Park Gyuri

Park Gyuri Profile

Photo of Park Gyuri; KARA’s Charismatic Leader & Multi-Talented Star

Who is Park Gyuri?

Park Gyuri (박규리), born on May 21, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea, is a multitalented entertainer known for her roles as a singer, actress, and radio personality. She gained prominence as the leader and lead vocalist of the K-pop girl group KARA, which debuted in 2007 under DSP Media.

Park Gyuri – Full Biodata Table | KARA Leader Profile

Park Gyuri biodata table including real name, stage name, birth info, education, and more. Learn all about the KARA leader.

Park Gyuri Biography | Former KARA Leader

Complete biography of Park Gyuri, former KARA leader. Explore her early life, K-pop career, solo ventures, personal life, and legacy.

Early Life and Background

Park Gyuri (박규리) was born on May 21, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea. She is the only daughter of Park Sohyun, a respected voice actress, which exposed her to the entertainment industry at a young age. She entered the entertainment industry as a child actress in 1995. She showed early promise on Korean television, notably in dramas like Today is a Nice Day and Ladies of the Palace.

Debut and Rise with KARA

In 2007, Gyuri debuted as a member and the leader of the K-pop girl group KARA under DSP Media. She was the only member who remained consistent throughout lineup changes. Impressively, she is credited with naming the group “KARA,” derived from the Greek word “chara” meaning “joy.”

Under her leadership, KARA transformed from a ballad group to a pop sensation. They achieved immense popularity with hits like “Mister,” “Lupin,” and “Step.” Gyuri became known for her confident and witty “goddess” persona, which fans embraced warmly.

Acting and Solo Activities

While maintaining her role in KARA, Gyuri actively pursued acting. She appeared in the Japanese drama Urakara (2011) and played the lead in the Korean production of the musical 200 Pounds Beauty. Despite developing vocal nodules during her performances, she continued working, earning praise for her dedication.

Following KARA’s disbandment in 2016, she transitioned into solo film and television roles, starring in various indie films and romantic dramas. She also hosted radio programs and appeared in numerous variety shows, further showcasing her versatility.

Reunion and 15th Anniversary Comeback

In 2022, KARA reunited for their 15th debut anniversary. The group released the special album Move Again and performed on major music shows, bringing joy to longtime fans. Gyuri expressed deep gratitude to her members and fans for their continued support over the years.

Personal Life and Education

Gyuri attended Dongduk Women’s University, where she majored in Broadcasting and Entertainment. Known for her intelligence and maturity, she has often been praised for her ability to speak her mind eloquently during interviews and live broadcasts.

In 2019, she confirmed a relationship with Song Ja Ho, the grandson of the Dongwon Construction founder. The couple amicably separated in 2021. Gyuri remains private about her personal life, focusing primarily on her artistic career.

Legacy and Influence

As the leader of one of the second-generation K-pop’s most iconic groups, Park Gyuri left a lasting impact on the industry. She paved the way for future girl group leaders with her wit, poise, and artistic sensibility. Her transition from idol to respected actress and public figure has solidified her status as a multi-talented entertainer in South Korea.

She continues to build her legacy through film, music, and public engagements, maintaining a strong connection with her fans and the Korean entertainment scene.

Connect with Park Gyuri

You can follow Gyuri’s journey and updates through her Instagram: @gyuri_88.

Park Gyuri Discography | KARA Leader’s Complete Music List

Complete discography of Park Gyuri, including KARA albums, solo releases, OSTs, and collaborations.

With KARA – Studio Albums (Korean)

• The First Blooming (2007)
• Revolution (2009)
• Step (2011)
• Full Bloom (2013)

With KARA – Japanese Albums

• Girl’s Talk (2010)
• Super Girl (2011)
• Girls Forever (2012)
• Fantastic Girls (2013)
• Day & Night (2014)

With KARA – Extended Plays (EPs)

• Pretty Girl (2008)
• Honey (2009)
• Lupin (2010)
• Jumping (2010)
• Pandora (2012)

With KARA – Notable Singles

• “Rock U” (2008)
• “Mister” (2009)
• “Honey” (2009)
• “Lupin” (2010)
• “Step” (2011)
• “Damaged Lady” (2013)
• “Cupid” (2015)
• “When I Move” (2022)

Solo Songs & OSTs

• “Daydream” – City Hunter OST (2011)
• “Because I’m So Stupid” (solo version) – Boys Over Flowers OST (2009)
• “Gyuri Solo” – Secret Love soundtrack (2014)
• “Do You Know” – Nail Shop Paris OST (2013)
• “Memory Clock” – Seven First Kisses OST (2016)

