Gong Min-jeung

Kim Min-jung (born 30 September 1986), known professionally as Gong Min-jeung, is a South Korean actress. She is an actress active in independent film, known for her roles in three Hong Sang-soo films, Yourself and Yours, On the Beach at Night Alone, and ''Grass. In 2020, she won the Fantastic Best Actor Special Mention Award in the 24th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival for Zombie Crush: Heyri. ''

She is also known for her supporting roles in television dramas such as Temperature of Love (2017), Familiar Wife (2018) and Sweet Munchies (2020). Her most popular role to date is Pyo Mi-seon, a dental nurse, in Netflix rom-com series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021). Her portrayal as confident and honest Na Ye-jin in MBC drama One Dollar Lawyer garenered Best Supporting Actress Award in 2022 SBS Drama Awards.

Early life and education
Kim Min-jung, born on September 30, 1986, in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Kim initially had a shy and introverted personality. After her eight-years-younger brother was born, she began to change. A pivotal moment came when she delivered a speech during a class president election, and her friends found her story highly amusing. This experience led her to consider a career in comedy, as she believed she had the ability to bring laughter to others. However, everything changed when she attended a performance of the musical Subway Line 1 during her third year of middle school. The profound impact of the play ignited her passion for acting, and she started envisioning herself standing on stage as an actress. It led her to try producing it with friends a few years later.

Initially hesitant to express her desire to become an actress, she eventually enrolled in the Department of Film at Konkuk University in her twenties. This decision boosted her confidence and led her to fully commit to acting. She seeks to expand her career by seeking diverse experiences. Her ultimate aspiration is to continue acting with confidence and authenticity, utilizing her unique voice and expression. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Film Art Department of Konkuk University.

2009 to 2014: Early career
In 2009, Kim Min-jung made her acting debut in director Kim Han-gyeol's short film A Perfect Sight. The film won best short film in 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards. After graduating from Konkuk University's Film Department, she paved her way as an actress by appearing in a variety of independent and low-budget films. In 2011, Gong also ventured into theater, making her debut in the open-run play Rooftop Cat with the role of a multi-girl.

Under her stage name Kim E-jeong, she made her feature film debut in Kim Seung-hyun's independent film. In the movie, which starred Choi Won-young and Shin Hyun-tak, Kim E-jeong portrayed the character of Hee-young, a femme fatale and bar hostess. The movie selected as the fifth production of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). It also received an official invitation to the esteemed New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival. The film received highly positive reviews during the festival, which served as a motivation for Kim to put in even more effort to establish her career in the film industry.

In 2014, Kim appeared as female lead in a short film titled A Familiar Taste, directed by Kim In-sun. Kim portrayed Kyung-eon, an elementary school teacher who was about to join a new family due to her mother's remarriage. She discovered a torn photo, which prompted her to meet her father. The reunion felt distant, and their conversation remained superficial. Her father had a new family with an immigrant woman and a newborn son. Kyung-eon accepted their different lives, facing the need to part ways and move forward. The film explored her observations of her father's absence, and the symbolic chicken he had gifted them brought them together. The film was showcased at the 19th Busan International Film Festival in the Korean Short Film Competition in 2014. It was also featured in the 40th Seoul Independent Film Festival that same year. In 2015, it was invited to the 18th Shanghai International Film Festival and participated in the 16th Daegu Short Film Festival in the Domestic Competition category. Additionally, it received recognition at the 2nd Catholic Film Festival with an Encouragement Award and competed at the 2nd Pohang Malgeun Short Film Festival. Finally, it won the Grand Prize at the 1st Food Film Festival in 2015.

This was followed by short films Sunshine (2015). Also in 2015, she starred in the film Byeong-gu (Allergy), opposite actor Seo Hyun-woo, which won the Grand Prize at the 2016 Fukuoka Independent Film Festival.

2016 to 2020: Rising career in independent film industry
Kim, reunited with Seo Hyun-woo in Choi Ki-yoon's film A Man in the Basement, in the supporting role. Later that year, their films, A Man in the Basement and Allergy, were featured on the opening day of the 10th Gyeongnam Independent Film Festival, which was organized by the Gyeongnam Film Association. The festival took place from November 18th to the 20th at Lotte Cinema Changwon branch and Cine Art Rhizome, the only art theater in Gyeongnam. A Man in the Basement also participated in the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in 2017.

