Jang Nara’s father, Ju Ho-seong (real name: Jang Yeon-gyo) is a veteran actor and theater director who began his career as a voice actor in 1969.
For reference, Ju Ho-seong provided the voice of Guru Cabbage in the classic Korean animation “Guru Cabbage and Guru Radish’s Once Upon a Time,” a nostalgic masterpiece for many. In addition to voice acting, he has had a prolific career spanning drama, film and stage productions.
“I often thought, “I want to beat my father.”“
Growing up watching her father perform, Jang Nara naturally dreamed of becoming an actress herself. He saw his father as a hero on stage.
Recalling her childhood, she said that her father transformed into a completely different person on stage, leaving a deep impression on her. This made her admire and at the same time envy him to the point of imitating everything about him, from his handwriting to his gait.
Fueled by the determination to surpass her father, Jang Nara chose her own path, becoming an actress. Since her debut, she has gained enormous popularity and, over the past two decades, she has starred in numerous successful productions, cementing her status as a top star.
This summer, Jang Nara starred in the SBS drama “Good Partner,” earning another wave of love from audiences. Her father Ju Ho-seong sent her a heartfelt message saying, “Wow, you’re better than me“, moving her deeply.
Driven by the desire to outshine her father, Jang Nara fulfilled her lifelong dream by winning the Grand Prize at the SBS Drama Awards 2024. It was a fitting culmination of her 23-year-long career.
On stage, Jang Nara expressed gratitude to her co-star Nam Ji-hyun and conveyed her love for her family, calling her father her “role model”, touching the hearts of many.
He ended his speech in tears, saying: “I want to remain an actress that people are curious about. I’ll work harder. I sincerely thank all of you.His long-awaited Grand Prix win sparked a wave of congratulations and applause, celebrating a milestone in his remarkable career.
