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Lee Chae-young
View on WikipediaLee Chae-young (Korean: 이채영; born April 29, 1986) is a South Korean actress.[1] She debuted in a music video called "Come On" by the Hip-hop group Turtles in 2003. The following year, she appeared in Rain's "I Do" music video and in 2007, Yoon Mi-rae's "Did You Forget It". Her first television drama was Witch Yoo Hee, a romantic comedy, as Chef Marie. It wasn't until she was cast as Sa Illa in the 2009 historical drama Iron Empress and took the role as a host on the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) variety show Star Golden Bell that her popularity rose. She is a Dankook University graduate[2][3] and the younger sister of Seo Seung-ah.[4][5]
Key Information
Personal life
[edit]Lee attended Mirim Girls' High School during her youth, and later attended Dankook University. Her hobbies include swimming and judo.
She is sometimes referred to as "Little Jang"; the nickname originated because of her resemblance to actress Jang Jin-young.[6][7]
Early life and career
[edit]2003–07: Debut and Witch Yoo Hee
[edit]She made her debut in the hip-hop group Turtles' "Come On" music video from the album Turtles 2 in 2003. In 2004, she appeared in Rain's "I Do" music video as his girl and is seen waiting for him in a restaurant at the end of the video. Appearing in two more music video, Air Rise's "Away" and Yoon Mi Rae's "Did You Forget It", she made her first television drama in 2007. Her first television drama was Witch Yoo Hee as Chef Marie and later that year; she appeared in Find My Son, Sam Man Ri.
2008–10: Life is Cool and Iron Empress
[edit]In 2008, she landed her first movie role in Life is Cool which also happen to be the first rotoscoped movie in South Korea. She was cast as Han Saet Byeol in her second movie, Truck, starring Yoo Hae Jin. Her popular began to rise even more when she was cast as Sa Illa in the 2009 historical drama, Iron Empress. Her character joins the leading character, Empress Cheonchu, and played a supportive role throughout the story. She and Jeon Hyeon-moo took over as host of Star Golden Bell when the show was going through changes.[8][unreliable source?] In 2008, she made an appearance in the Homme music video, "I Was Able to Eat Well", as a girl who causes Lee Hyun and Changmin to fight over her.[9][unreliable source?] She accepted modeling deals with DL1961,[10][unreliable source?] Apple Hip[11][unreliable source?] and Men's Health.[12][unreliable source?][13][14]
2011–present: Royal Family, "Man Should Laugh" and Miracle
[edit]In 2011, she was cast in the drama Royal Family as Park Min Kyeong and modeled for 11th Street for 4th modeling shoot.[15][unreliable source?] She was chosen with Park Han Byul, Lee Tae Im, Jang Ji Eun and Jun Eun Mi in a promotion group called the Ocean Girls for the water park Ocean World.[16][unreliable source?] In July, she appeared Homme's second music video "Man Should Laugh" and it shows the love triangle turning into a serious fight.[17][unreliable source?] Her latest movie is Bicycle Looking for a Whale (or Miracle) as Yeong Chae, it was released on September 22.
In August 2018, Lee signed with new management agency SidusHQ.[18]
Filmography
[edit]TV series
[edit]- 2007: Witch Yoo Hee – Chef Marie
- 2007: Find My Son, Sam Man Ri – Song Hee-joo
- 2009: Empress Cheonchu – Sa Il-la
- 2009: Soul Special – Min Se-hee[19]
- 2009: Wife Returns – Min Yi Hyun
- 2010: Legend of the Patriots – Dan-yeong
- 2011: Royal Family – Park Min-kyeong
- 2012: The Birth of a Family – Ma Ye-ri
- 2014: Two Mothers – Lee Hwa-young
- 2015: More Than a Maid – Ga Hee-ah
- 2017: The Emperor: Owner of the Mask – Mae Chang
- 2018: A Poem a Day – Kim Yoon-joo
