After Squid Game Stir, Park Sung-hoon’s Next Role Might Surprise You

Park Sung-hoon and Han Ji-min are set to co-star in JTBC’s upcoming romance drama The Art of Dating for Singles (Korean title: Efficient Matches for Single Men and Women), based on the popular Naver webtoon.

The series, confirmed on May 15, follows a woman navigating the world of blind dates, where practical romance meets emotional chaos. It’s a story tailored to modern adults who crave love with efficiency—until emotions get in the way.

What’s The Art of Dating for Singles About?

A ‘strategic’ love story is coming—where dating gets a makeover.

Han Ji-min, who starred in Love Scout, plays Lee Eui-young, a capable assistant manager at The Hills Hotel who excels professionally but struggles romantically. Frustrated by her dating dry spell, she turns to blind dates as a form of “In-Man-Chu”—deliberately arranged meetings to find love.

Park Sung-hoon plays Song Tae-seop, a calm and sincere woodworking studio owner with traditional values and a dream of building a family. A single blind date with Eui-young shakes his typically steady emotional world.

Lee Ki-taek joins as Shin Ji-soo, a free-spirited character who unexpectedly falls for Eui-young at first sight. While resistant to commitment, he finds his perspective shifting after meeting her.

Jung Hye-sung plays Eui-young’s fun-loving work bestie, Jung Hyun-min, a commitment-averse dopamine chaser, while Kim So-hye plays Shim Sae-byeok, a wide-eyed newcomer in the workplace who looks up to Eui-young as her role model.

The Art of Dating for Singles is scheduled to premiere in 2026 on JTBC, delivering a witty, heartfelt exploration of modern relationships, dating culture, and emotional self-discovery.

Background: Squid Game 2 Controversy

Park Sung-hoon, known for The Glory and Not Others, was unintentionally swept into the Squid Game 2 controversy in early 2024. Rumors emerged that a former Japanese AV (adult video) actress had been cast, leading to a public backlash over the franchise’s casting decisions. Although Park had no involvement in the casting and no connection to the actress, his name trended due to his inclusion in the ensemble, leading to unwarranted criticism by association.

Rather than responding publicly, Park stayed focused on his craft—culminating in his role in The Art of Dating for Singles.

Squid Game Season 3: Park Sung-hoon Returns as Hyun-ju

Despite the earlier controversy, Park Sung-hoon remains part of the Squid Game universe and will return in Season 3 as Hyun-ju, a transgender character introduced in Season 2. The casting drew attention for its progressive representation in a global Korean drama, with fans and critics closely watching how Hyun-ju’s story will develop.

As Park continues to explore bold and complex roles, from survival thrillers to emotionally layered romances, he proves he's not shying away from the spotlight—but instead, redefining it.

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