In the short film Love Triangle, directed and written by Hyung Seul-woo and produced by Cho Hyun-yeol, Kim Min-jung went by her real name. The story revolved around Min-ji (Kim Min-jung) and Han-na (Kim Han-na), who were close friends and both had feelings for Jun-ho (Jo Hyeong-rae). While they were driving to the beach, an unpleasant smell of fart filled the car. The film premiered at the 42nd Seoul Independent Film Festival in the Special Invitation Category in 2016. It was also featured in the following festivals: the 27th Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival, Yubari Choice Short Film Showcase in Japan in 2017; the 16th Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival in the King of Comedy Category in 2017; the 11th Guam International Film Festival, where Kim Hanna won the Acting Award in 2017 in the USA; the 3rd Gosichon Short Film Festival, where it received the Silver Award in 2017; and the 1st Hongseong International Short Film Festival in the Domestic Competition in 2018.

Kim Min-jung also acted in Kwon Hang's short film Terrific Weather. It was screened at the 19th Korea National University of Arts' Film Department Graduation Film Festival on February 2017. The movie begins with weather forecaster Yeon-joo (played by Kim Min-jung) predicting the weather. The story revolves around people who perceive weathercasters as mere eye candy for broadcasting rather than professionals are discussing different aspects.

In the same year, Kim achieved a career milestone through her supporting roles in two feature films by Hong Sang-soo, namelyYourself and Yours, followed by On the Beach at Night Alone. Also in 2017, she made her television debut in the SBS drama series Temperature of Love. Following that, she received acclaim for her vibrant performances in the drama Familiar Wife (2018), where she played a supporting role.

Afterwards, She was promoted to the main cast in another Hong Sang-soo film titled Grass (2018), where she was credited under her new stage name Gong Min-jeung. In the movie, she portrayed Mi-na, who encounters Hong-soo (Ahn Jae-hong) at a coffeehouse. She initially mentioned her planned trip to Europe, but it was later exposed as a lie. As their conversation continued, the atmosphere soured when they discussed a deceased mutual friend, with Mi-na insisting that both of them held some responsibility. Notably, Grass also featured actors including Kim Min-hee, Jeong Jin-young, Ki Joo-bong, Seo Yeong-hwa, and Kim Sae-byeok. Grass had its premiere at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2018, and it was also screened in the "Korean Cinema Today – Panorama" program at the 23rd Busan International Film Festival. In the same year, Gong also starred in commercial feature films The Vanished.

In short film Coming of Age, Gong portrayed the character Baek-seol, a 29-year-old college student residing in Seoul who finds herself at a crossroads after failing to secure a full-time job. Directed by Oh Jeong-min and featuring Gong Min-jeung and Kim Mi-kyung, the film has received recognition at several film festivals. These include the 16th Asiana International Short Film Festival in the Domestic Competition Category (2018), the 19th Jeonju International Film Festival Korea Cinemascape Short Film (2018), the 17th Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival in the Non-Jeongseong Poetry Category (2018), the 19th Daegu Short Film Festival in the Domestic Competition (2018), and the 23rd Indie Forum New Film Exhibition. Additionally, it was invited to the 20th Jeongdongjin Independent Film Festival (2018) and the 17th Florence Korean Film Festival (2019).

In the short film "I Should Have Killed That Bastard" by Director Lee Ga-hong, Gong acted alongside Lim Seong-mi, Kim Ye-eun, and Jeong Soo-ji. The story revolves around the crisis faced by the drama "Descendants of Unicorn" due to the departure of male actors. Officials, unable to halt the airing, convene an emergency response meeting. It was screened at the 2018 20th Jeongdongjin Independent Film Festival and the 2018 17th Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.

Gong portrayed Gyeong-ran, the best friend of Eun-seo (Lee Yoo-young), in Director Park Je-beom's independent film "I Am Home." "I Am Home" was officially invited and premiered in the 'Today - Panorama' section of the Korean Film Festival at the 24th Busan International Film Festival in October.

