Veteran actor Park Shin Yang, best known across Asia for the classic drama Paris Lovers, has lived through one of the darkest and most turbulent journeys in Korean showbiz—one that nearly ended his life just a month before his wedding to a wealthy heiress.

Born in 1968, Park Shin Yang entered the Korean entertainment industry relatively late, debuting at the age of 28. Despite this, he quickly rose to stardom thanks to a string of hit television dramas such as Paris Lovers, Painter of the Wind, and Money Game, becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation.

In 2002, Park Shin Yang shocked the public by announcing his marriage to Baek Hye Jin, a woman from an extremely affluent family background. However, their relationship was met with intense backlash. Baek Hye Jin was plagued by rumors about her personality and her past marriage, leading to harsh public scrutiny and criticism directed at both her and the actor.

Approximately one month before the wedding, Park Shin Yang was rushed to the hospital after overdosing on sleeping pills. At the time, Korean media widely interpreted the incident as an attempted suicide, believing the actor had collapsed under overwhelming pressure from public opinion and relentless rumors. The incident sent shockwaves through the industry.

Park Shin Yang attempted suicide just one month before marrying heiress Baek Hye Jin.

Despite the controversy and emotional turmoil, Park Shin Yang and Baek Hye Jin ultimately stood by each other. More than two decades later, their marriage remains stable and enduring—an outcome that few had predicted at the time.

Turning Away From the Spotlight

Since 2019, Park Shin Yang has largely withdrawn from entertainment activities, surprising fans by transitioning into the world of fine art. According to Xports News, he enrolled in a master’s program at the College of Fine Arts at Andong National University in 2021. Away from cameras and scripts, he devoted himself fully to painting, a passion he had quietly nurtured for years.

Two years ago, he held his first solo art exhibition titled The Fourth Wall, and he is set to open another exhibition at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Although the media only reported his career shift in 2019, Park later revealed that he had actually begun painting more than 12 years ago. To date, he has completed over 130 artworks—an achievement that has left many admirers in awe.

The actor has reinvented himself as a painter, with more than 130 completed works.

Years of Illness and Physical Collapse

After a long absence, Park Shin Yang reappeared on January 26 as a guest on a YouTube talk show hosted by MC and writer Kim Tae Jin. During the candid interview, the actor opened up about the severe health crisis that forced him to step away from acting.

“Thirteen years ago, after years of intense filming, my body suddenly collapsed,” Park shared. “I underwent four back surgeries, and later developed thyroid issues. My body had been sending warning signals for a long time, but I didn’t realize it until I could no longer stand up.”

The prolonged illnesses and repeated surgeries left him physically and mentally exhausted, marking another devastating chapter in his life.

Not Retired—Just Waiting for the Right Role

Despite years away from acting, Park Shin Yang firmly denied rumors of retirement during the talk show.

“There is no such thing as retirement for an actor,” he said. “If a role fits my age and circumstances, I am always willing to return. I constantly think about films and dramas, wondering what kind of project could create something truly interesting.”

Park Shin Yang confirms he has not retired and remains open to returning to acting.

For many viewers, Park Shin Yang remains an irreplaceable figure tied to cherished memories of Paris Lovers, a drama that defined an era. His story—marked by fame, scandal, illness, and artistic rebirth—stands as a sobering reminder of the immense pressure behind celebrity life, and the resilience required to survive it.