“The Red Sleeve” star Lee Se Young: a 24-year acting career, her struggles with loneliness and friendship due to early fame, and more

MBC’s historical drama The Red Sleeve starring Lee Junho and Lee Se Young is one of the most successful year-end TV series, as evidenced by its high viewership ratings and strong media coverage. Following the popularity of The Red Sleeve, the main cast members are also drawing much attention. Let’s join us to find out more about the lengthy acting career with ups and downs of the female lead Lee Se Young.

Lee Se Young, who was born in 1992, entered the entertainment industry as a 5-year-old child star. Her most outstanding on-screen performance in the early days of her career was a role in the historical masterpiece Dae Jang Geum (2003). 

Starting to act and gaining experience from a young age, Lee Se Young‘s acting has never come under controversy. She was considered one of the most potential child stars who would hit big once she grew up, but Lee Se Young‘s career as an adult actress encountered many difficulties.

Many productions that Lee Se Young participated in did not have enough impact for her to stand out in the entertainment industry and get a big break. When it comes to Lee Se Young in her early 20s, it seems that the public still only remembered her as a child star.

The pressure of moving past her image as a child actress as well as becoming famous too soon made Lee Se Young decide to live a secluded life. The actress is always busy with schedules and has very few friends to hang out with outside work. On the show Weekend Playlist, Lee Se Young made viewers feel bad for her when she spent all day from early morning until late night only rehearsing the script at the company.

She spent more time at the company than at home and has almost no friends to have meals with. She could only contact the director or manager to eat with, but they were all busy so she continued practicing her lines alone.

The most important turning point that helped Lee Se Young once again make an impression on the public is her portrayal of a dual role in the 2017 fantasy drama A Korean Odyssey starring Lee Seung Gi, Cha Seung Won and Oh Yeon Seo. Also in 2017, Lee Se Young had her first leading role in TV after consistently playing supporting characters. 

Lee Se Young’s most outstanding dramas thanks to which she receives plenty of praise for her acting include The Crowned Clown, Doctor John, Memorist, Kairos, and most recently The Red Sleeve. 

Although Lee Se Young does not have many friends in real life, with her long career in the entertainment industry, she is close to many celebrities. Regarding her romantic relationship, in more than 20 years of acting career, Lee Se Young has only been involved in 2 dating rumors and one of them was with famous soccer player Son Heung Min. However, she has never spoken out on any rumors related to her personal life. 

Her current reputation is a worthy reward for Lee Se Young‘s hard work and relentless efforts over the years. Besides her beauty and talent, Lee Se Young’s humble attitude and diligence are what makes her even more admirable. Hopefully The Red Sleeve will continue its good records until the finale and Lee Se Young will achieve more success in the future.