
Jung So-min
South Koreaactor•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
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
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
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
2024 · Best Actress
Love Reset
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
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?
What is Jung So-min's real name?
What is Jung So-min's height?
What dramas has Jung So-min starred in?
Is Jung So-min in The Dealer?
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