Who Is Lee Seo-Hwan (#390 from Squid Game)? Everything About the Actor
Who Is Lee Seo-Hwan (#390 from Squid Game)? Everything About the Actor
1. Overview
Lee Seo-Hwan (real name: Lee Yeong-gi) is a South Korean actor, writer, and musical theater performer recognized for his roles in stage productions, television dramas, and most notably, the global Netflix hit Squid Game. While not a headliner in the series, he garnered attention for his portrayal of a supporting character—often referred to by the player number 390.
2. Early Life and Education
- Birth Name: Lee Yeong-gi
- Date of Birth: March 6, 1973 (Age 51)
- Place of Birth: Nam-gu, Incheon (present-day Namdong-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City)
- Residence: Unyang-dong, Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province
- Height / Blood Type: 173 cm, AB
- Religion: Protestant (Seong-gyeol / Holiness Church)
Lee spent his formative years in Incheon, attending local elementary, middle, and high schools. In 1992, he enrolled at Incheon University, majoring in German Language and Literature. Originally, Lee planned to become a teacher and even pursued teacher certification, but a lack of genuine passion during his student-teaching experience led him to reconsider this path.
After briefly exploring other fields—such as enrolling in a theology program—Lee’s aspirations continued to evolve. He contemplated studying abroad in Germany but ultimately decided to pursue a career in music and the arts. At age 30, he enrolled in a music seminary with hopes of becoming a Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) artist. However, post-graduation uncertainties brought him to Seoul’s Daehak-ro district, the heart of Korea’s theater scene.
3. Journey into Acting
From Accidental Opportunity to Stage Debut
- Musical Debut (2004): Notre Dame de Paris
In 2004, at 32, Lee auditioned for a role in the musical Notre Dame de Paris. Despite having little professional experience, he was accepted. This breakthrough allowed him to experience the thrill of the stage—what he describes as the moment he “finally found what he truly wanted to do.” - Setbacks and Discoveries: Although Lee’s first project was successful, subsequent auditions often ended in rejection. During this time, he wrote a musical script titled Neverending Story, which students at Baekje Arts College performed. Observing their production process made him realize the reasons behind his earlier audition failures. This self-awareness helped refine his acting skills and shaped his resilient approach to the craft.
4. Acting Highlights
Lee Seo-Hwan’s career since 2004 spans various entertainment fields—film, drama, musicals, and even writing. His performances, whether cameo appearances or supporting roles, often stand out due to his “unabashed, convincing” acting style. Some notable aspects of his work:
- Musical Theater:
- Notre Dame de Paris (2004) – Debut
- Neverending Story – Original writer; later produced at Baekje Arts College
- Plays and Film:
- Frequently cast in supporting roles that allow him to showcase a diverse range of characters.
- Television Dramas:
- Has appeared in various K-dramas, usually in smaller yet memorable parts.
- Squid Game (Netflix):
- In 2021, Lee took on the role of Park Jeong-bae—often referred to as player #390—in the global phenomenon Squid Game. His character is a friend of protagonist Seong Gi-hun (portrayed by Lee Jung-jae). Though it was not a primary role, his performance left a favorable impression on viewers and boosted his recognition.
5. Personal Life
- Family Status:
Married since 2004, Lee is the father of a daughter, Lee So-eun (born in 2013). - Career Beginnings:
He initially dreamed of becoming a teacher, then a CCM singer, and eventually found his calling in the performing arts. - Agency:
Represented by Quantum E&M, Lee continues to pursue creative endeavors across multiple genres.
6. Fun Facts and Anecdotes
- Discovery Through Song:
During his freshman welcome party at Incheon University, Lee captivated his peers with his singing voice, which led him to join a campus singing club. - Late Start, Strong Resilience:
Lee began his professional acting journey in his 30s, exemplifying the idea that it’s never too late to chase your passion. - Unrelenting Spirit:
Despite multiple rejections in the early stages of his career, he refused to give up. His eventual success in writing and acting demonstrates a remarkable persistence.
Final Thoughts
Lee Seo-Hwan (#390 from Squid Game) represents an inspiring example of an artist who found his true calling later in life. From near-missed academic pursuits to the bustling stages of Daehak-ro, his unorthodox path highlights a theme of perseverance. With expanding roles in musicals, dramas, and even scriptwriting, Lee continues to elevate his craft, solidifying a promising career. While best known globally for his part in Squid Game, his continued presence in Korean entertainment and theater reminds audiences that every character—even a brief supporting role—can leave a powerful impact when brought to life by dedicated talent.
