Lee Yoo-mi (이유미), born on July 18, 1994, in Jeonju, South Korea, is one of the most compelling young actresses in the modern Korean entertainment industry. While she had been working steadily in film and television for years, she gained global recognition after her breakout role in Netflix’s Squid Game. Her powerful performance, emotional depth, and screen presence earned her critical acclaim—not least because she became the first Korean actress to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. But Lee Yoo-mi’s story is not just about fame. It’s also about patience, perseverance, versatility, and a deep commitment to her craft. In this article, we’ll explore her early life, her rise in the Korean industry, key roles, acting philosophy, public influence, future ambitions, and more.
1. Early Life and Beginnings — Who Is Lee Yoo-mi?
Lee Yoo-mi was born and raised in Jeonju, a city known for its rich cultural heritage within South Korea. While many aspiring actors in Seoul have the advantage of being close to the entertainment industry, Lee’s background reflects a more grounded and humble path. Her journey into acting began in her teenage years, and she made her on-screen debut around 2009–2010, gradually building experience in minor roles in both films and television. Wikipedia+1 For years, she worked steadily—but quietly—taking small parts, attending countless auditions, honing her skill, and patiently awaiting a breakout opportunity. KbizoOm+2Pantheon+2 Unlike many actors who shoot to stardom overnight, Lee’s early career is marked by long-term dedication, often going unnoticed by the general public, but slowly earning respect in the industry for her professionalism and willingness to tackle diverse roles.
2. The Breakthrough: Squid Game and International Recognition
Everything changed for Lee Yoo-mi with the release of Squid Game. In 2021, she portrayed Ji-yeong (Player 240), a deeply human and tragic character whose storyline resonated with viewers worldwide. Her performance was praised for its vulnerability, sincerity, and emotional impact. This role catapulted her into global awareness—not just because Squid Game became a global phenomenon, but because Lee seized a small yet pivotal role and transformed it into something unforgettable. Wikipedia+2IMDb+2 Her Emmy win for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series” marked a historic moment: she became the first Korean actress to achieve this honor in that category. Wikipedia This recognition didn’t just affirm her talent—it also signaled that the world was now paying attention to the depth and breadth of Korean acting talent.
3. Building a Versatile Career: Exploring Her Film and Dramas
After Squid Game, Lee Yoo-mi didn’t rest on her laurels. Instead, she embraced a variety of roles that showcased her acting range. In the Netflix zombie series All of Us Are Dead (2022), she played Lee Na-yeon, a wealthy, self-centered student whose survival instincts and moral ambiguity made her character both compelling and unlikable. TV Insider+1 Her next big role came in Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023), where she played Gang Nam-soon, a different kind of persona altogether—demonstrating her ability to shift tones, from dark and introspective to bright and energetic. Wikipedia She also starred in Mr. Plankton (2024) as Jo Jae-mi, further widening her portfolio, showing that she is not limited to certain character archetypes. Wikipedia Beyond television, Lee’s film work includes performances in Young Adult Matters and Hostage: Missing Celebrity, among others, that earned her critical praise, awards, and nominations. IMDb+1 Over time, these roles have added layers to her public image, from the tragic and sincere to comedic and dramatic.
4. Acting Philosophy and Craft: What Drives Her Performance
Lee Yoo-mi’s craft is grounded in emotional truth. Her success in roles like Ji-yeong from Squid Game is not just technical but deeply human, often resonating because she doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. She has spoken in interviews about the importance of authenticity, how she emotionally prepares for her roles, and the way she connects with each character’s inner life. KbizoOm For many of her roles, Lee doesn’t treat acting as just a job—it’s a medium for empathy. She reportedly studies small human behaviors, internal conflicts, and motivations, allowing her to bring depth even to characters that could easily be one-dimensional. Her approach suggests that she views acting not as performance, but as storytelling—each role, no matter how small, is an opportunity to tell something real. This mindset has earned her praise from directors, critics, and peers alike, and it shows in the emotional resonance her performances carry.
5. Public Impact and Influence: More Than Just an Actress
Lee Yoo-mi’s rise to fame has had ripple effects far beyond her acting credits. After Squid Game, her Instagram following exploded—from around 40,000 to over 6.5 million in just a few days. netflix.originals.watch+1 This sudden surge in visibility placed her in a unique position of influence, particularly among young fans around the world. She’s become a face of global Korean culture, not only for her acting but also for the way she conducts herself publicly: grounded, thoughtful, and quietly ambitious. According to some reports, she has used her influence to mentor younger talent and advocate for mental health awareness in the entertainment industry. NewsRound Her humility, especially given her rapid rise, resonates with many—in interviews, she often emphasizes her gratitude, work ethic, and desire to remain focused on her craft, rather than being carried away by fame.
6. Awards, Recognition, and Milestones
Lee Yoo-mi’s awards trajectory is impressive and historically significant. Her Primetime Emmy Award for Squid Game is a major milestone for Korean actors on the global stage. IMDb In addition to that, she has won several other awards: she has been recognized by the Buil Film Awards, Cine21, and the Korean Film Producers Association. IMDb These accolades reflect not just her popularity, but her artistic credibility and the respect she commands in both film and television. Each award and nomination is a testament to her persistence: years of smaller roles, auditions, setbacks—and finally, recognition that matches her dedication.
