Lee Jung-jae, the South Korean actor who captured global attention as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix's blockbuster series Squid Game, has become one of the most recognizable faces of the Korean Wave. With the release of the highly anticipated second season on December 26, 2024, fans around the world are revisiting the career of this Emmy-winning performer, who was already a respected television and film actor in South Korea long before he became known as Player 456.
In this profile, we take an in-depth look at Lee Jung-jae's life, from his early days as a café worker and model to his international stardom, business ventures, personal relationships, and recent Hollywood projects.
Who is Lee Jung-jae?
Lee Jung-jae was born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea, which makes him a Sagittarius. He stands at 1.80 meters (about 5 feet 11 inches). While international audiences first encountered him in Squid Game, he had already built an impressive career spanning more than three decades and over 30 domestic and international productions.
His route to stardom was not conventional. Before acting, Lee worked at a coffee shop in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul. It was there that the late fashion designer Ha Yong-soo noticed him and suggested he try modeling. Lee took the advice, spent several years working as a model, and ultimately transitioned into acting. In 1993, he made his television debut and soon became a familiar presence on South Korean screens.
Early career and business ventures
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Lee established himself as a versatile actor, appearing in both dramas and feature films. His international breakthrough came in 2000 with the lead role in Il Mare, a romantic fantasy movie that was later remade in Hollywood as The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. The original remains a beloved classic in Korean cinema, remembered for its moody atmosphere and emotional depth.
Over the years, Lee has taken on a wide range of challenging projects, including the crime drama New World (2013), the historical film The Face Reader (2013), and the action thriller Deliver Us from Evil (2020). He has also appeared in ensemble films such as The Thieves (2012) and in the political drama series Chief of Staff (2019). His performances have earned him numerous local awards and cemented his reputation as one of South Korea's most committed actors.
Lee has also become an entrepreneur. Together with his close friend, actor Jung Woo-sung, he co-founded the management agency Artist Company in 2016. The agency represents a number of Korean entertainment stars and has expanded into content production over the years. In November 2024, Artist Company merged with Artist United, creating a larger entertainment group with broader business ambitions.
In addition to his agency, Lee owns Il Mare, a high-end Italian restaurant in Seoul that opened in 2008 and takes its name from his celebrated film. He is also involved in real estate, and his various business interests have contributed to an estimated net worth of about $12 million, according to online entertainment trackers. While official figures remain private, his earnings are expected to grow further thanks to global exposure from Squid Game and lucrative endorsement deals.
Squid Game and global fame
The first season of Squid Game arrived on Netflix in September 2021 and quickly became a worldwide cultural event. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series follows a group of financially struggling individuals who risk their lives in a series of deadly children's games for a chance to win billions of won. Lee plays Seong Gi-hun, a divorced father burden
Source: watson.ch/fr News