Park Geon-roung, the child actor who rose to global fame starring in the "Baby Shark" music video, is embarking on a new career in K-pop. The 17-year-old is set to release his debut single, "WAVE," on August 20.
The "Baby Shark" video, with over 17 billion views, remains the most-streamed video on YouTube a decade after its release. Park, who was six years old when he appeared in the video, is now pursuing a music career under the name Baby Shark Boy.
The Pinkfong Company, the creators of "Baby Shark," announced his upcoming single on Monday. A teaser for "WAVE" indicates it will incorporate a snippet from the original "Baby Shark" song and features Park dancing and playing basketball. The track will include a collaboration with Joohoney of the K-pop group Monsta X.
"I’ve always been grateful that people still remember the video I was in as a child," Park told Business Korea. "Ten years ago I danced next to Baby Shark. Now I want people to hear my own voice and the story I wrote myself." A spokesperson for Pinkfong Company added that the project aims to support his authentic new beginning.
Following the single's release, a documentary titled "WAVE: A Boy's Record" is planned, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Park's journey since "Baby Shark."
Park has maintained a presence on social media, amassing over 161,000 Instagram followers. He has previously paid homage to his "Baby Shark" past by recreating dance moves and posing with "Baby Shark" merchandise. In 2019, he joined the children's group Play With Me Club, releasing three albums with them.