If you’ve spent any time in the ENHYPEN fandom, you know the "Ice Prince" title isn't just some marketing gimmick. It’s literal. Most idols spend their pre-debut years grinding in dance studios, but Park Sunghoon spent a decade of his life waking up at dawn to hit the ice. Honestly, it's one of those things that feels like a movie script. Then came the moment every ENGENE was waiting for: Park Sunghoon ENHYPEN figure skating EN O'CLOCK episode 20.
Seeing him back on the ice wasn't just a nostalgia trip. It was a full-circle moment that bridged his two lives.
The "Ice Prince" Returns: Breaking Down EN O'CLOCK Episode 20
Let’s be real, variety shows usually involve idols trying things they’re bad at because it's funny. We love a good "clumsy idol" trope. But Episode 20 of EN O'CLOCK flipped the script. Instead of the usual chaos, we got a masterclass. Sunghoon didn't just skate; he reminded everyone why he was a national-level athlete before Big Hit (now HYBE) scouted him.
The episode is basically "Sunghoon’s Skate School." He takes the other six members to a rink, and the dynamic shift is instant. Usually, Heeseung or Jungwon lead the pack, but on the ice? Sunghoon is the undisputed boss.
He didn't just show off, though he definitely did a few spins that made the members' jaws drop. He actually tried to teach them. Watching Ni-ki—who is a literal dance prodigy—struggle with basic balance on blades was a humbling reminder of how hard figure skating actually is. Sunghoon's patience was kind of sweet, actually. He was helping Jay and Jake find their footing while the editors had a field day with the "Slippery Boys" captions.
Why This Particular Episode Went Viral
It wasn't just the fact that he could skate. It was the way he skated.
There’s a specific clip from this episode where Sunghoon does a brief solo performance. He’s wearing a simple athletic outfit, no flashy competition sequins, yet the grace is undeniable. It racked up millions of views on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) almost immediately. Why? Because it proved the "Ice Prince" nickname was earned through 10 years of sweat, not just a pretty face.
A Career Carved in Ice: Sunghoon's Competitive History
To understand why the EN O'CLOCK appearance mattered so much, you have to look at what he walked away from. Sunghoon wasn't just a hobbyist. He was a legit contender for the South Korean national team.
- Started Skating: Age 9 (after originally playing ice hockey).
- Retirement: Early 2020, right before joining I-LAND.
- Major Accolades:
- 2015 Asian Figure Skating Trophy (Novice Gold).
- 2015 Lombardia Trophy (Novice Gold).
- Two-time Junior Silver Medalist at the Asian Figure Skating Trophy (2016, 2017).
He was a triple jump specialist. In interviews with Weverse Magazine, he’s mentioned that he used to train for hours every single day, often juggling skating sessions with his trainee hours at Big Hit. Imagine doing a 6:00 AM session at the rink, going to school, and then dancing until midnight. That’s the level of discipline we’re talking about.
How Figure Skating Changed His Dance Style
People often argue about who the "best" dancer in ENHYPEN is. Usually, it's a toss-up between Ni-ki and Heeseung. But Sunghoon brings something neither of them has: skater’s lines.
If you watch him in the "Given-Taken" or "Fever" choreographies, his posture is noticeably different. He has this incredible core strength and "flow" that comes from years of maintaining balance on a 4mm blade. His movements are lyrical. While Jay is all about power and sharp angles, Sunghoon moves like he's still gliding.
In EN O'CLOCK, you can see him translate these skills. He understands weight distribution in a way that’s almost scientific. When he’s teaching the members, he talks about the "edge" and "center of gravity"—terms he clearly carries into his dance practice.
The Emotional Weight of the Rink
There’s a bit of a misconception that Sunghoon hated skating or was forced into it. He’s clarified this. While he did have "slump" periods (he even mentioned a "crisis" during his appearance on the SBS show Crayons in My Mind as a kid), he loved the sport.
Retiring wasn't easy. He retired in February 2020, just months before I-LAND started. When he stepped onto the ice for EN O'CLOCK, it was the first time many fans saw him back in his original element since his debut. You could see the sheer joy on his face. He looked "at home."
What Most People Get Wrong About Sunghoon’s Skating
A common myth is that Sunghoon quit skating because he wasn't good enough for the Olympics. That's just factually wrong.
He was consistently ranked in the top 10 in South Korea—a country with incredibly high standards for figure skating (thanks, Yuna Kim). He was a member of the national team at the junior level. He didn't quit because he failed; he quit because he found a new dream.
He's often said that seeing BTS perform live changed everything for him. He wanted to feel that same energy of a cheering crowd, but in a stadium rather than a quiet rink.
Actionable Insights for ENGENEs and New Fans
If you're just getting into ENHYPEN and want to see the full "Ice Prince" evolution, here’s how to navigate the content:
- Watch EN O'CLOCK Episode 20 first. It’s the definitive "modern" look at his skills and his chemistry with the members in an ice setting.
- Look up his 2020 South Korean Figure Skating Championships footage. This was his last major competition. It’s bittersweet to watch knowing he was about to trade the skates for a microphone.
- Check out his "Ice Prince" solo at the 2020 MAMA Awards. This was his debut year, and he performed a brief intro on skates. It’s legendary for a reason.
- Pay attention to his feet in dance practices. Once you see how a figure skater moves, you’ll never unsee it in his choreography. His "clean" footwork is a direct result of those years on the ice.
Park Sunghoon isn't just an idol who used to skate. He's an athlete who brought the discipline of a grueling sport into the world of K-pop. Episode 20 of EN O'CLOCK wasn't just a variety segment—it was a tribute to the ten years that made him who he is today.