1. Overview

Kim Yoo-jin (김유진Korean; born March 3, 1981), professionally known as Eugene, is a highly influential South Korean singer, actress, and television personality. She first rose to prominence as a member of S.E.S., one of the first and most successful K-pop girl groups, which debuted in 1997. Following the group's disbandment in 2002, Eugene embarked on a successful solo music career, releasing two studio albums. She then transitioned into acting, establishing herself as a versatile actress with notable roles in numerous television dramas and films, including Bread, Love and Dreams (2010) and The Penthouse: War in Life (2020-2021). Beyond her acting and singing, Eugene has also gained recognition as a popular television host, a beauty and fashion entrepreneur, and an author, showcasing her enduring impact on South Korean popular culture across various entertainment sectors.
2. Early Life and Background
Eugene's formative years were shaped by her upbringing in South Korea and a significant period of immigration to Guam, which influenced her early experiences and academic path.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Kim Yoo-jin was born on March 3, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea. During her early childhood, she attended Seoul Sangsu Elementary School from its opening in 1988 until her family's immigration to Guam. Eugene was known for her strong and charismatic personality, earning the nickname "gang boss" among her elementary school peers due to her ability to physically overpower male students in games like arm wrestling and tag. She was also an athletic child, representing her class in track and field during her fourth grade. Despite her active and playful nature, she consistently achieved excellent academic results, receiving top grades in nearly all her subjects in elementary school.
2.2. Education
Eugene's educational journey spanned both South Korea and Guam. After completing the first semester of fifth grade in elementary school in Seoul, her family immigrated to Guam. From October 1992 to June 1995, she attended Agueda I. Johnston Middle School. She then enrolled at John F. Kennedy High School from June 1995 to September 1997, completing her 10th grade.
After her time in Guam, she returned to Seoul with her mother and younger sister to complete her high school education, graduating from Korea Kent Foreign School in June 1999. Academically, Eugene maintained a high standard, with over 80% of her high school subjects earning A grades. In middle school, almost all her subjects were marked as "Excellent." She later briefly attended Korea University, majoring in French Language and Literature, but eventually withdrew.
2.3. Guam Immigration
Eugene's family immigrated to Guam at the suggestion of her paternal grandfather, who had already settled there. The immigration occurred before she could complete the first semester of her fifth grade. This period was initially challenging for Eugene, as she had only studied English for a couple of months before moving. For the first year, she struggled to understand English. Her parents continued their chicken restaurant business in Guam, similar to their venture in Korea, but the restaurant was eventually forced to close after a fire caused by her father accidentally leaving a fryer switch on. This business held significant meaning for her family, and Eugene recalls her mother constantly preparing chicken, a memory that brings her to tears when reflecting on her mother's hardships raising children.
Despite the initial difficulties, Eugene's adaptability allowed her to quickly make friends with local children in Guam, often playing at the public swimming pool. She noted that compared to Korea, where she was constantly studying and attending cram schools, Guam offered a more relaxed environment, filled with memories of playing outdoors. During this time, she developed a strong interest in entertainment, particularly after watching Korean dramas and listening to K-pop artists like Seo Taiji and Boys, H.O.T., and Young Turks Club, which sparked her dream of becoming an entertainer.
3. Career
Eugene's career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry, from her origins as a K-pop idol to her established presence as an actress and television host.
3.1. Music Career
Eugene's career began in the music industry, where she achieved significant success as a member of a pioneering girl group and later as a solo artist.
3.1.1. S.E.S. Debut and Activities
Eugene made her debut as a member of the three-member girl group S.E.S. in November 1997, under SM Entertainment. Her casting came about after she served as an interpreter for H.O.T. during their visit to Guam in the spring of 1997, catching the attention of SM Entertainment representatives, including founder Lee Soo-man. S.E.S. quickly rose to immense popularity, becoming one of the best-selling K-pop girl groups of their era. The group enjoyed tremendous success throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, S.E.S. officially disbanded at the end of 2002, following the departure of Eugene and Bada from SM Entertainment, while Shoo remained with the agency until 2006.
