Krystal Jung

Early life and education

Jung was born as Chrystal Soo Jung in San Francisco, California, where her family settled from South Korea in the 1980s. She holds dual citizenship in the United States and South Korea.

During a family trip to South Korea in early 2000, at the age of five, Jung and her sister Jessica Jung were spotted by SM Entertainment, which earned her a cameo appearance in Shinhwa's "Wedding March" music video. SM offered Jung and her sister singing and dancing lessons in order to professionally train them for a music career. However, the offer was turned down by her parents, who reasoned that she was too young, so they only allowed her sister to join the company at first. Her sister later debuted as a member of the girl group Girls' Generation. They have since appeared together in many events.

After moving to South Korea, Jung attended Korea Kent Foreign School, then graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School on February 7, 2013, where she was honored with an achievement award. She also attended Sungkyunkwan University, where she majored in Theater.

Career

2002–2006: Pre-debut activities

In 2002, Jung began appearing in television commercials. She first appeared in a Lotte commercial with South Korean actress Han Ga-in. In 2006, her parents finally allowed her to join SM, and the agency then enrolled her in dance-classes. She was trained for 3 years before debuting as a part of f(x) in 2009.

In 2006, Jung made a brief appearance in Rain's music video for "I Still Believe," and later appeared in Shinee's 2008 music video for "Juliette," portraying the female lead.

2009–2011: Debut with f(x) and television shows

Main article: f(x) (group)

Jung debuted as vocalist of the South Korean girl group f(x) in September 2009. That year, she and her f(x) bandmate Luna released the duet "Hard but Easy", a soundtrack for the KBS2 drama Invincible Lee Pyung Kang.

In March 2010, Jung participated in a series of music videos under the Melody Project, playing a young student who is in love with her music teacher. She released a solo single titled "Melody" for this project. Jung then became a host for the music show The M-Wave with Thunder from MBLAQ. In July, the singer debuted as an actress with a minor role in the long-running sitcom More Charming by the Day. She received the "Newcomer Comedy Award" at the 2010 MBC Entertainment Awards for the role.

In 2011, Jung participated in and won first place in SBS's figure-skating show Kim Yuna's Kiss & Cry. She also starred in the sitcom High Kick 3, playing the role of a superficial and shallow girl who does not have much depth of feelings.

2013–2017: SM The Ballad, collaborative music work, and acting career

Main article: SM the Ballad

In 2013, Jung starred in the SBS teen drama The Heirs, playing the role of a spoiled yet kind-hearted wealthy high school student. Her character in the show generated positive recognition among viewers, and she was voted as the Best Onscreen Couple along with CNBLUE's Kang Min-hyuk at the 2013 DramaFever Awards.

In 2014, Jung joined the ballad group SM the Ballad, initially formed by SM Entertainment in 2010. On the group's 2nd album Breath, she sang the Japanese version of the title track "Breath" with TVXQ's Changmin. She also sang a duet with Exo's Chen titled "When I Was... When U Were...". Jung performed her duet with Chen live at the S.M. The Ballad Joint Recital on February 12. In June, Jung, along with her sister Jessica, was featured in the reality show, Jessica & Krystal. The show took on a more close and personal side of the two sisters, addressing their public image and sisterly bond.

Later in the year, Jung got her first leading role in the SBS's drama My Lovely Girl, alongside Rain. She portrayed a girl who moves from the countryside to Seoul to pursue a music career and ends up meeting a fateful love during the process. Commenting on Jung's work attitude, Director Park Hyung-ki stated "Despite taking on a difficult character, she shows her determination to pull it off through her gaze to the point you can see sincerity in Krystal when she's in front of the camera." She released a solo single "All of a Sudden" for the drama's OST. At the Baeksang Arts Awards, Jung won the "Most Popular Actress" award in the television category for her role in the drama. She also released "Say Yes"' for the Make Your Move soundtrack, featuring her sister, Jessica, and Exo's former member, Kris.

