July Jung

Jung grew up in Yeosu, until she graduated from high school. During her freshman year of high school, she noted in her diary an intention to become a film director. Her early exposure to cinema was influenced by her father, who regularly watched rented videotapes of Hong Kong, Hollywood, and European films at night. Observing her father watching these films contributed to her own viewing habits.

When applying to higher education institutions, Jung initially held a general interest in video media rather than a fixed objective of directing. Believing that enrollment in a film program would not automatically lead to a directing career, she ultimately chose to pursue a degree in the Department of Film and Television at Sungkyunkwan University.

Jung experienced a delayed graduation relative to her peers following an academic expulsion and subsequent readmission. It was during her college years that her passion for movies started to take shape. Her dedication to cinema developed during her undergraduate years as she encountered a diverse curriculum that emphasized the importance of film grammar. During this period, she observed that the Department of Film and Television prioritized animation and interactive media over live-action filmmaking. To address this, Jung formed a peer group to produce independent short films using camcorders, gaining practical production experience. Excessive focus on filmmaking led to class absenteeism and her subsequent expulsion, though she later successfully petitioned for readmission. Upon returning, she added a second major in Western philosophy to her studies. This integration of film theory and philosophy advanced her technical and artistic proficiency. Eventually, Jung successfully completed her studies and graduated from Department of Film at Sungkyunkwan University in 2005. Following graduation, she briefly prepared for journalism examinations before determining that the field did not suit her aptitude.

Determined to pursue filmmaking professionally, Jung enrolled at the Korea National University of Arts around the age twenty-five. During her graduate studies, she produced several short films, including her 2007 debut, "A Man Under the Influenza". The English title references John Cassavetes' film A Woman Under the Influence, which is known for Gena Rowlands' exceptional performance. Set in a Chinese restaurant, the narrative adopts the style of an absurdist play and won the Sonje Award at the Busan International Film Festival. While still enrolled, Jung directed the 2008 short film "11", which follows a young female police station chief. Upon graduation, she anticipated transitioning immediately to feature-length filmmaking, though industry constraints delayed her debut by several years.

While primarily a writer of short fiction, Jung originally conceived an animated project about a neglected cat that places a mouse in its owner's shoe to regain attention. She later adapted this premise into a live-action narrative by reimagining the feline protagonist as a child named Dohee. Set in an isolated rural village, the story follows Dohee and her protector, Yeongnam, depicting a bond between two women navigating an oppressive environment. Jung submitted her script to an industry-academia collaboration project organized by CJ ENM and the Korean Film Council, with filmmaker and Korea National University of Arts professor Lee Chang-dong serving as project advisor. Lee monitored the scenario development from the initial treatment stage and participated in the final evaluation. Although the script was omitted from the final selection, Jung contacted Lee afterward to advocate for the project's potential. Lee subsequently agreed to support the work, proposing that they produce it independently.

Jung made her feature-length directorial debut with the low-budget independent film A Girl at My Door (2014), produced by Lee Chang-dong and starring Bae Doo-na, Kim Sae-ron, and Song Sae-byeok. Upon release, the film received critical attention and was invited to the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes International Film Festival, where it earned a standing ovation. It subsequently won several accolades, including the Best New Director award at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Best Screenplay award at the Wildflower Film Awards.

Feature film

Short film

Awards and nominations

Listicles

Honours

• 2026: In October 2026, Jung served as a member of the Competition Jury at the 31st Busan International Film Festival.