South Korean actress Lee Se-hee, best known for her role in the hit KBS drama Young Lady and Gentleman, has addressed long-circulating rumors that she is descended from Vietnamese royalty, clarifying her family background during a recent television appearance.

On the July 5 episode of MBC's variety program The Manager (also known as Point of Omniscient Interfere), Lee dismissed the speculation that she comes from the Hwasan Yi clan, which some internet sources and fan theories had linked to the ancient Lý dynasty of Vietnam.

"I've seen those rumors myself," Lee said with a laugh. "But I'm actually from the Jeonju Yi clan. People just assumed I was of royal blood, so I let it slide."

The viral theory — widely circulated on Korean and Vietnamese social media — alleges that Lee is a descendant of Lý Long Tường, a Vietnamese prince who fled to Korea in the 13th century.

The claim earned her the informal title of a "Vietnamese princess" among some fans, especially after clips from historical documentaries resurfaced online.

During the broadcast, veteran entertainer Lee Young-ja, who appeared alongside Lee, brought up another notable connection: "Your ancestor is Admiral Yi Sun-sin," she said, referring to Korea's revered 16th-century naval commander.

Lee nodded in acknowledgment, confirming her lineage within the Jeonju Yi clan, to which the famed admiral also belonged.

Despite her casual demeanor on the show, Lee has been at the center of speculation for years.

Her poised public image and traditional beauty have fueled assumptions about noble ancestry, with some Vietnamese media outlets previously highlighting her supposed aristocratic ties.

Lee, 32, debuted in 2015 and gained fame with Young Lady and Gentleman in 2021, for which she received a nomination for the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress.

She became known for her private lifestyle and great acting and has been a familiar face in K-dramas and variety shows ever since.

The speculation may have ended with the actress's comment on The Manager's latest episode.

Although the royal rumors may have lent an aura of mystique to her public persona, Lee defused her actual lineage with grace and humor, noting with a chuckle that her roots lay not in the royal court of Vietnam but in one of Korea's most ancient clans.