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Lee Won-JongSouth Korean actor
Date of Birth: 01.01.1966
Country:  South Korea |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Accidental Journey to Acting
- Military Service
- Film Career
- Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim
- Later Career
- Personal Life
- Current Projects
Early Life and Education
Lee Won-jong, a charismatic South Korean actor, was born on January 1, 1966, in Buyeo County, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. After graduating from Daeshin Middle & High Schools, he enrolled in Kyunghee University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration.
Accidental Journey to Acting
Despite having an interest in politics, Lee's path to acting was somewhat serendipitous. Initially, he intended to join a drinking club with friends but instead followed an attractive woman into a theater troupe. Leaving his initial pursuits behind, he briefly studied Political Science and International Relations at Sungkyunkwan University and Philosophy at Chungnam National University.
Military Service
In 2015, Lee completed his mandatory military service in the 30th Infantry Division.
Film Career
Early Struggles and BreakthroughLee's acting debut came in 1991 with a small role in KBS2's "Love School." He strived to gain recognition but initially received only uncredited roles, such as in 1994's "Coffee, Copy, Blood." His breakthrough came with the 1999 film "Two Cops 3" alongside Bo-sung Kim, followed by another action movie, "Nowhere to Hide."
Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim
Lee's performance in the crime comedy "Attack the Gas Station!" brought him critical acclaim, earning the film a spot on Steven Schneider's list of "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die." He also starred in the family drama "Dalryeora Oleomma" and the period drama "Master of the Seas."
In the 2007 SBS Drama Awards, Lee won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ma Dong-po in "War Of Money," based on the comic book of the same name. Other notable projects included the horror-comedy "Vampire Prosecutor," the thriller "Remember," and the popular dramas "Undercover" and "The Girl Who Can See Smells."
Later Career
In 2018, Lee took on the lead role in the sports drama "God of Ice," cementing his versatility as an actor. He continued to portray detective roles, most notably in the crime drama "Possession."
Personal Life
Lee enjoys a happy marriage with his wife, Kim Young-hwa, who he met while they were both members of the theater troupe "Michu." They have two daughters. Despite his age, Lee maintains a healthy physique, standing at 180 cm and weighing around 80 kg. He values privacy and refrains from posting family photos on social media.
Current Projects
In 2022, Lee starred in the Netflix series "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area," a remake of the Spanish heist drama "Money Heist." The series brought together a stellar cast, including Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-soo, Jeon Jong-seo, and Lee Kim Ji-hoon.