- 2018: My Strange Hero[20] – a bride (cameo, ep. 1)
- 2019: Home for Summer – Joo Sang-mi
- 2020–2021: Man in a Veil – Han Yoo-ra
- 2023 : Woman in a Veil – Joo Ae-ra[21]
- 2023 : Family: The Unbreakable Bond - Yoon Chae-ri
Variety shows
[edit]- 2009: Star Golden Bell – Host
- 2010: A Guy Who Reads Baseball[22]
- 2010: Wonder Woman[23]
- 2011: Show Show Show[24]
- 2019: King Of Mask Singer
- 2021: Korea's Chicken Battle – judge[25]
- 2021: Cooking - The Birth of a Cooking King – Contestant[26]
- 2022–present: Goal Girl – Cast Member (Season 3)[27]
Films
[edit]- 2008: Life is Cool – Kim Mi-young
- 2008: Truck – Han Saet-byeol
- 2009: Flight – Soo-ah
- 2011: Bicycle Looking for a Whale/Miracle – Yeong-chae
- 2012: The Grand Heist – Seol-hwa
- 2013: Secretly, Greatly – Ran
- 2013: The Devil Rider – Seoyeon
- 2015: The Mirror
- 2020: The cursed lesson - Hyo Jung
- 2021: Tomb of the River [28]
- 2021 : Lady Gambler – Mimi [29]
- 2022: The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die
Music video appearances
[edit]- 2003: Turtles – "Come On"
- 2004: Rain – "I Do"
- 2004: Air Rise – "Away"
- 2007: Yoon Mi-rae – "Did You Forget It"
- 2008: Natural – "보내는 마음"[30][31]
- 2009: Lee Soo Young – "I Erase It"
- 2009: Hwayobi – "Once"
- 2009: K.Will – "사랑한단 말을 못해서"
- 2010: Rumble Fish – "남잔 다 그래"
- 2010: Kim Dong Hee – "죽을것같아"
- 2010: Homme – "I Was Able to Eat Well"
- 2011: Ocean Girls – "Ride Now"
- 2011: Homme – "Man Should Laugh"
TV commercials / endorsements
[edit]Modeling
[edit]- 11th Street
- Men's Health[33][34]
- Apple Hip[35]
- DL1961 Premium Jeans[36]
- Maxim[citation needed]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Two Mothers | Won | |
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Daily Drama | Man in a Veil | Won | [37] |
| 2021 | 7th APAN Star Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama | Nominated | [38] |
References
[edit]- ^ "이채영", Nate. (in Korean)
- ^ "이채영", Naver. (in Korean)
- ^ "이채영", Daum. (in Korean)
- ^ "서승아", Naver. (in Korean)
- ^ "서승아", Nate. (in Korean)
- ^ "'트럭' 이채영" Archived 2012-04-02 at the Wayback Machine, Daum, 19 September 2008. Retrieved on 11 October 2011.
- ^ "이채영, 고 장진영과 닮은꼴 화제", News CJ, 3 December 2009.
- ^ "Change of Star Golden Bell MCs" Archived 2012-03-08 at the Wayback Machine, Allkpop, 16 April 2009.
- ^ "Lee Hyun & Changmin reveal MV for Homme collaboration", Allkpop, 28 July 2010.
- ^ "Lee Chae Young chosen as the model for DL1961 premium jeans", Allkpop, 1 October 2010.
- ^ "Lee Chae Young shows off her curves for Apple Hip", Allkpop, 3 November 2010.
- ^ "Lee Chae Young becomes a party girl for Men's Health", Allkpop, 1 December 2010.
- ^ 이채영 "700대 1 '아돌' 캐스팅된 이유요?" (인터뷰) (in Korean). Now News. 16 November 2009. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
- ^ 이채영 "된장녀 되려고 다이어트했어요" (인터뷰) (in Korean). Economy Today. Archived from the original on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
- ^ "Lee Chae Young for 11th Street", Allkpop, 21 June 2011.
- ^ "Ocean Girls releases debut music video, Ride Now", Allkpop, 24 June 2011.
- ^ "Homme reveals MV for Man Should Laugh", Allkpop, 18 July 2011.
- ^ 이채영, sidusHQ와 전속계약..장혁·김우빈과 한솥밥[공식입장] (in Korean). OSEN. 2018-08-27. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
- ^ "쏘울 스페셜" Archived 2014-04-29 at the Wayback Machine, Daum. Retrieved 18 October 2011. (in Korean)
- ^ "Lee Chae-young set to play a bride". Korea JoongAng Daily. December 5, 2018.
- ^ Park Seo-yeon (December 15, 2022). 최윤영·이채영·이선호·이루·신고은·이은형, '비밀의 여자' 캐스팅 확정 [공식] [Choi Yoon-young, Lee Chae-young, Lee Seon-ho, Lee Ru, Shin Go-eun, Lee Eun-hyeong confirmed casting for 'Secret Woman' [Official]] (in Korean). MyDaily. Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "야구 읽어주는 남자", Daum.
