To say that Kim Yoo Jung grew up in front of the camera is an understatement. Having started in the industry as a four-year-old commercial model, who eventually went on to star in hit K-dramas like Love in the Moonlight and Backstreet Rookie, it'd be more accurate to say that she was born onto our screens.
Soon on Netflix, she'll be leaning into her teenybopper sensibilities as she portrays the titular role in coming-of-age movie 20th Century Girl. Set to embody a wide-eyed high-schooler who falls in love for the first time, Yoo Jung only continues to cement her place as one of the most promising Hallyu stars of her generation. Get to know her better by scrolling through the facts listed below:
10 Fast Facts About Kim Yoo Jung
1. Kim Yoo Jung is a Virgo.
Yoo Jung was born on September 22, 1999 in Seoul, South Korea.
2. Kim Yoo Jung started out as an in-demand child actress.
At the dawn of the 21st century, a four-year-old Yoo Jung booked her first gig as a model for a confectionary brand. Soon, the little girl found herself as one of the most in-demand child actresses in Korea, portraying the younger versions of leading ladies such as Yoon Eun Hye and Han Hyo Joo.
3. Kim Yoo Jung is handled by Awesome ENT.
Awesome ENT is a powerhouse talent agency in the world of Hallyu. Aside from Yoo Jung, they also manage big names like Park Seo Joon, Lee Hyun Woo, Han Ji Hye, and more.
4. Kim Yoo Jung is called the "sageuk fairy."
Across Yoo Jung's two decade-long filmography, one genre she's been cast in a lot of are sageuks, or historical dramas. From playing Shin Chae-kyeong in Princess Hours, to being Hong Cheon-gi in Lovers of the Red Sky, the Gen Z star's specialty proves to be bringing the past to the present. With the amount of hanbok-clad characters she's embodied, audiences have dubbed her as the "sageuk fairy."
5. Kim Yoo Jung did her own stunts on Backstreet Rookie.
Proving her versatility as an actress, Yoo Jung put on the shoes of resident tough girl Saet-byul in 2020 drama Backstreet Rookie. The rom-com revolved around Saet-byul applying for a job at a convenience store owned by Choi Dae-hyun (Ji Chang Wook), a handsome young fella whom she's had a crush on since her high school days.
The feel-good show depicts some intense fight scenes involving Saet-byul, and sources say that no stunt double had to come in for these face-offs. It was reported that Yoo Jung took up lessons in order to learn how to throw her own punches. What a badass!
6. Kim Yoo Jung is a multi-awarded actress.
You don't stay in this industry for practically your whole life if you're not a cut above the rest. Yoo Jung is the perfect example of this, and she has the trophies to back her up.
She was handed her first SBS Drama Award at only nine years old for her role in Iljimae. This was followed by more Best Actress accolades at ceremonies of the MBC Drama Awards, Asia Artist Awards, and the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, the latter of which was for her part in Love in the Moonlight.
7. Kim Yoo Jung is an endorsement queen.
What brand wouldn't want this sweet face to front their campaigns? Yoo Jung has repped several labels throughout her career, ranging from Domino's Pizza and Nintendo 3DS, to Laneige and FILA.
8. Kim Yoo Jung is a talented painter.
Much like her character Hong Cheon-gi in 2021 segeuk Lovers of the Red Sky, Yoo Jung has a knack for painting and drawing. While she was primarily attracted to the project because of director Jang Tae Yoo's expertise in the historical genre, she also admitted that her character also being a skilled artist was a big factor in accepting the lead role.
9. Kim Yoo Jung is a philanthropist.
Lending her luster to those who need it, Yoo Jung has long been immersed in humanitarian causes. Back in 2018, the actress took part in the viral ice bucket challenge, but instead of just dumping cold water on herself, she donated two million won to the ALS Association, and 100,000 won for the construction of a hospital specifically for ALS patients.
10. You can follow Kim Yoo Jung on Instagram.
Yoo Jung's Instagram handle is a reminder you ought to hear every day: @you_r_love. Make sure to follow the Korean star for updates on her next projects, plus some cute OOTD snaps.
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