South Korean actor Park Min-jae dies at 32 after cardiac arrest in China

South Korean actor Park Min-jae died of cardiac arrest at the age of 32 while travelling in China, according to reports published in December 2024. His agency, Big Title, the company that managed his career, announced the death on December 2, 2024, and described him as a talented actor who always gave his best.

Reports state that the death happened on November 29, 2024. Park’s brother, Park Jae-hyung, also confirmed the news on Instagram, writing that his beloved brother had gone to rest. Media reports said the actor had no known major health problems before the death.

Agency statement and family message confirm the loss

Big Title said in a statement that it deeply appreciated the love and support the actor had received. The agency added that it would proudly remember him as a valued member of its roster. Park’s brother asked that as many people as possible come to pay their respects.

Titles that shaped his work from 2021 to 2023

Park appeared in productions that reached audiences in South Korea and abroad. His credits include the following titles:

• Mr. Lee (2021), in which he played the title role and is still remembered by fans
• Tomorrow (2022), a fantasy drama about questions of life and death
• Little Women (2022), a modern take on the literary classic about family ties
• The Fabulous (2022), a series set in the fashion world
• Payback (2023), an intense drama about revenge and justice
• Call It Love (2023), a romantic drama with a character full of emotional conflict
• My Damn Business (2023), a production mixing drama and comedy

Park moved easily between romance, intense drama and fantasy. Critics and colleagues highlighted his charisma and his ability to bring each character to life, which helped his roles reach viewers of different ages and backgrounds.

Fans fill social media with tributes

Hashtags with the actor’s name quickly became some of the most discussed topics online after the news spread. Fans shared emotional messages, clips from his work and artwork made in his memory.

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Co-stars and people from the entertainment industry also wrote about their sadness over the loss. Many described Park as humble, talented and always willing to help others.

Global reach through streaming platforms

Although his career was centred in South Korea, Park’s work reached audiences in Asia, Europe, the Americas and other regions. The expansion of K-dramas on streaming platforms helped carry his performances abroad, reinforcing South Korea’s position as one of the largest exporters of cultural entertainment.

Park belonged to a generation of actors who helped modernise and internationalise the genre. Reports also cite the web drama Snap and Spark as his last work, released in 2024.

Intense roles in Payback and sensitive work in Tomorrow

In Tomorrow, Park played a character facing dilemmas about life and death, and the series received praise for its delicate approach. In Payback, a story built around revenge and justice, he delivered scenes that demanded strong emotion.

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Music, social media and causes he supported

Beyond acting, Park contributed to the soundtracks of some productions. He used social media to share motivational messages and to interact with followers, and he supported causes linked to mental health and the well-being of young people.

For The Fabulous, he immersed himself in the fashion world to build his character, and the production team praised his dedication and attention to detail.

Wake and funeral set for December 4

The wake was held at the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital Funeral Hall, and the funeral was scheduled for December 4, 2024. Fans organised virtual and in-person vigils, and co-stars shared memories of working with him.

The actor’s work continues to reach viewers in several countries, and his performances remain a reference for South Korean acting.