1. Early Life and Education
Joo Hyun-young's early life and educational background laid the foundation for her career in the performing arts.
1.1. Birth and Family
Joo Hyun-young was born Kim Hyun-young on January 14, 1996, in Paju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. She is the youngest of three daughters.
1.2. Education
Joo Hyun-young pursued her passion for acting through specialized education. From 2011 to 2014, she attended Seoul School of Performing Arts, where she majored in Acting Arts. Following her high school studies, she enrolled in Kookmin University, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Performing Arts, specializing in Theater.
2. Career
Joo Hyun-young's professional journey began in web dramas and steadily progressed to prominent roles in television series and variety shows, establishing her as a versatile actress and entertainer.
2.1. Debut and Early Career
Joo Hyun-young made her acting debut in 2018 with the web drama Gobengers, where she played the role of an angel. In July 2019, she gained wider recognition for her portrayal of Ahn Yu-na in the web drama Best Mistake, a role she reprised in subsequent seasons until 2021. Her career took a significant turn in 2021 when she joined the cast of the popular comedy-variety show SNL Korea Reboot as a crew member. Her segment "Intern Reporter Joo's Go" (인턴 기자 주 기자가 간다Intern Gija Ju Giga GandaKorean) became particularly notable. In this segment, she conducted comedic interviews with real-life politicians, including Yoon Suk Yeol, Lee Jae-myung, Lee Jun-seok, Woo Sang-ho, Na Kyung-won, Choo Mi-ae, Kim Eun-hye, Park Young-sun, Ahn Cheol-soo, and Won Hee-ryong, garnering significant attention for her humorous yet insightful questioning style. Her involvement with SNL Korea greatly expanded her public profile, and she continued as a cast member through Season 4 in 2023. In 2022, she further solidified her status as a rising star through her acclaimed role as Dong Geu-ra-mi, the protagonist's best friend, in the legal drama series Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Since October 2021, she has been managed by AIMC.
2.2. Filmography
Joo Hyun-young has appeared in a variety of cinematic and television projects, showcasing her acting range.
2.2.1. Film
Her film work includes both short and feature-length productions.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Did You Miss Me? | Hyun-young | Short film |
| 2019 | Project Same Name 3 | Hyun-young | Omnibus film |
| 2022 | Aka 5jo | Short film | |
| 2023 | 2 O'Clock Date | Jeong Ah-ra | |
| 2024 | Amazon Hwal Myung Su | Cagoule interpreter | Special appearance (appeared in a post-credit scene) |
2.2.2. Television Series
Joo Hyun-young has participated in several television dramas, often taking on supporting roles that have gained significant attention.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Dong Geu-ra-mi | 16 episodes |
| 2022 | Behind Every Star | So Hyun-joo | 12 episodes |
| 2023 | Dr. Romantic 3 | Doctor interviewing at Doldam Hospital | Cameo (episode 2) |
| 2023 | The Kidnapping Day | Computer repairwoman | Cameo (episode 10) |
| 2023-2024 | The Story of Park's Marriage Contract | Sa-wol | |
| 2024 | Wedding Impossible | Hong Na-ri | Cameo (episode 1) |
| 2024 | No Gain No Love | Eom Ji-hye | Special appearance |
| 2025 | To My Dear Dumbass |
2.2.3. Web Series
She has also been a prominent figure in web-based drama series, which contributed to her early recognition.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Gobengers | Angel | 12 episodes |
| 2019-2021 | Best Mistake | Ahn Yu-na | Season 1-3 |
| 2019 | As My Heart Commands | Yoo Da-hee | 8 episodes |
| 2020 | Muddy Love Story 2 | Girlfriend | 4 episodes |
| 2020 | Best Mistake 2 | Ahn Yu-na | 16 episodes |
| 2020 | Ga Doo Ri Restaurant | Special appearance | |
| 2021 | Falling for Best Mistake | Ahn Yu-na | 16 episodes |
| 2022 | Returning Student: Grade A, but Love is F | Hyun-young | 8 episodes |
| 2024 | Running Mate |
2.3. Television and Web Shows
Joo Hyun-young has actively participated in various entertainment programs, demonstrating her versatility as a television personality.
| Year | Title | Role | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2023 | SNL Korea Reboot | Cast member | 2021.09.04-2023.09.16 | Seasons 1-4 |
| 2022 | Radio Star (MBC) | Guest | 2022.01.12 | |
| 2022 | Save Me! Homes (MBC) | Guest | 2022.01.16 | |
| 2022 | Kwon Hyuk-soo's Sensibility (YouTube web show) | Guest | 2022.02.07 | |
| 2022 | Kwon Hyuk-soo's Sensibility (YouTube web show) | Guest | 2022.03.08 | |
| 2022 | Turkeys on the Block (YouTube web show) | Guest | 2022.03.11 | |
| 2022 | Kwon Hyuk-soo's Sensibility (YouTube web show) | Guest | 2022.04.25 | |
| 2022 | Amazing Saturday (tvN) | Guest | 2022.05.07 | |
| 2022 | Magic Wardrobe (JTBC) | Guest | 2022.05.17 | |
| 2022 | Kwon Hyuk-soo's Sensibility (YouTube web show) | Guest | 2022.06.03 | |
| 2022 | Just Come Out (Naver NOW. web show) | Guest | 2022.09.21 | |
| 2023 | Radio Star (MBC) | Guest | 2023.02.08 | |
| 2023 | Midnight Horror Story (MBC) | Guest | 2023.02.09 | |
| 2023 | My Little Old Boy (SBS) | Special MC | 2023.02.19 | |
| 2023 | Earth Magic Bull World Travel (ENA) | MC | 2023.03.04-2023.05.06 | |
| 2023 | Knowing Bros (JTBC) | Guest | 2023.03.04-2023.03.11 | |
| 2023 | Problem Child in House (KBS2) | Guest | 2023.04.05 | |
| 2023 | Radio Star (MBC) | Special MC | 2023.05.17 | |
| 2023 | You Quiz on the Block (tvN) | Guest | 2023.07.19 | |
| 2023 | Midnight Horror Story (MBC) | Guest MC | 2023.08.22 | |
| 2023 | Running Man (SBS) | Guest | 2023.12.17 | |
| 2023 | Radio Star (MBC) | Guest | 2023.12.27 | |
| 2024 | Crime Scene Returns (TVING) | Fixed cast member | ||
| 2024 | I Live Alone (MBC) | Guest | 2024.05.24 | |
| 2024 | Have a Meal (tvN) | Guest | 2024.06.06 | |
| 2024 | Story of the Day When I Bited My Tail (SBS) | Guest | 2024.12.19 |
2.4. Radio Appearances
Joo Hyun-young has also extended her presence to radio, both as a guest and a host.
