Before Park Sung-hoon became Sunghoon of ENHYPEN, he was an elite figure skater. From age nine, he spent nearly every day at ice rinks across South Korea, training for hours under strict coaches, perfecting jumps and spins, competing in national and international competitions. Figure skating was not a hobby—it was his entire life. By 2018, at just 15 years old, Sunghoon had won the silver medal at the Asian Open Trophy Figure Skating Competition, one of the most prestigious junior events in Asia. He had accumulated multiple national medals and was widely recognized as one of South Korea's most promising young skaters.1

But figure skating is brutal. The physical toll—constant injuries, muscle pain, relentless pressure to maintain weight and form—was immense. The mental toll was perhaps even worse. Sunghoon has spoken about the loneliness of the sport, the pressure to be perfect, and the constant fear of failure. In a Weverse Magazine interview, he reflected: "I was always alone on the ice. Even when I did well, it felt empty. I started to wonder if this was what I really wanted." By 2018, despite his success, Sunghoon was beginning to question whether he could continue.2

Then, in 2018, Big Hit Entertainment held auditions. Sunghoon, who had grown up watching K-pop and secretly dreaming of performing on stage, decided to audition. He passed. The company saw his potential—his visuals, his discipline, his stage presence developed through years of competitive performance. Sunghoon faced an impossible choice: continue the figure skating career he had dedicated a decade to, or abandon it entirely to chase a completely different dream. In 2018, at age 16, Sunghoon chose to retire from figure skating. He became a Big Hit trainee, starting from zero in a completely new field.1

Transitioning from figure skating to K-pop training was harder than Sunghoon had imagined. He had rhythm and body control from skating, but K-pop choreography was fundamentally different—sharper, faster, more grounded. Figure skating emphasized grace and fluidity; K-pop demanded power and precision. Sunghoon had to retrain his body, unlearn certain habits, and build new muscle memory. He trained for approximately two years before I-LAND, pushing himself to close the gap between himself and trainees who had been preparing for much longer.3

When I-LAND began on June 26, 2020, Sunghoon was placed directly into I-LAND (not Ground), a recognition of his potential. But being in I-LAND didn't mean he was safe. Throughout the show, Sunghoon struggled with self-doubt. He was praised for his visuals and stage presence but criticized for being stiff or lacking the natural fluidity of other dancers. During the "Flicker" performance, Heeseung selected him for the team, and Sunghoon performed in the maroon suit ensemble alongside Jake, Jungwon, and K. It was a strong performance, but Sunghoon felt he could have done better.4

What kept Sunghoon going was his relentless discipline—the same discipline that had carried him through ten years of figure skating. He practiced late into the night, reviewed footage of his performances obsessively, and asked for constant feedback. Other trainees noticed his quiet determination. Jay later said, "Sunghoon never complained. He just worked." On September 18, 2020, Sunghoon placed sixth in the I-LAND finale with 1,088,413 votes, securing his debut. The boy who had left the ice behind had found a new stage.5

When ENHYPEN debuted on November 30, 2020, Sunghoon was immediately recognized as the group's visual. His sharp features, piercing gaze, and elegant proportions fit the Korean beauty standard perfectly. Fashion magazines took notice. Within months of debut, Sunghoon was appearing in editorials for Elle Korea, GQ Korea, and Harper's Bazaar, praised for his ability to embody both classic elegance and modern edge. But Sunghoon didn't want to be seen as just a pretty face. He wanted to prove he could perform, sing, and contribute meaningfully to the group.6

Gradually, Sunghoon's performances began to evolve. His figure skating background, which had initially seemed like a hindrance, became an asset. The body control, the ability to perform under pressure, the sharpness of his movements—these qualities, refined through years on the ice, translated into a distinctive stage presence. In tracks like "Drunk-Dazed," "Tamed-Dashed," and "Bite Me," Sunghoon's dancing was powerful and precise, his facial expressions intense and controlled. Choreographers and performance directors began highlighting him in key moments, recognizing his growth.7

Vocally, Sunghoon's deep, smooth tone added depth to ENHYPEN's harmonies. He often delivered emotionally charged lines with a restrained intensity that resonated with listeners. In songs like "Polaroid Love," "Shout Out," and "Moonstruck," his voice carried a sincerity that made fans feel seen. Sunghoon also began contributing to songwriting, receiving credits on multiple B-sides. His lyrics often reflected themes of perseverance, self-doubt, and growth—clearly drawn from his own journey from figure skating to K-pop.8

In 2023, Sunghoon was named a global ambassador for Prada, joining an elite roster of celebrities representing the Italian luxury house. The partnership was a perfect match. Prada's aesthetic—minimalist, sophisticated, timeless—mirrored Sunghoon's personal style. He attended Prada runway shows in Milan, sitting front row alongside global fashion icons. Creative directors praised his "natural elegance" and "ability to wear the clothes without being overwhelmed by them."9

Sunghoon's Prada campaigns showcased his versatility—classic tailored suits, avant-garde streetwear, minimalist knitwear. He appeared in Vogue Italia, GQ Global, and Elle International, cementing his status as a fashion influencer. His airport fashion became a trend among fans, with his Prada bags, coats, and sneakers selling out within hours of being spotted. Yet Sunghoon remained grounded. "Fashion is just another form of expression," he said in a W Korea interview. "I'm still learning, just like with singing and dancing."10

Sunghoon is not the loudest member of ENHYPEN. He doesn't dominate conversations or seek constant attention. He observes, listens, and acts with intention. Members describe him as "reliable," "thoughtful," and "someone who cares deeply but shows it quietly." In group dynamics, Sunghoon is the one who notices when someone is struggling and checks in privately. He's the one who remembers small details about others and acts on them without fanfare.

Jake once said, "Sunghoon doesn't say 'I love you' often, but you feel it in the way he takes care of you." Sunoo described him as "the member I can always rely on, even when I don't ask." This quiet strength—forged through ten years of solitary training on the ice, through the loneliness of competitive sports, through the discipline required to completely reinvent himself—is Sunghoon's defining trait. He doesn't need to be the center of attention. He just needs to do his part, and do it well.11

From the ice rinks of South Korea to the stages of K-pop, from competitive figure skating to global fashion ambassador, Sunghoon's journey has been one of transformation and perseverance. He gave up a decade-long career to chase a new dream. He trained relentlessly to overcome his weaknesses. He evolved from being seen as just a visual to becoming a respected performer, vocalist, and artist. And through it all, he remained himself—quiet, disciplined, and deeply committed. The Ice Prince melted, and what emerged was someone far more interesting: Park Sung-hoon, exactly as he is.