From the high school friends flooding her phone with messages to the mothers at her children’s drop-off, everyone is curious: Is Jackie Chung fromThe Year I Became a TeenagerTeam Conrad, or Team Jeremiah?
“Team Belly,” Chung has said to them in a diplomatic manner, but not surprisingly. Similar to the other cast members, who have been continuously promoting the third and final season of the Amazon Prime series since its debut on July 16, the actor is bound by confidentiality regarding Belly’s outcome, which could vary from what is expected.the three-part series by Jenny Hanthat the show is inspired by.
Nevertheless, as the season has continued—episode seven of 11 was released today on the streaming platform—a new will-they-won’t-they plot has developed, focusing on Belly’s (Lola Tung) separated parents, Laurel (Chung) and John (Colin Ferguson).
Since their breakup, John and Laurel have reconnected as friends. Then, in episode two of season three, something more develops? After bumping into each other at a professional conference, the two end up in Laurel’s hotel room, slightly drunk and less restrained. Right after their night together, Laurel appears to feel remorse, while John remains optimistic. Fans are loving every moment.
The cross-generational appeal of The Year I Became a Teenager—though it appears to be about a teenage love triangle, it is actually equally focused on raising teenagers who make bad choices—has been an unexpected result of the show’s popularity. Since its debut on Amazon Prime in 2022, the series has turned into a worldwide hit, and season 3 is thenumber one most-watched showamong women aged 18-34. However, if the TikToks on my own For You Page are to be believed, the audience is a diverse group of people, ranging from Gen Alpha to Boomers, who watch the protagonist Belly every week.pick one of the two brothers—Conrad (Christopher Briney) or Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). “YA”—also known as Young Adult—is just a label.
In the last three seasons, audiences have developed a fondness for Laurel, Belly’s strict yet caring mother, whose relationship with Susannah, the mother of the Fisher boys (played by Rachel Blanchard), is what led Belly into this complicated brother-love-triangle situation. There have been calls for a spin-off show centered on Laurel’s midlife challenges, including how she has coped with the death of her closest friend, a divorce, and a daughter who makes chaotic, nearly unforgivable decisions. Perhaps it’s women who identify with Laurel—a woman who admits she regrets marrying and having children at a young age without first taking time to understand herself. Or maybe it’s Chung’s appeal, or her subtle strength, that has sparked such a passionate discussion about where the character should go next.
Chung hasn’t received any updates from the authorities regarding a spin-off centered on Laurel, but she is familiar with the discussions and the excitement surrounding a possible prequel focusing on John, Laurel, and Susannah’s college years.
“I think it would be really fascinating to see how they all met, how Susannah and Laurel became friends, and how their relationship began,” Chung says. “I probably wouldn’t be involved. I don’t think I could play young Laurel anymore.” For the record, Chung is 46—not 62, as theshocking internet rumorfrom several years back would have you think.
It was completely unexpected, and my friends kept bringing it up to me, and I just thought no one would buy it, but everyone actually did,” Chung says with a laugh. “My niece said, ‘You should turn this into some kind of skincare brand.’ I replied, ‘It’s all made up. I’m not 65!’
Below, Jackie Chung from The Year I Became a Teenageranswer your most pressing questions about Laurel’s response to Belly’s engagement, the rumors surrounding her romance with Susannah, and her skincare regimen.
Muara Digital TeamI have numerous questions regarding Laurel. I’m certain you receive them daily now that season 3 is in full swing.
Jackie Chung:Sure. I have a few friends from high school who are part of a group chat. They’ll say, “Oh my goodness, this occurred.” Then someone else might respond, “Don’t let me know. I haven’t been able to watch yet.”
Are you still close with your high school friends, or did they suddenly start reaching out asking, “Hey, do you have any spoilers”?
No, I have a close group of friends from high school and another close group from college.
Are you frequently approached on the street by people seeking information?
I am sometimes stopped on the street. People haven’t asked me for spoilers. They usually just want to know which team I’m with. And they often question if it’s really me. This recently occurred during my kids’ camp drop-off. I don’t think people expect to see me at the camp pickup, I suppose.
I was wondering about the diner scene between Laurel and Conrad from episode 6, where he’s trying to convince her to accept Belly and Jeremiah’s wedding. I thought Laurel was on Conrad’s side… What’s your take on their relationship?
