Krystal Jung
South Korean and American singer and actress (born 1994) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chrystal Soo Jung (born October 24, 1994),[2] professionally known as Krystal Jung, is a South Korean and American singer and actress. She debuted in 2009 as a member of the South Korean girl group f(x) and has further participated in SM Entertainment's project group SM the Ballad. Aside from group activities, she has also acted in various South Korean drama series such as The Heirs (2013), My Lovely Girl (2014), Prison Playbook (2017), The Bride of Habaek (2017), Player (2018), Search (2020), Police University (2021), and Crazy Love (2022).
Krystal Jung | |
|---|---|
Jung in October 2024 | |
| Born | Chrystal Soo Jung October 24, 1994 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Jung Soo-jung[A] |
| Citizenship |
|
| Alma mater | Hanlim Multi Art School |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Relatives | Jessica Jung (sister) |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | K-pop |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels |
|
| Member of | f(x) |
| Formerly of | SM the Ballad |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 정수정 |
| Revised Romanization | Jeong Sujeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Chŏng Sujŏng |
| Professional name | |
| Hangul | 크리스탈 정 |
| Revised Romanization | Keuriseutal Jeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | K'ŭrisŭt'al Chŏng |
| Signature | |
 | |
Early life and education
Jung was born as Chrystal Soo Jung in San Francisco, California, where her family settled from South Korea in the 1980s.[3][2] She holds dual citizenship in the United States and South Korea.[4]
During a family trip to South Korea in early 2000, at the age of five, Jung and her sister Jessica Jung were spotted by SM Entertainment, which earned her a cameo appearance in Shinhwa's "Wedding March" music video. SM offered Jung and her sister singing and dancing lessons in order to professionally train them for a music career. However, the offer was turned down by her parents, who reasoned that she was too young, so they only allowed her sister to join the company at first. Her sister later debuted as a member of the girl group Girls' Generation. They have since appeared together in many events.[5][6]
After moving to South Korea, Jung attended Korea Kent Foreign School,[7] then graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School on February 7, 2013, where she was honored with an achievement award.[8] She also attended Sungkyunkwan University, where she majored in Theater.[9]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
2002–2006: Pre-debut activities
In 2002, Jung began appearing in television commercials. She first appeared in a Lotte commercial with South Korean actress Han Ga-in.[10][11] In 2006, her parents finally allowed her to join SM, and the agency then enrolled her in dance-classes. She was trained for 3 years before debuting as a part of f(x) in 2009.[12][13]
In 2006, Jung made a brief appearance in Rain's music video for "I Still Believe," and later appeared in Shinee's 2008 music video for "Juliette," portraying the female lead.[14][15]
2009–2011: Debut with f(x) and television shows
Jung debuted as vocalist of the South Korean girl group f(x) in September 2009.[2] That year, she and her f(x) bandmate Luna released the duet "Hard but Easy", a soundtrack for the KBS2 drama Invincible Lee Pyung Kang.[16]
In March 2010, Jung participated in a series of music videos under the Melody Project, playing a young student who is in love with her music teacher. She released a solo single titled "Melody" for this project.[17] Jung then became a host for the music show The M-Wave with Thunder from MBLAQ.[18][19] In July, the singer debuted as an actress with a minor role in the long-running sitcom More Charming by the Day.[20] She received the "Newcomer Comedy Award" at the 2010 MBC Entertainment Awards for the role.[21]
In 2011, Jung participated in and won first place in SBS's figure-skating show Kim Yuna's Kiss & Cry.[22] She also starred in the sitcom High Kick 3, playing the role of a superficial and shallow girl who does not have much depth of feelings.[12]
2013–2017: SM The Ballad, collaborative music work, and acting career
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In 2013, Jung starred in the SBS teen drama The Heirs, playing the role of a spoiled yet kind-hearted wealthy high school student.[23] Her character in the show generated positive recognition among viewers, and she was voted as the Best Onscreen Couple along with CNBLUE's Kang Min-hyuk at the 2013 DramaFever Awards.[24]
