Lee Joo-ahn is the actor currently winning hearts worldwide as Gong-gil in the hit 2025 tvN and Netflix series Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. His performance as the king’s court jester, who secretly serves as an assassin, has become his most recognized role to date, launching him into the spotlight.
From supporting roles to a breakout star
Lee Joo-ahn is not a new face in the Korean entertainment industry. He built his career steadily through a series of supporting roles after his on-screen debut in 2018. He first appeared in minor parts in the film The Great Battle and the popular drama Sky Castle.
His official start came in 2019 with more substantial roles in Save Me 2, where he played a troubled high schooler, and Chief of Staff 2 as secretary Park Joong-seok. Throughout the following years, he became a familiar presence in many well-known dramas. Fans may recognize him as Choi Man-sik in the 2020 series True Beauty, an undercover agent in Youth of May (2021), and Jun-pyo in Snowdrop (2021). More recently, in 2024, he played Ha-rang in Love Song for Illusion.
The role of Gong-gil in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
In Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, Lee Joo-ahn plays Gong-gil, a character with roots in Korean history. Gong-gil is a member of the “namsadang,” a group of all-male entertainers who serve as jesters for King Yi Heon. While he appears to be a playful performer, his character is much more complex. The agile performer is secretly enlisted for dangerous jobs from both sides of the palace’s main power struggle—between King Yi Heon and his uncle, Prince Je-san.
This role has historical precedent, having been portrayed before in the 2005 film The King and the Clown. In the fantasy drama, Gong-gil is pulled into the central struggle between Yi Heon and Jesan, placing the performer-turned-spy at the heart of palace politics. The series has given Lee his widest recognition and secured him a place among Korea’s fast-rising actors.
Education and personal background
Lee Joo-ahn was born on January 24, 1996. He studied acting formally at Dankook University’s Department of Performing Arts and Film, laying a strong foundation for his career.
In early October 2025, Lee explained why he was excused from mandatory military service, a requirement for most South Korean men. He revealed that the exemption came after he donated part of his liver to his mother when he was 22 years old.
“Actually, I was exempted. When I was 22, I donated a liver to my mother. After that, I received a military exemption,” he stated in an interview with SPOTV News.
Lee recalled how urgent the situation was at the time. His mother had pre-existing liver issues, and her condition suddenly worsened.
“My mother had liver issues even before this. I received a call that her condition had suddenly worsened due to cirrhosis and other complications, and she had lost consciousness, so I rushed to the hospital. Emergency surgery was necessary, and I agreed to the transplant,” the performer added.
The operation involved removing nearly 70 percent of his liver for the transplant procedure. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and his mother’s health improved afterward.
A grateful son and actor
Looking back on that difficult time, Lee Joo-ahn focuses on the positive outcome. He shared that his mother is now doing very well and is overjoyed with his recent success.
“I just feel happy right now. My mother is doing so well. She mentioned that everyone knows Gong Gil from Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, and hearing that puts my mind at ease even though I’m far away.”
He also took the opportunity to thank the viewers who have supported him and the show, expressing his deep gratitude.
“This is all thanks to the viewers who enjoyed the show. I am grateful to everyone. I will work hard in the future and hope to greet you all with many good works.”
Following his revelation, fans online have praised the actor for his selflessness. Many comments highlighted how donating such a significant part of one’s liver is not an easy decision, even for family, with fans calling him a “devoted son” and sending good wishes for his health and continued success. Others noted that he possesses both a “beautiful face and heart.”
Filmography and other activities
Beyond his television work, Lee Joo-ahn has also appeared on variety shows. He was seen on Dancing Dol Stage in 2022 and Magic Lamp in 2023. Earlier this year, before his breakout role, he also appeared in the short K-drama Useless Love in a supporting role.
As of now, Lee Joo-ahn does not have any new acting projects officially announced. His performance in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has positioned him for future opportunities as audiences and critics alike take note of his talent.
Also Read: Where to Stream Bon Appétit Your Majesty Special Episode: Air Time and What to Expect
