Top actress Jun Ji Hyun is officially parting ways with her longtime agency Ieum Hashtag, making headlines as she prepares to enter the FA (free agent) market.
According to Segye Biz and Sports World on June 24, Jun Ji Hyun’s exclusive contract with Ieum Hashtag is set to end in early July. Both the actress and the agency have agreed not to renew, ending their partnership on peaceful terms.
Jun Ji Hyun was one of the original artists who joined Ieum Hashtag back in 2022, following her long-time manager Kim Sun Jung from their previous agency, Culture Depot. Her decision to follow Kim Sun Jung showed their strong trust and bond at the time.
Known for her powerful performances in hit dramas and blockbuster films, Jun Ji Hyun has built an unmatched career for nearly 30 years. Her fans and the entertainment industry are now watching closely to see what agency she might join next — or if she’ll go independent.
Jun Ji Hyun first appeared as a magazine model in 1997 and made her acting debut in 1998’s “Steal My Heart.” She shot to stardom with the legendary film “My Sassy Girl” (2001), where she became the youngest actress to win Best Actress at the 39th Grand Bell Awards.
Her resume includes major box office hits like “The Thieves” (2012), “The Berlin File” (2013), and “Assassination” (2015). On TV, she became a household name through iconic series like “My Love from the Star” (2013) and “The Legend of the Blue Sea” (2016). More recently, she received praise for her intense performance in Netflix’s “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” (2021).
But Jun Ji Hyun isn't slowing down. She’ll return to the small screen later this year through the Disney+ original series “Polaris.” The drama follows a world-famous diplomat and former UN ambassador, Moon Ju (played by Jun Ji Hyun), as she teams up with a mysterious special agent (played by Kang Dong Won) to uncover the truth behind a massive global incident.
She’s also confirmed to lead the upcoming sci-fi thriller film “The Hive,” directed by Yeon Sang Ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound). This will be her big screen comeback after nearly a decade. The story is set in a building sealed off due to a mysterious virus, where the infected begin evolving in unpredictable and dangerous ways. The movie stars a powerful lineup including Ji Chang Wook, Koo Kyo Hwan, Shin Hyun Bin, and Kim Shin Rok.
With major projects ahead and her contract ending soon, all eyes are now on what path Jun Ji Hyun will choose next in her incredible career.