In 2014, Jung joined the ballad group SM the Ballad, initially formed by SM Entertainment in 2010. On the group's 2nd album Breath, she sang the Japanese version of the title track "Breath" with TVXQ's Changmin. She also sang a duet with Exo's Chen titled "When I Was... When U Were...".[25] Jung performed her duet with Chen live at the S.M. The Ballad Joint Recital on February 12.[26] In June, Jung, along with her sister Jessica, was featured in the reality show, Jessica & Krystal. The show took on a more close and personal side of the two sisters, addressing their public image and sisterly bond.[27]
Later in the year, Jung got her first leading role in the SBS's drama My Lovely Girl, alongside Rain.[28] She portrayed a girl who moves from the countryside to Seoul to pursue a music career and ends up meeting a fateful love during the process.[29] Commenting on Jung's work attitude, Director Park Hyung-ki stated "Despite taking on a difficult character, she shows her determination to pull it off through her gaze to the point you can see sincerity in Krystal when she's in front of the camera."[30] She released a solo single "All of a Sudden" for the drama's OST.[31] At the Baeksang Arts Awards, Jung won the "Most Popular Actress" award in the television category for her role in the drama.[32] She also released "Say Yes"' for the Make Your Move soundtrack, featuring her sister, Jessica, and Exo's former member, Kris.[16]
In 2015, Jung starred alongside actor Seo Jun-young in a 10-minute film entitled, Listen To My Song for W Korea's 10th anniversary.[33] Jung was also cast in leading roles in an upcoming Chinese movie, titled Unexpected Love along with Exo's Lay;[34] and in the Chinese drama Graduation Season alongside Deng Lun.[35]
On February 12, 2017, it was reported that Jung would release the collaboration single "I Don't Wanna Love You" with Glen Check's member June One Kim. The song was revealed for the first time on February 14 at the re-opening of a clothing store in Seoul, and then be released online at midnight KST on February 15.[36] In July, Jung starred in tvN's drama spin-off of the Korean manga Bride of the Water God.[37][38] The same year she starred in the black comedy drama Prison Playbook, produced by Reply PD Shin Won-ho, where she played a cheerful and determined medical student and the ex-girlfriend of the main character. She received good reviews for her performance.[39][40] Jung was named 'Woman of the Year' by GQ Korea.[41]
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2018–present: Continued acting career and labels transition
In 2018, Jung was cast as the female lead in OCN's crime action drama Player, as Cha Ah-ryung, a highly skilled driver who ran away from orphanage. [42][43] At the press conference for the drama, Jung stated that she learned how to ride a motorcycle in order to do her own stunts.[44]
In 2019, Jung and her sister Jessica filmed their second reality show in the United States where they traveled across their homeland, exploring fashion, music, and culture while reminiscing about their childhood memories, titled Jessica & Krystal: US Road Trip which was released in 2021.[45][46] The same year, she made her film debut in the independent romance More Than Family, playing To-il, a pregnant college student searching for her estranged father.[47] She also starred in the Netflix-released romantic comedy Sweet & Sour, marking her commercial film debut.[48]
In 2020, Jung was cast in OCN's military cinematic drama Search, where she played an elite army officer.[49] The drama premiered on October 17, 2020.[50] After reports began swirling of Jung departing SM Entertainment, SM responded that their contract with her would expire by the end of August 2020, and they were in discussions with her for a possible renewal.[51] Krystal's departure from SM was officially announced in October 2020 and signed with H& Entertainment as her new agency.[52]
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In 2021, Jung starred in KBS2's drama Police University, playing Oh Kang-hee, a freshman at Korean National Police University, alongside Cha Tae-hyun and Jinyoung.[53]
In 2022, Jung starred alongside Kim Jae-wook in the KBS2's romantic-comedy Crazy Love, playing Lee Shin-ah, a quiet but capable secretary whose life takes an unexpected turn.[54] For her performance, she received the "Popularity Award", at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards.
