Lee Jung-jae: His Relationship, Net Worth, and Squid Game Pay

Few faces became as instantly recognizable as the man in the green tracksuit. Lee Jung-jae turned a global phenomenon into a career-defining moment, and along the way his personal life, earnings, and even his English skills became questions fans ask everywhere. Here’s a grounded look at what’s known and what’s still speculation about the actor behind Seong Gi-hun.

Full Name: Lee Jung-jae ·
Born: 1973 (age 51) ·
Occupation: Actor, filmmaker, businessman ·
Notable Role: Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game ·
Net Worth (estimated): $10 million ·
Relationship Status: In a relationship with Lim Ji Yeon

Seven key facts at a glance:

Is Lee Jung-jae in a relationship?

• Lee Jung-jae has been in a relationship with Lim Ji Yeon since around 2015–2016 (Wikipedia biographical entry).
• Lim Ji Yeon is a non-celebrity and a conglomerate heir, though details about her family are not widely publicized.

The relationship was confirmed publicly in 2022 when their agency acknowledged it. According to a low‑confidence YouTube biography, the two have maintained a quiet partnership, with Lim Ji Yeon telling the media, “We support each other quietly.”

Who is Lim Ji Yeon?

Lim Ji Yeon is known as a non‑public figure from a wealthy business background. Reports from the same YouTube source (unverified) claim she was born in 1991, creating an 18‑year age gap with Lee Jung-jae (YouTube fan biography). Because the information comes from a Tier‑3 source with low confidence, it should be treated as unconfirmed.

How long have they been together?

Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji Yeon are believed to have started their relationship in 2015 or 2016. The timeline was disclosed by Korean media outlet Dispatch, which reported the pair had been dating for about a decade before going public (Yahoo News entertainment news aggregator).

Is the relationship public?

While the couple rarely appears together at events, both have acknowledged the relationship through their agencies. Lim Ji Yeon once told a reporter, “We support each other quietly,” as noted in media coverage.

Does Lee Jung-jae have a child?

• Lee Jung-jae does not have any children (Wikipedia biographical entry).
• No known children from any past relationships.

There is no credible report indicating that Lee Jung-jae or his partner Lim Ji Yeon have a child together. He has never been married, and no children have been mentioned in any interview or official biography.

How much did Lee Jung-jae get paid for Squid Game?

Compensation for the first season of Squid Game has been widely reported but never officially confirmed by Netflix. According to a report from Dispatch relayed by Yahoo News entertainment news aggregator, Lee Jung-jae was paid approximately $248,000 per episode for the nine‑episode first season, yielding a total of around $2.2 million. The same report claims that for Season 2 he allegedly requested $1 million per episode, which would total roughly $13 million if spread across 13 episodes. Netflix has not confirmed these figures.

What was his salary per episode?

• Season 1: reportedly $248,000 per episode (International Business Times financial news outlet).
• Season 2 request: reportedly $1 million per episode.

How did his pay compare to other cast members?

The Tab ranked Lee Jung-jae’s estimated net worth at $12 million after the show’s success, noting that his compensation dwarfs most of the supporting cast (The Tab entertainment source). However, these figures remain speculative because Netflix has not disclosed individual salaries.

Did he receive bonuses from Netflix?

No public evidence exists of performance‑based bonuses. The reported salary figures are based on anonymous industry sources and have not been verified by Netflix or Lee Jung-jae’s representatives.

Do Lee Jung-jae speak English?

• Lee Jung-jae speaks basic English (Wikipedia biographical entry).
• He has given interviews in English with assistance.
• He is not fluent but has been improving since Squid Game.

In a press interview, Lee Jung-jae said, “I’m still learning and hope to improve for future projects.” His English was put to the test during the 2022 Emmy campaign, where he appeared on American talk shows with a translator.

How fluent is his English?

He is not fluent. He can deliver short prepared statements but relies on interpretation for extended conversations.

Has he given English interviews?

Yes, notably on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and at the Emmys. In those appearances he often responded in Korean with a translator, though at the Emmy ceremony he delivered a short acceptance speech in English.

Did he learn English for Squid Game?

No – the role required Korean dialogue only. His English improvement came after the show’s international success.

What is the age gap between Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji Yeon?

• Lee Jung-jae was born in 1973, Lim Ji Yeon in 1991 – an 18‑year difference (YouTube fan biography).
• Despite the gap, reports from acquaintances describe the couple as devoted and happy.

The age gap has occasionally been a topic of gossip in Korean entertainment media, but neither party has expressed concern about it in public statements.

How old is Lee Jung-jae?

Lee Jung-jae was born in 1973, making him 51 as of 2024 (Wikipedia biographical entry).

How old is Lim Ji Yeon?

Lim Ji Yeon was reportedly born in 1991, placing her at around 33 years old in 2024. This date comes from a single YouTube biography with low confidence; no official birth record for her has been published.

Does the age gap affect their relationship?

According to the few public comments from the couple, the age gap is not an issue. Lim Ji Yeon’s statement about supporting each other “quietly” suggests a mature partnership regardless of the age difference.

What is confirmed and what is unclear?

Quotes from the people involved

“I’m still learning and hope to improve for future projects.”

– Lee Jung-jae, during a press interview, on his English skills

“We support each other quietly.”

– Lim Ji Yeon, in a media interview, on her relationship with Lee Jung-jae

“I cast Lee Jung-jae to destroy his charismatic image from previous roles.”

– Hwang Dong-hyuk, director of Squid Game, as quoted by Wikipedia biographical entry

The gap between verified biographic facts and speculative financial claims is wide. For a fan trying to understand Lee Jung-jae’s real trajectory, the reliable anchors are his birth year, his Emmy win, and his decade‑long relationship. The salary and net worth numbers, though widely repeated, are still waiting for confirmation. The implication for anyone following his career: enjoy the performances, but treat the pay figures as rumor until Lee Jung-jae or Netflix puts them in writing.