Lee Jung-eun's Multifaceted 2025: Dominating Dramas, Films, Judging, and Philanthropy

Actress Lee Jung-eun is solidifying her 'must-see' status in 2025 with a wide-ranging career spanning dramas, films, film festival juries, and volunteer work.

In the current drama ‘Heaven Above Beautiful,’ Lee Jung-eun captivates as Lee Young-ae, showcasing a versatile performance that shifts between tough charisma and girlish charm, significantly boosting viewer immersion. Furthermore, in ‘A Hundred Memories,’ slated for broadcast this fall, she will portray the role of a mother to Yeong-rye (Kim Da-mi), a resilient breadwinner who raised four children alone in the 1980s, delicately capturing the nuances of maternal love in a realistic setting.

Her presence is equally strong on the big screen. The film ‘Zombie Daughter,’ starring Lee Jung-eun, has surpassed 5.5 million viewers in just 41 days since its release, marking it as one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. In the movie, she transforms into Bam-soon, the 'it-grandma' of Eunbong-ri, flawlessly executing daring wire action and complex special effects makeup, earning praise that she is inseparable from the character: 'Bam-soon = Lee Jung-eun'.

Her influence extends to film festivals as well. She has been appointed as a jury member for the 'Actor of the Year' award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, contributing to the discovery of new talent. As a senior actress who has led Korean cinema, she is playing a crucial role in connecting the next generation with the current industry landscape.

Beyond the screen, Lee Jung-eun adds depth through her charitable actions. Through KBS1's ‘Love Across the Sea Season 4,’ she visited Zambia in Africa, offering comfort and hope to the children, embodying the meaning of being 'a good actor and a good person.'

Born in 1970, Lee Jung-eun honed her acting skills through extensive theater work before making her film debut in 'Casting a Spell for the Ghost' in 2015. She gained widespread recognition for her role as the loyal housemaid in the hit drama 'Mr. Sunshine,' which significantly boosted her public profile. With her distinctive appearance and nuanced emotional performances, she consistently delivers scene-stealing portrayals in every role, earning her the reputation of a 'trustworthy actress.'