'Queen of Tears' Jang Yoon Ju Predicted Kim Soo Hyun's Rise to Fame 15 Years Ago: 'You'll Become A Star'

On the May 29 broadcast of tvN's talk show "You Quiz on the Block," model-actress Jang Yoon Ju delighted audiences with a nostalgic and humorous story about her early encounter with Kim Soo Hyun, her co-star from the recently-concluded drama "Queen of Tears."

This memory dates back 15 years, long before Kim Soo Hyun's rise to stardom.

During the show, host Yoo Jae Suk brought up an interesting anecdote from the past, which immediately brought laughter to Jang Yoon Ju.

"I heard that during a fashion brand photoshoot with Kim Soo Hyun in the past, you told him that he'll become a star since he worked with you." 

Yoo Jae Suk caused Jang Yoon Ju to burst into laughter and exclaimed:

"I'm feeling a bit dizzy!"

Jang Yoon Ju explained:

"It's just that I've been modeling for a long time and have done countless photoshoots. Once, I worked with actor Kang Dong Won when he was a model. I also did one with actor Jo In Sung, although I'm not sure if he'd remember. And actor Ju Ji Hoon had his first photoshoot with me during his early career."

Reflecting on her first impression of Kim Soo Hyun, Jang Yoon Ju confessed:

"I wasn't so impressed when I first heard Kim Soo Hyun would be the male model since I didn't know him. But when we started shooting, he showed remarkable energy.

He was humble, just like he is now."

READ ALSO: 'Queen of Tears' Jang Yoon Ju Gets Candid on How Her CEO Husband Realized She Was the One

It was during this photoshoot that Jang Yoon Ju made a casual yet prophetic comment.

"So I told Kim Soo Hyun, very casually, 'You know what? They rise to fame after a photoshoot with me. You'll become a star!' 

His response was:

'Wow, is that so?'"

Jang Yoon Ju's light-hearted prediction turned out to be incredibly accurate.

Kim Soo Hyun's career skyrocketed following the photoshoot, marked by his roles in KBS' "Dream High" (2011) and MBC's "The Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012). These dramas cemented his status as South Korea's top actor and highest-paid celebrity.

Recounting a later encounter, Jang Yoon Ju said:

"We ran into each other at an awards ceremony, less than two years after the photoshoot. I greeted Kim Soo Hyun and said, 'Hi, remember how I told you before that you'll become a star?' And he actually remembered. He said, 'Noona, thank you so much.'"

Fast forward to present, the two stars found themselves working together again. She portrayed as the actor's onscreen older sister through tvN's drama "Queen of Tears."

Jang Yoon Ju expressed her joy, saying:

"Now, after 15 years, we reunited and had the chance to portray a family in a drama. It was wonderful."

The episode also highlighted Jang Yoon Ju's versatile talent, particularly her knack for comedy. Yoo Jae Suk praised her, saying:

"We first met on an entertainment show. She was so funny that she made me wonder, 'Wow, how could she, a model, be that hilarious as well?'"

Jang Yoon Ju shared a glimpse into her comedic aspirations from childhood:

"As a child, I found great joy in making people laugh through my words and facial expressions. In a way, one of my dreams was becoming a comedian."

Watch Jang Yoon Ju's full interview on "Yoo Quiz on the Block" here!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Queen of Tears' Sets Unprecedented Records Despite Ending Over a Month Ago

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Written by Joana Cabigas.