The victory marked a triumphant return to the top of the podium for Korea which had endured a three-Olympics gold medal drought.
Park’s path to gold was marked by dramatic turns. He ousted world No. 1 Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi of Tunisia in the semifinals to set up a clash with Gashim Magomedov of Azerbaijan.
The final was abruptly ended when Magomedov withdrew due to an injury, leaving Park to claim the top prize.
Park expressed disbelief at his achievement. “This feels like a dream,” Park said, clutching the gold medal.
His victory also marked the first time a South Korean man has won Olympic taekwondo gold since 2008. With three more South Korean taekwondo athletes set to compete in Paris, the nation hopes to add to its medal tally.