Lee Tae-ran's Journey: From Office Worker to Award-Winning Actress – A Must-Read for Aspiring Actors

Daniel Kim | 2026.04.13

[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won] Actress Lee Tae-ran reflected on what acting has taught her during an appearance on TV CHOSUN's 'Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey.'

On the 12th episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey' (hereafter 'Baekban Journey'), Lee Tae-ran visited Hongseong in South Chungcheong Province and enjoyed a traditional meal.

Lee recalled, \"I got a job right after I graduated high school and worked at a company. I spent three years there while taking small acting roles on the side, which eventually led me into the entertainment industry.\" She added, \"After I played a villain in 'Glamorous Days,' people started looking at me differently when I went to restaurants.\"

Reflecting on winning the KBS Acting Award's top prize for 'Glamorous Days,' she said, \"It was a role I hadn't tried before, and it came with a lot of lines — memorizing them was really difficult. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it, and winning the award felt like recognition for that effort.\"

She is currently appearing in a stage production called 'Pink Lipstick.' \"It's an ordinary family story,\" Lee said. \"There’s a scene where a mother, hurt and frustrated because of her son, cries alone. It breaks my heart every time I perform it. I don't have children, but I deeply understand a mother's feelings. Because it's a family play, it seems to resonate with audiences of all ages.\"

Lee Tae-ran married in 2014 and, 12 years later, has no children.

[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won ent@stoo.com]
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