Lee Mi-do

Lee Mi-do (born May 25, 1982) is a South Korean actress recognized for her versatile supporting roles in television dramas and films.^[1] She graduated from the Department of Theatre and Film at Hanyang University and made her acting debut in the 2004 coming-of-age film Flying Boys.^[2] Throughout her career, Lee has appeared in notable television series such as The Queen of Office (2013), where she played a key office worker role, and Fated to Love You (2014).^[2] In film, she earned acclaim for her performance in The Beauty Inside (2015), a body-swapping romantic comedy.^[2] More recently, she portrayed Yang Si in the historical drama My Dearest (2023), a period piece set during the Qing invasion of Joseon, and Seo Hwa-seon in the fantasy series The Judge from Hell (2024).^[3] Her skills in acrobatics, dance, and kickboxing have contributed to her dynamic on-screen presence.^[2] Lee received the Scene Stealer of the Year award at the inaugural Scene Stealer Festival in 2015, honoring her standout performances that year.^[4] She has been nominated multiple times for Best Supporting Actress at the KBS Drama Awards, including in 2015 for Unkind Ladies and Cheer Up!.

Early life and education

Early life

Lee Mi-do was born Lee Eun-hye on May 25, 1982, in Gwangju, South Korea.^[5][6] Her family hails from Gwangju, where she spent her formative years; it includes her parents, an older sister, and a younger sister, actress Lee Geum-yang.^[7][8][9] Public details about her parents remain limited out of respect for their privacy. During her childhood in Gwangju, Mi-do recalled her mother's outgoing personality and love for performance, noting that her mother once danced in a talent show at her kindergarten picnic, which embarrassed her and her older sister at the time.^[10] She grew up in a supportive household that encouraged her pursuits, with her parents providing unwavering encouragement throughout her early endeavors.^[11] Prior to pursuing higher education, Mi-do transitioned to Seoul to attend Hanyang University.^[2]

Education

Lee Mi-do attended and graduated from Salesian Girls' High School in Gwangju before enrolling in the Department of Theatre and Film at Hanyang University in 2001, majoring in theatrical and film studies.^[9][12] During her university years, she underwent training in acting, theater production, and film studies as part of the department's curriculum, which emphasizes practical skills in performance and media creation.^[2][13] The program is renowned for its rigorous standards, often described as challenging to complete, fostering disciplined preparation for professional careers in the arts.^[14] She graduated with a bachelor's degree, gaining a solid foundation that supported her entry into the acting industry.^[2]

Acting career

Debut and early roles

Lee Mi-do made her acting debut in 2004 with a minor role as a problematic student in the coming-of-age film Flying Boys, directed by Byun Young-joo. A graduate of Hanyang University's Department of Theatre and Film, her education provided a strong foundation for entering the competitive South Korean entertainment industry.^[2][15] Following her debut, she took on small supporting parts in several films during the mid-2000s, including a role in the crime-action sequel Another Public Enemy in 2005, where she showcased her versatility in action-oriented scenes. Her early film work also included appearances in Millionaire's First Love (2006) as a younger sister and Marrying the Mafia II (2005) as a waitress, often highlighting her skills in acrobatics, dance, and kickboxing. These roles allowed her to gain practical experience but remained limited in scope.^[2][1] By 2009, Lee continued building her resume with multiple minor roles, notably as a scarred high school student named Hyung-teo in Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed thriller Mother, alongside leads Kim Hye-ja and Won Bin. That year, she also appeared in Paju as a human rights organization assistant administrator and in The Code of a Duel as a secretary, demonstrating her ability to adapt to diverse genres from drama to comedy.^[16][17] As a newcomer affiliated with J Wide-Company from the early 2010s onward, Lee Mi-do faced significant challenges, including typecasting in peripheral characters and scarce opportunities in an industry favoring established stars, leading her to toil in small parts for nearly a decade before achieving greater visibility. This period of persistence honed her chameleonic range across multifaceted supporting roles, setting the stage for her transition to television in the early 2010s.^[2][18] In 2013, she made her notable television debut with a supporting role as Park Bong-hee, a contract worker, in the MBC office comedy The Queen of Office, opposite Kim Hye-soo, marking her shift to more prominent small-screen parts. By 2015, this evolution continued with roles like Park Eun-shil in the family drama Unkind Ladies on MBC, where she portrayed a resilient mother figure, further establishing her presence in historical and contemporary TV narratives up to the mid-2010s.^[19][1]

