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About
Lee Sung Hi is a South Korean model and actress who gained international fame in the 1990s and early 2000s as one of the most prominent Asian models in the United States. Born on April 1, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea, she moved to the U.S. in her teens to pursue higher education. Initially studying to become a nurse, Lee was discovered by a modeling agency, which led her to a career that quickly took off. She became widely recognized as the first Asian model to regularly appear in major American magazines, including Playboy, where she was featured multiple times as a Playmate, breaking barriers for Asian representation in mainstream media.
Lee Sung Hi’s striking looks and charismatic presence helped her transition into acting, where she appeared in several films and television series, including “The Girl Next Door” (2004), “Lost,” and “CSI.” Despite often being typecast in exotic roles, Lee continued to push the boundaries of Asian-American visibility in Hollywood during a time when representation was limited.
Beyond her modeling and acting career, Lee has been involved in charity work, particularly focusing on issues related to Asian-American communities and women’s rights. Known for her groundbreaking impact as one of the few Asian models to achieve mainstream success in the U.S., Lee Sung Hi remains an influential figure who paved the way for future generations of Asian models and actresses in the entertainment industry. Her legacy is marked by her trailblazing spirit and commitment to broadening the representation of Asian women in Western media.
Path to fame
Lee Sung Hi rose to fame as one of the first Asian models to appear in mainstream American publications, including multiple features in Playboy during the 1990s and 2000s, breaking barriers for Asian representation.
Also known as
Lee is also known as Sung Hi Lee, her name often stylized differently in various publications.
BIRTHDAY
April 1, 1970 (age 54)
BORN
Seoul, South Korea
ZODIAC SIGN
Aries
EDUCATION
Lee attended Ohio State University, where she initially pursued a degree in nursing before shifting her focus to modeling and acting.
POLITICAL VIEWS
Unknown
Nationality
Korean-American
Ethnicity
Asian (Korean)
EYE COLOR
Brown
HAIR COLOR
Black
HEIGHT
5ft 4 (163 cm)
WEIGHT
51 kg (112 lbs)
DIET
Unknown
Breasts-Waist-Hips
34-24-34 inches
BRA SIZE
34C
HANDEDNESS
Right-handed
TATTOOS
Lee has no known tattoos.
SMOKE
Unknown
NET WORTH
$1 Million
Faith
Unknown
languages spoken
English, Korean
IQ
Unknown
House
Unknown
Daily routine
Unknown
Sexual Orientation
Heterosexual
Dating history
Lee has kept her personal life private, with no publicly confirmed relationships.
Known For
Lee Sung Hi is best known for breaking barriers as one of the first Asian models to be featured regularly in Playboy during the 1990s and early 2000s, helping to pave the way for Asian representation in mainstream American media.
She gained international fame not only as a model but also as an actress, appearing in popular American TV shows like “Lost,” “CSI,” and “The King of Queens,” showcasing her versatility beyond modeling.
Lee Sung Hi is celebrated for her impact on Asian-American visibility in Hollywood during a time when roles for Asian women were limited, often playing characters that challenged stereotypes.
She appeared in the film “The Girl Next Door” (2004), where she played the role of Ferrari, demonstrating her comedic talent and further expanding her acting credentials in mainstream cinema.
Known for her striking looks and charismatic presence, Lee Sung Hi became a prominent figure in modeling, becoming a cultural icon for many young Asian women aspiring to enter the entertainment industry.
Her pioneering work as a model and actress continues to be an inspiration, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for future generations of Asian talent in Western media.
Personal Quotes
“I never imagined I would become a model, especially in the U.S. Being one of the few Asian faces in mainstream magazines was both exciting and challenging.”
“Breaking into modeling and acting as an Asian woman wasn’t easy, but it was important to me to represent and pave the way for others.”
“I’ve always tried to challenge the stereotypes placed on Asian women in the media. I wanted to show that we are multifaceted, strong, and independent.”
