In a country known for its stunning actresses, Lee Se-young stands out as one of South Korea’s most beloved leading ladies. Renowned today for her beauty and emotional depth in romantic dramas, few know that her journey began under extraordinary—and slightly terrifying—circumstances.
According to reports, Lee Se-young was so exceptionally beautiful as a child that her mother feared she might become the target of a kidnapping. To protect her daughter, she made a surprising decision: to place her in the public eye as a child actress. Her reasoning was that high visibility could offer safety—if something were to happen, people would recognize Lee and offer help.
That decision turned out to be life-changing. At just 12 years old, Lee Se-young captured the nation’s attention with her performance in the legendary drama Dae Jang Geum, starring Lee Young-ae. Portraying the younger version of the titular character, Lee Se-young stunned audiences not only with her ethereal beauty but also with her natural acting ability.
Following her breakout role, she steadily built her career by taking on a variety of roles in different genres, transitioning from child actress to full-fledged professional. Her dedication and tireless effort to hone her craft earned her a string of major roles in high-profile dramas.
Some of her most acclaimed works include:
- The Crowned Clown alongside Yeo Jin-goo
- Doctor John opposite Ji Sung
- The Red Sleeve, where she starred with Lee Jun-ho
- The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract with Bae In-hyuk
- What Comes After Love, her first Korean-Japanese co-production, co-starring Sakaguchi Kentaro
Next up, Lee Se-young is set to make waves once again in the highly anticipated drama The Remarried Empress, where she stars as Rashta Isqua, a runaway slave who becomes entangled in royal drama. Sharing the screen with top-tier stars like Shin Min-ah, Lee Jong-suk, and Joo Ji-hoon, the project is already generating significant buzz.
From a child once protected by fame to a powerhouse in her own right, Lee Se-young’s journey is both heartwarming and inspiring. With each performance, she continues to affirm her place as one of Korea’s most versatile and captivating actresses.
Sources: kenh14