Last updated
    Jung So-min

    Jung So-min

    South Korea flagSouth Korea
    Celebrity

    actor•film actor•television actor

    Also known as: Kim Yoon-ji, Kim Yun-ji

    Birthday

    March 16, 1989

    Birth Sign

    Pisces

    Birthplace

    Seoul, South Korea

    Age

    37 years old

    Height

    5 ft 5 in (165 cm)

    About

    Jung So-min, born Kim Yoon-ji on March 16, 1989, in Seoul, is a South Korean actress known for her warm presence and ability to move between romantic comedy and heavier drama. She came to attention in 2010 with her first leading role in the series Playful Kiss, and has since built a career across television and film. Her television credits include Because This Is My First Life (2017), Alchemy of Souls (2022), Love Next Door (2024), and Would You Marry Me? (2025), while her film work includes the 2023 romantic comedy Love Reset. As of 2026, she is filming the Netflix crime drama The Dealer, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk of Squid Game fame. Jung maintains an active Instagram presence with over 850,000 YouTube subscribers, and her international popularity is reflected in Wikipedia articles in 19 languages.

    Early Life & Background

    Jung So-min was born Kim Yoon-ji in Seoul on March 16, 1989. Before acting, she showed promise as a dancer, winning several Korean dance competitions in her youth. She attended the Korea National University of Arts, where she trained in performing arts. Her screen debut came in 2010 with a supporting role in the drama Bad Guy. That same year, she landed her first lead in the romantic comedy Playful Kiss, based on the manga Itazura na Kiss. The role brought her immediate attention and set the stage for her career. In 2011, she took a deliberate break from acting to focus on her studies at the Korea National University of Arts, showing her commitment to her craft.

    Career Growth

    After her debut, Jung So-min built a steady career in television. In 2017, she starred in Because This Is My First Life, a critically acclaimed romantic comedy that became one of her most recognized works. She expanded into fantasy with Alchemy of Souls in 2022, and returned to romance with the film Love Reset in 2023. In 2024, she headlined Love Next Door opposite Jung Hae In, which aired on Netflix and was well received. The following year, she starred in Would You Marry Me? and signed an exclusive contract with Hiin Entertainment on December 11, 2025. In 2026, she was cast in The Dealer, a Netflix original crime drama created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, alongside Ryu Seung-beom. The series, which began production in early 2026, is a Korean casino crime drama. Jung has described 2026 as an exceptionally busy and grateful year.

    Career Timeline

    2010Screen debut in Bad Guy; first lead role in Playful Kiss
    2011Brief hiatus to focus on studies
    2017Starred in Because This Is My First Life
    2022Appeared in Alchemy of Souls
    2023Starred in film Love Reset
    2024Headlined Love Next Door
    2025Starred in Would You Marry Me?; signed with Hiin Entertainment
    2026Cast in Netflix's The Dealer

    Public Image & Style

    Jung So-min is known for her warm screen presence and ability to anchor both comedic and dramatic roles. She is described as full of charisma, with efficient delivery in her acting. Her role in Love Next Door was particularly popular, and fans eagerly anticipate her projects. She maintains a polished public image, with recent coverage highlighting her elegance during photoshoots. For instance, in July 2026 she was photographed in Bali in colorful bikinis and swimsuits, and in August 2026 she completed a magazine photoshoot in Okinawa for Elle, where she radiated elegance. Her Instagram showcases her professional work and personal moments, and her YouTube channel has over 850,000 subscribers.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    Jung So-min commands a distinct and measurable footprint within the global entertainment landscape, her profile sustained by consistent visibility across major media markets. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, she holds the position of the 71st most famous person from South Korea, a standing that has remained steady through recent cycles. Within the specific domain of dramatic television, her influence is more concentrated, placing her as the 11th most famous person in Dramas. These placements reflect a career defined by longevity and genre versatility rather than fleeting viral moments. Her audience engagement spans diverse regions, supported by a digital presence that includes a substantial subscriber base on video platforms. Despite her high visibility, no formal or officially recognized name exists for her fanbase; while supporters frequently express gratitude through social media interactions and general discussion on forums, organized campaigns or unique collective identities have not been documented in available records. The lack of a specific fandom moniker does not diminish her reach but rather suggests a viewer base that identifies primarily with her work rather than a structured group identity.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Born Kim Yoon-ji, Jung So-min adopted her professional stage name at the start of her acting career. She stands 165 cm (approximately 5 feet 5 inches) tall and was born under the Pisces sign. Her international reach is evidenced by a Wikipedia page available in 19 languages, which receives approximately 27,785 English views per month, with notable readership originating from Japan, China, and Spanish-speaking nations. As of August 2026, her YouTube channel boasts around 853,000 subscribers and over 35.9 million total views. While she maintains a polished public image with recent photoshoots in Bali and Okinawa, there are no widely retold legends of extraordinary crowd reactions or street disruptions associated with her appearances. Her career milestones include a brief hiatus in 2011 to study at the Korea National University of Arts and her casting in the upcoming Netflix crime drama The Dealer alongside Ryu Seung-beom.

