If you’ve recently found yourself doom-scrolling Netflix and paused on a thumbnail of a girl with a literal alien tentacle sprouting from her face, you’ve met Jeon So-nee. She’s the star of Parasyte: The Grey, but for long-time K-drama stans, she’s been a "if you know, you know" talent for years.
Honestly, her career path is a bit of an anomaly. Most Korean actresses follow a very specific pipeline: idol trainee, supporting role in a rom-com, then lead. Jeon So-nee? She took the "indie darling" route. She spent years in the trenches of independent cinema, building a resume that feels more like an art gallery than a broadcast schedule.
The Breakout: From "Encounter" to "Parasyte"
For a lot of people, the first time they actually noticed her was in Encounter (2018). She played Jo Hye-in, the childhood friend of Park Bo-gum’s character. It was a thankless "second lead" role on paper, but she gave it this quiet, pining dignity that made you actually feel bad for her.
But let’s be real. Parasyte: The Grey is what changed the game.
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho (the mastermind behind Train to Busan), this wasn't just another remake. It was a massive gamble. Jeon played Jeong Su-in, a woman who survives a parasitic invasion because her parasite, Heidi, fails to take over her brain.
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The duality she pulled off was incredible. One minute she’s a terrified supermarket clerk; the next, her voice drops an octave, her posture stiffens, and she’s a cold, calculated alien. Critics at the Blue Dragon Series Awards 2024 took notice, nominating her for Best New Actress. It was the moment she proved she could carry a big-budget, CGI-heavy blockbuster without losing her "indie" soul.
Must-Watch Jeon So-nee Movies and TV Shows
If you're looking to binge her work, don't just stick to the Netflix homepage. You have to dig a little deeper to see why she’s so respected in the industry.
1. Soulmate (2023)
This is arguably her best performance. It’s a remake of the Chinese film Soul Mate, and she stars alongside Kim Da-mi. While Kim Da-mi plays the "wild child," Jeon So-nee plays Ha-eun, the "stable" friend who is secretly falling apart.
The chemistry is electric. It’s a movie about that specific, messy type of female friendship that feels like a romance. Jeon won the Special Jury Award at the Golden Cinematography Awards for this, and she deserved it. She does so much with just a look or a slight tremble in her voice.
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2. Our Blooming Youth (2023)
Ever wanted to see her in a hanbok solving murders? This is it. She plays Min Jae-yi, a noblewoman framed for killing her family who disguises herself as a eunuch to clear her name.
It’s a 20-episode sageuk (historical drama), and while the pacing is a bit slow for some, her dynamic with Park Hyung-sik is top-tier. She’s not a damsel in distress; she’s basically the Sherlock Holmes of the Joseon era.
3. After My Death (2018)
This is a dark one. Very dark. It’s the indie film that put her on the map. She plays Kyung-min, a girl who goes missing, leaving her classmates in a spiral of guilt and suspicion. It’s haunting, visceral, and definitely not a "popcorn" movie.
4. When My Love Blooms (2020)
If you want something softer, watch this. She plays the younger version of Lee Bo-young’s character. It’s a nostalgia-heavy melodrama about first loves meeting again in their 40s. She and GOT7’s Jinyoung played the 90s-era college students, and their scenes are the highlight of the show.
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What’s Next in 2026?
Jeon So-nee isn't slowing down. If anything, she’s leaning into even darker, more complex roles.
Early 2026 is looking huge for her. She just starred in the Netflix thriller As You Stood By (originally titled You Killed), which dropped late 2025 and is still trending. She plays Eun-soo, a woman trapped in a cycle of violence who makes a "murder pact" with her friend (played by Lee Yoo-mi of Squid Game fame).
It’s gritty. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s exactly the kind of role she thrives in.
There are also rumblings about Project Y, a noir film where she teams up with Han So-hee. The premise? Two friends trying to steal 8 billion won worth of gold bars and vanish. If that doesn't sound like a guaranteed hit, I don't know what does.
Why She’s Different
Most actors are afraid of looking "ugly" on screen. Jeon So-nee doesn't care. Whether she’s covered in parasite slime, crying in a rainstorm in a 1990s student protest, or playing a haggard woman at the end of her rope, she stays authentic.
She’s also the daughter of Go Jae-suk (from the famous 70s K-pop duo Bunny Girls), but she kept that a secret for years. She wanted to be known for her acting, not her lineage. That kind of grit is rare.
Your Jeon So-nee Binge Guide:
- For the Thrill-Seeker: Parasyte: The Grey (Netflix)
- For the Crier: Soulmate (Theatrical/VOD)
- For the Mystery Lover: Our Blooming Youth (Viki)
- For the Indie Cinephile: After My Death Start with Soulmate if you want to fall in love with her acting, then head to As You Stood By on Netflix to see her absolute range. She’s officially moved past the "rising star" label—she’s a powerhouse.