Lee Young-ae ( 이영애 ) Biography, Drama List, Movie, Career, Height, Relationship
Lee Young-ae is one of South Korea’s most respected and elegant actresses. Known worldwide for her groundbreaking role as Jang-geum in the historical drama Jewel in the Palace, she helped propel the Korean Wave (Hallyu) globally. Her graceful beauty, intelligent acting, and strong screen presence have earned her the title “Oxygen Lady.”
Lee Young-ae was born on January 31, 1971, in Seoul, South Korea, as the youngest child with two older brothers. She studied at Hanyang University for her bachelor’s degree and later earned a master’s from Chung-Ang University.
Before acting, she worked as a model, debuting in 1991. Her early interest in performance and elegant features quickly led to television commercials and small acting roles. These formative years built her reputation for poise and professionalism, setting the stage for her meteoric rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Lee Young ae began gaining attention with supporting roles in the 1990s. Her breakthrough came with films like Joint Security Area (2000) and the massive hit Jewel in the Palace (2003-2004), which became a cultural phenomenon across Asia.
She demonstrated versatility through critically acclaimed films such as Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005), earning international recognition. After focusing on family life post-2009, she made selective comebacks with projects like Maestra: Strings of Truth (2023) and Walking On Thin Ice (2025), proving her enduring talent and relevance in 2026.
Famous Works / Projects
Lee Young ae has a distinguished filmography blending historical dramas and intense thrillers. Here are her top projects:
Year
Project
Platform
Achievement/Notable
2003
Jewel in the Palace
MBC
Hallyu global phenomenon
2000
Joint Security Area
Film
International breakthrough
2005
Lady Vengeance
Film
Best Actress wins
2021
Inspector Koo
JTBC
Strong comeback role
2023
Maestra: Strings of Truth
tvN
Mature orchestral drama
2025
Walking On Thin Ice
KBS2
Daesang recognitio
Awards & Achievements
2025 KBS Drama Awards — Grand Prize (Daesang) nomination, Top Excellence Award, Best Couple Award (Walking On Thin Ice)
Asian Film Awards — Excellence in Asian Cinema Award (2026 recognition)
Baeksang Arts Awards — Best Actress (Lady Vengeance)
Multiple Grand Prizes and Best Actress honors for Jewel in the Palace
Sitges Film Festival Best Actress and Blue Dragon Film Awards
Lee Young-ae Husband
Lee Young ae married Korean-American businessman Jeong Ho-yeong in 2009 in a private ceremony. The couple welcomed fraternal twins — a son and a daughter — in 2011 when she was 40.
FAQ
Q: Who is Lee Young-ae?
A: Lee Young ae is a renowned South Korean actress born in 1971, famous for starring in Jewel in the Palace and acclaimed films like Lady Vengeance. She is a Hallyu icon known for her elegance and versatility.
Q: How old is Lee Young-ae ?
A: Born on January 31, 1971, Lee Young-ae is 55 years old in 2026. She continues to captivate audiences with her ageless beauty and powerful performances.
Q: What is Lee Young-ae’s height?
A: Lee Young-ae stands at 165 cm (approximately 5 feet 5 inches) tall.
Q: What is Lee Young-ae best known for?
A: She is best known for her iconic role as Jang-geum in the historical drama Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum), which brought her global fame.
Q: What is Lee Young-ae’s net worth?
A: Her estimated net worth ranges between $40 million and $90 million, accumulated through acting, endorsements, and investments over decades.
Q: What are Lee Young-ae’s current projects ?
A: Following the success of Walking On Thin Ice in 2025, she continues selective acting roles and possible theater projects while focusing on family.
Q: What is an interesting fact about Lee Young-ae?
A: She gave birth to fraternal twins at age 40 and married a businessman 20 years her senior in 2009, showcasing her dedication to both career and personal happiness.
