Lee Joo-yeon, formerly known mononymously as Jooyeon, is a South Korean actress and singer. She is best known for being a former member of the girl group After School. Since leaving After School, she has focused primarily on acting. She made her acting debut in the drama Smile Again and has made several participation in other dramas since then.
Career
2007-2014: Pre-debut and career beginnings
In 2007, Jooyeon made a cameo in the movie My Tutor Friend 2, playing the role of Azumi. Before her debut, Jooyeon was famous on the internet for being an Ulzzang, or "best face" which consisted of her being well known for her natural beauty features. She made her first unofficial appearance with After School's on December 29, 2008 at the SBS Song Festival, performing "Play Girlz" with Son Dam-bi. On January 15, 2009, Jooyeon made her debut in South Korean girl group After School, with the release of their debut single "AH!" alongside their EP, New Schoolgirl. On 17 January, the group made their live debut on MBC's, Music Core. She was the vocalist and visual in the group. In 2010, Jooyeon made her acting debut with the drama Smile Again and was a member of G7 in the variety showInvincible Youth. Over the years, she starred as supporting roles in various dramas and movies. In 2011, she became the leader of A.S. Blue. The sub-unit debuted with the single "Wonder Boy" on July 20. On December 31, 2014, Jooyeon's contract with Pledis Entertainment expired and she graduated from After School on June 30, 2015 after Japan promotions. Jooyeon was the only member, along with Jungah, who was in the group for all promotional periods.
2015-present: Acting career and further roles
In January 2015, following her graduation from After School, Jooyeon signed with Better ENT to pursue her acting career. She made her first appearance under her new company in the film Sorry, I Love You, Thank You, playing the role of Jung Hye-mi. She has since gone on to star in a number of dramas, such as All Kinds of Daughters-In-Law. In 2017, Lee took on acting roles in crime flick The King and historical drama Saimdang, Memoir of Colors. In 2018, Jooyeon's contract with Better ENT expired and she began looking for a new agency. She subsequently signed with Mystic Story. Later that year, Jooyeon took on supporting roles in The Undateables and Devilish Charm.
