Ji-young Returns To Japan, Revives Career Following Pandemic Break

Actress Ji-young, best known for her role as a former member of the K-pop group KARA, has made a triumphant return to Japan, reigniting her entertainment career after a pandemic-induced hiatus. On March 23, 2025, she held the "2025 Ji-young FANMEETING IN JAPAN 'BICYCLE chapter 2: One Spring Day'" in Tokyo, marking her first public event in Japan since November 2024.

Having returned to her home country of South Korea in March 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ji-young faced significant changes upon her return. Originally debuting with KARA at the tender age of 15, she spent years cultivating her career in Japan following the group's independence in 2014. Ji-young expressed gratitude for the warm reception from her fans as she resumed her activities, stating, "It feels like I haven't been away for long, and I naturally fell back into my previous life here."

During her time away from Japan, Ji-young reflected on her experiences and the impact they had on her craft. She gained recognition for her role in the critically acclaimed drama "And, Live" (2019), where she portrayed Han Yuri, a Korean woman navigating life in Japan before and after the Great East Japan Earthquake. This role was significant as it marked a departure from the typical characters she had played, giving her the opportunity to explore her Korean identity while speaking Japanese. "In this work, the director told me, 'You can do it freely,' which allowed me to express my Korean side," Ji-young shared.

Despite her success, Ji-young faced challenges adjusting to the different acting styles in Japan compared to her experiences in South Korea. "At first, I was worried because the reactions from Japanese directors after a scene were often silent, which made me question if my acting was good enough," she recounted. "In South Korea, directors often provide immediate feedback. I initially thought I was doing something wrong when they stayed quiet!"

Ji-young’s versatility as an actress was highlighted in her portrayal of Irina Jelavic, a seductive assassin in the school comedy film "Assassination Classroom" (2015). Discussing the role, Ji-young remarked, "Playing that character came with a lot of pressure since she was a beloved character from the original manga. However, it was heartening to know there were fans looking forward to my performance."

Acting reignites her passion, allowing her to escape her often introspective nature. "I enjoy acting the most because I can focus solely on my character without overthinking everything else in my life," Ji-young explained.

Now in her 30s, Ji-young reflects on her career and ambitions. "There are many things I want to do, but I’m a perfectionist, which sometimes makes me overly stoic. I’m working on just going with the flow while giving my all to whatever project I have at hand." This determination drives her, especially as she aims to reach a higher level of fluency in Japanese. She is preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 after successfully achieving Level 3 in the past. "The Japanese language has three scripts, which makes it very challenging," she admitted, “but I can’t help but be excited about it.”

Furthermore, Ji-young has embraced the differences in culture and lifestyle between Japan and South Korea. She humorously reminisced about her surprise at Japan’s automatic taxi doors when she first arrived. "In South Korea, the taxi doors are manual. I was bewildered when I had to close the door myself and received a stern look from the driver!"

Moreover, she noted that Japanese expressions differ, particularly the frequent use of "sumimasen" (excuse me) in various contexts. She found it strange at first, but now appreciates it as a reflection of deep-seated politeness in Japanese culture.

Ji-young also shared how familial dynamics contrast between the two cultures. In Korea, she feels families are more openly praised, while in Japan, modesty prevails. "In Japan, people often talk down about their family members, which I found quite surprising; in Korea, we tend to celebrate our loved ones," she said.

As she navigates these cultural distinctions, Ji-young finds joy in her dual identity, noting the enrichment that comes from both Korean and Japanese cultures. The success of KARA in Japan in the wake of the early 2000s Hallyu wave helped bridge gaps between the two nations. "It makes me so happy to think that entertainment can unite us, even through difficult times," she acknowledged.

Reflecting on her time spent in Japan, Ji-young said, "Since debuting as KARA back in 2010, I have traveled back and forth between Korea and Japan. Despite having no Korean staff with me now, I have managed to mesh into Japanese culture beautifully, even though I sometimes miss home."

Outside of her career, Ji-young enjoys downtime with her two pet cats, finding solace in petting them as a source of relaxation. She frequently visits Tokyo's Shin-Okubo area, known for its Korean restaurants, and has incorporated elements of Japanese cuisine into her life. "When I’m in Japan, I eat Japanese food all the time. I love sashimi and natto—there's hardly anything I can't eat!"

While she humbly states that she primarily cooks simple dishes, she confesses a deep love for kimchi stew, which she craves when she goes back to Korea. As she focuses on health and wellness, Ji-young is transitioning into a phase of self-improvement: "While appearances matter, I'm now concentrating on inner growth. It's about knowing oneself and engaging in activities that bring joy while effectively managing stress. I strive to be beautiful from within," she expressed.

As her career unfolds, Ji-young remains grateful for her supportive Japanese fans and looks forward to embracing more opportunities in the entertainment industry.