    Notable Quotes

    “I am having an exceptionally busy and grateful year.”
    “I strive to maintain a sense of responsibility during every project.”

    Family & Personal Life

    Details about Jung So-min's family are not publicly documented. She keeps her personal life private, and no information about her parents or siblings is available.

    Notable Connections

    Jung So-min has worked with several notable figures in the industry. She co-starred with Jung Hae In in Love Next Door (2024), and with Ryu Seung-beom in the upcoming Netflix series The Dealer, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk of Squid Game fame.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    Jung So-min has kept her personal life private, and no confirmed romantic relationships have been documented in credible sources. As of 2026, she appears to be single, with no public reports of dating, engagement, or marriage.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $10 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    iFANN currently estimates Jung So-min's net worth at $10 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects her extensive tenure in the industry, where income is generated primarily through acting salaries for both television series and feature films. Additional revenue streams include brand endorsements and sponsored content delivered via her active social media channels. Her portfolio of commercial work extends to high-profile magazine features, such as a 2026 Elle spread shot in Okinawa, which typically command significant fees. With a steady stream of projects including recent dramas and an upcoming role in a major streaming production, her financial standing remains robust. While specific contract figures remain private, the consistency of her high-profile assignments indicates a comfortable and established economic position.

    Awards Won (7)

    2011 · New Star Award

    Jung So-min

    Won

    2024 · Best Actress

    Love Reset

    Won
    View all 8 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Because This Is My First Life

    2017 · Yoon Ji-ho

    Alchemy of Souls

    2022 · Mudeok / Nak-su

    Love Next Door

    2024 · Bae Seok-ryu

    Love Reset

    2023 · Hong Na-ra

    Playful Kiss

    2010 · Oh Ha-ni

    Keywords

    Jung So-minSouth Korean actressPlayful KissBecause This Is My First LifeAlchemy of SoulsLove Next DoorThe Dealer

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    actor, film actor, television actor
    Born
    March 16, 1989
    Birthplace
    Seoul, South Korea
    Gender
    Female
    Birth Sign
    Pisces
    Height
    5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
    Education
    Korea National University of Arts
    Real Name
    Kim Yoon-ji

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Kim Yoon-ji
    Height
    5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
    Education
    Korea National University of Arts

    Filmography

    20

    Total

    4

    Film

    16

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Jung So-min married?
    No public records indicate that Jung So-min is married. She has kept her personal life private, and no marriage has been reported as of 2026.
    What is Jung So-min's real name?
    Jung So-min was born Kim Yoon-ji on March 16, 1989, in Seoul, South Korea. She adopted the stage name Jung So-min for her acting career.
    What is Jung So-min's height?
    Jung So-min is 165 cm tall, approximately 5 feet 5 inches. This is based on public profiles from AsianWiki and other sources.
    What dramas has Jung So-min starred in?
    Her notable dramas include Bad Guy (2010), Playful Kiss (2010), Because This Is My First Life (2017), Alchemy of Souls (2022), Love Next Door (2024), and Would You Marry Me? (2025).
    Is Jung So-min in The Dealer?
    Yes, Jung So-min stars in The Dealer, a Netflix original crime drama created by Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. The series began production in early 2026.

    Social Media

    Similar People

    Join the community

    fans discussing