Lee Jung-jae is currently making headlines not only for his compelling performance reprising his role as Seong Gi-hun in 'Squid Game Season 2' but also for the intriguing details surrounding his personal life, particularly his relationship with Lim Se-ryung, the eldest daughter of Lim Chang-wook, former honorary president of the Daesang Group.
The couple's relationship has been mostly kept under wraps, with Lee emphasizing the need to protect Lim from media scrutiny and potential intrusions on her privacy. This desire to shield his partner stems partly from the fact she is also a mother of two children. Speaking to the media, Lee shared, "I want to protect [her] from being hurt or her privacy being violated." This has led to their relationship remaining relatively low-key, with few details available to the public.
Lim Se-ryung has had quite the professional track record. Graduated from New York University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, she has climbed the ranks within the Daesang Group, where she serves as the Vice Chairwoman since 2021. This is not her first role within the company; she initially joined as creative director after her tenure as executive director starting from 2012.
Lee and Lim’s relationship dates back to 2005 when they first met through mutual friends. At the time, Lim was married to Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, with whom she shares two children. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2009. The pair's romantic involvement did not begin until 2015, after years of rumors and speculation about their companionship. Lee officially confirmed their relationship shortly thereafter.
Despite their somewhat secretive relationship, Lim has accompanied Lee to several notable events, including the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, where Lee won the Outstanding Lead Actor award for his role in 'Squid Game.' Such public appearances have added to fans' curiosity about their dynamics.
The rapid rise of 'Squid Game Season 2' has brought Lee back to the spotlight, garnering massive viewer engagement. The series recorded 488 million hours of viewership within its first week, asserting its dominance across various global Netflix charts. While Lee's professional accomplishments burgeon, his personal life remains tied to broader discussions about fame, privacy, and the pressures of public interest, particularly when it involves loved ones.
Lee Jung-jae's experience of balancing personal and professional life serves as a case study highlighting the increase of scrutiny faced by high-profile individuals today. It's this complexity of fame—where remarkable achievements coexist with personal stakes—that keeps fans invested not just in his acting but also his life's narrative.