Youn Yuh-jung Selected as One of Time's '100 Most Influential People'

"Honored to have my name listed alongside far more distinguished individuals"

Actor Youn Yuh-jung, the first Korean to win an acting award at the American Academy Awards, has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world this year.

The American news magazine Time announced the list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World 2021" on the 15th (local time). Youn Yuh-jung was listed alongside Korean-American actor Steven Yeun, who co-starred in the film Minari. They were selected in the categories of "Titans" and "Artists," respectively.

Youn Yuh-jung won the Best Supporting Actress award at the American Academy Awards last April for her role as Soon-ja in Minari. She was the first Korean actor and the second Asian actor to receive this award, following Miyoshi Umeki for Sayonara (1957). The award was especially meaningful as it was given for a performance in Korean. Among all lead and supporting actors, only five have won Oscars for non-English performances: Sophia Loren for Two Women (1961) in Italian, Robert De Niro for The Godfather Part II (1974) in Italian, Roberto Benigni for Life is Beautiful (1998) in Italian, Benicio Del Toro for Traffic (2000) in Spanish, and Marion Cotillard for La Vie en Rose (2008) in French.

In addition, Youn Yuh-jung has won 42 awards at prestigious international film festivals, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the British Academy Film Awards. Her unique and distinctive acting career, built over 56 years, has been internationally recognized. Steven Yeun said in his recommendation, "I have rarely met anyone as confident as Youn Yuh-jung. I believe it comes from deep within." Upon receiving the news of her selection, Youn Yuh-jung said, "I was just doing what I always do, but it has been a year of receiving undeserved praise," and added, "I am surprised to be named among the 100." She continued, "I hope I have been a positive influence, and I am honored to be listed alongside people who are much more outstanding than me."

Since 2004, Time has selected the "100 Most Influential People" annually. Among those named as "Titans" alongside Youn Yuh-jung are gymnast Simone Biles, Apple CEO Tim Cook, screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, singers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, football player Tom Brady, track athlete Allyson Felix, singer Angelique Kidjo, Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier, former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, and Brazilian entrepreneur Luiza Trajano.