Jung So Min, born in 1989, is currently gaining attention in the Korean entertainment scene thanks to her appearance in the drama Love Next Door (My Friend’s Son).
The romantic comedy tells the story of childhood sweethearts Bae Seok Ryu (played by Jung So Min) and Choi Seung Hyo (played by Jung Hae In).
After canceling her wedding and leaving a prestigious job in the U.S. to return home, Seok Ryu coincidentally reunites with Seung Hyo.
The childhood friends spend time together, and their feelings for each other slowly blossom.
Jung So Min’s character, Seok Ryu, is the epitome of the “perfect child.” She is talented, beautiful, and sometimes humorous and quirky.
However, due to the high expectations placed on her by her parents, Seok Ryu feels pressured and unable to truly live as herself.
This role is considered a safe choice compared to many of Jung So Min’s previous performances. Over time, the actress has transitioned from an innocent, sweet image to a strong-willed woman with her own opinions, especially when faced with life’s challenges.
Jung So Min’s Struggles Despite Being a Top Acting Student
From a young age, Jung So Min had a passion for the arts. She began learning dance in middle school and later excelled as the top student in the acting department at Korea National University of Arts (K-ARTS).
In the early years of her career, she garnered attention due to her resemblance to actress Yoon Eun Hye, known for dramas such as Princess Hours and Coffee Prince. As a result, the media nicknamed her “Little Yoon Eun Hye.”
However, unlike her senior, Jung So Min’s career remained stagnant, even though she landed both lead and supporting roles in various projects like “Golden Slumber“, “Daddy You, Daughter Me“, “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes“, and “My Father is Strange“.
It wasn’t until 2022 that Jung So Min experienced a breakthrough when she starred in the historical fantasy drama Alchemy of Souls, set in the fictional land of Daeho, where sorcerers control the forces of nature.
Jung So Min portrayed Mu Deok, a blind and physically frail girl who is accidentally possessed by the male lead’s soul. From here, the actress’s popularity soared across Asia. Her absence in the second season of Alchemy of Souls left fans disappointed.
In 2023, Jung So Min teamed up with Kang Ha Neul in the hit film I Fell in Love With My Strong-Willed Wife Again. Through a romantic story, the movie delivers a message about healing broken relationships.
Despite its familiar plot, the charming interaction between the lead actors drew viewers in.
A Scandal-free Life
Despite being in the entertainment industry for many years, Jung So Min has maintained a friendly, likable image, free from scandals. It seems that the quirky, loveable characters she plays on-screen reflect her real-life personality.
One of the few publicized aspects of her private life was her well-known romance with Lee Joon, a popular singer-actor. The couple confirmed their relationship in 2017 and were praised for being a well-matched pair in both looks and talent.
This was disappointing news for fans of the couple, as throughout their relationship, they maintained a professional and positive image, never using their personal lives to promote themselves or their work.
Currently, thanks to the chemistry between Jung So Min and Jung Hae In in Love Next Door, fans are eagerly “shipping” the two actors.
On social media, many viewers praise the pair’s stunning visuals, commenting that they seem like a perfect match and expressing hopes for their on-screen romance to become real.
