Autobiography of Son Ye-jin
Son Eon-jin, better known by her stage name Son Ye-jin, was born on January 11, 1982, in South Korea. Her passion for acting ignited early, propelling her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Son Ye-jin’s first foray into the world of acting was through voice work in Park Ki-hyung’s film “Secret Tears” in 2000, where she voiced the character Jung Mi-jo. This initial experience laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career in both television and film.
Rising to Fame (2000-2005)
Son Ye-jin’s journey to stardom began with her roles in television dramas such as “Delicious Proposal,” “Sun-hee and Jin-hee,” and “Great Ambition.” However, it was her role in Im Kwon-taek’s film “Chi-hwa-seon” that marked her first high-profile role in cinema. The film was screened at Cannes and won a Best Director award in 2002, signaling Son’s arrival on the big stage.
The turning point in her career came with her performances in “Lover’s Concerto” and “The Classic” in 2003. Both films were mid-level hits in Korea, but “The Classic,” directed by Kwak Jae-yong of “My Sassy Girl” fame, gained substantial exposure in regions like Hong Kong and mainland China. This exposure launched Son Ye-jin into East Asian stardom, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Hallyu Wave and Nation’s First Love
Son Ye-jin’s status as a Hallyu star was further cemented with her lead role in the TV drama “Summer Scent,” the third installment of the season-themed tetralogy “Endless Love” drama series directed by Yoon Seok-ho. This role, along with her performances in “A Moment to Remember” and “April Snow,” gained massive popularity in East Asia, particularly in Japan. “A Moment to Remember,” based on a famous Japanese series, set box office records in Japan and sold over two million tickets in Korea. “April Snow,” in which she co-starred with Bae Yong-joon, was also a hit in Japan and China. These roles, portraying a pure and innocent image, earned her the title of the “Nation’s First Love” in Korea.
Versatility in Roles (2006-2015)
In 2006, Son Ye-jin became the highest-paid Korean actress in Korean television series with her lead role in SBS drama “Alone in Love,” where she was guaranteed a talent fee of KRW 50 million per episode. This period marked a significant transition in her career as she began to take on more diverse and challenging roles, shedding her nice girl image.
She portrayed a con artist in “The Art of Seduction,” an ambitious reporter in “Spotlight,” a femme fatale in “Open City,” and a divorcée in the critically acclaimed series “Alone in Love.” Her role as a polyandrous woman in “My Wife Got Married” in 2008 won her Best Actress honors from prestigious award bodies like the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
After the dark mystery “White Night,” Son Ye-jin opted for lighter, more fun projects like the romantic comedy series “Personal Taste” and the horror-romantic comedy film “Spellbound,” which became one of the top-grossing films in 2011. In 2012, she starred in her first blockbuster, “The Tower,” a remake of the 1974 Hollywood disaster film “The Towering Inferno.”
Continued Success and Critical Acclaim (2016-Present)
Son Ye-jin’s career continued to flourish with her role in the political thriller “The Truth Beneath” in 2016, where she reunited with her “My Wife Got Married” co-star Kim Joo-hyuk. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, winning her Best Actress at the 25th Buil Film Awards and 17th Busan Film Critics Awards. She then played Princess Deokhye in the biopic “The Last Princess,” which became a box office hit, grossing US$40.35 million worldwide and earning her praise for her sensitive and technically refined performance.
In 2018, Son Ye-jin starred alongside So Ji-sub in the romance film “Be with You,” and returned to television with JTBC’s romance drama “Something in the Rain.” The series achieved commercial popularity, and Son received rave reviews for her performance. She also starred in the crime thriller “The Negotiation” alongside Hyun Bin.
Her reunion with Hyun Bin in the global hit romance drama “Crash Landing on You” (2019-2020) as a rich heiress who falls in love with a North Korean officer catapulted her to international fame. The drama became the third-highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Son Ye-jin is a Roman Catholic with the baptismal name Dominica. Her personal life became a topic of interest when it was confirmed on January 1, 2021, that she had been in a relationship with actor Hyun Bin, her co-star in “The Negotiation” and “Crash Landing on You,” since the year prior. The couple announced their engagement on February 10, 2022, and married in a private ceremony on March 31, 2022. On June 27, 2022, Son announced her pregnancy, and she gave birth to their son, Alkong, on November 27, 2022.
