(Following [Interview②]) Debuting in 2006 with the EBS drama ‘Secret School’, Park Bo-young has now entered her 20th year since debut. Known affectionately as ‘Ppobly’, she has consistently received the love of the public, evolving into a mature actress who adds depth to her cute and bright image.
As her years in the industry accumulated, there were times when she felt burdened by the nickname ‘Ppobly’, but now she fully embraces the affection and expectations that come with it.
“Three or four years ago, I was worried that I might be stuck with just a bright image. But now, I’m very grateful. I feel deeply that it’s a sentiment that has been held for a long time. So, I want to keep the nickname ‘Ppobly’ for a long time.”
This mindset has also influenced her choices in acting. Park Bo-young revealed that she has intentionally chosen darker roles in recent years.
“Recently, I’ve been trying to take on characters with a darker vibe. The movie ‘Concrete’ is one example, and in ‘Even the Psychiatric Ward Has Mornings’, the character isn’t just a bright person. I think I’ve satisfied my thirst for that kind of acting, so I plan to take on a bright character next.”
Park Bo-young mentioned that her character in the currently filming ‘Goldland’ is “the darkest character I’ve played” and hinted that her next project will definitely be a bright one.
Hailing from Chungcheong-do, Park Bo-young is also famous as a ‘super fan’ of the professional baseball team Hanwha Eagles. Her enthusiastic support with cheering tools at the baseball stadium has been captured by the media. Park Bo-young stated, “It’s been a while since I’ve distanced myself from baseball,” adding, “But maybe because I’ve kept my distance, I’ve been checking the records secretly and they’re doing well.”
Despite being a ‘super fan’, Park Bo-young has never thrown the first pitch. What is the reason for that?
“I believe that if I can’t do something properly, I shouldn’t do it at all. I haven’t thrown the first pitch because I didn’t have confidence that I could do it well. If they make it to fall baseball, I think I will definitely support them in some way, even if it’s not throwing the first pitch.”
She was directly invited to appear on ‘SNL’ by MC Shin Dong-yeob, but she avoided giving a direct answer.
“I still don’t have the courage. I think I should go on when I’ve become someone who can match the purpose of that program. I don’t think I’m prepared or confident enough to let go of myself completely yet.”
‘Unknown Seoul’, which challenged Park Bo-young to play dual roles, marked a turning point in her acting career with a story about the unknown and the future just beginning something. Was there any disappointment in not having a perfectly closed ending? Park Bo-young began, “I personally really liked it because it felt like writer Lee Kang’s style.”
“I do like closed endings, but I think the characters made reasonable choices that suited them. Those choices aren’t completely detached from reality. I think it reminds viewers that all the characters are grounded in reality, allowing them to project themselves onto the ending.”
Through the interview, Park Bo-young conveyed a message that her future (未來) is still unknown (未知) and enjoyable. Because the future is uncertain, Park Bo-young’s tomorrow is still filled with expectations.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
