1. Overview
Go Joon-hee, born 김은주Kim Eun-jooKorean on August 31, 1985, is a prominent South Korean actress. She commenced her journey in the entertainment industry as a school uniform model in 2001 before transitioning into an acting career in 2003. Throughout her professional trajectory, Go Joon-hee has taken on diverse roles in both film and television, establishing herself in romantic comedies, melodramas, and thrillers. She adopted her distinctive stage name in 2008, drawing inspiration from a character she portrayed. Her career includes significant appearances in popular television series such as She Was Pretty and Untouchable, as well as films like Marriage Blue and Red Carpet. Beyond acting, she has participated in various variety shows, music videos, and commercial endorsements, showcasing her versatility and widespread appeal.
2. Early Life and Education
2.1. Birth and Background
Go Joon-hee was born Kim Eun-joo on August 31, 1985, in Seoul, South Korea. She made her initial foray into the entertainment industry in 2001, when she was scouted while trying on a school uniform for high school. This led to her winning the gold prize at the SK Smart Uniform Model Contest, marking her official debut. In 2008, she adopted the stage name Go Joon-hee, a name inspired by her character in the 2006 television drama What's Up Fox?.
2.2. Education
After graduating from high school, Go Joon-hee pursued higher education at Kyung Hee University, where she majored in the Department of Theatre and Film.
3. Career
Go Joon-hee's career spans modeling, acting in films and television series, and participating in various other entertainment activities, including variety shows, music videos, and commercials.
3.1. Debut and Early Career
Go Joon-hee' began her professional life in 2001 as a school uniform model, earning first place in the SK Smart Uniform Model Contest. She then transitioned into acting, making her debut in 2003. Early in her acting career, she took on supporting roles in films such as Girl Scout (2008) and Architecture 101 (2012). Her adoption of the stage name Go Joon-hee in 2008 coincided with an increasing presence in the industry, reflecting a new phase in her professional identity.
3.2. Filmography
Go Joon-hee has built a diverse filmography across both the big and small screens, showcasing her range in various genres.
3.2.1. Films
Go Joon-hee has appeared in a number of films, taking on both supporting and lead roles.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Hansel and Gretel | Hae-young |
| 2008 | Girl Scout | Kang Eun-ji |
| 2011 | Drifting Away | Dan-bi |
| Yeosu | Mi-jin | |
| 2012 | Doomsday Book | Kim Yoo-min ("A Brave New World"); Weather girl ("Happy Birthday") |
| Architecture 101 | Eun-chae | |
| 2013 | Marriage Blue | Yi-ra |
| 2014 | Red Carpet | Jung Eun-soo |
| 2015 | Intimate Enemies | Na-mi |
3.2.2. Television Series
Her television career includes roles in various dramas across major South Korean networks.
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Breathless | Jo Young-ji | MBC |
| 2005 | Hello My Teacher | Kim Sun-ah | SBS |
| 2006 | Dasepo Naughty Girl | Girl with Poverty on her back | Super Action |
| MBC Best Theater: "That Guy" | Lee Hyun-joo | MBC | |
| What's Up Fox | Go Joon-hee | ||
| 2007 | Crazy in Love | Jo Min-hee | SBS |
| 2008 | Robber | Young-sook (cameo, episode 1) | |
| General Hospital 2 | Kang Eun-ji | MBC | |
| 2010 | The Slave Hunters | Je-ni | KBS2 |
| 2011 | Listen to My Heart | Kang Min-soo | MBC |
| 2012 | 12 Signs of Love | Park Tan-ya | tvN |
| The Chaser | Seo Ji-won | SBS | |
| 2013 | King of Ambition | Seok Soo-jung | |
| 2015 | She Was Pretty | Min Ha-ri | MBC |
| 2017 | Untouchable | Goo Ja-kyung | JTBC |
| 2019 | Possessed | Hong Seo-jung | OCN |
3.3. Other Activities
Beyond her acting roles, Go Joon-hee has engaged in various other entertainment endeavors, including appearances on variety shows, music videos, and extensive commercial work.
3.3.1. Variety Shows
Go Joon-hee has been a frequent guest and host on South Korean variety and talk shows.
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | X-Man: Pattaya Special | Cast member |
| 2008 | Interview Game | Host |
| 2010 | Fox's Butler | Cast member |
| 2011 | Style Magazine | Host |
| 2013 | We Got Married Season 4 | Cast member; paired with Jinwoon of 2AM |
| 2020 | Law of the Jungle in Ulleungdo, Dokdo | Guest |
| 2020 | Love Nagger 3 | Special MC |
| 2022 | All That Muse 4 | Host |
| 2024 | Truth or Fiction: Elegant Life | Guest |
3.3.2. Music Videos
She has also featured in music videos for several artists.
| Year | Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "Don't Know Why" | SG Wannabe |
| 2005 | "The One Who Is Listening to My Song" | Park Shin-yang |
| "The Lover" | ||
| "Scattered Days" | Park Hyo-shin | |
| 2006 | "Shirin (It's Cold)" | Lee Soo-young |
| 2010 | "Will Cheat" | Jo Sung-mo |
| 2011 | "Like Rain, Like Music" | Joo Jin-mo |
3.3.3. Commercials and Endorsements
Go Joon-hee has been a sought-after model and endorser for numerous brands across various industries.
