Jun Ji-hyun Biography: TV Series, Films, Husband, Kids, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Height

Wang Ji-hyun, professionally known as Jun Ji-hyun or Gianna Jun, is a distinguished South Korean actress and model celebrated for her roles in iconic films such as My Sassy Girl (2001), which became a cultural phenomenon across Asia, and popular television dramas like My Love from the Star (2013-2014).

Renowned for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, she has established herself as a leading figure in the Hallyu wave, earning accolades such as two Grand Bell Awards for Best Actress and a Baeksang Arts Awards Grand Prize for Television.

Her charisma and enduring appeal have made her one of South Korea’s most prominent stars.

Profile

• Full Name: Wang Ji-hyun
• Stage Name: Jun Ji-hyun (Gianna Jun)
• Born: October 30, 1981
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Height: 1.73m
• Parents: Muk Chang-ae and Wang Jung-chuck
• Siblings: Wang Sang-jin
• Spouse: Choi Joon-hyuk (m. 2012)
• Children: 2
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $15 million

Early Life and Education

Wang Ji-hyun, known as Jun Ji-hyun, was born on October 30, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea, to Muk Chang-ae and Wang Jung-chuck. She grew up with an older brother, Wang Sang-jin, in a supportive family that encouraged her to pursue modeling because of her tall, slender frame.

Initially aspiring to become a flight attendant, she attended Dongguk University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Film in 2004, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Digital Media and Contents from the same university’s graduate school in 2011. Her ethnicity is Korean, and her religious beliefs are unknown.

Career

Wang Ji-hyun began her career at 16 as a model for Ecole Magazine in 1997, adopting the stage name Jun Ji-hyun at a producer’s suggestion. Her acting debut came in 1998, followed by her first film role in White Valentine (1999).

She gained widespread recognition later that year through a Samsung My Jet Printer commercial, where her vibrant energy made her an icon among Korean youth.

Her breakthrough role in My Sassy Girl (2001) catapulted her to stardom, becoming the highest-grossing Korean comedy at the time and earning her a Best Actress award at the 2002 Grand Bell Awards.

Jun’s career flourished with roles in films like Il Mare (2000), The Thieves (2012), and Assassination (2015), the latter being the highest-grossing Korean film of its year. Her versatility shone in the 2013 spy thriller The Berlin File, where her action scenes and North Korean dialect were praised.

She returned to television after a 14-year hiatus with My Love from the Star (2013-2014), playing a top actress opposite Kim Soo-hyun, which became a ratings hit and earned her the Daesang at the 2014 Baeksang Arts Awards. Her role in The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2017) further solidified her success on television.

Jun remains a towering figure in South Korean entertainment, with recent roles in Kingdom (2021) on Netflix and the upcoming Tempest on Disney+ alongside Kang Dong Won. Her establishment of PEACHY Company in 2025, following her departure from IEUM HASHTAG, reflects her entrepreneurial spirit.

Known as part of “The Troika” alongside Kim Tae-hee and Song Hye-kyo, she continues to influence fashion and culture, maintaining her status as a Hallyu star. Her advocacy for philanthropy, including raising funds for children with cerebral palsy, underscores her broader impact beyond acting.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @junjihyun.official
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Jun Ji-hyun married Choi Joon-hyuk, a banker and grandson of famed hanbok designer Lee Young-hee, in 2012 after a two-year courtship rooted in a childhood friendship. They have two sons, born in 2016 and 2018, and live in Seoul, where Jun balances her career with family life.

Filmography

• White Valentine (1999)
• Il Mare (2000)
• My Sassy Girl (2001)
• The Uninvited (2003)
• Windstruck (2004)
• The Thieves (2012)
• The Berlin File (2013)
• Assassination (2015)
• My Love from the Star (2013-2014)
• The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2017)
• Kingdom (2021)

Net Worth

Jun Ji-hyun has an estimated net worth of $15 million. Her wealth primarily derives from her successful acting career in high-grossing films and hit dramas, complemented by lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Burberry, where she serves as a South Korean ambassador. Her modeling work, real estate investments, and her newly established PEACHY Company also contribute significantly to her financial portfolio.