Also in 2019, she achieved milestone in her career by taking on the role of Kim Eun-young, the eldest of three siblings, in Kim Do-young's feminist-themed film Kim Ji-young: Born 1982. Gong expressed her strong desire to portray the character Kim Eun-young during the audition process. Despite being offered other roles, she firmly stated her preference for Eun-young. During her audition, director Kim Do-young displayed great sensitivity and even wiped away her tears with tissues. The director was deeply moved by Gong's audition, remarking that her performance was exceptional and she couldn't envision any other actor in the role. This feature film, based on the novel of the same name. Released in October 2019, it garnered numerous accolades and achieved commercial success, reaching a total of 3.7 million admissions and grossing US$27.16 million in revenue.

In the omnibus film "Midday Picnic," Gong appeared in the third part titled "Call Me If You Need Me," directed by Lim Oh-jeong. The film had its premiere at the 44th Seoul Independent Film Festival in November 2019. The storyline revolves around Choi Young-shin (portrayed by Gong Min-jeung), who leaves her home after a disagreement with her husband and unexpectedly visits the house of Woo-hee (played by Lee Woo-jeong), a freelance designer in her 30s who lives alone. The film explores the theme of a woman struggling with emotional coldness and longing for warmth, all while being unaware of her own sense of loneliness. Additionally, it delves into the realization that one may be stuck in a stagnant phase of life. Gong's performances in Hong Sang-soo's films and her role in "Midday Picnic!" (2019) garnered attention from industry professionals, who praised her as a talented actress. As her reputation grew, Gong continued to receive opportunities to participate in various projects.

In November 2019, Gong was featured in the 4th Oh Theater Audience Programmer Film Festival held at Oh Theater, an independent film theater. The festival took place from November 18th to 24th. As part of the event, the exhibition showcased three short films by Gong on November 19th: "The Taste of Dad" (Kim In-seon, 2014), "Coming of Age Ceremony" (Oh Jeong-min, 2018), and "Two Waters and a Lighter" (Cho Hee-young, 2019).

In December 2019, Gong made an appearance as supporting role in second feature-length film by director Lee Sang-deok, Film Adventure.

In March 2020, Gong signed an exclusive contract with Star Village Entertainment. Gong acted as Ji-won in Cho Hee-young's short film Two Waters and a Lighter with Moon Hye-in. Gong played the role of Geum-hee, the third daughter, in Jeong Seung-oh's debut feature film, Move the Grave. It expands the story of director Jeong Seung-oh's short story 'When the Birds Come Back'. The movie presents a unique blend of dark humor and horror as it unfolds the story of five siblings and the elders in their family, in a dispute over relocating their father's grave. Move the Grave received widespread recognition, earning the CGV Arthouse Award at the Jeonju International Film Festival and the Grand Prize in the New Director Competition. Additionally, it was honored with the prestigious Main Prize in the 1-2 Competition, dedicated to first and second feature films, and the NETPAC Jury Award at the Warsaw International Film Festival. Gong's vibrant and captivating performances have established her as an acclaimed actress, celebrated for her talent and powerful on-screen presence.

Also in 2020, Gong took on the role of Gong Jin-seon in the film Zombie Crush: Heyri. Directed by Jang Hyun-sang and produced by GATE6, it is a comical action-adventure film depicting the struggles of the three musketeers Jin-seon (Gong Min-jeong), Hyuna (Lee Min-ji), and Ga-yeon (Park So-jin) to save a village devastated by the zombie virus. The role Jin-seon garnered her the Fantastic Best Actor Special Mention Award at the 24th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.

Her next work drama Sweet Munchies is a romantic comedy written by writer Park Seung-hye and producer Song Ji-won, and Gong played the role Yoo Sung-eun, a freelancer broadcasting scriptwriter. She also appeared in the TV series Please Don't Date Him, both of which aired in November 2020.

On November 17, 2020, Indie Plus at the Seoul Cinema Center announced its plan to host the "Rising Star - Actor Gong Min-jung Exhibition" from November 19 to 23. The exhibition showcased a total of 14 works, including 5 feature films and 7 short films divided into 2 sections. Additionally, Gong personally recommended 2 works. The featured films encompassed titles such as Everyone Wants to Die by My Name (2012), Yourself and Yours (2016), Grass (2017), Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 (2019), Move the Grave (2019), Call Me If You Need Me (2018), Allergy (2015), Two Waters and a Lighter (2020), A Familiar Taste (2014), The Distance Between Us (2016), Coming-of-age (2018), I Should Have Killed the Bastard (2018), and recommendations from Gong include Blue Valentine (2010) and American Honey (2016).