In 2015, Jung starred alongside actor Seo Jun-young in a 10-minute film entitled, Listen To My Song for W Korea's 10th anniversary. Jung was also cast in leading roles in an upcoming Chinese movie, titled Unexpected Love along with Exo's Lay; and in the Chinese drama Graduation Season alongside Deng Lun.

On February 12, 2017, it was reported that Jung would release the collaboration single "I Don't Wanna Love You" with Glen Check's member June One Kim. The song was revealed for the first time on February 14 at the re-opening of a clothing store in Seoul, and then be released online at midnight KST on February 15. In July, Jung starred in tvN's drama spin-off of the Korean manhwa Bride of the Water God. The same year she starred in the black comedy drama Prison Playbook, produced by Reply PD Shin Won-ho, where she played a cheerful and determined medical student and the ex-girlfriend of the main character. She received good reviews for her performance. Jung was named 'Woman of the Year' by GQ Korea.

2018–present: Continued acting career and labels transition

In 2018, Jung was cast as the female lead in OCN's crime action drama Player, as Cha Ah-ryung, a highly skilled driver who ran away from orphanage. At the press conference for the drama, Jung stated that she learned how to ride a motorcycle in order to do her own stunts.

In 2019, Jung and her sister Jessica filmed their second reality show in the United States where they traveled across their homeland, exploring fashion, music, and culture while reminiscing about their childhood memories, titled Jessica & Krystal: US Road Trip which was released in 2021. The same year, she made her film debut in the independent romance More Than Family, playing To-il, a pregnant college student searching for her estranged father. She also starred in the Netflix-released romantic comedy Sweet & Sour, marking her commercial film debut.

In 2020, Jung was cast in OCN's military cinematic drama Search, where she played an elite army officer. The drama premiered on October 17, 2020. After reports began swirling of Jung departing SM Entertainment, SM responded that their contract with her would expire by the end of August 2020, and they were in discussions with her for a possible renewal. Krystal's departure from SM was officially announced in October 2020 and signed with H& Entertainment as her new agency.

In 2021, Jung starred in KBS2's drama Police University, playing Oh Kang-hee, a freshman at Korean National Police University, alongside Cha Tae-hyun and Jinyoung.

In 2022, Jung starred alongside Kim Jae-wook in the KBS2's romantic-comedy Crazy Love, playing Lee Shin-ah, a quiet but capable secretary whose life takes an unexpected turn. For her performance, she received the "Popularity Award", at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards.

In 2023, Jung starred in Cobweb, a period black comedy-drama film directed by Kim Jee-woon. It was premiered in the non-competitive section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. She received the "Best New Actress" award at the 33rd Buil Film Awards, and the "Best Supporting Actress" award at the Chunsa Film Art Awards 2023 for the role.

In February 2024, Jung released cover song of Leila Hathaway's "I'm Coming Back" through SoundCloud and also confirmed to join the label Beasts & Natives (BANA). Later in the same year, she made a special appearance in The Player 2: Master of Swindlers, the sequel to the 2018 drama Player. in which she starred as Cha Ah-ryung.

In January 2025, Jung was confirmed to star in the film Audition 109, co-directed by Jung Woo and Oh Seong Ho. In March 2025, Jung was selected as the ambassador for French Film Week, which was scheduled to take place from April 4 to 13. During a Q&A session following a general screening of the film Suspended Time, she revealed that she had been preparing for her solo album.

In April 2025, Jung starred as a special guest role in the fantasy romance drama Way Back Love as a senior grim reaper. The episode premiered on April 15.

In July 2025, it was confirmed that Jung would star in the tvN drama Mad Concrete Dreams alongside Ha Jung-woo, Im Soo-jung, Kim Jun-han, and Shim Eun-kyung. She is set to play Jeon Yi-kyung, a character who assists her mother’s real estate business. The drama is scheduled to air in the first half of 2026.

