Park Hong-jun also known as Park Hong-jun, known professionally as Teddy Park, stands as a pivotal Korean-American rapper, songwriter, and record producer whose sonic innovations have redefined K-pop’s global trajectory.
From pioneering hip-hop with 1TYM to architecting BLACKPINK’s chart-dominating sound, he commands The Black Label as its visionary founder.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Park Hong-jun
- Stage Name: Teddy Park
- Born: September 14, 1978
- Age: 48 years old
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: Korean-American
- Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, CEO of The Black Label, Former Leader of 1TYM
- Height: 176 cm
- Religion: Atheist
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Park
- Siblings: One younger sister
- Spouse: None
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $5 million to $10 million
Early Life and Education
Teddy Park was born on September 14, 1978, in Seoul, later relocating with his family to New York City during childhood. Raised by parents identified as Mr. and Mrs. Park, he endured racial challenges in middle school before the family settled in Diamond Bar, California.
His ethnicity is Korean. Religion: Atheist. At Diamond Bar High School he forged a lasting bond with future bandmate Danny Im, immersing himself in beatboxing, guitar, and hip-hop.
He briefly pursued English studies at Myongji University in Seoul yet withdrew to chase music full-time. No further academic records are disclosed.
Career
Teddy Park ignited his ascent in 1998 as leader and chief songwriter of 1TYM under YG Entertainment, releasing five landmark albums that fused hip-hop with R&B and reggae, propelling the genre into Korea’s mainstream.
Hits such as “One Love” and “Hot” secured television triumphs. Post-hiatus in 2006, he emerged as YG’s cornerstone producer, sculpting anthems for BigBang, 2NE1, and Sunmi.
In 2016 he co-established The Black Label, achieving independence by 2020.
His blueprint powered BLACKPINK’s meteoric rise—crafting every title track from “Boombayah” to “Jump”—while debuting MEOVV in 2024 and co-ed outfit All Day Project in 2025.
Accolades include Korea Music Copyright Association’s top-earning songwriter crown in 2017 and Billboard’s Top 50 Producers of the 21st Century.
Social Media
- Instagram: @teddypark_tbl
Personal Life
Teddy Park, now 48, maintains resolute privacy. From 2013 to 2016 he shared a high-profile romance with actress Han Ye-seul; subsequent rumours linking him to BLACKPINK’s Jennie were swiftly refuted by YG.
He has never married and has no children. His stature measures 176 centimetres. Residence remains Seoul, where he channels nocturnal studio sessions into era-defining soundscapes.
Net Worth
Teddy Park’s fortune spans $5 million to $10 million, amassed through royalties on hundreds of copyrighted tracks, The Black Label equity, and a $9 million Hongdae building acquired in 2014.