- ^ "여자가 세상을 바꾼다 – 원더우먼", Daum.
- ^ "쇼쇼쇼", Daum. Retrieved 18 October 2011. (in Korean)
- ^ Jo Min-jeong (October 27, 2021). 치킨대전', 이연복·김풍·영탁·이혜성 심사위원 합류 ['Chicken Daejeon', Lee Yeon-bok, Kim Poong, Young-tak, Lee Hye-seong join the judges] (in Korean). Newsis. Retrieved October 27, 2021 – via Naver.
- ^ JTBC Mobile Operations Team (November 17, 2021). '쿡킹' 박정현vs이채영, '오징어 요리' 주제로 준결승전 ['Cooking' Park Jung-hyun vs. Lee Chae-young, semi-finals with the theme of 'Squid Cooking] (in Korean). JTBC. Retrieved November 17, 2021 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee, Ji-hyun (September 28, 2022). 이채영, '골때녀' 새 멤버 됐다…시즌1 지원했던 문지인도 합류 [Lee Chae-young becomes a new member of 'Goal Girl'... Moon Ji-in, who applied for season 1, also joined.] (in Korean). News1. Retrieved October 2, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Jeon Hyung-hwa (September 16, 2021). 유오성x장혁 액션 느와르 '강릉' 11월 개봉 확정 [공식] [Yoo Oh-seong x Jang Hyuk action noir 'Gangneung' confirmed for November release [Official]]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved September 16, 2021 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim No-eul (October 21, 2021). 이채영-정혜인 주연 '여타짜' 11월 개봉 확정[공식] [Lee Chae-young and Jung Hye-in's 'Others' confirmed for November release [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved October 21, 2021 – via Naver.
- ^ "이채영,내추럴 '보내는 마음'M/V 여주인공 '화제'" Archived 2012-04-07 at the Wayback Machine, CNB News
- ^ "이채영, 내추럴 '보내는 마음' 뮤비에서 열창", E Newstoday
- ^ "밥솥모델도 불황맞아 구조조정", FN News, 16 April 2009. Retrieved 31 October 2011. (in Korean)
- ^ "이채영, 내게 너무 육감六感적인 그녀"[permanent dead link], Men's Health, December 2010.
- ^ "이제는 당신이 만들어 줄 차례" Archived 2012-03-28 at the Wayback Machine, Men's Health, March 2008
- ^ "Apple Hip – 애플힙: 앉기만 해도 힙업!" Archived 2011-08-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "DL1961 Premium Jeans – Lee Chae Young". Archived from the original on 2016-04-02. Retrieved 2011-10-03.
- ^ Yang So-young (January 1, 2021). "[2020 KBS 연기대상] 천호진 두번째 대상…'한다다' 15관왕 "이변無"(종합)" [[2020 KBS Drama Awards] Cheon Ho-jin's second grand prize... 'Handada' 15 crowns, "no change" (total)]. The Daily Economy Star (in Korean). Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Yang-soo (October 26, 2020). "APAN어워즈', 방탄X임영웅X현빈X주원…인기상 후보 공개 '뜨거운 경합". joynews24 (in Korean). Daum. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
External links
[edit]- Lee Chae-young (이채영) at HanCinema
- Chae-yeong Lee at IMDb
- 이보영 (Lee Bo-young) on Cyworld (chyoung15) (in Korean)
Lee Chae-young
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family and childhood
Lee Chae-young was born Lee Bo-young on April 29, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea.[6][1] She grew up in the city alongside her older sister, Seo Seung-ah, who later pursued a career as an actress and model.[7] Early in her career, Lee earned the nickname "Little Jang" due to her physical resemblance to the late actress Jang Jin-young, a moniker that highlighted her youthful features and charm.[6]Schooling and early interests
Lee Chae-young attended Mirim Girls' High School in Seoul, completing her secondary education there.[8] Following high school, she enrolled in Dankook University's Department of Theater and Film.[9] She graduated with a bachelor's degree. Prior to her professional debut, Chae-young's interest in the entertainment industry was influenced by her older sister Seo Seung-ah's career.Career
2003–2007: Debut and breakthrough roles
Lee Chae-young entered the entertainment industry in 2003 with her debut appearance in the music video for "Come On" by the hip-hop group Turtles, marking her initial foray into on-screen work as a model-like figure. This early exposure helped build her visibility in the competitive South Korean media landscape, though it was primarily within the music video realm rather than acting.[10] By 2006, she expanded into commercial advertising, debuting in campaigns that provided her first significant on-screen exposure outside music videos and established her as a fresh face in promotional content. These advertisements allowed her to gain practical experience in front of the camera while managed by smaller agencies that focused on emerging talent. During this period, opportunities were limited as she built her resume and network in the industry.[5] Her breakthrough came in 2007 with a supporting role in the SBS romantic comedy drama Witch Yoo Hee, where she portrayed Chef Marie, a lively and unpretentious character that showcased her natural charm and comedic timing. The series, which aired from March to May, highlighted her ability to hold her own alongside established stars like Han Ga-in and Jae-hee, earning her initial recognition from audiences and critics for her energetic performance. Later that year, she appeared in another supporting role as Song Hee-joo in the KBS2 family drama Find My Son, Sam Man Ri, further demonstrating her versatility in emotional scenes amid ongoing challenges of securing consistent lead opportunities under nascent management.[11]2008–2012: Rise to prominence
