5 Major Controversies That Could Not Stop Lee Byung-hun's Global Rise

Despite a career spanning over three decades, the personal life of South Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun has often been as dramatic as his on-screen roles. As of December 14, 2025, the actor continues to cement his status as a global icon with major projects like the upcoming *Squid Game 2*, yet public curiosity remains fixated on the controversies that threatened to derail his career, most notably the high-profile 2014 blackmail incident. This deep dive explores the full spectrum of scandals, from civil suits to criminal cases, and details how the actor navigated the turbulent waters of Korean celebrity culture to achieve unprecedented success in both Asia and Hollywood.

The resilience shown by Lee Byung-hun in the face of intense public scrutiny is a testament to his enduring talent and star power. While many celebrities would struggle to recover from such severe reputational damage, the actor managed to pivot back to critically acclaimed roles, demonstrating a rare ability to separate his professional life from his personal challenges. Understanding the specifics of these controversies is key to grasping the complex narrative of one of South Korea's most successful and scrutinized actors.

Lee Byung-hun: A Complete Biography and Profile

Lee Byung-hun is a critically acclaimed South Korean actor and singer, celebrated for his versatility and pioneering efforts in Hollywood. His career highlights include starring in blockbusters and dramas that have shaped the Korean Wave (Hallyu).

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• Full Name: Lee Byung-hun (이병헌)
• Date of Birth: July 12, 1970
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Education: Hanyang University (French Literature), Chung-Ang University (Theater and Film)
• Debut: 1991, after competing in an open audition for KBS
• Wife: Lee Min-jung (Actress), married August 10, 2013
• Children: One son, Lee Joon-hoo (born March 2015), and one daughter (born December 2023)
• Notable Works: *Joint Security Area* (2000), *A Bittersweet Life* (2005), *Iris* (2009), *Masquerade* (2012), *Inside Men* (2015), *Mr. Sunshine* (2018), *Squid Game* (2021) as The Front Man, *G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra* (2009), *Red 2* (2013).

The Blackmail Scandal That Shook Korea (2014)

The most damaging and widely reported controversy in Lee Byung-hun’s career occurred in 2014, just a year after his marriage to actress Lee Min-jung. The incident involved a serious criminal case that captured national and international headlines, profoundly impacting his public image.

The Incident and Allegations

In August 2014, Lee Byung-hun reported a blackmail attempt to the Gangnam Police Station. The two women involved were identified as Lee Ji-yeon, a 25-year-old model, and Kim Da-hee, a 20-year-old member of the K-pop girl group GLAM.

The women attempted to extort 5 billion KRW (approximately $4.4 million USD) from the actor. Their leverage was a video recording of an alleged private conversation with Lee Byung-hun, which they claimed contained compromising material.

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The subsequent legal proceedings revealed details of the interaction. The model, Lee Ji-yeon, claimed she was in a relationship with the actor and that the blackmail was a reaction to him ending their relationship. Lee Byung-hun's side maintained that the conversation was merely a "silly joke" and that he had only met the women a few times through an acquaintance.

The Legal Outcome and Public Reaction

The court ultimately sided with Lee Byung-hun on the blackmail charge. In January 2015, the two women were found guilty of extortion. Dahee was sentenced to one year in prison, and Lee Ji-yeon received a sentence of one year and two months.

However, the judge also delivered a rare rebuke to the victim, noting that Lee Byung-hun's behavior had provided the motive for the crime, leading to significant public backlash against the actor for his perceived infidelity and indiscretion while married. The scandal placed immense strain on his marriage to Lee Min-jung, though the couple publicly weathered the storm.

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The Earlier Lawsuit and Personal Challenges

While the 2014 scandal is the most infamous, Lee Byung-hun faced a significant civil lawsuit five years prior, which also involved his personal relationships.

The 2009 Adultery Lawsuit

In 2009, a Korean-Canadian woman filed a lawsuit against the actor, alleging that he had committed adultery under the guise of marriage. The woman claimed that Lee Byung-hun had deceived her with false promises of marriage during their relationship. The lawsuit sought damages for emotional distress and financial losses.

This case, while less sensationalized than the 2014 blackmail attempt, also highlighted the intense scrutiny on the private lives of top South Korean celebrities. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it contributed to a complex public perception of the actor as a charismatic performer with a tumultuous private life.

Recent Impersonation Scams (2024/2025)

In a more recent development that speaks to his enduring fame, Lee Byung-hun has had to publicly address a surge in online scams. In late 2024 and early 2025, scam messages impersonating famous celebrities, including Lee Byung-hun, began circulating on social media platforms. These messages often involved sophisticated phishing attempts or financial scams, forcing the actor to issue warnings to his fans to protect them from fraudulent activities. While not a personal controversy, this incident underscores the magnitude of his celebrity status and the risks associated with it.

The Resilient Comeback: From Scandal to Global Stardom

The most compelling part of Lee Byung-hun's narrative is his successful career rebound. Despite the controversies, his professional trajectory has continued to climb, solidifying his position as a global actor.

The Power of Performance

Following the 2014 scandal, Lee Byung-hun made a powerful return with the 2015 film *Inside Men*, which was both a critical and commercial success. His performance earned him multiple Best Actor awards, demonstrating that his talent could transcend personal scandal. This was followed by other acclaimed films like *Master* (2016) and *The Man Standing Next* (2020), which further restored his reputation as a serious, dedicated actor.

Hollywood and Global Projects

Lee Byung-hun is a pioneer for Korean actors in Hollywood, having appeared in the *G.I. Joe* franchise and *Red 2*. His role as The Front Man in the global Netflix phenomenon *Squid Game* (2021) introduced him to a new generation of international viewers. His continued involvement in the upcoming *Squid Game 2* ensures his relevance on the global stage.

His upcoming projects, such as the film *No Other Choice* (2025 release) and the long-awaited *The Match* (2025 release), confirm his status as a highly sought-after leading man. Furthermore, he has been in contention for major awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for his work, a clear sign that the industry values his contributions over past indiscretions.

The story of Lee Byung-hun is a complex study of celebrity culture, morality, and professional resilience. His ability to move past the severe reputational damage of the 2014 blackmail scandal and his earlier civil suit is a testament to the power of his acting talent and his determination to maintain a successful career. By focusing on his craft, and with the unwavering support of his wife, Lee Min-jung, the actor has not only survived but thrived, proving that even the most damaging controversies cannot always eclipse true star power.