Jun Ji-hyun Biography, Age, Height, Movies & Drama
Jun Ji-hyun (ì „ì§€í˜„), also known professionally as Gianna Jun, is a South Korean actress and model known for her work in Korean movies and television dramas. She rose to international fame with the romantic comedy film My Sassy Girl (2001) and later became one of the most recognizable stars of the Korean entertainment industry.
Jun Ji-hyun has appeared in popular movies including Il Mare, Windstruck, The Thieves, The Berlin File, and Assassination. On television, she is particularly known for My Love from the Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Jirisan, and Tempest.
In 2026, Jun Ji-hyun returned to the big screen after an 11-year break with the zombie thriller film Colony, in which she plays biotechnology professor Kwon Se-jeong. The film was directed by Yeon Sang-ho.
Jun Ji-hyun Bio
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jun Ji-hyun |
| Korean Name | ì „ì§€í˜„ |
| Birth Name | Wang Ji-hyun (왕지현) |
| Also Known As | Gianna Jun |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | Approximately 173 cm |
| Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Spouse | Choi Joon-hyuk |
| Children | 2 |
Jun Ji-hyun was born on October 30, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea. She began her entertainment career as a model in 1997 before moving into acting. Her birth name is Wang Ji-hyun, while Jun Ji-hyun is her professional name.
Jun Ji-hyun Early Life and Education
Jun Ji-hyun was interested in becoming a flight attendant when she was younger. However, after starting her modeling career as a teenager, she eventually pursued acting.
She began modeling for Ecole Magazine in 1997 at the age of 16. Her tall appearance and modeling experience helped her attract attention in the Korean entertainment industry.
She later attended Dongguk University, where she studied in the Department of Theater and Film.
Jun Ji-hyun Career
Jun Ji-hyun made her television acting debut in 1998. Her first movie role came in White Valentine in 1999.
She gained wider recognition through Il Mare (2000), but her biggest breakthrough came with My Sassy Girl in 2001.
My Sassy Girl
My Sassy Girl became one of the most successful Korean romantic comedy films of its era. Jun Ji-hyun’s performance helped make her a major star throughout Asia.
The popularity of the movie also contributed to the international growth of Korean cinema. The Korean Film Council describes the success of My Sassy Girl as a major turning point in Jun Ji-hyun’s career and her emergence as an Asian cinema icon.
My Love from the Star
Jun Ji-hyun returned to television in 2013 with the fantasy romance drama My Love from the Star, opposite Kim Soo-hyun.
She played Cheon Song-yi, a famous actress whose life changes after meeting an alien who has lived on Earth for centuries.
The drama became a major Korean Wave hit and earned Jun Ji-hyun the Baeksang Arts Awards Grand Prize for Television.
The Legend of the Blue Sea
In 2016, Jun Ji-hyun starred opposite Lee Min-ho in The Legend of the Blue Sea. She played Shim Chung, a mermaid who becomes involved with a con artist.
The drama was written by Park Ji-eun, who also wrote My Love from the Star.
Jirisan
Jun Ji-hyun returned to television in 2021 with the mystery thriller Jirisan, starring alongside Ju Ji-hoon.
She played Seo Yi-kang, a veteran park ranger working in Jirisan National Park. The drama marked her television comeback after several years away from the small screen.
Colony
In 2026, Jun Ji-hyun returned to movies with Colony, marking her first film appearance in 11 years.
She plays Kwon Se-jeong, a biotechnology professor and leader of a group of survivors trapped inside a quarantined building during a mysterious outbreak. The movie was directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for Train to Busan and Peninsula.
Jun Ji-hyun Awards
Jun Ji-hyun has received numerous awards during her career, including major acting honors at the Grand Bell Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards.
Some notable achievements include:
- Grand Bell Award for Best Actress – My Sassy Girl (2002)
- Grand Bell Award for Best Actress – Assassination (2015)
- Baeksang Arts Awards Grand Prize for Television – My Love from the Star
- Producer’s Choice Award – The Thieves / The Berlin File
- Extraordinary Star Asia Award – New York Asian Film Festival (2026)
In July 2026, Jun Ji-hyun became the first Korean actress to receive the Extraordinary Star Asia Award at the New York Asian Film Festival.
