Actress Lee Min-jung Biography: From Boys Over Flowers to K-Drama Queen

Lee Min-jung is a South Korean actress widely admired for her elegance, natural acting talent, and strong screen presence. Over the past two decades, she has transitioned from being a stage actress to one of the most beloved television and film stars in Korea. Fans often recognize her for her roles in dramas like Boys Over Flowers, Smile, You, and Cunning Single Lady.

Beyond her professional success, Lee Min-jung is also known for her marriage to actor Lee Byung-hun, making the pair one of South Korea’s most talked-about celebrity couples. Her story isn’t just about fame — it’s about perseverance, balance, and grace in both career and family life.

Early Life and Background

Born on February 16, 1982, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Min-jung grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged education and creativity. As a young girl, she showed an early interest in storytelling, performance, and the arts. These early traits would later define her successful acting career.

Lee Min-jung’s Age and Birthday

As of 2025, Lee Min-jung is 43 years old, yet she continues to captivate audiences with her timeless charm. Fans often comment that she looks much younger than her age — a testament to her healthy lifestyle and natural beauty.

Education and Early Aspirations

Lee Min-jung studied Theatre at Sungkyunkwan University, one of Korea’s top institutions. Her time at university allowed her to hone her acting skills and explore stage performance. Before making her TV debut, she appeared in several stage productions by the famous playwright Jang Jin, which helped her build a strong foundation in acting.

Family and Personal Connections

Relationship with Lee Byung-hun

Lee Min-jung’s personal life drew major media attention when she married Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun on August 10, 2013. Their wedding was considered one of the biggest entertainment events in South Korea that year, attended by numerous celebrities and public figures.

Lee Byung-hun, known for his work in films like Joint Security Area, G.I. Joe, and Mr. Sunshine, shares a deeply respected relationship with Lee Min-jung. Despite public scrutiny over the years, the couple’s marriage has endured, and they are often praised for maintaining professionalism and privacy.

Lee Jong-kun, Park Jae-soon, and Lee Eun-hee Connection

While Lee Jong-kun and Park Jae-soon are Lee Byung-hun’s parents, their names often come up in connection to Lee Min-jung because of her marriage. Similarly, Lee Eun-hee, the former Miss Korea 1996, is her sister-in-law. These family ties connect Lee Min-jung to one of Korea’s most prominent entertainment families.

Lee Min-jung’s Rise in the Acting Industry

The Stage Days and Early Screen Roles

Lee Min-jung’s journey began in theatre. Her first roles under director Jang Jin earned her respect for her dedication and expressive acting. She transitioned to television in the mid-2000s, slowly gaining recognition for her supporting performances.

Lee Min-jung in Boys Over Flowers

Her breakout moment came in 2009 with the hit drama Boys Over Flowers, where she played Ha Jae-kyung, a charming, confident, and independent woman. Although her role was not the lead, it captured the hearts of fans across Asia. The drama’s massive popularity introduced her to international audiences, marking a turning point in her career.

Breakthrough with Smile, You

Following her success in Boys Over Flowers, Lee landed her first leading role in the family drama Smile, You (2009). The series was a hit, showcasing her ability to balance comedic timing with emotional depth. Critics praised her versatility, cementing her status as one of Korea’s top leading actresses.

Lee Min-jung’s Movies and Film Career

Cyrano Agency – The Defining Role

In 2010, Lee Min-jung starred in Cyrano Agency, a romantic comedy that became a box-office success. Her portrayal of a woman caught in a complicated love triangle won her the Best New Actress Award at the 31st Blue Dragon Film Awards. This role established her as a credible film actress capable of carrying a feature film.

Other Notable Films and Achievements

White Night (2009) – A suspenseful film that displayed her emotional range.

Wonderful Radio (2012) – She portrayed a former pop star turned radio host, again earning critical praise.

Love on the Rocks (2015) – A romantic drama that highlighted her maturity as an actress.

Each role demonstrated her ability to blend sincerity with humor, making her a relatable and admired figure in Korean cinema.

TV Shows with Lee Min-jung

From Big to Cunning Single Lady

After her movie success, Lee returned to television with Big (2012), starring opposite Gong Yoo. Though the show received mixed reviews, her performance stood out for its emotional honesty.

In 2014, she starred in Cunning Single Lady, a romantic comedy about love, divorce, and second chances. Her chemistry with co-star Joo Sang-wook was highly praised, and the show performed well both domestically and internationally.

Once Again and Her Return to Stardom

After a short career break following the birth of her son, Lee made a strong comeback with Once Again (2020). The family drama became one of the highest-rated Korean series of that year. Her role as Song Na-hee, a strong yet sensitive doctor navigating relationships, reminded audiences of why they loved her in the first place.

Working with Popular Co-stars

Lee Jeong-seok and Other Collaborations

While Lee Min-jung hasn’t co-starred directly with Lee Jeong-seok, the two share similar circles within the industry and have appeared in overlapping networks’ projects. Throughout her career, she has worked with top Korean actors like Gong Yoo, Joo Sang-wook, and Shin Ha-kyun, proving her versatility in various genres.

Lee Min-jung’s Instagram and Public Image

Social Media Presence and Fan Interaction

Lee Min-jung maintains an active Instagram presence, often sharing behind-the-scenes photos, personal family moments, and updates about her work. Her username @leeminjungs has become a hub for fans worldwide who admire her authenticity and elegance.

Beauty, Style, and Endorsements

Known for her glowing skin and minimalist style, Lee Min-jung has been the face of multiple Korean beauty and fashion brands. Her image blends sophistication with approachability, making her one of the most marketable actresses in South Korea.

Awards and Recognitions

Honors in Film and Television

Best New Actress (Blue Dragon Film Awards, 2010) – Cyrano Agency

Popularity Award (KBS Drama Awards, 2009) – Smile, You

Excellence Award (MBC Drama Awards, 2014) – Cunning Single Lady

Top Excellence Award (KBS Drama Awards, 2020) – Once Again

Her award record reflects both critical and popular recognition, a rare combination that few Korean actresses achieve.

Lee Min-jung’s Personal Life and Family Today

Lee Min-jung and Lee Byung-hun have two children — a son born in March 2015, and a daughter born in December 2023. Despite her busy schedule, Lee prioritizes family life and is often praised for maintaining a balance between motherhood and career.

Her husband, Lee Byung-hun, frequently mentions her as a source of strength and inspiration. The family maintains a relatively private lifestyle, focusing on raising their children away from excessive media exposure.

Conclusion

Actress Lee Min-jung represents grace, resilience, and evolution in the Korean entertainment industry. From her early stage days to her starring roles in beloved dramas and films, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Her journey — shaped by talent, discipline, and unwavering passion — proves that true artistry transcends trends and time.

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