In 2023, Jung starred in Cobweb, a period black comedy-drama film directed by Kim Jee-woon.[55] It was premiered in the non-competitive section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.[56] She received the "Best New Actress" award at the 33rd Buil Film Awards,[57] and the "Best Supporting Actress" award at the Chunsa Film Art Awards 2023 for the role.[58]
In February 2024, Jung released cover song of Leila Hathaway's "I'm Coming Back" through SoundCloud and also confirmed to join the label Beasts & Natives (BANA).[59] Later in the same year, she made a special appearance in The Player 2: Master of Swindlers, the sequel to the 2018 drama Player. in which she starred as Cha Ah-ryung.[60]
In January 2025, Jung was confirmed to star in the film Audition 109, co-directed by Jung Woo and Oh Seong Ho.[61] In March 2025, Jung was selected as the ambassador for French Film Week, which was scheduled to take place from April 4 to 13. During a Q&A session following a general screening of the film Suspended Time, she revealed that she had been preparing for her solo album.[62][63]
In April 2025, Jung starred as a special guest role in the fantasy romance drama Way Back Love as a senior grim reaper. The episode premiered on April 15.[64]
Impact
Jung has made a significant impact in K-pop, acting, and fashion. As a member of f(x), she contributed to shaping the group's distinctive sound and image, gaining recognition for her charismatic stage presence. In 2015, American music magazine Spin called f(x) the "world's greatest living pop group" at the time.[65] In 2017, Billboard ranked f(x) at number seven on their "Top 10 K-pop Girl Groups of the Past Decade" list.[66] Beyond her music career, Jung also has successful acting career, with notable roles in popular K-dramas like The Heirs, and Prison Playbook, as well as in the movie Cobweb. [23][40][55]
In 2020, Cine21 ranked her fifth among "New Actresses That Will Lead the Korean Video Content Industry in 2021,".[67] She was also included in Cine21's 2024 "Korean Film NEXT 50" list.[68]
Other ventures
Summarize
Perspective
Endorsements and ambassadorship
In 2010, Jung, alongside Seohyun from Girls' Generation, became a model for Clean & Clear, and in 2012, she partnered with actress Kim Ji-won for the brand's campaigns.[69][70] In 2013, Jung and her sister Jessica became the faces of the South Korean jewelry brand Stonehenge.[71] That same year, Jung and group mate Sulli became the new faces of the makeup brand Etude House. During their tenure, they collaborated with labelmate Shinee, who were also models for the brand at that time. This partnership continued until 2014, after which Krystal continued her association with the brand as a solo model until 2017.[72][73] Later that year, she participated in Adidas' "My Girls" campaign, which aimed to inspire and empower women through sports and fitness activities.[74]
In 2014, She became a model for Chinese sports brand Li-Ning and South Korean bag brand Lapalette with her sister Jessica.[75]
Jung represented Keds as a global ambassador from 2015 to 2020. In 2016, she became one the faces of the brand's "Ladies First" campaign, which aimed to celebrate and empower women. [76][77]
In 2016, Jung became Tod's first Asian model, she was featured in their "Italian Diaries" campaign, a short film showcasing the Spring/Summer 2017 collection, where she explored the city of Venice.[78][79]
In 2018, Jung appointed as a brand ambassador for Clio Cosmetics and continued to feature in their campaigns through 2020. [80][81] Later that year, she was selected as the ambassador for Audi in South Korea, representing the luxury automaker in various global campaigns and events.[82] Jung and her sister Jessica was featured in Fendi's "Me and My Peekaboo" campaign. [83]
In 2021, Jung announced as the global brand spokesperson for AHC, a South Korean skincare brand. [84]
Since 2020, Jung has been selected as the global ambassador of Ralph Lauren.[85] Later that year, she was also named the model for Tsubaki, a premium Japanese hair care brand.[86]
Jung became the first-ever global brand ambassador for Charles & Keith in 2022. [87]
