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Lee HoneySouth Korean actress, model, musician
Date of Birth: 02.03.1983
Country:  South Korea |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Foray into Acting and Breakthrough
- Versatility and Critical Accolades
- Musical Endeavors and Personal Life
- Ongoing Projects
Early Life and Education
Lee Ha-nuiemerged into the world on March 2, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea. Born into a prominent family, she is the daughter of Lee Sang-oub, a high-ranking official in the National Intelligence Service, and Moon Jae-sook, a music professor specializing in Korean music history. Her maternal uncle, Moon Hee-sang, holds a distinguished career as a politician and served as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Growing up, Lee's musical inclinations led her to pursue a career in music alongside her elder sister. She obtained a master's degree in traditional Korean music from Seoul National University, where she formed lifelong friendships with future actresses Kim Tae-hee and Oh Yoon-ah.
Foray into Acting and Breakthrough
Lee Ha-nui's path into acting commenced with her participation in the Miss Korea beauty pageant. Her triumph at the national level propelled her to represent her country at the prestigious Miss Universe competition. This exposure opened doors for her in the entertainment industry.
In her early acting career, Lee graced the screens in popular dramas such as "Partners" and "Pasta," alongside esteemed actors Lee Dong-wook and Gong Hyo-jin. While her striking appearance initially typecast her as a beautiful woman, her talent soon shone through.
Lee's portrayal in the family drama "Daughters-in-Law" earned her critical acclaim and her first acting award at the MBC Drama Awards. Her cinematic debut came in the 2011 film "Champ." Subsequent supporting roles in "The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil" and "I Am the King" further showcased her versatility.
Versatility and Critical Accolades
In "War of Flowers II," Lee portrayed the enigmatic widow Ha-ni, demonstrating her ability to embody complex characters. She also joined the cast of the melodrama "Modern Farmer," in which she starred opposite Lee Hong-ki and Lee Si-eon.
Lee's filmography continued to expand, encompassing diverse genres such as the historical drama "Shine or Go Crazy" (as Queen Daemok) and the sci-fi film "Robot, Sori" (2015).
The comedy-drama "Hello Ghost" and the historical drama "The Rebel Hong Gil-dong" (2017) brought forth rave reviews for Lee's performances.
Her comedic chops were showcased in the action comedy "Extreme Job," where she played a detective. In the series "The Fiery Priest," she transformed into a medical examiner's assistant, sharing the screen with Kim Nam-gil. Both projects achieved commercial success and further boosted her popularity.
Musical Endeavors and Personal Life
Beyond her acting prowess, Lee Ha-nui is also an accomplished musician. Proficient in traditional Korean instruments and singing, she has released four albums and performed on renowned international stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York.
In 2018, she played a pivotal role in the closing ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where she performed an innovative interpretation of the traditional Chosun Dynasty royal dance.
Lee Ha-nui found personal fulfillment when she married an office worker of Korean-American descent in a private ceremony in late 2021. The couple welcomed their daughter in June 2022, whom they shield from the public eye.
A devout Protestant, Lee regularly attends church and reads from the Bible. She maintains an active lifestyle and remains renowned for her striking physique.
Ongoing Projects
Lee Ha-nui's busy schedule includes the comedy-melodrama "Mr. and Mrs. X," co-starring Lee Sung-gyun and Gong Myung. The film premiered worldwide in 2023.
She is also set to headline the upcoming series "Night Flower," where she will play the role of the widowed Jo Yeo-hwa, scheduled to release in early 2024.