3.1.2. S.E.S. Reunion
On May 28, 2016, Eugene reunited with former S.E.S. members Bada and Shoo to participate in a charity event called the Green Heart Bazaar. In October 2016, the trio officially re-formed S.E.S. to commemorate their 20th anniversary since their debut. As part of their anniversary project, they released the digital single "Love[Story]" on November 28, a remake of their 1999 hit "Love," through SM Entertainment's digital project SM Station. The music video for "Love[Story]" was released on December 29.
In early December 2016, S.E.S. aired a ten-episode reality show titled Remember, I'm Your S.E.S., which was broadcast via the mobile app Oksusu. To further celebrate their 20th anniversary, they held a concert, "Remember, the Day," on December 30 and 31 at Sejong University's Daeyang Hall in Seoul. On January 2, 2017, their special 20th-anniversary album, Remember, was released, featuring two lead singles: "Remember" (digitally released on January 1) and "Paradise" (released with the album). The group concluded their 20th-anniversary activities with a fan meeting titled "I Will Be There, Waiting For You" on March 1, 2017.
3.1.3. Solo Career
Following the disbandment of S.E.S. in late 2002, Eugene transitioned into a solo music career. She released two solo studio albums: My True Style... in May 2003 and 810303 in August 2004. Her debut album, My True Style..., sold approximately 54,270 records and featured the hit ballad "The Best," which also included a bonus track, "Jesus Loves Me," with handwritten lyrics by Eugene. She had previously contributed the single "Shout to the Lord" to the collaborative Christian album The Gift in 2001. Her second album, 810303, sold around 25,245 copies and featured the popular single "Windy." Despite lower sales for her second album, "Windy" achieved notable success, reaching number one on Korean MTV's Kountdown and iTV's Akbari Club in September 2004.
3.1.4. Discography
Eugene's discography includes her solo studio albums, contributions to various soundtracks, and other album appearances.
3.2. Acting Career


Eugene has built an extensive and successful career as an actress, starring in numerous television dramas, films, and musical theatre productions.
3.2.1. Television Series
Eugene made her acting debut in the 2002 KBS2 drama Loving You. She has since taken on diverse roles across various South Korean television dramas, showcasing her versatility.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2002 | SBS Open Drama Man & Woman | Ji-won | Episode: "Happy Birthday" |
2002 | Loving You | Jin Da-rae | |
2003 | Memories of Chuseok | Female Police Officer | Cameo |
2004 | Save the Last Dance for Me | Ji Eun-soo | |
2005 | Wonderful Life | Jung Se-jin | |
2006 | Love Truly | Yeo Bong-soon | |
2008 | One Mom and Three Dads | Song Na-young | |
2008 | East of Eden | Customer | Cameo appearance (Ep. 35) |
2009 | Creating Destiny | Han Sang-eun | |
2010 | Bread, Love and Dreams | Shin Yoo-kyung | |
2011 | KBS Drama Special | Princess Hwapyung | Episode: "Princess Hwapyung's Weight Loss" |
2012 | Ohlala Couple | Min-young | Cameo appearance (Ep. 2) |
2013 | A Hundred Year Legacy | Min Chae-won | |
2014 | Can We Fall in Love, Again? | Yoon Jung-wan | |
2015 | All About My Mom | Lee Jin-ae | |
2020-2021 | The Penthouse: War in Life | Oh Yoon-hee | Main role in seasons 1, 2, and 3 |
2023 | Love to Hate You | Celebrity | Cameo appearance (Ep. 9-10) |
3.2.2. Filmography
Eugene has also appeared in several films, showcasing her acting range on the big screen.
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2007 | Unstoppable Marriage | Park Eun-ho |
2008 | Heartbreak Library | Jo Eun-soo |
Romantic Island | Yoo Ga-young | |
2009 | Yoga Hakwon | Hyo-jung |
2013 | Tattoo: Engraved and Disappearing | P-yang |
2019 | Paper Flower | Go Eun-sook |
3.2.3. Musical Theatre
Eugene has also ventured into musical theatre, taking on roles in stage adaptations.
