Lee Jung-jae, the Emmy Award-winning star of Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game,” has fascinated audiences worldwide with his compelling portrayal of Seong Gi-hun. While his professional achievements continue to soar, fans remain equally curious about the 52-year-old actor’s personal life and romantic relationships. The South Korean actor has been in a committed relationship with Lim Se-ryung, a prominent business heiress, since 2015.
Their relationship represents one of South Korea’s most high-profile celebrity-business elite pairings, combining the entertainment industry’s glamour with corporate dynasty prestige. Lim Se-ryung, currently 47 years old, serves as the vice-chairwoman of Daesang Group, one of South Korea’s largest food conglomerates. She is also notably the ex-wife of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, making her connection to Lee Jung-jae a subject of significant media attention.
The couple’s decade-long relationship has weathered public scrutiny while maintaining a relatively private approach to their romance. Despite their high-profile status, both Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung have consistently chosen discretion over publicity when it comes to their personal lives. Their relationship timeline spans from initial friendship in the mid-2000s to their current status as one of South Korea’s most enduring celebrity couples, demonstrating remarkable stability in an industry known for fleeting romances.
The Beginning of Their Romance
Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung’s love story began as a friendship that gradually blossomed into romance over several years. The couple first met in 2005 through mutual friends, but at that time, Lim was married to Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong. Their initial connection remained platonic due to Lim’s marital status, with both maintaining appropriate boundaries during this period.
Following Lim’s divorce from Lee Jae-yong in 2009, rumors about a potential romantic relationship between Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung began circulating in 2010. However, both parties and Lee’s representatives consistently denied these early rumors, maintaining that they were merely close friends supporting each other through difficult times.
The transition from friendship to romance occurred gradually and carefully. In January 2015, Lee Jung-jae officially confirmed their romantic relationship through his agency, C-Jes Entertainment. The actor stated, “Our friendship only recently developed into something beyond friendship,” marking the official beginning of their public relationship. This confirmation came after years of speculation and careful consideration of the potential impact on both their careers and personal lives.
Lim Se-ryung’s Background and Career
Lim Se-ryung brings impressive credentials to the relationship as a successful businesswoman in her own right. She serves as the vice-chairwoman of Daesang Group, a major South Korean food conglomerate, and is the eldest daughter of Lim Chang-wook, who served as the company’s honorary president. Her position within one of South Korea’s largest corporations demonstrates her significant influence in the business world.
Her previous marriage to Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong lasted from 1998 to 2009, during which she was part of one of South Korea’s most powerful business dynasties. The marriage produced two children, whom she continues to raise following their divorce. This aspect of her life has influenced how she and Lee Jung-jae approach their relationship, with both being mindful of maintaining privacy to protect her children.
Lim’s business acumen and corporate leadership role make her a formidable figure in South Korea’s business. Her involvement with Daesang Group extends beyond ceremonial duties, as she actively participates in the company’s strategic decisions and operations. This professional success has earned her respect within business circles and contributes to the power couple dynamic she shares with Lee Jung-jae.
Public Appearances and Relationship Milestones
Despite their preference for privacy, Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung have made several notable public appearances together over the years. One of their most significant joint appearances occurred at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022, where Lee Jung-jae received the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award for his role in “Squid Game.” Lim’s presence at this career-defining moment demonstrated their mutual support and commitment.
The couple has also been spotted at various high-profile cultural events, including the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles and the 7th Art Basel Hong Kong Art Market. These appearances showcase their shared interests in art and culture while maintaining their sophisticated public image.
More recently, the couple was photographed vacationing together in St. Barts in the Caribbean during the year-end holidays. These vacation photos, showing them relaxing on the beach, provided rare glimpses into their private moments together. The images depicted Lee Jung-jae taking photos of Lim Se-ryung, highlighting the affectionate and supportive nature of their relationship.
Maintaining Privacy and Handling Media Attention
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung’s relationship is their consistent approach to maintaining privacy while under intense media scrutiny. Lee’s agency has repeatedly emphasized their desire to protect Lim’s family, particularly her two children from her previous marriage, from unnecessary media attention.
The couple’s strategy involves selective public appearances at significant events while avoiding extensive social media exposure or frequent paparazzi encounters. This approach has allowed them to maintain a sense of normalcy in their relationship despite their high-profile status. Lee Jung-jae has been particularly protective of their privacy, often declining to discuss personal details in interviews and focusing instead on his professional work.
Their handling of media attention reflects a mature understanding of the balance required between public life and personal relationships. By setting clear boundaries and maintaining consistency in their approach, they have successfully preserved the integrity of their relationship while fulfilling their public obligations as prominent figures in South Korean society.
Current Relationship Status and Future Prospects
As of 2025, Lee Jung-jae and Lim Se-ryung continue their relationship with the same commitment and discretion that has characterized their decade together. While they are not married, their long-term partnership demonstrates remarkable stability in an industry where relationships often face significant challenges.
The couple’s relationship has endured various pressures, including intense media scrutiny, demanding career obligations, and the complexities of blending their different professional worlds. Their ability to maintain their bond while respecting each other’s individual achievements and responsibilities speaks to the strength of their partnership.
Looking forward, their relationship appears to be built on solid foundations of mutual respect, shared values, and genuine affection. While they have not announced any engagement or marriage plans, their continued public appearances together and decade-long commitment suggest a relationship that will likely continue to flourish. Their approach to balancing privacy with public life may serve as a model for other high-profile couples facing similar challenges in the entertainment and business worlds.
