Biography of Lee Jin-wook
Lee Jin-wook is a South Korean actor and model. He was born on 16 September 1981. He is notable for his works like ‘Glass Battle’ (2008), ‘I Need Romance 2012’ (2012), ‘Nine’ (2013), ‘The Time We Were Not in Love’ (2015), ‘Voice’ (2018-2019), ‘Sweet Home’ (2020-2024), ‘Squid Game’ (2024), ‘Miss Granny’ (2014), ‘The Beauty Inside’ (2015).
Early Life and Education
Lee Jin-wook completed his graduation course in Environmental Engineering at Cheongju University. Rather than pursuing an office job which suits his educational background, he chose acting as his career out of passion.
He started his entertainment career by appearing as a model in ads. Later, he appeared in a short film ‘My New Boyfriend’ (2004). In 2005, Jin-wook made his first K-drama appearance in the romance thriller ‘Resurrection’.
In the following year, he was seen in the K-dramas: ‘Alone in Love’, ‘Smile Again’, and ‘Someday’.
After starring in the 2007 television series ‘Air City’, Jin-wook’s identity as an actor started to gain recognition. In the show, he appeared as the second lead, Kang Ha-joon.
Afterwards, Jin-woo performed several roles, including the role of the South Korean President’s son in ‘Formidable Rivals.’. He played the role of a plastic surgeon in the television series ‘Before and After: Plastic Surgery Clinic’.
In the drama ‘Powerful Opponents’ he was seen as Kang Soo-ho. Also, he was seen in the drama ‘Glass Castle’ (2008-2009) and made a cameo appearance in the drama ‘The Road Home’.
Career
After returning from the military, Lee Jin-wook returned to the screen by playing diverse and exciting roles.
The 2011 KBS2 television series ‘Myung-wol the Spy’ was the comeback project of Jin-wook after his military service. In the show, he starred alongside Han Ye-seul and Eric Mun.
In 2012, Jin-wook starred in the romance comedy tvN drama ‘I Need Romance 2012’. He shared the screen with Jung Yu-mi and Kim Ji-seok. He played the character, Yoon Seok-hyun, the boyfriend of Joo Yeol-mae (Jung Yu-mi).
In 2013, Jin-wook played a breakthrough role in his acting career, which caught the recognition of both the audience and the directors alike. In the movie ‘Nine’ (also known as Nine: Nine Time Travels), directed by Kim Byung-soo, Jin-wook appeared opposite Jo Yoon-hee. For playing the role, Jin-wook was nominated and awarded in major industry award shows.
The film was based on the concept of time travel. An anchor of a news channel named Park Sun-woo gets a chance to time travel to the past using a set of 9 special incenses. The story explores the new discoveries and the journey of Sun-woo to avenge the people who brought tragedy to his family. The movie progresses by showing his struggle to hang on to his mission by keeping in check his allotted time in the past.
Ji-wook performed some of his remarkable roles in his career in 2014. He returned to the silver screen after a break of seven years through the drama-comedy movie ‘Miss Granny’. In the film, he starred alongside Na Moon-hee and Shim Eun-kyung by playing the role of a supporting character, Han Seung-woo (a music producer).
Later, in 2014, he played his first lead role in the movie ‘The Target’ by sharing the screen with Ryu Seung-ryong, Yoo Jun-sang, and Kim Sung-ryung. The film, directed by the South Korean director and scriptwriter Chang (yoon Hong-seung), was inspired by the French movie ‘Point Blank’ released in 2010.
The same year, Jin-wook was seen in the K-drama ‘The Three Musketeers’. It was a historic drama set in the Joseon period. In the show, Jin-wook was seen alongside Jung Yong-hwa, Yang Dong-geun, Seo Hyun-jin, and Jung Hae-in. The show was streamed on tvN and Jin-wook played the role of Crown Prince Sohyeon.
In 2015, Jin-wook fascinated his fans by appearing as Woo-jin in the romantic comedy movie ‘The Beauty Inside’. The movie was inspired by the American social film ‘The Beauty Inside’. His performance as Woo-jin received critical acclamation from his fans and it is marked as one of his legendary roles in his acting life.
He played the role of a homicide detective named Kim Gun-woo, in the film ‘Time Renegade’. Also that year, he was seen in the K-drama ‘The Time We Were Not in Love’ opposite Ha Ji-won.
In 2016, Jin-wook played the lead role in the MBC drama ‘Goodbye Mr. Black’. The series tells the revenge story of a Navy SEAL officer, Cha Ji-won, who is betrayed by his best friend and later labelled as a traitor. It featured Lee Jin-wook, Moon Chae-won, Yoo In-young, and Kim Kang-woo in lead roles.
After an interval of a year, a handful of movies and dramas of Jin-wook were released in 2018. He appeared in the role of a substitute driver in the movie ‘A Tiger in Winter’. He shared the screen with the talented actors Go Hyun-jung, Seo Hyun-woo, and Ryu Hyun-kyung. Later, he starred in the movie ‘High Society’ written and directed by Byun Hyuk, as Shin Ji-ho. Also, he was seen in the movie ‘Road to Utah’.
