Park Si-eun: The Untold Story Behind STAYC's Main Vocalist (2025 Update)

Park Si-eun stands as a remarkable talent in the K-pop industry, seamlessly blending her skills as both the main vocalist of girl group STAYC and an accomplished actress. Originally making her debut as a child actress in 2014 through the children's television series "Pluto Secret Society," she later transitioned to music when STAYC officially debuted on November 12, 2020.

Before joining STAYC, Park Si-eun trained for four years, honing her talents while simultaneously building an impressive acting portfolio. Notably, she won the Best Young Actress award at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards for her performance in "Still 17." Additionally, her artistic lineage runs deep as she is the daughter of Park Nam-jung, a famous singer from the 1980s in South Korea. Born on August 1, 2001, the now 23-year-old performer shares her journey with a younger sister named Park Siwoo, born in 2004. As part of STAYC (which stands for "Star To A Young Culture"), Park Si-eun continues to showcase her versatility beyond music through appearances on various reality shows like "How Do You Play?" and "The King of Masked Singer," cementing her status as a multifaceted entertainment figure.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on August 1, 2001, in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, Park Si-eun emerged from a household already deeply connected to the Korean entertainment industry. Her early life story is one of artistic heritage and familial support that would eventually shape her into the multifaceted performer known to fans today.

Park Si-eun parents and upbringing

Park Si-eun's father, Park Nam-jung, ranks among the most significant figures in South Korean music history. He debuted in 1988 and quickly became one of the most popular singers in South Korea during the late 1980s. Known for his legendary songs such as "I Miss You," Park Nam-jung's influence on Korean popular music remains substantial even decades after his prime.

In 1999, after a lengthy courtship, Park Nam-jung married model Heo Eun Joo, completing a union that would produce two artistically gifted children. This marriage created a home environment saturated with creative energy, where performance and artistic expression were naturally valued.

The parenting philosophy in the Park household appears remarkably supportive. Park Nam-jung has described his family philosophy as wanting his "home to be a paradise for children". In his own words, "I think I am the children's servant. I can't even see them carrying small bags. Even when getting in the car, I have to open the door". This nurturing environment, characterized by a father who considers himself on "standby for his children 24 hours a day", provided Park Si-eun with both emotional security and creative freedom.

Throughout her childhood, Park Si-eun showed natural aptitude for performance. According to her father, "Si Eun would dance along to the rhythm on TV and go crazy," and "Ever since middle school, she would sweep any singing competitions the school had". Despite this obvious talent, interestingly, young Si-eun initially resisted following in her father's musical footsteps. According to fan sources, "When she was little, she didn't want to become a singer because she didn't want to sing high notes and hurt her throat".

Park Si-eun siblings and family influence

Park Si-eun is the eldest of her parents' two children. Her younger brother, Park Si-woo, was born in 2004 and has pursued his own path in the arts. Si-woo has demonstrated considerable talent, having successfully enrolled in the acting department at Korea National University of Arts after previously passing the entrance exam to Goyang Art High School as a senior student.

In a fascinating glimpse into their sibling dynamics, Park Si-woo once confessed during a television appearance: "I was jealous that my parents' attention and concerns were focused on my older sister, who started her career in the entertainment industry first". This honest admission reveals the natural complexities within even the most supportive families.

The Park siblings have both felt the weight and advantage of their father's fame. In fact, Park Si-woo mentioned that "the label of 'Park Nam-jung's daughter' and the existence of an 'idol sister' were great external motivations". Si-eun herself has addressed the complexity of having a famous parent, stating, "I felt a lot of pressure when I was young. But these days, I like him more and more".

Park Si-eun's journey from childhood to becoming STAYC's main vocalist clearly reflects her family's artistic DNA. Her upbringing in a household that prioritized creative expression, combined with supportive yet realistic parenting, established the foundation for her subsequent success in both acting and singing.

First Steps into Acting

Long before captivating audiences as STAYC's main vocalist, Park Si-eun established herself as a promising talent in South Korea's acting scene. Her journey into the entertainment industry began at a remarkably young age, setting the foundation for what would ultimately become a multifaceted career.

Debut in Pluto Secret Society

In February 2014, Park Si-eun took her first steps into the acting world through EBS's children's television series "Pluto Secret Society" (also known as "Pluto Squad"). At just 12 years old, she portrayed the character Jin Sun-mi, marking the beginning of what would quickly develop into an impressive filmography. This debut role served as an introduction to the demanding world of on-camera performance, where her natural talent became immediately apparent.

