Minari lead actress Youn Yuh Jung is known for her talent and captivating performances, but behind the scenes, her life took an unexpected turn that not even fortune tellers could predict. As Youn celebrated her Academy Award win in 2021, something strange loomed over her, with fortunetellers foreseeing an entirely different outcome for her future.
Youn Yuh Jung’s Love for Fortune Telling
The Actress and Her Fortune-Telling Habit
Youn Yuh Jung, now 77, has long been fascinated by fortunetelling and tarot readings. She often consults fortunetellers, seeking insights into her future. However, even with all the predictions she received, not a single one foresaw her historic Oscars win in April 2021.
Fortunetellers Predict a Grim Fate
During a YouTube video segment with fellow actress Choi Hwa Jung, Youn opened up about her love for getting her fortune told. But as surprising as it sounds, several fortunetellers predicted a much darker path for Youn. One fortuneteller, referred to as “Cheongju Grandpa,” went as far as to say that Youn would die at the age of 75—the very same year she won her prestigious Oscar.
A Health Scare or Life-Changing Moment?
Director Kim Cho Hee’s Fear for Youn Yuh Jung
As Youn celebrated her milestone win, director Kim Cho Hee—who had also received fortunetelling—was plagued by fears for Youn’s health. She recalled how three different fortunetellers told her that Youn would face serious health problems, with one even predicting Youn’s death. Kim frequently called Youn while she was filming the K-Drama Pachinko in Canada, fearing that the grim prediction might come true.
Youn Reflects on the Predictions
Looking back at these ominous warnings, Youn humorously reflected that the fortunetellers likely foresaw “something big” happening in her life, but with little understanding of Hollywood or the Academy Awards, they misinterpreted it as a life-threatening event.
“I told Kim, ‘Remember when the grandpa said I would die?’ She said, ‘What would a grandpa from Cheongju know about the Academy Awards? He probably saw something massive aligned for you in 2021 and thought it meant death,’” Youn shared during the video.
Youn Yuh Jung’s Unstoppable Rise
A Historic Win at the Academy Awards
Despite the ominous predictions, Youn Yuh Jung defied the odds. In April 2021, she became the first Korean actress to ever win an acting award at the Academy Awards. She won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her exceptional portrayal of Soon Ja, a unique Korean grandmother in the film Minari.
Continuing to Shine at 77
Now 77 years old, Youn continues to thrive in her career, proving that age is just a number. Her remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and an ability to navigate both personal and professional challenges with grace.
Conclusion: Youn Yuh Jung’s Unexpected Journey
Youn Yuh Jung’s story is not just about a successful career, but also about overcoming the unexpected—both in life and in fortune. As she reflects on her Oscar win, the fortunetellers’ predictions may have gotten one thing right: something monumental was indeed on the horizon. However, instead of bringing her to the end of her life, it brought her to the peak of her career.
