Lee Jeong-jae South Korean actor Date of Birth: 15.12.1972 Country: South Korea

1. Lee Jung-jae: A Journey from Modeling to Global Stardom
2. Early Life and Education
3. Film Career
4. Critical Successes and International Recognition
5. Return to Film and Accolades
6. Career Resurgence and International Breakthrough
7. Business Ventures and Honors
8. Personal Life
9. Global Phenomenon: Squid Game

Lee Jung-jae: A Journey from Modeling to Global Stardom

South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae has carved a remarkable path in his homeland and internationally. From the runways to the big screen, he has risen to become a star on both fronts. After a period of career stagnation, Lee made a triumphant return and gained worldwide fame just before his 50th birthday, playing the lead role in a top-rated drama.

Early Life and Education

Lee Jung-jae was born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea. After graduating high school, he pursued a degree in Theater and Film at the private Dongguk University but initially struggled to find work as an actor. In his youth, Lee worked at a café, where he was spotted by a renowned designer who recognized his charisma and offered him a job as a model. For several years, Lee graced the catwalks and starred in photoshoots, honing his skills in the fashion industry.

Film Career

Lee made his film debut in 1993 with the drama "Dinosaur Teacher," which led to leading roles in feature films and television series. His breakthrough came with the 1995 crime drama "Young Man," for which he won prestigious South Korean awards as Best New Actor. After starring in the university drama "Feelings," Lee became a household name.

Critical Successes and International Recognition

Lee's next major success came in 1998 with the drama "City of the Rising Sun," for which he received another Blue Dragon Film Award and recognition from the Korean Association of Film Critics. Two years later, he headlined the romantic drama "Il Mare," the rights to which were later acquired by Warner Bros. The 2006 remake, "The Lake House," featured Keanu Reeves in the role originated by Lee.

In 2003, Lee starred in the comedy "Oh! Brothers," his most successful film at the time, with over 3 million viewers in South Korea. However, Lee disappeared from screens for two years following this hit.

Return to Film and Accolades

Returning in the mid-2000s, Lee sought to recapture his former glory, appearing sporadically in films and dramas. During this time, he pursued higher education, earning a Master's degree in Theater and Film Studies from Dongguk University. He also made his theater debut in 2008.

Lee's career began to revive in 2010 when he was cast in the erotic thriller "The Handmaiden," which screened at the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, earning nominations for several South Korean and Asian awards.

Career Resurgence and International Breakthrough

From this point forward, Lee's screen career steadily climbed back up. In 2012, he starred in the comedy action film "The Thieves," currently the sixth highest-grossing film in South Korean history. The following year saw the release of "New World," which earned Lee a Blue Dragon Film Award and a Baeksang Arts Award as Best Supporting Actor.

In 2015, Lee played the lead in the espionage thriller "Assassination," set during the Japanese occupation of Korea and China in the 1930s. For this role, he won the Buil Film Award for Best Actor and was named Actor of the Year at the Marie Claire Asia Star Festival.

Business Ventures and Honors

In addition to acting, Lee has also pursued business interests. He has opened menswear and lingerie stores, which he later closed. Lee is also the owner of a real estate development company and an entertainment label. In his hometown, the actor has established a chain of Italian restaurants named "Il Mare" in honor of the film he starred in in 2000.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Lee remained a bachelor for many years. In the early 2000s, he dated actress Kim Min-hee, but their relationship ended after three years.

Following the breakup, rumors circulated that Lee was dating Im Se-ryung, the eldest daughter of the president of a South Korean conglomerate dealing in oil, gas, auto parts, and other products. The actor and his alleged partner denied the claims, stating that they were friends and business associates.

In early 2020, Lee surprised fans by revealing that he had secretly married and had children. On a fan website, he wrote that he had tied the knot in 2009 and welcomed a daughter a year later. Three years after that, his wife gave birth to their son. Lee apologized to fans for keeping this information private for so many years, explaining that he wanted to protect his loved ones from the public scrutiny that had come with his fame. The actor also stated that his family resides overseas.

Lee has long kept his personal life out of the spotlight, avoiding social media until October 2021 when he created an Instagram account, posting a selfie. He later filled the page with videos from film sets and personal photos.

Global Phenomenon: Squid Game

Lee Jung-jae's latest cinematic endeavor is the nine-episode drama series "Squid Game," which premiered on Netflix in September 2021. The plot follows a group of volunteers who participate in deadly children's games for a massive cash prize of $38.5 million.

Lee portrays a chauffeur and gambling addict in dire need of money to pay off debts. The other lead role went to fellow South Korean actress Jung Ho-yeon, who also started her career as a model. Upon release, the series skyrocketed to the top of viewership charts in over 90 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.