Within the same year, Park Si-eun expanded her acting resume by taking on the role of young Han Yeol-moo in MBC's "Pride and Prejudice". This quick progression from her debut demonstrated both her adaptability and the industry's recognition of her potential as a child actress.

Notable early roles and awards

Following her debut, Park Si-eun's career gained considerable momentum. Throughout 2015, she continued building her portfolio with appearances in both film and television. Her first movie role came in "Love Forecast" (also titled "Today's Love"), where she played the character Kang Joon-hee. That same year, she ventured into historical drama through her role as young Yeon-hee in the acclaimed SBS series "Six Flying Dragons".

The year 2016 proved particularly productive for Park Si-eun as she secured roles in multiple high-profile projects. She appeared in the critically acclaimed tvN drama "Signal" as Oh Eun-ji, daughter of Jung Suk-yong's character. Subsequently, she portrayed Lee Seo-yeon in "The Good Wife" and took on the role of Jenny in Tooniverse's children's drama "Welcome to My Lab 2". Her work continued with a performance as young Oh Young-eun in KBS 2TV's "The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop".

Park Si-eun's acting career reached new heights in 2017 as she tackled increasingly challenging roles. In KBS 2TV's historical drama "Queen for Seven Days," she portrayed the younger version of the lead character Shin Chae-kyung. Her compelling performance earned her a nomination for Best Young Actress at the KBS Drama Awards. Throughout that year, she also appeared in tvN's "Criminal Minds" and JTBC's "Rain or Shine" (also known as "Just Between Lovers").

The pinnacle of her early acting career arrived in 2018 with her portrayal of young Woo Seo-ri in SBS's "Still 17" (also known as "Thirty But Seventeen"). This performance resonated strongly with both audiences and critics, ultimately earning her the prestigious Best Young Actress award at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards. This recognition cemented her status as one of Korea's most promising young performers. That same year, she also appeared in the film "Golden Slumber" as Jeon Sun-young.

Even as her path began shifting toward music, Park Si-eun continued accepting acting roles. In 2019, she appeared in tvN's "The Crowned Clown" as Choi Gye-hwan and in SBS's "Everything and Nothing" as Ahn Seo-yeon. Her final acting role before fully committing to her idol career came in 2020's "Mystic Pop-up Bar," where she portrayed the younger version of the main character Wol-joo.

The Transition: From Actress to Idol Trainee

Unlike many K-pop idols who transition to acting after establishing their music careers, Park Si-eun chose a far less common path. Her journey represents a remarkable shift from an established young actress with growing recognition to a trainee pursuing idol dreams—a reverse trajectory that caught many by surprise.

Joining JYP Entertainment

After building an impressive acting portfolio, Park Si-eun made a significant career decision in 2017 when she joined JYP Entertainment. Prior to this move, she had been under Fantagio, a company specializing in managing actors. This transition marked a clear shift in her professional aspirations, as she began training to become a singer at JYP while maintaining her acting career.

The decision to join JYP appeared strategic and purpose-driven. According to sources, Park Si-eun "specifically joined JYPE cause she wanted to debut in a girl group". This reveals her long-held musical ambitions despite her successful acting trajectory. Throughout her time at the company, she participated in JYP trainee idol showcases, demonstrating her commitment to this new career path.

However, her time at JYP Entertainment included some missed opportunities. When JYP launched their new girl group ITZY in February 2019, Park Si-eun was noticeably absent from the debut lineup. Sources indicate this was because "she was focusing on acting around that time". Furthermore, she missed the 2019 JYP trainee showcase in August, which occurred after ITZY's debut and shortly after JYP closed their acting division.

The closure of JYP Actors in 2019 proved pivotal for Park Si-eun's career trajectory. With the company's acting division becoming defunct, she faced a crucial decision about her future. Given that "JYPE ain't debuting a girl group in Korea for few more years", continuing at JYP would have meant a lengthy wait with uncertain prospects for her idol aspirations.

Challenges faced during training

The training period presented numerous challenges for Park Si-eun. Perhaps most significant was balancing her established acting career with her trainee responsibilities. Sources note that JYP Entertainment "seemed to want her to focus on acting" even though her personal ambition was becoming an idol. This created a fundamental tension in her career direction.

Additionally, Park Si-eun faced the common struggles of idol trainees—rigorous practice schedules, evaluations, and competitive environments. As someone already recognized in the entertainment industry, she likely dealt with the added pressure of heightened expectations.

Academic demands further complicated her training period. Unlike some of her future STAYC members who attended general schools, Park Si-eun enrolled at an arts high school. She described juggling school and work as "a really hard time," explaining her coping mechanism: "I just slept less, studied hard and read my scripts all the time".

