OG Kdrama viewers are indeed familiar with veteran actress Lee Jung Eun.
Before starring in the hit series "Our Blues," the 52-year-old actress appeared in a ton of Kdramas and films playing "ajumma," or a woman who's married with children.
From the lovable mother figure in "Fight For My Way" to the creepy lady in "Strangers from Hell" and not to mention the sneaky housekeeper in the Academy Award-winning film "Parasite," Lee Jung Eun portrayed these roles flawlessly.
From Theaters to Hallyu
Like some of the sought-after stars, the 52-year-old started her career in theaters; however, she began by being an assistant director of theater productions.
Interestingly, she had her first on-stage experience in the 1991 play "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Even at the time, she is known to portray female employee and grandmother roles.
From stage to acting in front of the camera, Lee Jung Eun has her first on-screen appearance in the 2013 musical rom-com movie "Born To Sing" where she played Yoo Yeon Seok's aunt.
Since then, she has appeared in several films and series, playing supporting roles.
It was in 2019, for the film "Let Us Meet Now," where she had her first lead role. Viewers may often see her taking ajumma roles, but Lee Jung Eun aced the roles of a prosecutor in "Law School" and the intimidating head Na Geun Hee in Netflix's "Juvenile Justice."
Lee Jung Eun Net Worth
Before stardom, Lee Jung Eun worked various jobs aside from being in theaters.
According to an outlet, she used to earn 200,000 won or 154 USD a year in theaters.
READ MORE: 'Our Blues' Named As 'Best Life Drama' of 2022? Here's Why
To make ends meet, she had to work part-time jobs until she was 40.
Lee Jung Eun used to be an acting teacher, a green juice salesperson, and a mart employee before becoming an assistant director in theater.
Who would have thought that she is now an award-winning actress who is known internationally for her role in "Parasite."
In addition, she recently made millions of hearts swoon over her team-up with the equally talented Cha Seung Won in "Our Blues."
With her three decades in the industry, Lee Jung Eun's net worth in 2022 is at $3 million to $5 million, as noted by popularnetworth.com
While she earns millions as an actress, did you know that the veteran star is also fond of making hats?
In a now-deleted Instagram post, she flaunted her craft passion, featuring dozens of hats that she hand crafted.
Lee Jung Eun's New Drama
After a triumphant finale of "Our Blues," Lee Jung Eun is set to star in a new drama.
The award-winning actress is in talks to headline an upcoming medical Kdrama "Morning Comes to the Mental Ward."
She will be joined by "Thirty-Nine" actor Yeon Woo Jin and Park Bo Young as lead stars.
