Lee Joon-hyuk’s ‘Golden Era’ Exemplifies Perseverance: A Late Bloomer’s Rise to Stardom

As of January 2025, actor Lee Joon-hyuk has become one of the most popular stars, with his role in “Love Scout” sparking discussions in industry gatherings and online. His rise to fame, after 18 years of consistent work, is a testament to his persistence and dedication.

Despite the uncertainty of opportunities in the entertainment industry, Lee Joon-hyuk’s steady climb to stardom exemplifies the importance of perseverance. It took him years to gain widespread recognition, with “Love Scout” serving as his breakthrough role.

Looking back at his journey, it’s clear that his “golden period” did not come by chance. The industry sees him as a perfect example of a “late-blooming star.” Let’s take a look at the time he has spent getting to this point and his future.

Perfect Romance Drama Lead, Recreating the Audience’s Dream

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama “Love Scout,” which began airing on January 3, tells the story of a romance between the CEO of a headhunting company, Ji-yun (Han Ji-min), and her secretary, Eun-ho (Lee Joon-hyuk). Although it was scheduled for prime time, with similar shows airing at the same time, it was hard to predict success before it aired.

However, the show quickly gained attention after the first episode, with ratings reaching 10.5% by the third episode and 11.3% by the fourth episode, showing a steep rise. On online communities, posts praising the visual chemistry between the two lead actors flooded in, confirming the show’s popularity.

“Love Scout” is a classic romance drama with a predictable ending. In other words, it’s not hard to get into the show. The storyline, which deals with universal themes of family and love, captivates viewers from the start. Instead, it’s the actors’ skillful portrayal of their characters’ emotions that has brought the drama to life. With Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk, both of whom have built their acting skills through consistent work, and supporting actors who deeply brought their characters to life, the show has flourished.

Lee Joon-hyuk’s portrayal of Eun-ho is getting praise for being neither excessive nor lacking, but rather understated. His scenes, such as casually applying a bandage to Han Ji-min’s character or quietly protecting her from sudden rain with a child’s umbrella, have been widely discussed online after airing.

Consistent Filmography Builds His Skill Foundation

Lee Joon-hyuk is the lead role in “Love Scout.” His character, Eun-ho, is complex, needing to balance strength and gentleness. Eun-ho, who has a hidden past and a warm visual, must also reveal his identity as a single dad, adding a twist to his character.

Born in 1984, Lee Joon-hyuk perfectly embodies the character’s youthful look, which is much younger than his real age. Though his relationship with Ji-yun starts off with hostility, he eventually wins her over with his good looks, which add believability to the role, especially when he becomes the center of attention among other parents at a daycare center.

It’s not surprising that fans are comparing his past photos to his current appearance with admiration. As a newcomer, he had a darker complexion with a thick beard, but now, he shows off his fair skin, neatly shaves, and has captured hearts with his well-maintained physique, thanks to his consistent weight training.

But of course, this transformation was made possible by his solid acting skills. Lee Jun-hyuk debuted in 2007 through Typhoon’s music video and has steadily improved his craft with roles in dramas like “Man from the Equator,” “Stranger,” and “Designated Survivor: 60 Days.” Except for his mandatory military service, he has participated in a project every year without fail.

From Genre Villain to Romance Lead: 2025 Will Be His Breakout Year

Lee Joon-hyuk began to draw attention on the big screen with his role as the main villain, Joo Sung-cheol, in the 2023 movie “The Roundup: No Way Out.” Despite previous iconic villains in the series, he left a strong impact and did not fall behind in presence.

In recent years, he has mostly appeared in genre dramas as a villain or in male-male chemistry roles, but now, he has chosen a quiet, warm office romance for the first time in a while. With his peak visuals and acting skills, he has won over many viewers of “Love Scout,” proving his wide acting range and star potential.

As he enters his golden period as an actor, all eyes are on his future achievements. He will continue to shine by adding films like the historical drama “The King and the Man” by director Jang Hang-jun and a special appearance in Netflix’s “Mercy for None” to his growing filmography. The public is curious to see how long his golden period will last.