Jang Hyejin’s Parasite Story: A Bong Joonho Casting Secret

An Unconventional Path to “Parasite”

On the November 1, 2025 broadcast of MBC’s popular variety show “The Manager,” actress Jang Hyejin shared a remarkable Korean actress story about her unique career trajectory and long-standing connection with world-renowned director Bong JoonHo. Appearing as a guest alongside singer Roy Kim, Jang Hyejin captivated the cast, including Song EunYi, Kim Sook, Yoo ByungJae, and Hong HyunHee, with anecdotes that led to her iconic role in the film “Parasite.”

This fascinating reveal provides insight into the surprising history behind the successful Bong Joonho casting for the Oscar-winning film. Jang Hyejin recounted a period in her life where she stepped away from the industry entirely, making her eventual return and success all the more compelling.

A Promise Forged During a Hiatus

Long before her international acclaim, Jang Hyejin faced a crisis of confidence. After graduating from the prestigious Korea National University of Arts, she quit acting for nine years, believing she lacked the necessary talent to succeed. During this extended break from the entertainment world, she worked various jobs, including sales positions at supermarkets and department stores, leaving her acting aspirations behind.

The Unexpected Call for “Memories of Murder”

In a surprising turn of events, director Bong JoonHo, who had been impressed by her graduation photo, contacted her during this hiatus. He offered her a role in his now-classic film, “Memories of Murder.” However, Jang Hyejin declined the offer, honestly telling the director that she had quit acting. Bong JoonHo’s response was a promise: if she ever returned to acting and found success, they should work together in the future. This conversation laid the groundwork for a future collaboration that would change her career.

The “Jang Hyejin Parasite” Role Fulfilled

Years later, that promise came to fruition. The earlier connection with the director was instrumental in the Bong Joonho casting decision for “Parasite.” Her journey from a sales floor to a key role in an Academy Award-winning film is a testament to both her latent talent and the director’s keen eye for potential. Her appearance on “The Manager” brought this incredible backstory to light for many fans.

Extreme Dedication to the Craft

Jang Hyejin’s commitment to her roles was further highlighted by the story of her physical transformation for “Parasite.” At the director’s request, she undertook the challenge of gaining a significant amount of weight for her character. She revealed that she increased her weight from 57kg to 77kg, a total gain of 20kg, by eating six meals a day. This level of physical dedication highlights the intense pressures actors face. After filming concluded, she lost the weight quickly, which surprised the director of her next project, prompting her to gain weight once again for that subsequent role. This cyclical process underscores the immense discipline required in her profession, a challenge that many actors face in maintaining their well-being under demanding conditions.

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