For someone so handsome and talented, Lee Jun-hyuk is probably one of K-dramaland’s more underrated actors. More known for his villainous than his good-boy roles, Lee Jun-hyuk, born on March 13, 1984, has built an impressive career as one of Korea’s most versatile and compelling actors. Known for his ability to embody complex, multi-dimensional characters, Lee has left a lasting mark on the K-drama landscape with standout performances in several critically acclaimed and popular series.
“City Hunter” (2011)
In this action-packed political drama, Lee Jun-hyuk portrayed Kim Young-joo, a principled prosecutor deeply committed to justice. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of high-profile murders, Young-joo’s moral resolve is tested as he finds himself at odds with Lee Yoon-sung (played by Lee Min-ho), the enigmatic vigilante known as the City Hunter. Lee Jun-hyuk delivered a standout performance, portraying the inner turmoil of a man caught between his duty and personal vendettas. His compelling presence added depth to the narrative, making him one of the series’ most memorable characters.
“A Poem a Day” (2018)
In the 2018 medical slice-of-life drama A Poem a Day, Lee Jun-hyuk portrays Ye Jae-wook, a seasoned physical therapist and professor who becomes the team leader at a hospital's rehabilitation department. His character is known for his strict professionalism and high standards, often coming across as aloof and demanding. However, as the series progresses, he learns to open up when he befriends a junior colleague who has a soft spot for reading and writing poetry.
“Designated Survivor: 60 Days” (2019)
In this political thriller, Lee Jun-hyuk delivered a standout performance as Oh Young-seok, a charismatic assemblyman with a hidden agenda. Throughout the series, his character’s motives remain shrouded in mystery, keeping viewers guessing about whether he is an ally or a threat to the acting president (played by Ji Jin-hee). Lee’s portrayal added an edge of unpredictability to the show, making Oh Young-seok a central figure in the high-stakes political drama. His ability to embody both charm and menace elevated the tension, solidifying his role as one of the drama’s pivotal characters.
“365: Repeat the Year” (2020)
In this time-travel thriller, Lee Jun-hyuk starred as Detective Ji Hyung-joo, a man given the chance to reset his life by going back one year. What begins as an opportunity to prevent a tragedy quickly spirals into a web of unintended consequences, forcing Hyung-joo to confront hidden dangers and dark truths. Lee’s gripping performance brought both intensity and vulnerability to the character, anchoring the show’s fast-paced plot. His chemistry with co-star Nam Ji-hyun and his ability to convey the emotional weight of regret and determination made Hyung-joo’s journey especially impactful.
“Stranger” (2 seasons, 2017, 2020)
In the acclaimed drama #Stranger (also known as Forest of Secrets), Lee Jun-hyuk takes on his breakthrough role as Seo Dong-jae, a morally ambiguous prosecutor whose loyalty and intentions are as unpredictable as the twists in the story. Initially presented as a colleague to the stoic Hwang Si-mok (played by Cho Seung-woo), Dong-jae’s character oscillates between being an ally and a rival, driven by ambition and a willingness to bend the rules. Lee’s performance masterfully captures the complexity of a man balancing legal ethics and personal gain, making Dong-jae one of the series' most intriguing characters.
“Dongjae: The Good and the Bastard” (2024)
Building on the popularity of his character in 2017’s “Stranger,” Lee Jun-hyuk reprises his role in “Dongjae: The Good or the Bastard.”This 2024 spin-off explores the prosecutor’s tarnished reputation and journey toward redemption. Fans of his flawed character will see an even deeper dive into Dong-jae’s motivations and struggles, with Lee’s nuanced acting continuing to bring richness to this morally grey but memorable prosecutor.
“Love Scout” (ongoing, 2025)
Stepping into a charming romantic role, Lee Jun-hyuk stars as Yoo Eun-ho in Love Scout, a skilled secretary who excels not only at his professional tasks but also at childcare and household duties as a single father. His attention to detail and warm personality begin to break down the walls of his boss, Kang Ji-yoon (played by Han Ji-min), a perfectionist CEO with a frosty exterior. Their evolving dynamic creates a heartwarming story of love, balance, and second chances.