In 2023, Jung was chosen as the ambassador of Lancôme, and became Pomellato's first South Korean brand ambassador.[88][89]
In 2024, Jung was appointed as the official brand ambassador for SW19, a fragrance brand. She headlined their "I Am Now" campaign, which emphasized themes of self-expression and individuality.[90]
In February 2025, Jung collaborated with Adidas Originals for the inaugural "House of Wild" project, a creative initiative celebrating individuality and self-expression. This collaboration was prominently featured in Esquire Korea and Eyes Magazine.[91]
In March 2025, Jung was appointed as the ambassador for "French Film Week" in South Korea, which was scheduled to take place from April 4 to 13 in Seoul and Busan. Organized by the French Embassy’s cultural service in collaboration with Megabox's Artnine and the Busan Cinema Center.[62]
Philanthropy
Jung has been involved in various charitable initiatives, both individually and as a member of f(x). In 2010, she, along with f(x) members Luna, Victoria, and Sulli, took part in a charity event organized by Crown Bakery and the Heart to Heart Foundation, spending time with children at a community childcare center and decorating “Crown Art Bears” to support underprivileged youth.[92][93] In 2011, she performed with f(x) at a K-pop charity concert in Osaka, Japan, to raise funds for disaster relief following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[94]
In 2013, to celebrate her birthday, she and her fans donated approximately 30 kilograms of Hanwoo beef to the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation, supporting children undergoing cancer treatment.[95][96] In 2015, she donated a signed doll to a UNICEFKorea fundraising campaign to support children affected by the Nepal earthquake, contributing to the relief efforts through charity auction.[97] The same year, she and her sister, Jessica, attended W Korea’s “Love Your W” charity event, which raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment.[98]
In June 2018, Jung took part in the CJ Cultivating Dreams Classroom event held at Yongchang Elementary School in Yunnan, China. The program, organized by CJ Group in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange and Chinese organizations, aimed to support underprivileged youth through cultural and educational exchange.[99] For her contribution, Jung was awarded a plaque of appreciation by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development.[100]
In 2024, Jung once again participated in the “Love Your W”, a charity event for breast cancer awareness held by W Korea.[101]
Discography
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Gaon [102] | ||||
| As lead artist | ||||
| "Melody" | 2010 | — | N/A | Melody Project Part II – Moderato |
| Collaborations | ||||
| "The Way an Idol Breaks Up" (with Kim Hee-chul)[103] |
2010 | — | N/A | Super Show 3 (album) |
| "When I Was... When U Were..." (with Chen) |
2014 | 31 |
|
SM the Ballad Vol. 2 – Breath |
| "Breath" (Japanese Ver.) (with Changmin) |
— | N/A | ||
| "I Don't Wanna Love You" (with June One Kim of Glen Check) |
2017 | — | Non-album single | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory | ||||
Soundtrack appearances
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Gaon [105] | ||||
| "Hard but Easy" (with Luna) |
2009 | — | N/A | Invincible Lee Pyung Kang OST |
| "Spread Its Wings" (with Luna X Amber) |
2010 | — | God of Study OST | |
| "Calling Out" (with Luna) |
— | Cinderella's Sister OST | ||
| "Because of Me" | 2011 | — | Sign OST | |
| "Grumbling" (with Leeteuk) |
— | Sunday Night – Enjoy Today OST | ||
| "Butterfly" (with Jessica) |
2012 | 22 |
|
To the Beautiful You OST |
| "Say Yes" (with Jessica and Kris) |
2014 | — | N/A | Make Your Move OST |
| "All of a Sudden" | 25 |
|
My Lovely Girl OST | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory | ||||
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Listen to My Song | Herself | Short film in celebration of W Korea's 10th anniversary | [33] |
| 2020 | More Than Family | To-il | [108] | |
| 2021 | Sweet & Sour | Bo-young | Netflix film | [48] |
| 2023 | Cobweb | Han Yu-rim | [109] | |
| 2025 | Audition 109 | [61] | ||
| TBA | Unexpected Love | Fei Yan | Chinese film | [34] |