Year | Title | Role |
---|---|---|
2007 | Innocent Steps | Chae-rin |
3.3. Broadcasting and Hosting Activities
Beyond acting and singing, Eugene has a significant presence in broadcasting, serving as a television host and appearing in various variety and reality shows.
3.3.1. Television Shows and Variety Programs
Eugene has hosted and appeared in a wide array of television shows, demonstrating her versatility as an entertainer.
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
2000 | TV Carries Love | Guest (with S.E.S.) |
2002 | Saturday is Coming | Host (with Moon Hee-joon, Kangta, Jun Jin) |
2002 | Good Morning (SBS) | Guest (with Park Ji-yoon) |
2003 | Nam Hui-seok and Eugene's Love Story | Host (with Nam Hee-seok) |
Love of the Century | Host (with Nam Hee-seok) | |
Chuseok Special NG Enthusiasm | Host (with Nam Hee-seok, Lee Yoo-jin) | |
2005 | Happy Together Friends | Pilot Host (with Yoo Jae-suk) |
2006 | Seoul Drama Awards 2006 | Host (with Kim Sung-joo) |
2007 | Happy Together Friends | Regular Host (with Yoo Jae-suk) |
2007 | ''MBC America Opening Ceremony Celebration Show 'We Are One'''' | Host (with Brian Joo) |
2009 | Living Beauty - Eugene's Makeup Diary, Season 1 | Solo Host |
2009 | Living Beauty - Eugene's Makeup Diary, Season 2 | Solo Host |
2010-2014 | O'live TV Get It Beauty | Main Host (with Kim Jung-min, Hwang Min-young) |
2012 | Super Couple Diary | Cast member (with Ki Tae-young) |
2012 | Star Life Theater | Featured (solo) |
2012 | The Great Birth - Season 3 | Main Host |
2013 | Eugene's Beauty Factory | Solo Host |
2015 | Happy Together | Guest (with Lee Sang-woo, Shoo) |
2016 | Happy Pyramid 333 | Host (with Yoo Se-yoon) |
2016-2018 | The Return of Superman | Cast member (Ep. 114-210, with Ki Tae-young, Kim Ro-hee) |
2017 | Haha Land | Host (with Noh Hong-chul) |
2018 | Woman Plus Season 2 | Host (with Yoon Seung-ah, Jang Do-yeon) |
2018 | Bipedal Life | Host (with Lee Su-geun) |
2019 | What is Studying? | Host (with Shin Dong-yup) (Ep. 1-24) |
2020 | COVID-19 Special Live Broadcast 'We Believe We are the Hope' | Host |
2020 | Beauty and Booty Season 5 | Host (with Park Jung-ah, Cheetah, Solbin, Park Gi-ryang, Kim Yu-mi) |
2020 | Running Man | Guest (with Kim So-yeon, Lee Ji-ah) |
2021 | Master in the House | Guest (with Kim So-yeon, Lee Ji-ah) |
2021 | WIB: Indonesia K-Pop Awards | Host (with Hansol, Park Kyung-lim, Choi Si-won, Han Yu-ra) |
2022 | The Battle for Move-in: Penthouse | Tenant |
2022 | Oh! My Wedding | Wedding planner (with Yoo Se-yoon, Bong Tae-gyu, Yoo Byung-jae) |
2022 | Hot Goodbye | Host (with Eun Ji-won, Hwang Je-seong) |
3.3.2. Web Shows
Eugene has also participated in web-exclusive content.
Year | Title | Role | Platform |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | Half of Me | Narrator | Good Neighbors YouTube channel |
3.3.3. MC Activities
Eugene has frequently served as a master of ceremonies for various events and award ceremonies.
