Jung Chae-yeon has become one of South Korea’s most recognisable multi-hyphenate entertainers, known for her rise from K-pop trainee to acclaimed actress. Her career spans major girl groups, Netflix series, primetime dramas, and endorsements that helped shape her public image. By 2025, she stands as a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry, balancing nostalgia from her I.O.I era with new attention from her acting roles. Her journey reflects ambition, reinvention, and long-term career discipline.
She first gained public attention through MBK Entertainment, later expanding her work with BH Entertainment, where she built acting credentials. Her story attracts consistent global search interest, especially around her net worth, age, dating life, and new 2025 projects.
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jung Chae-yeon |
| Age | 27 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1997 |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed (has an older sister: Jeong Si-yeon) |
| Net Worth | ~$5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Height | 166 cm (5 ft 5 in) |
| Spouse/Partner | Not married |
| Ethnicity | Korean |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Source of Wealth | Music, acting, endorsements, variety shows |
| Education | School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), Graduated 2016 |
Early Life & Education
Jung Chae-yeon was born in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, where she spent the first years of her life before her family moved to Anyang in Gyeonggi Province. Her early childhood was described as imaginative and observant. She developed a fascination with everyday tasks, famously saying she once wanted to become a supermarket cashier simply because she loved the sound of barcode scanning.
A more meaningful turning point came during middle school. She realised she admired actors for their ability to transform into different people and live various lives onscreen. This idea of experiencing multiple worlds ignited her desire to join the entertainment industry. It shaped how she viewed creativity and laid the groundwork for her decision to pursue training under an agency.
Her family supported her aspirations quietly, with her older sister, Jeong Si-yeon, often mentioned as an important source of encouragement. Chae-yeon later entered the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), where she balanced idol training with academic pressure. SOPA became a defining environment, exposing her to dance, vocal practice, and early acting fundamentals.
Career & Rise to Fame
Jung Chae-yeon’s professional rise is closely tied to the evolution of modern K-pop, survival programs, and the global expansion of Korean dramas. Her career includes music production cycles, broadcast schedules, brand promotions, and script-driven acting work that helped her expand beyond the typical idol persona.
Music Career — From DIA to I.O.I
Chae-yeon debuted in January 2015 as a member of the girl group DIA, formed under MBK Entertainment. Although the group initially struggled to capture mainstream attention, Chae-yeon continued honing her performance skills.
Everything changed in 2016 when she appeared on the influential survival show Produce 101, produced by Mnet. The program became a cultural phenomenon, drawing massive viewership and establishing Chae-yeon as one of the standout contestants. She placed 7th, securing a position in the project girl group I.O.I, alongside members such as Jeon Somi, Kim Se-jeong, and Chungha.
Her time in I.O.I led to:
- “Chrysalis” mini-album release (2016)
- “Whatta Man” promotions
- “Miss Me?” return album
The group achieved immediate commercial success, topping charts and dominating music shows. I.O.I’s short-lived existence only amplified their impact, with millions of fans continuing to support each member’s individual career.
After the group’s disbandment, Chae-yeon returned to DIA while expanding her solo brand through magazine shoots, CF appearances, and music show hosting, including Inkigayo and a special MC role on M Countdown.
Transition to Acting — Film & Television
Chae-yeon’s acting debut began quietly with the 2015 web drama Sweet Temptation, but she soon gained larger roles:
- Drinking Solo (2016) — supporting role
- To. Jenny (2018) — performance praised for emotional sincerity
- Live Again, Love Again (2018) — her first film lead
- My First First Love (Netflix, 2019) — breakout global exposure
- The King’s Affection (2021) — historical romance drama
- The Golden Spoon (2022) — major role in a high-rated MBC series
Her acting received positive reviews for improvement, subtle expression, and strong screen presence. In 2022, she signed with BH Entertainment, the agency of Lee Byung-hun and Han Hyo-joo, marking a shift toward more serious acting opportunities.
Her 2024 drama Family by Choice further built anticipation, but her biggest leap came with her 2025 project.
Recent Developments & 2025 Updates
In 2025, Jung Chae-yeon gained significant momentum with her starring role in the legal drama Beyond the Bar with Lee Jin-wook, where she played dual roles — Kang Hyo-min and Kang Hyo-ju, twin sisters with contrasting personalities. The script demanded emotional range, courtroom intensity, and sharp character differentiation, giving Chae-yeon one of the most challenging performances of her career.