2021 to present: Mainstream popularity and accolades
In 2021, Gong played Hee-soo in Jeong Gam-won's independent film The Train Passed By. Hee-soo is a character who represents a woman existing and not existing simultaneously. As the protagonist, she embarks on a tranquil and solitary journey, wandering between the Daegu Dyeing Industrial Complex and a fishing village in Gangwon-do. Along the way, she encounters various individuals briefly, including her former lover, a grandmother with a broken radio, a middle-aged woman at a guesthouse, and a male student on a bicycle.

From May of that same year, Gong began filming the drama series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha in Pohang. The series is a remake of the 2004 South Korean film Mr. Handy, Mr. Hong. In the show, Gong took on the role of Pyo Mi-seon, a dental hygienist and a friend of Yoon Hye-jin (played by Shin Min-a), a dentist who relocates to Gongjin. Gong expressed her dedication to the role, mentioning that she made an effort to fully immerse herself as Hye-jin's best friend and as a resident of Gongjin. The atmosphere on set was so delightful that she would occasionally forget she was acting. When she was in Seoul, fans would recognize her on the streets and warmly greet her as "Unnie Mi-seon." Moreover, for the first time, her parents requested her autograph for their acquaintances. Gong Min-jeong regards Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha as an endearing and fulfilling project.

In November, Gong made a return to independent film with the movie Sprinter. The film was screened at the 47th Seoul Independent Film Festival, which took place at CGV Art House Apgujeong and CGV Apgujeong from 25th November to 3rd December. Prior to the screening, Gong participated in a press conference held at Art Nine in Sadang-dong on the morning of the 3rd. She attended the conference alongside her co-actors from the film, including Lim Ji-ho, Jeon Hwan-hwan, Song Deok-ho, Choi Jun-hyuk, and Choi Seung-yeon. On 29th November 2021, the Korea Independent Film Association announced a special exhibition titled "Isn't It Our Sphere?" at the Naver Indie Theater, scheduled to run from 29th November to 28th December 2021. The exhibition showcased five films featuring Gong, including Family Portrait and I Should Have Killed That Bastard, both directed by Kim Hye-jun.

In November her film Nothing Serious was released. Her role Seon-bin. She was nominated in best supporting actress category in 58th Grand Bell Awards.

In April 2022, Gong signed an exclusive contract with HB Entertainment. In the same year, Gong reunited with director Cho Hee-young, who made her debut film, on the short film The Owners, which was screened at the Jeonju International Film Festival. Her leading role in Cho Hee-young's feature-length indie film The Continuing Land earned an invitation to West Germany following its screening at the 28th Busan International Film Festival. The film follows Ho-rim, an international student in London, who encounters various people by chance after finding a camcorder on the street.

in June 2022, acted as Yook Min-jeong in 4th Film Dabin's short omnibus project, Just for Laugh! the third sequence, Family Portrait directed by Kim Hyeon.

In 2022, Gong acted in tvN drama series Little Woman as a reporter at YBC news agency named Jang Ma-ri. This was followed by her role in One Dollar Lawyer as Na Ye-jin, a prosecutor with high lifestyle. Her performance in this role earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2022 SBS Drama Awards.

In 2023, Gong returned to the indie film scene with Lee Rang's short film "Thank You for Your Cinema." The movie depicted the conversation between two female indie film directors. She portrayed the character of Director Gong Min-jeung, starring alongside Kim Sae-byeok. This project was the second campaign film of Indieplex Season 4 and was released simultaneously on July 17th on the Indieground and the Marie Claire Korea YouTube channels.

In 2024, Gong portrayed Yang Joo-ran in drama series Marry My Husband. She is the assistant manager of U&K Food Marketing Team 1, Kang Ji-won's (Park Min-young) assistant and experiences a significant transformation due to her influence. She is a timid person who simply endures his married and work life. It is an adaptation of a web novel of the same name, which was also serialized as a webtoon. The drama was adapted by Shin Yoo-dam. It achieved triple box office success: ranked first in average viewership among all tvN Monday-Tuesday dramas and topped the domestic and global daily TV show rankings on TVING and Amazon Prime Video, respectively. As a result of these accomplishments, Gong went on her first reward vacation to Vietnam in March.