Jeong-suk

Jeong-suk is a Korean female given name, also spelled as Jung-sook or Jong-suk. It is formed from Sino-Korean elements, typically combining one of two possible first syllables—貞 (jeong) meaning "virtuous, chaste, loyal" or 正 (jeong) meaning "right, proper, correct"—with the second syllable 淑 (suk) meaning "good, pure, virtuous, charming". However, various hanja characters can be used to write each syllable, so the name may carry different nuances depending on the chosen combination.

Popularity

According to South Korean government data, the variant Jung-sook was the fourth-most popular name for newborn girls in 1940, rising to second place by 1950. This indicates its widespread use in the mid-20th century, reflecting traditional virtues such as chastity and loyalty that were commonly valued in female names of that era.

Notable Bearers

• Kim Jong-suk (1917/1919–1949) – A Korean anti-Japanese guerrilla and the first wife of North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. She is revered as a revolutionary figure in North Korea.
• Kim Jung-sook (born 1954) – A South Korean classical vocalist and the wife of South Korean president Moon Jae-in.
• Ho Jong-suk (1908–1991) – A Korean independence activist and later a North Korean politician.
• Oh Jeong-suk (1935–2008) – A South Korean pansori (traditional narrative singing) musician.
• Yun Jeong-suk (born 1966) – A South Korean fencer, silver medalist in the women's team foil at the 2000 Olympics.
• Lee Jeong-sook (born 1971) – A South Korean fencer, multiple medalist at the Olympics and Asian Games.
• Lim Jeong-sook (born 1972) – A South Korean field hockey player, Olympic medalist in 2000.

Cultural Context

The name Jeong-suk carries an association with traditional Korean feminine virtues such as purity, loyalty, and propriety. Its enduring use reflects continuities in Korean naming practices, where sinographs (hanja) are selected for their auspicious meanings. The name has been borne by figures in politics, music, and sports, demonstrating its flexibility across different social backgrounds. In popular culture, a fictional character named Yoon Jung-sook appeared in a 2004 South Korean drama, further embedding the name in contemporary discourse.

• Meaning: Virtuous, chaste, loyal; right, proper, correct; combined with good, pure, virtuous, charming
• Origin: Korean (Sino-Korean)<
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: Korea
• Variant: Jung-sook