Lee Re, a name that has long been associated with extraordinary acting talent, is now also gaining recognition for her remarkable academic achievements.
At just 16 years old, the actress passed South Korea’s rigorous national equivalency exams for elementary, middle, and high school—and was accepted into Chung-Ang University’s Department of Theater and Film two years early, in 2023.
A Childhood Prodigy with Deep Roots in Acting
Lee Re made her acting debut in 2012 with the drama Goodbye Dear Wife and quickly gained widespread attention for her performance as Im So-won in Lee Joon-ik’s critically acclaimed film Hope (2013). Her powerful portrayal of a young trauma survivor earned national praise and deeply moved audiences.
In 2014, she starred in How to Steal a Dog, which earned her the Marie Claire Best New Actress Award, solidifying her image as a “child acting prodigy.”
International Recognition at Age 8
One of Lee Re’s most astonishing accomplishments came at just eight years old, when she was awarded Best Supporting Actress at the Beijing International Film Festival. Such early international acclaim is rare, even among seasoned adult actors, and marked a historic moment in her career.
Since then, she has consistently appeared in high-profile projects such as Train to Busan: Peninsula and Netflix’s Hellbound, where she impressed with her ever-maturing presence and emotional depth.
Recent Performance: Devils Stay
In her most recent film, Devils Stay, Lee Re takes on the chilling role of Somi, a young girl possessed by a demonic force during a mysterious three-day funeral. Starring alongside veterans Park Shin-yang and Lee Min-ki, she showcases her ability to hold her own among Korea’s finest, delivering a haunting and emotionally intense performance that marks a significant evolution in her career.
Critics have praised her transformation, noting her command over darker, more complex roles—a clear shift from her earlier, more innocent characters.
Beyond Acting: A Model of Dedication and Discipline
What sets Lee Re apart is not only her acting résumé but her relentless academic discipline. While maintaining an active career in film and television, she studied independently and passed Korea’s GED-style exams across all school levels an exceptional feat by any standard.
Her admission to one of Korea’s top universities at the age of 16 stands as a testament to her intellect, maturity, and dedication.
Lee Re is set to return in Hellbound Season 2, among other upcoming projects. With years of experience, critical acclaim, and academic achievement all under her belt before adulthood, she is no longer simply a “gifted child actress” she is a fully recognized, trusted, and respected young actress with limitless potential.
Her journey affirms that while genius may be innate, it is through passion and persistence that it truly blossoms.