“Success doesn’t come overnight. It’s about being persistent, believing in yourself, and embracing who you are, no matter what industry you’re in.”
“Modeling gave me a platform, but acting allowed me to express myself in ways I never thought possible. It was a way to tell stories and connect with people.”
“I faced a lot of judgment and stereotypes early in my career, but I learned to turn those obstacles into opportunities to prove myself.”
“I hope my journey shows that representation matters. Seeing someone who looks like you on screen or in magazines can inspire you to dream bigger.”
“It’s important to stay true to yourself and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That’s when the real growth happens.”
“I’ve always been grateful for the fans who have supported me over the years. Their encouragement has kept me going through the ups and downs.”
“I didn’t set out to be a role model, but if my story can inspire others to chase their dreams, then I’m grateful to have that impact.”
Favorite Things
hobbies
Lee Sung Hi enjoys photography, traveling, and practicing yoga. She also has a passion for cooking and often shares her culinary experiments on social media.
pet
Lee is known to be a pet lover, especially fond of dogs. She has shared moments with her pet dog on her social media platforms.
place to visit
Lee loves visiting tropical destinations, with Hawaii being one of her favorite spots due to its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere.
food
She enjoys a variety of cuisines but has a particular love for Korean dishes, especially traditional home-cooked meals like kimchi stew and bulgogi.
actor
Lee has expressed admiration for veteran actors like Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro, citing their versatility and dedication to their craft as inspiring.
book
Lee enjoys reading books about self-improvement and mindfulness, with “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle being one of her favorites.
movie
One of her favorite movies is “The Joy Luck Club,” which resonates with her due to its portrayal of Asian-American stories and family dynamics.
Fun Facts
FACT1: Lee Sung Hi was one of the first Asian models to break into the American modeling industry, becoming widely recognized in the 1990s as a pioneering figure for Asian representation.
FACT2: She made history by being featured multiple times in Playboy, where she became one of the few Asian models to gain significant popularity and acclaim.
FACT3: Lee initially pursued a career in nursing before being discovered as a model, which completely changed the trajectory of her life and career.
FACT4: Beyond modeling, Lee successfully transitioned into acting, appearing in several Hollywood films and TV shows, including “The Girl Next Door” and “Lost.”
FACT5: Despite her glamorous public image, Lee is known for her down-to-earth personality and often speaks about the challenges she faced as an Asian woman in a predominantly Western industry.
FACT6: Lee Sung Hi has been involved in charity work, supporting various causes related to animal rights and Asian-American communities.
FACT7: She has appeared on the covers of numerous magazines worldwide, cementing her status as a global icon in the modeling world.
FACT8: Lee is multilingual, fluent in both English and Korean, which has helped her navigate the international aspects of her career.
FACT9: She has spoken about facing cultural stereotypes throughout her career, and she has worked hard to change perceptions of Asian women in media.
FACT10: Lee Sung Hi continues to inspire future generations of Asian models and actresses by sharing her journey and advocating for greater representation in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlight
Lee Sung Hi’s career is marked by her groundbreaking work as a model and actress, making her one of the most prominent Asian figures in American entertainment during the 1990s and early 2000s. She gained fame as one of the first Asian models to be featured in Playboy, where her appearances broke barriers and challenged stereotypes about Asian women in mainstream media. Her striking looks and confidence helped her become a sought-after model, appearing on the covers of numerous magazines worldwide. Transitioning into acting, Lee showcased her versatility by taking on roles in popular TV shows and films, including “The Girl Next Door,” “Lost,” and “The King of Queens,” often portraying characters that defied the typical roles given to Asian women at the time. Despite facing challenges in a predominantly Western industry, Lee’s perseverance and talent allowed her to make a significant impact, inspiring future generations of Asian models and actresses. Known for her pioneering spirit and commitment to representation, Lee Sung Hi’s career highlights her role as a trailblazer who expanded the visibility of Asian women in Western media.
