Sang Heon Lee

Sang Heon Lee (born May 21, 1996) is a South Korean actor with a multicultural background. Lee rose to prominence from his acting debut by playing Min Ho in XO, Kitty (2023–present), Netflix spin-off series from To All the Boys films franchise (2018–2021) based on the best-selling young adult trilogy book by American author Jenny Han.

He made his film debut in the coming-of-age sports drama film Gran Turismo in August 2023.

Early life and education
Sang Heon Lee was born on May 21, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea. He has an older sister, Gia Kim (real name Jung Nyeon Lee, ), who is four years older. Kim also is an actress portraying a fellow main character, Yuri, in XO, Kitty. His sister uses a stage name, which is the reason for them having different last names. He spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Hong Kong because of his father's work. During a podcast interview, Gia Kim states that their father was in the construction industry. While living in Hong Kong, he attended an international school with his sister.

Lee began having an interest in acting from taking drama classes during high school years in Hong Kong, which subsequently led him to major in Drama at the University of Northampton in England for his undergraduate study. He attended the University of Northampton from 2014 to 2016.

After graduating from the University of Northampton in 2016, Lee returned to South Korea to fulfill his military duty for two years.

Career
Upon finishing the mandatory military service, Lee did modeling gigs for a year and a half and worked various jobs. His sister, Gia Kim, suggested Lee submit an audition tape for XO, Kitty, which became his first official audition for a major acting role. Before landing his debut breakout role as Min Ho, Lee appeared in a few projects as a background character and a reenactment actor in documentaries.

Shortly after appearing in XO, Kitty, Lee plays a small role in a biographical film, Gran Turismo (2023), based on Jann Mardenborough's life and career as a professional race car driver, alongside David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, and Archie Madekwe, set to be released on August 11, 2023.

On June 14, 2023, Netflix announced the renewal of XO, Kitty for the season two; Lee will reprise his role as Min Ho.

In 2024, Lee will be working with Filipina actress Julia Barretto and Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra on a food-inspired romantic-comedy project of Viu, a 6 episodes series titled Secret Ingredient.

Personal life
Lee is an avid rock climber, and has a separate Instagram account dedicated to his climbing activity.

During XO, Kitty press interviews, he mentions that he shares an affinity towards food, cooking, valuing friendships, and traveling with his character Min Ho.

He taught himself how to cook properly by watching YouTube videos of Gordon Ramsay during his undergraduate years in the UK living with his roommates trying to live on a budget while learning to eat healthy. Therefore, his cooking skills are more equipped towards Western cuisine than Korean. He also is a self-professed foodie.