Lee Hyun-yi is one of South Korea’s most admired fashion models and broadcasters. Born on July 28, 1983, she has built a career that spans over two decades, making her a household name in both fashion and television. Standing tall at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), she is known for her striking looks, graceful walk, and versatile presence on screen. As of 2026, she is 42 years old and continues to inspire audiences with her work in modeling, acting, and broadcasting.
Her journey is not just about glamour, and it is also about discipline, education, and balancing family life with a demanding career. Married to Hong Sung-ki, a senior executive at Samsung Electronics, she is also a proud mother of two sons, Yun-seo and Young-seo. This blend of professional success and personal commitment makes her story relatable and inspiring for readers across the world.
Lee Hyun-yi Age, Spouse, Career, Family, Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee Hyun-yi |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1983 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 42 years |
| Birthplace | Daegu, South Korea |
| Raised In | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Ethnicity | Korean |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Ewha Womans University |
| Profession(s) | Model, Broadcaster, Actress |
| Modeling Debut | 2005 Korea-China Supermodel Contest |
| Agency | Esteem Models |
| Notable Runways | Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès |
| Major Awards | Asia Model Awards (2011, 2022), Model of the Year (Harper’s Bazaar Korea) |
| Television Shows | Same Bed, Different Dreams; Shooting Stars; Dongchimi; Running Man |
| Acting Roles | Perfume (2019 cameo), Hanging On (2020 sitcom, Mrs. Jung) |
| Husband | Hong Sung-ki (Samsung Electronics executive) |
| Children | Two sons – Yun-seo and Young-seo |
| Net Worth (2026) | Approx. $1 million USD |
| Years Active | 2005 – present |
| @lee.hyunyi/ | |
| IMDb | @nm12829548/ |
Early Life and Birthday
On July 28, 1983, Hyun-yi was born in Daegu, South Korea, but her childhood was spent in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do. In high school, she actively participated in track and field events, which helped her build stamina and confidence.
She has a younger brother, Lee Geun-ho, who pursued law and is now a prosecutor. This shows the family’s emphasis on education and discipline. Despite her glamorous career, Lee Hyun-yi often speaks about her roots and the importance of family support in her journey.
Education Journey
She studied at Jinseong High School, where she was known for her active participation in sports and academics. After completing school, she pursued higher education at Ewha Womans University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions. Hyun-yi graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
In 2025, she returned to her alma mater as a guest speaker, sharing her experiences with students. She spoke about the importance of pursuing passions while maintaining academic discipline. Her speech was widely appreciated and highlighted her role as not just a celebrity but also a mentor for the younger generation.
Entry into Modeling
In 2005, she participated in the Korea-China Supermodel Contest, which marked the beginning of her professional journey. Her tall frame, confident walk, and natural charm quickly caught the attention of the fashion industry. Within two years, she was named Rookie of the Year (2007) and also received the Model of the Year award from Harper’s Bazaar Korea.
Her debut on the global runway came with Jean Paul Gaultier and Hermès, two of the most respected names in fashion. Over the years, she became a familiar face in Asian fashion circles, winning the Asia Model Awards in 2011 and again in 2022. In 2025, she celebrated her 20th anniversary in modeling, a rare achievement that highlighted her long-standing influence in the industry.
Career Highlights in Fashion
Lee Hyun-yi has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion. One of Korea’s leading agencies, Esteem Models, represents her. Her campaigns include luxury brands like Brunello Cucinelli, Shanghai Tang, and Shinsegae, which placed her among the most sought-after models in Asia.
Her editorial work is equally impressive. She has appeared in Vogue Italia, Dazed & Confused, and V Magazine, showcasing her versatility in front of the camera. Each photoshoot highlighted a different side of her personality, from elegant and classic to bold and experimental.
See Also:- Lesley Chiang
Television and Broadcasting Career
While modeling gave her fame, television made her a household name. Since 2017, she has been a regular on the reality show Same Bed, Different Dreams, where her candid personality won the hearts of viewers. She also became captain of FC Giants in the SBS sports-variety program Shooting Stars, showing her leadership skills and love for sports.
She has anchored shows like Welcome, Is This Your First Time in Korea?, Dongchimi, and Today Starts Life Act 2. In 2024, she covered the Paris Olympics for SBS, which was a proud moment in her broadcasting career. She has also made guest appearances on popular variety shows such as Running Man, Knowing Bros, Radio Star, and King of Mask Singer.
Acting Career
Lee Hyun-yi’s journey into acting began with small roles but quickly showed her versatility. In 2019, she made her first cameo appearance in the drama Perfume. Though her role was brief, it gave audiences a glimpse of her ability to adapt to scripted performances.
Her bigger breakthrough came in 2020 with the JTBC sitcom Hanging On. She played the role of Mrs. Jung, a character inspired by her real-life experiences as a mother. The sitcom was based on a popular Naver webtoon that had over 2.8 billion views, making it one of the most successful adaptations in Korean television.
Awards and Achievements
Hyun-yi’s career is decorated with awards that highlight her influence in fashion. She won the Asia Model Awards in 2011 and 2022, proving her long-standing relevance in the industry. She was also named Model of the Year by Harper’s Bazaar Korea in her early career.
Her achievements are not limited to modeling. As a broadcaster, she has hosted major events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics coverage for SBS. These milestones show her ability to excel in multiple fields, making her one of the most versatile figures in Korean entertainment.
Personal Life
Behind the spotlight, Lee Hyun-yi leads a fulfilling family life. Hyun is wed to Samsung Electronics senior executive Hong Sung-ki. Together, they have two sons, Yun-seo and Young-seo. She often speaks about the joy and challenges of motherhood, sharing how her children inspire her to stay grounded despite her busy career.
Her family life is a strong pillar of support. Even while managing international modeling assignments and television appearances, she makes time for her husband and children. This balance between career and family has made her a role model for many working women in South Korea.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Lee yi’s estimated net worth as of 2026 is approximately $1 million USD. Modeling contracts, TV appearances, sponsorships, and sporadic acting parts are how she makes money. Despite not being one of Korea’s highest-paid celebrities, her consistent career and extended tenure in the business have guaranteed her financial security.
She appreciates family time and personal development in addition to expensive fashion. Fans who appreciate both her achievements and her grounded personality find her sympathetic because of this combination.
Read Also:- Nathanya Sion
