Eyes that can bring heaven on earth, a smile that radiates the warmth of a thousand suns, a personality that can only be compared to an angel, and talent that can change the world - such is the brilliance of Jung SoMin and this is "Bias Duality". From the actress' endearing personality, her synergy with her fans and costars, her outstanding range in film and television as well as her matchless visuals - we talk about it all and by the end of the article, we guarantee that you'll fall in love with Jung SoMin all over again.

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Note: Kpopmap's "Bias Duality" is now a triweekly series. The article about the winner of this poll will be posted on February 20, 2023. The poll will remain open until February 16, 2023. Thank you for your votes!

 

Our Eternal Sunshine - Jung SoMin's Personal Duality & Evolution

The first thing that comes to mind when we think about the luminous Jung SoMin, is the incredible journey she undertook to get to where she is today. The face of Hallyu, a representative actress of the Korean film and TV scene, a variety star who is beloved all over the world, a radio show host with a keen sense of uniqueness, a singer whose voice touches the soul, and a model who is sought-after by prestigious brands, Jung SoMin is the complete package and her name is synonymous with excellence. 

Jung SoMin took her first steps into the entertainment industry when she appeared in a supporting role in the short film “Worst Friends” as a part of the Korea National University of Arts Department of Film Graduation Workshop. However, there is quite the story before this.

You see, Jung SoMin was a model student in school with the best grades. She was also trained in ballet and Korean traditional dance. However, no one would have imagined that such an academically inclined student would find true happiness in acting. Even though she didn’t get the full support that she needed, especially from those close to her, Jung SoMin worked tirelessly to build her skills and create her own style, which is what has engraved her name in our hearts. 

She joined Korea National University of Arts as the top student and even earned a fully-funded scholarship on her merit. Soon after, she started auditioning for roles and was cast in “Bad Guy” where her performance, even in a supporting character, was memorable. This led to her first main role in “Playful Kiss” - the K-Drama that powered the Korean wave with renewed force and continues to be just as loved today as it was then. 

To strengthen her footing in the entertainment world, Jung SoMin followed “Playful Kiss” up with a hiatus to focus on thorough education. However, it wasn’t long before she made her return to the small screen, this time with the sitcom “Standby” alongside an ensemble cast. 

Thus began Jung SoMin’s journey to becoming a household name, not just in South Korea but all over the world. Back to back, we got “Can We Get Married?”, “Big Man” and “D-Day”, all of which were excellent displays of Jung SoMin’s versatility. At the same time, she also debuted on the silver screen with characters that were unlike anything we’d seen from her before. “Twenty” became a phenomenon, and “Alice:  Boy from Wonderland” added to her range. 

Jung SoMin’s limitless potential was shining and the entertainment industry was quick to pick up on it. Then came Jung SoMin’s turning point. “The Sound of Your Heart”, “My Father Is Strange”, and “Because This Is My First Life” brought the actress immense success, and her career graph was set to an infinitely upward curve.

In film, Jung SoMin continued her experimental streak with films with “Daddy You, Daughter Me” and “Homme Fatale”. At the peak of Hallyu 3.0, international audiences were just as starstruck with Jung SoMin as Koreans themselves, which added to her popularity. This was the perfect time to switch things up and take on some more unconventional roles that would establish her as one of the greatest actresses to come out of the Korean entertainment industry and that is exactly what happened. In quick succession, we got “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”, “Soul Mechanic”, “Monthly Magazine Home”, and finally, Jung SoMin’s magnum opus - “Alchemy Of Souls”. 

Besides her stellar filmography, Jung SoMin is also highly respected and admired for her kind personality. However, this personality has as wide a range as her work. On the one hand, we have a gentle, soft, rather reserved, and quiet angel who loves kids as much as her fur babies and is a total fool for her nephew, but at the same time, she is mischievous, playful, quirky and unabashedly honest. Jung SoMin knows how to get a show going, regardless of whether it is scripted or not, and her screen presence is truly a thing of wonder. 

Right from her debut, Jung SoMin has been known for her wit and banter, clever variety sense, and bubbly nature. She has a knack for making others comfortable but she can also make them flustered with her characteristic humor. SoMin oozes positive energy and is the mood maker in any situation but at the end of the day, she also enjoys her time alone, listening to music in her car. In this sense, the actress is deeply introspective and puts much importance on organizing her thoughts and feelings. She is adventurous but also a homebody, fiercely independent but doesn't hesitate to rely on others when she needs to, free-spirited but disciplined, traditional and persistent but can often be unpredictable and rebellious. Most importantly, Jung SoMin is driven by her mind as much as her heart. Such is the wonder of Jung SoMin's duality, and the balance she strikes between these binaries is nothing if not a work of art.

Without a doubt, Jung SoMin is the perfect ambivert. While it is true that she enjoys her own company more than anything else, she also gains energy from being around loved ones and making others happy. Isn’t that the perfect combination?

