5 things to know about Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae, a star of the hit Netflix K-drama – and former fashion model, interior designer and real estate tycoon

Oct 4 , 2021

Lee Jung-jae, star of hit Netflix K-drama Squid Game, is an established actor in Korea with numerous business interests. Photo: @netflixkr/Instagram

He’s the boyfriend of heiress Lim Se-ryung, daughter of Daesang Group’s chairman Lim Chang-wook, and the ex-wife of Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong

At 21 he won best newcomer at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards and Grand Bell Awards, and has an entertainment label with actor Jung Woo-sung

Who would have thought that a South Korean survival drama series would become Netflix’s new biggest show? Since its release in mid-September, Squid Game has taken the world by storm for its grotesque, surreal and captivating plot. Starring veteran actor Lee Jung-jae, it offers a wild ride as 456 debt-ridden contestants compete in deadly versions of children’s games for a hefty cash prize.

Lee plays the kind-hearted gambling addict, Seong Gi-hun, who winds up joining the high-stakes game. He soon won our hearts as by showing his empathy for the other money-hungry participants.

Lee Jung-jae behind the scenes of Squid Game. Photo: @netflixkr/Instagram

Even before starring in Squid Game, Lee was already a household name in South Korea. As the 48-year-old actor navigates his new-found international stardom, let’s get to know him better through these key facts.

He was scouted as a model while working at a cafe

Lee Jung-jae in the movie Typhoon (2005). Photo: Handout

Acting hasn’t always been Lee’s bread and butter. Though he grew up in a wealthy family, he started working from a young age at a local cafe in Apgujeong, Seoul.

Lee Jung-jae and Son Ji-chang. Photo: hancinema.net

It was there that a designer named Ha Yong-soo discovered the young lad’s smouldering looks. After being a fashion model for a couple of years, Lee jumped into the acting scene and made his debut in the 1993 Korean TV drama Dinosaur Teacher.