From K-Drama Stardom to Hollywood Marvel: How 'Itaewon Class' landed Park Seo Joon a role in the Marvel universe

It's no secret that Park Seo Joon, the renowned K-Drama actor, is set to make his Hollywood debut in the highly-anticipated 'The Marvels.' In this upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, he will take on the role of Prince Yan, marking his foray onto the global stage. While the teaser hasn't unveiled much about his character, there is considerable buzz surrounding his involvement.

Interestingly, one of his notable K-Dramas played a pivotal role in securing this opportunity. In 2020, Park Seo Joon portrayed the character of Park Sae Royi in the Korean drama 'Itaewon Class.' This series traced the journey of an underdog's transformation into a successful entrepreneur, leaving a profound impact and amassing a dedicated fan base.

Nia DaCosta, the director of 'The Marvels,' recently shared with Cine21 how she came across the show and decided to cast Park Seo Joon in the film. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, friends recommended 'Itaewon Class,' starring Park Seo Joon, and suggested that I might enjoy it. I was a fan of Korean dramas during my teenage years, so I began binge-watching the series as a way to revisit those days. Park's performance in the drama was truly impressive. Subsequently, I explored his other works and became more familiar with his name," she disclosed.


"Later, when I took on the role of directing 'The Marvels,' I contemplated who would be the right fit for the character of Prince Yan, and Park Seo Joon came to mind," she further explained.

'The Marvels' is scheduled for release on November 10.