Breakthrough and recognition

Lee Mi-do's breakthrough in the late 2010s began with her supporting role as Nam Jung-ah, a demanding high school teacher, in the youth drama Sassy Go Go (2015), which showcased her ability to portray complex authority figures with nuance and contributed to her rising visibility in the industry. This was followed by her portrayal of Park Eun-shil, a devoted mother navigating family hardships, in the ensemble family drama Unkind Ladies (2015), further demonstrating her versatility in emotional, character-driven stories. These roles marked a shift from minor parts to more prominent supporting positions, allowing her to explore depth in drama genres and garner initial media attention for her authentic performances.^[2] In 2016, Lee continued her ascent with the role of Bae Su-min, a dedicated police officer, in the action drama Mrs. Cop 2, where she balanced intensity and vulnerability, earning praise for expanding her range beyond romance into high-stakes procedural narratives. The following year, her performance as Kim Yoo-joo, a sharp-witted lawyer entangled in family secrets, in the hit family drama My Father Is Strange (2017) solidified her reputation, as the series' widespread popularity highlighted her skill in blending humor and heartfelt drama. These successes during 2016–2019 increased her media presence and opened doors to more substantial opportunities, emphasizing her growth from supporting ensemble member to a sought-after actress capable of anchoring emotional storylines.

2020s projects

In the 2020s, Lee Mi-do demonstrated her adaptability to the evolving South Korean entertainment landscape, marked by a surge in streaming content and international collaborations following the COVID-19 pandemic. She embraced diverse genres, from historical epics to romantic comedies and feel-good series, often in supporting roles that enriched ensemble narratives. Her projects during this period highlighted a shift toward global accessibility, with several airing on platforms like Netflix, allowing her work to reach wider audiences beyond traditional broadcasting.^[1] A pivotal role came in the historical drama My Dearest (2023), where she portrayed Yang Si across all 20 episodes, contributing to the portrayal of interpersonal bonds and emotional resilience amid the Joseon-era Qing invasion. The MBC series, which blended romance, action, and tragedy, earned widespread acclaim for its nuanced character development and historical authenticity, achieving an 8.9 rating on IMDb from over 4,500 users.^[3][20] In 2024, Lee Mi-do showcased her range in the youth-oriented film Victory, playing a Korean language teacher who supports the protagonists' cheerleading ambitions on a remote island. Directed by Park Bum-su, the movie emphasized themes of perseverance and community, receiving positive feedback for its energetic ensemble and uplifting tone, with a 6.5 IMDb rating reflecting its appeal as a lighthearted sports drama. Later that year, she appeared as Patricia Kim in the tvN period drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, a story of artistic ambition in post-war Korea's gukgeuk theater scene, where her supporting performance added layers to the exploration of cultural heritage and personal triumph; the series garnered an 8.3 IMDb rating for its evocative storytelling.^[21][22] Lee Mi-do also starred in the romantic comedy Single in Seoul (2023) as Yoon-jung, a career woman navigating modern relationships, underscoring her skill in contemporary slice-of-life portrayals. The film, which tackled urban loneliness and unexpected connections, contributed to her reputation for relatable, multifaceted female characters in genre-blending narratives. In 2022, she appeared in the supporting role of Seong-seon in the romantic drama film A Day in Tongyeong, co-starring with Yoo In-young, exploring themes of friendship and self-reflection.^[17] Her television presence remained strong into 2025 with the role of Rosa, a committed fitness trainer, in the KBS2 rom-com Pump Up the Healthy Love, a series focusing on self-improvement and budding romance at a 24-hour gym. This health-themed project aligned with post-pandemic trends emphasizing wellness and positivity, earning a 7.0 IMDb rating for its motivational vibe and character-driven humor. Complementing this, she guest-starred as Mi-suk, a quirky fortune teller shop owner, in the Netflix original When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025), a Jeju Island-set slice-of-life romance that celebrated enduring love and family ties, achieving significant international viewership and a 9.1 IMDb rating. In 2025, she also made guest appearances in Nice to Not Meet You (Ep. 4 as Yoo Eun Gyeong) and Oh My Ghost Clients (Ep. 3 as Shaman). These roles exemplified her versatility and engagement with global streaming formats.^{[23][24][25][26][27][28]}