I believe they have a strong grasp of the other person’s personality and thought process simply because they are quite alike. Still, I do think Laurel is part of Team Belly.
I believe that even if the situation were reversed and Conrad had asked, she would still think it’s too soon. After all, Belly has many years left to complete her college education, then to discover her career and other relationships. So, while it might appear that she’s supporting Conrad, I truly believe she is and always will be loyal to Belly.
Besides both of them being somewhat quiet, what do you think makes their relationship so unique and different from Laurel’s relationship with Jeremiah?
I believe she has affection for both boys. However, I think she and Conrad, as I mentioned, are quite alike. They navigate the world in a comparable manner. I think they are very reflective individuals. They have deep care for the people in their lives. They are two people who keep their emotions private, and I think that’s why Laurel considers Conrad’s perspective on the wedding, because she knows he might find it “absurd” and may not think it’s the best choice for Belly and Jer, but he loves them enough to support them.
Belly and Laurel are experiencing a lot of conflict this season, but I wanted to ask for your perspective as a parent. If you had a 21-year-old child who told you they were planning to get married, even if it’s to someone they’ve known their entire life, what would your response be?
My children are still young. I’m not sure what will happen in the future, but I think I would feel the same as Laurel does. Why can’t you just hold off? Why not finish college and then reconsider later? What’s another year or two? If it’s truly the right decision, this relationship should still be there after you graduate.
So, would you back Laurel’s response in the manner she handled it?
Okay, listen. Laurel had a strong response. Still, I can understand her situation because the news was presented to her in a manner that caught her off guard and felt… I think it was just an inappropriate moment for it to be revealed, during her best friend’s dedication luncheon. I believe she might have reacted differently if they had approached her at home for a conversation, and also because Adam wasn’t there influencing the situation.
I believe Laurel is also projecting quite a bit. She mentions having many regrets and feeling as though she lost her sense of self after getting married and becoming a mother—that those roles became all-encompassing aspects of her identity. I think this is a very common experience for women, and I’m curious, how do you believe she is managing that challenge in her middle years?
I believe this is a challenge faced by mothers regardless of whether they become parents at 20, 30, or 40. It’s an ongoing balance between preserving your identity and sense of self while also fulfilling the role of a parent. I can relate to Laurel’s perspective. She is someone who prioritizes her career and independence, and I think she feels she lost those aspects by getting married and having children at a young age, which was a significant regret. She doesn’t want her daughter to experience the same feelings two decades later.
Talking about her relationships, the responses to Laurel and John reuniting have been divided. Did you discuss Laurel’s romantic life with Jenny Han before filming? Were you aware that Laurel and John were going to have a moment in season 3?
She mentioned it before we began filming, but that choice was determined during the scriptwriting process. It was a pleasant surprise since I enjoy collaborating with Colin, who is similar to John. He is very supportive and empathetic, and he’s truly a remarkable individual.
What are your thoughts on them reuniting, especially considering all the discussion we had about Laurel and her sense of regret regarding that early stage of her life?
I get the sense that Laurel is in a stage where she’s an empty nester, with her children no longer living at home, and she’s experiencing solitude for the first time in years. She’s reevaluating her life and considering what she wants next—perhaps writing a new book or seeking a new relationship. At this point, John seems to be, as she once described him, a warm and comforting campfire that feels safe and familiar. I believe they naturally return to those familiar roles.
I believe she will realize eventually whether it’s suitable for her at this stage in her life, but I think in the moments we’ve witnessed, it feels very positive. It feels great to have someone she can converse with and someone she feels at ease around.
Have they created a portmanteau already? Are we referring to them as Jorel or something else?
I would really like to give them one, but Jorel sounds terrible. Laurohn?
We’ll tackle it. Can you give a hint about what’s next for them? When we part ways, they’ve just connected, but they’re not in agreement.