The industry dynamics at JYP also presented challenges. The company's doctrine limited solo opportunities, which may have restricted her acting pursuits. For someone with ambitions in both singing and acting, this environment wasn't ideal. As one source noted, "if she wanted to be an idol and act at the same time, JYPE wasn't going to be a good place for that ambition".

In December 2019, Park Si-eun signed with High Up Entertainment, beginning the final chapter of her trainee journey before debuting with STAYC in November 2020. This decision ultimately aligned both her acting background and musical aspirations, setting the stage for her emergence as STAYC's main vocalist.

Finding Her Voice: Joining High Up Entertainment

The year 2019 marked a pivotal turning point in Park Si-eun's career journey as she navigated a significant transition from an established entertainment powerhouse to a promising newcomer in the industry.

Reasons for leaving JYP

In mid-2019, JYP Entertainment underwent a major reorganization that dramatically altered Park Si-eun's career trajectory. The company made the strategic decision to shut down its "acting division", reportedly to focus exclusively on managing their K-pop idol groups like GOT7, TWICE, and ITZY. This corporate restructuring left Park Si-eun and other actors signed with the company at a professional crossroads.

While JYP Entertainment neither confirmed nor denied the closure initially, the impact was clear—Park Si-eun's position as both an actor and idol trainee at the company became untenable. By December 2019, she officially left JYP after the acting division became defunct.

Beyond the organizational changes, Park Si-eun's departure appeared motivated by her dual career aspirations. Sources indicate that "if she wanted to be an idol and act at the same time, JYPE wasn't going to be a good place for that ambition". The company's well-known "doctrine" typically limited solo activities, potentially restricting her ability to pursue acting simultaneously with an idol career.

Becoming part of STAYC

After departing JYP, Park Si-eun quickly found a new home at High Up Entertainment in December 2019. This transition represented more than just a change of management—it offered a fresh opportunity to realize her long-held dream of debuting in a girl group while maintaining her acting credentials.

High Up Entertainment presented a uniquely suitable environment for Park Si-eun's multifaceted talents. Founded on June 14, 2017, by the renowned producer duo Black Eyed Pilseung in collaboration with CJ E&M, the company had been preparing to launch a girl group for nearly three years. The producers behind some of K-pop's biggest hits—including multiple songs for TWICE, Chungha, and Sistar—were now invested in developing Park Si-eun's career.

On September 8, 2020, Park Si-eun was officially revealed as the first member of what would become STAYC. The announcement generated considerable interest, as many were surprised by her decision to pivot from acting to idol life. As one source noted, "It's interesting how she changed from an actress to an idol group member. Usually, it's the opposite".

The group, initially introduced to the public as "High Up Girls", was officially named STAYC and prepared for their debut. On November 12, 2020, Park Si-eun finally realized her dream as STAYC debuted with the single album "Star To A Young Culture" and its lead track "So Bad".

Interestingly, Park Si-eun's unusual career path from established actress to rookie idol garnered significant attention. She brought considerable recognition to the group through her previous work and family background. Her exceptional singing abilities, complementing her already proven acting skills, quickly silenced any doubts about her decision to join STAYC as the main vocalist, proving that her career pivot was indeed the right choice.

Debut and Rise with STAYC

September 8, 2020 marked a historic date for Park Si-eun as she was officially revealed as the first member of High Up Entertainment's rookie girl group STAYC. This announcement represented the culmination of her journey from actress to idol trainee, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in her career.

STAYC Park Si-eun debut story

After her initial unveiling as the pioneer member, Park Si-eun's prologue film was released on October 12, 2020, introducing audiences to her vocal talents and visual presence. The remaining five members were subsequently revealed in pairs via similar prologue films over the next two days. Throughout this pre-debut period, curiosity about Park Si-eun intensified among K-pop enthusiasts, especially considering her established background as an actress.

On November 12, 2020, Park Si-eun officially debuted as STAYC's main vocalist with the release of their first single album "Star To A Young Culture". Her position as main vocalist highlighted her exceptional singing abilities, which soon became one of STAYC's defining characteristics. Moreover, her pre-debut recognition contributed significantly to the group's initial visibility.

Remarkably, nearly three years after debut, Park Si-eun's role within STAYC expanded when the group decided to rotate leadership responsibilities. Consequently, in August 2023, she and Se Eun were appointed as co-leaders, demonstrating her growth and the trust placed in her by both management and fellow members.

