Lee Jung-jae: Detailed Biography and Career Overview
Lee Jung-jae (이정재) is a renowned South Korean actor, model, and filmmaker known for his versatile roles in both television and film. He gained global fame for his performance in Netflix’s Squid Game (2021) and has since expanded his career internationally.
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Lee Jung-jae (이정재)
- Date of Birth: December 15, 1972
- Age: 52 years
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Height: 1.8 m (5’11”)
- Education: Dongguk University (Theater and Film Major)
- Partner: Im Se-ryung (Businesswoman)
Early Life and Education:
- Lee Jung-jae was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea.
- He studied Theater and Film at Dongguk University and later earned a Master’s degree in Fine Arts.
- He began his career as a fashion model before transitioning into acting.
Acting Career:
Breakthrough and Early Career:
- Lee debuted in the 1993 drama series “Dinosaur Teacher” and soon gained popularity.
- His breakthrough came with the drama “Sandglass” (1995), a landmark series in South Korean television history.
Film Success:
- “An Affair” (1998): Established him as a leading man in romance films.
- “The Housemaid” (2010): Gained international attention.
- “New World” (2013): Portrayed a deep, complex role in a crime thriller.
- “Deliver Us from Evil” (2020): Reinforced his status as a versatile action star.
Squid Game (2021):
- Played Seong Gi-hun, the main protagonist in Netflix’s global hit series “Squid Game”.
- The role earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2022.
- He became the first Asian actor to win this category.
Recent Projects:
- The Acolyte (2024): His Hollywood debut, a Star Wars prequel series.
- Hunt (2022): His directorial debut and a spy thriller where he also starred.
Directorial Career:
- Directed and starred in the spy thriller Hunt (2022), receiving critical acclaim for both acting and directing.
- Hunt premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and showcased his talent behind the camera.
Awards and Achievements:
- Primetime Emmy Award (2022) – Outstanding Lead Actor for Squid Game
- Screen Actors Guild Award – Best Actor in a Drama Series
- Baeksang Arts Awards – Multiple wins for Best Actor
- Critics’ Choice Television Award – Nominated for Squid Game
Endorsements and Modeling Career:
- Began his career as a fashion model in the early 1990s.
- Brand Ambassador for luxury brands like Gucci and Cartier.
- Known for his elegant fashion sense and multiple international endorsements.
Philanthropy and Public Image:
- Active in philanthropy, supporting causes related to child welfare and arts education.
- Praised for his humility and dedication to his craft despite global fame.
Personal Life:
- In a relationship with Im Se-ryung, a prominent businesswoman and former wife of Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong.
- Maintains a private personal life with limited public appearances outside work.
Filmography:
Movies:
- The Housemaid (2010)
- New World (2013)
- Assassination (2015)
- Deliver Us from Evil (2020)
- Hunt (2022, also directed)
TV Shows:
- Sandglass (1995)
- Chief of Staff (2019-2020)
- Squid Game (2021-Present)
- The Acolyte (2024)
Social Media Presence:
- Instagram: @from_jjlee – 5.6M+ followers
- Twitter: Not officially active
- YouTube: N/A
Lee Jung-jae has become one of South Korea’s most influential actors, with a career spanning over three decades. His success in Squid Game and subsequent Hollywood debut mark a significant milestone for Asian representation in global entertainment. Balancing acting, directing, and modeling, Lee continues to be a major figure in both the Korean and international film industries.