In 2008, Lee Chae-young expanded her acting portfolio with her film debut in the comedy Life is Cool, where she portrayed the character Kim Mi-young, demonstrating her comedic timing in a lighthearted story about everyday struggles. Later that year, she took on a more dramatic role as Han Saet-byeol in Truck, a thriller centered on a truck driver's harrowing 24-hour ordeal, highlighting her ability to convey emotional depth in intense scenarios. These early film roles marked a shift from her television beginnings, allowing her to showcase versatility across genres.[4] That same year, Lee made her hosting debut on the KBS2 variety show Star Golden Bell, serving as a co-MC alongside Jun Hyun-moo and Kim Je-dong from April 2009 to May 2010, where her charismatic presence and quick wit helped boost the program's appeal and elevated her public profile. Her engaging on-screen personality during games and segments endeared her to audiences, contributing significantly to her growing popularity in the entertainment industry. This hosting stint, which ended in November 2010, provided a platform to transition from supporting actress to a recognizable media figure.[12] In 2009, Lee earned critical attention for her supporting role as Sa Il-la in the KBS2 historical drama Iron Empress (also known as Empress Cheonchu), a period piece depicting the life of Empress Cheonchu amid political intrigue; her portrayal of a loyal aide turned bodyguard was praised for capturing the complexities of loyalty and scheming in a historical context. Building on this momentum, she appeared in 2011 as Park Min-kyeong in the MBC family drama Royal Family, exploring themes of wealth, power, and familial discord, which further solidified her presence in ensemble television casts. That year, she also starred as Yeong-chae in the film Miracle (also titled Bicycle Looking for a Whale), a heartfelt drama about orphaned siblings, marking her first lead role in cinema and emphasizing her range in emotional, character-driven narratives.[12] Concluding this period, Lee took on the lead role of Ma Ye-ri in the 2012 SBS daily drama The Birth of a Family, a family-oriented series following an adopted woman's quest for belonging and reconciliation, where her performance in the central conflict-driven storyline resonated with viewers focused on themes of heritage and unity. During these years, early discussions about management transitions began to surface, as she sought greater career stability amid her rising commitments, though she maintained continuity with her established agency. This phase represented a pivotal expansion, blending film leads, dramatic supporting parts, and variety hosting to establish her as a multifaceted talent in South Korean entertainment.[13]2013–2019: Diverse projects and establishment
In 2013, Lee Chae-young appeared as the character Ran in the action comedy film Secretly Greatly, a story about North Korean spies infiltrating South Korea, which achieved significant commercial success by attracting 6,959,083 admissions and grossing approximately $33.5 million domestically, ranking sixth among Korean films that year.[14] This supporting role marked an expansion into high-profile ensemble projects, contributing to her growing visibility in the film industry following her earlier television work.[15] The following year, she took on the antagonistic lead role of Lee Hwa-young in the KBS2 daily drama Two Mothers, a 102-episode family melodrama centered on revenge, infertility, and surrogate motherhood amid financial hardship and betrayal, for which she won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2014 KBS Drama Awards. Airing from June to November 2014, the series averaged nationwide ratings in the mid-teens, solidifying her presence in long-form television narratives that explored complex familial conflicts.[16][17] Building on this, Lee continued with supporting parts in mid-2010s films such as The Grand Heist (2012), where she portrayed Yoo Seol-hwa in a historical heist ensemble, and ventured into international co-productions like the 2016 thriller Tik Tok, playing An Caixi in a tense plot involving a bombing threat during a China-South Korea soccer match. These roles highlighted a shift toward action, thriller, and large-cast formats, diversifying her portfolio beyond historical dramas. In August 2018, Lee signed an exclusive contract with the management agency SidusHQ, joining a roster that included established actors like Jang Hyuk and Kim Woo-bin, which was expected to broaden her access to varied projects through the agency's robust production support.[18] This period from 2013 to 2019 represented a phase of steady output in both film and television, where she maintained a consistent presence in supporting and key secondary roles across genres, fostering a reputation for dependable performances in ensemble-driven stories without securing headline leads.[3]2020–2025: Recent works and career hiatus