| Year | Company | Brand (Product Type) | Co-star |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | TU Media | TU | Song Young-jae |
| 2006 | Samsung Electronics | Kenox (Camera) | Jang Dong-gun |
| LG Household & Health Care | Elastine Shampoo (Hair Care) | Jun Ji-hyun | |
| 2007 | Nongshim | Pote Queen (Snack) | |
| 2009 | Dongsuh Foods | Philadelphia Cream Cheese | Lee So-jung |
| 2010 | Korea P&G | Head & Shoulders Hair Fall Clinic Shampoo (Hair Care) | |
| 2011 | Save the Children, GS Home Shopping, CJ E&M | Save the Newborns Hat Knitting Campaign | |
| Orbis Korea | Orbis (Cosmetics) | ||
| 2012-2013 | Codes Combine Co., Ltd. | Codes Combine (Apparel) | Jang Keun-suk |
| Kumkang Shoes | Renoir (Shoes) | ||
| Able C&C | Missha (Cosmetics) | Park Joo-mi, Lee Hye-sang | |
| 2013 | Hyundai Pharmaceutical | Miero Fiber (Dietary Drink) | |
| Sekyung D&B | Hi-Kill Outlet (Shopping Mall) | ||
| ENS | Pro World Cup (Athletic Shoes) | ||
| Oven-baked Chicken Co., Ltd. | Okkudak Chicken (Chicken Franchise) | ||
| Able C&C | Missha L'EAU DE MISSHA (Perfume) | TVXQ | |
| Lotte Chilsung Beverage | Chum-Churum (Alcohol) | Jo In-sung | |
| LF Co., Ltd. | Pilg (Jewelry) | ||
| 2013-2014 | The Basic House Co., Ltd. | Mind Bridge (Apparel) | Gong Yoo |
| LF Co., Ltd. | Lafuma (Outdoor) | Yoo Ah-in | |
| 2014 | Kolon Industries FnC Division | Couronne (Bags, Accessories) | |
| Lotte Chilsung Beverage | Trevi (Carbonated Drink) | ||
| 2015-2016 | Kunlun Korea | Nantoo: Dominator of the Battlefield with NAVER (Game) | Jung Woo-sung |
| Barrel Co., Ltd. | Barrel (Rashguard) | ||
| 2016 | J.ESTINA Co., Ltd. | J.ESTINA Bag (Bags, Accessories) | |
| 2016-2017 | JEUM Jewelry Co., Ltd. | Troishuit (Jewelry) | |
| Maeil Dairies | Sunup (Fruit Drink) | ||
| 2018 | Zen & Ventures | BARREL (Apparel) |
3.3.4. Theatre
In 2024, Go Joon-hee took on the role of Harper in the theatrical production of Angels in America.
3.4. Agency Affiliations
Go Joon-hee's career has seen her affiliated with several talent agencies. From 2011 to 2016, she was represented by J,Wide-Company. In February 2017, she signed with YG Entertainment. Later, in June 2019, she joined C-JeS Studios. Prior to March 2022, she was with GLO Entertainment. As of May 2022, Go Joon-hee is under contract with Y-Bloom.
4. Awards and Nominations
Go Joon-hee has received several awards and nominations throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to both modeling and acting.
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | SK Smart Uniform Model Contest | 1st Place | N/A | Won |
| 2002 | Yeshin Persons Model Contest | Grand Prize | N/A | Won |
| 2003 | Binggrae Model Contest | Miss Binggrae | N/A | Won |
| 2006 | 25th MBC Drama Awards | Best New Actress | What's Up Fox? | Nominated |
| 2008 | 7th Korean Film Awards | Best New Actress | Girl Scout | Nominated |
| 2012 | 5th Style Icon Awards | Fashion Icon | N/A | Won |
| 6th Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 20's Style | N/A | Won | |
| 20th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards | Popularity Award, Actress in a Drama | The Chaser | Won | |
| 20th SBS Drama Awards | New Star Award | The Chaser | Won | |
| 2013 | 2nd APAN Star Awards | Acting Award, Actress | King of Ambition | Nominated |
| 28th Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards | Best Dressed, Actress category | N/A | Won | |
| 2014 | 1st S-Oil Best Model Awards | Gold Actor Sector | N/A | Won |
| 2015 | 1st Fashionista Awards | Best Fashionista - Female Category | N/A | Won |
| 1st Fashionista Awards | Best Fashionista - Hair Style Sector | N/A | Won | |
| 1st Fashionista Awards | Best Fashionista - TV Category | She Was Pretty | Won | |
| 2015 | 34th MBC Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | She Was Pretty | Nominated |
| 34th MBC Drama Awards | Popularity Award, Actress | She Was Pretty | Won | |
| 2016 | InStyle Star Icon | Most Stylish Female Actress | N/A | Won |
| 8th Style Icon Awards | Style Icon | N/A | Won |