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
2005 | Rainstone Live Annual Concert | In LA |
2006 | Heritage Album Release Commemorative Showcase | Held at Seoul Samsung-dong Textile Center Event Hall |
2007 | The 5th Hollywood Bowl Korean Music Festival | |
2007 | Dream Concert | With Lee Hwi-jae |
2007 | Asia Song Festival | With Choi Ki-hwan |
2008 | Busan International Film Festival 'Premier Rising Star Asian Awards' | With Jung Joon-ho |
2008 | Seoul Drama Awards | With Choi Soo-jong |
2008 | Singer Zion Showcase | Held at Seoul Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong Sangsangmadang |
2010 | Asia Song Festival | With Han Seok-jun |
2011 | Daegu World Championships in Athletics Pre-show | With Kim Hyun-wook |
2011 | National Choir Festival 'The Harmony' | With Yoon In-goo |
2012 | Marie Claire UK Prix D'Excellence Awards | Solo MC |
2012 | London Olympics Victory Prayer 'Fighting Korea' | With Han Seok-jun |
2012 | Magic Shock | Part 1 with Shin Hyun-joon, Part 2 solo |
2012 | Star Road Talk 'Myeongsasimni' | With Seo Kyung-seok, Jung Jin-young |
2016 | 2016 Hope Road Campaign | With Lee Hyun-woo |
2017 | Marie Claire UK Prix D'Excellence Awards | Solo MC |
2023 | 30th Hanteo Music Awards | With Shin Dong-yup |
3.4. Other Activities
Beyond her primary entertainment roles, Eugene has also engaged in literary works and various brand ventures.
3.4.1. Books
Eugene has authored several books, primarily focusing on beauty and lifestyle, sharing her expertise with readers.
- Eugene's Beauty Secrets (December 21, 2009, Sidpaper)
- Eugene's Get It Beauty (May 23, 2011, Paperbook)
- Eugene's Beauty Recipe (March 20, 2013, Paperbook)
3.4.2. Beauty and Fashion Ventures
Eugene has actively participated in the beauty and fashion industries. She became a prominent figure in beauty as the main host of O'live TV's Get It Beauty from 2010 to 2013, earning the moniker "Beauty Mentor" and becoming the longest-running host of the show. Her recommendations on the show, such as Benefit's Cha Cha Tint, led to significant sales inquiries and product popularity. She also co-founded the clothing brand byMOMO and serves as the creative director for the cosmetics brand Likeiamfive.
3.4.3. Advertising and Endorsements
Eugene has had an extensive career as a commercial model and endorser, representing numerous brands across various industries. As of August 12, 2021, she had signed 53 advertising contracts for 49 different brands.
- 1996: Wedding Dress (Guam, USA)
- 2003: QUA (Kolon Fashion, Apparel)
- 2004: CATHYCAT (LG Household & Health Care, Cosmetics)
- 2004: Ansan Nestance (Prime Industry, Shopping Mall)
- 2004: Korea University (Promotional Model, Education)
- 2005: CATHYCAT (LG Household & Health Care, Cosmetics, renewal)
- 2005: Diane 35 (Korea Schering, Pharmaceuticals)
- 2005: Plan Korea (T-shirts, Apparel, Public Interest)
- 2006: Philippine Department of Tourism (Tourism Promotion Brochure, Public Interest)
- 2007: EZN (Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Pharmaceuticals)
- 2007: Smashbox (Corezone, Cosmetics)
- 2009: Benefit Korea (Benefit, Cosmetics)
- 2009: Zenith Uniform (Apparel)
- 2009: Beanpole (Samsung C&T, Love Bike Campaign, Apparel)
- 2010: Benefit Korea (Benefit, Cosmetics, renewal)
- 2010: M.net & On Style (CJ Media, Broadcasting Company)
- 2011: Benefit Korea (Benefit, Cosmetics, renewal)
- 2011: Radiesse (Merz Korea, Filler)
- 2011: Birthday Donation Campaign (UNICEF Korea Committee, Public Interest)
- 2011: S-Oil (Gas Station)
- 2012: Lancôme (L'Oréal Korea, Cosmetics)
- 2012: Galaxy Note 2 (Samsung Electronics, Mobile Phone)
- 2012: Drug Misuse Prevention Campaign (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Public Service Ad)
- 2012: B2Y Bombshell
- 2012: Galaxy Note 2 (Samsung Electronics, Mobile Phone, renewal)
- 2013: Samsung Galaxy Note Note Master 'Entertainment Manipulation Team'
- 2013: Borba (Borba Korea, Beverage)
- 2013: Anydays V (Yuhan-Kimberly)
- 2013: I Love Wood Campaign (Korea Forest Service, Narration, Public Interest)
- 2013: Brera (Juyoung, Bag)
- 2014: Preed Life (Finance)
- 2015: Miguhara (Miguhara, Cosmetics)
- 2016: Yoplait (Binggrae, Food) - with Ki Tae-young
- 2016: Alzip Mat (J-World Industry, Home Appliances)
- 2016: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Cream (Amorepacific, Cosmetics)
- 2016: K-Nutra Triple Skin Collagen (Amicogen, Health Functional Food)
- 2016: DLA, Guerisson (Claire's Korea, Cosmetics)
- 2017: Huan (Dohyun General Construction, Apartment)
- 2019: Cineforum (EBS, Public Campaign, Public Interest)
- 2019: Dentiste Toothpaste (Silantro Co., Ltd.)
- 2019: Dongjak High Palace 2nd Apartment (Hyundai Engineering & Construction)
- 2020: Liazin (Liazin Cosmetics, Cosmetics)
- 2020: H&M (Apparel)
- 2021: Sindorim Hoban Summit Educity (Hoban Construction, Apartment)
- 2021: Burger & Fries (BNF Series, Fast Food)
- 2021: Dualsonic (Zion Meditech, Beauty Device)
- 2021: Disney World English (World Family English Korea, English Learning Materials)
- 2021: Dahil (Novisbio, Health Functional Food)
- 2021: Bicla O (GTGWELNESS, Cosmetics - Mask Pack)
- 2021: Dahil (Last Mover, Health Functional Food)
- 2021: Mutual Savings Bank Central Association (Finance - Bank)
- 2021: Cichimituk, Anmeokeungeollo (Food - Diet Supplement)
- 2021: Cyclin (Cyclin, Apparel - Eco-friendly Underwear)
3.4.4. Ambassadorial Roles
Eugene has served as an honorary ambassador for various public campaigns and organizations throughout her career.
Year | Honorary Ambassadorial Roles | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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2003 |
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4. Personal Life
Eugene's personal life includes her marriage and family, as well as her religious beliefs.
4.1. Family
On May 11, 2011, Eugene publicly announced her engagement to actor Ki Tae-young, whom she had co-starred with in the 2009 MBC television series Creating Destiny. The couple had been dating since January 2010, shortly after the drama concluded. Their wedding took place on July 23, 2011, at the Seoul Central Church in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, the church they both attended. Eugene and Ki Tae-young are regarded as one of the most visually appealing celebrity couples in the Korean entertainment industry.
They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kim Ro-hee, on April 12, 2015. Three years later, their second daughter, Kim Ro-rin, was born on August 18, 2018. The family gained significant public affection and attention when Eugene, Ki Tae-young, and their daughter Ro-hee appeared together on the popular KBS2 reality show The Return of Superman from January 24, 2016, to January 21, 2018. Eugene also has a younger sister, Kim Yu-kyung.
4.2. Religion
Eugene is a devout Christian. Following the sinking of the MV Sewol in 2014, public speculation arose regarding her religious affiliation, with some mistakenly associating her with the controversial Evangelical Baptist Church of Korea. Eugene clarified that she is not a member of the Evangelical Baptist Church but belongs to the Korean Christianity Baptist Church, which separated from the Evangelical Baptist Church 32 years prior to her statement.
5. Awards and Nominations
Eugene has received numerous accolades throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to music, acting, and broadcasting.
Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
Korea Best Dresser Awards | 1999 | Best Dressed, Female Singer | Eugene | Won |
KBS Drama Awards | 2002 | Best New Actress | Loving You | Nominated |
Popularity Award | Won | |||
2010 | Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama | Bread, Love and Dreams | Won | |
2011 | Best Actress in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama | Princess Hwapyung's Weight Loss | Won | |
2015 | Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama | All About My Mom | Won | |
Best Couple Award | Eugene (with Lee Sang-woo) (All About My Mom) | Nominated | ||
Netizen Award, Actress | All About My Mom | Nominated | ||
Korea Visual Arts Festival | 2004 | Photogenic Award, Singer | Eugene | Won |
Mnet KM Music Festival | 2005 | PD's Choice Special Award | Eugene | Won |
SBS Drama Awards | 2004 | Top Excellence Award, Actress | Save the Last Dance for Me | Nominated |
New Star Award | Won | |||
2020 | Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-Length Drama | The Penthouse: War in Life | Won | |
2021 | Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Genre/Fantasy Drama | The Penthouse: War in Life 2 and 3 | Nominated | |
Seoul Chicago Dental | 2004 | Gunchi (Healthy Teeth) Celebrity of the Month's Smile Award | Eugene | Won |
Korea Makeup Artists Association | 2012 | Makeup Award | Get It Beauty | Won |
KBS | 2012 | Plaque of Appreciation | Happy Together Friends | Won |
MBC | 2013 | Twists and Turns Candy Award | A Hundred Year Legacy | Won |
APAN Star Awards | 2013 | Excellence Award, Actress | A Hundred Year Legacy | Nominated |
MBC Drama Awards | 2005 | Excellence Award, Actress | Wonderful Life | Nominated |
Popularity Award | Nominated | |||
2013 | Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama | A Hundred Year Legacy | Nominated | |
Best Couple Award | Eugene (with Lee Jung-jin) (A Hundred Year Legacy) | Nominated | ||
Popularity Award | A Hundred Year Legacy | Nominated | ||
Korea Drama Awards | 2013 | Excellence Award, Actress | A Hundred Year Legacy | Nominated |
Seoul International Drama Awards | 2021 | Outstanding Korean Actress | The Penthouse: War in Life | Nominated |
6. Influence and Evaluation
Eugene's career has left a significant mark on the Korean entertainment industry, shaping cultural trends and earning her widespread public acclaim.
6.1. Cultural Impact
Eugene is widely recognized as a cultural icon, particularly for her role as a member of S.E.S., a pioneering K-pop girl group that set many trends in the late 1990s. Her transition from a beloved idol to a respected actress and television host showcased her versatility and adaptability, influencing subsequent generations of entertainers. She was often praised for her beauty, with various polls and expert surveys ranking her among the top beauties in South Korea and even Asia. She was notably called the "Korean Audrey Hepburn" or "Korean Olivia Hussey" for her delicate and beautiful features. Her work as a "Beauty Mentor" through shows like Get It Beauty also had a tangible impact on beauty trends and consumer choices among Korean women.
6.2. Public Perception
Throughout her career, Eugene has consistently received positive public and critical reception. Her acting performances, particularly in "national dramas" like Bread, Love and Dreams, have been highly praised for their depth and emotional portrayal. For instance, her role in Can We Fall in Love, Again? was initially met with some skepticism due to her youthful appearance for an older, divorced character, but she quickly dispelled these concerns with her realistic and uninhibited portrayal, earning widespread acclaim. This ability to shed her "pretty idol" image for a more grounded character demonstrated her commitment as an actress. Her continued success in family dramas and high-rating series like The Penthouse solidified her status as a reliable and popular lead actress. Her public image has been consistently strong, marked by her beauty, talent, and successful family life, especially after her appearances on reality shows like The Return of Superman, which further endeared her to the public.
7. External Links
link= - [https://www.instagram.com/eugene810303 Eugene] on Instagram
- [https://twitter.com/islandgirl_81 Eugene] on Twitter
- [https://www.youtube.com/@eugene_taeyoung Ki Tae-young Eugene] on YouTube
- [http://www.inncompany.co.kr/EUGENE Eugene] at INN Company (Official Agency Website)
- [https://www.kmdb.or.kr/db/per/00002167 Korean Movie Database]
- [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1951983/ Eugene] at Internet Movie Database