Jun Ji Hyun
Info
🙂 Native Name: 전지현 (Jun Ji Hyun)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: October 30, 1981
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
📏 Height: 173 cm (5’8″)
💍 Spouse: Choi Joon Hyuk (married on April 13, 2012)
👶 Children: Two sons (born February 10, 2016, and January 26, 2018)
Biography
Jun Ji Hyun, born on October 30, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea, is an acclaimed actress celebrated for her memorable roles in Korean cinema and television. She initially entered the entertainment industry as a model, gaining popularity due to her striking beauty and charismatic presence. Her modeling career quickly opened doors to acting, leading her to take on her first significant film role in White Valentine (1999). However, it was her performance in the romantic comedy My Sassy Girl (2001) that catapulted her to stardom, making her a household name in South Korea and across Asia.
Following the massive success of My Sassy Girl, Jun Ji Hyun became one of the most sought-after actresses in Korean cinema. Her role in Windstruck (2004) further solidified her status as a leading actress known for her charm and wit. As her career progressed, she sought out diverse roles, including her first Hollywood appearance in Blood: The Last Vampire (2009). Though her Hollywood debut did not receive widespread acclaim, it showcased her willingness to explore new opportunities and pushed her career in new directions.
In 2013, Jun Ji Hyun made a highly successful return to Korean television with the drama My Love from the Star, starring opposite Kim Soo Hyun. The series became a cultural phenomenon, winning her numerous awards and reinforcing her reputation as a versatile actress. This was followed by her role in The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), which again proved her ability to captivate audiences with her on-screen presence. Both dramas achieved massive popularity, making her one of the most iconic actresses in South Korea.
Outside of her professional life, Jun Ji Hyun married Choi Joon Hyuk, a businessman, in 2012. The couple has two sons, born in 2016 and 2018, and she has since balanced her career with her family life. Despite her fame, Jun Ji Hyun maintains a low profile, keeping her personal life private and focusing on her acting. Known for her elegance, talent, and dedication, she continues to be a beloved figure in Korean entertainment, with fans eagerly awaiting her future projects.
Hobbies
- Traveling: Jun Ji Hyun loves to travel and explore different cultures. She often visits scenic locations for relaxation and inspiration away from her busy life.
- Yoga and Pilates: To maintain her fitness and health, she practices yoga and Pilates regularly, which help her stay grounded and balanced in a demanding industry.
- Cooking: Although she doesn’t showcase it publicly, she enjoys cooking for her family and finds joy in preparing meals as a way to unwind at home.
- Reading: She has a habit of reading novels and self-improvement books, which offer her new perspectives and personal growth outside of her acting roles.
- Gardening: Jun Ji Hyun finds peace in gardening, spending time caring for her plants. She considers it a grounding hobby that helps her relax.
Interests
- Fashion and Styling: Known as a style icon, Jun Ji Hyun has a deep interest in fashion and enjoys experimenting with new styles and trends both on and off-screen.
- Art and Photography: She has an appreciation for visual arts and occasionally visits galleries, finding inspiration in artistic expression and beauty.
- Human Psychology: As an actress, she’s interested in understanding human behavior, which she finds essential for developing authentic and relatable characters.
- Film and Cinematography: Beyond acting, she’s fascinated by the technical side of film production and occasionally studies cinematography to deepen her understanding of storytelling.
- Environmental Issues: Jun Ji Hyun is passionate about the environment and supports sustainable causes, reflecting her care for the planet and future generations.
Facts
- Breakthrough Role in My Sassy Girl: Her role in this iconic film brought her international fame, establishing her as one of South Korea’s most beloved actresses.
- First Hollywood Appearance: She made her Hollywood debut in Blood: The Last Vampire, expanding her reach beyond Korean cinema, although she later returned to focus on Korean roles.
- Notable Drama Successes: Her roles in My Love from the Star and The Legend of the Blue Sea are among her most iconic, cementing her status as a leading actress in K-Dramas.
- Enduring Style Icon: Known for her timeless beauty, she is a highly sought-after brand ambassador, influencing fashion trends across Asia.
- Dedicated Mother and Wife: Married to businessman Choi Joon Hyuk, she has two sons and balances her successful career with her family life, valuing privacy.
Secrets
- Shy and Introverted: Despite her glamorous public image, she is naturally introverted and often enjoys quiet, private time to recharge away from the spotlight.
