Oscar Today’s History
- Yoon Yeo-jung, a celebrated figure in Korean cinema, etched her name in history by becoming the first Korean actress to win an Academy Award for acting.
- Her acceptance speech was lauded for its wit and sincerity."I finally met you," she quipped, addressing the Oscar statuette.
- International media outlets, including The Guardian, celebrated her victory, highlighting her humorous interactions with Brad Pitt and her gratitude towards her sons.
Yoon Yeo-jung: from Korean Cinema Icon to Oscar Winner
Table of Contents
- Yoon Yeo-jung: from Korean Cinema Icon to Oscar Winner
- Yoon yeo-jung: A Q&A on the Trailblazing Korean Actress
- Who is Yoon Yeo-jung?
- What is Yoon Yeo-jung famous for?
- What Academy Award did Yoon Yeo-jung win?
- how did Yoon Yeo-jung’s Oscar acceptance speech go?
- What role did Yoon Yeo-jung play in “Minari”?
- What’s the story of “Minari” about?
- When did Yoon Yeo-jung start her acting career?
- What are some of Yoon Yeo-jung’s most famous works?
- What other awards has Yoon Yeo-jung received?
- Where else has Yoon Yeo-jung been seen?
- What is Yoon Yeo-jung’s impact on Korean cinema?
- What is Yoon Yeo-jung doing now?
Yoon Yeo-jung, a celebrated figure in Korean cinema, etched her name in history by becoming the first Korean actress to win an Academy Award for acting. Her portrayal of Sunja in the film “Minari” earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 93rd Academy Awards on April 25, 2021, held in Los Angeles.

Her acceptance speech was lauded for its wit and sincerity.”I finally met you,” she quipped, addressing the Oscar statuette. She also humorously acknowledged the various pronunciations of her name, stating, “My name is Yoon Yeo-jung. In Europe, I’m frequently enough called ‘Yeo-young,’ and sometimes ‘Yoo Jung,’ but tonight, I forgive you all.” She concluded her speech by thanking her sons, attributing her success to their encouragement.

International media outlets, including The Guardian, celebrated her victory, highlighting her humorous interactions with Brad Pitt and her gratitude towards her sons.
A Career defined by Challenge

Born in 1947, Yoon Yeo-jung’s acting career spans over five decades. She began her career in 1966 and transitioned from television to film, making her debut in Kim Ki-young’s “Woman of Fire” (1971). Throughout her career, she has collaborated with renowned directors such as Sang-soo Lim (“A Good Lawyer’s Wife,” 2003; “The Taste of Money,” 2012) and has appeared in both commercial and self-reliant films, including “Dog Days” (2024).
Beyond her film work, Yoon has also been a prominent figure in Korean entertainment, appearing in popular reality shows like “Sister Over Flowers” and ”Youn’s Kitchen,” showcasing her wit and fashion sense. With over 150 film and television credits, Yoon Yeo-jung continues to embrace new challenges in her acting career.
“Minari” and a Career Renaissance

Yoon Yeo-jung’s contributions to Korean popular culture were recognized in 2017 with the Silver Culture Medal at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. In 2020, she starred in “Beasts Clawing at Straws” and the independant film “Lucky Chan-sil.”
Her role as the grandmother, Sunja, in “Minari,” directed by Lee Isaac Chung, marked a important turning point in her career. The film tells the story of a Korean family who immigrates to rural Arkansas in the 1980s.
Yoon yeo-jung: A Q&A on the Trailblazing Korean Actress
Who is Yoon Yeo-jung?
Yoon Yeo-jung is a highly celebrated South Korean actress, known for her extensive career spanning over five decades. She has achieved international recognition, most notably as the first Korean actress to win an Academy Award for acting.
What is Yoon Yeo-jung famous for?
yoon Yeo-jung is famous for her versatility and longevity in the acting industry. She’s recognized for:
- Her award-winning performance in “Minari,” wich earned her an Oscar.
- Her diverse roles in both film and television across numerous genres.
- Her appearances in popular reality shows like “Sister Over Flowers” and “Youn’s Kitchen,” which showcased her personality and wit.
- Collaborating with prominent directors and appearing in a wide variety of korean films..
What Academy Award did Yoon Yeo-jung win?
Yoon Yeo-jung won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
This was for her role in the 2020 film “Minari.”

how did Yoon Yeo-jung’s Oscar acceptance speech go?
Her acceptance speech at the Oscars was lauded for its humor and sincerity. She quipped, “I finally met you,” addressing the Oscar statuette, and she acknowledged the mispronunciations of her name, stating, “My name is Yoon Yeo-jung. In Europe, I’m frequently enough called ‘Yeo-young,’ and sometimes ‘Yoo Jung,’ but tonight, I forgive you all.”
What role did Yoon Yeo-jung play in “Minari”?
Yoon yeo-jung played the role of the grandmother,Soon-ja,in “Minari.” Her performance was widely praised and contributed considerably to the film’s success.
What’s the story of “Minari” about?
“Minari” tells the story of a korean family who immigrates to rural Arkansas in the 1980s in search of the American dream. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture.

When did Yoon Yeo-jung start her acting career?
Yoon Yeo-jung began her acting career in 1966.
What are some of Yoon Yeo-jung’s most famous works?
Beyond “Minari,” some of Yoon Yeo-jung’s notable works include:
- Her debut in Kim Ki-young’s “Woman of Fire” (1971)
- Collaborations with director Sang-soo Lim (“A Good Lawyer’s Wife”, “The Taste of Money”)
- Appearances in popular reality shows “Sister Over Flowers” and “Youn’s Kitchen.”
- Films like “Dog Days” (2024), ”Beasts clawing at Straws” (2020) and “Lucky Chan-sil” (2020).

What other awards has Yoon Yeo-jung received?
Yoon Yeo-jung has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions, including the Silver Culture Medal at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards in 2017.
Where else has Yoon Yeo-jung been seen?
Yoon Yeo-jung has also gained popularity for her appearances in various Korean reality shows, such as “Sister Over Flowers” and “Youn’s Kitchen.” These shows have showcased her personality and wit and have expanded her appeal to a wider audience.

What is Yoon Yeo-jung’s impact on Korean cinema?
Yoon yeo-jung has significantly impacted Korean cinema through her longevity, versatility, and groundbreaking achievements. She has paved the way for other Korean actors on the international stage and demonstrated the depth and breadth of Korean talent.
What is Yoon Yeo-jung doing now?
As of this writing, Yoon Yeo-jung remains active in the industry. She continues to take on new roles and challenges, demonstrating her enduring passion for acting.
