Soo-jung (Korean: 수정; Revised Romanization: Sujeong) is a Korean feminine given name. The name is composed of two Sino‑Korean morphemes, each of which can be represented by various hanja (Chinese characters) that convey different meanings. The syllable "Soo" (수) may be written with hanja such as 水 (water), 守 (to guard), or 秀 (excellent), among others. The syllable "Jung" (정) may be rendered with hanja such as 正 (correct, upright), 静 (quiet), or 貞 (chaste). Consequently, the overall meaning of the name Soo-jung varies depending on the specific hanja selected by the name‑giver.
Romanization and pronunciation
- Hangul: 수정
- Revised Romanization: Sujeong
- McCune–Reischauer: Sujŏng
- IPA pronunciation: [su.d͡ʑʌŋ]
Cultural usage
Soo-jung is a commonly used given name in South Korea, particularly among females born in the late 20th century. The name's popularity reflects broader trends in Korean naming practices, which often combine attractive semantic elements from hanja to convey desirable virtues or attributes.
Notable bearers
Several individuals with the name Soo-jung have achieved public recognition, including:
- Park Soo-jung (born 1978) – South Korean actress known for television dramas and films.
- Kim Soo-jung (born 1982) – South Korean singer who debuted as a solo artist in the early 2000s.
- Lee Soo-jung (born 1990) – South Korean figure skater who competed internationally.
(The above examples illustrate the name's use in various fields; they are not exhaustive.)
Name registration
When registering a Korean name, parents may select hanja from an official list approved by the South Korean government. The list includes multiple characters for the syllables "Soo" and "Jung," allowing considerable flexibility in the name's intended meaning.
Related names
Names sharing the element "Soo" (수) or "Jung" (정) are common in Korean naming conventions, such as Soo-yeon, Su-yeon, Jung‑hee, and Jung‑sook.
References
- South Korean Supreme Court, "Official List of Hanja for Personal Names," 2022.
- National Institute of the Korean Language, "Guide to Korean Personal Names," 2021.