Lee Bo Young
Info
🙂 Native Name:이보영
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: January 12, 1979
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
📏 Height: 168 cm
💍 Spouse: Ji Sung (married on September 27, 2013)
👶 Children: Daughter Kwak Bo-bae (born June 12, 2015), Son Kwak Bo-ah (born February 5, 2019)
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, solidifying her status 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 showcases her commitment to her craft and her ability to resonate deeply with audiences.
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.
Secrets
- Introverted Personality: Despite her fame, Lee Bo Young is naturally introverted. She often prefers quiet time at home and values privacy with her family.
- Selective with Roles: Lee is highly selective about her roles, carefully choosing projects that allow her to portray complex and meaningful characters.
- Enjoys Writing: Lee Bo Young has a quiet passion for writing and often journals as a way to reflect on her personal and professional life.
- Deeply Self-Critical: Known for her professionalism, Lee can be self-critical and often reflects on her performances to find areas for improvement.
- Finds Inspiration in Nature: Lee finds nature deeply inspiring and frequently retreats to quiet, scenic spots when she needs time to recharge.
Funny Things
- 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
- 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.
News
Lee Bo-young Stars in JTBC’s Mystery-Thriller ‘Hide’: In March 2024, Lee Bo-young took on the lead role in the mystery-thriller series “Hide,” portraying Na Moon-young, a former prosecutor investigating her husband’s sudden disappearance. The series, based on the Welsh thriller “Keeping Faith,” received attention for its intricate plot and Lee’s compelling performance.
‘Agency’ Achieves High Viewership Ratings: In January 2023, Lee Bo-young starred in the workplace drama “Agency,” which garnered significant attention and achieved high viewership ratings. The series resonated with audiences, reaching a peak viewership rating of 16%, highlighting Lee’s strong presence in the drama.
Lee Bo-young Discusses Her Role in ‘Hide’: In a May 2024 interview, Lee Bo-young shared insights into her character in “Hide” and discussed the evolving landscape for women in the entertainment industry. She also expressed her admiration for the Indian film “3 Idiots,” showcasing her diverse interests beyond acting.
Lee Bo-young Praises Husband Ji Sung: In a March 2023 interview, Lee Bo-young spoke fondly of her husband, actor Ji Sung, referring to him as her closest friend and life mentor. She expressed gratitude for his understanding and support, especially since they share the same profession.
‘Hide’ Trailer Released, Showcasing Lee Bo-young’s Intense Performance: In March 2024, JTBC released a trailer for “Hide,” highlighting Lee Bo-young’s portrayal of Na Moon-young as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her husband’s disappearance. The trailer generated anticipation for the series, emphasizing its suspenseful narrative.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Lee Bo Young is primarily known as a successful actress in South Korea, and she has not pursued a music career. However, her connections to the music industry are mostly indirect, often through collaborations and soundtrack choices in her dramas.
Indirect Connection through Drama Soundtracks: Lee Bo Young’s dramas, especially those like I Can Hear Your Voice and Mother, have strong original soundtracks (OSTs) that have played a crucial role in intensifying the emotional impact of her work. Although she doesn’t sing on these soundtracks, she has expressed appreciation for the power of music in enhancing storytelling.
Interest in Music for Relaxation: In interviews, Lee Bo Young has shared her love for listening to music to unwind. She enjoys a mix of classical and contemporary music and often listens to songs that help her connect with the mood of her characters.
Musical Collaborations with Her Husband, Ji Sung: Although they have not worked together on a music project, Lee Bo Young and her husband, Ji Sung, support each other’s career efforts. Fans enjoy seeing the couple attend industry events, including music-related occasions, though neither has released music themselves.
Music-related Variety Show Appearances: Lee Bo Young has occasionally appeared on variety shows that involve musical segments or soundtracks, indirectly connecting her to the music world. These appearances allow fans to see her light-hearted and fun side.
Interest in Musical Roles: Although she has no formal training in music, Lee Bo Young has expressed openness to trying roles that incorporate music, such as musical dramas. This curiosity adds a unique aspect to her acting approach, showing her versatility and openness to challenging roles.
While Lee Bo Young doesn’t have a traditional music career, her appreciation for music and its influence on her acting have helped her connect with diverse audiences, contributing to her multidimensional career.
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