The two Jung Yumis

12 September 7, 2009December 8, 2011

by javabeans

Jung Yumi (26) and Jung Yumi (23)

If you’re confused by the two Jung Yumis currently active in the k-entertainment world, you’re not the only one. Apparently the two actresses, ages 23 and 26, have been on the receiving end of repeated confusion because of their shared name, as the younger Jung Yumi explained in a recent press conference appearance for her new drama, Assorted Gems (that would be the Jung Yumi to the right in the above pictures).

Coming off her recent drama series Friend, Our Legend, the younger actress explains that she had contemplated using a stage name to avoid this kind of mix-up (Jung Yumi is the birth name for both actresses). In the end, she decided to stick to her name, thinking, “Our periods of activity had briefly overlapped but then receded, so I thought it would be okay. However, recently we have both become busy again.”

She’s probably referring to the other Jung Yumi’s relatively low-key earlier career, which featured roles in films like Sarangni and a drama lead with 2007’s Que Sera Sera, after which things quieted down for a time. However, as we’ve seen, 2009 has been very active as she has returned with films like A Million (aka Billion), Chaw, Oishii Man, and Like You Know it All. The first two have raised her profile considerably; A Million boasts a star-studded cast and Chaw enjoyed a strong theatrical run.

Jung Yumi the Younger explained going as far as nearly registering for another name, having considered alternates like Jung Yi-jung and Jung Jin-ah. Her name has led to some disappointment, since she was roundly congratulated by friends for winning an acting prize at the Blue Dragon Awards — only it was the other Jung.

The younger Jung is now appearing in Assorted Gems, which premiered over the weekend. It’s a family drama from the scriptwriter of Lotus Flower Fairy and Mermaid that is set around four siblings who are named after four different gems (Jade, Ruby, Coral, Amber). The elder Jung has at least a couple more projects planned for release this year, Café Noir and Heart of the Mountain.

Via Newsen

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Tags: Jung Yumi, Jung Yumi (2)

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1 ar_arguably romantic

September 7, 2009 at 2:33 PM

I had often wonder why some koreans took stage names, but now i realize how common some korean names are. I guess if she isn't changing her name, the two Jung Yumis can just tack on "the elder" or "the younger" to their names...

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2 Molly

September 7, 2009 at 2:34 PM

Oh that'd be so confusing! How often do these mix-ups happen? Is there any way to add a prefix, suffix, etc. to help distinguish between the two?

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3 paula253

September 7, 2009 at 2:48 PM

that's why in the US, two professional actors (i.e., those with an Actors Equity card) can't have the same names. The younger person has to change his/hers.

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4 blizzard

September 7, 2009 at 3:02 PM

I think there is another pair with overlap in their stage names. It's Lee Da Hea/Lee Da Hi. I saw quirky Lee Da Hae on Green Rose and I thought she took part on The Legend. But that Lee Da Hi is a different actress. In Jung Yumi case either one can use the different spelling on Hangul if they have a choice.

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5 Javabeans

September 7, 2009 at 3:11 PM

@blizzard, that's not actually an overlap although the names are similar, because Lee Da-hae and Lee Da-hee are pronounced differently (dah-hay versus dah-hee) and are also spelled differently in Korean. With the two Jung Yumis, the names are pronounced and spelled the same, and changing one of the spellings would require a name change.

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6 Jo

September 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM

Oh dear. I thought this was about another plastic fantastic star. Jung yumi the older (-_-) is one of my favorite actors. Somehow, knowing that she is natural comes as a great comfort. :))))

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7 otk

September 7, 2009 at 4:56 PM

I've only seen the younger Yumi. I just recently got hooked to Assorted Gems. I think it's a great drama.Probably will see a lot more of her when she gets into a relationship with San Ho .

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8 Biscuit

September 7, 2009 at 5:17 PM

To differentiate the two names, you might see their names in Hanja next to their names in Korean.

Although both are named "Jung", they have different meanings and hanja character.

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"she was roundly congratulated by friends for winning an acting prize at the Blue Dragon Awards — only it was the other Jung. "

Aww - I feel bad for her >.<

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9 janna

September 7, 2009 at 5:48 PM

One could say the name gives great fortune in acting.

Someone needs to get them both on a show wearing the same outfit and make-up, the younger has a thinner nose bridge and neck but they definitely could play sisters!