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Lee Byung-Hun – Age, Wife, Children, Movies and Net Worth

Harry James Carter Bennett • 2026-07-11 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Lee Byung-hun is a South Korean actor whose career spans more than three decades, from local television dramas to global blockbusters. He is widely recognized for his role as the Front Man in the Netflix phenomenon Squid Game, but his filmography includes acclaimed Korean films and major Hollywood productions. This article covers his age, family, career milestones, and estimated net worth based on available public information.

Born in Seoul on July 12, 1970, Lee Byung-hun has built a reputation as one of the most versatile actors in South Korea. His work ranges from intense revenge thrillers to historical dramas, and he has successfully crossed over into American cinema. He is married to actress Lee Min-jung, and the couple has two children. His global breakthrough came with the role of the Front Man in Squid Game, a series that became a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

The following sections address the most common questions about his personal life, career, physical attributes, and financial standing, drawing on verified sources and publicly available records.

Who is Lee Byung-hun’s Wife?

Lee Byung-hun married actress Lee Min-jung on August 10, 2013. Lee Min-jung, born February 16, 1982, is a well-known figure in Korean entertainment. The couple’s relationship has been a subject of public interest since they confirmed their dating in 2012.

Age
54 (born July 12, 1970)
Wife
Lee Min-jung (m. 2013)
Notable Role
Front Man in Squid Game
Net Worth
Estimated $20 million
  • Lee Byung-hun is one of the most versatile South Korean actors with a career spanning over 30 years.
  • He gained global fame through Squid Game (2021) and has appeared in Hollywood films like G.I. Joe and The Magnificent Seven.
  • His personal life is relatively private; he married actress Lee Min-jung in 2013 and they have two children.
  • Despite high net worth estimates, exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
  • His early career breakout came with Joint Security Area (2000) and A Bittersweet Life (2005).
Attribute Detail
Full Name Lee Byung-hun (이잭희)
Birth Date July 12, 1970
Birthplace Seoul, South Korea
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Spouse Lee Min-jung (m. 2013)
Children 1 son (born 2015), 1 daughter (born 2023)
Occupation Actor, singer, model
Years Active 1991–present
Net Worth Estimated $20 million (various sources)

How many children do Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung have?

The couple has two children. Their son, Lee Joon-hoo, was born on March 31, 2015. Their daughter, Lee Seo-i, was born on December 21, 2023. The family maintains residences in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, and Universal City, Los Angeles.

Family Privacy

Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung have kept their children largely out of the public eye. No official photos of the children have been released by the family, and their names were confirmed through public records and news reports.

What are the best Lee Byung-hun movies and TV shows?

Lee Byung-hun’s filmography spans Korean cinema and Hollywood productions. His most acclaimed Korean films include Joint Security Area (2000), which became the highest-grossing Korean film of its time, and A Bittersweet Life (2005), a mafia drama that showcased his range. He also starred in I Saw the Devil (2010), a revenge thriller, and Masquerade (2012), a historical drama.

On television, he delivered standout performances in the action thriller Iris (2009) and the historical epic Mr. Sunshine (2018), for which he won the Grand Prize at the 6th APAN Star Awards. He also appeared in the drama series Our Blues.

What role did Lee Byung-hun play in Squid Game?

Lee Byung-hun portrayed the Front Man, the masked overseer of the deadly competition in Squid Game. The role, which he played from 2021 onward, became a global sensation and introduced him to a massive international audience. The series remains one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, and his character is expected to return in future seasons.

Hollywood crossover

Lee Byung-hun made his Hollywood debut as Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013). He later appeared in Red 2 (2013) and The Magnificent Seven (2016), establishing himself as one of the few Korean actors with a sustained American film career.

How old is Lee Byung-hun and what is his height?

Lee Byung-hun is 55 years old as of 2026, having been born on July 12, 1970. He stands 178 cm tall, which is approximately 5 feet 10 inches. His weight is around 71 kg (156.5 lb).

What was Lee Byung-hun like when he was young?

Lee Byung-hun was born into a wealthy family in Seoul. His father was a businessman who passed away in 2000. He studied French Literature at Hanyang University and later pursued theatre studies at Chung-Ang University’s graduate school. His acting career began in 1991 after winning a KBS talent audition, with his debut in the drama Asphalt My Hometown.

Uncertainty about early photos

While many fans search for “Lee Byung-hun young photos,” no verified public gallery of his childhood or early teenage images is widely available. Most early career photos date from his debut in the early 1990s.

