Go Youn Jung: The Untold Story Behind Korea's Newest Leading Lady

Go Youn Jung has quickly established herself as one of Korea's most promising acting talents, despite being relatively new to the entertainment industry. From her acting debut in the fantasy thriller "He Is Psychometric" (2019) to landing her first-ever lead role in the highly successful "Alchemy of Souls," her rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

The model-turned-actress first gained attention through her cameo in "The School Nurse Files" (2020), but it was her portrayal of a desolate caregiver in the apocalyptic horror series "Sweet Home" that truly elevated her profile. Last year marked another significant milestone in her career when she made her big-screen debut in "Hunt," a spy action thriller directed by "Squid Game" star Lee Jung Jae that was even showcased at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. Throughout her journey from supporting roles to leading lady, Go Youn Jung has demonstrated versatility across various genres while steadily building an impressive filmography that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 22, 1996, in the Mullae neighborhood of Yeongdeungpo district, Go Youn Jung's artistic journey began in the bustling metropolis of Seoul. Her early years were shaped by the urban landscape of South Korea's capital, where she would eventually build the foundation for her future in both visual arts and entertainment.

Childhood in Seoul

The future actress started her education at Seoul Mullae Elementary School before progressing to Yanghwa Middle School. These formative years planted the seeds for her artistic inclinations, eventually leading her toward specialized education in the arts.

Go's path wasn't without challenges, however. Initially, she struggled with entrance exams for art-focused high schools, facing rejection that might have deterred someone with less determination. Nevertheless, her perseverance paid off when she successfully transferred to Seoul Arts High School, where she majored in Western Painting. This early demonstration of resilience foreshadowed the tenacity she would later bring to her acting career.

As a Taurus, Go is often described as possessing both fierce and gentle qualities—characteristics that appear in her artistic expressions and later in her screen presence. This duality became evident in her high school years as she developed her distinctive artistic voice through formal training.

Studying Contemporary Art at Seoul Women's University

Following high school, Go Youn Jung enrolled at Seoul Women's University's department of Contemporary Art in 2015. This choice of institution placed her in distinguished company, as she shares an alma mater with established Korean actresses Han Ji Min and Lee Bo Young. Throughout her university years, she continued to refine her artistic sensibilities while unknowingly preparing for a career shift that would catapult her into the public eye.

The transition from visual arts to modeling happened almost serendipitously during her university days. A senior student encouraged her to try modeling, leading to her appearance on the cover of Daehaknaeil, a popular magazine for university students. This unexpected exposure caught the attention of several management agencies, though initially, Go declined their casting offers. Her reluctance suggests she hadn't yet envisioned entertainment as her career path, remaining focused on her contemporary art studies.

Eventually, though, Go reconsidered these opportunities. After completing her degree, she entered the entertainment industry as a model, appearing in campaigns for various brands ranging from Ritz Crackers to luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani. This diverse portfolio demonstrated her versatility and commercial appeal even before her acting career began.

Her educational background in contemporary art provides important context for understanding her approach to acting. The discipline required in visual arts—attention to detail, emotional expression, and creative interpretation—seemingly transferred to her performance style. Furthermore, her MBTI personality type reflects someone "always wanting to create," a trait evident in both her artistic studies and subsequent acting roles.

This foundation in visual arts and formal training at Seoul Women's University established the creative framework through which Go Youn Jung would later approach character development and emotional portrayal on screen.

From Modeling to Acting: Her Industry Entry

The serendipitous path that led Go Youn Jung from art student to model began with an unexpected suggestion from her photography-studying sister, who recommended she apply as a cover model for a college magazine. This casual recommendation would ultimately change the trajectory of her career in ways neither could have anticipated.

Commercials and brand endorsements

Go's modeling career officially launched when she appeared on the cover of University Tomorrow (Daehak Naeil), a popular collegiate publication that typically features non-celebrity college students. Although initially hesitant about pursuing modeling opportunities, this exposure quickly caught the attention of several agencies. At first, Go politely declined their offers, as she had no contact information listed with the magazine—agencies had to reach out through her university department office.

After reconsidering these opportunities, Go developed an impressive commercial portfolio. She became the face of diverse brands ranging from affordable consumer products like Ritz Crackers to luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani and athletic giant Nike. Her versatility and photogenic qualities made her increasingly sought-after in the advertising world.

As her profile rose, Go continued building an impressive roster of brand partnerships. She has been tapped to represent prestigious names including Dior and L'Oreal Paris, earning her reputation as something of a "CF queen" (commercial film queen) in the Korean advertising landscape. More recently, she was appointed global brand ambassador for RYO, a leading hair loss care expert. In April 2024, she replaced actress Han So Hee as the new advertising model for NH Bank, with the financial institution citing her "radiant and refined image" as key to their decision.

