In a delightful turn of events, K-drama aficionados and Marvel fans alike are in for a treat as beloved Korean actor Park Seo-joon steps onto the Hollywood stage with his debut in The Marvels. Director Nia DaCosta, rekindling her love for Korean dramas during the Covid pandemic, was captivated by Park Seo-joon’s stellar performance in the 2020 Netflix series Itaewon Class, leading to his handpicked casting in the highly anticipated Marvel film.
DaCosta expressed her admiration for Seo-joon’s acting prowess in an interview with South Korean film magazine Cine21, stating, “Seo-joon’s acting in [Itaewon Class] really impressed me. When I was offered to direct The Marvels, I thought hard on who to choose for the role of Prince Yan. Then, suddenly, Park Seo-joon came to my mind.”
For avid K-drama enthusiasts, the inclusion of Park Seo-joon in The Marvels is a nod to the actor’s widespread popularity and versatility. From Bong Joon-ho’s acclaimed 2019 film Parasite to the drama series Record of Youth, Seo-joon has charmed audiences with his on-screen presence. His diverse roles, spanning romantic leads to heartthrobs and even reality shows like Jinny’s Kitchen and In the Soop: Friendcation, showcase his range as an actor.
In The Marvels, Seo-joon portrays the enigmatic character Prince Yan, a sovereign ruler of a foreign planet with a deep history intertwined with Carol (Captain Marvel). Director DaCosta intentionally kept details about Prince Yan vague, teasing audiences with the promise of a connection rooted in their shared dedication to protecting the people they serve.
Beyond his superhero debut, Park Seo-joon continues to enchant fans with his latest projects. Audiences can catch him in the Netflix movie Dream, where he stars alongside Korean pop star IU as a soccer coach. Additionally, new episodes of Jinny’s Kitchen, set to release on Prime Video on Nov. 12, feature Seo-joon joining forces with Korean celebrities, including Tae-hyung of BTS, to open a Korean street food restaurant in a picturesque Mexican town. This unique blend of charisma and culinary adventure turns the show into one of the most feel-good and relaxing experiences of the year.
