Jeon Jong-seo: A Rising Star in Korean Cinema

Jeon Jong-seo, also known as Rachel Jun, is one of South Korea's most promising young actresses. Since her breakthrough in 2018, she has garnered international attention for her striking performances and unique screen presence. With a rapidly growing portfolio of acclaimed films, Jeon is quickly establishing herself as a prominent figure in both Korean and global cinema.

In this article, we’ll explore Jeon Jong-seo's journey from a newcomer to a critically lauded actress, her notable performances, and her potential to become one of the defining talents of her generation.

Early Life and Education

Jeon Jong-seo was born on July 5, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea. Despite not coming from a traditional acting background, she displayed an interest in the arts from an early age. After spending part of her childhood in Canada, where she attended a local school, Jeon returned to Korea and later pursued a degree in film at Sejong University.

Interestingly, she did not spend years training in theater or smaller roles like many of her peers. Instead, Jeon's path into the film industry was atypical. She took a bold step by auditioning for a major role early in her career — and succeeded.

Breakthrough Role: Burning (2018)

Jeon Jong-seo’s acting career took off in a remarkable fashion with her debut role in the film Burning (2018). Directed by the internationally renowned Lee Chang-dong, Burning is an enigmatic psychological drama based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. The film competed for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim, especially for its ambiguity, direction, and performances.

In Burning, Jeon played the role of Hae-mi, a free-spirited young woman caught between two men: her childhood friend Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) and a mysterious, wealthy man named Ben (Steven Yeun). Hae-mi is a complex character, and Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of her was both captivating and haunting. Despite being a newcomer, Jeon held her own opposite experienced actors and left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

Her performance in Burning was lauded for its depth and subtlety. She brought a sense of mystery and vulnerability to the role that helped drive the film’s psychological tension. Jeon's talent for embodying complex emotions made her stand out as a new face in Korean cinema, and it quickly became clear that she was a rising star to watch.

International Recognition and Hollywood Debut: Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021)

Following the success of Burning, Jeon Jong-seo gained international recognition and soon began working on projects outside of Korea. Her Hollywood debut came with Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021), directed by Ana Lily Amirpour. This fantasy-thriller film further showcased Jeon’s versatility as an actress.

In Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, Jeon played the titular character, Mona Lisa Lee, a woman with supernatural abilities who escapes from a mental institution. The film’s genre-bending narrative and Jeon’s enigmatic performance as a character with few lines of dialogue but immense screen presence added to her reputation as a dynamic and unpredictable actress.

This role demonstrated Jeon's ability to adapt to different film industries and genres, highlighting her international appeal. Her performance in Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon helped solidify her status as a globally recognized talent, capable of captivating audiences with her distinct approach to acting.

The Call (2020): A Career-Defining Performance

While Jeon had already proven her talent in Burning and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, it was her role in the 2020 thriller The Call that truly cemented her status as one of the most exciting actors of her generation. Directed by Lee Chung-hyun, The Call is a psychological thriller centered around two women, Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) and Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who are connected through a mysterious phone call across time.

Jeon’s portrayal of Young-sook, a woman spiraling into madness and violence, was chilling and intense. Her ability to portray the character’s transformation from a vulnerable woman to a terrifying antagonist was widely praised. Many critics noted that her performance in The Call was a career-defining moment, showcasing her range and ability to immerse herself in dark, multifaceted characters.

Jeon’s performance in The Call earned her the Best Actress award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, one of Korea’s most prestigious film awards. This recognition further solidified her place as a leading actress in the Korean film industry.

Acting Style and Persona

Jeon Jong-seo’s acting style is often described as instinctive and raw. Unlike many actors who follow a more structured approach to their craft, Jeon’s performances seem to come from a place of intuition and emotional depth. She has spoken in interviews about how she prefers to immerse herself fully into the emotions of her characters, allowing her performances to feel natural and spontaneous.

This unorthodox approach has been a key factor in Jeon’s success. Her ability to convey complex emotions without relying on excessive dialogue or dramatic gestures makes her performances feel authentic and compelling. Whether she’s playing a mysterious young woman, a supernatural being, or a disturbed antagonist, Jeon brings a unique intensity to her roles.

What’s Next for Jeon Jong-seo?

Jeon Jong-seo’s career trajectory suggests that she is on the path to becoming one of the most prominent actors of her generation. With each new project, she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, taking on challenging roles that showcase her versatility.

Her upcoming projects include more collaborations with international filmmakers, as well as high-profile roles in both Korean and global cinema. As she continues to make waves in the industry, it’s clear that Jeon Jong-seo is not just a rising star — she is poised to become a lasting force in the world of acting.

Conclusion

Jeon Jong-seo’s rapid rise to fame is a testament to her immense talent, hard work, and fearlessness in taking on unconventional and complex roles. From her stunning debut in Burning to her powerful performances in The Call and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, Jeon has proven herself to be a standout talent in contemporary cinema.

As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, there’s no doubt that Jeon Jong-seo is a name we will be hearing much more of in the years to come. Her ability to seamlessly transition between Korean and international films makes her a truly global star, and her future in the film industry looks incredibly bright.