oct. 27 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul.
During September he will also film "The Heirs" with Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Choi Jin Hyuk and f(x)'s Krystal. He plays Jo Myung Soo, a student from a rich family who doesn't care about money or the things it can buy. "The Heirs" will air on October 9.
Earlier in the year, Park consulted a fortuneteller about his future.
"I asked what was in store for me this year and the fortune teller told me that the sky was the limit," he said. "I guess that's what happened. Good things have been happening."
