For over a decade, actress Lee Yoo-mi quietly endured the shadows of the entertainment industry. Starting as a commercial model at just 15, she spent 12 years playing minor roles, often unnoticed even when she appeared on screen in projects like The Yellow Sea, Voice 2, Doctor John, and Fashion King.
But behind the scenes, she battled something far more personal — a deep insecurity about her appearance, especially her low nose.
“Can I even act with this face?” she once wondered. Her complex ran so deep that she once visited a plastic surgery clinic with her mother. Yet, she walked away from the idea of changing herself. Instead, she chose to embrace her natural look and focus on honing her craft.
Her patience and resilience paid off.
In 2021, Lee Yoo-mi rose to global fame with her breakout role in Netflix’s Squid Game, followed by another hit in All of Us Are Dead in 2022. These series catapulted her into international recognition, earning her praise for her emotional depth and screen presence. Today, she stands as one of the few Korean actresses to be invited to prestigious overseas award shows, an achievement few could have imagined during her early years.
What’s even more remarkable is how she reflects on the very feature she once hated, “Maybe it was possible because of this face. I don’t think it would’ve worked if I had gotten a nose job.”
Lee Yoo-mi’s journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and persistence. From crying over her low nose to becoming a globally recognized Korean actress, her story continues to inspire countless aspiring actors around the world.
Sources: Daum
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