Lee Jung Jae
Info
🙂 Native Name: 이정재 (Lee Jung Jae)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: December 15, 1972
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
📏 Height: 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
💍 Spouse: Not married, in a relationship with Lim Se-ryung since 2015
👶 Children: 2 children
Biography
Lee Jung Jae was born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning to acting in the early 1990s. His breakthrough role came in the 1994 television drama “Feelings,” which garnered him widespread recognition and set the stage for his successful acting career. Lee’s versatility and charisma quickly made him one of South Korea’s most sought-after actors, earning him leading roles in various dramas and films throughout the years.
In 2021, Lee Jung Jae achieved global fame with his role as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix’s groundbreaking series “Squid Game.” His portrayal of a down-on-his-luck protagonist competing in a deadly survival game captivated audiences worldwide. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show, surpassing 1 billion views within 28 days of its release. Lee’s performance earned him several prestigious awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, making him the first Asian actor to win in this category.
Beyond his acting career, Lee Jung Jae is also a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded the development company Seorim C&D with his close friend and fellow actor Jung Woo-sung. Additionally, he owns a chain of upscale restaurants in Seoul, showcasing his business acumen. Lee’s ventures in both entertainment and business have solidified his status as a multifaceted and influential figure in South Korea.
On the personal front, Lee Jung Jae has been in a relationship with Lim Se-ryung, the vice chairman of Daesang Group, since 2015. Lim, who is also the ex-wife of Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong, has two children from her previous marriage. Despite their high-profile status, Lee and Lim have kept their relationship relatively private, making occasional public appearances together at major events such as the Emmy Awards and the Cannes Film Festival.
Hobbies
- Golfing: Lee Jung Jae enjoys playing golf, which he finds both relaxing and a great way to stay fit. He often plays with friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry.
- Reading: He is an avid reader, particularly of historical and philosophical books. This hobby helps him unwind and gain new perspectives that he can incorporate into his acting.
- Cooking: Lee Jung Jae enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. This hobby is a way for him to relax and enjoy time at home.
- Traveling: He loves to travel and explore new places. Traveling provides him with a break from his busy schedule and inspires his creativity.
- Collecting Art: Lee Jung Jae has a keen interest in art and enjoys collecting pieces from various artists. This passion for art also influences his aesthetic sense in his professional projects
Interests
- Cinema History: Lee Jung Jae has a deep interest in the history of cinema. He enjoys studying classic films and performances, which help him refine his acting skills.
- Business Ventures: Apart from acting, he is interested in business and has co-founded a development company. His entrepreneurial ventures showcase his diverse talents.
- Fashion: Known for his stylish appearance, Lee Jung Jae has a strong interest in fashion. He often attends fashion events and collaborates with designers.
- Philanthropy: He is passionate about giving back to the community and supports various charitable causes, particularly those related to education and underprivileged children.
- Fitness: Maintaining physical fitness is important to him. He engages in various physical activities, including martial arts and yoga, to stay in shape
Facts
- Award-Winning Actor: Lee Jung Jae has won numerous awards for his performances, including a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in “Squid Game.”
- Entrepreneur: He co-founded Seorim C&D, a development company, and owns a chain of upscale restaurants in Seoul.
- Long-Term Relationship: He has been in a relationship with Lim Se-ryung, the vice chairman of Daesang Group, since 2015.
- Historic Role: His role in “Squid Game” made him the first Asian actor to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
- Early Career: Before becoming an actor, he started his career as a model in the early 1990s
Secrets
- Private Nature: Despite his fame, Lee Jung Jae is very private about his personal life, rarely sharing details publicly.
- Method Acting: He often uses method acting techniques to fully immerse himself in his characters, sometimes living as the character for months.
- Business Savvy: While he is known for his acting, his business ventures reveal a keen interest and talent in entrepreneurship.
- Philanthropic Efforts: Lee Jung Jae quietly supports various charitable causes, often donating anonymously to avoid public attention.
- Career Doubts: Early in his career, he faced doubts and challenges but persevered through hard work and dedication to achieve success
Funny Things
- Prankster on Set: Lee Jung Jae is known for his playful nature on set, often playing pranks on his co-stars to lighten the mood.
