Jin Ki Joo
Under Basecamp Company
Profile
- Birth name
- Jin Ki Joo
- Birthday
- January 26, 1989
- Height
- 170 cm
- Age
- 37
- Zodiac
- Aquarius
- Nationality
- South Korean
Dramas & Roles1 title
About
Short bio
Jin Ki Joo (진기주) is a South Korean actress known for Little Forest, Come and Hug Me, My Perfect Stranger, and Undercover High School. Learn about her age, education, career, fun facts, and journey from engineer and reporter to actress.
Background
Born on January 26, 1989, in South Korea, Jin Ki Joo followed a remarkably unconventional path before becoming an actress. Unlike many performers who enter the entertainment industry as teenagers, she first pursued academics and professional careers outside of acting. She graduated from Chung-Ang University with dual bachelor's degrees in Computer Engineering and Journalism & Broadcasting, an uncommon combination that reflected both her analytical and creative interests. After graduation, she worked as an employee at Samsung SDS before later becoming a reporter for G1, an SBS regional broadcasting affiliate.
Her life changed dramatically in 2014 when she entered the 23rd Supermodel Contest and won the Olivia Lauren Prize. The experience opened the door to the entertainment industry and eventually led to her acting debut in the 2015 drama Twenty Again. Over the following years, Jin steadily built her career through supporting and leading roles before breaking out with acclaimed performances in dramas such as Come and Hug Me, Little Forest, My Perfect Stranger, and Undercover High School. In April 2025, she joined Basecamp Company, the agency founded by Cha Tae Hyun and Zo In Sung, marking the next chapter of her career.
Personality & Image
Fans are often fascinated by Jin Ki Joo's unusual career journey. The fact that she worked as a software engineer and television reporter before becoming an actress gives her a life experience that many viewers feel translates naturally into her performances. Her story is frequently cited as proof that success doesn't always follow a straight path and that it's never too late to pursue a different dream.
Beyond her background, audiences appreciate the warmth and sincerity she brings to her roles. Whether portraying a romantic lead, a determined journalist, or a character carrying emotional scars, Jin has a talent for making her performances feel genuine and relatable. Fans often describe her as elegant, intelligent, and quietly charismatic—someone who commands attention without needing to dominate a scene. Her combination of intelligence, humility, and emotional depth has made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
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FAQ
- How tall is Jin Ki Joo?
- Jin Ki Joo is 170 cm tall.
- How old is Jin Ki Joo?
- Jin Ki Joo is 37 years old.
- Where is Jin Ki Joo from?
- Jin Ki Joo is from South Korean.
Fun facts
Jin Ki Joo graduated from Chung-Ang University with dual bachelor's degrees in Computer Engineering and Journalism & Broadcasting, making her one of the most academically accomplished actresses in the industry. Source: MyDramaList / Basecamp Company
Before entering entertainment, she worked as an employee at Samsung SDS, one of South Korea's largest IT and technology companies. Source: MyDramaList / Korean Media Reports
After leaving the tech industry, she became a reporter for G1, a regional broadcasting affiliate of SBS. Source: MyDramaList / Korean Media Reports
Her journey from engineer to reporter to actress is considered one of the most unusual career paths among Korean entertainers. Source: Korean Entertainment Media
In 2014, she won the Olivia Lauren Prize at the 23rd Supermodel Contest, a turning point that helped launch her entertainment career. Source: Korean Supermodel Contest Records
Jin Ki Joo made her acting debut in the 2015 television drama Twenty Again. Source: MyDramaList
Because she entered acting later than many of her peers, she often had to build her career through smaller supporting roles before earning lead opportunities. Source: Korean Entertainment Media
She gained significant recognition for her performance in the romantic thriller Come and Hug Me (2018). Source: MBC / MyDramaList
Her role in the film Little Forest introduced her to a wider audience and showcased her ability to shine in slice-of-life storytelling. Source: Korean Film Council
Many viewers praised her chemistry with co-star Jang Ki Yong in Come and Hug Me, which remains one of her most popular dramas. Source: Fan Community Discussions
Jin Ki Joo has frequently portrayed intelligent, independent women, a role type many fans feel suits her real-life personality and background. Source: Korean Drama Reviews
Her experience working as a journalist has often helped her relate to media-related characters she portrays on screen. Source: Interview Features
She received praise for her performance in My Perfect Stranger, where she balanced mystery, emotion, and romance in a time-travel storyline. Source: KBS / Drama Reviews
In April 2025, she signed with Basecamp Company, the agency established by actors Cha Tae Hyun and Zo In Sung. Source: Basecamp Company
Fans often admire her for proving that career changes can lead to unexpected opportunities and success. Source: Fan Community Discussions
Despite her success as an actress, many people are still surprised to learn that she once worked in software engineering. Source: Korean Entertainment Media
Colleagues frequently describe her as hardworking, thoughtful, and exceptionally prepared on set. Source: Cast Interviews
Her combination of technical expertise, journalism experience, modeling, and acting has made her one of the most uniquely accomplished figures in Korean entertainment. Source: Korean Entertainment Media
Fans often say that Jin Ki Joo's real-life story is inspiring enough to be the plot of a television drama itself. Source: Fan Community Discussions
