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Entertainment • Actor

Kim Yoo-jung

Kim Yoo-jung is a South Korean actress known for starting her career as a child model and child actress.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim Yoo-jung is a South Korean actress who began her career as a child model and child actress. She gained widespread recognition for her leading roles in television dramas and films, including Love in the Moonlight, Backstreet Rookie, Lovers of the Red Sky, and 20th Century Girl.

Early life and career beginnings

Kim Yoo-jung was born on September 22, 1999, in Seoul, South Korea. She began working as a model at the age of four and made her acting debut in 2003. She quickly became one of South Korea's best-known child actresses.

Acting breakthrough

She drew wider attention through prominent roles in popular television dramas including Dong Yi, Moon Embracing the Sun, May Queen, Secret Door, and Angry Mom. These performances helped establish her reputation as a versatile young performer. She also hosted the music program Inkigayo from November 2014 to April 2016.

Transition to leading roles

Kim Yoo-jung's first adult lead role came in the historical romance drama Love in the Moonlight in 2016. She continued with major roles in films and dramas such as Because I Love You, Clean with Passion for Now, Backstreet Rookie, The 8th Night, Lovers of the Red Sky, and 20th Century Girl.

Public image and nicknames

She has been nicknamed 'Nation's Little Sister' and 'Sageuk Fairy' in recognition of her child-star image and frequent appearances in historical dramas. Media coverage after 20th Century Girl also associated her with the nickname 'Nation's First Love'.

Key facts

  • She began modelling at age four and made her acting debut in 2003.
  • She gained attention through child roles in Dong Yi and Moon Embracing the Sun.
  • She hosted the music program Inkigayo from November 2014 to April 2016.
  • Her first adult leading role was in Love in the Moonlight (2016).
  • She later starred in Backstreet Rookie, Lovers of the Red Sky, and 20th Century Girl.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kim Yoo-jung?
Kim Yoo-jung is a South Korean actress who began as a child model and child actress before moving into leading roles in television and film.
When was Kim Yoo-jung born?
She was born on September 22, 1999, in Seoul, South Korea.
What is Kim Yoo-jung known for?
She is known for child acting roles, historical dramas, and lead roles in series such as Love in the Moonlight, Backstreet Rookie, and Lovers of the Red Sky.
Did Kim Yoo-jung host a television program?
Yes. She hosted the music program Inkigayo from November 2014 to April 2016.
What are Kim Yoo-jung's nicknames?
She has been called 'Nation's Little Sister' and 'Sageuk Fairy' in South Korean media.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2498552/bio/
    Supports: Birth date and place, career start, notable acting roles, Inkigayo hosting, and nicknames.
  2. Wikipedia (Polish) — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Yoo-jung
    Supports: Birth date and place, South Korean actress identity, and family/background details.
  3. Wikipedia (Finnish) — https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Yoo-jung
    Supports: Career debut in 2003, child-acting prominence, Inkigayo hosting, and Love in the Moonlight lead role.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Yoo-jung
    Supports: Later film and television credits including Because I Love You, Clean with Passion for Now, Backstreet Rookie, The 8th Night, Lovers of the Red Sky, and 20th Century Girl.