Jung So-min
A versatile South Korean actress who brings a captivating emotional transparency to roles ranging from quirky rom-coms to epic fantasy sagas.
Born 1989 (age 37)·South Korean actress·Birthday: March 16·Millennials
Biography
Jung So-min, born Kim Yoon-ji, entered the acting world with a quiet determination, landing her first supporting role in 2010. Her career trajectory shifted dramatically that same year when she was cast as the lead in the adaptation of the manga 'Playful Kiss,' a role that required her to balance broad comedy with genuine heart. She spent subsequent years honing her craft in various genres, but it was the 2017 drama 'Because This Is My First Life' that marked a turning point. Her portrayal of a pragmatic writer in a contract marriage resonated deeply, showcasing her ability to convey complex interiority. This led to her casting in the ambitious fantasy series 'Alchemy of Souls,' where she mastered dual roles—a fierce assassin and a gentle blind woman—proving her formidable range and cementing her status as a leading lady capable of anchoring major productions.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jung was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jung Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jung's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
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
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Gained widespread recognition for her first leading role in the 2010 romantic comedy series 'Playful Kiss.'
- Delivered a critically praised performance in the hit 2017 drama 'Because This Is My First Life.'
- Starred in the dual lead roles of Nak-su and Mu-deok in the popular fantasy series 'Alchemy of Souls' (2022).
- Headlined the successful romantic comedy film 'Love Reset' in 2023.
Did You Know?
She studied Film and Theater at the Korea National University of Arts.
She is a trained pianist.
Her professional name, Jung So-min, was chosen because it sounded gentle and easy to remember.
“I want to be an actress who can express a wide range of emotions with sincerity.”
