ARrC (아크), a seven-member boy group under Korean entertainment agency MYSTIC STORY, officially debuted on August 19, 2024, with their first mini-album, 'AR^C'. The group featured a multinational lineup with members from various countries, and their music blended pop with hip-hop elements and powerful dance performances, gradually gaining attention from K-pop fans after their debut. However, the group's activities lasted less than two years, with their disbandment announced in June 2026.
Among the members, leader Park Hyun-bin (박현빈), who previously participated in the 2023 audition program 'BOYS PLANET' under his birth name and finished in 48th place, was already known to viewers. Following the group's disbandment, his recent activities have garnered attention. Despite having stood in the spotlight as an idol, he has not stopped, instead transitioning to YouTube and taking on multiple part-time jobs to support himself.
On July 1 this year, Park Hyun-bin launched his YouTube channel 'gwangjincityboyy'. His first video featured a challenge to walk from Seoul to Jecheon, a distance of approximately 155 kilometers, which quickly gained significant attention. For him, this journey was more than just a trip; it was a way to reorganize himself and embrace a new life after his group's disbandment.
In a recent interview with Yonhap News TV, Park Hyun-bin candidly discussed his current life. He revealed that after being an idol for about 1 year and 10 months, he now supports himself through part-time work. "I currently have about four part-time jobs. I want to live diligently and steadily," he said.
The destination of his walking trip also held a special meaning. Park Hyun-bin ultimately chose to visit the filming location of the movie 'Peppermint Candy', a decision linked to a classic line from the film. He explained that he hadn't initially planned to go anywhere specific, but then suddenly began to ponder, "If I could restart everything from the beginning, would I choose to go back?" As the thought of "wanting to go back" surfaced, he immediately thought of the movie.
The journey lasted five days and six nights and was far from easy. Park Hyun-bin revealed that his backpack was so heavy it caused pain in his shoulders and lower back. "On the first and second days, I really wanted to give up," he admitted. But by the third day, he told himself, "I've come this far; how can I go back now?" He gritted his teeth and decided to complete the entire journey no matter what.
Interestingly, when he finally reached the destination, his emotions were unexpectedly calm. Park Hyun-bin said he had expected to feel intense emotions upon reaching the iron bridge, but instead felt "nothing special." He explained that the journey wasn't about completing a grand challenge, but about gradually letting go of the burdens accumulated in his heart. "As those things were continuously emptied, when I reached the destination, I felt a sense of being completely empty."
He even described the journey as a rebirth. "After emptying the things in my heart, it seems I can use the same space to fill it with new things."
This walking video unexpectedly became an opportunity for him to connect with viewers, currently boasting over 700,000 views and thousands of encouraging comments. Park Hyun-bin revealed that while many viewers commented on finding comfort in his video, he actually drew strength from their messages. "They said they were comforted by watching my video, but when I read what everyone wrote, I thought, 'Oh right, I'm someone who can do anything.'" He also thanked everyone for their warm messages, stating, "Seeing so many wonderful words, I truly feel very happy."
To support himself, Park Hyun-bin is currently working various jobs. He revealed that he has two regular part-time jobs and also takes on daily wage work, including shifts at a Coupang (쿠팡) logistics center and even construction sites. While admitting it's "really tiring," he stated that he has never felt as at ease and happy as he does now. "I never imagined that after all this time, I would one day feel such peace and happiness in my heart."
For him, the biggest change is that "the ownership of my life is finally back in my hands." Park Hyun-bin describes himself now as "the highest-flying, freest bird in the world." Even though his life is completely different from his past idol career, he feels an unprecedented sense of stability within.
However, leaving the stage does not mean he has given up on music. Park Hyun-bin confessed that even now, while moving goods at the logistics center or eating, a thought constantly recurs: "The place I should be is on stage."
He emphasized that he is unsure how long it will take, but he will definitely return to the stage. "No matter how much time it takes, I will go back. I think this can be said to be something that will definitely happen."