- Dreams of Directing: Although she hasn’t pursued it actively, Jun Ji Hyun has expressed interest in directing and hopes to work behind the camera someday.
- Prefers Simple Outfits Off-Screen: Known for her fashion, she actually prefers simple, comfortable clothes when not working, enjoying a laid-back style.
- Journaling Habit: She keeps a personal journal to document her thoughts and feelings, using it as a way to reflect and stay connected with herself.
- Stage Fright Early in Career: Early on, she struggled with stage fright and nervousness, which she gradually overcame with experience and confidence.
Funny Things
- Known for Awkward Dance Moves: Although elegant, she’s joked about her lack of dancing skills, often surprising her fans and friends with her quirky moves.
- Loves Corny Jokes: She has a hidden playful side and enjoys telling silly jokes, making her close friends and family laugh with her unexpected humor.
- Clumsy Moments: Despite her composed image, she has moments of clumsiness, often spilling or dropping things, which adds to her relatable charm.
- Funny Facial Expressions Off-Camera: Known for her expressive acting, she often makes funny faces off-camera, entertaining her co-stars during breaks.
- Poor Sense of Direction: She jokes about getting lost easily, even in familiar places, often relying heavily on GPS for navigation.
Fears
- Fear of Heights: Jun Ji Hyun has a fear of heights and avoids situations that involve elevated places, preferring activities that keep her grounded.
- Fear of Public Speaking: Although confident in acting, she feels nervous speaking in front of large crowds, preferring the structure of a set over live audiences.
- Fear of Letting Down Fans: She deeply values her fans and worries about meeting their expectations, motivating her to work hard in every role.
- Fear of Losing Privacy: As a private person, she’s concerned about her family’s privacy and strives to maintain a balance between her public and personal life.
- Fear of Typecasting: Known for certain character types, she is careful about role selection to avoid being typecast, seeking variety in her acting career.
News
Jun Ji Hyun in Talks for Lead Role in Yeon Sang-ho’s New Zombie Film ‘Grove’: On October 29, 2024, reports emerged that Jun Ji Hyun is negotiating to star in ‘Grove,’ a new zombie film directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for ‘Train to Busan.’ This potential collaboration has generated significant excitement among fans.
Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won Begin Filming Spy Drama ‘Polaris’: In March 2024, Jun Ji Hyun and Kang Dong Won commenced shooting for the spy melodrama ‘Polaris.’ This project marks Kang Dong Won’s return to television after nearly two decades and Jun Ji Hyun’s first drama since ‘Jirisan’ in 2021.
Jun Ji Hyun and Gang Dong-won to Star in Disney+ Series ‘Tempest’: Disney+ announced that Jun Ji Hyun and Gang Dong-won will headline the upcoming spy thriller series ‘Tempest,’ set to premiere in 2025. The series follows a diplomat and a special agent uncovering the truth behind a threatening attack.
Jun Ji Hyun Appointed as Burberry’s First South Korean Female Ambassador: In 2023, British luxury fashion brand Burberry named Jun Ji Hyun as its first female ambassador from South Korea, highlighting her influence and status in the fashion industry.
Jun Ji Hyun’s Return to Television with ‘Jirisan’: In 2021, Jun Ji Hyun made a notable comeback to the small screen with the drama ‘Jirisan,’ portraying a national park ranger. The series received positive responses from audiences, marking her return to television after several years.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Jun Ji Hyun is best known for her career as a celebrated actress in South Korean cinema and television, with no formal music career or pursuits in the music industry. Her fame largely stems from her iconic roles in films like My Sassy Girl (2001) and television dramas such as My Love from the Star (2013) and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016). While she may have participated in music-related activities tied to her acting roles, such as promotional events or soundtracks, these were part of her roles and did not signify a transition into a professional music career.
Jun Ji Hyun has occasionally shown her playful side in variety shows or promotional events, where she may have participated in musical segments or singing as a fun addition, but these moments were informal and not part of a musical career path. Her focus remains on acting, where she continues to bring memorable performances to the screen.
Her talent and versatility as an actress are celebrated in Korea and internationally, but any musical involvement remains secondary and occasional, mainly related to her character portrayals. As of now, her contributions in the entertainment world are focused on her respected acting career.
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