Not only is Jung SoMin’s chemistry with her male leads off the charts on screen, but her synergy with them in real life is also just as iconic. She is a delight on set, and both her co-actors and the staff members who work with her have vouched for the same time and time again. She is always attentive towards the team, and takes care of her coworkers, even if that means going out of her way to cater to their needs. She’s always learning from her seniors and guiding her juniors, creating the most wholesome atmosphere around her. As it turns out, Jung SoMin can magically endear herself to everyone as she sprinkles fairy dust wherever she goes. 

For instance, “Shakespeare In Love” actor Kim DaeHo shared on his Instagram that when everyone was having a hard time practicing, Jung SoMin came in with meals for the whole team, which boosted their morale.

SoMin’s endless love is amplified even more when it comes to her fans. From holding gift events to constantly showering them with gratitude, Jung SoMin respects and adores her Ssomdaengs just as much as they treasure her.

For these reasons and a million more, Jung SoMin has become a true inspiration and a role model to countless young dreamers who aspire to be like her. New artists in the industry, like Lee HyeonSeo have been quoted mentioning Jung SoMin as their idol not just for her unrivaled talent but also for her positive influence on the world. Now, that’s what we call a true star.

If you want to revel in Jung SoMin's personal duality even more, we highly recommend you check out her personal YouTube channel, "정소민ssomday". Join the lovely actress as she plays with her nephew, takes solo trips to Jeju to recharge, or spends an evening reading on her couch. Fall in love with the human Kim YoonJi (Jung SoMin's real name) and you'll appreciate the artist Jung SoMin even more.

 

The Epitome Of Versatility - Jung SoMin's Screen Duality

When it comes to dominating the entertainment industry with her talent and versatility, Jung SoMin wasn’t simply made for the throne. The throne was made for her to conquer. Words are not enough to convey the sheer greatness of Jung SoMin’s creative oeuvre but there’s a tremendous amount to be said about how incredibly diverse it has been throughout her career.

Now, when it comes to acting technique, Jung SoMin has a very particular and carefully curated style. Rather than seeking out expressions from the outside world, Jung SoMin looks within to discover new sides to herself that she can channel through her art. It isn’t surprising therefore, that her duality is so strikingly impressive. Besides, the fact that her effortless ad-libs end up becoming some of the most iconic moments in her works says everything we need to know about her innate talent.

To begin with, let’s have a brief look at the shades of difference in the characters Jung SoMin has played in her career before dissecting some of her most recent ones for a more thorough study of her screen duality.

In terms of television, we’ve seen the cheerful and naive Hong MoNe in “Bad Guy”, the scatterbrained but carefree Oh HaNi in “Playful Kiss”, the simple and warm but ambitious Jung SoMin in “Standby”, the mature and responsible but painfully realistic HyeYoon in “Can We Get Married?”, the self-centered and arrogant Kang JinAh in “Big Man”, the compassionate and strong-willed Jung DdolMi in “D-Day”, the hilariously irritable but kind and honest Choi AeBong in “The Sound Of Your Heart”, and the passionate and selfless Byun MiYoung in “My Father Is Strange” among others.

While these works made Jung SoMin burst into mainstream popularity, it was those that came after that truly cemented her position as a Hallyu top star. 

“Because This Is My First Life” is one of the most poignant yet light-hearted, pragmatic yet dreamy romantic comedies of all time. When the show itself has such duality, it is only natural that its main character, Yoon JiHo must also reflect the same. JiHo is a practical, determined, and emotionally reticent woman who isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. However, she’s all too aware of her own flaws, especially her lack of communication. She starts off as carefree, spunky and peppy but her life events force her to grow in a way that she had put off for too long. She has all this love to give but no one to give it to and her loneliness eats away at her. Even when her feelings aren’t affirmed, she’s selflessly giving at her own cost - something that JiHo takes accountability for when she finally decides to leave. All her dualities come together to create her existence and this coherence is beautifully conveyed by Jung SoMin.

Jung SoMin’s penchant for creating characters that feel familiar to the audience rings true once more in “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”. Arguably one of the most heart-wrenching dramas to ever grace our screens, “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” derives its core of pathos from Yoo JinKang. Despite being touched by darkness, JinKang is pure and has an undeniable innocence. She is so fearless yet so so afraid and that is where the tragedy of her character lies. JinKang goes through the highest highs and the lowest lows with Kim MooYoung (Seo InGuk) and holds his hand through it all, in life and in death. 

Next, we have Jung SoMin’s most underrared yet power-packed role - Han WooJoo in “Soul Mechanic”. WooJoo has a heart as expansive as the galaxy, so she truly lives up to her name. However, she is deeply wounded and is misunderstood, teetering on the edge of breaking down irreparably. However, she is a bright and honest young woman with dreams in her eyes who deserves the world. The way Jung SoMin portrayed the contradictions in her character, breathing life into the smallest details, truly speaks volumes of her unbeatable talent. 

