From Model To Megastar: 7 Shocking Facts About Young Lee Jung-jae Before Squid Game
Few actors embody the concept of a 'late-blooming' international superstar quite like Lee Jung-jae. While he has been a household name in South Korea for over three decades, his global recognition exploded in 2021 as the debt-ridden protagonist Seong Gi-hun in Netflix's cultural phenomenon, Squid Game. As of the current date, December 24, 2025, with his highly anticipated return in Squid Game Season 3 and new projects on the horizon, the world is looking back at the formative years of this South Korean cinema legend, particularly his strikingly handsome and ambitious youth that laid the foundation for his current iconic status.
The journey of Lee Jung-jae from a young man working a simple job to one of Asia's most respected actors is a fascinating narrative of accidental discovery, relentless ambition, and a series of career-defining roles that solidified his place in the Korean film and television landscape long before the global streaming era. This deep dive explores the crucial, often-overlooked details of his younger life and the career milestones that shaped the man we know today.
Lee Jung-jae: Complete Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Lee Jung-jae (이정재)
- Date of Birth: December 15, 1972
- Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Education: Dongguk University (Majored in Drama and Film)
- Occupation: Actor, Model, Filmmaker, Businessman
- Years Active: 1993–present
- Early Career Start: Fashion Model (1993)
- Television Debut: Dinosaur Teacher (1993)
- Film Debut: The Young Man (1994)
- Breakthrough Role: Sandglass (1995)
- Notable Recent Projects (2025): Squid Game Season 3, Nice to Not Meet You (tvN Drama)
- Directorial Debut: Hunt (2022)
- Current Status: Global icon, preparing for his second directorial venture and exploring next Hollywood projects
The Accidental Discovery: From Café Worker to Fashion Model
Lee Jung-jae's entry into the entertainment industry was a classic tale of being in the right place at the right time. Unlike many aspiring actors who actively pursue auditions, Lee was discovered while working a part-time job.
He was a young man working at a café in the upscale Apgujeong-dong neighborhood of Seoul when his striking visuals caught the eye of a powerful figure in the fashion world. The person who discovered him was the renowned designer Ha Yong-soo. This chance encounter immediately launched Lee Jung-jae's early career.
He quickly transitioned into a successful fashion model in 1993. His work in modeling led to numerous appearances in television advertisements, which served as a crucial stepping stone into the world of acting. This initial phase established him as a prominent young face in South Korea's visual media.
The Pivotal Role in The Young Man (1994)
Following his modeling success, Lee Jung-jae made his professional acting debut in the 1993 television drama Dinosaur Teacher. However, it was his first big-screen role that truly cemented his potential as a serious actor.
In 1994, he starred in the film titled The Young Man, a title that is directly relevant to the curiosity surrounding his younger self. This role was instrumental, earning him the Best New Actor award at the prestigious Grand Bell Awards. This early recognition proved that he was more than just a handsome model; he possessed genuine acting talent and screen presence.
The success of The Young Man immediately positioned him alongside the most promising young actors of his generation. It was a critical and commercial success that propelled him from a model-turned-actor to a legitimate movie star in the making.
The Sandglass Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom
While his film debut was notable, Lee Jung-jae's true national breakthrough came on the small screen with the 1995 television drama Sandglass. This series is considered one of the most significant and highest-rated dramas in South Korean history, often referred to as a "national drama."
In Sandglass, Lee Jung-jae played the role of Baek Jae-hee, a loyal bodyguard. The character's stoicism, dedication, and tragic fate resonated deeply with the Korean public, turning him into a massive star overnight. The drama's immense popularity cemented his status as a top-tier actor, giving him the leverage to choose more challenging and diverse roles in the years that followed.
This period of his young career, from 1995 to the early 2000s, saw him take on a variety of acclaimed projects, including An Affair (1998), City of the Rising Sun (1999) alongside Jung Woo-sung, and the award-winning film Il Mare (2000), which was later remade in Hollywood as The Lake House.
The Modern Era: Directing, Producing, and Global Domination (2025 Updates)
The foundation of excellence built during his younger years has allowed Lee Jung-jae to evolve into a multi-faceted industry powerhouse today. His current projects demonstrate a significant shift from just acting to directing and producing, showcasing his topical authority in the film industry.
- Return to Seong Gi-hun: The most anticipated project is his reprisal of the lead role in Squid Game Season 3, which is slated for release in 2025. This series continues to be a major global talking point and a tentpole project for Netflix.
- Second Directorial Venture: Following the critical success of his directorial debut, the spy thriller Hunt (2022), Lee Jung-jae is reportedly gearing up for his second directorial project. This move solidifies his transition into a filmmaker, not just an actor.
- New TV Drama: In 2025, he is also set to star in the tvN drama series Nice to Not Meet You, playing the role of Lim Hyeon-Jun. This demonstrates his continued commitment to the Korean domestic market alongside his international endeavors.
- Business Ventures: Beyond entertainment, the young man who trained as an interior designer has become a successful businessman, owning restaurants and a property company. This entrepreneurial spirit highlights the breadth of his professional interests outside of the spotlight.
Lee Jung-jae's trajectory from a fashion model discovered in an Apgujeong café to an Emmy-winning global superstar is a testament to his enduring talent and adaptability. His younger self, defined by breakout roles in The Young Man and Sandglass, set the stage for the international icon he is today, proving that a strong foundation is the key to a lasting legacy.
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