Jessica Jung (born Jessica Sooyoun Jung on April 18, 1989), commonly known by her mononym Jessica, is a Korean-American singer, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman. She rose to prominence as a member of the South Korean girl group [[Girls' Generation]], formed by [[SM Entertainment]] in 2007.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jessica Jung was born in San Francisco, California, and later moved to South Korea with her family. In 2000, she and her younger sister, [[Krystal Jung]], were scouted by a representative from SM Entertainment during a family vacation to South Korea. Jessica joined SM Entertainment as a trainee, undergoing seven years of training in singing, dancing, and acting before her debut. Her sister Krystal later debuted as a member of the girl group [[f(x)]].Career
Girls' Generation (2007–2014)
Jessica debuted as a member of Girls' Generation in August 2007. The group quickly became one of South Korea's most popular acts, earning the moniker "The Nation's Girl Group." Jessica was known for her strong vocals and distinctive "ice princess" image. During her time with the group, she also participated in various solo activities, including original soundtrack contributions for dramas like "Romantic City" and "Wild Romance," and musical theatre roles such as Elle Woods in the Korean adaptation of Legally Blonde (2009, 2012–2013).Departure from Girls' Generation and SM Entertainment
In September 2014, Jessica announced via her [[Weibo]] account that she had been unilaterally removed from Girls' Generation. SM Entertainment later confirmed that she would no longer be a part of the group, citing conflicts between her fashion business ventures and the group's activities. She officially parted ways with SM Entertainment in August 2015.Solo Career (2016–present)
After leaving SM Entertainment, Jessica signed with [[Coridel Entertainment]] in 2016, a company founded by her then-boyfriend (now husband) Tyler Kwon. She released her debut solo extended play (EP), With Love, J, in May 2016, which featured the lead single "Fly." The EP was a commercial success, topping the [[Gaon Album Chart]]. She followed up with her second EP, Wonderland, in December 2016.Jessica has continued to release music, including the EP My Decade (2017) to commemorate her 10th anniversary since debut, and various singles.
Fashion and Business Ventures
In August 2014, Jessica launched her fashion brand, Blanc & Eclare, specializing in sunglasses, denim, and skincare products. The brand quickly expanded its product lines and global presence, with flagship stores and stockists in major cities worldwide. Jessica serves as the creative director for the brand.Acting and Books
In addition to her music and fashion career, Jessica has continued to pursue acting. In 2017, she starred in the action-comedy film Two Bellmen Three. In 2020, she released her debut novel, Shine, a young adult fiction book inspired by her experiences as a K-pop idol trainee and her journey to stardom. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was followed by a sequel, Bright, in 2022. She also made an appearance on the Chinese reality show Sisters Who Make Waves Season 3 in 2022.Personal Life
Jessica is fluent in both English and Korean. Her younger sister, Krystal Jung, is also a prominent singer and actress. She has been in a long-term relationship with businessman Tyler Kwon, whom she reportedly married in 2023.Discography
- With Love, J (EP, 2016)
- Wonderland (EP, 2016)
- My Decade (EP, 2017)
Filmography
- Two Bellmen Three (2017)
Bibliography
- Shine (2020)
- Bright (2022)