Before her next major roles, Jung SoMin appeared in two cameo roles - first as a Grim Reaper in “Abyss” alongside Seo InGuk, giving us the closure and reunion we deserved and then in “My Roommate Is A Gumiho” as Shin WooYeo’s (Jang KiYong) first love. Even with such short appearances, Jung SoMin left a mark on the audience and proved her star power.

Then, in “Monthly Magazine Home”, where Jung SoMin played Na YoungWon, we saw her chaotic and animated side before diving into the diametrically opposed end of her acting spectrum with “Alchemy Of Souls”.

Now, when it comes to duality, Jin BuYeon/Naksu/MuDeok could make for a whole article. While BuYeon has a divine and calm air to her as she takes in the world’s evil to protect the good, Naksu is a misguided assassin with murder on her mind. However, MuDeok is a perfect blend of BuYeon’s composure, Naksu’s focus and her own witty likeability.

Throughout the episodes, we see Jung SoMin build a multidimensional character that stands out at first glance and even more so when you take a closer look. Her sacrificial psyche with a warrior’s heart and a priestess’ soul shine in their own individual virtues but also make MuDeok an unparalleled whole. 

An equally strong albeit vastly different character we saw from Jung SoMin recently was Lee DaYeon in “Project Wolf Hunting”. Jung SoMin and Seo InGuk have such an electric chemistry whenever they work together that it is impossible to surpass. So, when it translated from romance to action, from lovers to enemies, this magnetism went through the roof. 

Jung SoMin mentioned in her interview with Harper’s Bazaar that while “Alchemy Of Souls” featured perfectly coordinated action, “Project Wolf Hunting” was more raw and unhinged. The actress portrayed this delicate nuance with such perfection that we could not help but bow to her greatness.

While MuDeok lives by her own principles, bending rules here and there, her means justify her ends but DaYeon is upright and straitlaced, governed by her dedication to systemic justice. These two couldn’t be farther apart from each other but at the same time, have more than a few threads of similarity. 

Jung SoMin’s enchantment comes from the way she grounds her characters and gives them flight, brings them to life in vivid color and leaves them unforgettable. In the near future, Jung SoMin is set to take the stage for the highly-anticipated play “Shakespeare In Love” as Viola de Lesseps.

Viola is the daughter of a wealthy merchant who dreams of becoming a successful theatre actress. In a time when it was taboo for women to be on stage, Viola disguises herself as a man and pursues her lifelong dream with fiery passion and the talent to back it up. We can already tell that anyone who watches Jung SoMin essay the prestigious role of Viola live on stage will cherish the experience forever. “Shakespeare In Love” opens at the CJ Towol Theater on January 28 and will run until March 26. 

That’s not all! Jung SoMin has another film coming soon - “30 Days” alongside Kang HaNeul, her “Twenty” costar. The story will follow a married couple - Hong NaRa and No JeongYeor who are facing separation but 30 days before their scheduled divorce, an accident causes JeongYeor to lose his memories. A fresh and novel romantic comedy is expected to transpire that will be as genre-defining as Jung SoMin’s other works.

 

It's A Fairy, It's A Queen, It's Jung SoMin - Aesthetic Duality At Its Finest

So you're head over heels for Jung SoMin's work and even more so for the person that she is? Now, it's time for the multiverse of visuals that Jung SoMin boasts of. It is no surprise, given the actress' range, that she can pull off any concept, not only when it comes to acting but also in terms of fashion. What is truly awe-worthy is how flawlessly she owns any look, regardless of how similar or different it is to her own personal style.

Jung SoMin's daily fashion is elegant, comfortable, dainty, and classy. One day, she's serving Parisian realness, and the next, she's giving New York chic. At any given moment, Jung SoMin looks like an off-duty model running errands in her neighborhood but also like she walked right out of a magazine. The way she carries herself can go from the girl next door with a spring in her step to the busy CEO who only has 5 minutes to spare for a coffee and we wouldn't dare pick a favorite. Adorable and alluring, charming and intoxicating all at once, Jung SoMin is a treasure trove of aesthetics and we just can't get enough of it. Moreover, this versatility carries over to her photoshoots as well, which shine the spotlight on her visual duality even more.

The best way to indulge in Jung SoMin's matchless visuals is by following her Instagram (@somin_jj), joining the 2.7M people who are already mesmerized by her. From behind-the-scenes shots to OOTDs, vacation exclusives to the cutest selfies, this is the place to be for all Ssomdaengs. It is also on her Instagram that you can stay up to date with her vlogs, photoshoots, events, and more.

Even if you’ve never had a creative bone in your body, Jung SoMin is the type of person who will make you want to write poetry, waxing lyrical about her boundless talent, ethereal visuals, and heart-warming personality. Like the ultimate muse, she inspires devotion, evokes fondness, and commands respect. Most of all, she makes you want to be a better person. As Jung SoMin starts this new year with brand-new projects and even more accolades, we cannot wait to swoon all over again.

What is your favorite thing about Jung SoMin's duality? Tell us in the comments section down below!

 

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