Key 2025 highlights include:
- Praise for her dual performance, noted as the strongest acting of her career so far.
- Increased media visibility, as she appeared in interviews, fashion shoots, and promotional campaigns.
- Renewed global interest due to Netflix international streaming of her past works.
- I.O.I reunion discussions, which she confirmed are “actively being considered,” sparking nostalgic fan excitement.
Her contract with BH Entertainment continues to shape her long-term shift into acting, with more film offers reportedly in discussion for 2026.
What is Jung Chae-yeon’s Net Worth?
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ~$5 million
Source of Estimate: Industry analysis and media reports (Harry Productions profile, entertainment financial trackers)
While Forbes has not published an individual breakdown for Jung Chae-yeon, multiple South Korean entertainment financial trackers place her net worth around $4.5M–$5M.
Breakdown of Known Income Sources (Estimated):
- Music Earnings
- DIA album promotions
- I.O.I project group revenue
- Digital sales and performance fees
- Acting Contracts
- Netflix series (My First First Love)
- MBC, KBS, and JTBC productions
- Film salaries
- Endorsements & Modeling
- Beauty brands
- Fashion collaborations
- Consumer product campaigns
- Variety Appearances
- Law of the Jungle in Patagonia
- Music show hosting (Inkigayo)
Her net worth reflects steady long-term growth rather than explosive earnings, typical among idols who transition into acting.
Jung Chae-yeon Potential & Career Trajectory
Chae-yeon’s career trajectory shows strong long-term potential thanks to several key factors:
1. Versatility Across Mediums
From girl-group promotions to legal dramas, she adapts well to new formats and genres.
2. Strengthening Acting Reputation
Her performance in Beyond the Bar marked a significant career milestone, suggesting she can compete among mid-tier young actresses.
3. Global Streaming Exposure
Netflix continues to introduce her to new audiences in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe.
4. Strategic Agency Representation
BH Entertainment is known for elevating actors into major film and TV roles.
5. Nostalgic Fan Base
I.O.I fans remain deeply active online, providing ongoing relevance.
She is expected to take on:
- More mature, emotionally complex roles
- Potential film projects in 2026
- Continued brand partnerships
- A possible I.O.I reunion special
Personal Life & Relationships
Jung Chae-yeon maintains a private personal life. She has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, and no verified dating scandals have been reported as of 2025.
Family
- She has an older sister, Jeong Si-yeon, who is occasionally mentioned in interviews.
- Her parents’ identities remain undisclosed for privacy.
Marriage Status
- She is not married and has no publicly confirmed partner.
Her focus remains on career development, and fan queries about her dating life remain speculative.
Controversies
Jung Chae-yeon has maintained a reputation for professionalism and has avoided major scandals throughout her career.
The only public issues referenced include:
- Produce 101 vote manipulation controversy (2019):
Her name appeared in discussions because she was part of I.O.I, but she was not accused of wrongdoing. The controversy centered on producers, not trainees. - Minor online rumors about body weight or dieting:
These were speculative discussions, often dismissed without evidence.
Overall, Chae-yeon’s career has remained largely free of controversy, contributing to her positive public image.
Conclusion
Jung Chae-yeon represents a rare blend of idol charm and emerging acting skill. From her early days in DIA to her influential period in I.O.I, she has steadily shaped a career marked by reinvention. Her rise in the drama industry—supported by roles in My First First Love, The King’s Affection, The Golden Spoon, and Beyond the Bar—positions her as a long-term figure in Korean television.
By 2025, with an estimated net worth of $5 million, a growing global fan base, and potential opportunities ahead, she stands at the beginning of a promising new chapter. Her disciplined public image, steady career growth, and agency backing suggest she is entering one of the strongest phases of her professional life.
FAQs
What is Jung Chae-yeon’s age?
27 years old (born December 1, 1997).
What groups was Jung Chae-yeon in?
DIA and I.O.I.
What is her 2025 drama?
Beyond the Bar (dual roles).
Is Jung Chae-yeon married?
No, she is not married.
What is Jung Chae-yeon’s net worth?
Approximately $5 million (2025 estimate).
What agency represents her?
BH Entertainment.
What is her height?
166 cm.
Did she attend SOPA?
Yes, she graduated in 2016.
