Lee Jae-wook on “Guilty of Being Too Sweet” Label: “Wanted to Take Care of Kim Hye-yoon”
In a video released on May 16 by Netflix Korea’s YouTube channel, actor Lee Jae-wook joined co-star Jo Bo-ah to promote their new historical melodrama, Dear Hongrang.
Comedian Yoo Byung-jae brought up the viral label, recalling Lee’s breakout in Extraordinary You, where the term first gained traction.
Lee responded with a smile, “Honestly, I still don’t really accept it. I kept wondering what crime I committed, only to realize it was actually a compliment.”
He credited the nickname to the contrast between his intense characters and his real-life warm demeanor, saying fans seemed to appreciate the behind-the-scenes footage where he appeared gentle and caring.
“I think people liked the gap between the role I played, which was a bit strong, and my real self seen in the making-of videos,” he explained.
Yoo agreed, adding, “They caught those sweet moments.” Lee elaborated, recalling his concern for Kim Hye-yoon, his Extraordinary You co-star.
“All the scenes involved her. Even the male leads would focus on her wellbeing—not just because of the script, but for real. I think that genuine concern is what made people call me ‘guilty’ in the first place.”
Yoo turned to co-host Jonathan to back him up on the idea that even subtle gestures can earn swoons. Jonathan replied with a laugh, “I’m still collecting them,” prompting Yoo to joke, “You’ve had 10 years to collect them!”
The playful exchange gave fans more reason to love Lee Jae-wook, whose mix of charisma and sincerity continues to win hearts both on and off screen. With Dear Hongrang now streaming on Netflix, fans can enjoy a new side of the actor—one that’s already earning him fresh acclaim.