Veteran actor Park Geun-hyung opens up about a story that became the late Lee Soon-jae's final request — a revelation sure to stir powerful emotions.
The January 14 broadcast of MBC variety show Radio Star, themed as the 'Nation's OOO' special, features Park Geun-hyung alongside actor Song Ok-suk, magician Choi Hyun-woo, and ILLIT's Wonhee. Returning to the program after about six years, Park fills the studio with his commanding presence as he reflects on more than six decades of acting.
Even in his late 80s, Park stayed fully active last year, taking the stage in four different plays. He candidly shares how he stepped in for Waiting for Waiting for Godot when Lee Soon-jae faced health issues, revealing a complex mix of respect and longing for his senior. For the first time, he also unveils the final request Lee made before his passing — a moment that leaves a deep impact.
Park also speaks frankly about his public image as the 'nation's chaebol chairman.' Having played countless tycoon roles, he offers honest thoughts — and a dose of humor — about being cast in similar characters and the concerns that come with it as an actor.
He then looks back on the days when he was dubbed the leading man of national melodramas. Recalling his on-screen partnership with Kim Hye-soo, who is over 30 years younger, he even shares a wish: to one day film a melodrama with an actress who has won an Oscar, sparking curiosity.
In the play he's currently performing, The Dresser, Park appears as a married couple with Song Ok-suk, who is over 20 years younger. Through this work, he says he's once again feeling the thrill of chemistry that transcends generations — and the unquenchable drive to act beyond age.
He also revisits his past reputation as a 'tiger senior.' Explaining why he had no choice but to be strict about acting, Park brings up an anecdote from Jeon Do-yeon's rookie days, when he criticized her performance as being 'like a parrot.' He adds that, even as she cried, her refusal to quit showed the makings of a superstar.
In contrast, his demeanor toward ILLIT's Wonhee is completely different. In front of a junior young enough to be his granddaughter, Park can't help but beam, showing a cross-generational bond that reportedly warmed up the entire studio.
Park Geun-hyung's story — carrying the weight of a life in acting and a deeply human warmth — will air on Radio Star at 10:30 p.m. on the 14th.