The Journey of Jang Shin-young: From Small Town to Stardom
Actor Jang Shin-young recently shared a heartfelt look into her past, revealing the early moments that shaped her journey in the entertainment industry. Her story is one of determination, unexpected opportunities, and the support of family.
During an episode of KBS 2TV’s Pyeon Restaurant, Jang Shin-young and her mother reflected on their shared memories while preparing a dish featuring freshwater shrimp from Sabang. As they cooked, Jang Shin-young reminisced about her childhood in Dumeesan-gol, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, where she spent time making dishes that reminded her of her younger days.
Her mother fondly recalled how their home once had a grape orchard, and how people in the neighborhood would often comment on Jang Shin-young’s beauty as a child. She even joked that neighbors used to say, “Let her out as Miss Korea.” Jang Shin-young, however, modestly responded, “Nope. I was tacky,” but those who saw photos of her school days were stunned by her appearance. Comments like “So pretty,” “So fresh,” and “A face that the world would not let” flooded in.
A Path to the Arts
Jang Shin-young’s journey into the arts began unexpectedly. In her third year of middle school, her teacher encouraged her to attend art high school. “The teacher said, ‘Go to the art school.’ I asked, ‘What’s the art school?’ I went to my mom and said, ‘I’m going to go to the theater movie department and phlegm.’ My mom said, ‘Who are you to act?’ I replied, ‘I’m going crazy.’”
Despite her initial hesitation, she took the entrance exam and surprisingly passed. “I went to my mom and said, ‘I passed the art school,’ and she said, ‘I’m going crazy and crazy.’”
Her passion for acting continued to grow. During her third year of high school, she participated in the Chunhyang Contest at the recommendation of her homeroom teacher and won a prize. This win opened doors to the world of acting, leading her to various auditions and eventually to roles in TV shows, commercials, and dramas.
Challenges and Triumphs
Jang Shin-young also shared some of the challenges she faced along the way. Her mother remembered the moment when Jang Shin-young first appeared on a commercial. “Mom, I’m going to be on a commercial on TV,” she told her mother. “Is that my daughter?” her mother cried, overwhelmed with emotion.
One particular memory stood out—when Jang Shin-young received 30,000 won for a minor role. Her mother brought money in an envelope at dawn, traveling to Seoul just to earn this small amount. “I made money, I like it, but how sad it was,” she recalled, expressing her sorrow for her daughter’s struggles at the time.
But Jang Shin-young never gave up. “I never imagined I would be an actor,” she admitted. “I wanted to run away or quit, but he pulled me out without knowing something. I think that's why I've come this far.”
A Legacy of Hard Work
From a small town in Jeollabuk-do to the bright lights of the entertainment industry, Jang Shin-young’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. Her story continues to inspire many, showing that even the most unexpected paths can lead to great success.