In 2020, Lee Chae-young starred as the lead antagonist Han Yoo-ra in the KBS2 daily drama Man in a Veil, a revenge thriller centered on corporate espionage and family secrets, where her portrayal of a cunning and vengeful character earned her critical acclaim and an Excellence Award at the 34th KBS Drama Awards.[19] The series, which aired from September 2020 to March 2021, highlighted her ability to embody complex villainous roles in intense melodramatic narratives.[19] Transitioning to film, she took on the supporting role of Namgung Eun-sun in the 2021 action-crime drama Tomb of the River (also known as Paid in Blood), portraying a fierce ally in a story of vengeance set against a historical backdrop of gang conflicts. In 2022, Lee delivered an intense performance as Hyun-soo in the thriller film The Killer, a role that showcased her dramatic range in a narrative exploring moral ambiguity and pursuit, further solidifying her versatility across genres. Her 2023 schedule was particularly demanding, with back-to-back roles in two television series: Yoon Chae-ri in the tvN family drama Family: The Unbreakable Bond, delving into themes of loyalty and dysfunction as a supporting character, and Joo Ae-ra in the KBS2 mystery drama Woman in a Veil, where she excelled as a manipulative antagonist in a tale of hidden identities and betrayal. The year 2024 saw the release of the comedy-drama film Punggi, in which Lee played Kang So-ra, a village leader navigating rural life and community conflicts, marking a lighter turn amid her increasingly packed workload.[20] However, following this project, Lee announced a career hiatus in late 2023, extending into 2024 and 2025, attributed to burnout from overwork that year, which led to physical and mental health challenges including heart-related issues.[21] In early 2025 interviews and fan interactions, she shared reflections on the toll of the Korean entertainment industry's demanding schedules, emphasizing the need for rest and teasing a potential return while prioritizing recovery.[5] As of November 2025, no new projects have been confirmed, with her break underscoring broader conversations about artist well-being in K-entertainment.[22]Personal life
Family relationships
Lee Chae-young maintains a close relationship with her older sister, Seo Seung-ah (born Lee Na-young), who entered the entertainment industry as an actress before transitioning to work as a VJ. Seo debuted in 2001 with roles in the KBS youth drama School 4 and the film Running Seven Dogs, followed by appearances in episodes of Drama City such as "Truth About Mugwort and Garlic" and EBS's Spread Your Dreams. The sisters have demonstrated mutual support throughout their careers, with Lee attending Seo's wedding in June 2010 to a Japanese chef, where family photos highlighted their striking resemblance, often described as twin-like.[23][24][25] The family remains a primary support system for Lee, who has described her bond with her parents and sister as tight-knit, occasionally sharing insights in interviews about how they influence her personal decisions. In a 2019 discussion, Lee revealed calling her father in her mid-30s to affirm her contentment with her single life and career focus over marriage, underscoring the open communication within the family. No public information indicates Lee has children or extended family involvement in her professional life, emphasizing her reliance on her immediate family as her core network.[26][27] Public glimpses into their family dynamics are rare but notable, such as during Lee's 2014 appearance on JTBC's Witch Hunt, where host Han Hye-jin revealed her decade-long friendship with Seo since high school, drawing attention to the sisters' shared beauty and industry ties. These moments, including family mentions in award contexts or media, portray a supportive yet private familial unit that occasionally intersects with Lee's public persona.[28][29]Health challenges and public rumors
