Jung is an alternate transcription of the Korean surname Jeong (Hangul: 정). This spelling is commonly used by Korean communities in English-speaking countries, reflecting a different Romanization system than the Revised Romanization that produces “Jeong.”The root surname Jeong derives from several Sino-Korean hanja characters, most notably 靜 meaning “quiet, still, gentle” and 貞 meaning “virtuous, chaste, loyal.” As with many Korean surnames, it often forms part of composed given names but can stand alone.Jung is homophonous with but distinct from the German surname Jung, which has a different etymology (meaning “young”). The Korean surname is one of the most common in South Korea, ranking roughly in the top ten by population. Its prevalence contributes to the frequency of the alternate spelling “Jung” abroad.Historical and Cultural ContextThe adoption of Chinese characters for Korean surnames dates to ancient times, and the Jeong surname has numerous clan lineages (bon-gwan). Many trace their origins to notable figures from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. The spelling “Jung” gained traction during the 20th-century wave of Korean emigration, especially when passport officials and Western media used earlier Romanization schemes.Notable BearersJung Jae-sung (1982–2018) – South Korean badminton player, ranked world No. 1 in men’s doubles.Jung Ji-hoon (better known as Rain) – K-pop star and actor.Carl Jung – Though not Korean, the name “Jung” is famously associated with the Swiss psychiatrist; this article refers exclusively to the Korean surname.Note: Many Korean notables actually write their surname “Jeong” in edited contexts, but “Jung” remains widespread in informal spelling.