Lee Young Ae, the star of Jewel in the Palace, has been a household name in Korea since the 1990s, dominating commercials, television dramas, and films. She cemented her reputation as a leading actress with acclaimed roles in Joint Security Area (JSA), One Fine Spring Day, and Lady Vengeance.
Yet off-camera, Lee Young Ae has been quietly writing a different story, the story of herself as a person, beyond the roles and the spotlight.
In 2014, a Taiwanese couple vacationing in Seoul faced a medical emergency when they unexpectedly went into premature labor. Their newborn, weighing just 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), was fighting for life, and hospital bills soared to over 100 million KRW (about 70,000 USD).
Although the baby received urgent treatment, the family couldn’t afford the fees and was unable to return to Taiwan.
Upon learning of their situation, Lee Young Ae acted immediately. She personally visited the hospital to comfort the couple and covered the entire 100 million KRW medical bill herself.
“I simply wanted to repay the love I received from Taiwan through Jewel in the Palace,” she said.
Lee Young Ae kept her generosity private, but when the story eventually came to light, it touched hearts in both Korea and Taiwan.
Despite her good intentions, controversy soon emerged. Taiwanese media reported that the couple was wealthy, and social media buzzed with photos of luxury cars and designer goods, fueling the wealthy couple narrative.
The couple responded to the claims, clarifying, “The facts have been distorted. We intend to repay all the hospital bills.”
Lee Young Ae’s generosity doesn’t end there. She is also known for supporting the families of firefighters, descendants of independence activists, and child welfare centers, all without ever publicizing her donations.
True to her belief that “kindness is simply a part of life,” Lee Young Ae continues to give quietly and humbly, letting her actions speak louder than words.
While she earned worldwide acclaim through Jewel in the Palace, the real Lee Young Ae shines even more quietly, from a deeper place. It’s no wonder that the word grace is always associated with her name.