There are more conversations…
I’d like to discuss the relationship between Susannah and Laurel. In season one, John mentions that he always felt there were three people in the marriage. Some people believe that now that Susannah is gone, it creates some room for Laurel and John to truly reconnect. What’s your take on this idea? Your expression seems to say it all right now…
I believe Laurel was in a relationship with John, and she shared a strong friendship with Susannah. I don’t think—since people have asked me recently and I’ve seen this question before—that Laurel and Susannah were romantically involved. I believe their connection was purely platonic, and in some ways, she might have felt more connected to Susanna. She was her supporter and the person she could truly trust and who comprehended her. However, there are two separate paths.
John was simply looking for someone to hold responsible.
It sounds like a man. There are many such theories around Laurel and Susannah. Did you ever have a conversation with Jenny or Rachel about how to depict that closeness without giving anyone something they might try to analyze?
We hadn’t discussed it before. It wasn’t until, I believe after the first season, when people began saying that. It never occurred to us. When Rachel mentioned it to me, I just laughed, saying, “Really?” That never even entered my mind. I think we connected immediately and developed this friendship both on and off screen, without ever considering any romantic feelings between them.
Do your children watch the program?
No. They are still too young—they are five and ten. Someone approached me while I was with my ten-year-old, and they said, “Oh my goodness, your mom is on the show. Are you very proud of her?” He replied, “I don’t know. I’ve never watched it, so I don’t even know if she’s good at it.”
So, I said, ‘Alright, I’ll show you a scene.’ I played a scene featuring Lola and me, I believe during the first episode of season three when we were moving her into college. She was teasing me for not having a life or friends, and he found it absolutely hilarious. He remarked, ‘Lola was amazing in that scene.’
That’s hilarious. Do your children know Lola and the other cast members?
I had my younger son with me during season one. I mean, he was a very young baby when we were there, but I still remember the cast. Lola and her family visited our house last month, and we all spent time together. My son was showing Lola video games, and she listened patiently to everything.
I also want to discuss Asian representation in media a bit—I’m half Japanese, and it can still be surprising to see a family that looks like mine because I’m not accustomed to it. What was your experience growing up, and how does it feel to be involved in this project?
When I was younger, there wasn’t much diversity in the media. I remember watching Connie Chung. It felt amazing that we shared the same last name and she was so smart and attractive, making her someone I admired greatly. However, I didn’t see people on television who looked like me.
It seems as though changes are occurring, yet it remains crucial for someone with my appearance to be represented on screen. I’ve encountered young Asian women who have told me how significant this is to them. I believe that’s where I experience it most deeply—seeing children recognize themselves on screen in a way I never did, and hoping it makes them feel acknowledged and connected to a broader dialogue.
One of the aspects I appreciate about the show is that it doesn’t focus on Belly being half Asian or “different.” She’s simply a teenager who is making errors, just like all of us did. Well, not exactly the same way that we all did, but…
Yes, I think there are subtle hints scattered throughout, and I’m not sure about you, but I believe that’s how it unfolds in my life. Occasionally, I might mention a small detail. I might say a Korean word or have a chat with other Asian friends, but I don’t live each day thinking, “I’m Asian. Now, this aspect influences me.” I am a woman, an actress, Asian, a mother. It’s all combined into one.
I believe that’s significant as well, since I don’t think people recognize how long some Asian families have been in this country. Often, the perception of an Asian parent is that of an immigrant. It’s refreshing for me to portray a parent who is similar to me, someone who was born and raised here.
Season 3 marks the last season—do you have any final reflections on the show?
I’ll miss collaborating with this cast and crew. I’ll miss being in Wilmington and visiting the beach. My children still mention it often. They constantly want to go there. In the end, it’s the whole experience and spending four years with everyone, seeing them grow and develop, as well as watching these characters evolve that I’ll truly miss. It has been a genuine blessing.
You talked about a few scenes that were your favorites. Is there one that stands out in your mind?
Well, I have a few, but I was really anticipating this Conrad scene in the final episode. I enjoyed it when I read it in the books, and I was thrilled that it was included in the series, which I thought it would be. It’s a significant moment.
Finally, is there a skincare regimen you could provide?
I don’t really do anything extraordinary. Also, lighting and makeup can have a significant impact, but I was talking to someone the other day about how I bought an LED mask. I also have a gua sha tool and this small ceramic item that you can fill with hot water to help relax the muscles. How many times have I actually used these items? Maybe four. I have all of them, but I don’t use them. I think I’m just being lazy. I’d rather just go to bed instead.
