Why Actor Park Jeong-min Started a Publishing Company — The Story Behind MUZE and Its Impact
Park Jeong-min, one of Korea’s most acclaimed actors, founded MUZE Publishing to amplify overlooked voices and expand literary accessibility. Discover why he became a publisher and how MUZE is reshaping Korea’s cultural landscape.
Korean actor Park Jeong-min has become one of the most compelling multi-hyphenate creatives in the country—not only as an actor, but also as a writer and publisher. Through his publishing company MUZE, Park has been building a new cultural identity rooted in meaningful storytelling, accessibility, and social value.
This article summarizes the background behind MUZE’s creation, its key achievements, and why Park’s move is receiving so much attention within Korea’s cultural scene.
📌 Why Park Jeong-min Founded a Publishing Company
1) A Deep, Long-Standing Love for Books and Writing
Park Jeong-min has always been known as an avid reader and a skilled essayist. His passion for writing naturally grew into a deeper interest in publishing.
He once operated a small independent bookstore, which gave him firsthand insight into how challenging and thoughtful the work of book curation truly is.
This experience became the foundation for MUZE.
2) A Desire to Amplify “Overlooked Voices”
Park has consistently expressed his wish to spotlight stories that rarely receive mainstream attention—stories about
- marginalized individuals,
- social minorities,
- overlooked issues within society.
Publishing, for him, is not just a business but a platform for empathy and social awareness.
3) Inspiration From Personal Experience: The Audio Novel Project
Park’s father experienced vision impairment, which influenced Park’s view on accessibility in reading.
This led MUZE to launch an audio-first publishing project, releasing certain titles as audio novels before print editions.
This rare approach in Korean publishing demonstrates Park’s commitment to making literature accessible to people who cannot easily read printed books.
4) A Creative “Curveball” Beyond Acting
Instead of limiting himself to acting alone, Park sought a creative space where he could deliver meaningful messages without the massive financial burden required in film production.
Publishing became that medium—a field where artistic intention and cultural value can coexist sustainably.
📌 Achievements of MUZE Publishing
1) A Distinctive Start With Socially Relevant Titles
MUZE debuted with nonfiction titles addressing social issues and the voices of underrepresented communities.
The catalog soon expanded into essays, fiction, and experimental formats, giving MUZE a clear identity as a purpose-driven publisher.
2) Innovative Audio-First Releases
MUZE’s audio novel project stands out as one of the company’s most notable achievements.
Professional voice actors and performers participated, and parts of the proceeds were donated to organizations supporting visually impaired readers.
This model is now recognized as an innovative and accessible form of literary dissemination.
3) Recognition at the Seoul International Book Fair
MUZE received significant attention at the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair.
Despite being a small publisher, its booth attracted large numbers of visitors who were drawn by Park’s authentic approach to curation and storytelling.
4) Stable Operation and Growing Influence
Over the years, MUZE has released multiple titles and demonstrated sustainability as a small but impactful publishing house.
Park’s active involvement—sometimes stepping back from acting schedules—reflects the seriousness of his commitment.
5) Cultural and Social Impact
MUZE is widely recognized for
- prioritizing meaningful stories over commercial trends,
- expanding accessibility through audio-first projects,
- reshaping expectations of what a celebrity-led publishing house can be.
Park Jeong-min has positioned himself not only as an actor but also as a cultural producer and literary advocate.
📌 What Park Jeong-min’s Publishing Work Means Today
Park Jeong-min’s journey shows that publishing can be more than a business—
it can be a platform for human stories, a space where empathy, art, and social responsibility meet.
Through MUZE, he is redefining what it means for a public figure to contribute to culture in a meaningful, sustainable way.
✔ Conclusion
Park Jeong-min did not start a publishing company out of hobby or temporary curiosity.
MUZE is a deliberate, thoughtful project rooted in his values—one that amplifies unheard voices, expands literary accessibility, and brings new energy to Korea’s publishing scene.
Readers and creators alike are eagerly watching what MUZE will introduce next.