Model · South Korea
Lee Bo Young
이보영
Lee Bo-young is a South Korean actress who rose to prominence with My Daughter Seo-young (2012) and won acclaim for I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), playing public defender Jang Hye-sung.
Biography
Lee Bo Young, born on January 12, 1979, in Seoul, South Korea, initially started her career in the entertainment industry as a model. After winning the Miss Korea Daejeon Chungnam beauty pageant in 2000, she gained visibility and began to pursue a path in acting. Her early roles in minor dramas allowed her to build a foundation in acting, gradually proving her talent and passion. She made her official acting debut in People of the Water Flower Village (2004) and soon captured the attention of both audiences and critics with her emotional range and expressive performances.
Her career took a major leap with the 2012 drama My Daughter Seo-young, where she played the role of a young woman who harbors resentment toward her family. This drama was a massive hit in South Korea, establishing her as a lead actress and earning her recognition as one of Korea’s most compelling performers. The drama’s success also marked her as a household name, and she went on to take roles in other popular series, notably I Can Hear Your Voice (2013). Her portrayal of Jang Hye-sung, a determined public defender, earned her widespread praise and several awards, further establishing her versatility as an actress.
In 2013, Lee Bo Young married fellow actor Ji Sung, whom she met on the set of the 2004 drama Save the Last Dance for Me. The couple’s relationship has been warmly embraced by fans, and they have since welcomed two children into their family. Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung are known for supporting each other’s careers, often attending each other's premieres and cheering on one another publicly. This strong family support has been a cornerstone of Lee Bo Young's personal and professional life, providing a balanced foundation as she continues to thrive in the industry.
Throughout her career, Lee Bo Young has continued to take on diverse roles, demonstrating a profound depth and authenticity in her performances. In recent years, she starred in Mother (2018), where her role as a teacher who becomes a protective figure for a young girl earned her critical acclaim. Known for her grace, dedication, and emotional intensity, Lee Bo Young remains a respected figure in the Korean entertainment industry, with fans eagerly awaiting her future projects. Her journey from modeling to acclaimed actress reflects her commitment to her craft.
Profile data
- Stage name
- Lee Bo Young
- Native name
- 이보영
- Nationality
- South Korean
- Gender
- Female
- Date of birth
- 12 January 1979
- Age
- 47
- Birthplace
- Seoul, South Korea
- Zodiac
- Capricorn
- Chinese zodiac
- Horse
- Height
- 168 cm (5'6")
- Children
- Daughter Kwak Bo-bae (born June 12, 2015), Son Kwak Bo-ah (born February 5, 2019)
- Portrait source
- TMDB API
- Rights holder
- TMDB / respective copyright holder
- Usage basis
- Editorial use via TMDB API, non-commercial reference
- Metadata source
- TMDB, Wikipedia, and other sources cited in the record
- Last updated
- 29 September 2026
- Editor
- Claude (AI content review)
About Lee Bo Young
Hobbies
- Reading Literature: Lee Bo Young is an avid reader and often shares her love for books. She enjoys reading novels and self-help books, finding relaxation and inspiration through literature.
- Traveling: She loves traveling with her family and enjoys exploring new destinations. Lee finds travel refreshing and views it as a way to experience different cultures and perspectives.
- Photography: Lee Bo Young has a keen interest in photography. She enjoys capturing scenic views and special moments, which allows her to unwind and practice creativity outside of acting.
- Gardening: Known for her grounded personality, she finds peace in gardening. Taking care of plants helps her relax and serves as a refreshing break from her busy career.
- Cooking: She enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, especially when cooking for her family. Lee finds cooking to be a rewarding hobby that allows her to express love and care through meals.
Interests
- Environmental Conservation: Lee Bo Young is interested in environmental conservation and has participated in campaigns promoting eco-friendly practices, encouraging sustainable living.
- Parenting: As a mother of two, she takes an active interest in parenting and child development, often sharing insights on raising children in a balanced and supportive environment.
- Korean Literature and Poetry: Lee has a deep appreciation for Korean literature and poetry, often exploring traditional and contemporary Korean works that resonate with her culture.
- Charitable Work: She is involved in various charitable causes, including child welfare and education. Lee Bo Young actively supports campaigns that focus on helping underprivileged children.
- Health and Fitness: Lee Bo Young maintains an active lifestyle and is committed to fitness, including yoga and pilates. She believes in the importance of staying healthy, both mentally and physically.
Facts
- Pageant Winner: Before acting, Lee Bo Young won the Miss Korea Daejeon Chungnam title in 2000, which opened doors for her in modeling and acting.
- Marriage to Actor Ji Sung: Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung married in 2013, after dating for several years. The couple is one of the most beloved in the Korean entertainment industry.
- Educational Background: She studied Korean Literature at Seoul Women's University, which reflects her love for literature and language.
- Versatile Actress: Known for her diverse roles, she has starred in everything from romantic dramas like I Can Hear Your Voice to intense thrillers like Mother.
- Strong Work Ethic: Lee is known for her dedication and work ethic. She carefully selects roles and always strives to bring authenticity to her characters, gaining her a reputation for professionalism.
Funny moments
- Easily Startled: Lee Bo Young is easily startled by loud noises, which her family and co-stars find amusing. Her surprised reactions are often a source of light-hearted laughter.
- Known for Her “Serious” Expressions: Despite her cheerful personality, Lee has a habit of unintentionally looking serious or focused, which her friends and family sometimes tease her about.
- Playfully Competitive with Ji Sung: She and her husband Ji Sung enjoy playful competition, particularly in games. Their friendly rivalry is a fun part of their relationship.
- Can’t Handle Spicy Food: Although she enjoys a variety of foods, Lee has a low tolerance for spicy dishes, often reacting dramatically to even mildly spicy meals.
- Laughing Fits: Known to occasionally have uncontrollable laughter during filming, Lee’s infectious laughter lightens the mood on set and brings humor to her team.
Fears and dislikes
- Public Speaking: Although confident in acting, Lee Bo Young feels nervous about public speaking and avoids large speaking events when possible.
- Height Phobia: She has a fear of heights, making elevated scenes challenging. Lee prefers to avoid high places, and when necessary, takes extra precautions.
- Fear of Not Meeting Expectations: Lee Bo Young has a strong sense of responsibility toward her fans and fears not living up to their expectations, which motivates her to perform her best.
- Crowded Spaces: As someone who values peace and personal space, she feels uncomfortable in extremely crowded places and prefers quiet environments.
- Sudden Fame: Early in her career, Lee felt nervous about the sudden attention that came with fame. She has since learned to balance her public and private lives, but still values privacy.
Lee Bo Young shows and movies
Guest appearances 1 title
Other credits 3 titles
Frequently worked with
Counted from shared credits across the database, most shared titles first.
