Jeon Jong-seo, also known internationally as Rachel Jun, is a South Korean actress celebrated for her fearless dedication to complex roles and her ability to breathe life into multifaceted characters. Since her groundbreaking debut in 2018, she has captivated audiences worldwide, garnering acclaim for her work in both Korean and international projects. Jeon’s career is a testament to her immense talent, relentless work ethic, and commitment to storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Jeon Jong-seo was born on July 5, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea, as the only child in her family. During her childhood, her family moved to Canada, where she attended a private Christian middle school. Immersed in a multicultural environment, she began to develop a sense of individuality that would later inform her acting. Upon returning to South Korea, Jeon enrolled at Anyang Arts High School, known for fostering artistic talent.
After graduating, she pursued a degree in film at Sejong University. However, her passion for acting led her to make the bold decision to drop out and focus on building her career. This pivotal choice demonstrated her willingness to take risks—a quality that would later define her career in cinema.
Career Beginnings: A Meteoric Rise
Jeon’s entry into the entertainment industry was nothing short of extraordinary. In August 2017, shortly after joining a management agency, she auditioned for director Lee Chang-dong’s psychological thriller “Burning”. The film was an adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s short story Barn Burning, and Jeon was cast as Hae-mi, a free-spirited young woman whose mysterious disappearance becomes the crux of the story.
Despite being a newcomer with no formal acting experience, Jeon’s performance was magnetic. Critics praised her ability to portray Hae-mi’s vulnerability and enigmatic nature, with subtle expressions that captured the character’s inner turmoil and longing. Director Lee Chang-dong noted her duality, describing her as possessing both innocence and depth, which perfectly suited the role.
“Burning” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, where it competed for the Palme d’Or and earned universal acclaim. Jeon’s debut performance placed her on the international map, earning her recognition as one of the top breakout talents of the year.
Critical Success: “The Call”
In 2020, Jeon Jong-seo starred in her second film, “The Call”, a psychological thriller that further showcased her range as an actress. Jeon played Oh Young-sook, a character connected to the film’s protagonist through a mysterious telephone link that bridges two different timelines. As the plot unfolds, Young-sook evolves from a distressed woman to a psychotic antagonist, and Jeon’s chilling transformation captivated critics and audiences alike.
Her performance in “The Call” was a masterclass in character development, blending fragility with menacing intensity. Critics praised her for bringing electrifying suspense to the film, with many highlighting her ability to portray psychological complexity. For her role, Jeon received several awards, including the Best Actress Award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, cementing her status as one of South Korea’s most talented performers.
Expanding Horizons: International Ventures
Building on her domestic success, Jeon transitioned to international projects, beginning with her English-language debut in “Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon” (2021). Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, the fantasy-adventure film features Jeon as Mona, a woman with supernatural abilities who escapes from a mental asylum and navigates life in New Orleans. Despite limited dialogue, Jeon brought depth and charisma to the role, earning positive reviews from critics.
Her performance in “Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon” demonstrated her ability to convey complex emotions through subtle physicality and expression, further establishing her as a versatile actress capable of transcending language and cultural barriers.
Television Stardom: “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”
In 2022, Jeon starred as Tokyo in the South Korean adaptation of the globally popular Spanish series “Money Heist.” Taking on one of the show’s most iconic roles, Jeon brought her unique interpretation to the character, blending charm, intelligence, and a fierce sense of rebellion. Her portrayal added depth to the series, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic performer in both television and film.
Recent Success: “Ballerina”
In 2023, Jeon starred in “Ballerina,” a Netflix action thriller that allowed her to explore a more physically demanding role. She played Ok-ju, a former bodyguard seeking vengeance for a personal loss. The film highlighted Jeon’s ability to seamlessly combine action with emotional depth, delivering a performance that was both intense and nuanced. Critics noted her portrayal as a standout aspect of the film, commending her physical commitment and her ability to convey complex emotions amidst high-octane action sequences.
Acting Style and Approach
Jeon Jong-seo’s acting is characterized by her deep immersion into her characters. She is known for her willingness to take risks, both in the roles she chooses and in the way she approaches them. Whether playing a psychotic antagonist, a free-spirited dreamer, or a vengeful assassin, Jeon brings an authenticity to her performances that resonates with audiences.
She often describes her process as intuitive, relying on emotional connection rather than rigid preparation. This organic approach allows her to inhabit her characters fully, bringing a raw and unfiltered energy to the screen.
Awards and Recognition
Jeon’s contributions to cinema have earned her numerous accolades. Highlights include:
- Best New Performer at the Asian Film Critics Association Awards for “Burning”.
- Best Actress at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards for “The Call”.
- International recognition as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “15 International Breakout Talents of 2018.”
Her ability to balance domestic and international projects while maintaining artistic integrity has made her a trailblazer in the global entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Despite her rising fame, Jeon Jong-seo has managed to keep her personal life relatively private. In December 2021, she confirmed her relationship with director Lee Chung-hyun, with whom she collaborated on “The Call.” The pair’s creative synergy has been a defining feature of their partnership, both personally and professionally.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As Jeon continues to build her career, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her upcoming projects, including the Netflix series “Queen Woo” and the romantic comedy “Wedding Impossible”, promise to showcase her versatility across genres. With each role, Jeon pushes the boundaries of her craft, proving that she is not only a star in Korean cinema but also a global talent.
Conclusion
Jeon Jong-seo’s journey from a university dropout to an internationally acclaimed actress is a testament to her talent, dedication, and fearlessness. Her performances are marked by a rare combination of emotional depth, authenticity, and artistic risk-taking, making her one of the most exciting actors of her generation. As she continues to break new ground in both Korean and international projects, Jeon’s star is poised to shine even brighter on the global stage.