Additional endorsement deals include partnerships with Hanwha Insurance and fashion brand Marithé+François Girbaud beginning in May 2025. These collaborations underscore both her commercial appeal and her strategic approach to building her personal brand alongside her acting career.

Transition from model to actress

The pivot from modeling to acting represented a significant professional risk for Go Youn Jung. Despite having no prior acting experience, she made the bold decision to take a leave of absence from her university studies to pursue this new direction. Her family viewed this career change as "unconventional"—an understandable reaction given her established path in fine arts education.

Go's acting journey began with focused training under professional instructors. This disciplined approach to learning her craft paralleled her earlier dedication to visual arts, suggesting transferable creative skills between the two fields. By 2025, she reflected that she was in her "sixth year since debut," indicating that her initial foray into acting occurred around 2019.

Her official acting debut came in the 2019 fantasy-thriller "He Is Psychometric," starring GOT7's Jinyoung. In this production, Go played a supporting role as a childhood friend to actress Shin Ye Eun's character. Although a modest start, this initial opportunity provided valuable on-screen experience and industry exposure.

Following this debut, Go secured additional supporting roles in notable productions including "Law School," "The School Nurse Files," and "Sweet Home". Each project allowed her to demonstrate greater range and build her professional reputation, gradually establishing her presence beyond the modeling world and setting the stage for the breakthrough roles that would soon follow.

First Steps in K-Dramas

After turning down initial opportunities in entertainment, Go Youn Jung's persistence ultimately paid off as she ventured into acting through a journey marked by determination and gradual recognition. Her transition from modeling to the dramatic arts began with a significant learning phase that would shape her future career trajectory.

Debut in 'He Is Psychometric'

In 2019, Go Youn Jung made her official acting debut in the fantasy thriller procedural "He Is Psychometric". This milestone came after approximately six months of intensive training that she self-funded using income earned through her modeling work. Her professional acting journey almost began differently—she participated in the final audition for Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning film "Parasite" as her first attempt at a professional role, but ultimately wasn't selected. Rather than being discouraged, this experience reportedly strengthened her resolve to pursue acting seriously.

In "He Is Psychometric," Go portrayed Kim So-hyun, a single mother. Even as a newcomer in a supporting role, she demonstrated a natural screen presence and emotional authenticity that hinted at her potential. The series aired the same year "Parasite" was released, creating an interesting parallel between her initial setback and subsequent breakthrough.

Supporting roles in 'The School Nurse Files' and 'Law School'

Following her debut, Go Youn Jung expanded her repertoire with a cameo appearance in the 2020 Netflix original series "The School Nurse Files". In this fantasy superhero mystery, she played student Choi Yoo-jin. The series, based on an award-winning novel, follows a school nurse with supernatural abilities who can see monsters made from residue of human desires. Although her screen time was limited, Go managed to make a memorable impression among the ensemble cast that included Jung Yu-mi and Nam Joo-hyuk.

Subsequently, her acting profile gained substantial recognition with her performance in the 2021 legal drama "Law School". Go took on the role of Jeon Ye-seul, a first-year law student at the fictional Hankuk University Law School who suffered dating violence. This challenging role allowed her to showcase greater emotional depth and versatility as an actress. The series, which aired on JTBC and was available internationally on Netflix, featured prominent actors including Kim Myung-min and Kim Bum.

Her portrayal of Jeon Ye-seul earned notable acknowledgment from critics and audiences, particularly for her ability to convey the character's vulnerability and trauma with sensitivity. The character's storyline, centered around the serious issue of dating violence, provided Go with material that demanded nuance and emotional range—requirements she met with impressive skill for an actress still in the early stages of her career.

Throughout these early roles, a pattern emerged in Go Youn Jung's career choices—even in supporting capacities, she gravitated toward characters with emotional complexity and distinct narrative arcs. Each role, regardless of screen time, demonstrated her commitment to authentic character portrayal and her growing confidence as a performer. Moreover, this period established her presence across different genres, from fantasy thrillers to legal dramas, showcasing her adaptability as a rising Korean actress.

Breakthrough with 'Sweet Home'

While Go Youn Jung had begun establishing her presence in Korean television, it was the Netflix apocalyptic horror series "Sweet Home" that truly catapulted her career forward in 2020. This role marked a significant turning point, expanding her visibility both domestically and internationally.

Her role as a caregiver

In "Sweet Home," Go portrayed Park Yu-ri, a hospice nurse and dedicated caretaker for terminally-ill senior An Gil-seob (played by Kim Kap-soo). The character represented a significant departure from her previous roles, allowing Go to demonstrate greater emotional range and character complexity. Yu-ri's relationship with An Gil-seob transcended the typical caregiver-patient dynamic, evolving into something akin to a father-daughter bond.

