From the charming streets of Seoul to global streaming platforms, Lee Jae-wook has become one of the most captivating actors of his generation. With a magnetic screen presence, award-winning talent, and a heartthrob image that seamlessly blends danger and romance, he’s a name every K-drama fan now knows—and adores.
Personal Life & Background
Born on May 10, 1998, in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Jae-wook is the quintessential modern Korean actor—youthful yet deeply expressive. Known for his height, elegance, and distinctive facial structure, he commands attention in every frame. Jae-wook graduated from Chung-Ang University, majoring in Theatre Arts, where he honed his craft in performance and stage acting. His academic background laid the foundation for his intense and nuanced portrayals on screen.
He is currently signed under Log Studio (as of June 2024), having previously been managed by C-JeS Entertainment and VAST Entertainment.
Acting Career: From Supporting Roles to Leading Man
2018–2019: A Star Is Born
Lee Jae-wook made his official acting debut in the 2018 hit fantasy drama Memories of the Alhambra, where he played a hacker named Marco Han. Though a minor role, it turned heads and marked him as a rising talent to watch.
In 2019, he catapulted to fame with two major roles:
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Search: WWW as the lovable actor Seol Ji-hwan
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Extraordinary You as the emotionally layered second lead, Baek Kyung
He won the Best New Actor Award at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards for the latter—an early sign of his award-winning future.
2020–2022: Building Momentum
Jae-wook continued to grow his reputation with diverse roles:
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2020’s Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol – a heartwarming rom-com where he played Sunwoo Joon, earning an Excellence Award at the KBS Drama Awards.
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2021's cameo in Move to Heaven further showcased his versatility.
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In 2022, he took on his most iconic role yet in Alchemy of Souls, playing Jang Uk—a brooding, powerful sorcerer navigating love, loss, and war. The series was a global hit, and he reprised the role in its sequel, Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow.
His performance garnered him several honors:
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Best New Actor – Asia Artist Awards (2022)
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Global Excellence Award – Korea Drama Awards
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Asia Special Award – Asia Model Awards
2023–2025: Global Stardom
Lee Jae-wook is no longer just a Korean star—he’s an Asian heartthrob with global reach. In 2023, he played a complex reincarnated soul in Death’s Game, showing his flair for fantasy. But it was the Netflix melodrama Dear Hongrang (2025) that took his romantic, dangerous image to another level.
He also starred in:
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The Impossible Heir (2024)
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Last Summer (2025)
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Upcoming historical drama Perfect Job (2026)
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Upcoming medical mystery The Last-Stand Doctor (2026)
Full Filmography
Films
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The Battle of Jangsari (2019) – Lee Gae Tae, a student soldier
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Kill Boksoon (2023) – Young Cha Min Gyu (Guest)
TV Dramas
1. Memories of the Alhambra
- Year: 2018
- Role: Marco Han [Programmer / Hacker] (Ep. 8-9, 13)
- Type: Support Role
- Year: 2019
- Role: Seol Ji Hwan
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2019
- Role: Beak Gyeong
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2020
- Role: Lee Jang Woo [Eun Seob's friend]
- Type: Support Role
- Year: 2020
- Role: Sun Woo Joon
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2020
- Role: Baek Gyeong [Movie goer] (Ep. 4)
- Type: Guest Role
- Year: 2021
- Role: Kim Su Cheol [Cho Sang Gu's friend] (Ep. 3, 5-7)
- Type: Guest Role
- Year: 2022
- Role: ["Haroo" actor] (Ep. 3, 5, 9)
- Type: Guest Role
- Year: 2022
- Role: Jang Uk
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2022
- Role: Jang Uk
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2023
- Role: Cho Tae Sang [I Jae's 5th reincarnation]
- Type: Guest Role
- Year: 2024
- Role: Cho Tae Sang [I Jae’s reincarnation]
- Type: Guest Role
- Year: 2024
- Role: Han Tae Oh
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2025
- Role: Sim Hong Rang
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2025
- Role: Baek Do Ha
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2026
- Role: Do Ji Ui
- Type: Main Role
- Year: 2026
- Role: Byeon Hyeok Jun
- Type: Main Role
🏆 Awards & Achievements
1. MBC Drama Awards
- Year: 2019
- Category: Best New Actor
- Work: Extraordinary You
- Year: 2020
- Category: Excellence Award (Miniseries)
- Work: Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol
3. Asia Artist Awards
- Year: 2020
- Category: Rookie of the Year
4. Korea Drama Awards
- Year: 2022
- Category: Global Excellence Award
- Work: Alchemy of Souls
5. Asia Model Awards
- Year: 2022
- Category: Asia Special Award
Ambassadorships & Public Recognition
Though not officially tied to a major brand ambassador deal as of 2025, Lee Jae-wook has appeared in several fashion pictorials for brands and magazines, including GQ Korea, Vogue, and Marie Claire. His style and poise have made him a red carpet favorite.
He has also made multiple appearances on variety shows and talk shows, including:
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Fresh Off the Sea Season 2 (2025 – regular member)
Fan Love & Global Appeal
Lee Jae-wook’s fan base spans across Asia and beyond. With a near-95% popularity rating on AsianWiki, glowing reviews on MyDramaList, and a growing following on Instagram (@jxxvvxxk), he's recognized not just for his acting, but his humility and emotional depth.
💬 “He doesn't just act. He becomes the character. Every role is unforgettable.” – MDL user
Education & Training
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🎓 Chung-Ang University – Theatre and Film
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Studied acting formally and has cited this foundation as essential to his method acting style and versatility on-screen.
Final Thoughts
Lee Jae-wook is the kind of actor who doesn’t just follow the Hallyu wave—he creates it. His roles in historical, fantasy, romance, and even horror genres show a range few young actors possess. With upcoming Netflix projects and a strong domestic and international fan base, he's not just a rising star—he's a future legend.
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