In the Korean entertainment industry filled with faces that seem sculpted from marble Lee Soo Hyuk still stands out. His cold, striking, and impossibly elegant visuals have both captivated and complicated his career.
In a twist few could have predicted, Lee once faced calls from viewers to be banned from TV not for scandal, but for being too handsome.
Too Handsome to Host?
A year ago, Lee Soo Hyuk appeared as the host of the idol survival program Project 7. The showrunners likely believed his popularity and visual presence would draw viewers, but the outcome was unexpectedly negative.
With razor-sharp features and a runway-ready aura, Lee effortlessly stole the spotlight — so much so that fans of the show complained the trainees faded into the background. Viewers criticized the producers for choosing an MC whose beauty overwhelmed the competition.
After only a few episodes, online petitions called for him to be removed from the show. The backlash led Lee to step away from variety programs altogether, retreating from the spotlight not due to scandal, but because of his looks.
“Korea’s Hottest Vampire” Without a Lead Role
Originally a model, Lee Soo Hyuk transitioned into acting with all the right ingredients: height, charisma, and a captivating screen presence. Dubbed “Korea’s most beautiful vampire,” his unique aesthetic seemed ideal for darker, mysterious roles.
However, despite solid acting and a devoted fanbase, Lee remained in supporting roles. His career lacked a breakout lead performance something that left fans both admiring and frustrated.
Critics and industry insiders often pointed to his “too perfect” visual as a double-edged sword. Directors reportedly struggled to cast him in everyday lead roles — the warm, relatable boy-next-door types that dominate Korean dramas. In short, Lee Soo Hyuk’s look may have been too rarefied to play someone “normal.”
A Major Comeback: S-Line in Cannes 2025
Just when the public began to believe Lee Soo Hyuk would forever be “a beautiful visual without a breakthrough,” 2025 brought a surprising twist. He returned to the spotlight with the drama S-Line, the only Korean production selected for screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
In the drama, Lee plays Han Ji Uk, a detective obsessed with unraveling the mystery behind red lines that appear above people who’ve had sexual relationships. The show blends mystery, psychological thriller, and supernatural elements and has already generated buzz for its bold concept.
Now in Cannes to promote the series, Lee has become a media sensation — stealing the spotlight not just with his looks but with his enigmatic presence and growing credibility as an actor. Korean media outlets speculate that this might be his long-awaited breakthrough, proving he’s more than just a pretty face.
A Past Tied to Controversy
Adding another twist to Lee Soo Hyuk’s story is his past relationship with actress Kim Min Hee, a figure still reviled in Korea after her affair with director Hong Sang Soo. Back when Lee and Kim were dating, she was a well-established star, while he was still finding his footing.
Kim Min Hee reportedly introduced him to key industry figures and helped him secure projects — though none became major hits at the time. After their breakup and Kim’s fall from grace, Lee’s name resurfaced in social media discussions, gaining unexpected attention due to their past.
Though Kim Min Hee is now one of the most controversial figures in Korean entertainment, it’s undeniable that she played a role in helping shape Lee Soo Hyuk’s early opportunities.
Lee Soo Hyuk’s story is anything but typical. From being “too good-looking” to fit in, to lingering in the shadows of the lead, he has faced a unique set of obstacles.
Could 2025 be the year Lee Soo Hyuk reclaims the spotlight — not for how he looks, but for what he delivers on screen?