Lee El is a South Korean actress who has carved out a niche for herself in the world of television and film with her captivating screen presence and versatile acting skills. Born Kim Ji-hyun, she is known professionally as Lee El, a stage name that reflects her powerful aura and enigmatic charm. While she was long regarded as one of the industry’s most underrated talents, the tide has turned, and Lee El has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Korean entertainment.
She began her career with smaller roles in dramas and films but gradually drew attention with her performances in hit productions like Inside Men (2015), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016), and Black (2017). Her portrayal of emotionally complex characters, especially her chilling yet magnetic role in Inside Men, gained her both critical and popular acclaim.
Lee El’s striking features and low-pitched, sultry voice make her instantly recognizable, but it’s her nuanced performances that have earned her admiration. Over the years, she’s moved from supporting roles to more central ones, notably as the enigmatic Jin Gab-sun in the sleeper hit My Liberation Notes (2022), where her performance was praised for its raw emotional depth.
Although she maintains a relatively private personal life, Lee El is admired for her bold personality, intelligence, and wit. She’s vocal about gender issues in the entertainment industry and is known for taking on roles that reflect her principles. Whether on screen or off, Lee El stands out for her elegance and authenticity—qualities that continue to resonate with fans across the globe.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Kim Ji-hyun |
| Other/Nickname | Lee El |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 42 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1982 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Cancer |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 170 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 54 kg |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-35 (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Father’s name | Not known |
| Mother’s name | Not known |
| Brother’s name | Not known |
| Sister’s name | Not known |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | Not publicly disclosed |
| Dating | No confirmed relationships |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Not publicly known |
| College/ University | Sungkyunkwan University |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Performing Arts |
Controversies
While Lee El has mostly kept a clean public image, she once made headlines for posting a playful photo of actor Kim Jae-wook sleeping, which stirred unnecessary dating rumors. She responded with humor and clarity, shutting down speculation quickly. She has also been outspoken on feminist issues, which has both earned her praise and stirred debate in conservative circles of Korean media.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, raw fish, and pasta |
| Favorite Movie | The Handmaiden |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Kim Hye-soo |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | Not publicly known |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | Local Seoul cafes with retro vibes |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Minimalist Korean fashion labels |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Estimated $30,000–$50,000 per episode |
| Net Worth | Approx. $2 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not known |
| Phone Number | Not known |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Lee El (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_El) |
| Not active | |
| Not active | |
| @2l_kjh |
Personal quote:
“I want to act in roles that challenge perceptions—not just of characters, but of women.”
Early Life and Career
Lee El was born Kim Ji-hyun on June 26, 1982, in Seoul, South Korea. From a young age, she harbored dreams of performing, and she pursued them with tenacity. After studying performing arts at the prestigious Sungkyunkwan University, she entered the entertainment industry with small parts in television dramas and films.
Her breakthrough came with the noir political thriller Inside Men (2015), where she played a mistress embroiled in scandal. Despite limited screen time, her performance was unforgettable and earned her industry recognition. This led to roles in high-profile series like Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016), where she played the iconic Samshin grandmother, and the supernatural thriller Black (2017).
Lee El’s choice of roles often veers toward the unconventional. She shines in characters layered with emotional complexity, as seen in A Korean Odyssey (2017) and later in the 2022 hit My Liberation Notes, where her portrayal of a woman seeking peace and identity struck a chord with audiences. Her command of both television and film has established her as a reliable and compelling performer.
Current Life/Events
In recent years, Lee El has continued to push boundaries. In 2024, she starred in the critically acclaimed drama Loverly Runner, followed by a role in the upcoming dark comedy Blood Free, where she plays a high-powered executive navigating the bioengineering industry.
She’s also ventured into theater and scriptwriting, and rumors suggest she’s developing her own independent film project. Known for her integrity and careful role selection, Lee El has cemented her status as one of South Korea’s most respected actresses.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Lee El
- Lee El originally dreamed of becoming a singer before choosing acting.
- She adopted the name “Lee El” after consulting with a fortune teller, seeking a stronger stage presence.
- Her deep, husky voice is a signature trait—once considered a limitation, now her trademark.
- She starred in one of South Korea’s most risqué scenes in Inside Men, which made her a household name overnight.
- She is an advocate for gender equality in the Korean entertainment industry.
- Despite her fame, she lives a low-key lifestyle and is rarely seen at high-profile celebrity events.
- She is a devoted cat lover and frequently shares photos of her pets on Instagram.
- Lee El enjoys reading, especially Japanese and feminist literature.
- She once worked as a musical actress in small local productions before entering TV.
- Known for her sharp sense of humor, she often surprises fans with witty, philosophical Instagram captions.