Son Ye-jin has also been active in philanthropy. On February 27, 2020, she donated ₩100 million to the Community Chest of Korea in Daegu, her hometown, to help fight the spread of COVID-19. On March 8, 2022, Son and Hyun Bin donated ₩200 million to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to help those affected by a massive wildfire in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, and Samcheok, Gangwon.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Son Ye-jin’s legacy as an actress is marked by her versatility, ability to take on diverse roles, and consistent delivery of critically acclaimed performances. Her journey from a budding actress to a Hallyu star and international icon is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. With plans for a Hollywood debut in Andrew Niccol’s “The Cross,” delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans eagerly await her future projects. As Son Ye-jin continues to evolve as an artist, her contributions to the film and television industry remain significant, inspiring a new generation of actors and entertainers.
FAQ’s
Who is Son Ye-jin?
Son Ye-jin, born Son Eon-jin on January 11, 1982, is a renowned South Korean actress. She gained widespread fame in 2003 with her roles in “The Classic” and “Summer Scent” and has since starred in numerous successful films and television dramas.
What are some of Son Ye-jin’s most famous roles?
Son Ye-jin is well-known for her performances in films such as “A Moment to Remember,” “April Snow,” “The Pirates,” and “The Last Princess.” On television, she has starred in popular dramas like “Alone in Love,” “Something in the Rain,” and “Crash Landing on You.”
Why is Son Ye-jin called the “Nation’s First Love”?
Son Ye-jin earned the title “Nation’s First Love” due to her roles in films like “The Classic” and “A Moment to Remember,” where she portrayed characters with a pure and innocent image, captivating audiences across Korea.
Has Son Ye-jin won any awards for her acting?
Yes, Son Ye-jin has received numerous accolades for her performances. She won Best Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for “My Wife Got Married” and garnered critical acclaim for her roles in “The Truth Beneath” and “The Last Princess,” among others.
What is Son Ye-jin’s relationship status?
Son Ye-jin married actor Hyun Bin on March 31, 2022. The couple confirmed their relationship in January 2021 after co-starring in “The Negotiation” and “Crash Landing on You.” They have a son named Alkong, born on November 27, 2022.
Has Son Ye-jin been involved in any philanthropic activities?
Yes, Son Ye-jin has actively participated in philanthropy. She donated ₩100 million to the Community Chest of Korea in Daegu to help combat COVID-19. Additionally, she and Hyun Bin donated ₩200 million to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to support those affected by a wildfire in Uljin and Samcheok.
What upcoming projects does Son Ye-jin have?
Son Ye-jin was scheduled to make her Hollywood debut in Andrew Niccol’s film “The Cross,” starring opposite Sam Worthington. However, the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Son Ye-jin’s religious background?
Son Ye-jin is a Roman Catholic, and her baptismal name is Dominica.
How did Son Ye-jin start her acting career?
Son Ye-jin began her acting career with voice work in the film “Secret Tears” in 2000. She then appeared in various television dramas and gained significant recognition with her role in the film “Chi-hwa-seon,” which was screened at Cannes in 2002.
What impact has Son Ye-jin had on the Korean Wave (Hallyu)?
Son Ye-jin has been a significant figure in the Korean Wave, gaining popularity across East Asia through her performances in films and television dramas. Her roles in “The Classic,” “A Moment to Remember,” and “Crash Landing on You” have contributed to her status as a Hallyu star.
How has Son Ye-jin’s career evolved over the years?
Son Ye-jin’s career has evolved from playing pure and innocent characters to taking on more diverse and challenging roles. She has portrayed a wide range of characters, from a con artist to a femme fatale, and has continued to receive critical acclaim for her versatile performances.
