Lee Jun Young, a South Korean actor and former idol, has won hearts with his powerful performances in Netflix dramas When Life Gives You Tangerines and Melo Movie. His ability to bring depth to every character has made him a rising star. From his early days as a K-pop idol to his bold acting choices, hereโs a detailed look at his career and the roles that have defined him.
From U-KISS to Acting Stardom
Born on January 22, 1997, Lee Jun Young, also known as Jun, started his career in the entertainment world as a member of the K-pop group U-KISS.
He joined U-KISS in June 2014, debuting with their ninth mini-album, Mono Scandal, and the music video for the title track, “Quit Playing.”
In 2017, he competed on the survival show The Unit, finishing in first place and becoming a member of the project group UNB until its disbandment in 2019.
His transition to acting began in 2017 with a role in the drama Avengers Social Club.
This role marked his entry into acting and showed his potential to take on complex characters.
He left U-KISS in August 2021 after his contract with NH Media ended and co-founded J-Flex Entertainment to focus on acting.
In 2023, J-Flex merged with Billions, his current agency.
Heart-Wrenching Role in When Life Gives You Tangerines
In When Life Gives You Tangerines, Lee Jun Young plays Park Yeong Beom, a character who leaves a lasting impact.
The drama, set in Jeju during the 1950s, follows the rebellious Oh Ae Sun (IU) and the determined Yang Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum).
Park Yeong Beom is the boyfriend of Yang Geum Myeong (also played by IU).
He loves her deeply but struggles to stand up to his motherโs disapproval of their relationship.
This leads to an emotional breakup that left viewers in tears.
One of the most moving scenes shows Park Yeong Beom keeping his promise to see Yang Geum Myeong in a wedding dress from afar as she prepares to marry Park Cheong Seop (Kim Seon Ho).
Fans praised Lee Jun Young for showing a softer side, moving away from his usual bold or negative roles.
His performance in this Netflix drama, released in 2025, has been a major highlight of his career.
Breakout Performance in Melo Movie
Lee Jun Youngโs role as Hong Si Jun in Melo Movie, another Netflix drama released in 2025, is considered his breakout moment.
The romantic series explores love and heartbreak, with Hong Si Jun navigating a painful breakup and a failed attempt to reunite with his girlfriend, Son Joo Ah (Jeon So Ni).
Lee Jun Young described Hong Si Jun as someone who believes his first love is his last, saying, โI thought Son Joo Ah was the first person I met and the last person I met.โ
He related to the characterโs struggles, adding, โI felt sorry for Si Jun, and I thought, โI was like that, too,โ and I hoped he wouldnโt get hurt a lot.โ
His delicate acting and chemistry with Jeon So Ni earned widespread praise.
The role showcased his ability to handle emotional depth, making Melo Movie a turning point in his rise to fame.
A Versatile Actor with Bold Choices
Lee Jun Young has built a diverse acting portfolio, often taking on challenging roles that highlight his range.
Here are some of his most notable projects:
Avengers Social Club (2017): He played Lee Soo Gyum, a young man seeking revenge on his neglectful parents, marking his acting debut on tvN.
Good Casting (2020): As Kang Woo Won on SBS, he joined a comedy-drama about undercover agents, showing his lighter side.
Love and Leashes (2022): In this Netflix film, he starred as Jung Ji Hoo, exploring BDSM themes alongside Seohyun. Fans admired his courage, with one saying, โIโm amazed at his courage to take a challenging role as a submissive male in Love and Leashes. He portrayed the role really well!โ
Brave Citizen (2023): He played Han Soo Kang, a vicious school bully, in this film with Shin Hye Sun. A fan commented, โHis acting on Brave Citizen was top tier!! Heโs really good at playing villain characters.โ
Badland Hunters (2024): In this Netflix dystopian action film, he appeared alongside Ma Dong Seok, set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul.
The Impossible Heir (2024): As Kang In Ha, the illegitimate son of a conglomerate owner on Disney+, he teamed up with Lee Jae Wook and Hong Su Zu to seize power.
Dreaming of Cinde Fxxxing Rella (2024): Playing Moon Cha Min, a cynical chaebol heir, opposite Pyo Ye Jin in this TVING rom-com, he showed his charm in a lighter role.
He also made special appearances in dramas like Backstreet Rookie (2020) and played recurring roles in D.P. (2021) as Jeong Hyeon Min and Mask Girl (2023) as a villain.
In Imitation (2021) and Let Me Be Your Knight (2021), he portrayed talented idols, drawing on his K-pop background.
His role in the musical Swag Age: Shout Out, Chosun! (2020) earned him a New Actor Award at the Fifth Korea Musical Awards.
Upcoming Projects to Watch
Lee Jun Youngโs career shows no signs of slowing down.
He has several exciting projects lined up:
Weak Hero Class 2 (2025): He will play a negative role similar to his Brave Citizen character, continuing to embrace complex parts.
Pump Up the Healthy Love (2025): In this KBS2 drama, also known as 24:00 Health Club, he stars as the owner of a health center, promising a fresh take on his acting.
Fully Believed (2025): Another Netflix project, details about his role remain under wraps, but anticipation is high.
Fans are eager to see how he brings these characters to life.
One fan shared, โLee Jun Young doing 4 dramas this year? Super exciting! Have been watching his work from Avengers Social Club. Handsome face. Hope he gets a major break for his acting.โ
Awards and Recognition
Lee Jun Youngโs talent has not gone unnoticed.
2018 MBC Drama Awards: Best New Actor for Goodbye to Goodbye.
2021 Asia Artist Awards: Best Choice Award for Acting.
Fifth Korea Musical Awards (2020): New Actor Award for Swag Age: Shout Out, Chosun!.
His ability to shift between genresโromance, action, comedy, and dramaโhas earned him respect as a versatile performer.
A Star with a Unique Path
Beyond acting, Lee Jun Young is a talented singer, rapper, and dancer.
He released his first Korean solo single, TELL, in 2019, followed by the album Gallery with the track Curious About U.
In 2020, he debuted in Japan with the album 22, featuring Come Alive.
He also contributed to soundtracks, like To You Who Will Be Tired for Please Donโt Date Him (2020).
His passion extends to art, with solo exhibitions showcasing his paintings.
He speaks Korean, Japanese, and English, adding to his global appeal.
Fans admire his dedication, with one saying, โHeโs handsome, cute, sexy all at once! If the villain has killer smile + dimples, how can I hate him?โ
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