Lee Joon Gi
Biography
Lee Joon-gi is a highly versatile South Korean actor, singer, and model, born on April 17, 1982. He gained widespread recognition for his breakout role in the film The King and the Clown (2005), where he played a clown in a historical setting, which earned him critical acclaim and marked the beginning of his rise to fame. His popularity soared further with the romantic comedy My Girl (2005–06), where he showcased his charm and comedic timing.
Lee's career is marked by a wide range of roles across different genres, particularly in historical dramas (sageuk) and action thrillers. Some of his notable works include:
Iljimae (2008): A historical action drama where he played the titular character, a nobleman turned vigilante. His performance was highly praised, and the series contributed significantly to his rise as a leading actor in Korean television.
Arang and the Magistrate (2012): A fusion historical fantasy drama where Lee starred alongside Shin Min-ah. His role as a magistrate who uncovers mysterious events related to a ghost was both critically and commercially successful.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016): A highly popular historical drama where Lee portrayed a complex character, Prince Wang So, in a time-travel romance story. This drama garnered immense popularity not only in Korea but also internationally, especially in China, solidifying his status as a top Hallyu star.
Lawless Lawyer (2018): An action-packed legal drama in which Lee plays a lawyer with a mysterious past, showcasing his strong presence in the genre.
Flower of Evil (2020): A psychological thriller and crime drama where Lee portrays a man with a dark past, hiding his true identity from his wife. His performance was praised for its depth and intensity, further cementing his versatility as an actor.
Lee Joon-gi's popularity extends beyond South Korea, with a large international following, especially in Asia, making him a prominent figure in the Hallyu wave (Korean Wave). His multifaceted career as an actor, singer, and model, combined with his international appeal, has established him as one of the leading stars in Korean entertainment.