Collaborations

• “My Love” – With Seungyeon (2011)
• “I Love You” – With Lee Jin-wook for Two Rooms, Two Nights (2015)

Musical Theatre Soundtracks

• 200 Pounds Beauty – Lead role (2011): Live vocals recorded for musical album (Korea & Japan)

Recent Releases

• Move Again – KARA 15th Anniversary Album (2022)
• “Shout It Out” – from Move Again (2022)

Park Gyuri Filmography | Actress & KARA Idol Career

Complete filmography of Park Gyuri: movies, TV dramas, variety shows, musicals, and voice acting roles.

Films

• Two Rooms, Two Nights (2015) – Main role as Park Hyeon-joo
• How to Break Up with My Cat (2016)
• Where Are You Going? (2018)
• Another Way (2018)
• Dal Segno (2020)
• Cine de Chef (2020)
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Road (2022) – Independent film

TV Dramas

• Today Is a Nice Day (MBC, 1995) – Child actress debut
• My Lovely Fool (SBS, 2006)
• Nail Shop Paris (MBC Queen, 2013) – Lead role as Hong Yeo-joo
• Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love (SBS, 2013) – Cameo
• Secret Love (KARA drama) (2014) – Lead role in solo episode
• Lovers in Bloom (KBS, 2017) – Han Soo-jin (supporting)
• Ms. Ma, Nemesis (SBS, 2018) – Cameo
• Precinct Scene (TV Chosun, 2022) – Guest

Variety Shows & Hosting

• ShimShimTaPa Radio (Co-DJ, MBC Radio, 2009–2011)
• Star Golden Bell – Regular guest
• Strong Heart – Multiple appearances
• Radio Star – Recurring guest
• Video Star (MC, 2016)
• King of Mask Singer (Contestant)
• Running Man, Happy Together, Weekly Idol – Guest appearances

Theater & Musicals

• 200 Pounds Beauty (2011–2012) – Lead role as Kang Han-byul
• Dali the Musical (2016)

Voice Acting

• Alpha and Omega (Korean Dub) – Voice of Kate
• Park Gyuri has also done narration for TV documentaries and commercials.

Music Videos (Cameos / Acting Roles)

• KARA – All official music videos (2007–2022)
• V.O.S – “Beautiful Life” (2008)
• Rainbow – “To Me” (2011) – Cameo

Park Gyuri Facts | Fun Trivia About the KARA Leader

Fun and interesting facts about Park Gyuri, former KARA leader, K-pop idol, actress, and radio DJ.

• 1. Gyuri was the one who named the group KARA, based on the Greek word “chara” meaning “joy.”
• 2. She began her career as a child actress at the age of 7 in the sitcom Today is a Nice Day.
• 3. Her mother, Park Sohyun, is a well-known voice actress in South Korea.
• 4. She’s known for her confident “goddess concept,” which she often joked about on variety shows.
• 5. Gyuri was the leader of KARA throughout all its lineup changes and was praised for her diplomatic leadership style.
• 6. She studied Broadcasting and Entertainment at Dongduk Women’s University.
• 7. Despite having vocal cord nodules, she performed in the musical 200 Pounds Beauty without breaks.
• 8. She speaks fluent Japanese and has acted in Japanese productions, including the drama Urakara.
• 9. Gyuri is an MBTI INFJ, often described as introspective, idealistic, and creative.
• 10. She loves history and philosophy and once considered becoming a museum curator or professor.
• 11. She’s a talented radio DJ and has hosted multiple MBC radio programs.
• 12. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, classical music, and visiting art galleries.
• 13. Gyuri once played the voice of Kate in the Korean dub of the animated movie Alpha and Omega.
• 14. She dated Song Ja Ho, an art curator and chaebol family member, but they broke up in 2021.
• 15. In 2022, she reunited with KARA to celebrate their 15th anniversary with a comeback album titled Move Again.

Park Gyuri – Social Media Accounts

Official social media profiles of Park Gyuri – Instagram, Twitter, and more.

• Instagram: @gyuri_88
• Twitter (KARA official): @KARAOFFICIAL329
• YouTube (via DSP Media / KARA): @officialKARA
• Fan Cafe (Daum): cafe . daum . net/officialkara

Note: Park Gyuri does not currently operate a personal TikTok or Facebook page.