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Seoyoung Park

Seoyoung Park (Korean: 박서영) is a Korean actor and performing artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Known for her versatility and dedication, Park has established herself in both the Korean entertainment industry and the American theatre scene.

Early Life and Education

Seoyoung Park was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Acting from Chung-Ang University in Seoul. After building a successful career in South Korea, she moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting at DePaul University in Chicago, where she graduated with distinction.

Career

South Korea

Prior to relocating to Chicago, Park worked extensively in the Korean entertainment industry. She appeared in popular television series such as Criminal Minds, Don’t Dare to Dream (Jealousy Incarnate), Dr. Lawyer, My Father Is Strange, Alchemy of Souls, and more.

In the Korean adaptation of Criminal Minds (2017, episodes 14 &15), Seoyoung Park portrayed Hye-in Hong, a guest star role that left a significant impression on viewers. As a kidnapping victim trapped in a suppressed and tragic situation, Hye-in ultimately meets a devastating end at the hands of her friend. Park’s performance was widely praised for her chilling and multifaceted emotional range. As noted by Hyewon Cho of iMBC., she delivered a dynamic portrayal, seamlessly transitioning from raw anger to cynical madness, captivating audiences with her ability to immerse herself in the character’s volatile emotions.

Seoyoung Park also appeared in the South Korean musical film One Step (2017), directed by Jae-Hong Jeon and starring Sandara Park. In the film, she played the supporting role of Mina, a keyboard player in the band, contributing to the film’s themes of healing and self-discovery through music.

Park appeared as Halina in Paula Vogel's Indecent at Daehakro Arts Theatre in Seoul. The production was praised for its emotional depth and strong ensemble performances. Chosun Ilbo praised Seoyoung Park for her portrayal of Halina, highlighting the "pure earnestness" she brought to the role, which illuminated the character’s emotional journey in a piece that delves into themes of censorship, identity, and resilience.

United States

From left, Clifton Frei, Felix Mayes, Seoyoung Park. (front), Amy Gorelow and Bide Akande. Photo by Candice Lee Conner.

Seoyoung Park made her Chicago theatre debut in Attempts on Her Life with TUTA Theatre Company. The performance, which featured a mix of vignettes, songs, debates, videos, and even a final scene depicting a violent act, was noted for its energy and creativity. Park's ability to seamlessly embody various roles in such an abstract, challenging production led to her recognition as an emerging talent, earning praise for her versatility (Third Coast Review, June 2024). The Chicago Tribune called the production "wacky" and "crazy," noting how the cast, including Park, "threw themselves into this insane stuff," capturing the chaotic and multifaceted nature of the play

Seoyoung Park. Photo by Josh Bernaski.

She is now an associate member of TUTA Theatre and has continued to perform in their productions, including The Long Christmas Dinner (Leonora), where her emotional performance drew critical acclaim. Reviewer Adam Kaz noted her powerful delivery in a deeply moving scene where she grieved the loss of her infant child, expressing profound love and heartbreak that moved the audience to tears early in the brief production (Third Coast Review, December 2024).

In 2025, Park will expand her portfolio with her role as Jane in The Heart Sellers at Northlight Theatre.

Artistic Vision and Skills

Seoyoung Park founded a Chicago-based non-profit theatre company dedicated to celebrating diverse artistry and championing untold stories from marginalized communities. Rooted in the principles of inclusivity, empathy, and collaborative leadership, her theatre company focuses on empowering artists to share their unique voices while fostering a supportive environment for creative growth and experimentation.

The company's mission emphasizes:

• Artist-Centered Approach: Operating for the artist, by the artist, and of the artist, the company values collective creativity and leadership, promoting diverse perspectives within its productions.
• Global Narrative: Drawing from personal, historical, cultural, and political stories worldwide, the company seeks to create meaningful theatrical work that illuminates and uplifts underrepresented voices.
• Inclusivity and Representation: The organization is committed to breaking down barriers in the arts, offering a space where all identities—regardless of race, gender, language, or culture—are celebrated.
• Empathy and Engagement: With a goal to inspire conversations and deepen understanding of global issues, the company uses storytelling to connect with audiences on a profound level.
• Support for Emerging Artists: Dedicated to nurturing early-career creatives, the theatre provides a brave and nourishing space for exploration and innovation, ensuring voices from alienated communities are heard and valued.

This mission reflects Seoyoung’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and empathetic theatre landscape while bridging cultures through impactful storytelling.

Personal Life

Park considers Chicago her second home and is passionate about fostering collaboration between Korean and American artists. Fluent in both Korean and English, Park is committed to bridging cultural gaps through her work. Her skillset extends beyond acting to include athletics, singing, piano, and yoga, making her a multi-talented artist.