What is Lee Byung-hun’s net worth?

Lee Byung-hun’s net worth is estimated at approximately $20 million as of 2026, according to multiple sources. Some estimates have ranged higher, but exact figures are not publicly confirmed. His income derives from film and television roles, endorsements, and his Hollywood appearances.

He owns luxury homes in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, and Universal City, Los Angeles. His car collection includes a Genesis GV80, Bentley Continental GT, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Career Timeline: From Debut to Global Stardom

  1. 1970 – Born in Seoul, South Korea.
  2. 1991 – Acting debut in TV drama Asphalt My Hometown after winning a KBS talent audition.
  3. 2000 – Breakthrough role in Park Chan-wook’s Joint Security Area, the highest-grossing Korean film of its time.
  4. 2005 – Starred in the critically acclaimed mafia film A Bittersweet Life.
  5. 2012 – Hollywood debut in G.I. Joe: Retaliation as Storm Shadow.
  6. 2013 – Married actress Lee Min-jung on August 10.
  7. 2015 – Birth of his son, Lee Joon-hoo; appeared in Terminator Genisys.
  8. 2021 – Portrayed the Front Man in Squid Game, achieving global fame.
  9. 2023 – Birth of his daughter, Lee Seo-i; starred in Concrete Utopia.
  10. 2025 – Received the Bo-gwan Order of Cultural Merit; set to star in No Other Choice and The Match.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Lee Byung-hun?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Date of birth, height, spouse, and children’s names and birth years are confirmed through public records and news reports. Exact net worth varies by source; estimates range from $10 million to $30 million. The $20 million figure is the most commonly cited but not independently verified.
Major filmography credits are documented by Wikipedia, IMDb, and AsianWiki. Details of upcoming projects beyond Squid Game Season 2 and the 2025 films No Other Choice and The Match are not yet confirmed.

What is the significance of Lee Byung-hun’s dual career?

Lee Byung-hun represents a rare crossover success in the entertainment industry. He has maintained prestige in Korean cinema while landing roles in Hollywood blockbusters. His earlier work in Korean films such as Joint Security Area and I Saw the Devil is critically acclaimed, while Squid Game solidified his global recognition.

His personal life, particularly his marriage to Lee Min-jung, draws significant public interest, typical of top Korean celebrities. Net worth discussions reflect his status as a top-earning actor in Korea, though exact figures lack transparency.

What do credible sources say about Lee Byung-hun?

“Lee Byung-hun is a South Korean actor who has received acclaim for his work in a wide range of genres.”

— Wikipedia

“He was born in 1970 in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in a wealthy family.”

IMDb

What is the summary of Lee Byung-hun’s life and career?

Lee Byung-hun is a South Korean actor with a career spanning over 30 years, from his debut in 1991 to global fame as the Front Man in Squid Game. He is married to actress Lee Min-jung and has two children. His estimated net worth is $20 million, though exact figures vary. He continues to work on Korean and international projects, with upcoming films in 2025. For more on other prominent actors, see Scarlett Johansson – Age, Height, Husband, Movies and Net Worth and Mark Ruffalo – Movies, Net Worth, Wife and Biography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Lee Byung-hun born?

Seoul, South Korea.

What awards has Lee Byung-hun won?

Multiple Baeksang Arts Awards, Grand Bell Awards, and Blue Dragon Film Awards. He also received the Order of Cultural Merit.

Is Lee Byung-hun in any upcoming Hollywood movies?

As of 2025, no confirmed Hollywood projects beyond Squid Game Season 2.

How tall is Lee Byung-hun?

He is 178 cm tall, which is approximately 5 feet 10 inches.

When did Lee Byung-hun marry Lee Min-jung?

They married on August 10, 2013.

Does Lee Byung-hun have children?

Yes, he has a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2023.

What was Lee Byung-hun’s first Hollywood movie?

His Hollywood debut was in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) as Storm Shadow.

What is Lee Byung-hun’s most famous role?

He is best known globally for playing the Front Man in Squid Game.

Does Lee Byung-hun have any upcoming projects?

He is set to star in the 2025 films No Other Choice and The Match.

What cars does Lee Byung-hun own?

His collection includes a Genesis GV80, Bentley Continental GT, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Additional sources

nordspiegel.de

Harry James Carter Bennett

About the author

Harry James Carter Bennett

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