Lee Jung-Jae, the global star of Netflix’s Squid Game, is back as ‘Seong Gi-hun’ in Season 3, which was released on June 27, 2025. The story picks up where Season 2 left off with ‘Gi-hun’, who is determined to help people who are trapped in the deadly survival game. As the show’s dark universe expands, so does the public interest in its lead actor, especially his real-life relationship with one of Korea’s wealthiest heiresses, Lim Se-Ryung. Who is she? How did they meet? How long have they known each other? Here are all the details of their relationship.
Lee Jung-Jae is a rising global star
Lee Jung-Jae rose to global fame as ‘Seong Gi-hun’ in Netflix’s Squid Game. The hit show first premiered in September 2021, making him the first Asian male actor to receive nominations and wins at major award shows, including the Emmy Awards and the SAG Awards. Season 2 folllowed in December 2024, and Season 3 was just released on June 27, 2025, keeping fans around the world glued to their screens. With each season, Lee’s international spotlight brightened. He became a global ambassador for Gucci, walked the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, and landed roles in major Hollywood projects like Star Wars: The Acolyte.
Who is Lee Jung-Jae dating?
Lee Jung-Jae’s long partner is Lim Se-Ryung, a high-profile figure with deep roots in South Korea’s corporate world. She is an heiress to one of South Korea’s biggest conglomerates, Daesang Group. She began serving the company as a creative director in 2012, according to The Korea Times. She then climbed to the position of executive director in 2015 and became vice-chairperson in March 2021.
Who is Lim Se-Ryung?
Lim Se-Ryung is the eldest daughter of the Daesang Group chairman, Lim Chang Woook. She holds approximately 20% of Daesang’s shares, which are about 7.3 million shares. She is the second-largest shareholder, worth approximately 300 billion Korean won, which, when converted to US dollars, is approximately 230 million US dollars, as reported by Kbizoom. Lim began studying business at Yonsei University, paused her studies to get married, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University.
Lim Se-Ryung’s relationship with the Samsung heir
As reported by Style, Lim Se-Ryung got married to her ex-husband, Lee Jae-Yong, in 1998. The latter is the executive chairman of Samsung Electronics and is also known as the ‘Samsung heir’. She had two children with him and later filed for divorce in 2009. Insight Korea, reported that Lim requested an alimony of 100 billion Korean Won, equivalent to approximately 70 million US Dollars.
Lee Jung-Jae and Lim Se-Ryung’s relationship
While rumours linked them as early as 2010, it was years later the two gave any confirmation regarding their relationship. They were reportedly seen together on a trip to the Philippines in 2010, but for the longest time, they remained silent about their relationship. In January 2015, after photos by the media outlet, Dispatch went viral, Lee Jung-Jae officially confirmed their relationship.
Lee Jung-Jae and Lim Se-Ryung’s public appearance
Since their relationship went public, they’ve appeared together at major global events like the LACMA Art + Film Gala and Emmys red carpet in September 2022, where Lee won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2022 for his performance in Squid Game, making him the first person to win that award for a non-English-speaking role. He is also the first Asian man to win that award. Their relationship is known in Korea as the union of star and chaebol.
Lee Jung-jae faced rumours and criticism
Their high-profile romance has drawn both praise and criticism from the netizens. Some claimed Lee had benefited from Lim’s wealth and connections. Despite being an A-list actor with massive wealth, criticism was directed at Lee Jung-Jae, accusing him that he used his girlfriend’s influence to secure numerous opportunities in the industry. She had allegedly helped him launch businesses and his artistic agency, named Artist Company. Despite media chatter, the couple continues their life and careers, attending events and supporting each other amid scrutiny.
Lee Jung-Jae and Lim Se-Ryung’s relationship affects Daesang shares
Following media coverage in late November 2023, when Lee Jung-Jae and Lim Se-Ryung were photographed dining with Justice Minister, Han Dong-Hoon, Daesang Holdings’ shares skyrocketed, nearly hitting the daily circuit limit with a 30% jump, and ending the next trading day up around 25% as reported by Kbizoom. The surge was primarily viewed as a “political-theme” stock move, spotlighting the couple’s meeting with the justice minister and underscoring how Lim’s associations, including her high-profile relationship with Lee can have significant influence in the stock market.
Lee Jung-Jae’s relationship with Lim Se-Ryung is private yet public
Lee and Lim don’t share many personal details about their relationship. They have, publicly confirmed dating in 2015. They have appeared publicly in many high-end events, such as the Emmys, but their appearances are still rare. Their relationship spans over a decade. However, their public appearances can be counted on fingers. This has sparked public fascination among the fans.
Lee Jung-Jae’s future projects
Lee Jung-Jae has a packed lineup ahead. He has returned as ‘Seong Gi-hun’ in Squid Game Season 3 providing the worldwide famous series, a promising finale. He’s also set to star in the upcoming tvN rom-com, Mean Love (aka Impudent Love) alongside Lim Ji-yeon, playing a washed-up detective-turned-actor in a quirky romance. Meanwhile, he’s also speculated to develope a new action-thriller script following his directorial debut, Hunt. With diverse roles across drama, romance, and action, 2025 is shaping up to be a major year for his career. While his love life with Lim Se-Ryun keeps blooming behind-the-scene
Lee Jae-Jun and Lim Se-Ryun remain the subject of fan curiosity and admiration for almost a decade now and as their relationship continuous to thrive so does their online fan following.
Also Read: If You Have Watched Netflix’s ‘Celebrity’, Here Are 10 Thriller K-Dramas That You Must Watch Next