Jun Ji-hyun Movies
Here is a list of notable Jun Ji-hyun movies:
- White Valentine (1999) – Jung-min
- Il Mare (2000) – Eun-joo
- My Sassy Girl (2001) – The Girl
- The Uninvited (2003) – Yeon
- Windstruck (2004) – Kyung-jin
- Daisy (2006) – Hye-young
- A Man Who Was Superman (2008) – Song Soo-jung
- Blood: The Last Vampire (2009) – Saya
- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011) – Snow Flower
- The Thieves (2012) – Yenicall
- The Berlin File (2013) – Ryun Jung-hee
- Assassination (2015) – An Ok-yoon
- Colony (2026) – Kwon Se-jeong
Jun Ji-hyun Drama Series
- Happy Together (1999)
- Happy Together 2 / Fascinate My Heart era television work
- My Love from the Star (SBS / 2013–2014) – Cheon Song-yi
- The Legend of the Blue Sea (SBS / 2016–2017) – Shim Chung
- Kingdom (Netflix / 2020) – Ashin
- Jirisan (tvN / 2021) – Seo Yi-kang
- Tempest (Disney+ / 2025) – Seo Moon-joo
Jun Ji-hyun’s television roles have ranged from romantic comedy and fantasy to mystery, action and thriller genres. Her recent television work includes Tempest, while Colony marked her return to feature films in 2026.
Jun Ji-hyun Upcoming Projects
Jun Ji-hyun is listed for the upcoming television project Human X Gumiho, scheduled for 2027, according to current filmography information.
Because Korean drama schedules and casting plans can change, readers should check official announcements for the latest release information.
Jun Ji-hyun Instagram
Fans searching for Jun Ji-hyun’s Instagram should note that she has historically maintained a relatively private public presence compared with many younger Korean celebrities.
Before adding a social-media link to this section, it is best to verify that the account is an official account rather than a fan-made or impersonation account.
Jun Ji-hyun Husband and Family
Jun Ji-hyun married businessman Choi Joon-hyuk in April 2012. The couple have two children.
She generally keeps her family life private and does not frequently discuss her children publicly.
Jun Ji-hyun Dating History
Jun Ji-hyun has generally maintained a private personal life.
Unlike many celebrities, she has not had a long list of publicly confirmed relationships. Her marriage to Choi Joon-hyuk has been publicly known since 2012.
Unconfirmed online rumors about celebrities should not be treated as established relationships unless they have been officially confirmed by the people involved or reliable sources.
Jun Ji-hyun Net Worth
Jun Ji-hyun is considered one of South Korea’s highest-profile actresses and has earned income from movies, television dramas, advertising and brand endorsements.
Exact figures for her current net worth are not officially disclosed. Therefore, online estimates should be treated as unofficial rather than a confirmed amount.
Jun Ji-hyun Interesting Facts
- Her birth name is Wang Ji-hyun.
- She is also professionally known as Gianna Jun.
- She began her modeling career at the age of 16.
- My Sassy Girl was the movie that made her a major Asian star.
- She starred opposite Kim Soo-hyun in My Love from the Star.
- She starred opposite Lee Min-ho in The Legend of the Blue Sea.
- She played Ashin in the Kingdom universe.
- She returned to the big screen in 2026 after an 11-year break.
- Her 2026 film Colony was directed by Yeon Sang-ho.
- She became the first Korean actress to receive the Extraordinary Star Asia Award at NYAFF in 2026.
FAQ
Who is Jun Ji-hyun?
Jun Ji-hyun is a South Korean actress and model best known for My Sassy Girl, My Love from the Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Jirisan, and Assassination.
What is Jun Ji-hyun’s real name?
Jun Ji-hyun’s birth name is Wang Ji-hyun (왕지현). She is also internationally known as Gianna Jun.
How old is Jun Ji-hyun?
Jun Ji-hyun was born on October 30, 1981. She is 44 years old in 2026.
When is Jun Ji-hyun’s birthday?
Jun Ji-hyun celebrates her birthday on October 30 every year.
Where was Jun Ji-hyun born?
She was born in Seoul, South Korea.
How tall is Jun Ji-hyun?
Jun Ji-hyun is approximately 173 cm (5 feet 8 inches) tall.
Is Jun Ji-hyun married?
Yes. Jun Ji-hyun married Choi Joon-hyuk in 2012. They have two children.
What is Jun Ji-hyun famous for?
She is particularly famous for My Sassy Girl, My Love from the Star, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Assassination, and The Thieves.
What is Jun Ji-hyun’s most famous drama?
One of her most internationally popular dramas is My Love from the Star, in which she starred opposite Kim Soo-hyun.
What is Jun Ji-hyun’s latest movie?
Her latest movie is Colony (2026), a zombie thriller directed by Yeon Sang-ho. She plays biotechnology professor Kwon Se-jeong.
What is Jun Ji-hyun’s latest drama?
Her recent drama is Tempest (2025), in which she stars as Seo Moon-joo.
Is Jun Ji-hyun in Kingdom?
Yes. Jun Ji-hyun appeared as Ashin in the Kingdom universe and led the special episode Kingdom: Ashin of the North.
What is Jun Ji-hyun’s net worth?
Her exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. Online estimates vary, so they should not be considered confirmed figures.
Claire