Lee Si-yeon

Quick Facts: Who was Lee Si-yeon?

Subject:

Lee Si-yeon

Known for:

South Korean actress and model known for her transition from male to female performer.

Born:

1980-07-24

Century / Era:

1980s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lee Si-yeon (Korean: 이시연; born July 24, 1980) is a South Korean actress and model. In 1999, Lee participated in the Anti-Miss Korea competition. In November 2007, Lee underwent sex reassignment surgery and changed her name to Si-yeon. Lee is the niece of Seo Jae-hyuk, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, member of Boohwal.

Career & Major Achievements

Lee debuted as a male model, becoming known for her feminine appearance and wearing women's clothing on the catwalk, but ultimately wished to pursue a career as an actor. She appeared in the films My Boss, My Hero (2001) and Sex Is Zero (2002), providing comic relief in effeminate male roles, but felt pressured into cutting her hair and building up muscle. Lee recalled that, "once I entered showbiz, I was forced to live a life I didn't like", and growing increasingly unhappy, made several attempts at suicide before deciding to transition. Adopting the given name Si-yeon, Lee underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2007, and admitted to having doubts over her sexuality since being in secondary school.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She returned to acting later that year in the sequel Sex Is Zero 2, with her character from the original film now also a transsexual. Lee publicly announced her sex reassignment prior to the release of the film, but was apprehensive about the reaction from audiences. Co-star Shin Yi observed that surgery had not changed her image much, and stated that she had always regarded Lee as a "kid sister".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1980 (1980-07-24): Birth of Lee Si-yeon — South Korean actress and model known for her transition from male to female performer.
2. 1999: 1999 Milestone — In 1999, Lee participated in the Anti-Miss Korea competition.
3. 2001: 2001 Milestone — She appeared in the films My Boss, My Hero (2001) and Sex Is Zero (2002), providing comic relief in effeminate male roles, but felt pressured into cutting her hair and building up muscle.
4. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In November 2007, Lee underwent sex reassignment surgery and changed her name to Si-yeon.

Notable Quotes by Lee Si-yeon

“once I entered showbiz, I was forced to live a life I didn't like”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lee Si-yeon

True or False: “Lee Si-yeon initially debuted her career exclusively as an actress before pursuing modeling.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): She actually debuted first as a male model, gaining recognition for wearing women's clothing on the catwalk.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Si-yeon