Jang Young Nam
Info
🙂 Native Name: 장영남 (Jang Young Nam)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: November 25, 1973
🏠 Birth Place: South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
📏 Height: 168 cm
💍 Spouse: Lee Ho-ung (married in December 2011)
👶 Children: One son (born in 2014)
Biography
Jang Young Nam, born on November 25, 1973, in South Korea, is a versatile and acclaimed actress celebrated for her powerful and nuanced performances across television, film, and theater. Graduating from Seoul Institute of the Arts, Jang initially pursued a career in theater, where she quickly gained recognition for her emotional range and stage presence. Her early work in theater helped her build a strong foundation in acting, allowing her to transition seamlessly into film and television with a unique and dynamic skill set.
She made her on-screen debut in the early 2000s and quickly became known for her roles in supporting characters that left a lasting impact on audiences. One of her breakout roles came in the film Hello Ghost (2010), where she played a ghostly character that highlighted her ability to balance humor and depth. This performance earned her critical acclaim and led to more prominent roles in both film and television, where she continued to impress with her ability to adapt to different genres and roles, from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies.
In recent years, Jang Young Nam has gained significant attention for her performances in popular K-Dramas like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and The Crowned Clown. These roles showcased her range, portraying both compassionate and complex characters with ease. Her work in The Uncanny Counter, where she played a villain, further cemented her reputation as one of South Korea’s most reliable and versatile character actresses. Her ability to seamlessly shift between protagonist and antagonist roles has made her a favorite among fans and critics alike.
Outside of her professional life, Jang Young Nam married Lee Ho-ung, a theater director, in 2011, and they welcomed a son in 2014. She continues to balance her family life with her demanding career, showing resilience and dedication. Jang remains highly respected in the industry, not only for her talent but also for her work ethic and humility. Her contributions to South Korean entertainment make her a beloved figure, and her fans eagerly await each new role that promises to display her exceptional skills on screen.
Hobbies
- Reading Classic Literature: Jang Young Nam enjoys reading, particularly classic novels and plays, which she finds helpful in deepening her understanding of human emotions and psychology.
- Cooking for Family: She loves cooking and finds joy in preparing meals for her family. It’s her way of relaxing and showing affection to her loved ones.
- Gardening: Jang finds peace in gardening, spending her free time cultivating plants and flowers, which she says helps her disconnect from the busy industry.
- Painting: She has an artistic side and occasionally paints for leisure. Painting allows her to express her creativity outside of acting.
- Watching Theater Performances: Despite her busy schedule, she frequently watches theater performances to stay connected to her roots and learn from live acting.
Interests
- Theater and Stage Acting: As someone who started in theater, Jang remains passionate about stage performances and often speaks of returning to theater whenever possible.
- Psychology and Human Behavior: She’s fascinated by human psychology, which helps her dive into complex roles and portray a wide range of characters.
- Philosophy: Jang has an interest in philosophy and enjoys contemplating existential questions, which she feels gives her a deeper perspective on life and acting.
- Film Directing: Although she’s primarily an actress, Jang is interested in the craft of directing and sometimes considers working behind the camera in the future.
- Social Issues: She keeps herself informed about social issues and occasionally participates in awareness campaigns, believing in the positive impact of advocacy.
Facts
- Theater Background: Jang Young Nam started her career in theater and credits her early stage work for building her acting skills and emotional resilience.
- Motherhood: She balances her career with being a mother to her son, who was born in 2014, and often shares how motherhood has changed her perspective on life.
- Award-Winning Actress: Jang has won several awards for her acting, including recognition for her roles in Hello Ghost and The Crowned Clown, underscoring her impact in Korean cinema.
- Versatile Actor: Known for her versatility, she’s played a wide range of characters, from villains to heartwarming mother figures, making her a standout in the industry.
- Respected Among Peers: She is highly respected by her colleagues for her dedication and work ethic, often praised for her humility despite her success.
Secrets
- Introverted Personality: Despite her strong on-screen presence, Jang is naturally introverted and prefers quiet moments away from the spotlight to recharge.
