Lee Yoo-mi is one of South Korea’s most exciting rising stars, captivating audiences worldwide with her talent, versatility, and emotional depth on screen. Best known internationally for her memorable roles in two Netflix global hits — Squid Game (2021) and All of Us Are Dead (2022) — Lee has become a breakout force in the Korean entertainment industry. What sets her apart isn’t just her acting chops, but her ability to deeply inhabit each character, making them feel authentic, vulnerable, and unforgettable.
Born on July 18, 1994, in Jeonju, South Korea, Lee Yoo-mi initially debuted in the entertainment world with small roles, quietly building her craft over the years. Though her early appearances didn’t earn much mainstream attention, they served as the perfect training ground for the emotional intensity she would later bring to her more prominent roles.
Her role as Ji-yeong in Squid Game, the soft-spoken yet emotionally impactful Player 240, catapulted her into global fame. Despite limited screen time, her performance was so profound that she earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series — making history as the first Korean actress to win in that category. She followed this up by playing Lee Na-yeon, a completely contrasting character, in All of Us Are Dead, further proving her acting range.
Today, Lee Yoo-mi continues to star in both film and television, earning critical praise and building a loyal fanbase. She brings not only a fresh face to Korean dramas and films but a layered, grounded approach to acting that resonates with a global audience. With her fearless role choices and expanding portfolio, she’s firmly carving a path as one of Korea’s most dynamic performers.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Lee Yoo-mi (이유미) |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress |
| Birthplace | Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 31 years (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 (Centimeters) | 160 cm (5’3″) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 45 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| 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
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Local school in Jeonju (not publicly named) |
| College/University | Korea National University of Arts (K-ARTS) |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Acting |
Controversies
Lee Yoo-mi has largely stayed away from controversies. Her role in All of Us Are Dead sparked online debate due to the character’s villainous nature, but her acting was widely praised for its complexity and realism.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Tteokbokki, Bibimbap |
| Favorite Movie | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Bae Doona |
| Favorite Color | White, Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | N/A |
| Favorite Destination | Paris |
| Favorite Cafe | Small indie cafés in Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Converse, Zara |
| Favorite Book | The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry |
| Favorite Athlete | Kim Yuna (Figure Skater) |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 Million USD (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
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Lee Yoo-mi |
| Not active | |
| Not active | |
| @leeyoum262 |
Personal quote:
“If I can make someone feel seen, even just for a moment, then I’ve done my job as an actress.”
Early Life and Career:
Lee Yoo-mi’s journey into acting wasn’t an overnight success story — it was one of persistence, growth, and grit. Raised in Jeonju, a culturally rich city in South Korea, she developed an interest in the performing arts at an early age. She eventually pursued formal training in acting from the Korea National University of Arts, where she refined her ability to bring layered emotions to life.
She made her acting debut in 2010 with the film The Yellow Sea, but her early career was marked by a series of supporting roles in films and dramas. These roles, while low-profile, gave her valuable experience and shaped her nuanced approach to acting.
Her big break came in 2021 when she was cast in Squid Game, a series that took the world by storm. Her portrayal of Ji-yeong, a tragic and selfless character, touched audiences worldwide and turned her into an overnight star. In 2022, she took on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum as Lee Na-yeon in All of Us Are Dead, portraying a complex antagonist with chilling realism. These dual roles not only showcased her versatility but also marked her as a serious contender in the global entertainment scene.
Current Life/Events:
Following her breakout success, Lee Yoo-mi has continued to build an impressive resume. In 2023, she starred in Strong Girl Nam-soon, and in 2024, she appeared in the film The Roommate Is a Detective, further establishing herself in both dramatic and genre-blending roles.
She’s also been active in fashion editorials, magazine covers, and public appearances at major film festivals. Fans eagerly await her next projects, as she’s rumored to be in talks for both international collaborations and more Korean productions in 2025.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Lee Yoo-mi
- Lee Yoo-mi worked part-time jobs to support herself before gaining recognition.
- She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2022 — a historic moment for a Korean actress.
- Yoo-mi learned Mandarin Chinese in school and is conversational in the language.
- Before Squid Game, she considered quitting acting due to limited roles.
- She has a pet dog named “Mocha” whom she adores.
- She is very selective about roles and turns down scripts that don’t challenge her artistically.
- Despite her fame, she avoids variety shows and prefers to keep a low profile.
- She loves sketching and painting in her free time.
- Lee has a tattoo behind her ear, but rarely displays it publicly.
- Her dream role is to play a historical queen in a Korean period drama.
