Lee Sang Yi
Info
🙂 Native Name: 이상이 (Lee Sang Yi)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: November 27, 1991
🏠 Birth Place: Ansan, Gyeonggi, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
📏 Height: –
💍 Spouse: not married
👶 Children: none
Biography
Lee Sang Yi, born on November 27, 1991, in Ansan, Gyeonggi, South Korea, has carved a notable path in the South Korean entertainment industry as an actor, singer, and musical theater performer. His educational journey in the arts commenced at the Korea National University of Arts, where he honed his acting skills and laid the foundation for his diverse career. Sang Yi first caught public attention with his roles in various independent films and short films, showcasing a range that hinted at his future success in both screen and stage performances.
Sang Yi’s career took a significant turn in 2020 with his role in the weekend drama “Once Again,” where he played Yoon Jae-seok, a dentist and the younger brother of one of the show’s leads. This role, especially his romantic storyline with Lee Cho-hee’s character, captured the hearts of viewers, earning them the Best Couple Award at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards, where he also won the Best New Actor Award. This period marked a significant breakthrough, propelling him into the limelight and solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his achievements on screen, Lee Sang Yi has made substantial contributions to the world of musical theater. His role as Monty Navarro in the musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” in 2021, after a two-year hiatus from musicals, was particularly lauded for its “nerd beauty” and comedic excellence. This performance underscored his versatility as an actor and his ability to captivate audiences across different media. Furthermore, his involvement with the vocal group MSG Wannabe, showcasing his singing talent, has diversified his career and broadened his appeal.
Throughout his career, Lee Sang Yi has maintained a private personal life, focusing public attention on his professional endeavors rather than his personal affairs. Despite this privacy, his talents and contributions to the South Korean entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed. His journey from the stages of the Korea National University of Arts to becoming a recognized actor and singer demonstrates his dedication and versatility. With a promising career ahead, Lee Sang Yi continues to be a significant figure in the entertainment world, admired for both his artistic abilities and his commitment to his craft.
Hobbies
- Music Enthusiast: Lee Sang Yi showcases a profound love for music, often indulging in playing the piano and guitar during his leisure time. His musical talents extend beyond acting, reflecting a deep appreciation for the arts.
- Interior Design and DIY: He has expressed a significant interest in interior design and enjoys DIY projects, especially those related to furniture. This hobby reveals his creative side and a knack for transforming spaces.
- Karaoke: Lee Sang Yi enjoys singing at karaoke, with John Park’s “This Ain’t It” being one of his favorite songs to perform. Karaoke serves as a fun outlet for his musical talents and a way to unwind.
- Homebody: Despite his busy schedule, Lee Sang Yi identifies as a homebody, preferring the comfort of his home for relaxation and spending quality time on his hobbies and interests.
- Cooking: He takes pleasure in cooking, exploring different recipes, and experimenting with new dishes. Cooking allows him to express his creativity and enjoy homemade meals.
Interests
- Theater and Musicals: Beyond screen acting, Lee Sang Yi has a strong passion for theater and musicals, having performed in numerous productions. This interest showcases his versatility as an actor and singer.
- Fashion: He has shown an interest in fashion, often appearing in stylish and well-thought-out outfits during public appearances and on social media. Fashion allows him to express his personality and aesthetic preferences.
- Travel: Exploring new cultures and visiting different countries is among his interests, reflecting a curiosity about the world and a desire for new experiences.
- Fitness and Health: Lee Sang Yi is keen on maintaining his physical fitness and health, engaging in regular workouts and healthy eating habits.
- Photography: An interest in photography allows him to capture moments from his travels, daily life, and behind-the-scenes from his acting and musical projects.
Facts
- Educational Background: Lee Sang Yi graduated from the Korea National University of Arts, where he studied acting, laying the foundation for his career in entertainment.
- Award-winning Actor: He received the Best New Actor Award at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards for his role in “Once Again”.
- Musical Theater Performer: Lee Sang Yi has played significant roles in musicals, including Monty Navarro in “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”.
- Member of MSG Wannabe: He is a member of the vocal group MSG Wannabe, showcasing his singing abilities beyond acting.
- Cannot Tolerate Alcohol Well: Despite being a part of an industry where social drinking is common, Lee Sang Yi has a very low alcohol tolerance.
Secrets
- LASIK Surgery: He underwent LASIK surgery to correct his vision, hinting at his preference for practical solutions to personal challenges.
- Ideal Type: Lee Sang Yi has described his ideal type as someone who is warm-hearted and can provide guidance and advice, showing his values in personal relationships.
- Non-drinker: His inability to tolerate alcohol well is somewhat of a secret, given the social nature of the entertainment industry.
- Interest in DIY Furniture: This unique hobby is not commonly known among fans, showcasing his love for crafting and design.
- Big Palms and Long Fingers: A lesser-known fact about him, indicating physical attributes that fans might find interesting.
Funny Things
- Nickname Sang2: Among fans and in the industry, he is affectionately known as Sang2, a play on his name, Lee Sang Yi.
- Karaoke Choice: His favorite karaoke song, “This Ain’t It” by John Park, reflects a humorous side, considering the emotional depth of the song.
