Lee Jung-jae, the South Korean actor who became a worldwide sensation as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix's Squid Game, has returned to screens with the release of the long-awaited second season on December 26, 2024. The seven-episode season reunites viewers with the desperate, determined protagonist who won their hearts in 2021. But Lee's journey to international stardom began long before the deadly children's games.

A native of Seoul, born on December 15, 1972, Lee Jung-jae was discovered in an unlikely place: a café in Gangnam-gu, where he worked before entering the world of fashion modeling. The late designer Ha Yong-soo noticed him and set him on a path that would lead to more than thirty film and television productions in South Korea and abroad.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Lee made his acting debut in 1993, quickly becoming a familiar face on Korean television. One of his earliest hits was the 1995 drama Sandglass, which remains a landmark in Korean broadcasting history. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, he balanced television and film, earning critical praise for his performances in movies like Il Mare (2000), a romantic fantasy that later inspired the American remake The Lake House with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

His filmography is diverse, ranging from romance to gritty crime thrillers. In New World (2013), he played an undercover cop trapped inside a gang; in The Thieves (2012), he was part of an ensemble cast in a heist caper that broke box-office records in South Korea. He also starred in the historical drama Assassination (2015) and the introspective romance An Ode to the Goose (2018). These roles established him as one of the most bankable actors in the Korean industry.

The Global Phenomenon of Squid Game

In September 2021, Lee took on the role that would change his life: Seong Gi-hun, a debt-ridden everyman who accepts a mysterious invitation to compete in a series of deadly children's games for a chance to win a huge cash prize. Squid Game became Netflix's most-watched series at the time, with viewers around the world hooked on its brutal social commentary and gripping storytelling.

Lee's portrayal of Gi-hun earned him the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2022. He made history as the first Asian actor and the first actor from a non-English-language series to win in that category. The show itself won six Emmys, cementing its place in television history. For Lee, it was a career milestone after nearly three decades in the industry.

The Business Mind of Lee Jung-jae

Lee is not just an actor; he is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2008, he opened a premium Italian restaurant called Il Mare in Seoul, which quickly became a trendy spot. His business interests extend into real estate, and in 2016 he co-founded Artist Company with his close friend and fellow actor Jung Woo-sung. The agency grew into a major player in K-pop and film management before merging with Artist United in November 2024.

Lee's influence in the fashion world is equally notable. As an international ambassador for Gucci, he represents the Italian luxury maison at global events and campaigns. His polished style has made him a favorite on red carpets and fashion week front rows.

Net Worth Estimated at 12 Million Dollars

Estimates quoted by industry sources place Lee Jung-jae's net worth at roughly $12 million. While precise figures are difficult to verify, his income streams include acting fees, endorsements, business ventures, and directing projects. With his expanding career in Hollywood and the continued popularity of Squid Game, his wealth is expected to rise in the coming years.

Personal Life: A Relationship with Im Se-ryung

Lee Jung-jae has never married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with Im Se-ryung, a prominent businesswoman and the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur. The couple has been together for about ten years, and they are often spotted at public events and art openings. Im Se-ryung, known for her refined taste in fashion, is estimated to have a personal fortune of around 300 billion won, or roughly 200 million euros.

Source: watson.ch/fr News