What Does Jeon Do-yeon Have in Common With J.K. Rowling, George Clooney and Leonardo diCaprio?

Answer: They have all received the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres award from France in recognition of their contributions to the arts and literature. Jeon now joins her compatriot, Lee Byung-Hyeon as one of the Asians in the entertainment industry to be so honoured. The medal was presented to her during the 14th Pusan International Film Festival.

In the early days of her career, she played second fiddle to Choi Jin-shil in a TV drama series but soon she was depicting a variety of characters.Consider the range of roles she's taken on:  A lovestruck teenager in love with her teacher, played by Lee Byung-Hyeon, (Harmonium in My Heart) ; a spoilt woman who falls for an illiterate would-be actor ( Shooting the Star); a restless wife caught in an affair ( Happy End);  a devoted wife succumbing to the charms of the rake played by Bae Young-Joon ( Untold Scandal), a President's daughter in love with a cop ( Lovers in Prague); a prostitute who is infected with AIDS ( You Are My Sunshine) and of course, her award- winning role as a devastated widow and mother whose son is kidnapped and murdered ( Secret Sunshine).

A personal quote, cited on IMDB website:

"I enjoy acting so much that I have no need or desire to be called a great actor. This is partly my personality, but also the fact that I get so absorbed in acting, to where I can't see or think of anything else. I can't tell you what great acting is, but for me, it is to give everything you have with honesty, sincerity and persistence."

Indeed, her passion for acting is clear in all the characters that she plays with conviction. One can only hope that she will continue to enjoy even more meaty roles and that more film-lovers will recognise her talent.

sources:
http://english.chosun.com/
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/HA/content/cms_view_316145.jsp?gender=Whttp://yeinjee.com/asianpop/tag/asian-celebrity/korean-celebrity/park-si-yeon/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0161133/bio