Cho Yeo-jeong

Quick Facts: Who was Cho Yeo-jeong?

Subject:

Cho Yeo-jeong

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actress known for her roles in Parasite and period dramas.

Born:

1981-02-10

Century / Era:

1981s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Cho Yeo-jeong (Korean: 조여정; born February 10, 1981) is a South Korean actress. She is best known internationally for her role in the film Parasite (2019), which won four Academy Awards and became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Cho is also known for her roles in the films The Servant (2010), The Concubine (2012), and Obsessed (2014), as well as the television series I Need Romance (2011), Lovers of Haeundae (2012), Divorce Lawyer in Love (2015), Woman of 9.9 Billion (2019–2020), and Cheat on Me If You Can (2020–2021). Cho Yeo-jeong was born in Seoul, South Korea. She debuted as a CeCi Magazine cover girl at the age of 16 in 1997, and began actively acting in 1999.

Career & Major Achievements

Despite appearing in drama series, music videos, and TV commercials afterwards, she remained obscure. During this period, she was also unhappy with the limited roles being offered to her. Then Cho rose to the spotlight in 2010 by starring as the ambitious Joseon period woman of lower class in the erotic period drama The Servant. The R-rated movie, which was a newly adapted and tragic version of Korea's famous folktale The Story of Chunhyang, had been turned down by a number of actresses because it contained too many sex scenes. Cho, however, took advantage of the opportunity and it turned out to be a huge stepping stone in her career.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Upon the release of the film, Cho successfully escaped being "another pretty face" in Korea's entertainment scene. In 2011, Cho starred in hit cable series I Need Romance, a sexually frank and funny comedy about a group of single thirty-something girlfriends navigating the dating scene in Seoul, which boasted stylish and slick production values. Few would have expected her to star in another period drama that required full nudity, as doing so may have stigmatized her in Korea's film industry. Despite the collective concerns expressed by local media that she was "going nude too often," in 2012 the actress chose another period thriller with explicit sex scenes. She had admired the work of director Kim Dae-seung and wanted to work with him, so after reading his latest script, she pursued being cast as the complex titular character of The Concubine.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1981 (1981-02-10): Birth of Cho Yeo-jeong — Acclaimed South Korean actress known for her roles in Parasite and period dramas.
2. 1997: 1997 Milestone — She debuted as a CeCi Magazine cover girl at the age of 16 in 1997, and began actively acting in 1999.
3. 2010: 2010 Milestone — Cho is also known for her roles in the films The Servant (2010), The Concubine (2012), and Obsessed (2014), as well as the television series I Need Romance (2011), Lovers of Haeundae (2012), Divorce Lawyer in Love (2015), Woman of 9.
4. 2011: 2011 Milestone — In 2011, Cho starred in hit cable series I Need Romance, a sexually frank and funny comedy about a group of single thirty-something girlfriends navigating the dating scene in Seoul, which boasted stylish and slick production values.
5. 2012: 2012 Milestone — Despite the collective concerns expressed by local media that she was "going nude too often," in 2012 the actress chose another period thriller with explicit sex scenes.
6. 2019: 2019 Milestone — She is best known internationally for her role in the film Parasite (2019), which won four Academy Awards and became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture.

Notable Quotes by Cho Yeo-jeong

“Casa Amor: Exclusive for Ladies is the first film I've done in a long time whose story focuses on women. I hope that, building on the success of this film, more films featuring women's voices and experiences are made.” (2015)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Cho Yeo-jeong

True or False: “Cho Yeo-jeong first began actively acting in the entertainment industry after appearing as a magazine cover girl at age sixteen.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): She debuted as a CeCi Magazine cover girl in 1997 and started acting more actively in 1999.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abel Gance — Contemporary (Died in 1981) (1981): French cinematic pioneer, celebrated for his mastery of montage and epic filmmaking.
• Abigail Spencer — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Adriana Lima — Contemporary (Born in 1981) (1981): Iconic Brazilian model, celebrated for her long tenure as a Victoria's Secret Angel.
• Abdul Hamid II — Shared historical date (02-10 · Died) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Alex Haley — Shared historical date (02-10 · Died) (1992): Pioneering author of 'Roots,' who brought Black American genealogy to global prominence.
• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Historical peer (Died in 1981) (1981): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Albert Speer — Historical peer (Died in 1981) (1981): German architect and Nazi official, known for monumental designs and wartime ministry.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• Agnès Varda — Historical peer (Died in 2019) (2019): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Alex Chilton — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): American musician, best known for his vocal work with The Box Tops and Big Star.
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981
• February 10 (02-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 10

Frequently Asked Questions about Cho Yeo-jeong