In late 2023, Lee Chae-young experienced significant health challenges stemming from an intensive filming schedule that led to burnout and minor physical and mental ailments. She publicly addressed these issues in a February 2025 fan interaction, explaining that overworking had taken a toll on her well-being, prompting her to step away from projects like the variety show Kick a Goal in early 2024.[30][31] Lee opted for a voluntary one-year hiatus to prioritize rest and therapy, focusing on recovery without disclosing specific diagnoses to maintain her privacy. During this period, she underwent self-reflection, later describing 2022–2023 as particularly grueling years marked by hospital visits and enduring physical scars from health-related hardships. By June 2025, she announced her return, emphasizing personal growth and a renewed commitment to mental health as essential for her professional sustainability.[32][33] Amid her recovery, Lee faced unfounded rumors in October 2025 speculating a 2026 marriage to an unnamed man, allegedly originating from discussions at the Busan International Film Festival. She firmly denied these claims on social media, stating she had no personal contact with the individual and would not entertain such personal disclosures publicly. Lee underscored her privacy stance by noting that romantic matters were sensitive and that she preferred to focus on her health recovery and career, greeting fans with tangible updates in due time.[31][34] Her openness about these challenges garnered supportive responses from fans, who expressed relief and encouragement through comments urging her well-being, while industry observers highlighted her situation as part of broader conversations on actor mental health and the need for sustainable work practices in South Korean entertainment. Lee expressed gratitude for this backing, crediting it as a key factor in her resilience during the hiatus.[32][33]Filmography
Television series
Lee Chae-young debuted on television in the 2007 romantic comedy Witch Yoo Hee on SBS, portraying the supporting role of Chef Marie, a culinary character in the 16-episode series.[35] In 2007, she also starred as Song Hee Joo in the 21-episode international drama 30,000 Miles in Search of My Son, playing a main role in a story of family separation and reunion.[36] In the 2009 historical drama Iron Empress on KBS2, she played the supporting role of Sa Il-la, Kim Chi-yang's close aide and Sa Ka-moon's younger sister who later serves as Empress Cheonchu's bodyguard, across 78 episodes.[37] She appeared in supporting roles in 2009 daily dramas Wife Returns on SBS as Min Yi Hyun (116 episodes) and Enjoy Life on KBS2 as Byun Ja Ram (133 episodes), exploring themes of family and personal growth.[36] In the 2011 family drama Royal Family on MBC, she played a supporting role as Park Min-kyung in the 18-episode series centered on chaebol dynamics and inheritance struggles.[38] In 2012, Lee appeared as Ma Ye-ri in the SBS daily drama The Birth of a Family, a main role in the 115-episode melodrama exploring adoption, family secrets, and home shopping industry rivalries.[39][13] In 2014, she starred in KBS2's Maids as Ga Hee Ah (supporting, 20 episodes), a historical drama about court ladies, and as Lee Hwa-young in Two Mothers, a lead character who becomes a surrogate mother seeking revenge in the 102-episode thriller about family betrayal and obsession.[40][36] In 2017, she portrayed Mae Chang in the historical fantasy The Emperor: Owner of the Mask on MBC, a supporting role across 40 episodes involving political intrigue and masked identities.[36] In 2018, Lee played Kim Yoon Joo in the medical romance A Poem a Day on tvN, a supporting role in the 16-episode series about nurses and poets.[36] In 2019, she took a main role as Joo Sang Mi in the KBS2 daily drama Home for Summer, appearing in 128 episodes that delve into family reconciliations and summer vacations.[36] After a brief appearance in 2018's My Strange Hero (guest, ep. 1), she returned in 2020 as the antagonist Han Yoo-ra in the KBS2 daily drama A Man in a Veil, a main role in the 105-episode story of identity swap, revenge, and hidden family ties.[19] In 2023, Lee played the supporting role of Yoon Chae-ri in the tvN mystery thriller Family: The Unbreakable Bond, appearing in all 12 episodes that revolve around a family's buried secrets and a killer's identity.[41][42] That same year, she took the lead antagonistic role of Joo Ae-ra in the KBS2 melodrama Woman in a Veil, the main villain in the 103-episode tale of betrayal, blindness, and vengeance against a husband's affair.[43]Films
Lee Chae-young began her film career in 2008 with supporting roles in Korean features, often portraying resilient or enigmatic female characters in genres spanning animation, thriller, and action. Her film work spans from early comedic and dramatic entries to more recent action thrillers and comedies, showcasing her versatility in ensemble casts.- Life is Cool (2008): Portrayed Kim Mi-young, a supporting friend in this pioneering rotoscoped animated comedy-romance about three men vying for one woman's affection.[44]
- Truck (also known as 24 Hours to Die) (2008): Played Han Saet-byeol, a survivor entangled in a tense thriller, supporting the lead truck driver's perilous journey in this crime-drama mystery.[45]
