Lee Jung-jae Wife: The Truth About His Relationship Status and Partner Lim Se-ryung
Many fans searching for Lee Jung-jae’s wife want to know whether the Squid Game superstar is secretly married or in a long-term committed relationship. As Lee Jung-jae’s global popularity exploded following the Netflix phenomenon, audiences around the world became curious about the personal life of the charismatic actor who brought Seong Gi-hun to life. The truth is clear and simple: Lee Jung-jae does not have a wife, but he has been in a long-term, high-profile relationship with South Korean business executive Lim Se-ryung. Their partnership, though often quiet and low-key, is one of the most talked-about pairings in Korean entertainment due to her prominence in the business world and his status as an international star.
Who Is Lee Jung-jae?
Lee Jung-jae was born on December 15, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea. Unlike many actors who begin with dreams of performing, Lee originally worked in modeling and was discovered by chance while working in a café. His striking looks, unique energy, and natural screen presence helped him transition into acting in the early 1990s. His breakout role came with the 1995 film The Young Man, and he quickly earned critical acclaim for dramatic performances in television series like Sandglass and films such as An Affair, Il Mare, and City of the Rising Sun.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Lee Jung-jae established himself as one of Korea’s most versatile actors, mastering everything from gritty thrillers (New World) to historical blockbusters (The Face Reader) to stylish action films (Deliver Us From Evil). Yet it was Squid Game that truly launched him into global stardom. His portrayal of the flawed but deeply human Seong Gi-hun resonated with millions, earning him international awards and cementing his status as Korea’s most recognized actor worldwide.
With international success came increased public interest—including curiosity about his love life. But despite rising fame, Lee Jung-jae has remained deeply private.
Is Lee Jung-jae Married?
Despite common assumptions and headlines implying otherwise, Lee Jung-jae does not have a wife. He has never been married, and South Korean media has consistently reported that he remains unmarried. However, he has been in a committed relationship with Lim Se-ryung since 2015, a partnership that continues to attract public attention due to her high social and financial profile.
Part of the confusion comes from how often international fans refer to long-term partners as “wives,” even when there is no legal marriage. In Lee Jung-jae’s case, this happens frequently because of the prominence of the woman he is dating and their many public appearances together.
Who Is Lim Se-ryung, the Woman Often Mistaken as Lee Jung-jae’s Wife?
Lim Se-ryung is widely known in South Korea as a powerful business executive and the eldest daughter of Lim Chang-wook, the chairman of Daesang Group—one of the country’s major conglomerates specializing in food, biotechnology, and global distribution. Born into a high-profile chaebol family, Lim Se-ryung grew up in a world of business, philanthropy, and elite cultural influence.
Over the years, she has built her own career and identity, contributing to luxury brand collaborations and serving in leadership roles that connect Korean business with global markets. She is admired for her style, intelligence, and confidence, often appearing in high-fashion events and business forums.
Before dating Lee Jung-jae, Lim Se-ryung was previously married to Lee Jay-hyun, the chairman of CJ Group. They divorced in 2009 and share two children together. Her public visibility—combined with her connection to prominent conglomerates—has made her one of the most photographed businesswomen in Korea.
How Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung Met
Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung reportedly became acquainted through mutual friends and social circles connected to both the entertainment and business industries. Their friendship gradually developed into romance, and in 2015, Korean media confirmed that they were officially dating.
Although the two knew each other for years, they chose to keep their early relationship very private. Once the news became public, their agencies acknowledged their partnership, but neither Lee nor Lim sought to draw additional attention to it. Their relationship has been characterized by respect, discretion, and stability.
Their Long-Term Relationship
Unlike many high-profile couples in South Korea who face intense public scrutiny, Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung have maintained a steady, low-drama relationship. Over the years, they have been spotted together at film premieres, art exhibitions, charity events, and overseas festivals.
Lim Se-ryung has often accompanied Lee Jung-jae to major international appearances, including Cannes Film Festival, the LACMA Art + Film Gala, and promotional events for Squid Game. Their public appearances are elegant yet understated, reflecting a partnership built on mutual understanding rather than public display.
Despite their visibility, both prefer privacy. They rarely comment on their relationship in interviews, and they do not share personal moments on social media. Their romance, rooted in shared values and maturity, contrasts sharply with many celebrity relationships characterized by media frenzy.
Why They Haven’t Married
The question of why Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung have not married continues to attract curiosity. There are several practical and personal factors that may explain their choice, though the couple has never publicly stated an official reason.
1. Respect for Privacy
Marriage would heighten media attention, something both individuals carefully avoid.
2. Intense Career Commitments
Lee Jung-jae’s Hollywood expansion and Lim Se-ryung’s business responsibilities may leave little room for major personal milestones.
3. Contentment Without Formal Labels
Some modern couples—especially mature and successful ones—choose long-term companionship over legal marriage.
4. Public Sensitivity Around Private Lives
Both have past experiences that may make them more cautious about publicizing major life changes.
Regardless of their reasons, their long-term relationship remains strong, steady, and respected.
Past Relationships and Public Interest
Before dating Lim Se-ryung, Lee Jung-jae was involved in a long-term relationship with another prominent woman in the Korean entertainment industry. Although that relationship ended years ago, Lee maintained a respectful and private approach to his romantic life. Lim Se-ryung, too, has a history of marriage and motherhood, which adds another layer of public curiosity.
However, both individuals have consistently protected their personal histories and maintained an elegant level of discretion.
Featured Image Source: scmp.com
