Kyeon Mi-ri

Quick Facts: Who was Kyeon Mi-ri?

Subject:

Kyeon Mi-ri

Known for:

South Korean actress and singer, known for her role in Jewel in the Palace.

Born:

1964-09-19

Century / Era:

1964s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kyeon Mi-ri (Korean: 견미리) is a South Korean actress and singer. She is best known for her role as the antagonist Lady Choi in the hit period drama Jewel in the Palace (2003). Kyeon Mi-ri graduated from Seoul Traditional Arts High School in 1983, then studied Dance at Sejong University. She made her acting debut in 1984, and has since become active in television dramas, most notably as the arrogant and ambitious Lady Choi in the 2003 period drama Dae Jang Geum (or Jewel in the Palace), which was a hit not only in Korea but throughout Asia. In 2009, she ventured into the music industry and released her first album titled Happy Women, consisting of mainly trot songs.

Career & Major Achievements

Kyeon married actor Im Young-gyu in 1987, and they divorced in 1993. Kyeon remarried in 1998, to businessman Lee Hong-heon. They have one son, Lee Ki-baek. Lee Hong-heon legally adopted Kyeon's two daughters from her first marriage, and they took on his surname; Lee Yu-bi and Lee Da-in are both actresses. Kyeon is also a part of the Hwanggan Kyeon clan, which makes her a descendant of Kyŏn Hwŏn, who was the first king of the Hubaekje kingdom, during the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 2009, Kyeon was investigated for stock manipulation, with her husband Lee suspected of insider trading. She had bought 55,000 shares worth ₩900 million of the bioengineering startup FCBTwelve, then raked in up to ₩4.59 billion, making her the fourth biggest stock holder among entertainment celebrities at the time. Kyeon denied any wrongdoing, saying she was simply an investor. In April 2023, Kyeon will donate Lee Da-in's wedding congratulations as a donation for the disabled and vulnerable children through a partnership with the Korea Association for Information Technology for the Disabled as a token of appreciation for guests who attended and congratulated the wedding.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1964 (1964-09-19): Birth of Kyeon Mi-ri — South Korean actress and singer, known for her role in Jewel in the Palace.
2. 1983: 1983 Milestone — Kyeon Mi-ri graduated from Seoul Traditional Arts High School in 1983, then studied Dance at Sejong University.
3. 1984: 1984 Milestone — She made her acting debut in 1984, and has since become active in television dramas, most notably as the arrogant and ambitious Lady Choi in the 2003 period drama Dae Jang Geum (or Jewel in the Palace), which was a hit not only in Korea but throughout Asia.
4. 1987: 1987 Milestone — Kyeon married actor Im Young-gyu in 1987, and they divorced in 1993.
5. 1998: 1998 Milestone — Kyeon remarried in 1998, to businessman Lee Hong-heon.
6. 2003: 2003 Milestone — She is best known for her role as the antagonist Lady Choi in the hit period drama Jewel in the Palace (2003).
7. 2009: 2009 Milestone — In 2009, she ventured into the music industry and released her first album titled Happy Women, consisting of mainly trot songs.
8. 2023: 2023 Milestone — In April 2023, Kyeon will donate Lee Da-in's wedding congratulations as a donation for the disabled and vulnerable children through a partnership with the Korea Association for Information Technology for the Disabled as a token of appreciation for guests who attended and congratulated the wedding.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kyeon Mi-ri

True or False: “Kyeon Mi-ri's first major breakthrough role was in a historical drama set during the Joseon Dynasty.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While she is famous for her role in *Jewel in the Palace*, her acting debut occurred earlier in 1984.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kyeon Mi-ri