Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated Cho EK
Lee Hanee proved herself to be a great actress, and it seems that she does not need her Miss Korea title anymore. In her early days, she was famous for her prominent family, prestigious educational background, and gorgeous looks. When she became a Miss Korea, she was reluctant to enter the entertainment industry. But in 2009, she took the lead role in KBS’ The Partner and started her acting career.
Lee Hanee built her career with various films and dramas. In MBC’s Pasta (2010), she played a famous chef who everyone admires and showed a great example of a female leader. In the hit movie Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014), she began to draw more attention as Ms. Woo, a woman who seduces wealthy entrepreneurs. From being a captivating woman to a wacky comedy figure, her presence was nothing short of that of Kim Hye Soo’s in the previous franchise.
Lee Hanee marked a turning point in her acting career when she decided to join the cast of the film Extreme Job (2019). Previously, her characters all have been sophisticated and sensual, but Jang Yeon Soo was different. As one of the five members of a poorly performing narc team, she transformed into this go-to girl who puts justice before anything else. Lee Hanee was well-received for her charismatic and witty appearance, and the film was a huge hit, drawing 10 million moviegoers. Then, the momentum continued with SBS The Fiery Priest (2019). As a corrupt prosecutor with a high drive for success, she nailed her comedy role and showed great chemistry with Kim Nam Gil. The Fiery Priest was always a huge success, and it is in talks for a second season.
Currently, Lee Hanee is snatching the viewership ratings with mind-blowing comebacks in SBS’ One the Woman. She plays two roles in the series: a rogue prosecutor who accidentally enters a chaebol family after a car accident and their daughter-in-law who disappeared after the incident. She nailed the pouring lines in the series and clearly drew the differences between the two characters to entertain the viewers. In particular, some of the thrilling comebacks she drops at her bullying in-laws give exhilarating catharsis.
After One the Woman, Lee Hanee will be starring in more works. The following four films are waiting for release: sci-fi fantasy Alien, comedy Killing Romance (working title), action Ghost, and sports drama Dream.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
Translator Cho EK: I’m a big fan of Korean dramas and movies.
