Biography
In the dynamic landscape of South Korean entertainment, few stars have risen as rapidly and captivated audiences quite like Go Youn-jung. More than just an actress, she embodies a new wave of talent seamlessly blending modeling prowess with compelling on-screen performances. Her recent prominence in critically acclaimed productions such as the supernatural saga “Moving” and the fantasy epic “Alchemy of Souls” has solidified her status as a formidable presence, capturing attention both domestically and across international borders.
Acknowledged as part of the “troika lineages of actresses” of the MZ Generation, alongside contemporaries Shin Ye-eun and Han So-hee , Go Youn-jung represents a fresh, influential force shaping the future of K-drama. Her journey, marked by a dual identity as a sought-after model and an increasingly respected actress , unfolds against the backdrop of K-drama’s expanding global reach, amplified significantly by the rise of major streaming platforms.
Profile
Name: Go Youn-jung
Birth Name: Go Youn-jung (고윤정)
Birthday: April 22, 1996
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 163 cm (5’4″)
Instagram: @goyounjung
Twitter: N/A
Facts
- Described as inherently shy yet possessing an easygoing personality , her MBTI type is reported as ISTP.
- Her downtime is filled with a diverse array of interests. Baking is described as an ultimate passion; she approaches it scientifically and enjoys sharing her homemade treats, often bringing Madeleine cookies baked in large batches to filming sets.
- Her athletic foundation runs deep, having studied ballet, figure skating, and swimming from the young age of five.
- In contrast to the delicate and soft voice one might expect based on her appearance, she has a husky, mid-to-low vocal tone that adds to her unexpected appeal and enhances her presence as an actress.
- Among rookie actresses, Go Youn-jung has been recognized as one of the most strikingly beautiful.
- Many have said she resembles a mix between a rabbit and a puppy, and her eye shape in particular is often highlighted as one of her most attractive features.
Career
Go Youn-jung’s Modeling Ascendancy
Before gracing screens in dramatic roles, Go Youn-jung first turned heads in the world of modeling. Her early career saw her featured in commercials for a diverse range of products, including sports brands, Nike, Ritz Crackers, and telecommunications giant SK Telecom. This initial commercial success laid the groundwork for a swift ascent into the realm of high fashion and luxury endorsements.
A significant milestone arrived in 2021 when she was appointed the ambassador for the prestigious French luxury jewelry house Boucheron. This marked her entry into the exclusive circle of global luxury brand representatives. Her portfolio quickly expanded to include features in advertisements for iconic names like Giorgio Armani , Tom Ford , and Dior. Her status was further cemented in May 2024 when she attended Chanel’s 2024/25 Cruise Collection show in Marseille, France, representing the brand as its ambassador. Adding to her glittering roster, she was selected as the new muse for jewelry brand Didier Dubot in January 2025.
Beyond high fashion, Go Youn-jung demonstrated broad market appeal, becoming the face of brands across various sectors. These include fashion labels like Marithé et François Girbaud and the Philippine-based clothing brand Penshoppe , beauty brands such as Armani Beauty, YUNJAC, Espoir, Ryo Hair, and GOODAL , and lifestyle products ranging from Carrot Insurance and Discovery Expedition outdoor wear to Puradak Chicken , NH Nonghyup Bank , and the hangover relief drink Sangkwaehwan. Her extensive list of endorsements also features Apple, Hoegaarden, LENSME, and VODANA, among others.
Acting Journey: From Supporting Player to Scene-Stealer
Driven by an expressed interest and evident talent for acting , Go Youn-jung transitioned from modeling campaigns to television screens in 2019. Her official acting debut came with the tvN series He Is “Psychometric,” where she portrayed the character Kim So-hyun. Critics noted her “disarming simplicity” and ability to lend substance to the role, marking a promising start. Prior to this, her first public appearance was noted as a model for University Tomorrow magazine.
Her momentum began to build significantly in 2020. A highly praised cameo appearance in the Netflix fantasy series “The School Nurse Files” further raised her profile. However, it was her role later that year in the smash-hit Netflix apocalyptic horror series “Sweet Home” that truly propelled her into the spotlight. Portraying Park Yu-ri, a desolate caregiver with a tragic past, Go Youn-jung garnered substantial recognition and praise, demonstrating her ability to handle emotionally resonant characters. Audience members remarked on her memorable presence, even in supporting roles, indicating an early ability to capture attention.
In 2021, she continued to showcase her developing range in the JTBC legal drama “Law School.” Cast as Jeon Ye-seul, a law student grappling with dating violence, she earned further acknowledgment for her nuanced portrayal. Her performance was particularly admired for her capacity to embody the character’s vulnerability while maintaining a strong grip on the role’s complexities.
The year 2022 marked a significant turning point, propelling Go Youn-jung from a recognized supporting actress to a bona fide leading lady and critical darling. Her transition began with a highly anticipated big-screen debut in “Hunt,” a South Korean espionage action thriller directed by and starring industry titan Lee Jung-jae. Playing Jo Yoo-jeong , her performance earned widespread critical acclaim. This powerful debut resulted in a slew of nominations for Best New Actress at major award ceremonies.
