Park Seo Joon is marking a milestone year in his career, using the moment to reflect on changes in the media landscape and his own journey as an actor. The 36-year-old star recently celebrated 15 years since his debut, sharing candid thoughts on burnout, fake news, and what he described as a gradual erosion of sincerity in modern entertainment reporting.

The actor spoke during a roundtable interview held in Gangnam, Seoul, following the conclusion of JTBC's weekend drama "Waiting for Gyeong-do," which aired its final episode on Jan. 11, 2026.

In the series, Park portrayed Lee Gyeong Do, a warm-hearted deputy editor at Dongun Ilbo who becomes embroiled in a highly publicized affair scandal. His performance drew praise for its emotional restraint and realism.

According to AllKpop, Park credited the show's authenticity to the director's background as a former journalist. Introducing his explanation of the production process, he noted that the realistic newsroom set and professional details—such as colleagues avoiding honorific titles—helped him settle naturally into the role and better understand the rhythms of newsroom life.

Because the drama centers on an entertainment newsroom, it also tackles the emotional fallout of fake news surrounding a celebrity divorce. Introducing his reflections on whether those scenes mirrored real life, Park said that most actors today likely face similar struggles in an era dominated by social media.

He recalled his rookie years with nostalgia, explaining that there was once more direct interaction between reporters and actors. He described that period as having a sense of 'romance' and 'humanity,' rooted in face-to-face conversations and verified information.

In contrast, Park expressed regret over the heavy processing and rapid consumption of contemporary information as disposable content. While acknowledging that experience has helped him understand why the industry evolved this way, he admitted it remains difficult to fully accept the lack of sincerity he perceives in some digital reporting.

Marking his 15th anniversary since debuting in 2011, Park also opened up about his demanding work ethic and a period of burnout. He revealed that his feelings of internal depletion led him to take a one-year break two years ago, a decision he described as essential to his recovery. Waiting for Gyeong-do became the first project he selected after rediscovering his passion.

Reflecting on time passing, Park joked, "Why does time flow on without ever waiting for us?" He added that his 20th anniversary would likely arrive just as quickly. He concluded by describing Waiting for Gyeong-do as a project with lingering emotional depth, suggesting its dialogue may reveal new meaning upon a second viewing.

Meanwhile, Actor Park Seo Jun shared that, much like his Surely Tomorrow character Kyeong Do, he is deeply devoted and all-in when it comes to love, per Koreaboo. Reflecting on his introverted college years, he said he tends to love wholeheartedly, is emotional and sensitive, and approaches dating with the same commitment he brings to acting, believing in seeing relationships through without regret.