- Subway Sandwiches as Favorite Food: His preference for Subway sandwiches over more traditional or gourmet options adds a relatable and humorous aspect to his persona.
- Misidentification: He has mentioned that people, including his father, often think he resembles actor Kim Kyungnam, leading to funny mix-ups.
- DIY and Interior Design: His passion for DIY projects, especially related to interior design, presents a contrast to his celebrity image, offering a down-to-earth and amusing side to his character.
Fears
Fear of Failure: Like many artists, Lee Sang Yi may share a common fear of not meeting expectations or achieving his goals. This fear can be particularly intense in the competitive entertainment industry, where public and critical reception can significantly impact one’s career trajectory. His drive for perfection in roles, musical performances, and public appearances hints at an underlying concern for maintaining high standards.
Stage Fright: Despite his confident appearances on stage and screen, it’s possible that Lee Sang Yi, like many performers, experiences stage fright or nervousness before live performances or major scenes. This fear can manifest as anxiety about forgetting lines, not delivering a performance to the best of his ability, or not connecting with the audience.
Public Misunderstanding: Celebrities often fear being misunderstood by the public or misrepresented in the media. For someone like Lee Sang Yi, who keeps his personal life private and focuses on his work, there might be concerns about how his actions and words are interpreted by fans and the media.
Loss of Privacy: With fame comes a loss of privacy, a fear that many celebrities, including Lee Sang Yi, likely share. The idea that personal moments, struggles, or even simple outings can become public knowledge or scrutiny might be unsettling for him.
Physical Injuries: Given his involvement in dance and action-packed roles, there could be a fear of sustaining physical injuries that could temporarily halt his career or impact his performance abilities. The physical demands of his profession, coupled with the desire to give his best, might make the fear of injury a significant concern.
News
“Bloodhounds” on Netflix: Lee Sang Yi took on a significant role in the action-packed Netflix drama “Bloodhounds,” based on a webtoon. The series, which delves into the world of loan sharks, features Lee as one of two young men navigating the dangerous terrain of illegal loan businesses. His character, alongside Woo Do Hwan’s, becomes embroiled in a mission to take down a vicious loan shark operation, showcasing Lee’s action and drama capabilities.
Physical Transformation: Lee Sang Yi surprised fans by revealing a significantly ripped physique, a stark transformation from his previously known image. This revelation came through an Instagram post by his trainer, Kim Dae Hyun, known for working with various celebrities. It was noted that Lee Sang Yi had been maintaining this physique since his participation in a commercial shoot, demonstrating his dedication to physical fitness and his role requirements.
Musical and Acting Career: Lee Sang Yi’s journey in the entertainment industry is marked by his multifaceted talent, including significant roles in musical theater. His performances in musicals and dramas have garnered him critical acclaim, establishing him as a versatile actor capable of handling a wide range of characters and genres.
Awards and Recognitions: Throughout his career, Lee Sang Yi has received various awards and nominations, highlighting his impact and contribution to the South Korean entertainment scene. These accolades reflect his talent and dedication to his craft, as well as the positive reception from both critics and audiences.
Participation in Variety Shows: Beyond acting, Lee Sang Yi has also made appearances on popular South Korean variety shows. These appearances have allowed fans to see a different side of him, showcasing his personality, humor, and relatability, further endearing him to the public.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Lee Sang Yi, widely recognized for his acting prowess in various South Korean dramas and films, also has a musical career that showcases his versatile talent beyond the screen. His foray into music, particularly as part of the project group MSG Wannabe, has further solidified his status as a multifaceted entertainer.
MSG Wannabe, a project group formed on the popular variety show “Hangout with Yoo,” is a nod to the legendary ballad group SG Wannabe. The formation of MSG Wannabe brought together talented singers and actors, including Lee Sang Yi, to form sub-units that captured the audience’s attention with their vocal prowess and musical chemistry. Lee Sang Yi’s involvement in this group allowed him to demonstrate his singing abilities, which might have been lesser-known to the broader public compared to his acting skills.
The project highlighted not only his ability to blend seamlessly into a musical group but also his capacity to handle different music genres, showcasing his versatility as a singer. MSG Wannabe’s songs, often characterized by deep emotional resonance and impeccable vocal harmony, provided a perfect platform for Lee Sang Yi to explore and express his musical talents.
Moreover, Lee Sang Yi’s participation in musical theater has been another crucial aspect of his music career. His roles in various musical productions have been well-received, showcasing his range as a performer who can both act and sing. This background in musical theater complements his contributions to MSG Wannabe, as it lays a solid foundation for his vocal technique and stage presence.
In addition to his group projects, Lee Sang Yi has contributed to original soundtracks (OSTs) for dramas he’s acted in, further bridging his acting and musical careers. These OSTs have been well-received by fans, offering glimpses of his ability to convey storylines and emotions not just through acting but also through music.
Lee Sang Yi’s musical career, marked by his involvement in MSG Wannabe and contributions to musical theater and drama OSTs, reflects a deep commitment to his craft as an entertainer. It showcases his ability to navigate different artistic paths successfully, making him a versatile and respected figure in the South Korean entertainment industry.
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