Actress Jang Gyu-ri has recently garnered attention after sharing insights into her unique and disciplined upbringing, shaped by her father, a retired army colonel. Appearing on the variety program Radio Star, Jang candidly recounted her childhood experiences and how they influenced her personal development and professional journey.
According to Jang, her father’s military background played a significant role in shaping her early years. She revealed that her home life was governed by strict rules, including curfews and formal behaviors such as frequent saluting. “My father was a colonel, and our household was very strict growing up,” she explained, noting that her family environment was far from typical.
Jang shared that her father’s protective nature intensified due to her striking appearance from a young age. She humorously recalled family movie nights involving war films, during which her father would offer critiques rooted in military logic. “He’d comment on tactics, saying things like, ‘That operation doesn’t make sense,’ or ‘He’s holding the gun wrong,’” she said, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Despite the rigid structure of her upbringing, Jang Gyu-ri excelled academically and artistically. During her studies in the United States, she achieved the top ranking in her school and later returned to Korea, enrolling in the Department of Acting at the Seoul Institute of the Arts a year early through early admission.
Her entertainment career began in 2018 as a member of the girl group fromis_9, but she soon transitioned into acting. She made her acting debut in the 2019 web drama The Dating Class and has since built an impressive résumé with roles in:
- It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
- Cheer Up
- The Player 2: Master of Swindlers
- When the Phone Rings
Her portrayal of Cha Jae-yi in Player 2 was especially noted for showcasing her growth as an actress through action sequences, further broadening her acting range. In 2022, she was honored with the Best New Actress award at the SBS Drama Awards.
Jang’s story is one of resilience and determination, forged under a disciplined environment that helped shape her character and work ethic. With her most recent project, When the Phone Rings, the actress is steadily establishing herself as a rising force in the Korean entertainment industry.