First album and early performances

"Star To A Young Culture" featured the lead single "So Bad," produced by the renowned K-pop duo Black Eyed Pilseung. The producers, who founded High Up Entertainment, described STAYC's signature sound as "Teen Fresh," highlighting the group's "unique individual vocal colors".

Altogether, the debut proved impressively successful for a rookie group. The music video for "So Bad" garnered over 2.6 million views within its first 24 hours. The physical album sold more than 4,300 copies on its debut day—the highest for any girl group debut in 2020. Within the first week, sales exceeded 10,000 copies, making it the first debut album by a girl group in 2020 to reach this milestone.

The sextet promoted their debut through various channels, beginning with a V Live showcase featuring performances of both "So Bad" and the B-side track "Like This". Their television debut occurred on November 13, 2020, at KBS's Music Bank, followed by appearances on Show Champion, Inkigayo, and The Show.

Chart performance further validated their strong debut, with the album reaching number 17 on the weekly Gaon Album Chart. "So Bad" debuted at number 90 on Billboard's K-pop Hot 100 and number 21 on the World Digital Song Sales chart. Several months later, STAYC continued building momentum with their mini-album "STAYDOM" and title track "ASAP".

Park Si-eun’s Unique Talents and Skills

Beyond her impressive acting background and idol career trajectory, Park Si-eun possesses a diverse range of talents that distinguish her among K-pop artists. Her unique blend of skills reflects both her professional training and personal interests, contributing to her versatility as an entertainer.

Park Si-eun English skills

Among STAYC members, Park Si-eun demonstrates notable English proficiency. Her education at Seoul Performing Arts High School, where foreign language studies are emphasized, helped strengthen her communication abilities. This language competency allows her to connect with international fans during live streams and interviews without relying heavily on translators.

Throughout various content pieces, Park Si-eun has shown comfort expressing herself in English, often taking the lead during English-language interviews. This ability proves particularly valuable as STAYC continues expanding their global presence. Additionally, her English skills complement her acting background, potentially opening doors for international acting opportunities in the future.

Musical abilities and hobbies

As STAYC's main vocalist, Park Si-eun possesses exceptional vocal control and range that sets her apart. Her rich, expressive voice serves as one of the group's defining characteristics, particularly showcased in their hits from debut single "So Bad" through subsequent releases.

Remarkably, Park Si-eun's musical talents extend beyond singing. Her background in performing arts provided her with dance foundations, which she continued developing throughout her trainee period. The technical precision she brings to choreography complements her vocal abilities, creating a well-rounded performance package.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Park Si-eun nurtures several personal interests. She enjoys recreational activities that balance her intensive work schedule, including:

Reading books and scripts (maintaining her connection to acting)
Listening to diverse music genres for inspiration
Watching films and dramas that inform her own artistic expressions

Her artistic sensibilities aren't limited to performing arts alone. Park Si-eun occasionally shares her drawings with fans, revealing yet another creative outlet. Furthermore, her time management skills deserve recognition—balancing intensive idol schedules while maintaining artistic development across multiple disciplines demonstrates exceptional discipline.

These combined talents and interests create a multifaceted artist whose potential continues unfolding as her career progresses.

Leadership and Growth in 2025

The year 2023 marked a significant shift in Park Si-eun's role within STAYC when she assumed co-leadership responsibilities alongside Seeun. This evolution in her position has continued to shape her influence within the group throughout 2025, establishing her as not only a vocal powerhouse but increasingly a guiding force behind STAYC's direction.

Co-leader role in STAYC

On August 8, 2023, STAYC officially announced that Park Si-eun and Seeun would take on co-leader positions, confirming that Sumin had stepped down from the role. This transition reflected the group's innovative approach to leadership, implementing what they called a "rotational leadership system". Under this system, different members would assume leadership responsibilities for each comeback period, allowing multiple voices to guide the group's direction.

The decision to implement dual leadership demonstrated STAYC's commitment to collaborative decision-making. With Park Si-eun's background spanning both acting and music, her leadership brings a unique perspective to the group's activities. Her leadership style appears to prioritize musical evolution, as evidenced by her comments about the group's conversations regarding their artistic direction.

"We have a lot of conversations at the end of each activity," Si-eun shared in a recent interview. "What should I do next. We often talk about what new things to do. I think we were constantly thinking about wearing (musical) clothes that fit us. I thought a lot about the vocal tone of the members and came looking for music that suits us well".

Recent achievements and activities

As of 2025, Park Si-eun continues to balance her co-leadership duties with an increasingly busy performance schedule. On March 18, 2025, STAYC released their fifth single album 'S' featuring the title track "BEBE". This release represented what Si-eun described as "a completely renewed STAYC with a more mature musical color and an evolved concept".

