When Netflix released the hit series XO, Kitty, viewers quickly fell in love with characters Yuri Han and Min-ho. What surprised many fans wasn't just their on-screen chemistry, but the revelation that the actors portraying them—Gia Kim and Sang Heon Lee—are real-life siblings. While both stars have shared details about their upbringing in Seoul and Hong Kong, questions frequently arise about their family roots, their parents, and how their early life shaped their artistic careers.
Understanding the foundation behind Gia Kim and Sang Heon Lee requires looking beyond Hollywood red carpets. Their parents raised them across international borders, navigating a lifestyle dictated by professional relocations, multinational education, and a supportive environment that ultimately allowed both siblings to break into global entertainment.
Roots in Seoul and Relocation to Hong Kong
Both Gia Kim and Sang Heon Lee were born in Seoul, South Korea, where their early childhood was anchored in Korean culture and traditions. However, their family dynamic shifted significantly when their father's career in the construction industry required an international move.
The family relocated to Hong Kong, where the siblings spent a formative portion of their childhood and teenage years. Growing up in Hong Kong exposed both actors to a multicultural environment. They attended international institutions, specifically the Island School, which helped shape their global perspectives and language skills.
Living abroad wasn't just a logistical change for the family; it acted as a crucible for the siblings' adaptability. Moving between cultures meant that Kim and Lee relied heavily on each other during their school years. Their parents prioritized education and open-mindedness, giving them the freedom to explore diverse artistic and academic interests rather than pushing them down a single traditional career path.
The Sibling Dynamic and Professional Paths
Though they share the same parents, Kim and Lee pursued distinct educational routes before finding their way into acting. Gia Kim initially lived in South Korea, working various jobs—including a stint as a waitress and working at a local theater—before deciding to move to the United States to study further. She adopted the stage name Gia Kim (her birth name is Lee Jeong Yeon) after consulting a fortune teller who provided guidance on a career-focused moniker.
Sang Heon Lee took a different route across the globe. After completing his primary education in Hong Kong, he moved to England to attend the University of Northampton, where he majored in drama. Following his graduation, he returned to South Korea to fulfill his mandatory two-year military service. He worked briefly as a model and appeared in minor background roles before Kim suggested he submit an audition tape for XO, Kitty.
That family connection changed everything. When Kim secured her role as Yuri, she learned that the production was still looking for a fitting actor to play the brash, charming Min-ho. She encouraged her brother to audition, leading to a joint breakout success that neither sibling initially anticipated.
Parental Influence on Work Ethic and Adaptability
While their parents have largely remained out of the public eye and away from the Hollywood spotlight, their influence is evident in how both actors handle global fame. Navigating the entertainment industry requires resilience, discipline, and comfort with uncertainty—traits that were baked into Kim and Lee's childhood through constant relocations.
Growing up in a household where international relocation was normal taught both actors how to adapt to unfamiliar environments quickly. This flexibility served them well when transitioning from ordinary jobs and academic struggles into high-profile television production environments.
According to interviews given by the siblings to outlets like Teen Vogue, their family values hard work and mutual support above all else. Even as their careers expand into international film projects—such as Lee's role in Sony's Gran Turismo and various pan-Asian miniseries—the grounding they received from their parents in South Korea and Hong Kong remains a core part of their identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gia Kim and Sang Heon Lee actually related?
Yes, they are biological brother and sister. They kept their sibling relationship quiet during initial auditions, only for the production team and cast to find out later.
Why do they have different last names?
Gia Kim uses a stage name derived from a birth chart reading and career advice she received in South Korea. Her birth name is Lee Jeong Yeon, making Sang Heon Lee her biological brother.
Where did they grow up?
Although they were born in Seoul, South Korea, they spent a significant portion of their childhood and teenage years growing up in Hong Kong due to their father's career.
What are their parents' professions?
Their father worked in the international construction industry, which drove the family's frequent relocations during the siblings' youth. Their mother has maintained a private life away from public media attention.