Notably, Park Yu-ri embodied multiple dimensions that showcased Go's versatility as an actress. The character displayed remarkable courage in the face of apocalyptic horror, armed with a large crossbow to defend against monsters while prioritizing the wellbeing of others above her own safety. Simultaneously, Yu-ri revealed profound vulnerability—deeply traumatized after being forced to take another person's life, even in self-defense.

Go's portrayal also featured an interesting romantic subplot with the character Pyeon Sang-wook. Their relationship evolved from initial frustration—with Yu-ri irritated by his rejection of her medical help and dismissal of communal responsibility—to a deeper connection based on her empathy for his tragic past and recognition of his hidden goodness.

Audience and critical reception

"Sweet Home" achieved remarkable global success, peaking at number one on Netflix charts in eight Asian countries and reaching the third position globally. This widespread viewership significantly expanded Go Youn Jung's industry visibility, introducing her to international audiences for the first time.

Critics praised Go's performance alongside her fellow actresses for breaking stereotypes of female characters in Korean drama. Her portrayal of Yu-ri—independent, resourceful, and complex—contributed to this positive reception. The actress herself described her character as "a nurse who heals the body and heart; a young woman who has not had an easy life", suggesting a thoughtful approach to the role that resonated with viewers.

In fact, despite some mixed reactions to later seasons of the show—with Season 3 particularly facing criticism for its "messy storyline" and "chaotic" character development—Go's performance in the original season remained a highlight. Many viewers expressed they "should've only watched Season 1", indirectly affirming the strength of the initial cast's performances, including Go's breakthrough role.

This role propelled Go Youn Jung into greater recognition within the industry, serving as a crucial stepping stone between her early supporting roles and the leading parts that would soon follow. Her MyDramaList profile shows her character rated as a main role with a respectable score of 8.7, indicating strong audience appreciation for her performance in this career-defining project.

Go Youn Jung in 'Alchemy of Souls'

The fantasy period drama "Alchemy of Souls" marked a defining moment in Go Youn Jung's acting journey. Initially appearing briefly as the skilled assassin Nak-su in Part 1, she ultimately returned to claim the spotlight as the female lead in Part 2, titled "Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow".

Playing Nak-su and Jin Bu-yeon

In June 2022, Go made a cameo appearance in the first part of the tvN fantasy series, portraying the original identity of Nak-su. This brief introduction set the stage for her more substantial role six months later. When Part 2 premiered in December 2022, Go had stepped into the lead role, replacing actress Jung So-min.

The character transformation was intentionally built into the storyline. Go portrayed Jin Bu-yeon, the long-lost eldest daughter of the Jinyowon mage clan, who had lost her memory. This complex character required Go to balance two distinct energies simultaneously - the warmth of Jin Bu-yeon and the deadly power of Nak-su.

Impressively, Go added an artistic dimension to her performance. According to reports, she personally drew the famous Naksu portrait featured in the series, showcasing her background in fine arts. This multifaceted talent allowed her to connect with the character on multiple creative levels.

Impact of the role on her career

"Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow" became a pivotal milestone for Go, establishing her as a leading actress in the Korean entertainment industry. The show positioned her as part of a new generation of promising twenty-something actresses, with industry observers frequently mentioning her as someone to watch.

The role came during a productive period in her career. The same year she appeared in "Alchemy of Souls," Go made her cinema debut in "Hunt," which premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. This simultaneous breakthrough across television and film created considerable momentum for her career advancement.

Her performance earned critical acclaim, contributing to nominations for Best New Actress at prestigious ceremonies including the 31st Buil Film Awards, 58th Grand Bell Awards, 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, and 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. Consequently, she secured more leading roles, including the superhero drama "Moving" on Disney+.

Fan reactions and media buzz

The audience response to Go's performance was overwhelmingly positive. Despite the challenge of replacing a beloved actress mid-series, viewers quickly embraced Go in the role. Many fans praised the seamless character continuity between the two actresses, with one noting, "How crazy it is, we can tell it's the same character even though two different actresses carry that one role!"

Her chemistry with co-star Lee Jae-wook generated substantial interest, especially regarding their romantic scenes. In fact, Lee later expressed his desire to work with Go again, specifically in a romance drama, stating, "I'd like to meet her again for a longer time in a romance drama". Go became the first female to appear on Lee's Instagram, further fueling fan excitement.

Critics equally appreciated Go's performance, with one reviewer commenting, "I found myself taking to Go Yoon Jung as Bu Yeon, and very well indeed". Her ability to convey both guileless innocence and emotional depth in the character drew particular praise, cementing her status as one of Korea's most promising leading ladies.

