Jung Chae-yeon
A performer who gracefully pivoted from K-pop idol to a sought-after actress, captivating audiences with her expressive and nuanced screen presence.
Born 1997 (age 29)·South Korean actress and singer·Birthday: December 1·Generation Z
Biography
Jung Chae-yeon's path to stardom began under the bright lights of competition, finishing seventh on the high-stakes survival show 'Produce 101' in 2016. This earned her a spot in the project supergroup I.O.I, a launching pad for many careers. She then returned to her home group, DIA, navigating the intense world of K-pop. But Chae-yeon harbored another passion: acting. She began with supporting roles, slowly building her credibility away from the idol label. Her turning point came with the historical drama 'The King's Affection,' where her portrayal of a noblewoman caught in a web of secrets showcased a remarkable depth. This led to leading roles in series like 'The Golden Spoon,' proving her ability to anchor a narrative. Chae-yeon has meticulously crafted a dual-track career, evolving from a cheerful idol into a serious actress recognized for her emotional range and dedication to her craft.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Jung was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jung Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Jung's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished in 7th place on Mnet's survival program 'Produce 101', leading to her debut in the project group I.O.I.
- Played the lead role of Shin Seo-woo in the popular Netflix series 'My First First Love'.
- Gained significant acclaim for her supporting role as No Ha-kyung in the hit historical drama 'The King's Affection'.
Did You Know?
She is known for her background in traditional Korean dance, which she studied before becoming a trainee.
Her nickname is 'Dancing Queen' within the K-pop community for her sharp and graceful dance skills.
She made her acting debut in a web drama titled 'To. Jenny' in 2018.
“I want to show a different side of myself with every new character I play.”
