Child star of 'Baby Shark' video to debut as K-pop singer

The child who became an internet sensation a decade ago in the "Baby Shark" video is stepping into the world of K-pop. Park Geon-roung, now 17, will debut as a singer under the artistic name Baby Shark Boy.

His first digital single, titled "WAVE," is scheduled for release on August 20, 2026. The track will feature Joohoney, a rapper and member of the popular K-pop group Monsta X.

Park first appeared in a children's video from the channel Pinkfong at the age of 7. Although he did not sing the iconic melody in the video, his expressiveness and charisma made him memorable. The "Baby Shark" video eventually surpassed "Despacito" to become the most-viewed YouTube video in 2020.

"I have always been grateful that people still remember a video I appeared in as a child," Park said in an official statement released by The Pinkfong Company. "Ten years ago, I danced with Baby Shark. Now, I want to share my own voice and a story I wrote myself." For this project, Park is credited as a co-writer of the lyrics, a departure from his childhood role.

Park's transition to K-pop is not unexpected. According to AP News, he has frequently shared his interest in the genre on social media, posting dance covers of groups like Seventeen, Exo, Stray Kids, Nct, and Riize, and participating in viral challenges. After reconnecting with audiences in 2025 for the song's tenth anniversary, Park Geon-roung is now aiming to establish his own identity beyond the famous animated shark.

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I have always been grateful that people still remember a video I appeared in as a child. Ten years ago, I danced with Baby Shark. Now, I want to share my own voice and a story I wrote myself.