Ki Hong Lee

Ki Hong Lee is an American actor known for his roles as Minho in the Maze Runner film series and Dong Nguyen in the Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Southern California, he has built a career spanning film and television, with a particular focus on representing Asian American stories.

As of 2026, Lee continues to work in the industry, balancing mainstream projects with independent and anthology work. He has also become a recognizable figure within the Asian American community, often speaking about representation and his own experiences navigating different cultures. With a modest but engaged social media following, he shares glimpses of his personal interests alongside professional updates, maintaining a down-to-earth public persona. [edit]

Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1986. His family moved to New Zealand for a brief period before settling permanently in Southern California when he was young. Growing up in the San Diego area, he experienced the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, which later informed his perspective as an actor.

He attended UC Berkeley, graduating in 2008 with an undergraduate degree. While he had an interest in the arts, he did not initially pursue acting as a career path. After graduation, he decided to give acting a serious try and began auditioning for roles in Los Angeles.

His early career included appearances in short films and guest roles on television. In 2012, he appeared in the short film Take It Slow alongside Victoria Park. The following year, he had a guest spot on the CBS drama Blue Bloods. These early credits helped him gain experience and visibility in the industry, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough. [edit]

Lee's breakthrough came in 2014 when he was cast as Minho in The Maze Runner, a film adaptation of James Dashner's young adult novel. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $348 million worldwide, and Lee reprised his role in the sequels Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) and Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018). His performance as the loyal and resourceful Glader earned him recognition from audiences worldwide.

In the same year, Lee began appearing as Dong Nguyen in the Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. His character, a former cult member who becomes Kimmy's love interest, was a recurring role across the show's four seasons (2015-2019). This role showcased his comedic timing and versatility, contrasting with his action-oriented work in the Maze Runner series.

Lee continued to diversify his filmography with a role in the horror film Wish Upon (2017), despite publicly admitting he is not a fan of the genre. In 2020, he starred in the Apple TV+ anthology series Little America, playing Luke Song, a teen with a passion for making high-end hats, in the episode titled "The Manager." The role was praised for its heartfelt portrayal of an immigrant story. [edit]

Lee is perceived in the media as a rising Asian American actor and a role model for the community. NBC News profiled him in 2017, highlighting his embrace of that role. His social media presence is modest but authentic, with around 1 million Instagram followers. He shares personal interests like pottery alongside professional updates, and his tone is casual and approachable. Fans appreciate his grounded personality and his willingness to discuss representation in Hollywood. [edit]

Ki Hong Lee commands a steady stream of global attention, anchored by his specific standing within niche entertainment sectors rather than broad celebrity saturation. Current data places him as the 82nd most famous person in K-Drama, a position he maintains with consistency. This placement reflects his sustained relevance among audiences tracking genre-specific content and cultural representation, even as his career spans American film and television. While he does not hold a general world ranking in this cycle, his influence remains distinct and measurable within his primary demographic spheres.

Regarding his audience structure, there is no documented official fandom name for Ki Hong Lee. Unlike stars who inspire organized campaigns or possess monikers like those found in K-pop, his supporters form an organic, dispersed community that interacts primarily through his direct social media channels. Fans appreciate his grounded personality and willingness to discuss representation, yet they do not operate under a unified banner or engage in ritualistic fan activities such as billboard drives or charity events established in his name. His following remains authentic and low-profile, characterized by appreciation for his work in projects like The Maze Runner and Little America rather than the fervent, mythologized engagement seen with top-tier idols.[edit]

Ki Hong Lee possesses a unique contradiction in his professional life: he admits to being easily frightened by horror films, yet he starred in the thriller Wish Upon. Beyond acting, he has cultivated a genuine passion for pottery, regularly sharing images of his ceramic creations on Instagram where they appear under a #pottery series. When The Maze Runner became available on Netflix, he hosted a solo watch party and documented the event on his social media platforms. He lived in New Zealand as a child before moving to the United States. He is the eldest of two children in his family.

While his public image lacks the viral folklore associated with A-list stars, his breakout role in The Maze Runner remains the defining milestone of his early career, launching him into widespread recognition. In November 2014, Character Media named him the fourth sexiest man of 2014, a title that briefly elevated his profile beyond his acting credits. Later, in July 2017, NBC News highlighted his role as a figure of representation for the Asian American community, cementing his status as a respected voice in Hollywood rather than a subject of chaotic legend.[edit]

Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, and is the eldest of two children. His family moved to New Zealand briefly before settling in Southern California. He has not shared extensive details about his parents or siblings publicly, but he has spoken about the influence of his immigrant upbringing on his identity. As of 2026, Lee keeps his personal life private and has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children. [edit]

Ki Hong Lee has worked alongside several notable actors. He starred with Dylan O'Brien in the Maze Runner trilogy, and with Ellie Kemper in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He also appeared with Victoria Park in the short film Take It Slow and with Lee Jung-Eun in Little America. [edit]

Ki Hong Lee has kept his romantic life largely out of the public eye. No confirmed public relationships, engagements, or marriages have been reported in credible sources. He has not been linked to any high-profile partners, and he rarely discusses his personal life in interviews. As of 2026, his relationship status remains undisclosed. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Ki Hong Lee's net worth at $4 million as of 2026. This valuation derives primarily from his extensive work in film and television, with the Maze Runner franchise serving as a major financial pillar after grossing over $900 million worldwide across its run. Lee secured a consistent salary during his four-season tenure on the Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which further bolstered his earnings. Additional income streams include appearances in Wish Upon and the anthology series Little America, both of which contribute to his overall financial portfolio.

His social media presence, comprising approximately 1 million followers on Instagram, offers potential avenues for sponsored content, though no brand deals have been publicly disclosed. There are no reported significant business ventures or real estate holdings attributed to him, meaning his wealth remains closely tied to his acting career. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, his financial standing reflects a stable trajectory typical of a working actor with a strong reputation but without high-risk entrepreneurial diversification.[edit]