At just 23 years old, when she was at the height of her popularity, Lee Yo-won shocked the entertainment industry by announcing her marriage to a wealthy businessman. Now a mother of three, she continues to thrive as one of Korea’s most enduring leading actresses.
Born in 1980, Lee Yo-won entered the entertainment world after winning a high school modeling contest. She began acting with the film Scent of a Man and quickly gained recognition in dramas like School 2 and Tough Guy’s Love.
In 2003, just five years after her debut, she tied the knot with Park Jin-woo, a businessman six years her senior whom she met through actress Jo Yeo-jeong. Despite concerns over her young age, the couple married after dating for a year and a half. She later gave birth to her first daughter while studying in the U.S.
Lee Yo-won now has three children—two daughters and a son—with a 12-year age gap between the eldest and youngest. Her firstborn is currently studying abroad and contemplating a break from school, a story Lee Yo-won shared on a broadcast.
In interviews, Lee Yo-won has admitted that “most of my outings revolve around my children’s schedules,” highlighting her commitment to family life.
Despite these personal responsibilities, Lee Yo-won resumed acting just two years after marriage with the drama Fashion 70s, which became a major hit, surpassing 30% in viewership. She went on to star in acclaimed projects like Surgeon Bong Dal-hee, May 18, Queen Seondeok, 49 Days, Horse Doctor, and Avengers Social Club, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Her portrayal of a mother navigating Korea’s intense education culture in Green Mothers’ Club drew particular praise for its authenticity likely drawn from her own real-life experiences as a mom of three.
Often recognized for her elegant and natural beauty, Lee Yo-won still retains a youthful appearance at age 44. She claims there’s no secret: “I swell up easily, so I just focus on diet and managing my condition when I’m filming.”
With a long-standing career marked by both consistency and grace, Lee Yo-won remains a powerful presence in the Korean entertainment world balancing motherhood and stardom like few others can.
Sources: Daum