Jung So Min has been a consistent presence in the entertainment industry for 14 years. With her graceful yet down-to-earth charm, she comes across as the ideal daughter figure that many admire. Her latest rom-com, Love Next Door, proved once again that her formula for romantic comedies is as effective as ever. Let’s take a moment to revisit some highlights from her filmography.
Love Next Door
Love Next Door premiered on August 17th and quickly captivated audiences with its heartwarming story. The drama gained popularity fast, with its first two episodes earning average viewership ratings of 4.9% and 6.0%, according to Nielsen Korea. Its appeal went beyond South Korea, breaking into the top 10 in 75 countries, including major markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
The show pairs rising rom-com star Jung Hae In with seasoned pro Jung So Min. While Hae In has impressed with his performances in emotional dramas like JTBC’s Something in the Rain and the film Tune in for Love, Jung So Min has consistently won over audiences with her charming, relatable characters in romantic comedies such as the movie Love Reset and JTBC’s Monthly Magazine Home.
Love Next Door tells the story of childhood friends Choi Seung Hyo (played by Jung Hae In) and Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min), who reconnect after a decade apart. Seok Ryu, once a model student, returns to Korea feeling lost and defeated after a broken engagement and losing her job. Many viewers found So Min’s portrayal of Seok Ryu’s emotional struggles both relatable and heartwarming.
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Alchemy of Souls
The 2022 tvN drama Alchemy of Souls was a major success, reaching viewership ratings of around 10%. The series was well-received despite tackling the less common genre of ancient martial arts and period dramas and being split into two parts. Many consider it one of the most polished works by the famous Hong sisters, known for hits like Hong Gil-dong and A Korean Odyssey.
In Part 1, which aired in June 2022, Jung So Min played Mu Deok, a servant to Jang Uk (Lee Jae Wook). Mu Deok’s body was possessed by the soul of a ruthless assassin named Nak Su. The contrast between Mu Deok’s weak body and Nak Su’s powerful, charismatic soul added some humor to the show. Jang Uk, who is hiding a secret and trying to unlock his spiritual powers, chooses Mu Deok as his master, unaware that he’s developing feelings for her.
Jung So Min’s portrayal of Mu Deok was praised for bringing a playful energy that balanced the drama’s serious tone. Although there was some controversy when the lead actress changed from Jung So Min to Go Yoon Jung for Part 2, both parts were successful. Jung So Min’s performance in Part 1 set a strong foundation for Nak Su’s character development.
Love Reset
Released in 2023, Love Reset surprised the box office with its impressive performance. It surpassed 2 million cumulative moviegoers within a month of release and ranked fourth in the Korean film box office that year. This was especially notable since only big-budget films like The Roundup: No Way Out and Concrete Utopia managed to break even in 2023.
In the movie, Hong Nara (Jung So Min), a wealthy film producer, and No Jung Yeol (Kang Ha Neul), a first-year lawyer from a humble background, finally get married after a rocky romance. However, reality sets in after the wedding, and they grow tired of each other, leading them to decide on a divorce. Before their separation is finalized, they are given a 30-day grace period. During this time, they both lose their memories in an accident. As they try to regain their memories, they begin to see each other in a new light, almost like falling in love for the first time.
Jung So Min reunited with Kang Ha Neul eight years after their film Twenty, and their chemistry in Love Reset was even stronger. In an interview, Jung So Min shared that, “When we filmed Twenty, we were a bit cautious with each other. But while filming Love Reset, it felt like we had been friends forever.” She pointed to this deepened friendship as the key to their perfect on-screen harmony.
My Father Is Strange
As expected of a KBS 2TV weekend drama, My Father Is Strange started off strong with a 22.9% viewership rating and ended with a whopping 33.7%. The drama revolves around the story of Han Soo (Kim Young Chul), his wife Young Sil (Kim Hae Sook), their four children, and the chaotic events that unfold when former idol-turned-actor Ahn Jung Hee (Lee Joon) moves into their home.
KBS drama My Father Is Strange brought out a more mature and serious side of Jung So Min. She played the role of a young job seeker named Byun Mi Young, who undergoes the most significant transformation in the drama. Once a shy girl who was bullied during her school days, Mi Young struggles to hide her pain when she meets her former bully, Kim Yu Ju (Lee Mi Do), again. As she becomes increasingly entangled with Yu Ju both at home and outside, Mi Young gradually grows stronger and finds her voice.
Previously known for her bright and innocent roles, Jung So Min received praise for her portrayal of the darker side of youth in My Father Is Strange. She delicately depicted Mi Young’s struggles with job hunting and her selfless nature, offering comfort to many young viewers who felt similar pain in the competitive society.
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