If you’ve watched the groundbreaking Netflix hit “Squid Game,” you’ve probably spotted Lee Byung-Hun under the mask as the Front Man. Joining the cast of Squid Game at the end of the first season, his character is central to the show’s intrigue and is set to have an even bigger role in “Squid Game Season 2.”
From his breakthrough roles in classic Lee Byung-Hun dramas to his Hollywood success in major Lee Byung-Hun movies, he has solidified his status as one of South Korea’s most recognizable stars.
Lee Byung-Hun Young
Born on July 12, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Byung-Hun grew up in a well-to-do family. His father was a businessman who sadly passed away in 2000, and his mother raised him alongside his younger sister, Lee Eun-hee.
Interestingly, Lee Byung-Hun’s sister would later gain fame in her own right by winning the Miss Korea beauty pageant in 1996.
Despite his upscale upbringing, Lee Byung-Hun young has described himself as a mischievous child. He attended Hanyang University, majoring in French Literature, and then went on to Chung-Ang University for graduate school, focusing on Theater and Cinematography. Standing at 178 cm tall and with blood type O, he also practiced taekwondo in his spare time.
Lee Byung-Hun Dramas & Career Beginnings
Lee Byung-Hun launched his acting career in 1991 when he passed an open audition at the television network KBS. His very first appearance was in the 1991 KBS drama “Asphalt My Hometown.” However, it wasn’t until his role as Shin Beom-su in the 1992 drama “Tomorrow Love” that he began capturing the attention of viewers.
- Early Challenges on the Big Screen: While he flourished on TV, his first films—“Who Drives Me Mad?” and “Run Away”—did not receive much acclaim. His luck changed in 1998 with “The Harmonium in My Memory,” co-starring Jeon Do-yeon.
- Major Breakthrough: In 2000, Lee Byung-Hun starred in the now-iconic “Joint Security Area (JSA),” directed by Park Chan-wook. His role as Sgt. Soo-hyeok Lee, who clandestinely visits North Korean soldiers, struck a chord with both critics and audiences. The film achieved more than 8 million admissions.
Later, he starred in numerous popular Lee Byung-Hun dramas, including “Beautiful Days” (2001) and “All In” (2003), where he acted alongside Song Hye-kyo. On the cinematic front, he wowed audiences in “Bungee Jumping of Their Own” (2001) and the Cannes-premiered “A Bittersweet Life” (2005).
How Rich Is Lee Byung-Hun? — Lee Byung-Hun Net Worth
One of the most frequently asked questions about the actor is: “How rich is Lee Byung-Hun?” According to GQ India, Celebrity Net Worth, and South China Morning Post, Lee Byung-Hun net worth was estimated at USD 20 million as of December 2023.
This figure stems not only from his acting fees for Lee Byung-Hun movies and Lee Byung-Hun dramas but also from his diversified investments, such as real estate and his own management agency.
While it remains challenging to cite an exact amount in Lee Byung-Hun 2024 terms, his wealth is likely to expand as he continues taking on new projects and invests in various businesses in Seoul.
Lee Byung-Hun Wife
When people talk about Lee Byung-Hun wife, they’re referring to actress Lee Min-jung. She was born on February 16, 1982, making the Lee Byung-Hun wife age about 12 years younger than her husband. The couple first dated briefly in 2006, broke up, and then rekindled their romance in 2012.
- Marriage Date: The two officially tied the knot on August 10, 2013, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Yongsan-gu.
- Who is Lee Min Jung married to? Quite simply, she is married to Lee Byung-Hun—one of Korea’s biggest stars.
Lee Byung-Hun Son & Lee Min-Jung Children
Shortly after their marriage, Lee Byung-Hun wife Lee Min-jung gave birth to their first child, a son named Lee Joon-hoo, on March 31, 2015.
Fast-forward to August 4, 2023, Lee Min-jung confirmed that she was expecting their second child. The couple welcomed a baby girl on December 21, 2023. With two kids, the Lee Min-jung children have brought even more joy to their life as a family.
Relationships & Personal Struggles
Before marrying Lee Min-jung, Lee Byung-Hun had a 15-month, low-profile relationship with co-star Song Hye-kyo, which ended in mid-June 2004.
Over the years, he has also faced personal struggles, including a period of depression and panic disorders after his father’s death. According to reports, his wife played a crucial role in helping him overcome these mental health challenges.
Civil Lawsuit & Blackmail Scandals
- In December 2009, Lee’s ex-girlfriend filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of false promises of marriage. She also alleged habitual gambling. Lee countersued for defamation, and the courts eventually cleared him of illegal gambling charges.
- In August 2014, Lee was blackmailed by two women, including Dahee from the K-pop group Glam. They demanded 5 billion won (approximately USD 4 million) in exchange for not releasing a compromising video. After a high-profile trial, both women were given prison sentences, later suspended, as Lee Byung-Hun pardoned them.
Despite these difficulties, Lee Byung-Hun has persevered, maintaining his status as a top actor in Korea and abroad.
Lee Byung-Hun 2024 & Future Projects
Looking ahead, Lee Byung-Hun 2024 is anticipated to be just as eventful. Although exact project announcements can shift, fans are hoping to see him continue his Hollywood streak and possibly return to the Korean small screen in a fresh, high-octane drama.
He has also been confirmed to reprise his role in the upcoming “Squid Game Season 2,” where he plays the mysterious Front Man among the star-studded cast of Squid Game that includes Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, and others.
Fans eagerly anticipate more exciting roles, bigger box-office hits, and perhaps new business ventures. After all, an actor with a USD 20 million net worth who continues to captivate audiences worldwide is always worth watching—and that’s exactly what Lee Byung-Hun is all about.