| Year | Title | Role | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Muzie, Ahn Young-mi's 2 O'Clock Date (MBC FM4U) | Guest | 2021.10.15 | |
| 2022 | Park Ha-sun's Cine Town (SBS Power FM) | Guest | 2022.07.20 | |
| 2024 | 12 O'Clock with Joo Hyun-young (SBS Power FM) | Host | 2024.08.05 - present |
She has also ventured into web audio series:
| Year | Title | Role | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Best Mistake (Naver Audioclip) | Ahn Yu-na | 2020.12.01-2021.01.11 | Web audio series |
2.5. Music Videos
Joo Hyun-young has made appearances in music videos for various artists.
| Year | Artist(s) | Song Title | Co-star(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Ravi, Yeri, Jeon Woong | "Woman on the Beach" |
2.6. Commercials and Endorsements
Her rising popularity has led to numerous endorsement deals across a diverse range of products and brands.
| Year | Advertiser | Brand | Type | Co-star(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | GC Green Cross | PNT Heart Light Vitamin | Functional food | |
| 2021 | KB Kookmin Card | KeeB Card | Credit card | Gong Myoung |
| 2021 | CNP | CNP Hyaluronic Derma Tension Serum | Cosmetics | |
| 2022 | General Brands | DUFT&DOFT Perfume Hand Cream | Cosmetics | |
| 2022 | Korbit | Korbit | Bitcoin exchange | Ma Dong-seok |
| 2022 | The Swing | Swing Electric Scooter Safety Campaign | Electric scooter | |
| 2022 | Lab N Company | I'm From Beet Purifying Mask | Cosmetics | |
| 2022 | Nongshim | Mentos | Candy | |
| 2022 | Damo Games | One-Punch Man: Road to Hero | Mobile game | Kim Kye-ran, Yoo Byung-jae |
| 2022 | Boryung Pharmaceutical Group | Gelpos L | Pharmaceutical drug | |
| 2022 | Korea Land and Housing Corporation | - | Public institution | |
| 2023 | LG Uplus | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Smartphone | |
| 2023 | SK Square Open Market | 11th Street | Online shopping mall | |
| 2024 | First Fun | Last War: Survival | Mobile game |
2.7. Festival Appearances
Joo Hyun-young has also participated in cultural events and festivals.
| Year | Title | Role | Period | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Hyundai Card Dive Motel | Performer | 2022.10.14-2022.10.16 | Itaewon Hyundai Card area |
3. Philanthropy
Joo Hyun-young has engaged in charitable activities, demonstrating her commitment to social causes. On February 12, 2023, she donated 30.00 M KRW to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to support relief efforts following the devastating 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
4. Awards and Honors
Joo Hyun-young has received numerous awards and nominations for her contributions to television and entertainment.
4.1. Major Awards and Nominations
Her accolades include recognition from prestigious awards ceremonies in South Korea.
| Award Ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2022 | Best Female Variety Performer | SNL Korea Reboot | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Female Variety Performer | SNL Korea Reboot | Nominated | |
| Best New Actress - Television | Extraordinary Attorney Woo | Nominated | ||
| Blue Dragon Series Awards | 2022 | Best New Female Entertainer | SNL Korea Reboot | Won |
| 2023 | Best Female Entertainer | SNL Korea Reboot Season 3 | Nominated | |
| 2024 | Best Female Entertainer | Crime Scene Returns | Nominated | |
| Brand of the Year Awards | 2022 | Hot Icon | Joo Hyun-young | Won |
| MBC Drama Awards | 2023 | Best New Actress | The Story of Park's Marriage Contract | Won |
4.2. State Honors and Commendations
Joo Hyun-young has also been recognized by governmental and cultural organizations for her impact on the Korean entertainment industry.
| Country | Ceremony | Year | Honor or Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards | 2023 | Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation |
| Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards | 2023 | Seoul Council Chairman's Award |
The Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards are organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency and hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the arts and South Korea's pop culture. The Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards, established in 2019 and co-sponsored by various South Korean ministries and organizations, honor cultural icons, businesses, and individuals who have greatly advanced Hallyu, the Korean Wave.
5. Personal Life
Joo Hyun-young, whose birth name is Kim Hyun-young, is the youngest of three daughters. Despite her lively and often comedic on-screen personas, she has mentioned that her real-life personality is generally quiet.