South Korean actress Lee Young-ae, leader of Han-ryu, or the Korean wave, has married a South Korean businessman in the United States, her legal consultant said on Tuesday.

According to Lee's legal counsel, Lee, 38, was married to a 54-year-old man on Monday in the United States.

Lee is not willing to disclose her husband's personal profile with the wedding attended by only family members and close acquaintances, the law group said.

In the press release, Lee expressed "deep apologies" for having been unable to personally announce her marriage through an official press conference.

Lee, having been considered one of the most influential actresses in South Korea, stood as one of top Asian celebrities with a big hit of the popular South Korean Drama, "Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum)."

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2009)