Born in Seoul, South Korea, she began her career as a model before transitioning to acting. Her breakout role came in the film "Barking Dogs Never Bite" (2000). She gained international recognition for her performances in "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" (2002) and "The Host" (2006). She worked with the Wachowskis on projects like "Cloud Atlas" (2012) and the series "Sense8" (2015-2018). Known for her versatility, she continues to captivate audiences with her compelling performances in both Korean and international cinema.