On November 6, 2025, Jung announced through her agency BANA's official YouTube channel, released episode 1 of her solo album production series Charging Crystals and announced would release her solo album's first single "Solitary" on November 27.

Impact

Jung has made a significant impact in K-pop, acting, and fashion. As a member of f(x), she contributed to shaping the group's distinctive sound and image, gaining recognition for her charismatic stage presence. In 2015, American music magazine Spin called f(x) the "world's greatest living pop group" at the time. In 2017, Billboard ranked f(x) at number seven on their "Top 10 K-pop Girl Groups of the Past Decade" list. Beyond her music career, Jung also has successful acting career, with notable roles in popular K-dramas like The Heirs, and Prison Playbook, as well as in the movie Cobweb.

In 2020, Cine21 ranked her fifth among "New Actresses That Will Lead the Korean Video Content Industry in 2021,". She was also included in Cine21's 2024 "Korean Film NEXT 50" list.

Other ventures

Endorsements and ambassadorship

In 2010, Jung, alongside Seohyun from Girls' Generation, became a model for Clean & Clear, and in 2012, she partnered with actress Kim Ji-won for the brand's campaigns. In 2013, Jung and her sister Jessica became the faces of the South Korean jewelry brand Stonehenge. That same year, Jung and group mate Sulli became the new faces of the makeup brand Etude House. During their tenure, they collaborated with labelmate Shinee, who were also models for the brand at that time. This partnership continued until 2014, after which Krystal continued her association with the brand as a solo model until 2017. Later that year, she participated in Adidas' "My Girls" campaign, which aimed to inspire and empower women through sports and fitness activities.

In 2014, She became a model for Chinese sports brand Li-Ning and South Korean bag brand Lapalette with her sister Jessica.

Jung represented Keds as a global ambassador from 2015 to 2020. In 2016, she became one the faces of the brand's "Ladies First" campaign, which aimed to celebrate and empower women.

In 2016, Jung became Tod's first Asian model, she was featured in their "Italian Diaries" campaign, a short film showcasing the Spring/Summer 2017 collection, where she explored the city of Venice.

In 2018, Jung appointed as a brand ambassador for Clio Cosmetics and continued to feature in their campaigns through 2020. Later that year, she was selected as the ambassador for Audi in South Korea, representing the luxury automaker in various global campaigns and events. Jung and her sister Jessica was featured in Fendi's "Me and My Peekaboo" campaign.

In 2021, Jung announced as the global brand spokesperson for AHC, a South Korean skincare brand.

Since 2020, Jung has been selected as the global ambassador of Ralph Lauren. Later that year, she was also named the model for Tsubaki, a premium Japanese hair care brand.

Jung became the first-ever global brand ambassador for Charles & Keith in 2022.

In 2023, Jung was chosen as the ambassador of Lancôme, and became Pomellato's first South Korean brand ambassador.

In 2024, Jung was appointed as the official brand ambassador for SW19, a fragrance brand. She headlined their "I Am Now" campaign, which emphasized themes of self-expression and individuality.

In February 2025, Jung collaborated with Adidas Originals for the inaugural "House of Wild" project, a creative initiative celebrating individuality and self-expression. This collaboration was prominently featured in Esquire Korea and Eyes Magazine.

In March 2025, Jung was appointed as the ambassador for "French Film Week" in South Korea, which was scheduled to take place from April 4 to 13 in Seoul and Busan. Organized by the French Embassy's cultural service in collaboration with Megabox's Artnine and the Busan Cinema Center.

