Jeon Jong-seo is rapidly emerging as one of South Korea’s most captivating acting talents. With a career that began only a few years ago, she has quickly established herself in both domestic and international cinema. Known for her fearless performances and enigmatic screen presence, Jeon has taken on roles that push boundaries and redefine expectations.
TL;DR:
Jeon Jong-seo is a South Korean actress best known for her role in the critically acclaimed thriller Burning and the Netflix horror film The Call. She has also made her mark internationally with a Hollywood debut. Her unique acting style and bold choice of roles have made her a rising star in global cinema. From indie gems to high-profile dramas, Jeon's versatility ensures her place as a future legend in the industry.
Biography
Jeon Jong-seo (also known internationally as Rachel Jun) was born on July 5, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea. She spent part of her early life in Canada, which helped her gain fluency in English—a skill that later proved useful in landing international projects.
Jeon returned to South Korea for high school and graduated from Anyang Arts High School. She then pursued acting at Sejong University but left school to focus on real-world experience and opportunities in the film industry.
Breakthrough Role: Burning (2018)
Jeon Jong-seo burst onto the scene with her debut in the 2018 mystery-thriller Burning, directed by Lee Chang-dong. She was cast without any prior professional acting experience, beating out thousands of hopefuls in auditions. Her role as the mysterious and ethereal Hae-mi earned her widespread critical acclaim.
Burning was a monumental success, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and selected as South Korea’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. Jeon’s performance was lauded internationally, with many critics pinpointing her portrayal of Hae-mi as the emotional core of the film.
Notable Movies
Following the success of Burning, Jeon continued to take on roles that showcase her range and intense charisma. Here's a list of some of her most notable film appearances:
- The Call (2020) – A psychological thriller in which Jeon plays the chilling role of Young-sook, a woman from the past connected to a young woman in the future through a mysterious phone call. Her performance was considered spine-tingling and transformative, earning her multiple awards including Best Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
- Nothing Serious (2021) – A romantic comedy where she displayed a lighter, charming side opposite actor Son Suk-ku. The movie was praised for its honest exploration of modern dating.
- Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021) – Jeon's first major Hollywood role, directed by Ana Lily Amirpour. She played Mona, a mysterious girl with telekinetic powers who escapes from a psychiatric hospital. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and solidified her international appeal.
- Ballerina (2023) – A stylish revenge thriller on Netflix, where Jeon plays a former bodyguard seeking justice for a close friend. Her intense action scenes and emotional depth received widespread acclaim.
TV Shows
Though Jeon Jong-seo initially made her mark in films, she has recently entered the world of television with notable impact.
- Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022) – Jeon plays Tokyo, one of the main characters, in this South Korean adaptation of the hit Spanish series. Her portrayal brought a unique, raw energy to the role, and her presence helped reimagine the story for a new audience.
Her transition to television broadened her fanbase and showcased her flexibility as an actress, capable of handling serialized storytelling just as effectively as film narratives.
Award Recognition
Jeon Jong-seo's bold choice of roles has not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned her a number of accolades within a short time. Some of her notable awards include:
- Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress – The Call (2021)
- Chunsa Film Art Award for Best New Actress – Burning (2019)
- Asian Film Critics Association (NETPAC Award) – Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021)
She is frequently cited as one of the most promising talents of her generation and continues to receive critical acclaim for her performances around the globe.
Style and Approach to Acting
What sets Jeon Jong-seo apart is her willingness to embrace unconventional characters and immerse herself fully into their emotional and psychological states. In interviews, she has often mentioned her intuitive approach to acting rather than relying on extensive formal training.
Directors and co-stars have described her as “instinctive,” and capable of capturing complex emotions with subtle gestures. This raw and natural style is particularly evident in roles like Young-sook in The Call, where she moves seamlessly between vulnerability and menace.
International Prospects
Thanks to her fluency in English and magnetic screen presence, Jeon's prospects on the global stage look bright. Her collaborations with international directors like Ana Lily Amirpour and participation in global franchises suggest growing interest from Hollywood and beyond.
Jeon Jong-seo is not only redefining what it means to be a South Korean actress, but she's also bridging the gap between Asian cinema and global mainstream media.
Upcoming Projects
Fans won’t have to wait long for her next appearance. Jeon has been confirmed for several upcoming projects, including:
- A new psychological thriller produced by a major U.S. studio, details are currently under wraps.
- An independent South Korean film co-starring one of Korea’s veteran male leads.
- Season 2 of Money Heist: Korea, where her character's arc is expected to deepen significantly.
Each of these projects is awaited with high anticipation, especially as they showcase different facets of her diverse talents.
Conclusion
In just a few years, Jeon Jong-seo has carved out a place for herself among the most intriguing talents in cinema today. From her enigmatic film debut to her television performances and Hollywood breakthrough, she has proven that range and authenticity are key to lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Whether she’s playing a mysterious girl with a dark past or a modern-day rebel rewriting the rules, Jeon Jong-seo remains endlessly fascinating to watch—and her journey is only just beginning.