Personal life

Marriage and family

Lee Mi-do married a non-celebrity husband in 2016.^[29] Her husband, two years her junior, works in film distribution and investment, a profession she has publicly recommended to fellow actresses as an ideal match for those in the industry due to its understanding of demanding schedules.^[30][31] The couple welcomed their first child, a son, on August 22, 2018, with Lee announcing the birth of the healthy baby boy on her personal Instagram account.^[32] She has occasionally shared family milestones publicly through social media and interviews, highlighting joyful moments amid her acting commitments. To balance parenting with her career, Lee has discussed challenges such as adjusting to her son's entry into elementary school, which brought new routines and difficulties in managing time.^[33] The family resides in a top-floor apartment, a change from their previous first-floor home that Lee has noted for its convenience in daily life despite the adjustment. Her husband's involvement in the film sector provides practical support, allowing her to navigate professional opportunities while prioritizing family.^[34]

Public image and interests

Lee Mi-do maintains a low-key public presence, prioritizing privacy amid her rising fame as an actress. She selectively shares glimpses of her life on Instagram under the handle @lee_mido, where her 737,000 followers primarily see professional updates such as drama promotions and endorsement announcements, alongside occasional light-hearted personal anecdotes that avoid deep intrusions into her private world.^[35] This approach allows her to connect with fans without oversharing, as evidenced by her 2019 series of comedic posts under the hashtag "#Mom's Personal Life," which humorously depicted stolen moments of solitude during motherhood, such as quick workouts or karaoke sessions while her son was occupied.^[36] Her interests in health and wellness are evident both in her lifestyle choices and professional affiliations. Mi-do has endorsed products like Activia Boost Shot, a yogurt drink promoted for digestive health and vitality, aligning with her advocacy for balanced living.^[35] Personal posts reveal hobbies including cooking nutritious meals—such as sharing simple dinner recipes to promote family happiness—and outdoor activities like camping, which she enjoys with relatives to unwind.^[35] These elements reflect a commitment to physical and mental well-being, occasionally mirrored in her on-screen portrayals of strong, grounded characters. Mi-do frequently participates in industry events and media appearances, where she openly discusses work-life balance as a working mother. In a July 2025 YouTube episode on her channel "Elegant Mido C," she shared the challenges of adjusting to her son's elementary school routine, including reorganizing her schedule around after-school classes and meals, while expressing initial anxiety over parenting demands like preparing daily lunches.^[33] Such candid interviews portray her as authentic and resilient, emphasizing the importance of family support in sustaining her career. This transparency contributes to her public perception as a versatile and relatable figure in Korean entertainment, admired for blending professionalism with genuine vulnerability.^[36]

