Thanks to the global phenomenon that is Squid Game—which remains Netflix’s most-watched series ever—Lee Jung-jae has become one of the most recognizable faces of Korean entertainment. In recent months, he’s been making waves on the promotional circuit, appearing on popular American talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Jennifer Hudson Show, as well as YouTube programs like Hot Ones. These appearances build anticipation for the second season of the show.

While many Western audiences were first introduced to Lee through his role as Seong Gi-hun in the dystopian survival thriller, his impressive career in South Korea spans over three decades. Lee has long been regarded as one of South Korea’s most talented and versatile actors.

An Unexpected Acting Career
Interestingly, acting wasn’t Lee’s initial plan. In several interviews, including recent ones on American talk shows, Lee revealed that he had planned to work at an interior design company. While working part-time at a café, he quit to pursue a promising modeling opportunity. After a short but successful modeling stint, opportunities in television and film came knocking, eventually solidifying his acting career.

Rise to Fame in K-Drama
Lee’s acting breakthrough came in 1995 with the iconic K-drama Sandglass (Hourglass), one of Korea’s most beloved TV series. Lee’s portrayal of the female lead’s bodyguard earned him national recognition, skyrocketing him to heartthrob status. The show was so popular at the time that it reportedly left streets and restaurants deserted whenever it aired. Fans were so smitten that they left messages on the walls of Lee’s apartment building and caused traffic jams at fan meetings.

A Star of Korean Cinema
Although Western audiences know Lee mostly for Squid Game, his career has largely been defined by his success in Korean films. He has appeared in over 30 movies, including box office hits like The Thieves, Assassination, and the Along with the Gods series. His 2000 romantic fantasy Il Mare inspired the Hollywood remake The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Lee is also known for his acclaimed performance in the Korean crime thriller New World (2013), which was remade into the 2018 Indian film Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.

Breaking Barriers at the Emmys
In 2022, Lee became the first Asian actor to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in Squid Game. This historic win highlighted the global reach of South Korean entertainment and Lee’s exceptional talent. To date, Lee has won over 40 domestic and international awards for his performances in film and TV, including South Korea’s prestigious Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the nation’s highest cultural honor.

Success, Wealth, and a Humble Beginning
Lee is now one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, reportedly earning $1 million per episode for Squid Game’s second season. Previously, actors like Kim Soo-hyun held this title, earning approximately $412,000 per episode in other high-profile dramas. Despite this success, Lee has never forgotten his humble beginnings. He has shared anecdotes about growing up poor, including attending birthday parties without gifts and struggling to afford school tuition. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a taxi driver, envisioning a job where he could earn money daily.

From Actor to Director
Lee expanded his career to filmmaking in 2022 with the spy thriller Hunt, marking his directorial debut. In the film, he starred alongside his friend and business partner, Jung Woo-sung. Hunt earned critical acclaim, with Lee winning several awards, including Best New Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, often referred to as South Korea’s Oscars.

Co-Founder of an Entertainment Empire
In 2016, Lee and Jung Woo-sung co-founded Artist Company, a leading South Korean entertainment agency. The company represents a roster of notable actors, including Park So-dam (Parasite), Go Ah-sung (Snowpiercer), and Yum Jung-ah (Sky Castle). Artist Company recently merged with Artist United, a marketing and advertising firm, to offer comprehensive services in artist management, content production, and distribution. Both Lee and Jung have used their platform to contribute to disaster relief efforts and support charitable organizations like the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association.

Role Models
Lee has credited veteran Korean actors Lee Soon-jae and Ahn Sung-ki as significant inspirations in his career. In interviews, he praised Lee Soon-jae for his commitment to his craft and diverse roles. At 90 years old, Lee Soon-jae continues to receive accolades, inspiring younger generations. Ahn Sung-ki, whom Lee described as pivotal to Korean cinema’s modern era, has not only impressed with his acting talent but also his kindness in real life.

Personal Life
Lee’s partner since 2015, Lim Se-ryung, is a prominent figure in the Korean business world. As the vice chairwoman of the Daesang Group, Lim is part of South Korea’s elite chaebol (family-run conglomerate) society. Lim is also the ex-wife of Samsung Electronics’ executive chairman Lee Jae-yong. Lee Jung-jae and Lim have made public appearances at prestigious events, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Emmy Awards.

By Damyan Ivanov

My name is Damyan Ivanov and i was born in 1998 in Varna, Bulgaria. Graduated high school in 2016 and since then i'm working on wordpress news websites.