Every time I visit South Korea, my trips feel deeply fulfilling. Connecting with like-minded individuals and having the chance to interview them is a delightful nourishment for my soul. This was especially true when I sat down with Park Yuri, a multi-talent who effortlessly combines his skills as an actor, model, rapper, singer, and dancer – all while radiating intelligence, confidence, and a sense of humour. Fluent in Russian, Korean, and English, Yuri’s charisma shines through in every language.

Meeting Yuri felt like catching up with an old friend, despite his busy life and impressive résumé. His story is fascinating. Born in Uzbekistan to Korean parents, he spent his teenage years in Russia, where he became a national swimming champion, competing internationally in places like Austria, the UAE, and Germany. But destiny had other plans for him. After graduating high school, he moved to South Korea, abandoning the pool for the runway and the stage, ultimately becoming the artist we know today.

Yuri launched his music career in 2019 with the duo JxR, releasing his debut single album Element. He has since contributed to several OSTs, including I’ll Promise You for the web series Mr. Heart and AMEN, MALO, and Your Sign for the TV series Imitation, along with dropping a Russian solo album MOVE. As a model, he has graced the pages of numerous fashion magazines, such as Vogue Korea, Nylon Korea, Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, Singles, Dazed, Esquire, and L’Officiel Homme. 

“I started to dream of becoming a model when I came to Korea,” Yuri begins with a reflective smile. “Before that, I was planning to become a doctor – I even attended medical school in Uzbekistan for a year, aiming to be a surgeon.” But Seoul had something else in store for him. He recalls his first brush with the world of fashion: “When I saw Seoul Fashion Week, I was enchanted by the fashion, the idols, how cool they always looked. I thought to myself, ‘Maybe I should try auditioning to become an idol.’” His multicultural experiences, having lived in various countries, shaped this desire. “After leaving Uzbekistan, everything in the big city seemed so cool, and that’s when the thought of becoming a model really took hold.”

Yet, the road to success was anything but smooth. Yuri faced rejection after rejection, auditioning for nearly a year before finally being accepted by Esteem. “Uzbekistan didn’t offer those kinds of opportunities at the time,” he reflects. “But when I finally got the yes, that’s when my journey truly began.”

Yuri’s journey through fashion and entertainment feels almost cinematic, with each step leading naturally to the next. He doesn’t just wear clothes; he embodies them, using fashion as a language to express who he is, both in public and private life. “Even at fashion shows, I try to match my style to the designer I’m walking for. If it’s a classic show, I wear something classic. If it’s a hip-hop style, I might even dance.” And dance he did. “I remember opening a show for D-Antidote with a dance. The designer loved it. I thought, ‘Wow, this is it; this is how you do it.’”

But for Yuri, it’s not just about fashion. It’s about living a lifestyle that blends all his passions. “Being a model, an idol, a singer – these are jobs, but they don’t feel like jobs to me. It’s just my lifestyle.” Even his favourite colours reflect this thoughtful approach. “I love sky blue, specifically the colour of the sky at 6 AM when the sun is just rising. I have lots of clothes in that colour, but I can’t really do photoshoots in them,” he chuckles. “And, of course, black – you can never go wrong with black.”

Yuri’s ability to juggle multiple roles – model, musician, actor, and now music video director – seems almost superhuman. “I started with modelling, which helped me get comfortable in front of the camera. That experience made transitioning to shows like Produce X 101 much easier.” But it wasn’t always easy. Yuri admits to being naturally reserved and once prone to anxiety, especially in crowds. “Modeling helped me overcome that. By the time I was on Produce 101, I was already used to the cameras, the flashes, the screaming fans. Everything connected pretty well, and now it’s all part of my lifestyle.”

His acting career, though still budding, has already given him the chance to dream big. “I’ve always wanted to play a villain, especially one with a great plot twist – like an undercover villain. Or a role where I could use martial arts, which I’m really into right now.” He’s already planning his next move – literally. “I’m trying to move to LA to join Hollywood Creative Alliance,” he reveals with a determined smile.

Music, however, remains a crucial element of Yuri’s identity. “I’m currently working on a new single album, and I just shot a music video in my hometown. This time, I’m singing in English and rapping, but I also have some Russian songs on the way.” His multicultural background boosts his creativity, allowing him to draw inspiration from various genres and languages. “I listen to everything from Russian pop to Kazakh music, which is why my songs are so versatile.”

Collaboration has also been a significant part of Yuri’s musical journey. Working with friends like DMITRYSFACE, whom he’s known since childhood, brings out the best in him. “We made our first song together, MOVE, and shot the video in just three hours. It was just the two of us and a friend helping out. To our surprise, the song ended up playing in some clubs in Russia. It wasn’t expected, but that’s the fun of working with friends – it always turns out interesting.”

Yuri’s plunge into directing music videos has added yet another layer to his creative portfolio. From Emily Mei’s Monster Under My Bed to his own projects, Yuri approaches each video with a mix of spontaneity and vision. “Sometimes I wake up in the morning and decide to shoot a music video that day,” he says, laughing. “For Origin Beast, we shot over three days with my friends’ support. It was fun but stressful – creating something with a big team always is.”

But his spontaneity doesn’t detract from the depth of his work. Take, for example, the music video for Please Stop It. Shot at an abandoned resort, it captures a raw, almost sinister atmosphere that complements the song’s intensity. “We spent just $40 on that video—gas money and some snacks from a convenience store. But I love how it turned out, especially with the fog and mountains in the background.”

When it comes to directing, Yuri’s philosophy is simple: balance storytelling with the rhythm and emotion of the music. Yet, he admits it’s not always easy. “Emily Mei’s Monster Under My Bed was particularly challenging because we decided on a plot twist at the last minute – a day before the shoot, in fact.” But the risk paid off, as fans reacted with enthusiasm, even suggesting they turn the story into a full-fledged drama.

Despite all his successes, Yuri remains grounded, finding joy in simple pleasures. “I love classical music – Mozart, Bach – and I also enjoy Kazakh rap. And when I have a day off, I do absolutely nothing. You’ll find me in bed, chilling,” he laughs.

Looking to the future, Yuri’s ambitions are as vast as his talents. With his eyes set on Hollywood, he’s ready for the next big challenge. “I want to show that someone born in Uzbekistan, a citizen of Korea, has a lot to offer. It’s a big deal for me, and I’m determined to make it happen.”

As our conversation winds down, I’m struck by the inspiration in Yuri’s journey – a path that consistently defies expectations and reimagines what success can be. His story vividly illustrates how passion encourages transformation, resilience shapes character, and spontaneity sparks creativity.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Nicole Rayo for View of the Arts

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}