Popular South Korean actor Park Seo-joon, known for his charismatic screen presence and a string of successful dramas, has candidly spoken about his thoughts on marriage and personal life. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, the 37-year-old actor shared that while he once believed living alone would be perfectly fine, his perspective has gradually evolved. Today, Seo-joon says he hopes to get married in his 40s, viewing marriage as an important life experience he does not want to miss.
Park Seo-joon, who rose to international fame through hit dramas like Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth and Itaewon Class, admitted that marriage is now something he feels strongly about. “I definitely want to get married in my 40s,” he said. “If I don’t do it, then I think I’ll end up living alone.” His statement reflects a thoughtful and realistic outlook, shaped by age, observation and conversations with people close to him.
The actor explained that earlier in life, he was comfortable with the idea of remaining single. The demands of his profession, along with a busy schedule and personal independence, made living alone seem sufficient. However, advice from married friends and acquaintances made him reconsider that belief. Their experiences offered him a different lens through which to view life, relationships and happiness.
Sharing a particularly impactful piece of advice, Seo-joon recalled a conversation that stayed with him. “Someone who’s married told me, ‘You’re only living Part 1 of your life. Marriage opens Part 2, and having a child opens Part 3,’” he said. According to the advice he received, each phase of life brings its own challenges, but also introduces a deeper and more profound form of happiness. “They said the hardships are different, but the happiness you feel is a huge happiness, completely different from Part 1,” Seo-joon added.
That idea sparked curiosity in the actor. The concept of life unfolding in stages, each with its own emotional depth, made marriage feel less like a societal expectation and more like a meaningful personal journey. “I became curious about that,” he explained, “and I think marriage is something I must experience at least once.” His words resonated with fans, many of whom appreciate his honesty and introspective nature.
Despite being one of South Korea’s most sought-after stars, Park Seo-joon has consistently maintained a guarded approach toward his private life. Over the years, his dating life has frequently become the subject of speculation, though he has rarely addressed such rumours directly. In 2024, Seo-joon was rumoured to be in a relationship with actor and artist Lauren Tsai. At the time, his agency responded by stating that it could not “provide confirmation on any aspects of his personal life,” a stance that has become familiar to fans and media alike.
The year before, in 2023, Seo-joon was linked to YouTuber and singer xooos, whose real name is Hong Soo Yeon. When questioned about the rumours during a press conference, the actor openly expressed discomfort about public scrutiny of his personal matters. He admitted that he feels “greatly burdened by opening up my private life,” highlighting the emotional pressure that comes with fame and constant attention.
Park Seo-joon’s reluctance to discuss his relationships publicly stems from a desire to maintain boundaries between his professional and personal worlds. While fans remain curious about his life off-screen, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of privacy and emotional space, choosing instead to let his work speak for itself.
Over the years, Seo-joon has built an impressive career, earning widespread acclaim for his versatility and charm. He has starred in a range of popular dramas, including Dream High 2, Family, She Was Pretty, Fight for My Way, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, and Gyeongseong Creature. Each role has further cemented his status as one of the leading actors in the Korean entertainment industry.
Currently, Park Seo-joon appears in Surely Tomorrow, continuing his streak of diverse performances. As he balances professional success with personal reflection, his recent comments reveal a mature and thoughtful side of the actor—one that is open to growth, change and new chapters in life.
For fans, Seo-joon’s reflections on marriage offer a glimpse into the man behind the fame: someone navigating life at his own pace, curious about love, and willing to embrace the unknown when the time feels right.