7. Challenges, Criticism, and Growth
Lee Yoo-mi’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Before her breakout, she spent over a decade in relatively minor roles, facing the common struggle of many working actors: long auditions, financial uncertainty, and limited recognition. KbizoOm After Squid Game, increased fame brought more scrutiny—younger actors who shoot to superstardom often face pressure to maintain their image, navigate public expectations, and choose projects carefully. Some critics and fans debate her choice of roles—whether she should continue in character-driven parts or take on more commercial, mainstream projects. But Lee seems to treat every challenge as a learning opportunity. She has spoken about staying true to her roots and using criticism as fuel to refine her craft, not as a deterrent. Her evolution shows not just survival, but growth: each role, each interview, each project adds another layer to her understanding of herself and her art.
8. Lee Yoo-mi’s Role in the Broader Context of Korean and Global Entertainment
The global success of Squid Game and other Korean dramas has helped redefine what Korean actors can achieve internationally, and Lee Yoo-mi is very much part of that transformation. Her Emmy win symbolizes the eroding barriers between national entertainment industries and the global stage. She represents a new generation of Korean actors who don’t just dream of local fame, but global impact. In addition, her career contributes to the shifting narrative around supporting actors: rather than being secondary to “main leads,” actors like Lee are being celebrated for their emotional power, skill, and ability to elevate a narrative. By choosing diverse roles and working across film and television, she contributes to the richness of Korean storytelling. Her influence also extends beyond screens: as a public figure, she participates in cultural conversations about what it means to be a K-actor in a globalized world, how fame should be managed, and how success can be leveraged for positive change within the industry.
9. Future Ambitions and Projects
Looking ahead, Lee Yoo-mi’s trajectory suggests even greater things are to come. Some reports mention that she is interested in exploring not just acting, but possibly directing or producing in the future, using her experience to shape stories from behind the camera. NewsRound Given her careful choice of roles so far, it’s likely that her future projects will continue to push boundaries—emotionally complex characters, socially relevant narratives, or collaborations that mix global and local sensibilities. As she gains more creative control (through her agency, Varo Entertainment, which she signed with in 2020 TheCityCeleb+1), she may also mentor emerging artists, contribute to more inclusive casting, or drive change in how stories are told in Korean media. Fans and critics alike are watching her with great interest, expecting that her next steps will not only build on her success, but also reinforce her as a meaningful voice in contemporary culture.
10. Personal Life, Values, and Public Image
Despite her rising fame, Lee Yoo-mi appears to maintain a grounded, introspective public persona. Known to be a private person, she seldom shares personal life details, but she does let glimpses into her off-screen world emerge: she cares for animals (reports note that she has multiple pets) TheCityCeleb, and in interviews, she emphasizes gratitude, self-reflection, and humility. Her reputation among peers is often described as warm, polite, and deeply professional. This balance—between being a rising global icon and an individual who values privacy—is part of what makes her appealing to many fans. She doesn’t seem to be in a rush for celebrity; rather, she is navigating fame carefully, wanting to preserve her authenticity. Her personal values—hard work, empathy, honesty—shine through in her choices both as an actor and as a public figure, making her not only admired for her talent, but for who she is beyond the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lee Yoo-mi
1. What is Lee Yoo-mi best known for?
Lee Yoo-mi is internationally best known for her role as Ji-yeong (Player 240) in Squid Game, which brought her global fame and earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. Wikipedia
2. When and where was Lee Yoo-mi born?
She was born on July 18, 1994, in Jeonju, South Korea. Wikipedia
3. Has she won any major awards?
Yes—her most prominent award is the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress for Squid Game. IMDb She has also won awards such as Best New Actress at the Buil Film Awards and Cine21. IMDb
4. What are some of her other notable roles?
Beyond Squid Game, she played Lee Na-yeon in All of Us Are Dead (2022), Gang Nam-soon in Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023), and Jo Jae-mi in Mr. Plankton (2024). Wikipedia She has also appeared in films including Young Adult Matters and Hostage: Missing Celebrity. IMDb
5. Which agency represents her?
Lee Yoo-mi is represented by Varo Entertainment, with whom she signed an exclusive contract in 2020. netflix.originals.watch
6. What makes her acting style unique?
Her acting is praised for its emotional authenticity. She often portrays complex, vulnerable characters, investing deeply in their inner lives. Her performances feel genuine, as she brings both strength and fragility to her roles.
7. What are her future ambitions?
While she continues to act, there are reports that she may explore directing or producing in the future. Additionally, she may mentor young actors and use her platform to shape meaningful stories. NewsRound
Conclusion: Why Lee Yoo-mi Is a Defining Talent of Her Generation
Lee Yoo-mi’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming a global sensation is a testament to her talent, resilience, and authenticity. Her breakout in Squid Game was not just a stroke of luck but the culmination of years of steady work, emotional depth, and dedication to her craft. As an actress, she defies easy categorization — capable of playing tragic, kind, selfish, and heroic roles with equal conviction. Her Emmy win symbolizes more than just personal achievement; it marks a turning point for Korean actors on the world stage. Yet, despite all that she has achieved, Lee remains grounded. She values her privacy, reflects deeply on her work, and seems to view her creative path as both a privilege and a responsibility. Looking ahead, Lee Yoo-mi is not just a star to watch — she is a storyteller, a rising creative force, and a meaningful voice in the evolving landscape of global entertainment. Her trajectory suggests she will continue to shape powerful narratives, inspire new talent, and redefine what it means to be an actor in the 21st century.