Ever since his birthday on June 4 1986, Park Yoochun had always been living in Seoul, Korea with his younger brother, Yoohwan, and his parents. That is, until his family decided to migrate to Yoochun’s uncle’s house in Fairfax Virginia, USA in 1998. A 6th grade child is supposed to have fun, be silly, and never think of the future consequences. Unfortunately, Yoochun was robbed of his innocent childhood. During 1999, in addition to leaving all his friends in Korea and learning to adapt to the new environment in America, his parents became divorced, placing Yoochun and his brother in the care of their mother. Struggling to make ends meet, Yoochun had to take on the responsibility of the “father”, finding numerous part time jobs and looking after Yoohwan when their mother wasn’t home. He had to be the strong pillar for this side of the family, even though he was weak and crumbling on the inside.
In deep desperation for something that could allow him to channel all the pain he was going through, he saved up money, bought a keyboard, and taught himself the piano. Seemingly, his talent couldn’t be confined in such a tiny space at home, so he joined an American singing competition and emerged as the Best Artist of the competition in 2001. Going by the name Micky Park, he was recognized by an SM Entertainment talent scout as he conquered the KBN youth music festival, henceforth leaving America to pursue a music career back in Korea in 2003.
Being a trainee for barely a year before debuting as the last member of 동방신기 by his stage name Micky, the low baritone became known as the sexy, dandy boy with the deep, rich vocals. But however suave and gentlemanly he may seem, his soft, sentimental side still shows at times, labeling him as a truly honest man who wears his heart on his sleeve.
During 동방신기’s Tokyo Dome tour in Japan in 2009, Yoochun and Jaejoong presented their personally arranged and composed duet at the concerts, which later became their new unit’s (JEJUNG & YUCHUN) first Japanese single, "COLORS ~Melody and Harmony~". It was then selected as the theme song for Hello Kitty's 35th Anniversary. With a simple melody that loops and intertwines with touching harmonies, it clearly shows how meaningful it is for them to continue conveying their feelings and thanks to their fans through their love of music.
However, perhaps the most grueling and hardest decision that Yoochun has made in his life was to file an Exclusive Contract Suspension Injunction along with Kim Jaejoong and Kim Junsu against SM Entertainment on July 31, 2009. When you're faced with unscrupulous working conditions, unreasonable pay for intense labor, and downright ruthless treatment, what would you do? Because of these reasons, Yoochun and the others decided to file the injunction to better improve the conditions, but after a myriad of yoyo-like deliberations and fervent discussions. SM's so-called 'pride' and 'esteem' was hanging on the line, so they didn't back down and relent. It was announced in October 2009 and April 3, 2010 that the group activities of 동방신기 would be suspended in Korea and Japan respectively. As the court partially approved the exclusive contract suspension on October 27, 2009, Junsu, Yoochun, and Jaejoong had to freedom to form their own sub-unit, JYJ, in Japan under Rhythm Zone, Avex (April 14, 2010), carrying on with their own promotional activities. On June 25, 2010, JYJ once again filed an exclusive contract invalidity confirmation lawsuit, which confirms their efforts in trying to suspend their entire contracts. Fans and fellow artists are vehemently praying for the day when the 'feud' with SM will finally end, bringing Asia's most beloved and cherished group back into their deserved, positive spotlight.
Nevertheless, he landed two lead drama roles in both Japan and Korea shortly after. Respectively, “Beautiful Love” and “SungKyunkwan Scandal” may have clichéd and overused themes, like rich heir falling in love with Cinderella, or man falling in love with man, who is actually a girl, Yoochun’s attraction and intense acting, as proved from previous experiences, still grabs hold of fans by their heartstrings, causing heartache and immense jealously towards the female leads.
Overbearing emotions didn’t stop him from crying openly on-stage in front of the whole country at award shows, asthma and previous dog allergies didn’t stop him from being the proud owner of furry-licious dogs, and the lawsuits didn’t stop him and Jaejoong from etching “Always Keep The Faith” tattoos right above their hearts. Through his painful sufferings did Yoochun learn how to grasp and strive for his dream, knowing that he could succeed in anything he put his mind to despite the hindering circumstances. And that’s what fans have come to adore and love, his beautiful and courageous smile that never fails to lighten up anyone’s day.
In deep desperation for something that could allow him to channel all the pain he was going through, he saved up money, bought a keyboard, and taught himself the piano. Seemingly, his talent couldn’t be confined in such a tiny space at home, so he joined an American singing competition and emerged as the Best Artist of the competition in 2001. Going by the name Micky Park, he was recognized by an SM Entertainment talent scout as he conquered the KBN youth music festival, henceforth leaving America to pursue a music career back in Korea in 2003.
Being a trainee for barely a year before debuting as the last member of 동방신기 by his stage name Micky, the low baritone became known as the sexy, dandy boy with the deep, rich vocals. But however suave and gentlemanly he may seem, his soft, sentimental side still shows at times, labeling him as a truly honest man who wears his heart on his sleeve.
During 동방신기’s Tokyo Dome tour in Japan in 2009, Yoochun and Jaejoong presented their personally arranged and composed duet at the concerts, which later became their new unit’s (JEJUNG & YUCHUN) first Japanese single, "COLORS ~Melody and Harmony~". It was then selected as the theme song for Hello Kitty's 35th Anniversary. With a simple melody that loops and intertwines with touching harmonies, it clearly shows how meaningful it is for them to continue conveying their feelings and thanks to their fans through their love of music.
However, perhaps the most grueling and hardest decision that Yoochun has made in his life was to file an Exclusive Contract Suspension Injunction along with Kim Jaejoong and Kim Junsu against SM Entertainment on July 31, 2009. When you're faced with unscrupulous working conditions, unreasonable pay for intense labor, and downright ruthless treatment, what would you do? Because of these reasons, Yoochun and the others decided to file the injunction to better improve the conditions, but after a myriad of yoyo-like deliberations and fervent discussions. SM's so-called 'pride' and 'esteem' was hanging on the line, so they didn't back down and relent. It was announced in October 2009 and April 3, 2010 that the group activities of 동방신기 would be suspended in Korea and Japan respectively. As the court partially approved the exclusive contract suspension on October 27, 2009, Junsu, Yoochun, and Jaejoong had to freedom to form their own sub-unit, JYJ, in Japan under Rhythm Zone, Avex (April 14, 2010), carrying on with their own promotional activities. On June 25, 2010, JYJ once again filed an exclusive contract invalidity confirmation lawsuit, which confirms their efforts in trying to suspend their entire contracts. Fans and fellow artists are vehemently praying for the day when the 'feud' with SM will finally end, bringing Asia's most beloved and cherished group back into their deserved, positive spotlight.
Nevertheless, he landed two lead drama roles in both Japan and Korea shortly after. Respectively, “Beautiful Love” and “SungKyunkwan Scandal” may have clichéd and overused themes, like rich heir falling in love with Cinderella, or man falling in love with man, who is actually a girl, Yoochun’s attraction and intense acting, as proved from previous experiences, still grabs hold of fans by their heartstrings, causing heartache and immense jealously towards the female leads.
Overbearing emotions didn’t stop him from crying openly on-stage in front of the whole country at award shows, asthma and previous dog allergies didn’t stop him from being the proud owner of furry-licious dogs, and the lawsuits didn’t stop him and Jaejoong from etching “Always Keep The Faith” tattoos right above their hearts. Through his painful sufferings did Yoochun learn how to grasp and strive for his dream, knowing that he could succeed in anything he put his mind to despite the hindering circumstances. And that’s what fans have come to adore and love, his beautiful and courageous smile that never fails to lighten up anyone’s day.
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