Backstreet Rookie star Kim Yoo-jung – how ‘Korea’s little sister’ graduated from Joseon-era epic Love in the Moonlight to become Korean drama’s next sensation
A former child star with more than 50 movie and TV credits to her name, now aged 21, Kim Yoo-jung has emerged as the next Korean drama actress to watch with hyped new romcom Backstreet Rookie
At 21, Korean actress Kim Yoo-jung has more than 20 movies and at least 30 television show titles on her lengthy filmography, yet her new romcom, Backstreet Rookie, will be worth the wait. Here’s what you need to know about the actress’ career so far and her new role in the upcoming webtoon-based series.
Child wonder
Debuting in 2003 at the age of four, Kim began her career as an actress long before she could decide on her own aspirations. “Even for reading the Korean alphabet, I learned it through scripts,” she said in an interview with E! Asia.
At 17, Kim landed in the Korean Forbes list of 2017’s most influential people – before finishing high school or learning how to drive.
Often playing the younger version of the lead female role, Kim was an in-demand child actress who was consistently active in both films and television dramas. She even earned the nickname “Korea’s little sister”. In 2008, Kim won her first best young actress award for playing the child counterpart of the main character in period action series Iljimae.
Sageuk Fairy
Because she often took on roles in historical dramas, Kim earned another nickname: Sageuk Fairy. In 2012, Kim starred in the top-rated drama Moon Embracing the Sun, where she was recognised for her performance and won multiple best child actress awards. She also appeared in 2014 period drama Secret Door, which won her a new star award.