Remember Da Chang Jin? Lee Young-ae, 55 with twin teens, looks exactly the same

Historical drama Jewel in the Palace was one of South Korea’s earliest cultural exports, helping to ignite the Hallyu wave. First airing in 2003, it remains one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. Set in the Joseon period, the long-running series follows orphaned kitchen cook Jang-geum—played by Lee Young-ae—who rises to become the king’s first female physician in an era when women held little power.

The drama’s immense success catapulted Lee to fame, cementing her status as one of the region’s biggest stars. More than two decades later, on March 16, 55-year-old Lee took to Instagram to share a photo dump from her visit to the drama’s filming site at Oedolgae. The images sparked a wave of nostalgia, with fans flooding the comments section—many marvelling at her youthful appearance and noting how little she has changed over the years.

Following her critically acclaimed performance, Lee won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2003 MBC Drama Awards and earned a Best Actress nomination at the 2004 Baeksang Arts Awards. She later stepped back from the spotlight, marrying Korean-American businessman Jeong Ho-yeong in 2009. The couple have 15-year-old twins, a boy and a girl.

So, what’s behind her remarkably radiant glow? Here are the secrets to her timeless beauty.

A step-by-step skincare ritual

A glimpse into her long-kept skincare routine, Lee shares a thoughtful, step-by-step regimen using products from her own brand, Lyanature Co..

She begins with a charcoal-based facial scrub one to three times a week to gently exfoliate, slough away dead skin cells, and clear pores—allowing the skin to better absorb the steps that follow. Cleansing is kept simple and intuitive: a light morning cleanse (or just water), and a more thorough evening routine, especially after makeup.

Post-cleanse, she applies a nourishing oil to the face, neck, hands, and nails—an all-season essential suitable for all skin types. Her moisturising ritual is layered and strategic: using cream like an essence before applying a sheet mask to enhance hydration. She relies on a soft cotton mask almost daily—sometimes even overnight—for a sustained moisture boost, before finishing with an eye cream gently tapped around the eye area.

Beauty from within

When it comes to beauty from within, Lee keeps it simple and mindful. She often shares glimpses of her home life on social media, showcasing a love for cooking and a diet rich in fresh, wholesome ingredients—especially leafy greens and fruits.

Her mornings start with a quiet, mindful cup of tea, setting a calm tone for the day. This focus on balance, nourishment, and daily rituals reflects her holistic philosophy: healthy, radiant skin comes not just from what you apply, but also from what you eat and how you live.

Debunking beauty myths

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Last year, the veteran actress appeared on Carol Cheng’s talk show The Do Show, where she shared her beauty tips. When asked about the rumour that she drinks ten glasses of water a day and eats only grapes for dinner while on a diet, Lee clarified that she may have mentioned something like that years ago when she was younger—but that’s not her approach. She emphasised that true beauty comes from eating well, staying active, using quality skincare, and managing stress.

Small, healthy habits

She’s all about small, healthy habits. In a video interview with foreign media while preparing for the 2024 Bottega Veneta Winter Show in Milan, Lee shared that she starts her day with warm water to boost circulation and enjoys a simple breakfast lightly dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. She’s also known to spritz vitamin C whenever possible, both as an immune booster and for a natural, inside-out glow.

Signature lifting massage

In 2025, Lee appeared on KBS2’s Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend, where she not only charmed audiences with her presence but also revealed her go-to beauty secret: a lifting massage technique she practices regularly to maintain her signature radiant, youthful glow.

Minimalist beauty essentials

She keeps her beauty routine minimal yet effective. On flights, she travels light with just a mist, lip balm, multi-balm, and a beauty care mask—her must-have essentials for glowing skin on the go.