The Korean entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of a familiar face who unexpectedly became a global internet sensation.
Park Dong-bin, best known for his role in the drama It Was Love, has died at the age of 56. According to local reports, the veteran actor was found dead on Wednesday inside a restaurant he had been preparing to open in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
Authorities say there were no signs of a struggle or foul play at the scene, and an investigation into his cause of death is ongoing.
While Park had a long acting career, he gained unexpected global attention thanks to a viral moment from It Was Love. In one unforgettable scene, his character reacts to shocking news by dramatically spitting out orange juice—earning him the nickname “Juice Guy” online and turning the clip into a widely shared meme.
Beyond that viral fame, Park also appeared in projects like Volcano High, building a steady career in the Korean entertainment industry over the years.
His funeral is scheduled for Friday at Woosung Memorial Park, with a procession planned through the Yongin Forest of Peace.
Park is survived by his wife, Lee Sang-yi, and their young daughter, Ji-yoo, who was born in 2023. The couple met in 2020 while working together on the drama Enemies from the Past.