Actor · South Korea
Lee Sang Yeob
이상엽
Lee Sang Yeob debuted in 2007 and built a career on both drama and comedy, gaining wide recognition in Once Again (2020) and On the Verge of Insanity (2021), alongside regular appearances on variety shows like Sixth Sense.
Biography
Lee Sang Yeob, born on May 8, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, has risen to prominence as a versatile actor known for his ability to transition between dramatic and comedic roles. He graduated from Dongguk University, where he studied Theater and Film, which laid the foundation for his career in the entertainment industry. His acting debut came in 2007 with a minor role in A Happy Woman, but it was his consistent performances over the years that truly brought him to the attention of audiences and critics alike.
One of Lee Sang Yeob's most notable roles came in 2020 with the hit drama Once Again, where he played Yoon Gyu Jin, a kind-hearted doctor going through the complexities of family life. The drama was a massive success, not only in terms of ratings but also in how it connected with viewers on a personal level. His portrayal of a relatable, multidimensional character earned him widespread acclaim.
In 2021, Lee Sang Yeob took on another challenging role in On the Verge of Insanity, where he played Han Se Kwon, a corporate employee dealing with the difficulties of middle age and workplace struggles. His ability to bring depth to the role highlighted his growing maturity as an actor and showcased his range in playing complex, emotionally driven characters. The drama’s critical success added to his growing list of accolades.
Outside of acting, Lee Sang Yeob is known for his appearances on variety shows, including Sixth Sense and Law of the Jungle. His warm and humorous personality has made him a fan favorite, and his versatility as an entertainer extends beyond scripted dramas. In September 2023, it was announced that Lee Sang Yeob is set to marry his non-celebrity girlfriend in March 2024, marking a new chapter in both his personal and professional life.
Profile data
- Stage name
- Lee Sang Yeob
- Native name
- 이상엽
- Gender
- Male
- Date of birth
- 8 May 1983
- Age
- 43
- Zodiac
- Taurus
- Chinese zodiac
- Pig
- 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 Sang Yeob
Hobbies
- Golf: Lee Sang Yeob enjoys playing golf in his free time and has mentioned it as a way to unwind and relax from the stress of acting.
- Traveling: Lee loves to travel and explore new destinations. He often shares pictures from his trips on social media, reflecting his love for adventure and nature.
- Watching Movies: A lover of cinema, Lee enjoys watching a wide range of films, using them as inspiration for his craft and also as a way to relax.
- Fitness: He is dedicated to maintaining his health and physique. Regular workouts and staying fit are part of his daily routine, which helps him stay in shape for his demanding roles.
- Cooking: Lee enjoys cooking and has expressed interest in trying out new recipes, particularly for Korean cuisine, as a fun and relaxing activity.
Interests
- Fashion: Lee Sang Yeob is known for his keen fashion sense, often seen at events in stylish outfits. His interest in fashion reflects in his public appearances and photo shoots.
- Photography: He has a passion for photography, capturing moments from his travels and everyday life. He often shares his work with fans on his Instagram.
- Acting Techniques: Lee is interested in continuously improving his acting skills and regularly studies various acting techniques to enhance his performances.
- Korean Dramas: Beyond acting in them, Lee enjoys watching Korean dramas and is interested in the storytelling techniques used by other directors and actors.
- Variety Shows: Lee has appeared on numerous variety shows like Sixth Sense and Running Man, which reflects his interest in engaging with audiences outside of scripted roles.
Facts
- Late Bloomer: Lee Sang Yeob didn’t gain major recognition until later in his career, despite debuting in 2007. His breakout role in Once Again in 2020 made him a household name.
- Family Background: He comes from a wealthy family, with his grandfather being the former CEO of a large South Korean corporation.
- Variety Show Star: Lee is known for his regular appearances on variety shows, showcasing his humorous and playful side, making him popular among fans.
- Private Love Life: He recently made headlines for his engagement to a non-celebrity, marking a significant event in his personal life.
- Award-Winning Actor: Lee has received several awards for his performances, including accolades for his roles in On the Verge of Insanity and Once Again.
Funny moments
- Awkward Dancer: Despite his many talents, Lee has humorously admitted that dancing is not one of his strengths, which often leads to funny moments on variety shows.
- Prankster on Set: Co-stars often describe him as a prankster who lightens the mood during filming with his playful antics.
- Gets Lost Easily: Lee once admitted on a variety show that he has a terrible sense of direction and often gets lost, even in familiar places.
- Mistaken Identity: Fans have humorously pointed out that he is sometimes mistaken for other actors, which he finds amusing and often jokes about.
- Forgetful with Lines: Lee has admitted that he occasionally forgets his lines on set, leading to funny moments during filming.
Fears and dislikes
- Public Speaking: Despite being in the public eye, Lee has expressed discomfort with public speaking, especially at formal events like award shows.
- Fear of Failure: Like many actors, Lee fears not living up to expectations, especially when taking on challenging roles.
- Heights: Lee has mentioned that he has a mild fear of heights, making certain action scenes more challenging for him.
- Losing Privacy: As his popularity increases, Lee is concerned about losing his privacy, especially with the recent public attention on his engagement.
- Disappointing Fans: Lee often worries about disappointing his fans, and this pressure drives him to continuously improve his craft and performances.
Lee Sang Yeob shows and movies
Main roles 2 titles
Guest appearances 1 title
Other credits 2 titles
Frequently worked with
Counted from shared credits across the database, most shared titles first.
