Jung Yu Mi
Info
🙂 Native Name: 정유미
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: January 18, 1983
🏠 Birth Place: Busan, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
📏 Height: 1,63 cm
💍 Spouse: Nor married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Jung Yu Mi, born on January 18, 1983, in Busan, South Korea, is a distinguished actress known for her compelling performances in both film and television. She embarked on her acting journey after graduating from the Seoul Institute of the Arts, where she majored in Film. Jung’s breakout role came in 2005 with the film “Blossom Again,” for which she received critical acclaim. Her early career was marked by a mix of arthouse films and mainstream successes, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
Throughout her career, Jung Yu Mi has been lauded for her ability to bring complex characters to life, often exploring themes of ordinary lives in extraordinary circumstances. Her role in the 2010 film “Oki’s Movie” directed by Hong Sang-soo, further solidified her status as a muse for auteur directors. She gained international recognition with her portrayal in “Train to Busan” (2016), a film that became a global phenomenon for its unique take on the zombie genre. The film’s success showcased her ability to handle physically demanding roles and contributed to her rising international profile.
Jung continued to challenge herself with diverse roles, including her portrayal in “Kim Ji-young: Born 1982” (2019), a feminist film that sparked significant conversation and controversy due to its depiction of women’s experiences in contemporary South Korean society. The role demonstrated her commitment to socially relevant themes and her skill in handling sensitive subject matter. This film, among others, has contributed to her reputation as a courageous actress willing to tackle pressing social issues through her art.
Off-screen, Jung Yu Mi maintains a low profile, focusing on her craft rather than public exposure. She is known for her philanthropic efforts, often contributing to various causes without seeking public recognition. Despite her success, she remains dedicated to her roots in independent cinema and continues to be a significant figure in South Korea’s film industry, respected for both her talent and her integrity.
Hobbies
- Photography: Jung Yu Mi enjoys capturing moments through photography, using it as a way to unwind and document her experiences.
- Reading: She is an avid reader, often exploring different genres to broaden her perspectives and inspire her acting roles.
- Gardening: Jung finds peace and relaxation in gardening, taking care of plants and enjoying the tranquility it offers.
- Cooking: Experimenting with new recipes and cooking traditional Korean dishes is one of her favorite pastimes, allowing her to connect with her culture.
- Traveling: She loves traveling, both for leisure and film festivals, using opportunities to explore new cultures and landscapes.
Interests
- Independent Cinema: She has a deep interest in independent films, often participating in projects that are off the mainstream track.
- Environmental Issues: Jung Yu Mi is concerned with environmental conservation, supporting various initiatives that aim to protect natural resources.
- Women’s Rights: She is interested in gender equality and women’s rights, choosing roles that reflect these themes, such as in “Kim Ji-young: Born 1982”.
- Visual Arts: Jung appreciates the visual arts, frequently visiting galleries and exhibitions to immerse herself in the art world.
- Animal Welfare: She has shown interest in animal welfare, participating in and supporting animal rights campaigns.
Facts
- Education: Jung Yu Mi graduated from Seoul Institute of the Arts, where she studied Film.
- Breakthrough Role: Her career breakthrough came from the film “Blossom Again” in 2005, for which she received critical acclaim.
- International Recognition: Jung gained international fame with her role in “Train to Busan”, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Collaborations with Directors: She frequently collaborates with director Hong Sang-soo, known for his unique narrative styles in films.
- Philanthropy: Despite her fame, Jung Yu Mi actively participates in charitable causes, often doing so without seeking public attention.
Secrets
- Private Person: Jung Yu Mi is known to be highly private about her personal life, rarely sharing details about her relationships or family.
- Method Acting: She occasionally uses method acting techniques to deeply immerse herself into her characters, though she keeps the specifics of her methods private.
- Favorite Roles: Jung has mentioned that some of her favorite roles are those that challenge her the most, although she seldom shares which specific roles these are.
- Personal Challenges: She has faced personal challenges adjusting to fame and maintaining privacy, which she rarely discusses in public.
- Inspirations: Jung draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including books, movies, and personal encounters, but keeps many of these inspirations a secret to maintain the originality of her performances.
Funny Things
- Mishaps on Set: Jung Yu Mi has experienced several funny mishaps on set, including costume malfunctions and mispronounced lines, which she recalls with humor.
- Impersonations: She is good at impersonating other actors and friends, often using this skill to lighten the mood during shoots.
- Quirky Habits: Jung has a few quirky habits, like organizing things obsessively on set, which her co-stars find amusing.
- Funny Interviews: In interviews, she often shares humorous anecdotes from her life and career, showcasing her light-hearted side.
- Laughter in Serious Scenes: She sometimes bursts out laughing during serious scenes if something goes unexpectedly, which becomes a funny moment for everyone involved.
Fears
- Fear of Heights: Jung Yu Mi has a known fear of heights, which she has had to confront during various film shoots.
- Public Speaking: Despite her acting skills, she is not very comfortable with public speaking and often feels nervous before public appearances.
- Typecasting: She has expressed fears about being typecast in similar roles and makes conscious efforts to choose diverse characters.
- Privacy Invasion: Given her private nature, she fears invasion of privacy by the media and public, which can be a common issue for celebrities.
- Failure: Like many artists, Jung Yu Mi fears failure, especially when experimenting with unconventional roles or new acting styles.
News
International Recognition with “Train to Busan”: Jung Yu Mi gained international recognition for her role in the zombie apocalypse film “Train to Busan” (2016). This film not only achieved massive box office success globally but also premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, helping Jung Yu Mi earn accolades for her strong performance in a physically demanding role .
Award-Winning Performance in “Kim Ji-Young, Born 1982”: Jung Yu Mi starred in the critically acclaimed and controversial film “Kim Ji-Young, Born 1982” (2019), based on a best-selling novel. Her portrayal of an everyday woman struggling with societal pressures won her the Best Actress award at the 56th Daejong Film Awards in 2020, highlighting her ability to tackle complex and relevant issues through her roles .
Starring in Netflix’s “The School Nurse Files”: In 2020, Jung Yu Mi took on a leading role in the quirky and visually inventive Netflix series “The School Nurse Files”. Her character, a school nurse with the ability to see supernatural beings, drew praise for its originality and Jung Yu Mi’s unique interpretation of the role, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to embrace unconventional projects .
Collaboration with Gong Yoo in “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982”: Jung Yu Mi and renowned actor Gong Yoo reunited for the film “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982,” marking their third collaboration. At a press conference, both actors shared why they chose to participate in this film, noting the impactful message and the opportunity to highlight the nuanced realities of ordinary women’s lives in South Korea .
Dating Rumors and Confirmation with Kangta: In a surprising turn of events, it was confirmed in 2020 that Jung Yu Mi was in a relationship with K-pop singer Kangta. The couple had faced dating rumors previously, which were initially denied. However, their relationship was later confirmed by their agencies, adding a new dimension to her public persona .
TV Shows
Movies
Music / OST
Jung Yu Mi is predominantly known for her acting career and does not have a music career. She has established herself as a versatile and respected actress in the South Korean film and television industry through her roles in critically acclaimed movies and TV shows such as “Train to Busan,” “Kim Ji-Young, Born 1982,” and “The School Nurse Files.” While she has not pursued a career in music, her contributions to the entertainment industry are significant through her acting endeavors.
Gallery
