A CHAT WITH YOUNG PARK: CREATOR OF PARK STAR MEDIA

Meet Young Park, a distinguished Korean-American storyteller and the visionary founder of Park Star Media, a multi-faceted production company with dual bases in Los Angeles and Seoul!
Young and his team prioritize authenticity in representation with unique stories often about underdogs confronting insurmountable odds. Drawing inspiration from his favorite cartoons and animated series, Young is now producing two exciting projects featuring comical, noteworthy characters, ANCHO V and UNCLE MERMAID, so be sure to check those out!

Big thanks to Young for sharing his inspiring journey with us! 🎉
​
Young Park is the creator of Park Star Media, a creative production company based in Los Angeles and Seoul. The company has several divisions that produces animation, toys, comics, digital stickers, licensing, and loveable kids’ content for multiple platforms. 

---

Super Binks
Super Binks is an action packed, fun-filled kid’s show streamed on Youtube with over 300,000 combined views. It is also available on Apple TV and certain locations on Amazon. Around 10 to 20 minutes per episode, the show details the adventures of seven baby heroes who use their mystical pacifiers (binkies) to travel far and wide to keep their world safe. Each episode features inclusivity and a range of diversity and fun.

Ancho V

Gusscott is helping develop Ancho-V into a 26 x 22-minute action-comedy about a trio of cybernetic fish kids who use their emotions to transform into kaiju (Japanese for giant monsters) and mecha (large armored robots in anime) hybrids. The show’s main message is that it’s okay if you can’t always control everything, including your feelings.

Hey Yenny Yan: In Development

Based on Park’s childhood in LA’s Koreatown where his mother ran a clothing shop, the show is set in the fictional Gem Plaza, a melting pot of small businesses run by first- and second-generation immigrants from all over the world.

The Creation of Park Star Media

Growing up, the absence of Asian-American characters in popular kids' cartoons made it challenging for me to connect with them. I made it my goal to create a show that reflects the unique experiences of Koreans and Korean-Americans. 

I embarked on this journey with no prior experience or connections in the animation industry. Originally, my academic background was in political science from UCLA, with a plan to pursue law. However, my passion was always for storytelling, so I left everything behind and relocated to Korea for a year to work at a colleague’s animation studio and learn everything about IP development and production. Like any endeavor in life, success lies in persistent self-belief and daily commitment to your goals. 

Influences and Inspiration 

Like many Asian immigrants, my parents have been a significant source of inspiration in my work. They endured strenuous circumstances and worked tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. Witnessing their commitment instilled a sense of determination in me and equipped me with the resilience to overcome any hurdles I faced. 

This ethos is reflected in my work, where most of my IPs feature an underdog confronting insurmountable odds. One such project, currently in development, is the Hey Yenny Yan series. Drawing inspiration from my own upbringing in LA's Koreatown, where my mother managed a clothing store, the show is situated in the fictional Gem Plaza. This multicultural setting houses a variety of small businesses run by first- and second-generation immigrants from diverse backgrounds worldwide. Although these characters may not always attain their desires, they experience extraordinary outcomes by trusting their instincts. 

Additionally, as a child of the 90s, I was an ardent fan of both cartoons and anime, particularly the Powerpuff Girls on Cartoon Network. The charm of these adorable yet formidable superheroes resonated with me deeply, and some of my favorite characters from my own shows always showcase unexpected heroism. 

My work, especially evident in the action-packed and enjoyable children's show, Super Binks, is a testament to this reflection.The series, which has garnered over 300,000 views on YouTube and is accessible on platforms such as Apple TV and select Amazon locations, encapsulates the spirit of heroism. Each episode, running for 10 to 20 minutes, details the adventures of seven baby heroes who use their mystical pacifiers (binkies) to travel far and wide to keep their world safe. Notably, every episode of Super Binks embraces inclusivity, diversity, and joy, offering young audiences a rich and entertaining experience.

Authenticity

We maintain authenticity in representation by promoting an open exchange of ideas and experiences within the team. We also converse with friends, families, and colleagues to identify universally relatable core concepts. It's an exciting challenge to explore the various ways our unique backgrounds and narratives interconnect, and how to  integrate these values into every new IP development.

As a personal example, fatherhood has opened a whole new source of inspiration and values for me to explore. As a father to two little girls, I’m drawn towards preschool content that conveys strong morals and values that showcases characters to which my own children can relate.


Pathway to Success

Having the best idea for a show or IP is never a guarantee to success. It's the creative team backing it that truly matters. A cohesive team that fosters creativity and respect for each other's unique creative journeys is crucial. Collaboration is key in this industry; a successful IP cannot be launched single-handedly.

Park Star Media Watchlist

AIA has compiled some Park Star Media projects to look out for! 

Ancho V
​
Gusscott is helping develop Ancho-V into a 26 x 22-minute action-comedy about a trio of cybernetic fish kids who use their emotions to transform into kaiju (Japanese for giant monsters) and mecha (large armored robots in anime) hybrids. The show’s main message is that it’s okay if you can’t always control everything, including your feelings.

Uncle Mermaid

​Uncle Mermaid, available on Webtoons and Tapas, delves into the humorous tale of a middle-aged merman grappling with a mid-life crisis. He moves from the underwater city to the human city, where he faces even more comical struggles as a foreign ‘under-the-sea’ immigrant.  In addition to Uncle Mermaid's exclusive line of stickers, accessible on the LineStore, the series is also gearing up for the release of its forthcoming music. Also, keep a watchful eye for updates on their upcoming Handsome Mermaid website!

​​Writers: Jordan (@deadswampsofsadness) | Point Person: Gaby, AIA Team