Sang Heon Lee
Sang Heon Lee (Korean: 이상헌; born May 21, 1996) is a South Korean actor with a multicultural background.[1][2][3][4]
Sang Heon Lee | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 21, 1996 Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean[1] |
| Other names | Daniel Lee |
| Alma mater | University of Northampton |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Relatives | Gia Kim (sister) |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 이상헌 |
| Revised Romanization | I Sangheon |
| McCune–Reischauer | I Sanghŏn |
| IPA | [isaŋɦʌn] |
Lee rose to prominence from his acting debut by playing Min Ho in XO, Kitty (2023–present),[5] Netflix spin-off series from To All the Boys films franchise (2018–2021) based on the best-selling young adult trilogy book by American author Jenny Han.[6][7]
He made his film debut in the coming-of-age sports drama film, Gran Turismo (2023) on August 2023.[8]
Early life and education edit
Sang Heon Lee was born on May 21, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea. He has an older sister, Gia Kim (Korean: 지아킴) (real name Jung Nyeon Lee, Korean: 이정년), who is four years his senior.[3][9] Kim also is an actress portraying a fellow main character, Yuri, in XO, Kitty.[4][10][11] His sister uses a stage name, which is the reason for them having different last names.[12][13]He spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Hong Kong because of his father's work.[14] During a podcast interview, Gia Kim states that their father was in the construction industry.[15] While living in Hong Kong, he attended an international school with his sister.[3][13]
Lee began having an interest in acting from taking drama classes during high school years in Hong Kong,[2] which subsequently led him to major in Drama at the University of Northampton in England for his undergraduate study.[16] He attended the University of Northampton from 2014 to 2016.[3]
After graduating from the University of Northampton in 2016, Lee returned to South Korea to fulfill his military duty for two years.[2][3][17]
Career edit
Upon finishing the mandatory military service, Lee did modeling gigs for a year and a half and worked various jobs.[12] His sister, Gia Kim, suggested Lee submit an audition tape for XO, Kitty, which became his first official audition for a major acting role. Before landing his debut breakout role as Min Ho, Lee appeared in a few projects as a background character and a reenactment actor in documentaries.[1][3][12]
Shortly after appearing in XO, Kitty, Lee plays a small role in a biographical film, Gran Turismo (2023), based on Jann Mardenborough's life and career as a professional race car driver, alongside David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, and Archie Madekwe, set to be released on August 11, 2023.[8][18]
On June 14, 2023, Netflix announced the renewal of XO, Kitty for the season two; Lee will reprise his role as Min Ho.[19][20]
In 2024, Lee will be working with Filipina actress Julia Barretto and Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra on a food-inspired romantic-comedy project of Viu, a 6 episodes series titled Secret Ingredient.[21][22]
Personal life edit
Lee is an avid rock climber, and has a separate Instagram account dedicated to his climbing activity.[2][12]
During XO, Kitty press interviews, he mentions that he shares an affinity towards food, cooking, valuing friendships, and traveling with his character Min Ho.[3][14]
He taught himself how to cook properly by watching YouTube videos of Gordon Ramsay during his undergraduate years in the UK living with his roommates trying to live on a budget while learning to eat healthy. Therefore, his cooking skills are more equipped towards Western cuisine than Korean. He also is a self-professed foodie.[2]
Filmography edit
Film edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Gran Turismo | Joo-Hwan Lee | Film debut | [8] |
Television edit
References edit
- ^ a b c Yoon, HyoJeong (June 4, 2023). "한국 담은 '엑스오, 키티' 유치한데 빠져드는 'K미드' [OTT 화제작]". 뉴스1 (in Korean). Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Bergado, Gabe (May 18, 2023). "XO, Kitty's Sang Heon Lee Is Your New Favorite Brash Heartthrob". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g Bradley, Faye (May 18, 2023). "XO, Kitty's Hong Kong-raised Sang Heon Lee on his acting debut – interview". South China Morning Post. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ a b Kim, ChunWoong (May 23, 2023). "'엑스오, 키티', 이상헌 프로필". 금강일보 (in Korean). Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ McNab, Kaitlyn (April 6, 2022). "Meet the Cast of "To All the Boys" Spinoff Series "XO, Kitty"". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Zara, Janelle (May 18, 2023). "XO, Kitty review – convoluted but charming Netflix teen series". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Oh, Kibbeum (March 23, 2023). "'내가 사랑했던 모든 남자들에게' 키티의 컴백". Vogue korea (in Korean). Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c Grobar, Matt (November 17, 2022). "'Gran Turismo' Film From Sony, PlayStation Productions Adds Four". Deadline. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ [Play11st UP]Dive into Live with Gia Kim 지아킴, retrieved February 29, 2024
- ^ Delgado, Sara (May 30, 2023). "Sang Heon Lee Wanted to Bar Sister Gia Kim From Set for This "XO, Kitty" Scene". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Hwang, HyeJin (June 9, 2023). "'엑스오 키티' 최민영 "이상헌·김지아 실제 친남매, 호흡 잘 맞아 행운"[EN:인터뷰②]". 뉴스엔 Newsen: www.newsen.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Moon, Kat (May 23, 2023). "XO, Kitty's Sang Heon Lee on How He 'Lived Life' Before First Major Acting Role, Minho and Kitty's Relationship, and Climbing". TVGuide.com. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ a b Jung, Jinyoung (June 1, 2023). "[IS비하인드] 유리랑 민호가 친남매였어? '엑스오 키티' A to Z". isplus.com (in Korean). Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Bentley, Jean (May 18, 2023). "Meet Kitty Song Covey's New Squad in 'XO, Kitty'". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ Fun With Dumb (May 24, 2023). "XO Dummy featuring Gia Kim & Lee Sang Heon - Fun With Dumb - Ep. 237". YouTube.
- ^ "These Two "XO, Kitty" Stars Are Real-Life Siblings". Teen Vogue. May 18, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Lee, ChangKyu (May 22, 2023). "'엑스오, 키티' 출연진, 알고보니 남매?..."캐스팅 디렉터도 몰랐어" [엑's 할리우드]". www.xportsnews.com (in Korean). Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ Jacob, Teena (May 18, 2023). "Meet your latest K-drama crush, Sang Heon Lee of XO, Kitty". Cosmopolitan Middle East. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ Gonzales, Erica (June 14, 2023). "'XO, Kitty' Season 2 Is Officially on the Way". ELLE. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ Campione, Katie (June 14, 2023). "'XO, Kitty' Renewed For Season 2 At Netflix". Deadline. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ "Julia Barretto, Lee Sang-heon, Nicholas Saputra to star in rom-com series". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. January 21, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Acierto, Drew (February 13, 2024). "Sang-Heon Lee shares thoughts after working with Julia Barretto". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ LeGardye, Quinci (May 18, 2023). "'XO, Kitty' Is Every Bit as Sweet As You've Heard—Get to Know the Cast". Marie Claire Magazine. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (January 21, 2024). "Julia Barretto, Lee Sang-heon join forces in upcoming series". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
External links edit
- Sang Heon Lee at IMDb