Philanthropy

Jung has been involved in various charitable initiatives, both individually and as a member of f(x). In 2010, she, along with f(x) members Luna, Victoria, and Sulli, took part in a charity event organized by Crown Bakery and the Heart to Heart Foundation, spending time with children at a community childcare center and decorating "Crown Art Bears" to support underprivileged youth. In 2011, she performed with f(x) at a K-pop charity concert in Osaka, Japan, to raise funds for disaster relief following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

In 2013, to celebrate her birthday, she and her fans donated approximately 30 kilograms of Hanwoo beef to the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation, supporting children undergoing cancer treatment. In 2015, she donated a signed doll to a UNICEFKorea fundraising campaign to support children affected by the Nepal earthquake, contributing to the relief efforts through charity auction. The same year, she and her sister, Jessica, attended ''W Korea'''s "Love Your W" charity event, which raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment.

In June 2018, Jung took part in the CJ Cultivating Dreams Classroom event held at Yongchang Elementary School in Yunnan, China. The program, organized by CJ Group in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange and Chinese organizations, aimed to support underprivileged youth through cultural and educational exchange. For her contribution, Jung was awarded a plaque of appreciation by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development.

In 2024, Jung once again participated in the "Love Your W", a charity event for breast cancer awareness held by W Korea.

