Youn Yuh-jung recently made history as the first Korean actress to win an Academy Award. The veteran performer took home the Best Supporting Actress prize* for her role in the U. S. film, “Minari.”

“Minari” tells the story of a Korean immigrant family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a new life. The film is loosely based on the life story of Korean- American director Lee Isaac Chung.

In the film, Youn’s character, Soon-ja, arrives from South Korea to help care for her grandchildren. The story unfolds as the family struggles to overcome the challenges of their new environment.

Youn’s masterful performance as the fun and quirky Soon-ja has earned much-deserved praise in Hollywood. But although “Minari” was Youn’s first breakthrough role in the U.S., she has been an established actress in Korea for decades.

Youn first garnered at tent ion in the 1971 movie “Woman of Fire.” She won the Best Actress Prize* for the performance at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. She also won the Best Supporting Actress Awards at the Korean Film Awards in 2003 and 2010.

Yet despite her long and successful career at home, Youn was suddenly propelled to international stardom thanks to “Minari.” Both the film and Youn received critical acclaim in the U.S. and Europe, with Youn winning a Screen Actors Guild Award* and a BAFTA award* along with the Oscar.

During her speech at the ceremony, Youn expressed her shock at winning the prestigious award.

“I cannot believe I’m here. Let me pull myself together,” she said.

She also expressed her admiration for the other nominees, including Glenn Close, saying that they were all winners.

Over the years, the Academy Awards have received criticism for their lack of diversity. However, this year’s Oscars were the most inclusive since the award was created. The Best Picture award* went to “Nomadland,” whose director Chloe Zhao became the first Asian woman to win a Best Director Award.*

* Best Supporting Actress prize 여우조연상

* Best Actress Prize 최우수 여우주연상

* Screen Actors Guild Award 미국배우조합상

* BAFTA award 영국 영화 및 텔레비전 예술상

* Best Picture award 최우수 작품상

* Best Director Award 감독상