Kim You-jung

Kim You-jung is a South Korean actress who started modeling for a confectionery brand at age four and made her acting debut in 2003. By her teens, she had become one of the most sought-after child actors in the country, earning the nickname "Nation's Little Sister" for her frequent roles as the younger version of leading ladies. Her first leading role came in the 2016 historical romance Love in the Moonlight, which turned her into a household name. At just 17, she ranked 8th on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list in 2017, the youngest to crack the top 10. Her string of historical dramas in her teens earned her another moniker: "Sageuk Fairy." Since then, she has delivered standout performances across genres: the romantic comedy Backstreet Rookie (2020), the historical fantasy Lovers of the Red Sky (2021), the teen romance film 20th Century Girl (2022), the fantasy romance My Demon (2023–2024), and the psychological thriller Dear X (2025). After 20th Century Girl, media began calling her "Nation's First Love." Across more than 20 films and 15 TV series, Kim has shown a remarkable range, moving from child roles to complex leads with ease. [edit]

Kim You-jung was born in Seoul's Seongdong District. At age four, she modeled for a confectionery brand, which led to her acting debut in 2003. She quickly became a go-to child actress, playing younger versions of leading ladies in major dramas. Her early roles in historical dramas and family melodramas built a reputation for emotional depth. She attended Goyang High School of Arts, graduating in January 2018. By the time she was a teenager, she had already appeared in over a dozen TV series and films, earning the nickname "Nation's Little Sister." [edit]

Kim's breakthrough as a leading lady came in 2016 with Love in the Moonlight, a historical romance that became a hit and established her as a bankable adult actress. In 2017, she ranked 8th on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list, the youngest ever in the top 10. She followed with the film Because I Love You (2017) and the drama Clean with Passion for Now (2018). In 2020, she starred in Backstreet Rookie, a romantic comedy that drew strong ratings. The historical fantasy Lovers of the Red Sky (2021) earned her a Best Actress award at the SBS Drama Awards. Her 2022 Netflix film 20th Century Girl broadened her international appeal, earning her the nickname "Global First Love." She then starred in the fantasy romance My Demon (2023–2024) and the psychological thriller Dear X (2025). [edit]

Kim You-jung's public image is tied to youthful beauty, historical-drama elegance, and a "first love" appeal. Media and fans describe her performances as soft, romantic, and emotionally expressive. She is widely called "Nation's Little Sister," "Sageuk Fairy," and "Nation's First Love." Her social media presence is relatively low-key, but she maintains an Instagram account (@you_r_love) and an X/Twitter account (@kimuj0922). No official fandom name has been confirmed. [edit]

Kim You-jung commands a substantial global footprint, with her influence tracked across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide. Her standing is quantified by the 62nd most famous person in South Korea, a position she holds steady from the previous cycle. She ranks as the 60th most famous person from South Korea and stands as the 25th most famous person in K-Drama. These placements are part of the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, which provide a measured view of celebrity impact without relying on speculative metrics. While her fanbase is extensive and active, particularly given her massive social media following, no formal or official fandom name has been documented for her supporters. The audience engages primarily through organized online communities and support for her professional projects rather than through a unified, branded group identity.[edit]

Kim You-jung entered the entertainment industry at age four via commercial modeling and made her acting debut in 2003. She hosted Inkigayo from November 2014 to April 2016 and is known for a seamless transition from child actress to adult lead without a significant hiatus. Her nickname "Sageuk Fairy" reflects her numerous roles in historical dramas. She has an older sister and an older brother, and her favorite color is pink. In her free time, she enjoys reading and listening to music. A defining legend of her career is her successful evolution from the "Nation's Little Sister" to a mature leading lady, a feat few child stars achieve. Fans frequently recall the reunions of the casts for *Gureumi Green Dalbit* (My Little Bride) and *Love in the Moonlight*, events that celebrated her enduring connection to her early work. Additionally, her role in the 2025 drama *Dear X* marked a critical turning point where she shed her innocent image for darker, more complex characters, earning praise for hiding her emotions effectively.[edit]

Kim You-jung has an older sister and an older brother. She was raised in Seoul, South Korea. No further public details about her parents or household are available. She does not currently have a spouse or children. [edit]

Kim You-jung has worked with many notable co-stars. In Dong Yi, she appeared alongside Han Hyo-joo. She starred with Park Bo-gum in Love in the Moonlight, with Ji Chang-wook in Backstreet Rookie, with Ahn Hyo-seop in Lovers of the Red Sky, and with Song Kang in My Demon. [edit]

There are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships for Kim You-jung. She has not been linked to any co-star or public figure in a verified manner. As of 2026, she is reported to be single, focusing on her career. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Kim You-jung's net worth at $10 million in 2026. Her income is generated primarily through acting fees for television dramas and films, alongside endorsements and brand partnerships. She has served as a model for various beauty and fashion brands within South Korea and secured high-profile international appointments, including becoming a global ambassador for Charles & Keith and a House Ambassador for Messika. Her early start as a child actress allowed her to accumulate wealth steadily over two decades. The Forbes ranking in 2017 significantly boosted her marketability, leading to higher compensation for subsequent projects. As of 2026, she remains one of the most sought-after actresses in her age group.[edit]

Kim You-jung has won multiple awards throughout her career, including Best Actress at the SBS Drama Awards for Lovers of the Red Sky. She has also received recognition at the KBS Drama Awards and the Korea Drama Awards. [edit]