Park Jeong-min Steps into the Spotlight as a Romantic Lead in Thrilling New Action Film ‘Humint’
▲ Actor Park Jeong-min is seen in this photo provided by Sem Company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Renowned for his chameleon-like ability to inhabit a vast array of characters, from the depths of independent cinema to the broad appeal of commercial blockbusters, South Korean actor Park Jeong-min is set to unveil a new dimension to his already impressive acting repertoire. In Ryu Seung-wan’s much-anticipated action thriller, ‘Humint,’ Park takes on his first-ever romantic lead role, a significant departure that he embraces with characteristic enthusiasm and dedication.
In the film, Park portrays Park Gun, a North Korean intelligence operative dispatched to Vladivostok, Russia. His official mission is to keep a close watch on Hwang Chi-sung (played by Park Hae-joon), the North Korean consul general, who is under suspicion for his alleged involvement in human and narcotics trafficking. However, Park Gun harbours a much more personal agenda: he is on a quest to find Chae Sun-hwa (Shin Se-kyung), a former lover with whom he shared a tumultuous past. Their relationship had fractured following a brutal interrogation of Sun-hwa’s father, leading to their painful separation.
Park expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It meant a lot to me that the director saw my potential to play a romantic role and trusted me to pull it off.” He added with a chuckle, “Before him, no director had taken the chance of casting me in that kind of role.” This marks a significant milestone in his career, as he steps beyond the character archetypes he’s previously explored to embody the complexities of a man torn between duty and enduring love.
While ‘Humint’ is packed with the explosive action sequences that director Ryu Seung-wan is celebrated for – known for hits like ‘Veteran’ and ‘I, the Executioner’ – Park emphasises that the emotional core of his performance was paramount. “The action scenes themselves were actually very safe, as they were all meticulously prepared,” he explained. “What was most challenging was conveying our lines and emotions in those highly charged moments.” The film demanded not just physical prowess but a deep dive into the psychological toll of his character’s predicament.
To authentically embody Park Gun, a character increasingly gaunt and worn down by the internal conflict between his mission and his desire to protect Sun-hwa, the actor undertook a rigorous physical transformation. He revealed, “I ran extensively every day to lose weight,” a testament to his commitment to the role.
▲ A still from “Humint,” provided by Next Entertainment World shows actor Park Jeong-min. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Park’s journey into this new romantic territory was significantly enriched by his on-screen partner, Shin Se-kyung. He lauded her presence, describing her as possessing a “natural calmness and charisma that bring out the best in her co-stars.” He elaborated on her impact, noting, “When she fully inhabits a character, it is as if she wields a magical power.” This synergy between the leads is expected to be a cornerstone of the film’s emotional landscape.
The anticipation for Park’s romantic portrayal has been amplified by his recent viral duet performance with singer Hwasa at the previous year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards. His role as Hwasa’s ex-boyfriend in their rendition of “Good Goodbye” captivated audiences, with his smouldering gaze and the undeniable chemistry between them becoming a major talking point, arguably stealing the show.
Despite the subsequent explosion of memes and the affectionate, albeit temporary, moniker “nation’s ex-boyfriend,” Park remained remarkably grounded. “I know the hype will die down soon, so I don’t give it much thought,” he stated calmly. “After 15 years in acting, I am grateful that this unusual label has been attached to me. Expanding one’s scope in any direction is always a good thing.” This perspective highlights his long-term view of his career and his openness to unexpected opportunities.
Since his acting debut in the 2010 film ‘Bleak Night,’ Park Jeong-min has consistently challenged himself with a diverse range of roles. His filmography boasts performances such as a pianist with savant syndrome in ‘Keys to the Heart’ (2018) and a dual role as a blind seal engraver master and his son in Yeon Sang-ho’s low-budget film ‘The Ugly’ (2025).
▲ Park Jeong-min attends a press conference for “Humint” in Seoul on Feb. 4, 2026. (Yonhap)
When asked about his selection process for new projects, Park shared a philosophy rooted in emotional connection rather than genre or character type. “When choosing a work, it is neither about a character nor about a genre. It is about whether a story moves my heart and is the kind I want to tell,” he explained. This intrinsic motivation drives his career choices, ensuring that each role he undertakes is one he feels a genuine connection to.
Regarding ‘Humint,’ Park believes that despite its classification as an action film, its true essence lies in exploring the profound sacrifices individuals are willing to make for one another. “It is basically a story about people and the choices they make in extreme circumstances,” he concluded. “It resonated with me deeply and, on top of that, it is really fun.” This blend of intense human drama and engaging narrative promises to make ‘Humint’ a compelling watch.
