Ma Dong Seok

2011

Active since

Screen credits

Ma Dong Seok (Don Lee) moved from personal training into acting, breaking through as Sang Hwa in Train to Busan (2016) before leading The Outlaws and The Roundup series and playing Gilgamesh in Marvel's Eternals.

Biography

Ma Dong Seok, also known internationally as Don Lee, was born on March 1, 1971, in Seoul, South Korea. He holds Korean-American nationality and spent part of his early life in the United States, residing in Ohio, where he attended Columbus State Community College. Ma Dong Seok's robust physique and commanding presence have made him a standout in both the Korean and international film industries. He began his career as a personal trainer for mixed martial artists Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman before transitioning into acting, where he quickly gained recognition for his roles in action and crime films.

Ma's breakthrough role came in the 2016 blockbuster "Train to Busan," where he played the heroic and strong-willed Sang Hwa. This role brought him international fame. Following this, he starred in a string of successful films, including "The Outlaws" (2017) and its sequels, "The Roundup" series. His role in "The Outlaws" as Ma Suk Do, a tough detective, was particularly acclaimed, leading to further opportunities in the genre.

In addition to his success in South Korea, Ma Dong Seok made a significant impact on the global stage with his role as Gilgamesh in Marvel Studios' "Eternals" (2021). This role introduced him to a broader audience and demonstrated his ability to adapt to various cinematic styles and genres. His performance in "Eternals" was praised for bringing depth and nuance to the character.

Ma Dong Seok's personal life also garnered public interest, particularly his relationship with Ye Jung Hwa, a model and television personality. The couple began dating publicly in 2016 and quietly registered their marriage in 2021. Despite their busy schedules, they plan to hold a formal wedding ceremony in the future. Ma continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry, with upcoming projects including "Along With the Gods 3" and "The Roundup: Punishment," promising to deliver more of his signature intense performances.

Profile data

Identity

Stage name: Ma Dong Seok
Gender: Male

Data and sourcing

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 Ma Dong Seok

Hobbies

Weight Training: Ma Dong Seok is passionate about weight training and fitness, having worked as a personal trainer for MMA fighters. His dedication to fitness is evident in his robust physique, which he maintains through rigorous workout routines.
Martial Arts: He has a strong interest in martial arts, particularly mixed martial arts (MMA). This interest not only influenced his early career as a trainer but also adds authenticity to his action roles.
Boxing: Boxing is another hobby that Ma enjoys. His training in this sport has helped him perform convincingly in various fight scenes in his films.
Reading: Ma Dong Seok enjoys reading, particularly books related to history and self-improvement. This hobby helps him relax and stay informed.
Watching Movies: As an actor, he loves watching a wide range of films, which helps him study different acting techniques and styles, enhancing his craft

Interests

Film Production: Ma Dong Seok is interested in film production and has expressed a desire to produce and direct films in the future, leveraging his extensive industry experience.
Traveling: He enjoys traveling, which allows him to explore different cultures and gain new perspectives, enriching his personal and professional life.
Philanthropy: Ma has a strong interest in philanthropy, often participating in charitable activities and supporting various causes, including those related to children and education.
Cooking: He has a keen interest in cooking and enjoys experimenting with different cuisines, often preparing meals for his friends and family.
Technology: Ma is fascinated by technological advancements and enjoys keeping up with the latest gadgets and innovations in the tech world

Facts

Dual Nationality: Ma Dong Seok holds dual nationality, being both a South Korean and an American citizen, which has contributed to his international appeal.
Early Career: Before becoming an actor, he was a personal trainer for MMA fighters Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman, leveraging his expertise in fitness and martial arts.
Hollywood Debut: He made his Hollywood debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Eternals," where he played the character Gilgamesh.
Late Marriage Announcement: Ma Dong Seok and Ye Jung Hwa announced their marriage a year after registering it, keeping it private due to their busy schedules.
Award-Winning Actor: He has received numerous awards for his acting, including the Gallup Korea’s Film Actor of the Year, highlighting his significant impact on Korean cinema.

Funny moments

Nickname "Bear": Ma Dong Seok is affectionately nicknamed "Bear" by his fans and colleagues due to his large build and gentle demeanor.
Comedic Roles: Despite his tough on-screen persona, he enjoys playing comedic roles and often brings humor to his characters in unexpected ways.
Prankster: Known as a prankster on set, Ma enjoys playing light-hearted pranks on his co-stars, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere during filming.
Loves Karaoke: Ma Dong Seok is a big fan of karaoke and enjoys singing with his friends, often choosing classic rock and pop songs.
Dance Moves: He surprises people with his dance moves, which are unexpectedly nimble for his size, making him a hit at parties and gatherings.

Fears and dislikes

Fear of Heights: Despite his tough image, Ma Dong Seok has a fear of heights and avoids activities that involve high altitudes whenever possible.
Public Speaking: He experiences anxiety when speaking in front of large crowds, preferring to keep his public appearances concise.
Injury on Set: Ma is cautious about performing stunts that could lead to serious injury, preferring to leave particularly dangerous scenes to professional stuntmen.
Losing Privacy: As a celebrity, he fears losing his privacy and goes to great lengths to keep his personal life out of the public eye.
Disappointing Fans: Ma Dong Seok is deeply committed to his fans and fears disappointing them, which drives him to continuously improve his performances and choices in roles.