1. Overview
Hong Ye-ji (홍예지Korean, born January 31, 2002) is a prominent South Korean actress and model. She first gained public recognition in 2018 as a contestant on the reality competition show Produce 48. Transitioning from an idol trainee to an actress, Hong made her official acting debut in 2022 with a lead role in the film 2037, where her performance garnered significant praise. Since then, she has actively pursued her acting career, starring in various films and television series, including notable roles in the TV series Love Song for Illusion (2024) and Missing Crown Prince (2024).
2. Early life and education
Hong Ye-ji was born on January 31, 2002, in South Korea. Her formative years provided the foundation for her eventual career in the entertainment industry.
2.1. Education
Hong Ye-ji pursued formal education at the School of Performing Arts Seoul, a specialized arts high school known for nurturing aspiring performers. She later enrolled at Dongguk University, where she is currently attending the Department of Theater and Film.
3. Career
Hong Ye-ji's career in the entertainment industry began with aspirations in K-pop before she ultimately transitioned to a successful acting career, making her debut and establishing herself in mainstream film and television.
3.1. Early career and reality show participation
In June 2018, Hong Ye-ji embarked on her entertainment journey as a K-pop idol trainee. She participated in the Mnet reality competition program Produce 48, representing her then-management agency, CNC. During her time on the show, she showcased her talents, but she was ultimately eliminated in the fifth episode of the competition. Following her participation in Produce 48, in December of the same year, CNC announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Stardium. This agreement aimed to manage the activities of five of their trainees, including Hong Ye-ji, with the ultimate goal of debuting them as a girl group in 2020.
3.2. Transition to acting and debut
Despite the plans for a K-pop debut, Hong Ye-ji shifted her career focus towards acting. In February 2021, she signed an exclusive contract with Bareuljung Entertainment, signaling her official move into the acting profession. Her commitment to acting quickly led to her first significant role. In May 2021, she was cast as the lead character in director Mo Hong-jin's film, originally titled Girl, which later became known as 2037. In August of the same year, Hong Ye-ji, along with several other actors from Bareuljung Entertainment, transitioned to a newly established agency, Big Whale Entertainment, continuing her professional development under a new management structure.
Hong Ye-ji officially debuted as an actress with the release of 2037 on June 8, 2022. Her performance in the film, portraying a 19-year-old prisoner, received considerable praise from critics and audiences, marking a successful entry into the film industry.
3.3. Mainstream acting career
Following her debut, Hong Ye-ji expanded her acting portfolio to include a diverse range of projects. She starred in a TVING short film titled School Caste, appearing alongside actor Jo Byeong-kyu. She also took on a supporting role in the film A Normal Family, which had its premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 14, 2023.
In October 2023, it was announced that Hong Ye-ji had been cast in a leading role for the television series Love Song for Illusion. This historical fantasy drama premiered on KBS2 in January 2024, marking her first leading role on the small screen. Her subsequent roles further solidified her presence in the television landscape, including a part in Missing Crown Prince, which aired in 2024, and a role in the sitcom The Blue House Family, for which the broadcast date is yet to be announced.
4. Filmography
Hong Ye-ji has appeared in a variety of films, television series, and reality shows throughout her career.
4.1. Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2037 | Jung Yoon-young | |
| 2022 | School Caste | Se-na | TVING short film |
| 2023 | A Normal Family | Hye-yoon |
4.2. Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Love Song for Illusion | Yeon Wol / Consort Eun-hyo | |
| 2024 | Missing Crown Prince | Choi Myung-yoon | |
| TBA | The Blue House Family | Ma Yoon-ah | Sitcom |
4.3. Variety/reality show
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Produce 48 | Contestant |
5. Awards and nominations
Throughout her burgeoning career, Hong Ye-ji has received recognition for her acting performances.
- 2024 KBS Drama Awards: Best New Actress for Love Song for Illusion
6. External links
- [http://bigwhale-ent.com/HongYeJi Hong Ye-ji at Big Whale Entertainment]
- [https://www.instagram.com/red._.yeji_/ Hong Ye-ji on Instagram]
- [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12542943/ Hong Ye-ji at IMDb]
- [https://www.hancinema.net/korean_Hong_Ye-ji.php Hong Ye-ji at HanCinema]