She may be hilarious on-screen, but did you know that the actress who plays Kim Soo Hyun's sister in Queen of Tears is actually a real-life model? And not just any model, mind you—Jang Yoon Ju is in fact a top model in South Korea!
Did You Know? "Queen of Tears" Actress Jang Yoon Ju Is a South Korean Top Model
If you're an avid K-drama fan and you thought Jang Yoon Ju looked familiar, it's probably because she also played a key role in another successful Netflix series, Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area, where she portrayed the character of Nairobi. In Queen of Tears, the 43-year-old monolid beauty breathes life into Baek Mi-seon, a hairdresser and the older sister of Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo Hyun). And while her antics usually border on the comical side, in real life, she's actually a well-respected veteran model.
Jang Yoon Ju, born November 7, 1980, has been a force in South Korea's modeling scene for nearly three decades now. She debuted in 1997, strutting down the runway for designer Jin Tae Ok. Since then, she's made a name for herself as one of the country's top models, even posing with the likes of Kate Moss and Carla Bruni.
Who Is Jang Yoon Ju? 5 Things About the South Korean Top Model
1. Jang Yoon Ju was a host and judge in "Korea's Next Top Model."
As one of the most prominent models in South Korea, it was a no-brainer to have Jang Yoon Ju as the show's resident host and judge. The show lasted for five cycles, from 2010 to 2014.
2. Jang Yoon Ju has great style.
Being in the fashion industry for nearly three decades, it's only natural for Jang Yoon Ju to have sartorial savvy. She shows off her ultra-chic OOTDs on Instagram, often swathed in designer threads from luxury fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, and Miu Miu.
3. Jang Yoon Ju is a regular at Fashion Weeks.
When she's not walking on the runways, she's attending the shows. One of her most recent outings was Paris Fashion Week with Issey Miyake, where she even rocked bleached brows.
4. Jang Yoon Ju has co-authored a book titled "Top Model."
In May 2011, Jang Yoon Ju collaborated with fellow models Kim Jae Wook, Ji Hyun Jung, Han Hye Jin, and Song Kyung Ah to co-write a book titled Top Model. Drawing from their collective industry experiences, the book offers insights into modeling, as well as beauty, makeup, and styling tips.
5. Jang Yoon Ju is "most comfortable" when she's modeling.
While she did major in cinema when she was a university student, Jang Yoon Ju admits she has more to learn as an actress. "Both jobs require intuition and technique. As an actress, I need more technical experience. However, when it comes to modeling, I believe I have enough technique and intuition to change the game," she once said in an interview for a fashion magazine.
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