KRYSTAL — ...

Not content with just tasting the heights of K-pop stardom and all that comes with it, as part of girl band F(x), Korean American singer Krystal Jung is now switching lanes for the meantime, to focus on pursuing the acting life. The rising talent has appeared in K-dramas, including Heirs, Police University, Sweet and Sour and the Disney+ drama Crazy Love. We spoke to the San Francisco-native who’s winning us over with her charm, while navigating the world of her new-found fame.

What was the best thing about being in the hit K-Pop girl group F(x)?

I got to experience the music side of the entertainment industry through f(x) and it was one of my most special years throughout my career. Being able to work as a team and support each other, that itself I think is a very lucky thing to have, because sometimes you can feel a bit bored or lonely when you work alone. I miss those times.

Left Full look **Prada**
Right Full look **Ralph Lauren**

How did you first get into K-pop? Did you see it as a route to achieving your dreams?

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I was at a dept store and suddenly this casting director came up to me asking if I could do a camera test for their music label. My mom said yes and that was the moment when I stepped into K-pop. I was too young to know what I was doing so I just had fun but as time passed, I knew that was the route I wanted to go on.

In the K-pop industry, the notion of femininity is defined in a certain way, which can affect young and impressionable girls, particularly with the issues of body image and dieting too. Were you affected by that culture at all?

I can’t say I wasn’t affected because there were certain body shapes people wanted one to be. I had to follow the rules and somehow, I think it’s still going on a bit, but nowadays people respect each individual personality rather than certain appearances. The industry itself is changing I believe.

As are you, because you’ve now swapped music for the small screen. Do you miss being a pop idol, now you’re focusing on acting, and how did you find your feet going it alone creatively, after being in a group for so long?

I started acting right after I debuted in the group, so it felt natural for me to be in a different side of the industry too. I’ve enjoyed acting since then, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming an outstanding actor or singer.

Left Top & pants **Zadig&Voltaire**
Right Dress **Miu Miu**

Well, you’ve already starred in various TV shows, so you’ve successfully mastered the singer-to-actor transition. Do you have ambitions to star on the big screen too?

For me, being an actor is not just about starring on a big screen or being super famous. It’s about how much I enjoy and have fun working in different kinds of films.

So which actors do you admire for their skills and performance?

There are so many, but a few of my favourites are Saoirse Ronan, Lea Seydoux, Scarlett Johansson, and Lady Gaga. I’ve watched most of their films and I was always amazed by their performances. I think they are iconic in every single way and inspire girls like me to be strong inside out like them.

Talking of icons, you’re a big fashion influencer, helping to popularise last year’s tennis skirts trend and your fans just love to reference your off-duty style too. How would you describe your style?

I’ve always chosen simple, chic, classic style over trendiness. I want my style to be like whenever I look back to the photos of the past, there’s something I would want to wear again now. Timeless outfits.

Aside from acting and fashion, I see on your Instagram that you love being outdoors in nature too. What else do you do to have fun?

I love nature, I love sports, I love food, I love to travel, I love spending time with my friends and family. Going on a Summer vacay or a ski trip really includes everything I love. I try hard to make time for myself to refresh and recharge, even if it’s just for a short period of time.

Dress **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

You’re really into an eclectic mix of music too, right? You share a lot of stuff you listen to on Instagram. When did that passion start, did your parents or friends introduce you to different genres?

I don’t exactly remember the moment when it started, but I’ve just loved digging new music since I was young. My friends and I used to exchange playlists because we had similar tastes, so it was easy for me to encounter new genres. I remember my mom was very surprised when she found out I enjoyed listening to Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang and Fleetwood Mac!

Left All **Polo Ralph Lauren**
Right All **Ralph Lauren**

I guess those musical influences could in part come from having grown up in the U.S where you were also born, as you’re now living in South Korea. Would you ever move back to the States?

Well, where I will live in the future will depend on where my work is based. Who knows what I will do in the future?! I just love and have so many memories in both countries so I hope I can move back and forth all the time.

Left Dress **Miu Miu**
Right Top & pants **Zadig&Voltaire**

Finally, in this year of the rabbit, obviously I’m going to ask what your new year’s resolution is, that you’re determined not to break this year?

To watch more drama series and movies and read more books, so I can experience and understand various emotions and characters indirectly. Also, most importantly to maintain my health!

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Jibin Yoon

Hair by Min Jung Kyung

Make-Up by Nakyeum Lee

Casting & Production by Mi Kim

Lighting’s assistant Sean Kang

Hair’s assistant Jin E Heo

Production assistants Kio Seol & Hyona Kwak