Simultaneously, her presence on television screens intensified with the tvN fantasy romance period drama “Alchemy of Souls.” In Part 1, broadcast in June 2022, she made a brief yet unforgettable appearance as the skilled assassin Nak-su. This set the stage for a dramatic return in December 2022 for Part 2, “Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow,” where she stepped into the female lead role. Here, she portrayed Jin Bu-yeon, an amnesiac priestess whose body houses the soul (and face) of Nak-su.
The momentum continued into 2023 with the wildly successful Disney+ original series “Moving.” Based on the webtoon of the same name, the supernatural action drama featured Go Youn-jung as Jang Hui-soo, a high school student inheriting her father’s powers of rapid regeneration and superhuman strength. Her performance was lauded for its confidence, chic portrayal, excellent chemistry with co-stars, and compelling acting. Many felt she brought the character to life in a way uniquely her own.
Her upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing. She made a special appearance as novelist Lee Ji-su in the TVING series “Death’s Game” (2023-2024) and a cameo in “Light Shop” (2024). Looking ahead, she is set to lead two highly anticipated dramas. She will play Oh Yi-young, a first-year OB/GYN resident, in “Resident Playbook,” the tvN spin-off of the beloved “Hospital Playlist” series. Additionally, she is confirmed to star opposite Kim Seon-ho as interpreter Cha Moo-hee in “Can This Love Be Translated?,” a Netflix romantic comedy penned by the renowned Hong Sisters, who previously wrote “Alchemy of Souls.”
Public Image
Go Youn-jung’s magnetic appeal stems from a combination of innate qualities and cultivated skills. Industry observers and fans alike recognize her distinct trademarks: an “elegance and graceful on-screen presence” coupled with “striking facial features”. These attributes contribute to a captivating visual presence, but her impact extends far beyond aesthetics.
Her position in the industry is increasingly solidified by external recognition. Being named part of the “MZ Generation Troika” places her among the leading actresses of her cohort. Consistent accolades from brand loyalty and industry awards – labeling her a “Rising Star” and “Hot Trend” actress – reinforce her upward trajectory. The title “Outstanding Face Genius Acting” bestowed by Dong-A.com’s Pick cleverly encapsulates the blend of visual appeal and performance skill that defines her public image.
Furthermore, her inclusion in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list (ranked 36th in 2024) and placements in lists by respected publications like Cine21 and Gallup Korea provide quantifiable evidence of her growing influence.
Personal Life
Early Life
During her school years, Go Youn-jung initially prepared for entrance exams to an arts high school but did not achieve the desired results. She eventually transferred to Seoul Arts High School.
While majoring in art at Seoul Women’s University, a senior from the photography department offered to take her photos. Afterward, she was encouraged to apply to College Tomorrow, a magazine targeted at university students. Following her appearance as a cover model (Issue No. 771), she received numerous casting offers from entertainment agencies. Although she initially declined them all, she eventually entered the entertainment industry after her current agency’s CEO told her, “You’re hesitant because you haven’t tried it just give it a shot.”
She began her career as a model and used her earnings to pay for acting classes. After about six months of training, she auditioned for a film but was rejected in the final round. That experience made her realize she needed to take acting more seriously.
Relationships
Regarding her personal life, Go Youn-jung is believed to be currently single.
Dating rumors involving her “Alchemy of Souls” co-star Lee Jae-wook surfaced, fueled by their on-screen chemistry, but these remain unconfirmed by official statements from either actor or their agencies.
More recent online buzz about potential chemistry with “Can This Love Be Translated?” co-star Kim Seon-ho and “Resident Playbook” co-star Jung Joon-won appears to stem from fan interpretations of on-set interactions and promotional materials rather than credible reports.
Incidents
In early 2023, coinciding with the popularity of “Alchemy of Souls Part 2,” Go Youn-jung became the target of online malice when a high school graduation photo was maliciously edited and circulated. This incident highlights the intense scrutiny and potential negativity faced by emerging female stars in the competitive South Korean entertainment sphere.
Her agency, MAA Entertainment, responded swiftly and decisively, releasing the authentic photograph to expose the fabrication and announcing strong legal action against those spreading false information and defamatory content. This proactive stance underscores the critical importance of reputation management in maintaining career momentum and securing valuable endorsements and roles, especially when faced with negativity seemingly fueled by jealousy over rapid success.
Net Worth
Go Youn-jung began her acting career only a few years ago, but she had already built a strong foundation as a successful model. She continues to earn from both modeling and acting, which are her primary sources of income. In addition, she collaborates with various brands, promoting them through her well-followed social media platforms—an increasingly lucrative side income. Thanks to her growing popularity and consistent work, her net worth was estimated to be around $3 million at the start of 2024.
Filmography
Film:
– Hunt (2022)
Television Series:
– He Is Psychometric (2019)
– Law School (2021)
– Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023)
– Resident Playbook (2025)
Web Series:
– The School Nurse Files (2020)
– Sweet Home (2020–2023)
– Rookie Cops (2022)
– Moving (2023)
– Death’s Game (2023–2024)
– Light Shop (2024)
– Can This Love Be Translated? (2025)
