Lee Je-hoon is a celebrated South Korean actor renowned for his dynamic range and powerful performances in both mainstream and independent cinema. With a career that spans over a decade, he has firmly established himself as one of South Korea’s most respected and versatile actors. From the raw emotional depth in indie films like Bleak Night to the blockbuster charisma in dramas like Signal and Taxi Driver, Lee’s work resonates deeply with audiences.
Born and raised in Seoul, Lee initially pursued a degree in biotechnology but shifted to the Korean National University of Arts to chase his passion for acting — a decision that changed the course of his life. Known for his introspective style and intense screen presence, he has chosen projects that challenge social norms and explore human psychology, setting him apart in the industry.
Lee Je-hoon’s filmography includes critically acclaimed films such as Architecture 101, which propelled him to fame, and Anarchist from Colony, where his dedication to the role impressed critics. In the television arena, he gained widespread popularity with the time-travel detective series Signal and solidified his star status with action-packed roles in Taxi Driver and its 2023 sequel.
Aside from acting, Lee is also the founder of Hardcut, a production company that supports emerging filmmakers. With his quiet charisma, relentless dedication, and thoughtful approach to storytelling, Lee Je-hoon continues to captivate fans across the globe.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Lee Je-hoon |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 41 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1984 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Non-religious |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Cancer |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 176 cm (5’9”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 68 kg |
| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | N/A (Private) |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dating | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Local schools in Seoul |
|---|---|
| College/University | Korea University (Biotechnology, dropped out); Korean National University of Arts (Theater) |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater & Film |
Controversies
Lee Je-hoon has largely stayed away from controversies throughout his career. He is known for his clean image and professionalism. However, he did receive military-related media attention in 2012 when he enlisted at the peak of his rising fame, a move that was both praised and scrutinized by the public.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Schindler’s List |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Natalie Portman |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, France |
| Favorite Cafe | Small indie cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Casual minimalist Korean brands |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $100K–$300K per project |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approx. $5–6 million USD (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not publicly disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Lee Je-hoon |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @leejehoon_official |
Personal quote:
“Acting isn’t about pretending. It’s about understanding and becoming someone else — even just for a moment.”
Early Life and Career:
Lee Je-hoon was born on July 4, 1984, in Seoul, South Korea. Originally enrolled at Korea University to study biotechnology, he made a drastic life shift by transferring to the Korean National University of Arts, where he majored in Theater. From an early age, he was fascinated by storytelling and performance — eventually finding his true calling on stage and screen.
He started his acting journey in independent films, earning critical acclaim for his performance in Bleak Night (2011), which won him multiple Best New Actor awards. His breakout moment came with the romantic film Architecture 101, followed by My Paparotti and Anarchist from Colony, where he played intense, emotionally charged roles.
In TV, he earned nationwide popularity with Signal, a crime thriller with a supernatural twist. His transition to leading man status was complete with Taxi Driver (2021) and its sequel in 2023, in which he played a vigilante taxi driver serving justice outside the law.
Current Life/Events:
In 2025, Lee Je-hoon remains one of Korea’s most bankable stars. He reprised his role in Taxi Driver 2, which became a massive hit, and is currently exploring international projects under his production company, Hardcut. Lee is also mentoring young filmmakers and participating in film festivals, actively supporting Korea’s growing independent cinema scene.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Lee Je-hoon
- He originally studied biotechnology before switching to acting.
- Lee is known for doing extensive research and often isolates himself to prepare for intense roles.
- Despite being a star, he avoids variety shows and rarely gives interviews — preferring privacy.
- He completed his mandatory military service from 2012 to 2014.
- Lee founded his own production company, “Hardcut,” in 2021.
- He once said he watches every film multiple times to study performances, even his own.
- He is a cinephile and frequently attends international film festivals.
- He is very close friends with actor Park Jung-min, with whom he has collaborated multiple times.
- Fans often praise his duality — boyish charm with deep emotional gravitas.
- He starred in BTS’s “Blue & Grey” concept short film project in 2021.
