Lee Yeon: The Versatile South Korean Actress Behind Juvenile Justice

Lee Yeon: The Versatile South Korean Actress Behind Juvenile Justice

In the competitive landscape of South Korean entertainment, few performers have captured public attention as rapidly as Lee Yeon. Known for her remarkable ability to undergo complete physical and emotional transformations, she has transitioned from a newcomer to a critically acclaimed talent in a remarkably short period.

Born on February 27, 1995, in South Korea, Lee Yeon has built a career defined by depth and versatility. While she first entered the industry in 2018, it was her ability to disappear into complex, challenging roles that truly set her apart from her peers.

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Key Facts

  • Full Name: Lee Yeon (이연)
  • Date of Birth: February 27, 1995
  • Nationality: South Korean
  • Occupation: Actress
  • Breakout Role: Baek Seong-woo in Juvenile Justice (2022)
  • Major Recognition: Nominated for Best New Actress at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards

Career Evolution and Breakthrough

Lee Yeon made her professional debut in 2018 with the film Anonymous. Following her debut, she began appearing in various projects, including a notable cameo in the 2021 Netflix series D.P., where she played the younger sister of the male lead's character.

The Impact of Juvenile Justice

The turning point in Lee's career arrived in 2022 with the Netflix-produced drama Juvenile Justice. In a performance that stunned audiences, she portrayed Baek Seong-woo, a 13-year-old male teenager accused of murder. Despite being a 28-year-old woman at the time of filming, Lee's transformation into a cold-blooded juvenile offender was met with widespread critical acclaim.

Her portrayal was so convincing that many viewers were unaware of her true identity until her personal details were revealed. This performance earned her a prestigious nomination for Best New Actress at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards, cementing her status as a rising star in the industry.

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Recent and Upcoming Projects

Following her breakout success, Lee Yeon has continued to secure diverse roles across film and television. In 2025, she made a special appearance in the film Good News. Her momentum continued into 2026, where she appeared in the MBC drama Perfect Crown and the film Tango at Dawn, starring alongside Kwon So-hyun.

Summary of Professional Profile

Lee Yeon: Career Overview
Category Details
Active Years 2018–present
Agency Echo Global Group
Notable Works Juvenile Justice, D.P., Tango at Dawn
Key Accolades Baeksang Arts Awards Nomination (Best New Actress)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee Yeon best known for?

Lee Yeon is most widely recognized for her role as the 13-year-old male character Baek Seong-woo in the 2022 Netflix drama Juvenile Justice.

When did Lee Yeon make her acting debut?

She made her acting debut in 2018 with the South Korean film Anonymous.

Did Lee Yeon win a Baeksang Arts Award?

She was nominated for the Best New Actress award at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards for her work in Juvenile Justice, though the award was ultimately given to Kim Hye-jun.

What other notable series has she appeared in?

Lee Yeon appeared in a cameo role in the Netflix series D.P. (2021) and has been involved in projects such as Perfect Crown and Tango at Dawn.

Who is Lee Yeon's talent agent?

Lee Yeon is represented by the Echo Global Group.

References

  1. "Lee Yeon (이연)". HanCinema. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  2. Moon Ji-yeon (March 17, 2022). [인터뷰①] '소년심판' 이연 "'여배우인줄 몰랐다'는 반응 기분 좋아" [[Interview 1] 'Juvenile Justice' actress Lee Yeon, "It feels good to reply to 'I did not know you are an actress'"]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Daum. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  3. Do Hye-min (February 28, 2022). 넷플릭스 '소년심판'에서 촉법소년 백성우 연기한 배우 이연의 대반전 ['Juvenile Justice' actress Lee Yeon's shocking transformation into male juvenile offender Baek Seong-woo]. 허프포스트코리아 (in Korean). Huffington Post. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  4. "《少年法庭》13歲少年犯是27歲女演員「李妍」!本人IG曝光曾出演《D.P:逃兵追緝令》" [13-year-old juvenile murderer 'Juvenile Justice' is portrayed by 27-year-old actress Lee Yeon! She reveals in Instagram her past role in D.P.]. Yahoo News (in Chinese). February 27, 2022. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  5. Kim Jung-soo (February 28, 2022). "소년심판 13세 소년범役' 이연, 28살 여배우란 사실에 네티즌들 '깜놀' [MD동영상]" ['Boy Judge 13-year-old juvenile criminal' Lee Yeon, a 28-year-old actress, netizens 'shocked' [MD Video]]. My Daliy (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on April 6, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2022.