- Fly High (also known as Flight) (2009): Depicted Soo-ah, a supporting figure in the life of an aspiring actor, within this action-romance drama involving love and gang conflicts.[46]
- Miracle (also known as Bicycle Looking for a Whale) (2011): Acted as Yeong-chae, a compassionate supporting character aiding siblings in hardship, in this heartfelt family drama centered on illness and resilience.[47]
- The Grand Heist (2012): Appeared as Yoo Seol-hwa, a key supporting ally in a historical heist ensemble, contributing to the action-comedy plot of thieves stealing ice during the Joseon era.[48]
- Secretly Greatly (2013): Portrayed Ran, a North Korean spy in disguise as a rock musician, in a supporting capacity within this action-comedy about undercover agents in South Korea.[49]
- The Mirror (2015): Played a main role in this Chinese thriller about supernatural events in a haunted apartment building.[36]
- Tik Tok (2016): Played An Caixi, a supporting role in the high-stakes narrative of a psychologist and detective thwarting a terrorist plot, in this Chinese-Korean action thriller.[50]
- The Cursed Lesson (2020): Portrayed Hyo Jung, a main role as a teacher facing ghostly horrors in this supernatural thriller about a cursed school.[36]
- Tomb of the River (also known as Paid in Blood) (2021): Depicted Namgung Eun-sun, a resilient supporting character amid gang rivalries, in this gritty action-crime tale of ambition and betrayal in a coastal town.[51]
- Female Tazza (2021): Played Mimi, a main role in this gambling drama sequel focusing on women in the high-stakes game of go-stop.[36]
- The Killer (also known as The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die) (2022): Acted as Hyun-soo, the wife of a gang leader in a supporting role, enhancing the tense dynamics in this action thriller about a hitman protecting a young girl.[52]
- Punggi (2024): Portrayed Kang So-ra, a central figure in rural conflicts, in this lighthearted comedy exploring harmony and rivalry among farmers attempting ginseng cultivation.[53]
Variety shows and hosting
Lee Chae-young entered the variety show landscape as a main host on the KBS2 program Star Golden Bell starting in 2009, co-hosting alongside Jeon Hyeon-moo from April 2009 to May 2010 (episodes 234–284). The format, which involved celebrity guests participating in quizzes, games, and interviews, provided a platform for her engaging on-screen presence and contributed to her rising fame beyond acting. The show concluded in November 2010 after 311 episodes.[12][36] In the ensuing years, she made episodic guest appearances on various programs, including Happy Together in 2015 for a special featuring rising actors in comedic segments and physical challenges.[54] She also participated in King of Mask Singer on MBC in 2019, competing as the masked contestant "Beetroot" and performing covers such as Juju Club's "I Am Me" before her identity reveal in episode 229.[55] After shifting focus to scripted dramas in the late 2010s, Lee made selective returns to variety, guesting on adventure formats like Law of the Jungle in Palawan in 2020, where she joined expeditions in the Philippines for survival tasks.[36] Her activity remained sporadic until 2023, when she committed as a regular member of FC Actionista on SBS's Kick a Goal, a women's soccer variety series involving team matches, training drills, and competitive tournaments across 21 episodes of season 4, the 1st SBS Cup (12 episodes), and season 5 (23 episodes). She departed the program early in 2024, aligning with a broader career pause following personal challenges.[36][34]Music video appearances
Lee Chae-young began her entertainment career with appearances in music videos during the early 2000s, primarily taking on romantic lead roles or narrative performer parts that highlighted her visual appeal as a newcomer.[36] These early credits served as her entry into the industry, providing initial exposure before transitioning to television and film, though she did not pursue ongoing music video work after the late 2000s.[10] Her debut came in 2003 as the lead actress in the hip-hop group Turtles' "Come On" music video, marking her first on-screen role at age 17.[36] The following year, she appeared in Rain's "I Do," portraying a romantic interest that garnered her significant overnight attention and helped elevate her profile in the K-pop scene.[56] Additional appearances included a supporting role in Air Rise's "Away" in 2004 and Yoon Mi-rae's "Did You Forget It" in 2007, where she contributed to the videos' storytelling elements as a narrative performer.[36] In 2010, she featured in Homme's "I Was Able to Eat Well" (also known as "Bamman Jal Meokdeora"), playing a central female character who sparks conflict between the duo Lee Hyun and Changmin.[57]| Year | Artist | Song | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Turtles | "Come On" | Lead actress; debut role[36] |
