How “Queen of Tears” Star Lee Joo-bin Turned Rejection into Stardom: Almost an Idol?!

Before dazzling audiences in “Queen of Tears”, actress Lee Joo-bin was once on the cusp of debuting as a K-pop idol. Fans of the hit K-drama have been captivated by her stunning visuals and emotional acting but few know that her path to stardom was anything but straightforward.

Lee Joo-bin originally trained under DSP Media and was even part of the initial debut lineup for the girl group Rainbow. However, after the group’s debut was repeatedly delayed, she made the bold decision to leave the company and redirect her passion toward acting. Reflecting on that time, she shared that while her idol dreams didn’t pan out, the skills she learned like stage presence and camera awareness—became assets in her acting career.

Her journey wasn’t easy. She spent much of her twenties in obscurity, facing rejection after rejection. Still, she never gave up. Her breakout moment came with a small yet impactful role as a gisaeng in Mr. Sunshine, where her talent began turning heads. From there, her reputation grew with each role, leading to standout performances in dramas and global attention via Netflix’s “Money Heist: Korea”.

But it’s her portrayal in “Queen of Tears” that has cemented her as a rising star. Critics and fans alike have praised her performance, calling it her best work to date. The drama’s popularity has propelled her career to new heights, earning her fans worldwide.

Lee Joo-bin also won hearts through her appearance on Europe Outside the Tent, where her thoughtful, down-to-earth personality shone through. While she was once likened to actress Park Soo-jin, Lee has now carved out a unique identity, becoming one of the industry’s most promising and beloved actresses.

Her story is more than a tale of missed opportunities—it’s one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion. Lee Joo-bin proves that with enough perseverance, even a detour can lead to the spotlight. And with her star still rising, fans can expect to see much more of her in the years ahead.