- Stage Fright in Early Career: Early in her career, she struggled with stage fright, especially during live performances, but has since overcome it through experience.
- Wants to Direct a Film Someday: While not widely known, she has a desire to explore film directing, considering it a future career goal.
- Keeps a Personal Journal: Jang regularly journals her thoughts and experiences, which helps her process emotions and manage stress from her demanding roles.
- Shy About Public Appearances: Although she’s a public figure, she often feels shy during events and prefers to focus on her craft rather than publicity.
Funny Things
- Accidentally Serious Expressions: Jang has a habit of unintentionally looking serious, even during lighthearted moments, which her friends and co-stars find amusing.
- Loves Bad Jokes: She has a quirky sense of humor and enjoys sharing corny jokes, often making her castmates laugh with her unexpectedly goofy side.
- Clumsy in Real Life: Though composed on screen, she’s known to be a bit clumsy, often dropping things or tripping, which brings humor to her everyday life.
- Awkward Laugh: Jang has an awkward yet endearing laugh that others find charming, adding to her down-to-earth and relatable personality.
- Confuses Directions: Known to get lost easily, Jang often jokes about her poor sense of direction, relying on GPS even for familiar routes.
Fears
- Fear of Heights: Like many, Jang has a fear of heights and tries to avoid high places or scenes that require elevated settings whenever possible.
- Fear of Letting Down Fans: She deeply values her fans’ support and sometimes fears disappointing them, which drives her commitment to each performance.
- Public Speaking Anxiety: Although she is comfortable acting, she feels nervous speaking in front of large audiences, preferring scripted performances over impromptu speeches.
- Fear of Losing Privacy: As a private person, she values her family’s privacy and worries about the impact of fame on her personal life, especially concerning her son.
- Typecasting Concern: Known for her versatility, she fears being typecast into similar roles, making her careful in choosing diverse characters to portray.
News
Lead Role in “Azooma” Garners Critical Acclaim: In 2013, Jang Young Nam took on her first leading role in the crime thriller “Azooma,” portraying a mother seeking justice for her daughter’s assault. Her powerful performance earned her the Best Actress Award from the Director’s Guild at the 17th Busan International Film Festival.
Versatile Performances in Recent Dramas: In 2023, Jang showcased her range by appearing in multiple television dramas, including “Crash Course in Romance,” where she played a lawyer and dedicated mother, and “Delightfully Deceitful,” further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
Heartfelt Farewell to “Love Next Door”: In October 2024, as the tvN weekend drama “Love Next Door” concluded, Jang expressed her gratitude to the cast and crew, reflecting on the six months of filming and the strong bonds formed during production.
Upcoming Film “Four O’Clock” Set for Release: Fans can anticipate Jang’s performance in the upcoming movie “Four O’Clock,” scheduled for release on October 23, 2024. The film is expected to showcase her acting prowess in a new and compelling role.
Insightful Interview at Brussels International Film Festival: In April 2024, Jang participated in an interview at the Brussels International Film Festival, discussing her role in the South Korean thriller “4PM.” She shared insights into her character and the film’s themes, highlighting her thoughtful approach to acting.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Jang Young Nam is primarily known for her extensive acting career in South Korean theater, television, and film, rather than a music career. She gained prominence through her impressive roles across various genres, showcasing her versatility and skill as an actress. Jang began her career in theater and later moved into television and film, where she has made a significant impact, particularly in character-driven and complex roles.
While she has portrayed characters in musical or performance-centered roles on screen, these were limited to her acting performances and did not signify a transition into music as a separate career path. Jang’s focus remains on acting, and she has not pursued any professional music projects, nor has she released albums, singles, or participated in music performances outside of her scripted roles.
Fans appreciate her dedication to her craft as an actress, and any musical aspects in her career have primarily been tied to specific acting roles rather than a pursuit of music as a professional endeavor. Jang Young Nam’s talent continues to shine in her acting career, where she remains a respected and beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.
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