Youn Yuh-jung made history as the first Korean to win the Oscars and the British Academy Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress in the critically acclaimed film Minari. A well-respected veteran actress, Youn graced the Korean film industry with her seasoned acting prowess for over five decades. From being a feisty elderly prostitute in The Bacchus Lady to being a nefarious company heiress in The Taste of Money, Youn has portrayed countless roles that played around nonconformist social issues and tackled pre-existing societal norms. Her recent award-winning role was similarly mind-provoking: a mischievous grandmother to a young boy born in the US, navigating the typical struggles of Korean-American immigrants. Reminiscent of the diversity of the characters she played in her long-spanning career, her personal life is nothing short of unconventional.

Beginning her 1971 debut in film through the heavily controversial Woman of Fire, Youn achieved fame in her early years in the industry. However, her blossoming career came to a stop when she married renowned singer Jo Young-nam in 1974 and migrated to the US. They had two sons together until their marriage ended in a divorce in 1987, when Jo cheated on his wife. Ever since, her transition back to the movie and film industry became more challenging. In a culture with prevalent stigma about divorced women, Youn had to weather a tough return to an industry where opportunities cater more to young actors. Her primary motivation was her two children, to make ends meet and put food on the table for them. She took on any roles that came her way, however small, battling the prejudices hurled at her. Now, she is among the highly honored actresses of her generation, bringing yet another tremendous feat to her motherland.

Youn’s unwavering love for her children explains her dedication to filmmaking. When asked why she takes on roles in American films, she directly stated that she doesn’t really admire Hollywood. Rather, she sees it as a chance to visit her children who are currently in the US. She does admire some celebrities though, like Brad Pitt and fellow Oscar nominee Glenn Close, whom she highly respects for her portrayal of Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Yet as she receives these highly prestigious accolades, she is quick to deny any credit for herself, instead acknowledging the amazing scriptwriting and directing of her film colleagues. But Youn’s acting talent needs little description; the evidence is in her work. Playing a dementia-stricken grandmother in Minari, Youn met with a neurologist to understand the tendencies of a person suffering from the condition. In order to perfectly deliver the right expressions from someone with dementia, she had stuffed her mouth with food. Her sheer dedication is enough testament to the recognition and public appreciation she receives.

A renowned film industry icon made stronger by the test of time, Youn Yuh-jung is bound to stay for longer, not only as another phenomenal character in films, but also as an inspiration to all viewers and the next generations to come.