Discography

Single albums

Singles

Soundtrack appearances

Filmography

Film

Television series

Web series

Television shows

Music video appearances

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Listicles

Notes

References

References

1. (October 9, 2010). "f(x)'s Koala Episode 2".
2. (November 23, 2009). "f(x)│My name is...2".
3. link. (September 2, 2009)
4. Jang, Minki. (October 24, 2019). "What you didn't know about K-pop star Krystal of f(x)".
5. Studarus, Laura. (June–July 2014). "Seoul Sisters – For Girls' Generation's Jessica Jung and f(x)'s Krystal Jung, Singing is the family business". [[Nylon (magazine).
6. link. Newsen. (September 12, 2009)
7. link. (June 17, 2016 . ''Sports Chosun''. (November 22, 2011). Retrieved on May 9, 2017.)
8. (February 8, 2013). "Teen Starlets Finish High School". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
9. (November 6, 2012}}{{Dead link). "f(x)'s Krystal Accepted Into Hanyang University". enewsWorld.
10. (March 19, 2012). "Han Ga In & Krystal filmed a commercial together". Kpopstarz.com.
11. 강. 세희. (March 10, 2012). link
12. (August 28, 2009). "Jessica's younger sister Krystal, trainee since 2006". [[Star News (South Korea).
13. Rain. (July 16, 2012). "WATCH: Rain - BMW Meets Truth (I Stll Believe) MV".
14. 이. 미혜. Newsen. (August 28, 2009). link
15. Suharsono, Matthew. "9 Lagu Kolaborasi Krystal Jung dengan Para Idol Populer".
16. link. (May 27, 2010)
17. link. BNT News. (May 18, 2010)
18. Sang-Hee Han. (May 3, 2010). "Arirang TV to present global K-pop show". [[The Korea Times]].
19. link. (July 1, 2010)
20. link. [[Xports News]]. (December 29, 2010)
21. (June 7, 2011). "Reality TV gets a spin as stars challenge skating, dancing". [[The Korea Times]].
22. (December 2, 2011). "f(x)'s Krystal Flexing Acting Muscles in MBC Sitcom". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
23. Lee, Hye-ji. (September 16, 2013). "f(x) Krystal to Turn Perfect Girl in ''Inheritors''". [[Ten Asia]].
24. (October 2022)
25. (February 5, 2014). "SM the Ballad back for more". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
26. link. (July 5, 2018 ''The Korea Herald''. February 13, 2014. Retrieved on January 9, 2015.)
27. (May 26, 2014). "Jessica and Krystal move in together". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
28. (September 2, 2014). "Krystal of f(x) to Star with Rain in New Drama". [[The Chosun Ilbo]].
29. (September 15, 2014). "'My Lovely Girl' blends K-pop eye-candy and romance". [[Kpop Herald]].
30. link. (September 2, 2014)
31. link. Etoday. (September 25, 2014)
32. (May 27, 2015). "Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Lee Jong-suk win Most Popular awards". [[Kpop Herald]].
33. (February 11, 2015). "f(x)'s Krystal to act in short movie 'Please Listen to My Music'". The Jakarta Post.
34. (October 7, 2015). "EXO's Lay, f(x)'s Krystal star in Chinese film". [[The Korea Times]].
35. (November 30, 2015). "Krystal takes steps to expand acting career". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
36. (March 7, 2017). "Krystal, Kim June One showcase art works". [[Kpop Herald]].
37. link. (February 23, 2017)
38. (June 27, 2017). "'Bride of the Water God' cast pose at press event". [[Kpop Herald]].
39. link. (December 12, 2018)
40. (January 27, 2018). "Singer makes strides on screen: Jung Soo-jung is getting high praise for role on tvN's 'Prison Playbook'". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
41. (November 30, 2017). "Krystal named GQ's Woman of the Year". [[Kpop Herald]].
42. (June 4, 2018). "Song Seung-heon, Krystal, and Lee Si-eon in "Player"". Star Money.
43. (September 28, 2018). "Krystal Jung Set to Return to TV with New Drama, 'Player'".
44. link. (August 22, 2018)
45. Tan, Pakkee. (June 6, 2019). "Jessica and Krystal Jung Are Shooting a New Reality Show In America".
46. 이. 경아. link. (September 27, 2021)
47. (July 12, 2019). "Krystal to make her movie debut". [[Korea JoongAng Daily]].
48. link. (October 5, 2019)
49. link. (January 16, 2020)
50. link. 이. 정현. (September 14, 2020)
51. link. Kim. Sooyoung. (August 18, 2020)
52. link. Daum]]. (October 12, 2020)
53. link. [[JTBC]]. Jo. Yeon-kyung. (February 11, 2022)
54. (April 13, 2023). "Cannes Film Festival Unveils 2023 Lineup (Updating Live)". The Hollywood Reporter.
55. link. (October 3, 2024)
56. link. Osen]]. (December 12, 2023)
57. link. News1]]. (February 22, 2024)
58. link. (May 29, 2024)
59. link. News1]]. (January 14, 2025)
60. Moon, Ki-hoon. (March 11, 2025). "French Film Week to showcase award-winners in Seoul, Busan".
61. Shekhar, Mimansa. (April 12, 2025). "Krystal Jung Gives MAJOR Update On Singing Comeback, New Album Launch: Hopefully...". Times Now News.
62. 이. 소정. (April 15, 2025). link. Ten Asia
63. Kim. Su-jin. (June 26, 2025). link
64. (November 6, 2025). "Krystal releases first solo single "Solitary" on 27th after 16 years".
65. Dorof, Jakob. (November 4, 2015). "Review: The Ever-Inventive f(x) Are Gunning for World's Greatest Pop Group on '4 Walls'".
66. Herman, Tamar. (July 12, 2017). "10 Best K-Pop Girl Groups of the Past Decade: Critic's Picks".
67. link. [[Cine 21]]. [[Naver]]. Jo. Hyu-na. (December 29, 2020)
68. link. (April 5, 2024)
69. link. (February 24, 2010)
70. link. [[DongA]]. (April 5, 2012)
71. link. (January 11, 2013)
72. link. Sports World. Jung. Jung-wook. (January 27, 2013)
73. link. (January 8, 2013)
74. link. (June 15, 2013)
75. Ng, Gwendolyn. (December 22, 2014). "Ex-Girls' Generation member Jessica Jung was into fashion from a young age".
76. (August 21, 2015). link. [[Sisa Week]]
77. (August 21, 2015). link. [[Break News]]
78. link. SBS]]. (September 19, 2016)
79. (April 13, 2017). "Tod's brings Krystal Jung to Venice".
80. link. [[Edaily Korea]]. (February 19, 2018)
81. link. [[Edaily Korea]]. (February 26, 2020)
82. link. (June 4, 2018)
83. link. (July 17, 2018)
84. link. (March 2, 2021)
85. link. (November 3, 2023)
86. link. (November 7, 2023)
87. (January 5, 2022). "Charles & Keith names its first global ambassador: Krystal Jung".
88. link. (June 20, 2023)
89. (January 23, 2023). "Pomellato Appoints Krystal as Brand Ambassador".
90. link. (September 2, 2024)
91. link. (February 13, 2024)
92. 유. 현희. (December 5, 2010). link
93. (December 4, 2010). "f(x), 결식아동돕기 나눔행사 나선다 '마음씨도 예쁜 선행천사'".
94. (May 13, 2011). "K-pop stars give charity concerts in Japan".
95. 강. 다영. link
96. 성. 고은. link
97. 김. 지호. 디스패치 | 뉴스는 팩트다!. (April 30, 2015). link
98. 이. 은하. (October 29, 2015). link
99. 박. 동선. (June 2, 2018). link
100. 천, 설화. (June 2, 2018). "f(x) 크리스탈, 中 청소년들 위한 재능기부 활동 참여 훈훈...감사패도 받아".
101. (October 21, 2024). "Love Your W 2024 선한 영향력 전파에 동참한 셀럽들 – Part 2".
102. "Circle Album Chart – December, 2025".
103. "Super Show 3 - Super Junior The 3rd Asia Tour Concert Album". [[Melon (online music service).
104. link
105. link. [[JTBC]]. Jo. Yeon-kyung. (February 11, 2022)
106. link. (March 17, 2011)
107. (February 27, 2014). "f(x)'s Krystal to Cameo on 'Potato Star'". enewsWorld.
108. (November 17, 2016). "Krystal makes cameo on 'Legend of the Blue Seas'". [[Kpop Herald]].
109. link. Sun. Jin-ah. (April 20, 2021)
110. link. Newsen. Hwang. Hye-jin. (October 12, 2021)
111. link. Wang Yuyan. (May 3, 2016)
112. Chung, Ah-young. (May 2, 2011). "Kim Yu-na to host TV show".
113. Kwon, Mee-yoo. (June 7, 2011). "Reality TV gets a spin as stars challenge skating, dancing".
114. 김. 소희. (May 27, 2010). link. Newsen
115. 강. 지연. (May 25, 2010). link
116. link. Kim. Jin-seok and Jo Yeon-kyung. (April 12, 2021)
117. link. [[JTBC]]. Hwang. So-young. (April 8, 2024)
118. link. [[My Daily]]. Kim. Na-ra. (November 1, 2021)
119. link. [[Xports News]]. Kim. Yu-jin. (November 6, 2023)
120. link. Jo. Yeon-gyeong. (October 4, 2024)
121. link. Park. Kyung-hee. (July 5, 2021)
122. link. [[OhmyNews]]. [[Naver]]. Seong. Ha-hoon. (December 8, 2023)
123. link. (November 30, 2015)
124. link. (November 29, 2016)
125. link. [[Naver]]. (October 13, 2017)
126. link. [[Osen (newspaper). Osen]]. Kim. Bo-ra. (November 21, 2021)
127. link. Park. Jin-young. (October 24, 2023)
128. link. [[Sports Donga]]. Hong. Se-Young. (February 22, 2016)
129. (March 1, 2016). "Victoria, Krystal receive Chinese fashion award". [[Kpop Herald]].
130. link. . (December 31, 2021)
131. link. [[Xports News]]. Hwang. Soo-yeon. (January 1, 2023)
132. link. [[MoneyS]]. [[Naver]]. Song. Hye-nam. (December 31, 2022)
133. link. (December 8, 2019)
134. 조선일보. (2021-01-18). "[공식] 영화진흥위원회, 韓배우 200인 선정..'Korean Actors 200' 해외 홍보 나선다".
135. "KOREAN ACTORS 200".