Lee Kyung Young
Info
🙂 Native Name: 이경영 (Lee Kyung-young)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: December 12, 1960
🏠 Birth Place: Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
📏 Height: 173 cm (5’8″)
💍 Spouse: Yim Sae-mi (married in 1997; divorced in 1998)
👶 Children: None
Biography
Lee Kyung Young, born on December 12, 1960, in Chungju, South Korea, is a celebrated actor and filmmaker known for his compelling roles and longstanding impact on Korean cinema. He debuted in the early 1980s and quickly became recognized for his versatility and ability to convey complex emotions. His breakthrough role came with the film North Korean Partisan in South Korea (1990), where his performance was widely praised and solidified his standing as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
However, his career faced a major setback in 2002 when he was involved in a high-profile controversy, which led to a temporary hiatus. Despite this challenging period, Lee Kyung Young made a strong comeback in the late 2000s, rebuilding his career with a series of compelling roles in television dramas and films. His resilience and determination to improve himself as an actor endeared him to audiences and helped him regain his position in the industry.
Lee Kyung Young’s return to the limelight was marked by powerful roles in critically acclaimed films like The Terror Live (2013) and Inside Men (2015). His portrayal of morally complex characters in these films captivated viewers and showcased his ability to bring depth to every role. In recent years, he has become well-known for his recurring roles in popular K-Dramas, such as The K2 and Vagabond, where he often portrays charismatic yet morally ambiguous figures.
Throughout his career, Lee Kyung Young has been recognized not only as an actor but also as a director and writer. His contributions to Korean cinema extend beyond his performances, as he continues to be a respected figure in the industry. Despite the challenges he has faced, Lee remains committed to his craft, inspiring younger actors and leaving a legacy of resilience and talent in South Korean entertainment.
Hobbies
- Reading Historical Literature: Lee Kyung Young enjoys reading, especially historical literature, which he finds grounding and informative for the complex characters he often portrays.
- Traveling: He loves to travel and explore new places, appreciating the chance to unwind and gather inspiration for his roles.
- Watching Classic Films: As a filmmaker, he often revisits classic films, learning from legendary directors and enhancing his cinematic knowledge.
- Gardening: Lee finds gardening therapeutic and often spends time tending to plants, which he sees as a relaxing way to escape the demands of the industry.
- Cooking: He enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes, often inviting close friends to try his culinary creations.
Interests
- Philosophy: Lee has a keen interest in philosophy, particularly Eastern philosophies, which influences his thoughtful approach to character development.
- Film Directing: He has directed films himself and remains deeply interested in the art of directing, often studying other directors’ styles.
- Politics and Social Issues: Known for portraying complex characters, he follows social and political issues, adding depth to the roles he chooses to play.
- Psychology: Lee is fascinated by human psychology, which helps him understand the motivations and emotions of the characters he portrays.
- Art Collecting: He has a personal collection of art, as he appreciates visual art and its power to convey stories without words.
Facts
- Directorial Debut: Lee made his directorial debut with the film The Gate of Destiny (1996), which showcased his talent beyond acting and was well-received by critics.
- Comeback After Controversy: After a significant hiatus due to controversy, he successfully returned to acting, showing resilience and regaining his position in the industry.
- Known for Villain Roles: Over recent years, he has gained fame for playing morally ambiguous or villainous characters, which has become one of his defining traits.
- Respected by Peers: Despite past challenges, he is highly respected by fellow actors and directors for his dedication and professionalism on set.
- Limited Social Media Presence: Lee is known for maintaining a low profile, preferring to focus on his work rather than engaging with social media.
Secrets
- Introverted Nature: Though he plays powerful roles, Lee is naturally introverted and values time alone, away from the spotlight.
- Writing Projects: He secretly enjoys writing scripts and stories, many of which remain unpublished, serving as a creative outlet outside his acting work.
- Avoids Watching His Own Performances: He rarely watches his own films or dramas, as he tends to be highly critical and prefers to focus on future projects.
- Reflective Journaling: Lee often keeps a personal journal, documenting his experiences and reflections, which he finds helps him stay grounded.