Filmography

Films

Lee Mi-do's contributions to South Korean cinema demonstrate her range across genres, beginning with her debut in supporting roles in coming-of-age and crime films in the mid-2000s, evolving to more prominent parts in dramas, thrillers, comedies, and horror during the 2010s and 2020s.^[37] Her film debut was in the coming-of-age drama Flying Boys (2004), followed by early appearances in Another Public Enemy (2005) and Forever the Moment (2008). She gained wider recognition in the critically acclaimed drama-thriller Mother (2009), directed by Bong Joon-ho, where she portrayed Hyung-teo, a friend of Ah-jung, contributing to the film's exploration of maternal love and justice.^[38] This role marked her entry into high-profile projects, with the film achieving commercial success, grossing over 2.9 million admissions in South Korea.^[39] Subsequent appearances highlighted her in romantic comedies and thrillers, such as Cyrano Agency (2010), a romantic comedy directed by Kim Hyun-seok, in which she played So-yun, helping the film attract 3 million viewers through its lighthearted take on love and deception.^[40][2] Her filmography continued with diverse roles, including Yeon-woo in the horror romantic comedy Spellbound (2011), directed by Hwang Byeng-gug, blending supernatural elements with humor. In the revenge thriller 26 Years (2012), directed by Kim Jee-woon, she appeared as Jeong-dae's wife, adding emotional depth to the story inspired by historical events.^[2] Lee portrayed Hong-young in Queen of the Night (2013), a thriller directed by Lee Sung-su, involving corporate intrigue and identity swaps. The mid-2010s saw her in ensemble casts, such as Sunny in Red Carpet (2014), a satirical comedy directed by Park Seong-kwang, critiquing the film industry, and Park Soo-jin in the political thriller The Whistleblower (2014), directed by Park Hoon-jung, based on real corruption scandals. In The Beauty Inside (2015), directed by Son Jae-gon, she played Hong Eun-soo, a supporting character in this body-swapping romance that won multiple awards, including at the Grand Bell Awards.^[2] She made a special appearance as Lee Joo-hwa in the family comedy Familyhood (2016), directed by Kim Jin-woo. In 2017, Lee starred as Na Yoon-mi, a deputy, in the body-swap comedy Daddy You, Daughter Me, directed by Kim Jin-yeon, which explored generational conflicts and drew 1.2 million viewers. A significant lead role came in the zombie horror Night of the Undead (2020), directed by Choi Ik-hwan, where she played Yang-sun, a resilient survivor in a small-town apocalypse setting, praised for her action-oriented performance. In the 2020s, her roles grew in prominence, including Seong-seon in the drama A Day in Tongyeong (2022), directed by Kim Hee-jin, focusing on personal relationships during a trip. She led as Yoon-jung in the romantic comedy Single in Seoul (2023), directed by Park Beom-soo, portraying a young mother navigating urban life and romance, with the film achieving moderate box office success. Her recent works include the maternal role of Jeon Woo-seok's mother in Once Again (also known as Again 1997, 2024), a fantasy drama directed by Lee So-jae, and a teacher in the sports drama Victory (2024), directed by Park Young-joo, emphasizing themes of perseverance and teamwork. These projects reflect her shift toward lead and character-driven roles, influenced briefly by her television success in providing opportunities for cinematic versatility.^[2]

Television series

Lee Mi-do made her television debut in 2011 and has built a steady career in supporting roles within mainstream Korean dramas, often portraying resilient and multifaceted female characters in family-oriented, romantic, and historical narratives broadcast on networks such as KBS, SBS, MBC, JTBC, and tvN. Her contributions to these series have highlighted her ability to bring emotional depth to ensemble casts, contributing to the storytelling in long-running family sagas and shorter contemporary pieces. By 2025, she continued to take on diverse guest and recurring parts in both traditional broadcast and streaming dramas.^[17] This catalog focuses on her scripted television appearances, with episode counts reflecting full series lengths unless specified as guest or partial. Networks indicate primary broadcast platforms, including cable and select streaming services for recent productions.^[17][27]

Web series

Lee Mi-do began appearing in web series in the early 2020s, primarily in supporting and cameo capacities on major streaming platforms, which often feature shorter episode runs and binge-release models tailored for global audiences. These digital formats differ from traditional TV by emphasizing faster pacing and on-demand accessibility, enabling her to reach viewers beyond broadcast networks. Her roles in these projects highlight her versatility in genres like thriller, romance, and comedy, with a focus on character-driven narratives in compact series.^[41]