Big Screen Debut and International Recognition

In 2022, Go Youn Jung's career reached a significant milestone as she made her first foray onto the silver screen with the spy action thriller "Hunt" (헌트), marking a decisive step toward international recognition in her rising trajectory.

Starring in 'Hunt' by Lee Jung-jae

The film, which served as the directorial debut of "Squid Game" star Lee Jung-jae, featured Go in the role of Cho Yoo-jung, a college student harboring dark secrets who becomes entangled in a complex spy operation. Set against the backdrop of 1980s political turmoil, the narrative follows two Korean Central Intelligence Agency agents—Park Pyeong-ho (Lee Jung-jae) and Kim Jung-do (Jung Woo-sung)—as they search for a North Korean spy within their organization. Throughout the film, Go's character falls under Pyeong-ho's protection, yet finds herself caught in the dangerous crossfire of the operation.

This challenging role showcased a different dimension of Go Youn Jung's acting abilities, moving beyond television dramas into the more intense cinematic storytelling format. Working alongside established actors like Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung provided the emerging actress with valuable experience in a high-profile production.

Cannes Film Festival appearance

"Hunt" received prestigious international exposure when it had its world premiere at the 75th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2022, screening in the Midnight Screenings section. The film's premiere at the Lumière Theater was met with an enthusiastic seven-minute standing ovation, introducing Go Youn Jung to the global film community in one of cinema's most celebrated venues.

Her appearance at Cannes represented a remarkable achievement for an actress who had only debuted three years prior. The festival screening positioned Go among an elite group of Korean performers who have graced the red carpet at one of the world's most prestigious film events.

Award nominations and critical acclaim

Following the film's release, Go Youn Jung's performance garnered substantial recognition from the Korean film industry. Her portrayal earned her nominations for Best New Actress at several major award ceremonies, including the 31st Buil Film Awards, 58th Grand Bell Awards, 43rd Blue Dragon Film Awards, and 59th Baeksang Arts Awards.

In addition to her individual recognition, the film itself received mixed to positive reviews from critics worldwide. On Rotten Tomatoes, "Hunt" holds a 69% approval rating. Many reviewers praised the "thrillingly violent action scenes and jaw-dropping shocks," even as others noted the occasionally convoluted plot.

Overall, Go's big-screen debut demonstrated her versatility as she successfully transitioned from television to film. The international exposure at Cannes coupled with multiple award nominations firmly established her as a rising star in Korean cinema, expanding her artistic footprint beyond domestic television audiences.

Her Unique Acting Style and On-Screen Presence

Throughout her rising career, Go Youn Jung has developed a distinctive on-screen presence characterized by emotional authenticity and meticulous character work. As critics and audiences alike take note of her performances, certain qualities have emerged as hallmarks of her approach to acting.

Emotional depth and versatility

Beyond her impressive filmography, Go's acting style stands out for its emotional resonance. In tvN's "Resident Playbook," she captivated viewers with her delicate character portrayal, often stirring tears from the audience. As Oh Yi-young, a first-year OB-GYN resident, she masterfully balanced a seemingly cold exterior with profound inner warmth. One particularly moving scene showcased her comforting a child facing his mother's death—drawing on her character's own painful experience of maternal loss to provide genuine solace.

Go's remarkable talent spans across genres, from the action-packed sequences in "Hunt" to the fantasy elements of "Alchemy of Souls." Her performances in "Moving," "Sweet Home," "Law School," and other projects demonstrate what observers describe as "limitless versatility". This adaptability allows her to inhabit vastly different characters while maintaining authenticity in each role.

Regarding her own approach to acting, Go has shared: "When I'm on set, I feel there's still so much I don't know... I'm not ashamed of this 'rookie' mindset. I see it as a sign that I'm still excited about acting". This perspective reveals a commitment to continuous growth that enriches her performances.

Visual appeal and character immersion

Go's background in visual arts enhances her ability to bring characters to life both on screen and through artistic expression. This multifaceted talent was notably displayed when she personally drew the famous Naksu portrait featured in "Alchemy of Souls," adding another dimension to her character portrayal.

Her stable acting has frequently driven narrative momentum in her projects, contributing significantly to their popularity. In "Resident Playbook," she excelled at depicting her character's growth from initial apathy towards patients into someone who learns genuine compassion through experience.

Nevertheless, as with any developing artist, critical perspectives exist. Some viewers suggest she may excel more in certain roles than others, particularly those requiring restrained emotional expression. Others acknowledge she has "a lot of time to improve", suggesting her best performances may still lie ahead as she continues refining her craft.