Park Seo Ham Reveals the Secret Chemistry Behind 'Our Universe

From idol to leading man, Park Seo Ham's transformation isn't just a career pivot—it's a complete reimagining of what K-entertainment stardom looks like in 2026.

When Grief Becomes the Foundation for Love

"Our Universe" presents a premise that's both heartbreaking and hopeful: two in-laws who initially can't stand each other must suddenly become co-parents to their 20-month-old nephew after losing their siblings. It's the kind of setup that could easily veer into melodrama, but Park Seo Ham suggests something more nuanced is at play.

"My character Park Dong Woo appears cold on the surface, but he's carrying so much warmth inside," Park Seo Ham explains. "Especially in scenes with the baby, you see this natural paternal instinct emerge that even surprises him." The actor spent considerable time with child development specialists to understand how adults navigate sudden parenthood—a detail that speaks to the production's commitment to authenticity.

What's fascinating is how the show uses the baby as more than just a plot device. "Woo Joo becomes the gravitational center that pulls all three of us together," Park Seo Ham notes. "That's why it's called 'Our Universe'—this child literally becomes the center of our world."

The Art of Unexpected Chemistry

The dynamic between Park Seo Ham, Roh Jeong Eui, and Bae In Hyuk defies typical K-drama triangulation. Rather than competing for romantic attention, they're learning to function as an unconventional family unit.

"Working with Jeong Eui noona has been incredible," Park Seo Ham shares. "She's taught me so much about emotional authenticity in acting. Our characters start as adversaries, but watching that shift into partnership and then something deeper—it's been one of the most rewarding acting experiences I've had."

The relationship with Bae In Hyuk adds another layer of complexity. "In-hyuk hyung and I have this natural ease off-camera that translates into our scenes together. Even when our characters are in conflict, there's this underlying respect that comes through."

Breaking the Idol-Actor Barrier

Park Seo Ham's transition from KnK's main vocalist to romantic lead reflects a broader shift in how the industry views crossover talent. But the journey hasn't been without challenges.

"The pressure was real initially," he admits. "There's always this assumption that idols can't act, that we're just pretty faces trying something new. I wanted to prove that music and acting are both forms of storytelling—they require the same emotional honesty."

Interestingly, Park Seo Ham hasn't abandoned music entirely. "I'm not choosing between music and acting," he clarifies. "They inform each other. The rhythm and emotional expression from music actually helps with dialogue delivery and scene pacing."

This multi-hyphenate approach is becoming increasingly common among K-entertainment stars, but few navigate it as thoughtfully as Park Seo Ham seems to be doing.

The Global Appeal Factor

With K-dramas achieving unprecedented global reach, "Our Universe" enters a crowded marketplace where international audiences have become increasingly sophisticated about Korean content. The show's focus on non-traditional family structures and emotional maturity could resonate particularly well with global viewers seeking more complex narratives.

Park Seo Ham seems aware of this broader context: "Korean stories are reaching people worldwide now, and I think audiences everywhere understand the universal themes of loss, family, and finding love in unexpected places."