Baby Shark viral star Park Gun-ryung to launch K-pop career with debut single Wave

Park Goon-ryung, the former child star of the globally viral “Baby Shark” dance video, is set to make his official debut as a K-pop singer. The Pinkfong Company, the production house behind the children’s entertainment phenomenon, confirmed that Park’s debut solo single, titled “Wave,” is scheduled for release on August 20.

Park, now 17, participated in writing the lyrics for the track, which features a collaboration with Joohoney of the popular K-pop group Monsta X. The project marks a significant transition for the performer, who rose to international fame in 2016. The “Baby Shark” video has since become the most-viewed content in YouTube history, maintaining the top position for 69 consecutive months with over 17.2 billion views.

Last year, Park garnered renewed attention after appearing in short-form videos celebrating the 10th anniversary of the song, which collectively amassed approximately 22 million views. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Park expressed his gratitude to fans for remembering his childhood performance. He stated that he looks forward to sharing his own stories and voice after a decade of being known primarily as the child who danced alongside the Baby Shark characters.

A representative from The Pinkfong Company described the project as an honest effort for Park to articulate his own narrative as he matures beyond his initial role. The release also signals an attempt by the entertainment firm to bridge its background in children’s media with the competitive international K-pop industry.

However, the company clarified in an interview with The Korea Herald that this release is intended as a special, one-time project rather than a long-term debut as a traditional K-pop idol. The firm noted that any future musical endeavors for Park will be determined following the evaluation of the single’s reception.