Summary
Hyung Suk Park, also known as Daniel Park, serves as the main protagonist of Lookism. A seventeen to eighteen year old Korean male, he attends the Fashion Department at Jaewon High School. His physical form is unique, allowing him to switch between two distinct bodies during sleep. His original body is characterized by black hair, black eyes, and an extremely overweight, short stature measuring 150 centimeters before training and 163 centimeters after. This physique is considered unattractive by most, drawing the nickname 'Pikachu' from Logan, with only exceptions like Crystal Choi and Zoe finding him appealing. In contrast, his new body is 177.8 centimeters tall, featuring a healthy, athletic build and exceptional handsomeness that leaves women infatuated and men intimidated. No one is stated to surpass his good looks, making him the most popular student at J High and often mistaken for a famous model or idol. Before enrolling at Jaewon High, Daniel endured bullying due to his appearance and poverty. He attempted to discreetly ask his mother, Seonhui Park, for permission to transfer schools, but the plan was abandoned due to rising expenses. The situation escalated when his mother witnessed him being bullied and heard him ridicule her, claiming his bullies were just playing a game. Shaken by this display, she decided to move him to a new school, prompting Daniel to resolve to become a better person and stop burdening her. To support the living expenses for both bodies, he worked part-time at a convenience store using his original body at night. Upon moving, his dreams of a fresh start were shattered by a humiliating defeat at the hands of Zack Lee/Jin Sung Lee, which was recorded and went viral. Crying himself to sleep, he awoke the next morning in his new body, capable of switching between the two forms. Daniel’s personality is fundamentally kind, though he initially avoids conflict at all costs. His past trauma led him to lash out at his mother, blaming her for his lack of money, only to immediately regret his harsh words and feel deep guilt for berating her while she tried to help him. He possesses a strong sympathy for those mistreated due to weakness or unattractiveness, often standing up for them based on his own experiences. While the Runaway fam arc suggests he respects boundaries enough not to interfere without permission, his lack of self-confidence frequently hinders his progress, causing him to be perceived as a pushover or coward. He is easily inspired by diligent individuals like Euntae and Duke, which motivates him to overcome his struggles. Due to limited social interaction prior to acquiring his second body, Daniel can be naive and uncertain under peer pressure. He is susceptible to deception, having once accidentally agreed to become a club host and escaped while drunk, and was shocked when Yui treated him cruelly in his original body despite appearing to genuinely like him in his new one. He has a history of working various jobs, including as a former streamer, clothing model, idol trainee, and escort, alongside his cousin David, Dylan, and Sarah.
