Biography

Lala Teresa (born Kim Hyun-jung, March 29, 1979) is a South Korean artist based in Seoul, known for her work as a painter, writer, and former actress. She began her career in 1999 as a model and actress, appearing in television dramas, films, and theater until 2009. During her acting years, she studied art history, theory, and painting. After leaving acting, she underwent over a year of psychological counseling through a Catholic volunteer program, where she discovered her "inner child" named Lala, which later became her artistic identity. Her first solo exhibition was held in 2014 in Seoul, followed by an invitation to exhibit in Beijing renowned artists Nam June Paik and Lee Wal-jong. She has since participated in various exhibitions in Korea and China, including shows supported by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul and cultural institutions. She has published weekly art columns in Segye Ilbo and Catholic Peace Newspaper, and authored two books. Her film Body Parts won Best Production at the 26th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in 2022. Her artistic practice spans mixed media, digital painting, calligraphy, and film art direction. She is Catholic, with the baptismal name Teresita, and currently lives and works in Seoul under the name Lala Teresa.