You Quiz on the Block Reveals Her Start With ‘Parasite’

Actress Ko Yoon-jung opened up about her unique entry into the acting world during her recent guest appearance on You Quiz on the Block, revealing that her very first audition was for none other than Bong Joon-ho’s globally acclaimed film Parasite.

The episode aired on April 30 and gave fans a deeper glimpse into the actress’s personal journey—from an aspiring art student to a celebrated rising star in K-dramas. Ko shared that she originally began studying art during her first year of junior high school but later made the bold decision to pursue acting full-time.

From Art School to Acting Classrooms

Determined to follow her newfound dream, Ko Yoon-jung recalled working various part-time jobs just to afford acting lessons. Her self-discipline was intense—watching up to five films a day in order to study acting techniques and immerse herself fully in the craft. Her first-ever audition, she revealed on You Quiz on the Block, was for the role eventually played by Jung Yi-seo in Parasite. The experience left a lasting impression.

“It felt like a dream,” Ko said. “Everything was so surreal—just seeing celebrities in front of me was amazing.”

She also shared a touching comment from director Bong Joon-ho during the audition.

“He told me I looked like actress Cho Yeo-jeong and hoped I would grow up to be like her.” Ko even made it to the final rounds of casting, though she ultimately didn’t get the part. Still, it marked a major turning point in her career and fueled her ambition.

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Ko Yoon-jung’s Rise Continues

Although she didn’t debut through Parasite, Ko Yoon-jung has gone on to appear in a string of successful dramas, including Sweet Home, Alchemy of Souls, and the hit Disney+ series Moving. She humbly reflected on her growing recognition: “After Moving, people started telling me they enjoyed my performance. I’m just thankful for that.”

Her heartfelt honesty and perseverance resonated deeply with viewers of You Quiz on the Block, sparking admiration for how far she’s come in such a short time. Ko Yoon-jung’s appearance on You Quiz on the Block wasn’t just entertaining—it was a reminder that dreams often begin in the most unexpected ways. From an art student who once quietly watched movies alone, to becoming a near-finalist for Parasite, and now a beloved name in K-dramas, her story is one of quiet determination and undeniable talent.

Fans are eagerly watching to see where her journey takes her next. For more Korean entertainment news, check out the link below.

Alternatively, check out her recent drama here: