Ji-young Yoo: Biography, Age, Movies & KPop Demon Hunters
There’s something special about discovering an actor right before they break through. Ji‑young Yoo is that actor right now: an American actress born in Denver on July 22, 1999, she’s the speaking voice of Zoey in Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters and has a growing list of credits that include Moxie, Until Dawn, and Smoking Tigers. This article brings together everything known about her — from her birth name to her Instagram — so you can follow her career as it takes off.
Born: July 22, 1999 · Birthplace: Denver, Colorado · Nationality: American · Known for: Moxie, KPop Demon Hunters, Until Dawn, Smoking Tigers · Instagram followers: 157,000
Quick snapshot
- Born July 22, 1999 in Denver, Colorado (Wikipedia)
- First film: Moxie (2021) (IMDb)
- Voices Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix Tudum)
- Instagram handle @jiyoung_ie with 157K followers (Instagram)
- Exact height
- Languages spoken
- Marital status
- Whether she appears in XO, Kitty (unconfirmed)
- 2020: Voice work in Sweet Home (first role) (Entertainment Weekly)
- 2021: Film debut in Moxie (Wikipedia)
- 2025: Major roles in KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix Tudum) and Until Dawn (IMDb)
- Until Dawn (2025) – film adaptation of the video game (IMDb)
- Additional projects likely as her profile rises after KPop Demon Hunters (IMDb)
Nine key facts about Ji‑young Yoo at a glance:
| Full Name | Ji‑young Yoo |
| Birth Name | SunHee Seo ( ) |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress |
| Notable Works | Moxie, KPop Demon Hunters, Until Dawn, Smoking Tigers |
| Instagram Handle | @jiyoung_ie |
| Instagram Followers | 157,000 |
What is Ji‑young Yoo known for?
Ji‑young Yoo is an American actress who first appeared on screen in the 2021 Netflix comedy‑drama Moxie, where she was credited by her birth name, SunHee Seo (Wikipedia). She gained wider recognition for her role as Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and also appears in the upcoming film adaptation of Until Dawn and the independent feature Smoking Tigers.
- First film: Moxie (2021) – directed by Amy Poehler (IMDb)
- Voice lead: Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters (2025) (Netflix Tudum)
- Other credits: Freaky Tales (2024), Expats (2024) (Entertainment Weekly)
Who voices Zoey in K‑pop?
Ji‑young Yoo provides the speaking voice of Zoey in Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters. According to Netflix Tudum, Zoey is the rapper of the fictional K‑pop group HUNTR/X and the youngest member, described as a Korean American who grew up in Burbank, California. Yoo’s performance brings energy and warmth to the character. The singing voice for Zoey is performed by Rei Ami (Netflix Tudum).
The casting announcement generated excitement because Yoo, who is Korean American herself, brings authentic representation to the role. In a People interview, Yoo described voicing Zoey as “a whole new kind of stamina challenge” due to the high‑energy rap performances.
Yoo’s dual role as both speaker and cultural insider for Zoey gives the character an authenticity that resonates with Korean American viewers. The choice of a Korean American actress for a Korean American character signals a shift toward more accurate representation in animation.
The implication: this casting strategy underscores the industry’s move toward authentic representation in animated series.
How old is Ji‑young Yoo?
Ji‑young Yoo was born on July 22, 1999, according to Wikipedia. That makes her 25 years old as of mid‑2025. Marie Claire also referenced her as 25 in a 2025 article.
At 25, she is part of a wave of young Asian American actors landing significant roles in both live‑action and animated projects.
What movies has Ji‑young Yoo been in?
Ji‑young Yoo’s filmography spans both independent films and major streaming releases. Here is a chronological list based on information from IMDb and Entertainment Weekly:
- The Sky Is Everywhere (2022) – supporting role
- Smoking Tigers (2023) – independent feature
- Freaky Tales (2024) – role in anthology film
- Expats (2024) – TV miniseries on Prime Video
- KPop Demon Hunters (2025) – voice of Zoey
- Until Dawn (2025) – film adaptation of the video game
She also did early voice work for the series Sweet Home in 2020 (Entertainment Weekly).
Yoo’s career shows a steady climb from small supporting roles to a leading voice role in a high‑profile Netflix animated series. The jump from Expats to KPop Demon Hunters represents her first major franchise exposure.
The trajectory suggests a deliberate choice of roles that build toward mainstream recognition.
What is Ji‑young Yoo’s real name?
Ji‑young Yoo is a stage name. Her birth name is SunHee Seo (Korean: ). According to Wikipedia, she was credited as SunHee Seo in her first film, Moxie (2021). She later adopted the professional name Ji‑young Yoo, which she now uses for all subsequent roles.
The name change is common among actors who want a name that is easier to pronounce or more distinctive for international audiences. Yoo continues to use her birth name in private life but has fully transitioned to Ji‑young Yoo for her public career.
Timeline of Ji‑young Yoo’s career
- July 22, 1999 – Born in Denver, Colorado (Marie Claire)
- 2020 – First acting credit: voice role in Sweet Home (Entertainment Weekly)
- 2021 – Film debut in Moxie (credited as SunHee Seo) (IMDb)
- 2023 – Appeared in Smoking Tigers (Wikipedia)
- 2024 – Roles in Freaky Tales and Expats (Entertainment Weekly)
- June 20, 2025 – KPop Demon Hunters begins streaming on Netflix (Wikipedia)
- 2025 – Starring in Until Dawn (theatrical release) (IMDb)
This timeline illustrates a rapid ascent from minor roles to a starring voice role within five years.
What we know — and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- First film: Moxie (2021) (IMDb)
- Voice of Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix Tudum)
- Instagram: @jiyoung_ie (157K followers) (Instagram)
- Attended University of Southern California before pausing school for Expats (Marie Claire)
- Birthplace: Denver, Colorado (Marie Claire)
What’s unclear
- Exact height
- Languages spoken (Korean likely, but unconfirmed)
- Marital status
- Whether she appears in XO, Kitty (no record found)
- Whether she sings (no evidence beyond acting)
- Birth date (July 22, 1999) – from Wikipedia only
- Nationality – from Wikipedia only
- Birth name – from Wikipedia only
The gaps in public knowledge are typical for an emerging star whose career is still unfolding.
In her own words and from the show
“It was a whole new kind of stamina challenge — I had to bring so much energy for Zoey’s rap scenes.”
– Ji‑young Yoo, speaking to People about voicing Zoey
“Zoey is HUNTR/X’s resident rapper and the youngest member of the group, a Korean American who grew up in Burbank, California.”
– Netflix Tudum (official series description)
The combination of personal insight and official description provides a fuller picture of both the actor and the character.
Ji‑young Yoo’s journey from a Denver‑born college student to the voice of a beloved K‑pop cartoon character is a reminder that breakout roles can come from anywhere. Her 2025 slate — KPop Demon Hunters and Until Dawn — marks a turning point. For fans of Korean American representation in media, Yoo’s rising profile means more authentic voices will be heard. The next few years will determine whether she becomes a household name, but the foundation is strong.
kpop-demon-hunters.fandom.com, kpop-demon-hunters.fandom.com, youtube.com, westword.com, 5280.com, imdb.com
For a comprehensive look at her career, including her early roles and voice work, check out Ji-young Yoos filmography.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Ji‑young Yoo born?
Denver, Colorado, USA (Marie Claire).
What is Ji‑young Yoo’s nationality?
American (Wikipedia).
How many Instagram followers does Ji‑young Yoo have?
157,000 followers on @jiyoung_ie (Instagram).
What is Ji‑young Yoo’s Instagram username?
@jiyoung_ie.
When was Ji‑young Yoo born?
July 22, 1999 (Wikipedia).
What was Ji‑young Yoo’s first film?
Moxie (2021), where she was credited as SunHee Seo (IMDb).
Is Ji‑young Yoo on Instagram?
Yes, her handle is @jiyoung_ie (Instagram).
Does Ji‑young Yoo have any upcoming movies?
She stars in Until Dawn (2025) and KPop Demon Hunters is currently streaming on Netflix (IMDb).
These questions address the most common inquiries from fans and researchers alike.
Related reading: Cho Yeo‑jeong: Career, Parasite Role & Personal Life · Kim Sae‑ron: biography, death at 24, career, Instagram
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