Biography
Sang-il Lee is a Japanese film director and screenwriter of Zainichi Korean descent. Born on 6 January 1974 in Niigata and raised in Yokohama, he graduated from the Japan Institute of the Moving Image. His debut short film, Chong (also known as Blue – Chong, 1999), explored the lives of third-generation Zainichi Koreans.
Lee is known for directing and co-writing Hula Girls (2006), Villain (2010), Unforgiven (2013), Rage (2016) and Kokuho (2025). He has also directed episodes of the Apple TV+ series Pachinko (2022–2024) and served as an executive producer on the series. His work frequently adapts novels and examines social themes.
