Go Youn-jung’s Star Power Explained: Why Even Lee Jung-jae Personally Requested Her?
As actress Go Youn-jung continues to shine in tvN’s Resident Playbook, a past anecdote involving top actor-director Lee Jung-jae has resurfaced highlighting just how early her talent was recognized by industry giants.
From Campus Cover Model to Rising Star
Before making her acting debut, Go Youn-jung was already known for her stunning visuals, modeling for university magazine covers. She officially stepped into the acting world with tvN’s He is Psychometric in 2019, quickly gaining attention for her emotional depth and natural presence.
Her breakout came through the Netflix original Sweet Home, where she portrayed the caregiver Yoo-ri, drawing praise for her emotional scenes with co-star Lee Jin-wook.
Lee Jung-jae’s Personal Casting Call
In 2022, Go Youn-jung made her film debut in the high-profile thriller Hunt, directed by and starring Lee Jung-jae. The film also featured Jung Woo-sung, Heo Sung-tae, and Jeon Hye-jin.
During promotional interviews, Lee Jung-jae revealed that he had specifically requested Go Youn-jung’s casting:
“I first saw Go Youn-jung in a drama. She portrayed a very complex character with impressive skill, and I became interested in her work. I told the production team I wanted to meet her for casting.”
This endorsement from one of Korea’s most respected actors and filmmakers speaks volumes about Go’s potential — and she has since proven him right.
Following Hunt, Go Youn-jung continued her rise with tvN’s Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow and the Disney+ hit Moving, where she played Jang Hee-soo, a high school student with extraordinary abilities. Her performance further solidified her status as one of the top emerging talents in the Korean entertainment industry.
Current Success with Resident Playbook
Go now stars in Resident Playbook, a medical drama spin-off of the beloved Hospital Playlist series. The show follows young residents as they navigate their path to becoming great doctors. Her current role continues to show her versatility and relatability.
The series has been a ratings success. According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 6 (aired April 27) achieved:
- Seoul area ratings: 5.9% average, 7.0% peak
- Nationwide ratings: 5.5% average, 6.3% peak
- Among tvN’s key 2049 demographic: #1 in its time slot
Go Youn-jung’s rise is no coincidence — it’s a combination of beauty, talent, and relentless growth. From gaining the attention of Lee Jung-jae to leading hit dramas, she has proven herself as one of the most promising actresses of her generation.