Go Youn-jung, a rising star in South Korea’s entertainment scene, is making headlines with her latest drama roles, but her casting alongside older male leads has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While her talent shines, debates about age gaps in her projects raise questions about her career trajectory.
Go Youn-jung, born on April 22, 1996, is a 29-year-old South Korean actress and model who has quickly become one of the industry’s most promising talents. Known for roles in Alchemy of Souls, Moving, and Resident Playbook, she has built a strong fanbase with her versatile performances. However, her recent casting in dramas like Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness with Koo Kyo-hwan and Can This Love Be Translated? with Kim Seon-ho has led to discussions about the significant age differences with her male co-stars. Fans are divided, with some praising her chemistry and others questioning why she isn’t paired with actors closer to her age.
Go Youn-jung’s Meteoric Rise
Go Youn-jung began her career as a model before transitioning to acting. Her breakout role came in 2022 with Alchemy of Souls, where she played Jin Bu-yeon/Naksu, a powerful priestess in a fantasy romance. The drama’s success showcased her ability to handle complex characters.
She followed this with Moving in 2023, portraying Jang Hee-soo, a high schooler with healing powers. Her performance earned critical acclaim, cementing her status as a rising star. In 2025, she stars as Oh Yi-young in Resident Playbook, a spin-off of the hit series Hospital Playlist. The medical comedy, set in Yulje Medical Center’s Jongno branch, follows first-year OB-GYN residents navigating chaotic professional and personal lives amid South Korea’s low birth rate crisis.
“By answering the questions the younger cast members asked me, I learned a lot as well,” Go Youn-jung said about her teamwork on Resident Playbook.
The drama premiered on April 12, 2025, on tvN and is streaming on Netflix. It features Shin Si-ah, Han Ye-ji, Kang You-seok, and Jung Joon-won, with cameos from Hospital Playlist stars like Jo Jung-suk and Yoo Yeon-seok through their band Mido and Falasol’s OST contribution.
New Projects Fuel Age Gap Debate
On April 21, 2025, Xports News reported that Go Youn-jung and Koo Kyo-hwan are in talks to star in Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness, directed by Cha Young-hoon (When the Camellia Blooms) and written by Kim Eun-sook (My Liberation Notes). The drama’s plot remains under wraps, but both actors’ agencies, MAA and Namoo Actors, confirmed they are reviewing the offers.
Koo Kyo-hwan, born on December 14, 1982, is 42 years old, creating a 14-year age gap with Go Youn-jung. A versatile actor and filmmaker, Koo debuted in 2009’s Castaway on the Moon and has since starred in Peninsula and D.P.. His extensive experience contrasts with Go’s relatively new career, prompting mixed reactions.
“I hope there won’t be any romantic love lines in the drama between them please,” a fan wrote on social media.
“I like both of them but do we really want pairings with 14y age gap…??” another commented.
Some fans defend the casting, excited to see two talented actors collaborate. Social media posts reflect this split, with many praising Go’s ability to hold her own alongside seasoned stars.
Similarly, Go Youn-jung is set to star in Can This Love Be Translated?, a romantic comedy written by the Hong Sisters, alongside Kim Seon-ho, born in 1986. At 39, Kim is 10 years older than Go. The drama follows a top actor and an interpreter navigating cultural and linguistic differences. Filming wrapped in 2024, and the series is slated for release later in 2025 on Netflix.
Fans have voiced concerns about the age gap, with some feeling Go is consistently paired with older actors. A post on X highlighted this sentiment:
“The age gap is getting bigger with each project of hers which is becoming a problem for me as a Younjung enjoyer,” a user shared.
Resident Playbook’s Romantic Buzz
In Resident Playbook, Go Youn-jung’s character, Oh Yi-young, a passionate but mistake-prone OB-GYN resident, has sparked romantic speculation with Jung Joon-won’s Ku Do-won. A scene in episode 3, aired on April 13, 2025, where Ku stands beside Oh during yearbook photos, sent fans into a frenzy. Jung Joon-won, born in 2000, is 25, making him closer to Go’s age.
“I did not expect this,” a viewer posted online, excited about the potential romance.
The show’s realistic portrayal of hospital life, combined with Go’s compelling performance, has kept viewers hooked. Episode 4 aired on April 20, 2025, at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN, with episodes later available on Netflix.
Fan Reactions and Industry Context
The debate over Go Youn-jung’s casting reflects broader trends in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Large age gaps in romantic pairings are common, but fans increasingly call for age-appropriate casting to better represent younger audiences. A Koreaboo post from 2023 noted similar distress over Go’s pairing with an older, controversial actor, showing this issue isn’t new.
South Korea’s high-pressure entertainment industry also faces scrutiny for its impact on young stars. The tragic death of actress Kim Sae-ron in February 2025 highlighted the toll of maintaining a spotless reputation, adding context to the intense public reactions Go faces.
Go Youn-jung’s appearance at Chanel Haute Couture 2025 during Paris Fashion Week on January 28, 2025, also drew mixed reactions. While her black-and-white Chanel ensemble was praised, some netizens felt photos didn’t capture her beauty as well as videos.
“Go Youn Jung definitely radiated elegance and beauty at the event,” a fan posted on X.
Go Youn-jung’s Perspective
In an Elle Korea interview in May 2025, Go Youn-jung discussed her busy schedule and growth as an actress. After filming Resident Playbook and Can This Love Be Translated?, she took her first break since debuting, reflecting on her journey.
“After finishing filming ‘Resident Playbook’ and ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’, I’m finally getting my first real break since my debut,” she shared.
She emphasized learning from her Resident Playbook co-stars, highlighting her collaborative spirit. Her background in contemporary art from Seoul Women’s University and her 163 cm height add to her unique presence, with fans often praising her “rabbit and puppy-like” features and ideal double eyelids.
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Current Updates
As of April 24, 2025, Go Youn-jung remains a focal point in South Korea’s drama scene. Resident Playbook continues to air on tvN, with fans eagerly watching Oh Yi-young’s journey. Casting decisions for Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness are still under review, with no confirmed release date. Can This Love Be Translated? is expected to premiere later in 2025, generating buzz for Go’s chemistry with Kim Seon-ho. Posts on X indicate ongoing debates about her pairings, but her talent remains undisputed.
Credits: X(twitter)
