Based in Los Angeles
Yong Ok Lee is a production designer based in Los Angeles. She earned her MFA in Production Design from the American Film Institute. Originally hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Yong Ok Lee commenced her professional journey in the fashion industry as a buyer and merchandiser for F&F. Subsequently, she transitioned into the role of a fashion editor for the industry publication Fashion Biz. In Korea, Yong Ok Lee's portfolio includes notable box office hits like "SEVEN DAYS," featuring Yunjin Kim (known for "Lost" and "Mistresses"). Her work now extends beyond Korea to various locations in the United States, China, and South Korea.
"THE FAREWELL," which features Awkwafina, premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. The film achieved accolades such as the Best Actress - Musical or Comedy award at the 2020 Golden Globes, in addition to over 30 other awards worldwide. The Hollywood Reporter provided an excerpt from its review, praising the collaboration between cinematographer Anna Franquesa Solano and production designer Yong Ok Lee for their ability to craft visually captivating scenes that maintain a natural feel.
Yong Ok Lee's most recent project, "MINARI," starring Steven Yeun, secured both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. IndieWire's review highlighted her exceptional work, noting how she skillfully transformed an initially vacant trailer into a setting rich with layers of personal history throughout the duration of the film.
Among her other achievements in the United States, Yong Ok Lee contributed to projects like "THEY" (screened at Cannes), "DEAD WOMEN WALKING" (featured at Tribeca and Venice Film Festivals), and "MARVELOUS AND THE BLACK HOLE" (also showcased at Tribeca), among a host of others.
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