Behind Jung So Min's Picture-Perfect Image: 10 Facts You Need to Know From Troubled Family to Failed Relationship

Jung So Min has gained significant popularity due to the success of Love Next Door, but her way to success was difficult.

Very little information is known about Jung So Min's family, but it is reported that they were wealthy, with her father being a head of a private company.

However, the relationship between Jung So Min and her family seems to be rather strained, especially with her father - even though he was controlling, as a child, she wanted to become an actress and took an interest in performing.

She learned ballet in school, but both of her parents, father especially, were against their daughter's interest in the spotlight.

Here are some facts you need to know about the beloved 'Love Next Door' actress:

Birth Name and Early Life

Jung So Min was born Kim Yoon Ji on March 16, 1989, in Seoul, South Korea. She has a younger brother, but little is known about their family other than that it is well-off. Jung So Min's parents, however, were not supportive of her interest in the arts.

Passion for Performing From Early Childhood

Since her childhood, Jung So Min has demonstrated a keen interest in the arts. She started with ballet, as she learned it in elementary and later in middle school. Unfortunately, this style did not last long because her parents were against their child having a career in the spotlight.

Retaliating in Secret

Their opposition was especially pronounced when Jung So Min's father learned of her parts for plays and recitals. However, the actress disobeyed and continued learning traditional Korean dance without their knowledge.

She ventured into acting secretly to keep a good relationship with her family and started studying at an academy.

College Education and Scholarship

After finishing high school, Jung So Min was ready to enroll in the Korea National University of Arts but was short on funds. Her father finally discovered her secret vocational choice.

She was skeptical about her decision but changed his attitude since the actress had top grades in high school. Thus, Jung So Min received a scholarship and started pursuing her career in a new way.

The First Role in 'Bad Guy'

Jung So Min appeared in a minor role in Bad Guy in 2010 and became widely known after performing. Curiously, she received her first major role in a melodrama named Playful Kiss. However, this project saw higher success abroad than in South Korea.

Tumultuous Relationship With the Family

Jung So Min had complicated family relationships due to her father's attitude toward her career. They did not communicate for several years, but over time, He decided that she was doing fine and started reaching out. Finally, Jung So Min and her father began forming a bond, but much work remains in that direction.

SEE: Jung So-min Crowned Most Talked-About Actress Right Now For Riveting Performance in 'Love Next Door' 

Great Success in 'Alchemy of Souls'

 After filming several similar projects without major success, Jung So Min's career shot up out of nowhere, namely after Alchemy of Souls in 2022. Her acting made a significant impression, refreshing the favorite's popularity and earning excellent reviews.

The Former Boyfriend

In 2017, the famous actress began dating her co-actor Lee Joon, who appeared with her in My Father Is Strange. The couple was together for about three years, but their relationship ended due to their busy schedules, including long-distance challenges.

Further Career Highlights

Jung So Min is generally known as a talented individual. In addition to acting, she also has experience in other areas. For example, she performed on the catwalk, hosted a weekly radio show, and sang a few OST for various projects.

SEE: Jung So Min Shares Gorgeous Behind-The-Scenes Photo From Love Next Door

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This article was written by:

Rovelyn Barba