- Goofy Dance Moves: He occasionally breaks into goofy dance moves during filming breaks, much to the amusement of his colleagues.
- Voice Impersonations: He enjoys doing voice impersonations of famous personalities, entertaining those around him with his talent for mimicry.
- Unexpected Humor: Despite his serious roles, he has a knack for making unexpected humorous remarks that catch everyone off guard.
- Funny Faces: He is known for making funny faces and expressions, which often become a hit among his fans on social media
Fears
- Public Speaking: Despite his confidence on screen, Lee Jung Jae feels nervous about public speaking and addressing large audiences.
- Failure: He fears not meeting the expectations of his audience and peers, which drives him to work harder and improve his acting skills.
- Health Issues: Lee is concerned about potential health issues that could impact his ability to work and perform, prompting him to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Losing Privacy: He values his privacy highly and fears losing it due to his fame, which is why he keeps his personal life relatively private.
- Career Longevity: He worries about maintaining his relevance in the ever-changing entertainment industry and strives to continuously evolve as an actor
News
Star Wars Series “The Acolyte”: Lee Jung Jae has been cast in the upcoming Star Wars series “The Acolyte.” Filming wrapped in May 2023, and Lee discussed the challenges of working in English for this project. The series, set in the final days of the High Republic era, promises to be a significant addition to the Star Wars universe.
Gucci Global Brand Ambassador: In 2023, Lee Jung Jae was appointed as a global brand ambassador for Gucci. This partnership highlights his influence and status in the fashion world, aligning him with one of the most prestigious luxury brands globally.
Attending Korea Expo 2023: Lee Jung Jae made a surprise appearance at the Korea Expo 2023 in Paris. As an honorary ambassador for the Busan Expo 2030, he shared his experiences in the entertainment industry and promoted South Korean culture and business on an international stage.
LACMA Art+Film Gala Appearance: Lee Jung Jae attended the 2023 LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles with his partner, Lim Se-ryung. The couple has been seen at various high-profile events, showcasing their strong relationship and Lee’s continued prominence in both the entertainment and fashion industries.
“Squid Game” Season 2 Announcement: Netflix has confirmed the cast for “Squid Game” Season 2, with Lee Jung Jae reprising his role as Seong Gi-hun. Fans eagerly await the new season following the immense success of the first, which catapulted Lee to global fame.
Movies
Music / OST
Lee Jung Jae is primarily known for his illustrious career as an actor in South Korean cinema and television. He has not pursued a formal career in music. However, his involvement in music-related activities, including music videos and performances, showcases his versatility and adds another layer to his dynamic career.
Music Videos: Throughout his career, Lee Jung Jae has appeared in several music videos, leveraging his acting skills to enhance the visual storytelling. Notably, he appeared in the music video for “Love Story” by Rain, one of South Korea’s most popular solo artists. His participation in these music videos highlights his ability to cross over into different entertainment mediums successfully.
Variety Show Performances: Lee Jung Jae has occasionally showcased his singing abilities on various South Korean variety shows. These performances, often part of special segments or entertainment challenges, reveal his hidden musical talents and endear him further to his fans. His charismatic performances on shows like “Running Man” and “Knowing Bros” have been particularly well-received.
Musical Theater: Early in his career, Lee Jung Jae participated in several theatrical productions that included musical elements. These experiences helped him develop a strong foundation in performance arts and allowed him to explore his musical abilities.
Collaborations with Musicians: Although he has not released music independently, Lee Jung Jae has collaborated with various musicians for special projects and events. These collaborations often involve live performances where he demonstrates his versatility as both an actor and a performer.
Interest in Music: Lee Jung Jae has expressed his love for music in interviews, stating that he enjoys listening to a wide range of genres. This passion for music influences his work and provides inspiration for his creative projects.
While Lee Jung Jae’s music career is not as prominent as his acting career, his musical endeavors and talents contribute to his well-rounded persona in the entertainment industry. His ability to integrate music into his acting career showcases his diverse skill set and dedication to the arts.
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