Rookie Watch: Stephanie Lee
Model-turned-actress Stephanie Lee has garnered attention as Shin Sa A, the VIP client manager in "Yong Pal." The role is an emotionally nuanced one, which Lee brilliantly delivers with a mix of aloof sarcasm and detached beauty. While other members of the medical staff appear equipped for emergencies, she looks like she stepped off of a runway or is ready for a night on the town.
Born in Boston, Lee intersperses English words with Korean, during her screentime in the series. This lends credibility to Sa A, a character who studied medicine in Seattle before providing curated services to the Korea's wealthiest citizens.
Sa A imparts a unique angle into the drama, as a woman who is responsible for cultivating the personality and style of Kim Tae Hyun (Joo Won). While most K-Dramas feature grand makeovers involving geeky women, "Yong Pal" demonstrates that there are instances when men could use the assistance of a stylist.
The Korean publication Money Week recently profiled the rising star, whose name topped real-time searches after she appeared in the third episode of the medical drama. "Yong Pal" serves as the second role for the 22-year-old actress, who debuted in the jTBC teen drama, "Seonam Girls High School Investigators."
While she embraced a youthful spirit for the teen series, Lee delivers a chic image that is closer to her fashion-driven background for "Yong Pal."
She debuted as a model in the competitive New York market. Her credits including modeling for high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel Lanvin, and Dior. The emerging actress is currently represented by YG K Plus, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramaStars. She is also a contributing writer for KpopStarz, MTV Iggy, Viki and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
