Lee Jung-jae

Lee Jung-jae in 2025

Screen name	Lee Jung-jae (Korean: 이정재)
Birthdate	December 15, 1972
Birthplace	Seoul, South Korea
Profession	Actor

Lee Jung-jae (이정재) is a renowned South Korean actor, filmmaker, and businessman who has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic performances and versatile talents. Born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, Lee has become one of the most successful and celebrated actors in South Korea, earning global recognition for his work across film and television. He rose to international stardom with his breakthrough role as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix’s acclaimed series Squid Game, making history as the first Asian actor to receive major nominations and wins at the Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

Lee’s career spans over three decades, during which he has delivered memorable performances in diverse genres including romance, thriller, action, and drama. Beyond acting, he is also an accomplished filmmaker and entrepreneur with ventures ranging from restaurant ownership to real estate development. Known for his artistic integrity and business acumen, Lee continues to influence Korean pop culture and global entertainment. This page covers his personal life, career milestones, business interests, philanthropy, and more.

Personal Life and Education

Lee Jung-jae was born and raised in the Jung District of Seoul. Early on, he was discovered as a fashion model before making his acting debut in the 1993 television drama Dinosaur Teacher. Determined to hone his craft, Lee pursued formal education in theater and film, enrolling at Dongguk University. He later completed his master's degree in Theater & Film Art at Dongguk’s Graduate School of Cultural Arts in 2008. His academic background helped deepen his understanding of performance and directing, contributing to his artistic growth.

Relationships

Lee Jung-jae has maintained a relatively private personal life. In 2015, he publicly confirmed a relationship with Im Se-ryung. Before that, he was linked to actress Kim Min-hee. Despite media attention, Lee keeps his relationships discreet and focuses on his career and business pursuits.

Legal Issues

Lee’s life has not been without controversy. In 1999, he was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after crashing his BMW, with a high blood alcohol content of 0.269%. His driver’s license was revoked. A second DUI in 2002 resulted in another license revocation. These incidents caused temporary setbacks but did not diminish his career momentum.

Career

Lee Jung-jae’s career began in the early 1990s when he quickly gained fame for his roles in television dramas such as Sandglass (1995) and Feelings (1994). His breakout film role came with An Affair (1998), which won critical acclaim. Throughout the 2000s, Lee experienced career fluctuations but found renewed success with hits like Il Mare (2000), The Housemaid (2010), and The Thieves (2012).

In 2021, Lee’s portrayal of Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game catapulted him to international fame. His performance garnered nominations at major awards and historic wins, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Lee’s work extends beyond acting; he made his directorial debut with the spy action film Hunt (2022), which premiered at Cannes.

Upcoming projects include starring roles in the second and third seasons of Squid Game, as well as the lead in the Star Wars Disney+ series The Acolyte.

Other Work

Lee Jung-jae is also an honorary ambassador for cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Korea. He has narrated documentaries on contemporary art and frequently participates in art exhibitions and cultural events, blending his passion for art with his public persona.

Business Ventures

Outside of entertainment, Lee is a successful entrepreneur. He owns a chain of upscale Italian restaurants in Seoul named after his film Il Mare, showcasing his interior design skills. In 2008, he founded Seorim C&D, a real estate development company. Alongside close friend and fellow actor Jung Woo-sung, he co-owns multiple businesses, including the Artist Company entertainment label established in 2016, where they serve as CEOs.

Philanthropy

Lee is active in charitable work, notably donating ₩100 million alongside Jung Woo-sung to assist victims of wildfires in 2022 through the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association. His philanthropy earned him membership in the Hope Bridge Honors Club, recognizing major donors contributing significant support to disaster relief efforts.

Ambassadorship

Lee has been appointed as a public relations ambassador for the 2030 Busan World Expo and has represented Seoul Fashion Week alongside Choi So-ra. In 2021, he became a global ambassador for luxury brand Gucci, enhancing his presence in the fashion and global luxury market. Additionally, he was awarded the prestigious Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit by the South Korean government for his contributions to culture and the arts.

Filmography

Films

Drama Series

Other Credits

• Hunt (2022) - as a director and screenwriter

Awards

• "Best New Director" ("Hunt") - 2022 (43rd) Blue Dragon Film Awards - November 25, 2022
• "Best Style" - 2015 (51st) BaekSang Arts Awards - May 26, 2015
• "Best Supporting Actor" ("The Face Reader") - 2014 (50th) BaekSang Arts Awards - May 27, 2014
• "CJ CGV Star Award" ("The Face Reader"/"New World") - 2013 (33rd) Korean Association of Film Critics Awards - November 29, 2013
• "Best Supporting Actor" ("The Face Reader") - 2013 (34th) Blue Dragon Film Awards - November 22, 2013
• "Best Actor" ("The Housemaid") - 2011 (31st) Fantasporto International Film Festival - February 21-March 6, 2011