Who is Lee Jung-jae?
Lee Jung-jae is a celebrated South Korean actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur who rose to global prominence with his role as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix’s Squid Game. Born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee began his career as a fashion model before transitioning into acting in the early 1990s. Over the decades, he has built a reputation as one of Korea’s most versatile and respected actors, known for his commanding screen presence and ability to portray complex characters across genres.
Lee Jung-jae Movies and TV Shows
Lee’s acting career spans over 30 years, with standout performances in both film and television:
Notable Films:
- An Affair (1998) – His breakout film role
- City of the Rising Sun (1999)
- Il Mare (2000) – Later remade in Hollywood as The Lake House
- The Housemaid (2010)
- New World (2013)
- The Thieves (2012)
- Deliver Us from Evil (2020)
- Hunt (2022) – Also his directorial debut
TV Dramas:
- Feelings (1994)
- Sandglass (1995) – A cultural phenomenon in Korea
- Chief of Staff (2019)
- Squid Game (2021–2025)
Lee Jung-jae Daughter and Kids
Lee Jung-jae does not have any biological children. However, his long-time partner, Lim Se-ryung, has two children from her previous marriage to Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong. While Lee is not their biological father, he is often associated with them due to his relationship with Lim.
Lee Jung-jae Net Worth
As of 2025, Lee Jung-jae’s estimated net worth is around $12.7 million. His wealth comes not only from his acting career but also from his successful ventures in business. He co-founded the Artist Company, a talent management agency, and owns a chain of restaurants and a real estate development firm called Seorim C&D. Who is Alyssa Eckstein?
Lee Jung-jae Wife and Girlfriend
Lee is not married, but he has been in a high-profile relationship with Lim Se-ryung since 2015. Lim is the vice chairwoman of Daesang Group, one of South Korea’s largest conglomerates. Their relationship has been public for nearly a decade, and they are often seen attending international events together.
Lee Jung-jae in Squid Game
Lee’s portrayal of Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) in Squid Game catapulted him to international stardom. His character—a down-on-his-luck gambler who enters a deadly survival game—resonated with audiences worldwide. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award, making him the first Asian male actor to win in that category. He reprised the role in Seasons 2 and 3, with the final season released in June 2025.
Lee Jung-jae Height
Lee stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall. His tall, lean frame contributed to his early success as a fashion model before he transitioned into acting.
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Lee Jung-jae Age
Born on December 15, 1972, Lee is currently 52 years old. Despite being in his 50s, he continues to take on physically demanding roles and remains a leading figure in Korean entertainment.
Lee Jung-jae Ethnicity
Jung-jae is of Korean ethnicity. He was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, and his cultural background is deeply rooted in Korean traditions and values. Throughout his career, he has often portrayed characters that reflect various aspects of Korean society, history, and identity, further emphasizing his connection to his heritage.
Lee Jung-jae Family
Lee was born to Lee Chul-seong, his father. His mother’s name is not publicly known. He also has an older brother who is autistic, and Lee has spoken openly about the challenges and responsibilities he faced growing up in a family with limited means. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience.
Is Lee Jung-jae Married?
No, Lee is not married. Despite his long-term relationship with Lim Se-ryung, the couple has not tied the knot and has expressed a desire to keep their private life out of the spotlight.
Lee Jung-jae Parents
Lee’s father is Lee Chul-seong. Details about his mother remain private. His family background was modest, and he has often credited his parents for instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Who is khaman Maluach?
Lee Jung-jae Education
Jung-jae pursued his education with a strong focus on the arts, particularly in acting and film. He attended Sungui Elementary School, followed by Cheongdam Middle School, and later graduated from Hyundai Senior High School in Seoul.
For higher education, he enrolled at Dongguk University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions for performing arts. There, he studied in the Department of Theater & Film Art, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His master’s thesis focused on acting techniques, specifically analyzing his role in the film Typhoon, showcasing his academic dedication to his craft.
Lee’s formal training in theater and film laid the foundation for his nuanced performances and helped him transition seamlessly from modeling to acting. His education continues to be a cornerstone of his professional discipline and artistic depth.
Lee Jung-jae Birthday
Lee celebrates his birthday on December 15 each year. Fans around the world often take to social media to honor the actor with tributes, fan art, and birthday messages.
Lee Jung-jae’s journey from a café worker discovered by a fashion designer to a global Emmy-winning actor is nothing short of remarkable. Whether he’s playing a romantic lead, a ruthless gangster, or a desperate game contestant, Lee brings depth and charisma to every role. And with Squid Game now a cultural touchstone, his legacy is firmly cemented in both Korean and global entertainment history.
Lee Jung-jae instagram
Lee Jung-jae is active on Instagram under the handle @from_jjlee. He launched his account in October 2021, shortly after the global success of Squid Game, and quickly gained a massive following. As of 2025, he has over 4.2 million followers.
His Instagram feed offers a mix of behind-the-scenes glimpses from film sets, red carpet appearances, personal moments with friends and co-stars, and occasional throwback photos. Fans especially enjoy his candid selfies and his interactions with fellow actors like Jung Woo-sung and BTS’s V. His posts often reflect his playful personality and evolving aesthetic—from “dad selfies” to more polished, professional shots.