PI parameters of the control system in VSC-HVDC will have a great impact on its operating performance, so it is necessary to select the appropriate control parameters to meet the demand of a variety of operating conditions. Direct current control widely used by VSC-HVDC is adopted. A parameter tuning method combining of modulus optimum and symmetrical optimum is proposed. The inner loop is tuned according to modulus optimum with a fast response and simplicity, making the control unit have a fast current response and robustness. The outer loop is tuned according to symmetrical optimum which can ensure the maximum phase margin, achieving better stability and disturbance rejection. Finally, mathematical models based on PSCAD/EMTDC are built. Simulation results show that the PI controller can quickly track changes of the reference value, demonstrating the correctness and effectiveness of the method.