| 2004 | Rain | "I Do" | Romantic interest; gained widespread attention[56] |
| 2004 | Air Rise | "Away" | Narrative performer[36] |
| 2007 | Yoon Mi-rae | "Did You Forget It" | Supporting role in storyline[10] |
| 2010 | Homme | "I Was Able to Eat Well" | Central female lead causing romantic rivalry[57] |
Other activities
Modeling career
Lee Chae-young began her professional career in modeling in 2003, debuting in a commercial advertisement for Lotte Confectionery while in her second year of high school. Her height of 170 cm proved advantageous, allowing her to pursue opportunities in visual media early on. She followed this with appearances in music videos, including Turtles' "Come On" that same year and Rain's "I Do" in 2004, marking her initial steps in the industry.[6][4] In the late 2000s, she expanded into print modeling, featuring on the cover of Maxim magazine's October 2009 issue, which showcased her as an emerging figure in fashion photography. This period aligned with her growing visibility, as she balanced modeling gigs with her acting debut in the 2007 SBS drama Witch Yoo Hee.[58][59] Her modeling work peaked from 2009 to 2011, during which she served as a promotional ambassador for the SK Wyverns professional baseball team in 2010, embodying the "Wyverns Girl" image in campaigns. The following year, she joined the "Ocean Girls" promotional group alongside actresses Park Han-byul and Lee Tae-im for Vivaldi Park Ocean World, appearing in print and event-based materials. These roles demonstrated her appeal in both sports and leisure brand endorsements, often complementing her concurrent acting commitments in dramas like Empress Dowager Cheonchu.[60][61] As her acting career gained momentum post-2011, modeling transitioned to a supplementary role, providing occasional income amid her focus on television and film projects. By the mid-2010s, her involvement in runway or extensive print campaigns had diminished, though her early modeling foundation continued to influence her public image in the entertainment industry.Endorsements and commercials
Lee Chae-young entered the endorsement space early in her career, appearing in commercials for food brands such as Lotte Confectionery. By 2009, she had garnered significant attention from advertisers, leading to her selection as the model for the lifestyle appliance brand Rehome (also known as Lihom or Cuchen), where she featured in campaigns showcasing versatile concepts like wedding dresses, hanbok, and Santa outfits to emphasize the brand's home essentials.[62][63] During the late 2000s and early 2010s, Lee secured several high-profile deals that highlighted her fresh and versatile image. She starred in TV commercials for SK Telecom, including promotions for mobile services and online shopping platform 11 Street's DL1961 Premium Jeans line in 2010, where her elegant and leggy appearance was praised by brand representatives as ideal for denim campaigns.[64][65] She also appeared in ads for CJ CheilJedang and department store chain Lotte's confectionery and retail lines around this time.[64] In 2011, Lee joined actresses Park Han-byul and Lee Tae-im for the Vivaldi Park Ocean World's "Ocean Girls" summer campaign, promoting water park attractions with playful, energetic visuals.[66] That same year, she endorsed LG Household & Health Care’s color cosmetics brand Cathy Cat for the second consecutive year, displaying a mix of soft, innocent charm and confident charisma in the promotions.[67] In the early 2010s, Lee's endorsement portfolio expanded into fashion, with multi-year commitments underscoring her rising status. For the 2012 fall/winter season, she modeled for women's clothing brand Must Be, embodying an artistic, oil-painting-inspired aesthetic drawn from 18th-century masterpieces to evoke autumnal elegance.[68] She also partnered with casual fashion label NIX alongside actor Jo Seung-woo for their 2012 F/W collection, blending urban sophistication with everyday wear.[69] These deals, often spanning one to two years, capitalized on her "fresh" persona from drama roles, though specific contract values were not publicly disclosed. Following the success of her 2022–2023 drama Woman in a Veil, Lee paused major endorsement activities amid personal health challenges, including a hiatus in 2024–2025 due to heart disease and mental health issues; as of November 2025, she has reflected on her recovery and expressed gratitude while resuming select projects.[70][22]Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Two Mothers | Won[71] |
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Daily Drama | Man in a Veil | Won[72] |
| 2021 | 7th APAN Star Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama | Man in a Veil | Nominated[73] |
| 2023 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actress in a Daily Drama | Woman in a Veil | Nominated |