- Desire to Mentor Young Actors: Although he keeps it private, Lee has a genuine desire to mentor young actors, hoping to pass on his knowledge and experience.
Funny Things
- Serious Face in Comedic Moments: Known for his intense on-screen persona, Lee sometimes unintentionally amuses his castmates by staying serious during funny scenes.
- Surprisingly Playful: Contrary to his stern characters, he can be playful on set, surprising younger co-stars with his sense of humor.
- Awkward Dance Moves: Lee has admitted that he’s not a good dancer, which his friends find hilarious, especially when he attempts to join in on dance trends.
- Famous for Dry Jokes: He has a dry sense of humor and often tells understated jokes that his colleagues enjoy once they understand his unique style.
- Clumsy with Technology: Lee has admitted he’s not tech-savvy, often needing help from younger co-stars or assistants when dealing with phones or computers.
Fears
- Fear of Heights: Despite his on-screen bravery, Lee Kyung Young has a notable fear of heights and avoids scenes that require him to be in high places whenever possible.
- Public Speaking Anxiety: Although he’s an experienced actor, he feels anxious during live interviews or public speeches, preferring pre-recorded settings.
- Fear of Letting Down His Fans: Lee deeply values his fans and worries about disappointing them, which drives his commitment to delivering high-quality performances.
- Fear of Losing Privacy: As a private individual, he fears the intrusion of his personal life into the public, which is why he avoids social media.
- Fear of Typecasting: Known for his villain roles, Lee fears being typecast and actively seeks varied roles to continue challenging himself as an actor.
News
- Lee Kyung Young’s Past Conviction Resurfaces Amidst ‘Dr. Romantic 3’ Success
In June 2023, as ‘Dr. Romantic 3’ gained popularity, fans were reminded of Lee Kyung Young’s 2002 conviction for soliciting a minor. Public records revealed he manipulated an underage aspiring actress into sexual relations in exchange for a movie role. He received a suspended sentence of 10 months in prison with two years of probation and 160 hours of community service. Despite this, he has continued to secure multiple acting roles annually. - Fans Boycott ‘The World of The Married’ Due to Lee Kyung Young’s Criminal History
In April 2020, viewers of ‘The World of The Married’ initiated a boycott upon learning of Lee Kyung Young’s past conviction for soliciting a minor. Many expressed discomfort with his presence in the series, questioning the decision to cast him given his criminal history. - Lee Kyung Young Cast in ‘Again My Life’ as Antagonistic Politician
In October 2021, SBS confirmed Lee Kyung Young’s role as Cho Tae-seop, a corrupt politician, in the drama ‘Again My Life.’ The series, which aired in 2022, featured Lee alongside actors Lee Joon Gi and Kim Ji Eun. - Lee Kyung Young’s Extensive Filmography and Awards
Lee Kyung Young has an extensive career in film and television, with notable works including ‘Inside Men’ (2015), ‘New World’ (2013), and ‘The Pirates’ (2014). He has received several awards, such as Best Supporting Actor at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards for ‘Minority Opinion’ in 2016. - Controversy Surrounding Lee Kyung Young’s Casting in ‘Room No. 9’
In October 2018, Lee Kyung Young’s casting in the tvN drama ‘Room No. 9’ sparked controversy due to his past conviction. Despite the backlash, he portrayed the character Ki San, engaging in intense scenes with co-star Kim Hee Sun.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Lee Kyung Young is not widely known for a music career, as he primarily focuses on acting and directing within the South Korean film and television industry. He made his debut in the entertainment world in the 1980s as an actor, building an extensive and well-respected filmography over the years. Unlike many actors who occasionally cross over into music, Lee Kyung Young has not ventured into releasing albums, singles, or musical performances tied to a professional music career.
However, his roles in the entertainment industry have occasionally included characters with musical elements or scenes that required a musical performance, though these were always part of his acting roles rather than standalone music pursuits. His interest in the arts remains centered on acting and filmmaking, where he brings depth and gravitas to his roles, often portraying complex or morally ambiguous characters.
Lee Kyung Young has occasionally shown an appreciation for music, attending industry events or supporting the musical arts, but his contributions remain largely within the realm of cinema.
Gallery
