Lee Yong-yi

Quick Facts: Who was Lee Yong-yi?

Subject:

Lee Yong-yi

Known for:

Acclaimed South Korean actress known for her versatile roles in theater, film, and television.

Born:

1958-07-30

Century / Era:

1958s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lee Yong-yi (Korean: 이용이; born July 30, 1958) is a South Korean actress active in theater, television, and film. She is widely recognized for her portrayal of Nomo in both the stage and film versions of Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005) and for her role in the tvN series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021). After graduating from the Seoul Institute of the Arts in 1979, Lee debuted with the Theatre Company Minye in a production of Heinrich von Kleist's The Broken Jug. In 1986, she joined the joined Theater Company Michu, where she appeared in several significant productions. Her notable stage credits include the role of Hyeong-bang in Madangnori Chunhyangjeon (1987–1992) and King Bang Sook in Dung Dung Nakrang Dung, performed at the Seoul Arts Center in 1996.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1995 Lee Yong-yi cast as Gwibone in play That Woman's Novel, adapted from the novel "Little Grandmother!" by playwright Um In-hee. It was a refinement of a work published in 1989 by the writer Um In-hee in Another Cultural 3rd Collection. The play, directed by Kang Young-geol, was performed at the 19th Seoul Theater Festival in June 1995 at the Arts Center Small Theater. Lee Yong-yi received the 19th Seoul Theater Festival Female Acting Award for her portrayal. Lee made her cinematic debut in Park Kwang-soo's 1993 film I Want to Go to That Island.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the film, she portrayed Ne Eop-sun, a shaman, appearing alongside her real-life husband, actor Kim Il-woo, who played the character's spouse. In 1998, Lee assumed leadership of the theater company Hyun Bin, which was founded by her husband. The company's inaugural production was an adaptation of Lee Moon-yeol's novel Choice. Since 2017, Lee Yong-yi has been under an exclusive contract with Liyan Entertainment. She later transferred to High Entertainment.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1958 (1958-07-30): Birth of Lee Yong-yi — Acclaimed South Korean actress known for her versatile roles in theater, film, and television.
2. 1979: 1979 Milestone — After graduating from the Seoul Institute of the Arts in 1979, Lee debuted with the Theatre Company Minye in a production of Heinrich von Kleist's The Broken Jug.
3. 1986: 1986 Milestone — In 1986, she joined the joined Theater Company Michu, where she appeared in several significant productions.
4. 1987: 1987 Milestone — Her notable stage credits include the role of Hyeong-bang in Madangnori Chunhyangjeon (1987–1992) and King Bang Sook in Dung Dung Nakrang Dung, performed at the Seoul Arts Center in 1996.
5. 1989: 1989 Milestone — It was a refinement of a work published in 1989 by the writer Um In-hee in Another Cultural 3rd Collection.
6. 1993: 1993 Milestone — Lee made her cinematic debut in Park Kwang-soo's 1993 film I Want to Go to That Island.
7. 1995: 1995 Milestone — In 1995 Lee Yong-yi cast as Gwibone in play That Woman's Novel, adapted from the novel "Little Grandmother!
8. 1998: 1998 Milestone — In 1998, Lee assumed leadership of the theater company Hyun Bin, which was founded by her husband.
9. 2005: 2005 Milestone — She is widely recognized for her portrayal of Nomo in both the stage and film versions of Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005) and for her role in the tvN series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021).
10. 2017: 2017 Milestone — Since 2017, Lee Yong-yi has been under an exclusive contract with Liyan Entertainment.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lee Yong-yi

True or False: “Lee Yong-yi's cinematic debut was in the 1993 film I Want to Go to That Island.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While she debuted in that film, her early career foundation was heavily rooted in rigorous stage work following her graduation from the Seoul Institute of the Arts.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Ahmet Ertegun — Shared historical date (07-30 · Born) (1923): Pioneering Turkish-American music executive, co-founder of Atlantic Records.
• Andrew Strominger — Shared historical date (07-30 · Born) (1955): American theoretical physicist specializing in quantum gravity and string theory.
• Andie MacDowell — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• André Bazin — Historical peer (Died in 1958) (1958): Influential French film critic and theorist championing cinematic realism.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a mere craft to a recognized living art.
• Aaron Beck — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Father of Cognitive Therapy and CBT, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment.
• 1958 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1958
• July 30 (07-30) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 30

Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Yong-yi