“Being a genius is a bit of an exaggeration, and I didn’t have a perfect GPA. I was drawn to law because it has so many different aspects, and because I could help people.”
At an age when his peers are considering college applications and majors, Peter Park, 18, began his role as the Tulare County prosecutor in Central California.
A graduate of Oxford Academy in Cypress, Orange County, he balanced high school and law school, becoming the youngest person to pass the bar exam at 17. He completed his middle and high school program in four years, two years less than typical. Additionally, he earned his bachelor’s degree through 30 days of College Level Proficiency Exams (CLEPs) at an online university. He completed high school, college, and law school in four years and passed the bar exam immediately afterward.
Discussing Peter Park’s siblings, their achievements are equally impressive.
“My 16-year-old sister is currently in her fourth year of law school and will take the bar exam next year. My 13-year-old sister also started law school this year.”
Six years ago, his father, ByungJoo Park, inspired his eldest son to pursue such an education.
Peter Park reflected on the decisions he made.
“It was a decision I made after serious consideration of how to deal with admissions and a competitive society. I realized that the Ivy League was overhyped in many ways and that it was not worth the time, money, and effort. I took advantage of the fact that I could complete all my coursework and studies online and in a short amount of time.”
ByungJoo Park, who holds a Ph.D. in physical science from Yonsei University, was born in South Korea. He moved to Japan when Peter was two years old, and two years later, they moved to Los Angeles. Peter speaks both Korean and English fluently.
“It’s impossible to become a doctor or any other professional at a young age, but I thought it would take less time to learn the legal profession if I started early,” Park said, expressing his preference to work for a prosecutor’s office or court rather than a law firm.
He didn’t engage in online games or sports during his four years of middle school and high school, although he played basketball and taekwondo in elementary school.
When asked about challenges faced, he said, “I was so busy studying that I didn’t think of the word ‘giving up,'” and added, “It was possible because I had a clear goal and focused my time and effort.”
Park’s parents and three younger siblings have all relocated to Tulare County.
Park’s story has become a global phenomenon, covered by major domestic and international media outlets including The Washington Post, USA Today, The New York Times, and The Guardian. While the media applauds Park’s efforts, they also explore how an Asian family, typically favoring the Ivy League, has supported his unique path to success.
BY BRIAN CHOI, JUNHAN PARK [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
