When you hear the words “veteran actress,” 31-year-old Park Eun-bin may not be among the first who come to mind—but with over two decades of experience, that’s exactly what she is. Having debuted as a child actress at the age of five, she has one of the most extensive filmographies among her peers, with over 50 dramas and movies to her name. And now, with the phenomenal international success of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo" and the new "Castaway Diva," this "veteran" is finally getting the attention she deserves.
Like most young actors, Park Eun-bin spent her early years playing the younger version of other actresses, such as Kim Ha-neul (“Stained Glass,” 2004) and Han Ji-min (“Resurrection,” 2005). In 2012, she landed her first lead role in the fantasy do-over drama “Operation Proposal,” reuniting her with fellow child actor Yoo Seung-ho whom she had acted with in the historical drama “The Legend” (2007).
As an adult, her most memorable roles include the quirky Song Ji-won in both seasons of the coming-of-age female ensemble drama “Age of Youth” (2016 & 2017), the feisty baseball operations manager Lee Se-young in “Hot Stove League” (2019), and the classical violinist Chae Song-ah in “Do You Like Brahms” (2020), a role for which she took violin lessons for three months.
In 2022, she was nominated for the Baeksang Best Actress Award for her role in the KBS historical drama “The King’s Affection." In the next year, she went further-- winning the Daesang (Grand Prize) for her extraordinary performance as Attorney Woo to the Young to the Woo!
Some of her works include:
“Hello, My Twenties” / “Age of Youth” Seasons 1 and 2 (2016, 2017)
The JTBC slice-of-life series realistically depicts the youth’s growing pains, such as transitioning to college life, facing financial struggles, and dealing with romantic relationships. But more than a relatable barkada drama, it contains serious discussions on social justice and women's rights. Park Eun-bin flexes her comedic skills as the bubbly Song Ji-won, a Journalism major living with four other young women at Belle Epoque. She had more screentime in season 2, but was as adorably chaotic as ever in her interactions with her flatmates and her male friend Im Seung-min (Son Seung-won, “Welcome to Waikiki”).
*Trigger Warning: Violence against Women, Sexual Abuse of Minors, Mental Health Issues
"The Ghost Detective" (2018)
The horror-comedy follows the intriguing tale of Lee Da-il (Choi Daniel), a former soldier falsely accused and discharged from the military. Looking for redemption, he teams up with the intelligent and resourceful Jung Yeo-Wool (Park Eun-bin) at a private detective agency. Together, they take on a variety of cases that range from the ordinary to the utterly bizarre, with some even involving supernatural entities that lurk in the shadows. Adding to the fun is a mysterious Red Ghost who keeps appearing at every crime scene they investigate. Who is she and why is she helping them in their cases?
"Hot Stove League" (2019)
Hot Stove League, the first K-drama about professional baseball, has a cast of about 20 ahjussis plus Park Eun-bin as Lee Se-young—the baseball fan-turned-operations manager of the struggling, bottom-ranked Dreams.
The only female manager in the league, she’s such a feisty little firecracker and never lets herself be intimidated by the men around her. Although she gets off on the wrong foot with the unconventional new general manager (and male lead, Namgoong Min) she ultimately turns into his ally, using her wits to help him transform the team into winners.
As most workplace romances have a side of romance, it was so refreshing to see a strong female lead play opposite a very attractive male lead without even the slightest hint of attraction or anything more than a professional relationship based on mutual respect.
"Do You Like Brahms?" (2020)
After Hot Stove League, Park was cast as an aspiring violinist in the musical romance drama Do You Like Brahms? Despite having some experience playing the violin, Park spent three months practicing the instrument to prepare for the role. Her portrayal of Chae Song-ah, a timid and insecure music student who falls in love with a piano prodigy, touched the hearts of many viewers. Park received the Top Excellence Actress Award at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards for her role.
“The King’s Affection” (2021)
Park Eun-bin portrays a princess forced to live as her twin brother Crown Prince Lee Hwi and must guard her treasonous secret with her life to keep her people alive. Growing in wisdom, she vows to take down the corrupt and powerful—but she falls in love with her teacher (SF9’s Rowoon, “Tomorrow”). Will she eventually have to choose between love and looking after the kingdom?
This 20-episode KBS2/Netflix rom-com sageuk (historical show) is infused with ironies, non-toxic romance, and complex characters brought to life by skillful actors, making it one of 2021's highest-rated K-dramas. Park Eun-bin made the gender-bender more believable by deepening her voice and displaying her horseback riding, archery, and sword fighting skills. Nominated Baeksang Best Actress for the role, she embodied the Ice Prince who warms up only to a few people she trusts. And her undeniable chemistry with Rowoon fueled their swoon-worthy moments, punctuating the serious and stressful atmosphere of the palace. Our review here.
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” (2022)
The heartwarming legal series features Park Eun-bin as Atty. Woo Young-woo, the first lawyer in Korea with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Every time she handles a case, she draws on her unique strengths, complementing the skills of her high-performing team led by Atty. Jung Myung-seok (Kang Ki-yong, “Moment at Eighteen”). As the rookie lawyer in the country’s second-largest firm navigates her way through society, she adds more allies, especially litigation team member Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh, “Run On”).
Park Eun-bin received positive reviews for depicting a person with ASD delicately and realistically. Her character knows a lot of whale facts, but that’s precisely how she learns about life (and the metaphors turn out to be spot on!). Though aware of her intelligence, she bravely and humbly learns from others. And for a character that is supposed to have difficulty interacting with others, she has been relentlessly tugging at viewers’ heartstrings in every episode.
While Atty. Woo has been collecting allies, the Netflix/ENA K-drama gained fans week after week, topping the list of non-English TV shows on Netflix while it aired. Park’s performance was widely praised for its intensity and charisma, as well as its emotional depth and nuance. She also received international recognition for her role, winning the Best Actress Award at the Asian Contents Awards in Busan and the Grand Prize for Television at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. She also made her first entry into Forbes Korea Power Celebrity in 2023, placing 11th. All we can say is the show and Park certainly deserve all the awards for fearlessly tackling sensitive topics such as suicide, fraud, bullying, assault, discrimination, and abandonment.
"Castaway Diva" (2023)
Park Eun-bin is out to amaze us once again in this 12-episode tale of survival and self-discovery. After spending 15 years alone on a deserted island, her character, Seo Mok-ha, returns to modern society with dreams of becoming a diva. But will she be able to return to a normal life when she's been away for too long?
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