South Korean actress Esom, born Lee So-young, has carved a unique niche for herself in the Korean entertainment industry with her fearless roles and commanding screen presence. Making her mark with a breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film Scarlet Innocence (2014), Esom has since become a go-to name for complex, layered female characters in both films and dramas. Her ability to transition seamlessly between indie films and mainstream blockbusters has won her critical praise and a loyal fanbase.
Born on January 30, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea, Esom began her career as a model before entering acting. She adopted the stage name “Esom” to reflect a fresh and unconventional persona. Her early roles in TV dramas and small film appearances laid the foundation for her nuanced acting style. But it was Scarlet Innocence that changed everything — earning her Best New Actress nominations at several prestigious Korean award shows. Since then, she’s starred in diverse projects like Because This Is My First Life, Taxi Driver, and the film Samjin Company English Class, which cemented her status as one of Korea’s most versatile actresses.
With her edgy fashion sense, sharp wit, and commitment to socially relevant storytelling, Esom represents a modern face of Korean cinema. She’s not afraid to take risks, both in the characters she portrays and the public image she maintains — always a little elusive, always unapologetically herself.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name |
Lee So-young |
| Other/Nickname |
Esom (stage name) |
| Profession/Occupation |
Actress, Model |
| Birthplace |
Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality |
South Korean |
| Age |
35 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth |
January 30, 1990 |
| Hometown |
Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign |
Aquarius |
| Current career status |
Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) |
172 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) |
52 kg |
| Body Measurements |
34-25-35 (approx.) |
| Hair Color |
Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color |
Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents |
Not publicly known |
| Father’s name |
Not publicly known |
| Mother’s name |
Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name |
Not publicly known |
| Sister’s name |
Not publicly known |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend |
Rumored relationships, unconfirmed |
| Dating |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status |
Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband |
N/A |
| Son |
N/A |
| Daughter |
N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School |
Not publicly disclosed |
| College/ University |
Sejong University |
| Educational Qualification |
Studied Fashion Design |
Controversies
- Esom has largely stayed away from major controversies, maintaining a clean public image. She has occasionally faced criticism for her bold roles, particularly in Scarlet Innocence, but these have typically been outweighed by critical acclaim for her fearless performances.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food |
Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki |
| Favorite Movie |
Her (2013) |
| Favorite Actor |
Joaquin Phoenix |
| Favorite Actress |
Cate Blanchett |
| Favorite Color |
Black |
| Favorite Designer |
Not publicly known |
| Favorite Destination |
Paris |
| Favorite Cafe |
Prefers hidden local cafés |
| Favorite daily wear brand |
COS, Zara |
| Favorite Book |
Not publicly known |
| Favorite Athlete |
Not publicly known |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth |
Estimated $1-2 million USD |
Contact Information
| Official Website |
N/A |
| E-Mail Address |
Not publicly available |
| Phone Number |
Not publicly available |
| House Address |
Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia |
Esom |
| Twitter |
Not officially active |
| Facebook |
Not officially active |
| Instagram |
@esom_ |
Personal quote:
“I want to live truthfully in every moment — that’s the kind of acting, and life, I seek.”
Early Life and Career:
Born and raised in Seoul, Esom originally pursued fashion design at Sejong University before venturing into modeling. Her tall, elegant frame and striking looks quickly caught attention in the fashion world, and soon after, she transitioned into acting. Her early appearances were modest but promising — she played supporting roles in TV and film until her breakout role in Scarlet Innocence.
Esom received multiple nominations for her portrayal of a woman entangled in a dark, vengeful romance. This performance established her as a bold actress willing to explore psychologically intense characters. She followed this up with eclectic projects including Like for Likes and Microhabitat, proving she wasn’t confined to a single genre.
Her popularity surged again with the K-drama Because This Is My First Life, where she played a confident and career-driven woman who challenges gender roles. More recently, she wowed audiences in Taxi Driver, a vigilante crime drama that solidified her place in mainstream television.
Current life/Events:
Esom continues to explore strong, unconventional female roles in both indie and commercial Korean projects. In 2023, she reprised her role in Taxi Driver 2, which was a commercial and critical success. She is also reported to be working on several film projects that highlight her passion for human rights and gender equality themes.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Esom
- Esom’s real name is Lee So-young — she chose “Esom” to stand out and rebrand herself as an actress.
- She began her career as a fashion model before transitioning into film.
- Her breakout film, Scarlet Innocence, was rated 19+ and caused a stir for its sensual content — a bold move for a then-new actress.
- Esom doesn’t shy away from socially conscious roles and often chooses scripts with female empowerment themes.
- Despite being a public figure, she is extremely private and rarely discusses her personal life.
- She was once part of Korea’s national modeling contest, where she was a finalist.
- Esom loves vintage fashion and often styles herself for magazine shoots.
- She is known for her love of pets, especially cats.
- Her Instagram account is minimalistic and artsy, reflecting her indie aesthetic.
- She starred alongside award-winning actress Go Ah-sung in the feminist workplace drama Samjin Company English Class.