Undoubtedly, the comeback marked a pivotal moment for the group. "It seems the fixed perception of STAYC is that we provide healing and bright energy," explained Si-eun. "That may be the image the public wants from STAYC, but I want to show that we can break away from that to embrace new challenges, express ourselves, and demonstrate maturity".

Concurrently with their album release, STAYC announced their second world tour "Stay Tune," scheduled to begin with Seoul performances on April 12-13, 2025, at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park. This tour represents an important step in the group's global expansion as they enter their fifth year since debut.

Throughout early 2025, Park Si-eun has appeared in multiple music videos, including "Pipe Down," "BEBE," "Mr.," "GPT," "Meow," and "Stay WITH me". Her fellow member Yoon aptly summarized their current position: "As we made changes, I want to say that STAYC's second act has begun".

Personal Life and Fun Facts

Beyond the spotlight and stage performances, Park Si-eun's personal attributes and interests reveal a multifaceted individual whose passions extend well beyond her professional accomplishments. A closer look at her life outside STAYC offers fans valuable insights into the person behind the performer.

Park Si-eun height and appearance

Standing at 158 cm (5'1") tall, Park Si-eun possesses a petite yet athletic frame weighing approximately 44 kg (97 lbs). Her blood type is A, complementing her ENFJ personality type—often characterized by warmth, empathy, and natural leadership qualities. These traits align perfectly with her recent co-leadership role in STAYC.

Many fans frequently point out her striking resemblance to two prominent Korean actresses: Suzy and Park Bo-young. This comparison highlights her elegant visuals that blend youthful charm with mature sophistication. Park Si-eun maintains her fitness through regular Pilates sessions, occasionally sharing glimpses of her workout routines on social media.

In academic pursuits, she currently studies Theater as her major at Chung Ang University, balancing her educational commitments alongside her demanding idol schedule.

Favorite artists, movies, and dreams

Regarding musical inspirations, Park Si-eun names G-Dragon and Apink among her favorite artists. Nevertheless, her ultimate role model remains IU—a devotion so profound that she once revealed IU had appeared in her dreams. This admiration makes sense considering both artists successfully navigate dual careers in singing and acting.

Alongside her professional achievements, Park Si-eun nurtures several personal interests. Her hobbies include watching dramas and movies (with "Titanic" ranking as her favorite film), writing in her diary, composing lyrics, and listening to diverse music genres. Among English speakers, she's occasionally known by her English name "Rachel."

Interestingly, had she not pursued an idol career, Park Si-eun believes she might have become either a pianist or ballerina, having studied both disciplines since age five. As for future collaborations, she has expressed interest in working with international pop sensations Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande—an ambition that showcases her global artistic vision.

FAQS

Fans frequently ask questions about Park Si-eun's journey, personal struggles, and professional life. These inquiries provide deeper insights into the multifaceted performer beyond what appears in interviews and performances.

How does Park Si-eun feel about being called "Park Nam Jung's daughter"?

Regarding this nickname, Park Si-eun once broke down in tears during a March 2022 episode of "Hello You" web show. She frankly admitted, "I think I felt the burden a lot. In fact, those expressions and nicknames were always there since I was young." She explained that when younger, the thought of only being called by her father's name scared her, causing her to avoid the nickname altogether.

Has her perspective on this nickname changed over time?

Yes, Park Si-eun's relationship with this identifier has evolved: "From a certain point, I eventually accepted it. Now, thinking about those nicknames, the burden has decreased a lot. But I guess it has become a habit". This demonstrates her emotional maturity in handling public perception.

What does STAYC's fandom name mean?

The official fandom name "SWITH" represents a thoughtful connection with fans. It combines "STAYC" with "WITH," meaning "together with STAYC" or "I'll be by STAYC's side".

What roles does Park Si-eun hold within STAYC besides being main vocalist?

Besides her primary position as main vocalist, Park Si-eun currently serves as co-leader alongside Seeun. This leadership arrangement began in August 2023 when STAYC implemented a rotational leadership system.

What motivated Park Si-eun to become an idol despite acting success?

Naturally, many wonder about this career pivot. Although she gained recognition as an actress, Park Si-eun specifically joined JYP Entertainment because she "wanted to debut in a girl group," revealing music was always her ultimate ambition despite acting achievements.

How has Park Si-eun's acting experience influenced her idol performances?

Her acting background visibly enhances her stage presence, essentially contributing to what fans describe as her exceptional "facial expressions" during performances. This theatrical foundation allows her to convey emotions authentically, creating memorable performances that distinguish her among idol vocalists.