You might remember him as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game, a South Korean survival thriller TV series for Netflix! 🧐🎬 The character was played by Lee Jung-jae who used to be a real macho with a chiseled figure in the 1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣0️⃣s! 🥵❤️🔥 Those you have just got to know him will be surprised to see him in youth! 🤐🙌 Try not to fall in love after the photos in this article! 👇
Lee Jung-jae, best known for his role as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game, has captivated audiences worldwide not just with his acting, but with his incredible transformation over the years. From his days as a 90s heartthrob with a chiseled physique to the 52-year-old star with age-defying features, his career has seen an evolution that has kept him both relevant and revered in the entertainment industry.
While many were introduced to Lee Jung-jae through the global phenomenon Squid Game in 2021, his career spans much longer. The actor’s journey began in 1993 with his TV debut in Dinosaur Teacher, and since then, he’s been a staple in South Korean television and film. But it wasn’t until recent years that he truly became a household name worldwide, appearing in major projects like The Acolyte and continuing to dazzle both local and international fans.
young lee jung jae in the 90s pic.twitter.com/Ww3zKrhvYA
— Affinity Magazine (@TheAffinityMag) October 25, 2021
Lee Jung-jae’s rise to fame in the 90s saw him taking on lead roles in hit series like Sandglass and An Affair, where his youthful looks and magnetic presence made him a heartthrob. Fans of his early work flooded social media as Squid Game gained global popularity, sharing throwback images of the actor, and many were taken aback by how drastically different he looked back then. One fan joked, “Gi Hun? More like Gi Hunk,” while another admitted they had never realized just how striking Lee Jung-jae was in his younger years.
His transformation from the fresh-faced actor of the 90s to the seasoned and effortlessly charming star of today is remarkable. In the early 2000s, Lee Jung-jae sported a shorter, more mature haircut, marking the shift into more serious roles in films like Over the Rainbow and The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan. By 2013, in his early 40s, he was a bonafide “DILF” figure, combining timeless looks with a charismatic presence that made him a standout in every role.
Fans still reminisce about his prime years, with many noting that Lee Jung-jae managed to maintain his allure across decades, always adapting his style and image with the times. His looks in Squid Game season one, where he portrayed the carefree and optimistic Gi-hun, were a far cry from the more somber, weathered character in the second season. Despite this evolution, his signature charm and striking appearance remained as captivating as ever.
Now in 2024, Lee Jung-jae continues to turn heads. Despite being in his 50s, he exudes the same youthful energy and grace that made him a star all those years ago. Whether in his earlier roles or his current work, Lee Jung-jae proves that age is just a number, and his presence in the entertainment world remains as powerful as ever. Fans can’t help but admire not only his incredible acting but also his ability to evolve and remain a true style icon throughout his career.
