Lee Jong-suk is a celebrated South Korean actor and model known for his captivating performances and charismatic presence. Rising to prominence as one of the youngest male runway models at Seoul Fashion Week, he quickly transitioned into acting, where his talent and versatility shone. With standout roles in acclaimed dramas such as School 2013, I Can Hear Your Voice, Pinocchio, and W, he has established himself as one of the most respected actors in the Korean entertainment industry. Lee’s ability to bring depth and emotion to a wide range of characters has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase. Beyond his on-screen success, his humility and contributions to charitable causes further endear him to the public. Over the years, Lee Jong-suk has become a symbol of excellence in acting, leaving an indelible mark on both Korean and international audiences.
Early Life and Education
Lee Jong-suk was born on September 14, 1989, in Suwon, South Korea. His family was not involved in the entertainment industry, and his upbringing was fairly typical. From a young age, Lee showed an interest in the arts, particularly in music and sports. However, it was his striking looks and tall stature that caught the attention of scouts when he was still a teenager. Despite his initial ambitions to pursue a career in sports, Lee’s path soon diverged into modeling and acting, leading to his eventual rise in the entertainment world.
Lee attended the prestigious Konkuk University in Seoul, where he majored in the Department of Film. It was during his time in university that Lee’s interest in acting began to develop more seriously, and he decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. His education in film helped shape his understanding of the craft and gave him the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive world of Korean drama and film.
Career Beginnings in Modeling
Before venturing into acting, Lee Jong-suk made his debut in the modeling industry. His good looks, tall height (approximately 6 feet), and sharp features made him an ideal candidate for modeling. In 2005, at the age of 16, Lee debuted as a runway model at Seoul Fashion Week. His first appearance in the fashion world helped him build the foundation for his career, as he quickly gained recognition for his versatility and ability to carry different looks with ease.
Despite his early success as a model, Lee Jong-suk didn’t initially think of acting as his primary career goal. He was more focused on building his profile as a model, but as time went on, he found himself becoming increasingly drawn to acting. His experiences in the modeling world were instrumental in helping him develop the confidence and stage presence necessary for a successful career in television and film.
Transition to Acting and Early Roles
Lee Jong-suk’s transition from modeling to acting was not immediate, but it was a natural progression. After several years in the modeling industry, he made his acting debut in 2010 with a minor role in the popular Korean drama Prosecutor Princess. Although his role was brief, it was enough to showcase his potential as an actor. His breakout moment came shortly after, when he was cast in the highly acclaimed drama Secret Garden (2010). Though his role in the drama was relatively small, it helped him gain significant exposure and build a reputation in the entertainment industry.
In the same year, Lee Jong-suk secured his first leading role in the drama Shut Up Flower Boy Band (2012), where he portrayed the character of a rebellious and charismatic band member. His performance in this drama demonstrated his acting chops, as he was able to effectively convey the emotional depth and complexity of his character. Shut Up Flower Boy Band was a moderate success, and it solidified Lee Jong-suk’s place in the Korean drama scene.
However, it was his role in the hit drama School 2013 (2012), that truly catapulted Lee Jong-suk to stardom. In School 2013, Lee played Go Nam-soon, a high school student struggling with personal and academic issues. His portrayal of a vulnerable and troubled teenager resonated deeply with audiences, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. The drama’s success and Lee Jong-suk’s standout performance led to an influx of acting opportunities, cementing his status as one of the most promising young actors in South Korea.
Rising to Fame: Breakthrough Roles
After School 2013, Lee Jong-suk’s career continued to soar as he secured increasingly prominent roles in various television dramas. His next major success came with the drama I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), in which he starred alongside actress Lee Bo-young. Lee Jong-suk played Park Soo-ha, a young man with the ability to read people’s minds, a gift he uses to seek justice for his father’s murder. The drama was a huge hit and earned Lee Jong-suk widespread recognition for his remarkable acting skills.
His performance in I Can Hear Your Voice earned him numerous accolades, including several Best Actor awards. This success was a pivotal moment in Lee’s career, as it helped him establish himself as a leading actor in the South Korean entertainment industry. Following the success of I Can Hear Your Voice, Lee Jong-suk continued to take on a wide range of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.
In 2014, Lee starred in Pinocchio, a drama that became another major hit in his career. In this series, Lee played Choi Dal-po, a young man who seeks revenge for his family after they were wrongfully accused of a crime. The drama, which was centered around the world of journalism, further solidified Lee Jong-suk’s status as a top actor. His chemistry with co-star Park Shin-hye, who played the female lead, was widely praised, and the drama’s success further boosted his popularity.
Film Career
In addition to his thriving career in television, Lee Jong-suk also ventured into the world of film. He made his big-screen debut in 2014 with the movie No Breathing, in which he played the role of a competitive swimmer. The film, although not a major commercial hit, showcased Lee’s ability to transition between different genres, proving that he could succeed in both television and film.
He followed up with a series of films, including Hot Young Bloods (2014) and As One (2014), in which he further demonstrated his versatility as an actor. Hot Young Bloods was a coming-of-age film set in the 1980s, and Lee’s performance as a high school student navigating the challenges of adolescence received positive reviews. While his film career was still in its early stages, Lee Jong-suk’s continued presence in both film and television marked him as a multifaceted talent.
In 2016, Lee Jong-suk starred in the action-comedy film VIP, in which he played a North Korean defector who becomes embroiled in a series of high-stakes events. The film was well-received, and Lee’s performance as a complex character helped him gain further recognition as a film actor. Despite his success in the film industry, Lee Jong-suk continued to focus primarily on television dramas, where he was able to maintain his status as a beloved leading actor.
Notable Dramas and Continued Success
Lee Jong-suk’s career continued to thrive with a string of successful dramas. In 2016, he starred in W (2016), a fantasy romance drama that became a massive hit both in South Korea and internationally. In W, Lee played Kang Chul, a man who is trapped in a fictional webtoon world. The drama was praised for its unique storyline, and Lee’s portrayal of the character helped him gain a massive following, especially internationally.
Following W, Lee Jong-suk starred in While You Were Sleeping (2017), a supernatural thriller where he played a prosecutor who becomes involved with a woman who can foresee tragic events in her dreams. The drama was a commercial success and solidified Lee Jong-suk’s reputation as a top-tier actor capable of carrying both romantic and action-packed roles.
In 2019, Lee Jong-suk took a brief hiatus from acting after completing Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019), a romantic comedy in which he portrayed a successful and charismatic editor-in-chief. This drama was another success in his career, and it allowed him to showcase his charming and lovable side as a leading man.
Personal Life and Impact
Lee Jong-suk’s personal life has largely remained private, but he is known for being humble, grounded, and kind-hearted. He has expressed gratitude toward his fans, often acknowledging their unwavering support for his career. Lee has gained a reputation for being hardworking and passionate about his craft, always striving to improve with each role he takes on.
In addition to his acting, Lee Jong-suk is also a philanthropist, known for his charitable contributions. He has donated to various causes, including helping children in need, supporting those affected by natural disasters, and contributing to research for diseases such as cancer. His generosity has earned him admiration from fans and the general public alike.
As one of the most prominent actors in South Korea, Lee Jong-suk has become a role model for many aspiring actors and actresses. His journey from a model to a successful actor is an inspiration to those looking to break into the entertainment industry. His work continues to influence the world of Korean drama and film, and he remains one of the most sought-after stars in the country.