Park Jin-young’s Unexpected Youthful Turmoil in ‘The Mysterious Seoul’

Park Jin-young, the multifaceted talent known for his music and acting, returns to the small screen with a compelling new role in tvN’s upcoming weekend drama The Mysterious Seoul, premiering on May 24 at 9:20 PM KST. This romantic coming-of-age series explores identity, healing, and complex human emotions through the unlikely bond of twin sisters who trade lives to find love and meaning.

Park takes on the role of Lee Ho-soo, a top-flight attorney at a prestigious law firm. On the surface, Ho-soo appears to have it all—good looks, intelligence, and a reputation for excellence. But beneath his polished exterior lies a man quietly battling for normalcy in a world that demands perfection. He is rooted in kindness, speaks thoughtfully, and resists superficiality, making his internal struggles all the more powerful.

The narrative takes a sharp turn when an unexpected encounter disrupts Ho-soo’s orderly life, pushing him into an emotional maelstrom. This twist paves the way for an unforeseen adolescent-like upheaval, adding emotional layers to an otherwise tightly controlled character.

Park Jin-young sheds his idol persona to deliver a nuanced portrayal that mirrors everyday people concealing their wounds behind composed façades. “As I read the script, I saw reflections of ourselves in characters trying to live their best while hiding emotional scars,” said Park. He expressed how the depth and contradictions of Ho-soo compelled him to take on the role, driven by a curiosity about how he, as an actor, could bring that complexity to life.

“I see Ho-soo as someone going through a delayed adolescence just before becoming a true adult,” Park added. “He tries hard not to harm others while holding his pain inside.” He emphasized a deliberate acting style, slowing down lines and delivering them with calm precision to highlight the character’s introspective nature.

Describing The Mysterious Seoul as a series about self-growth through substitution, Park shared, “The tension between almost being revealed and barely keeping secrets is the real thrill of this story.” With twin sisters Yumi-ji and Yumi-ra entering Ho-soo’s life, the audience can anticipate a multilayered relationship dynamic full of emotional resonance.

As the countdown begins for its premiere, all eyes are on Park Jin-young’s transformative performance and how The Mysterious Seoul will captivate audiences with its refreshing take on identity and resilience.