Sang Heon Lee

Sang Heon Lee was born on May 21, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea. He has a sister, Gia Kim, who is four years older than him.[3] Kim also is an actress portraying a fellow main character, Yuri, in XO, Kitty.[4][9][10] His sister uses a stage name, explaining them having different last names.[11][12] He spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Hong Kong because of his father's work.[13] During a podcast interview, Gia Kim states that their father was in the construction industry.[14] While living in Hong Kong, he attended an international school with his sister.[3][12]

Lee began having an interest in acting from taking drama classes during high school years in Hong Kong,[2] which subsequently led him to major in Drama at the University of Northampton in England for his undergraduate study.[15] He attended the University of Northampton from 2014 to 2016.[3]

After graduating from the University of Northampton in 2016, Lee returned to South Korea to fulfill his military duty for two years.[2][3][16]

Upon finishing the mandatory military service, Lee did modeling gigs for a year and a half and worked various jobs.[11] 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.[1][3][11]

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.[8][17]

On June 14, 2023, Netflix announced the renewal of XO, Kitty for the season two; Lee will reprise his role as Min Ho.[18][19]

Lee is an avid rock climber, and has a separate Instagram account dedicated to his climbing activity.[2][11]

During XO, Kitty press interviews, he mentions that he shares an affinity towards food, cooking, valuing friendships, and traveling with his character Min Ho.[3][13]

He taught himself how to cook properly by watching Gordon Ramsay YouTube videos 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.[2]

• Sang Heon Lee at IMDb