Meet Penshoppe’s Newest Urban Rebel: Sandara Park

Known for its fresh take on casual wear, Penshoppe sizzles this season as they reveal their newest face: Sandara Park.

Starting out as a local favorite, the former teen star set the roof on fire as she returned to South Korea and debuted as one of the members of K-Pop group 2NE1 in 2009. But her music career wasn’t the only thing that rocketed. As the group takes a break to concentrate on their solo careers, Sandara has been seen starring on web dramas and modeling for editorials. Recently posing for publications like, DAZED Korea, W Korea, ELLE Korea, and Vogue Girl Korea, she also proves her great interest in fashion industry.

Recently spotted at the 2015 Fall/Winter Seoul Fashion Week with her brother Park Sang Hyun, Sandara stood out as she switched from casual to hip-hop ensembles in between the Munsoo Kwon and Beyond Closet shows, showing off her savvy fashion sense. Now, Sandara flashes her fresh and quirky style in her first Penshoppe campaign.

Catering to anyone, Urban Rebels consists of utilitarian and Japanese street art-inspired tees, pullovers, joggers, biker jeans, and neoprene skirts and pants. There couldn’t be anyone more fitting to embody their latest collection than the Asian Superstar herself.

As Sandara takes a quick break from her shoot for the campaign, we sat down with Penshoppe’s newest ambassador to have a quick chat:

With your music career with 2NE1 on hold, what have you been focusing on lately?

This year, I’ve been acting for a web drama. I’ve recently ventured into being an actress.

You’ve just landed a leading role for the Korean version of Begin Again. How have you been preparing for this? Do you feel any pressure about it?

Yeah, of course there’s pressure, but it’s the good kind of pressure that gets me excited. Actually, it’s not really a Korean version of Begin Again. The story revolves around music, but we have our own rendition of it. It’s different.

Going into fashion, your Instagram feed shows that you’ve been gracing the pages of fashion magazines, and just recently, Vogue Girl Korea. How do you feel about modeling for the editorials?

I love it ‘cause I didn’t really do that much shoots before, so I kinda got hungry for photo shoots. For Vogue Girl, we shot it in Hawaii and I enjoyed it so much. It showed a different side of Sandara Park. ‘Cause before I used to always have that hip-hop vibe, and for that editorial, I kinda went a bit dainty, just like a princess.

Is there anyone you look up to in the fashion industry?

Actually, it changes I can’t pick one. I just Google and see anyone who’s cool.

How would you describe your personal style?

Probably unique. I love something cute and unique that doesn’t follow any trend.

Who or what influences your personal style?

Before, it was my stylist. He’s really weird and unique in a good way, so he influenced me a lot.

Was it more on hip-hop or street wear?

Yes, it’s street wear. It’s like he found a new Sandara Park, and I was really happy and excited about it. The way I dress right now is all influenced by him.

What’s your go-to outfit? Like on your day-off wear?

I usually wear something casual like jeans, T-shirts, and sometimes a cap or a beanie.

So how do you feel about being the newest face of Penshoppe?

I’m so happy about it ‘cause I’ve always liked Penshoppe ever since I was in high school. I’ve always dreamt of seeing myself on a billboard in EDSA, so I was super excited.

What makes it a perfect fit for your lifestyle and personality?

It really fits my personality ‘cause they have different styles. It’s like everything I like is there.

Amidst your grueling schedule, do you still get time to relax?

Yeah, of course! When I’m in Korea and don’t have work, I’m always at home relaxing with my pets.

What do you do during your down time? So when you’re home, what do you get to do?

I usually watch Koreanovela.

Even the ones you’re in?

Yeah! Of course I watch myself. I’m actually waiting for my next drama.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Before I used to dream about my future. I’ll be like this and that after 5 years, but now, I don’t know anymore. I’m just really excited about the future.

How do you want the world to know you as?

As Sandara Park, I want people to remember me as krung-krung. It has so many good meanings like crazy and weird but cute and unique, so I really love the word krung-krung. It’s my nickname in the Philippines. They call me the “Pambansang Krung-Krung ng Pilipinas,” and I like it when people call me that.

What are you looking forward to most in the next couple of months?

I’m gonna concentrate on my movie, it’s my first movie in Korea. I don’t know what the title is yet, they’re still thinking about it, but I’m gonna start shooting soon. So I’m excited yet nervous at the same time.

Is there still a side of Dara that the world has yet to have seen?

Maybe the Bitchy Dara. I wanna show that side of myself on a drama or movie.

Credits: StatusMag Online