[1] Jin was born in Mujang-myeon, Gochang County in North Jeolla province, as the daughter of a female shaman.

At age 22, she was sent by Shin to perform at Nakseongyeon in Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Gyeongbok Palace, where a celebratory dinner took place, disguised as a man.

The Daewongun appreciated Jin's singing talent and kept her at the palace as a court singer.

When the Daewongun fell out of power, Jin returned to her already ill mentor and stayed by his side until his death.

But it is also said that Empress Myeongseong might have killed her or that Jin might have fled to China and lived a quiet life then on.