Lee Yoo-mi is a powerhouse talent from South Korea who gained global fame for her roles in groundbreaking Netflix hits like Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead. Known for her emotionally gripping performances and versatile acting range, Lee has quickly risen to become one of the most recognized faces in the OTT world. Though she had been active in the Korean entertainment industry since the early 2010s, it wasn’t until her appearance in Squid Game as the kind-hearted Ji-yeong (Player 240) that the world truly took notice. Her tragic yet impactful role in the survival thriller tugged at hearts worldwide and earned her widespread acclaim.
Born on July 18, 1994, in Jeonju, South Korea, Lee Yoo-mi made her acting debut in 2010 with the film The Yellow Sea. Since then, she has steadily worked her way through television and indie cinema, slowly carving out a unique space for herself. Before becoming a household name internationally, she appeared in dramas like 365: Repeat the Year, Voice 2, and Doctor John. However, 2021 marked a turning point when her performances in Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead made her an instant fan-favorite.
She became the first Korean actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Squid Game, a historic feat that further solidified her international status. Apart from her talent, fans admire Lee for her grounded personality, low-profile lifestyle, and dedication to her craft.
Let’s take a deeper look into the life of this rising global sensation.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Lee Yoo-mi |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Jeonju, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1994 |
| Hometown | Jeonju, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Cancer |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 162 cm (5’3¾”) |
| Weight | 45 kg approx. |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-33 approx. |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Not publicly known |
| Father’s name | Not publicly known |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | Not publicly known |
| Dating | Not disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local schools in Jeonju |
| College/University | Korea National University of Arts (Acting major) |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Acting |
Controversies
Lee Yoo-mi has maintained a clean public image with no major controversies. Her acting choices and professional demeanor have earned her respect both in Korea and internationally.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Tteokbokki, Kimchi stew |
| Favorite Movie | Not publicly known |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Natalie Portman |
| Favorite Color | Black, Pastel Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not disclosed |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, New York |
| Favorite Cafe | Local cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | COS, Uniqlo |
| Favorite Book | Not disclosed |
| Favorite Athlete | N/A |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not publicly disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Platform | Link/Handle |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Lee Yoo-mi |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| @leeyoum262 |
Personal quote:
“I just want to become an actress who can quietly and honestly deliver emotions.”
Early Life and Career
Born and raised in Jeonju, Lee Yoo-mi had a quiet upbringing far from the spotlight. From an early age, she was interested in the arts and enrolled in acting classes during her school years. Her passion for the craft led her to pursue a formal education at the Korea National University of Arts, a prestigious institution known for producing some of South Korea’s finest talent.
Lee debuted in 2010 in the crime thriller film The Yellow Sea, playing a minor role. Over the next decade, she took on various supporting roles in both TV and film, often in medical or crime thrillers. Her big break, however, came in 2021 with Squid Game. Despite limited screen time, her portrayal of the tragic and noble Ji-yeong left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
She followed this up with another standout role as Na-yeon in All of Us Are Dead, showing her range by playing a self-centered, unlikeable student—a sharp contrast to her role in Squid Game. Lee’s ability to transform herself has become her signature strength.
Current life/Events
In recent years, Lee Yoo-mi has been a regular fixture in OTT series and indie films. In 2023, she appeared in Strong Girl Nam-soon, playing a supporting role, and starred in Netflix’s Ballerina in 2024. Her work continues to focus on emotionally layered characters, and she is now sought after in international productions.
Lee Yoo-mi is reportedly in talks for her Hollywood debut and has expressed interest in taking on roles that challenge conventional storytelling. As of 2025, she remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable talents in the OTT space.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Lee Yoo-mi
- She won a Primetime Emmy Award, becoming the first Korean actress to do so.
- Before her breakout, she worked part-time jobs including as a barista to support herself.
- She was so unknown before Squid Game that her Instagram followers grew from 40,000 to over 7 million within a month after its release.
- She is known to be very shy and introverted in real life, unlike many of the bold characters she portrays.
- Lee is a trained ballet dancer.
- Despite her rising fame, she does not enjoy luxury lifestyles and prefers quiet evenings with books or movies.
- Her dream role is to play a villain in a noir film.
- She is a pet lover and has a rescue dog named “Mong-i.”
- Lee has a close friendship with actress Jung Ho-yeon (Squid Game co-star).
- She is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and speaks often about handling anxiety and self-worth in interviews.