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | More Charming By The Day | Jung Soo-jung | [20] | |
| 2011 | Welcome to the Show | Herself | Cameo | [110] |
| High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged | Ahn Soo-jung | [12] | ||
| 2013 | The Heirs | Lee Bo-na | [23] | |
| 2014 | Potato Star 2013QR3 | Jung Soo-jung | Cameo (Episode 81) | [111] |
| My Lovely Girl | Yoon Se-na | [28] | ||
| 2016 | The Legend of the Blue Sea | Min-ji | Cameo (Episode 1) | [112] |
| 2017 | The Bride of Habaek | Moo-ra / Hye-ra | [37] | |
| Prison Playbook | Kim Ji-ho | [39] | ||
| 2018 | Player | Cha Ah-ryung | [42] | |
| 2020 | Search | Son Ye-rim | [49] | |
| 2021 | Police University | Oh Kang-hee | [53] | |
| 2022 | Crazy Love | Lee Shin-ah | [54] | |
| 2024 | The Player 2: Master of Swindlers | Cha Ah-ryung | Cameo (Episode 1) | [113] |
| 2025 | Way Back Love | Senior grim reaper | Cameo (Episode 5) | [64] |
Web series
Television shows
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Kim Yuna's Kiss & Cry | Contestant | Winner of K & C | [115][116] |
| 2014 | Jessica & Krystal | Cast member | ||
| 2021 | Jessica & Krystal: US Road Trip | Cast member | [27] |
Music video appearances
| Year | Title | Artist | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | "Wedding March" | Shinhwa | [5] | |
| 2006 | "I Still Believe" | Rain | BMW Meets Truth project | [14] |
| 2008 | "Juliette" | Shinee | [15] | |
| 2010 | "Sweet Dream" | Alex Chu | Melody Project Part I – Andante | [117] |
| "Melody" | Krystal | Melody Project Part II – Moderato | ||
| "Spring Will Probably Come" | Byul | Melody Project Part III – Fermata | [118] |
Accolades
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Nominee / work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2015 | Most Popular Actress (TV) | My Lovely Girl | Won | [32] |
| 2021 | Best New Actress – Film | More Than Family | Nominated | [119] | |
| 2024 | Best Supporting Actress – Film | Cobweb | Nominated | [120] | |
| Blue Dragon Film Awards | 2021 | Best New Actress | More Than Family | Nominated | [121] |
| 2023 | Best Supporting Actress | Cobweb | Nominated | [122] | |
| Buil Film Awards | 2024 | Best New Actress | Cobweb | Won | [123] |
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | 2021 | Best New Actress | More Than Family | Nominated | [124] |
| 2023 | Best Supporting Actress | Cobweb | Won | [125] | |
| DramaFever Awards | 2014 | Best Couple | Krystal Jung (with Kang Min-hyuk) The Heirs |
Won | [24] |
| Fashionista Awards | 2015 | Best Fashionista | Krystal Jung | Won | [126] |
| 2016 | Won | [127] | |||
| 2017 | Best Fashionista – TV & Film Division | The Bride of Habaek | Won | [128] | |
| Golden Cinematography Awards | 2021 | Popularity Award by Cinematographer | More Than Family | Won | [129] |
| Grand Bell Awards | 2023 | Best Supporting Actress | Cobweb | Nominated | [130] |
| InStyle Star Icon | 2016 | Most Stylish Female Idol | Krystal Jung | Won | [131] |
| Jumei Award Ceremony | Fashion Icon Goddess Award | Won | [132] | ||
| KBS Drama Awards | 2021 | Best New Actress | Police University | Won | [133] |
| 2022 | Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Crazy Love | Nominated | [134] | |
| Popularity Award, Actress | Won | [135] | |||
| Korea Fashion Photographers Association | 2016 | Celebrity of the Year – Photogenic | Krystal Jung | Won | [citation needed] |
| MBC Entertainment Awards | 2010 | Best Newcomer in a Sitcom or Comedy | More Charming By The Day | Won | [21] |
| Madame Figaro Fashion Gala Awards | 2019 | Asia Style Award | Krystal Jung | Won | [136] |
| SBS Drama Awards | 2014 | Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | My Lovely Girl | Nominated | [citation needed] |
| Seoul International Youth Film Festival | 2014 | Best Young Actress | The Heirs | Nominated | [citation needed] |
| Style Icon Awards | Top 10 Style Icons | Krystal Jung (with Jessica Jung) Jessica & Krystal |
Nominated | [citation needed] |
Listicles
Notes
- A screenshot of Jung's Korean passport is shown.[1]
- Tied with Go Min-si, Kim Da-mi, Kim Se-jeong, Park Gyu-young, and Park Hye-su
References
External links
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