Furthermore, he played crucial roles in 2018 dramas like ‘Return’ and ‘Voice’ (2018-2019). Jin-wook was included in the second and third seasons of the four-season television series ‘Voice’. In the series, he appeared as the character Do Kang-woo.
In 2019, he signed in with the agency BH Entertainment.
In late 2020, the first web series of Jin-wook, ‘Sweet Home’ was released. It was recognised by the global Hallyu fans. In the show, Jin-wook was seen alongside Song Kang and Lee Si-young. ‘Sweet Home’ is a Netflix original series inspired by the webtoon ‘Sweet Home’. It delves into the life of a teenage boy who gets trapped inside his room, which is located in a creepy building.
In 2021, the K-drama ‘Bulgasal: Immortal Souls’ was released. It featured Jin-wook as Dan Hwal, a man who lost his ability to die. Being an immortal, he becomes obliged to perform the task of removing the remnant of the former dynasty. Also, that year he played a supporting role in the movie ‘A Year-End Medley’. In the film, he starred alongside Lee Dong-wook, Han Ji-min, Kang Ha-neul, and Im Yoon-ah.
In 2022, Lee Jin-wook became a part of a romantic comedy series after the drama ‘The Time We Were Not in Love’ (2015). The story revolves around the couple, Seo Jun-hyung and Kim Na-eun, who are waiting for their dream wedding. Jin Wook played the role of the pre-marriage groom, Seo Jun-hyun and Lee Yeon-he played the role of the soon-to-be bride, Lee yeon-h.
Lee Jin-wook reprised his role in the second and third seasons of ‘Sweet Home’, but as the character Jung Ui-myeong/Nam Sang-won. ‘Sweet Home Season 2’ was aired on 1 December 2023, and Season 3 was streamed on 19 July 2024. Also, in 2023, he made a cameo appearance in the web series ‘Doona’ that featured Bae Suzy and Yang Se-jong in lead roles.
He was a cast member in the second season of the Netflix series ‘Squid Game’ which was released on 26 December 2024. Moreover, ‘Squid Game Season 2’ marked the reunion of director Hwang Dong-hyuk and Jin-wook after the movie ‘Miss Granny’ (2014). In the same year, he was also seen in the television series ‘Dear Hyeri’. In the show, he shared the screen with Shin Hye-sun.
In 2024, Jin-wook appeared in the horror thriller movie ‘Dark Nuns’ directed by Kwon Hyeok-jae. The other lead roles in the movie are played by Jeon Yeo-been, Song Hye-kyo, Huh Joon-ho, and Moon Woo-jin. It discloses the struggle of two nuns to save a boy who is possessed by an evil spirit. It is inspired by the 2015 movie ‘The Priests’ directed by Jang Jae-hyun. ‘Dark Nuns’ was released on 24 January 2024.
Achievement
Lee Jin-wook is a renowned actor in South Korea. His excellent portrayal of versatile characters made him eligible for various prestigious awards.
Military Life
Lee Jin-wook completed his mandatory military service. He served in the military for two years at the Defense Media Agency of the Ministry of National Defense. He joined the military on 6 May 2009 and was discharged on 7 March 2011.
Personal Life
Lee Jin-wook and actress Choi Ji-woo became friends when they first worked together in the movie ‘Air City’. Later, their friendship budded into a romantic relationship, and the lovers dated for three years.
However, after dating for three years, the couple announced a breakup through their agency. It was assumed that the interference of the public had negatively affected their relationship.
Afterwards, in 2014, the agency of Jin-wook and actress Gong Hyo-jin confirmed their dating. Nonetheless, the couple ended their relationship in the third month after the revelation of their relationship as lovers.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Lee Jin-wook is a respected actor in the South Korean entertainment industry. The majority of his income is generated from his acting and modelling career. Though the exact net worth of Lee Jin-wook is hidden from the public’s knowledge, he lives a comfortable life.
Awards
- Korea Film Actors Association Awards 2016
Grand Prize – ‘Time Renegades’ - 2013 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards 2013
20’s Drama Star – Male – ‘Nine’ - SBS Drama Awards 2006
New Star Award – ‘Alone in Love / Smile Again’
Interesting Facts about Lee Jin-wook
- Lee Jin-wook shared his experience that it was difficult for him to act in the fight scenes with Hyunsu in ‘Sweet Home’. He said the well-built body of Hyunsu repelled his attack and he got hurt every time he crashed into him.
- Lee Jin-wook is an easygoing person who is cute and charismatic at the same time.
- Lee Jin-wook is praised for his beautiful eyes. Even if he plays the role of an antagonist there still remains the touch of a sweet romantic look in his eyes. Nonetheless, it adds charm to every role that he performs.
- Virgo is the zodiac sign of Lee Jin-wook.
- Lee Jin-wook is appreciated for the look in his beard.
FAQs
- When does Lee Jin-wook celebrates his birthday?
Lee Jin-wook celebrates his birthday on 16 September.
- How old is Lee Jin-wook?
Lee Jin-wook turned 43 on 16 September 2024. - What is the Instagram ID of Lee Jin-wook?
@jinuk0916. - Is Lee Jin-wook married?
No reliable information is available.