Variety shows

Lee Mi-do has made infrequent but engaging appearances on South Korean variety shows since the mid-2010s, often serving as a guest to promote her acting projects through games, interviews, and personal anecdotes, helping maintain her public visibility between scripted roles. In 2014, she appeared on KBS2's Happy Together Season 3 (Episode aired October 16) alongside Yoon Kye-sang and Go Joon-hee to promote her film Red Carpet, where she discussed behind-the-scenes stories and her acting experiences.^[47] Later that year, she featured in another episode of the same show (April 6, 2017, though listed under 2017 promotions), sharing humorous tales of confronting a harasser and her career beginnings.^[48] In 2015, Lee Mi-do guested on MBC's Radio Star (Episode 435, aired July 8), recounting funny family stories and openly discussing her then-relationship with a supportive partner.^[49] That same year, she joined SBS's Law of the Jungle in Nicaragua (4th Anniversary Special) as a member of the "Send Me" team, participating in survival challenges in a remote setting. She also served as a regular member on MBC's short-lived Lady Action (2 episodes), engaging in action-oriented games and celebrity challenges. From 2017 to 2018, Lee Mi-do took on the role of narrator for KBS2's The Return of Superman (Episodes 307–340), providing voiceover commentary on celebrity parents' daily lives with their children, marking one of her more sustained variety involvements.^[50] In 2016, she appeared on JTBC's Life Bar (Episode 39), joining other celebrities in bar-themed games and casual conversations about work-life balance. The following year, she hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live Korea Season 8 (Episode 6), performing sketches and interacting with the cast in comedic segments.^[51] On SBS's Same Bed, Different Dreams Season 2 (Episode 19, 2017), Lee Mi-do served as a special MC, facilitating discussions on relationships and celebrity couples. Her 2018 appearance came on tvN's Amazing Saturday (early episode, exact number varying by numbering), where she participated in word-guessing games and promoted ongoing projects alongside fellow actors. In 2019, she guested on MBC's Where Is My Home? (Episode 44), exploring unique homes and sharing lifestyle insights, and on My Little Television Season 2 (Episodes 16–17), hosting a virtual TV segment with interactive fan elements. She also appeared on OCN's Movie Room Season 2 (Episode 86), reviewing films and discussing her film roles. During 2020, Lee Mi-do returned to Radio Star (Episode 644, aired November 20) with veteran actresses, reflecting on career longevity and industry changes. In 2021, she captained the women's soccer team FC Actionista on KBS2's Kick a Goal (regular member and guest in Seasons 1 and 2, Episode 16), showcasing athletic skills in matches against other celebrity teams. She also hosted MBN's Fireworks Handsome (8 episodes), leading dating advice segments for male contestants. Additionally, she guested multiple times on Channel A's Story of the Day When You Bite Your Tail Season 3 (Episodes 4, 11, 87, 109, 174), sharing tail-biting (regret) stories from her life. On Dolsing Fourmen (Episodes 81, 167), she discussed divorce and relationships as a panelist. In 2022, Lee Mi-do appeared on tvN's While You Are Tempted Season 4 (Episode 5), playing temptation-based games with other guests. She also guested on Radio Star again (Episode 808), talking about recent projects with fellow actresses Kim Yon Ja and Park Se Mi.^[52] The year 2023 saw her as main host on MBN's Glam Me (5 episodes), offering beauty and fashion tips. She guested on Midnight Horror Story Season 3 (Episode 4), sharing scary personal experiences, and on Thumbnail Battle: The Strongest Hearts (Episodes 9–10), competing in thumbnail creation challenges. In 2025, to promote her drama Pump Up the Healthy Love, Lee Mi-do appeared on tvN's Amazing Saturday (Episode aired May 3, #364 in cumulative numbering), demonstrating dancing and singing skills alongside co-stars Lee Jun Young and Jeong Eun Ji in dictionary games and performances.^[53]

Awards and nominations

Awards

Lee Mi-do received the Scene Stealer of the Year award at the 1st Scene Stealer Festival in 2015, recognizing her standout supporting performances that year.

Nominations

Lee Mi-do has received several nominations throughout her career, primarily for her supporting performances in television dramas, underscoring her versatility and industry recognition in ensemble casts during the 2010s. These accolades highlight her ability to portray complex, relatable characters across family-oriented and coming-of-age stories, often earning nods from major broadcasting awards. Her earliest notable recognitions came in 2015 at the KBS Drama Awards, where she received nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category for her roles as Hong Deok-in in Unkind Ladies and Yoon Eun-joo in Cheer Up!. These nominations reflected her breakout year, as she balanced dual supporting roles in two popular KBS series that explored themes of female solidarity and youthful ambition.^[54] She was nominated again for Best Supporting Actress at the 2017 KBS Drama Awards for her portrayal of An Joo-yeong in My Father is Strange, a family comedy-drama that became one of KBS's highest-rated series of the year. This nomination emphasized her skill in delivering emotional depth within large ensemble dynamics. These consistent KBS nominations across multiple years illustrate a pattern of peer and critic acknowledgment for Lee's contributions to mid-length dramas, positioning her as a reliable talent in supporting roles that enhance narrative arcs without dominating the spotlight.