From Idol Roots to Breakout Star
After debuting with U-KISS and spending two years navigating the idol circuit, Lee made a quiet leap into acting. His breakout moment came in 2021 with Netflix’s D.P., where he played Jung Hyun-min, a vulnerable runaway soldier. The role earned him recognition for his emotional depth and subtle performance.
Lee’s transformation accelerated with Mask Girl, where he shocked viewers as Choi Bu-yong, a disgraced idol who becomes the emotionally and physically abusive ex of the lead. The chilling portrayal of a manipulative villain earned both criticism and critical praise, solidifying his ability to inhabit complex characters.
He followed up with a heart-stealing performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines, portraying Park Young-beom, IU’s on-screen love interest. The Netflix drama soared to No. 1 globally in the non-English series category and stayed in the top 10 for eight consecutive weeks. Fans lauded Lee’s emotionally rich and sincere portrayal of a man hopelessly devoted to his first love.
Rising as a Versatile Leading Man
Switching gears, Lee appeared as Geum Sung-je in the gritty school thriller Weak Hero Class 1, a hit that again topped global charts. The role further showcased his versatility—able to swing between wholesome romantic lead and intense antagonist.
This year, Lee made a splash on traditional broadcast with Pump Up the Healthy Love alongside Jung Eun-ji. Despite modest ratings, the show reinforced his presence on Korean television. Now, he’s in talks to star in Who Are You, potentially pairing with actress Cha Joo-young, sparking speculation about their real-life chemistry.
Having already been linked to IU’s character romantically on-screen, and previously sparking dating rumors with Jung Eun-ji, Lee is becoming a magnet for public curiosity—especially as whispers about a budding connection with Cha Joo-young continue to circulate.
An insider summed it up: “Lee Jun-young’s strength lies in his adaptability. He’s proven himself on streaming platforms, and now he’s steadily carving a place for himself in mainstream Korean dramas.”
From idol to Netflix sensation, Lee Jun-young is quietly—and confidently—building a career that refuses to be boxed in. With every new role, he moves closer to cementing his place as one of Korea’s next-generation leading men.