On April 18, 2025, actress Go Youn-jung shared her unexpected journey from a fine arts student to a rising star in the acting world during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Channel 15ya's 'Wagle Wagle'. The episode featured Go alongside fellow actors Shin Si-ah, Kang Yoo-seok, Han Ye-ji, and creator Shin Won-ho, discussing their experiences while promoting the tvN drama 'A Wise Doctor's Life'.
In the lively conversation, host Nayeongseok asked Go about her life before acting, to which she revealed, "I was an ordinary fine arts student. I started acting from middle school, and I was good at drawing. I had many things I wanted to pursue." Notably, Go also mentioned her background in ballet and figure skating, stating, "I did figure skating for about two vacations, but I wasn’t allowed to do jumps, only turns." This led her to focus on her artistic talents, ultimately enrolling in a fine arts program at university.
Interestingly, Go's transition into acting was largely thanks to a university magazine. She explained, "My sister and I applied to be models for a magazine called 'University Tomorrow'. After submitting my photos, I received a call from them just three days later. After the magazine was published, I started getting casting calls." When Nayeongseok inquired if she received a flood of offers immediately after appearing in the magazine, Go confirmed, saying, "I think I got offers from about four places." This revelation sparked laughter among the cast, with Nayeongseok jokingly expressing his desire to also get cast by simply having his picture taken.
Go also reflected on her experience auditioning for roles, particularly for her character in the upcoming drama 'Moving'. She noted, "Most films and dramas required auditions, and I was determined to do my best. However, for 'Moving', I felt like I had to do it. The character felt so comfortable to play." She elaborated on how the character's personality resonated with her own, stating, "It was easy to act naturally because my mannerisms and personality matched well. I can prepare and memorize lines, but reading a script on the spot can be challenging. However, it flowed so well for this role."
When asked about the kind of actress she aspires to be, Go expressed her desire to be someone who doesn’t bore the audience, saying, "I want to be an actress who doesn’t cause others to feel 'bothered'." This reflects her thoughtful approach to her career and her awareness of audience engagement.
The episode also touched on Go's physical appearance, with Nayeongseok commenting on how beautiful she is, to which Go modestly responded that she hadn’t heard such compliments often. The playful banter continued as Nayeongseok joked, "If I lived just one day with your face, I would love to hear compliments all day long!" This drew laughter from the group, highlighting the camaraderie among the cast.
As the conversation progressed, Go shared her thoughts on the industry, revealing that she had indeed experienced street casting, where talent scouts approach potential actors in public places. This aspect of her journey adds an interesting layer to her story, showcasing the various paths to success in the entertainment world.
Go Youn-jung's journey from a university student to an actress is a testament to how opportunities can arise in unexpected ways. Her story resonates with many aspiring artists who may find their own paths through chance encounters and bold decisions. The episode of 'Wagle Wagle' not only provided a glimpse into Go's personal experiences but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the cast as they navigated their careers together.
In conclusion, the episode showcased not just Go Youn-jung's talent and charm, but also the supportive network of colleagues in the industry. As she continues to grow in her career, audiences can look forward to seeing more of her work in 'A Wise Doctor's Life' and beyond.
