Jang Nara started acting to surpass her father and won the acting grand prize after 23 years
Jang Nara’s father Ju Ho-seong (real name: Jang Yeon-gyo) is a veteran actor and theater director who began his career as a voice actor in 1969.
For reference, Ju Ho-seong provided the voice for Guru Cabbage in the classic Korean animation “Guru Cabbage and Guru Radish’s Once Upon a Time”, a nostalgic masterpiece for many. Beyond voice acting, he has had a prolific career spanning dramas, films and theater productions.
“I often thought, ‘I want to beat my dad.’“
Growing up watching her father perform, Jang Nara naturally dreamed of becoming an actress herself. She saw her father as a hero on stage.
Recalling her childhood, she said that her father transformed into someone completely different on stage, leaving a profound impression on her. This made her both admire and feel envious of him to the point where she imitated everything about him — from his handwriting to his gait.
Fueled by a single determination to surpass her father, Jang Nara chose the same path as him, becoming an actress. From her debut, she gained immense popularity and, over the past two decades, starred in numerous hit productions, solidifying her status as a top star.
This summer, Jang Nara starred in SBS’s drama “Good Partner”, earning another wave of love from the public. Her father Ju Ho-seong sent her a heartfelt message saying “Wow, you’re better than me“, deeply moving her.
Driven by her desire to outshine her father, Jang Nara fulfilled her lifelong dream by winning the Grand Prize at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards. It was a fitting culmination of her 23-year-long career.
On stage, Jang Nara expressed gratitude to her co-star Nam Ji-hyun and conveyed her love for her family, calling her father her “role model”, touching the hearts of many.
She ended her speech in tears, saying, “I want to remain an actress people are curious about. I’ll work harder. I sincerely thank you all.” Her long-awaited Grand Prize win drew a flood of congratulations and applause, celebrating a milestone in her remarkable career.
