South Korean actress Lee Ji Ah’s family embroiled in $24M inheritance dispute

By Linh Le February 25, 2025 | 03:04 pm PT

Actress Lee Ji Ah’s family is currently locked in a legal battle over a piece of land worth 35 billion won (US$24.4 million) left by her late grandfather.

South Korean actress Lee Ji Ah. Photo from Lee's Instagram

Citing South Korean news outlet The Fact, The Korea Times reported that the land is located in Gyeonggi province and was previously used as a military site.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the same report also noted that Lee’s father is accused of using the seals of his siblings without their consent to forge a power of attorney to claim the land. However, prosecutors cleared him of all accusations on Feb. 7.

Lee released a statement through her management agency BH Entertainment to distance herself from the ongoing dispute.

"Since becoming independent at 18, I have never received any financial support from my parents," Lee stated. "Due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over a decade."

She emphasized her lack of knowledge about and involvement in the legal proceedings concerning the family-owned land.

Lee, 47, debuted on the screen in 2007 with the drama series "The Legend" and quickly gained popularity. Her career includes major roles in other drama series such as "Beethoven Virus," "Athena: Goddess of War," and "The Penthouse: War in Life."