Lee Jong-suk has achieved remarkable success with 'Seocho-dong'.
On the 10th, tvN's weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media) concluded its 12-episode run. The series not only topped the ratings for its premiere among tvN's weekend dramas in 2025 but also maintained the number one spot for six consecutive weeks in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. Lee Jong-suk, portraying the character Ahn Joo-hyung, showcased his mastery in drama by bringing to life a relatable colleague, friend, and romantic partner.
Lee Jong-suk's portrayal of a realistic office worker resonated with viewers. As an employee at a law firm, Ahn Joo-hyung diligently performed his duties, reflecting the everyday life of a typical office worker. His experiences and insights made him a rational professional, yet new encounters and relationships brought about changes in him. Lee Jong-suk's realistic depiction of Ahn Joo-hyung's growth allowed viewers to see themselves in the character.
The charm of Lee Jong-suk's professional character also shone through. Perfectly embodying the role of a seasoned 9-year associate lawyer, Ahn Joo-hyung, Lee Jong-suk paid attention to every detail, from attire to gestures and speech, enhancing the drama's immersion. His character's professional demeanor, from objectively handling cases and clients to revisiting his initial motivations and pursuing what he believes is right, was portrayed with precision.
The conclusion of Ahn Joo-hyung's journey was equally satisfying. He not only addressed his discomforts but also expressed genuine apologies, extending kindness to others. The ending saw him becoming a lead attorney, choosing the work he truly wanted to do, marking a bright future.
Lee Jong-suk's performance left a lasting impression, inviting viewers to imagine the character's future journey. His portrayal of Ahn Joo-hyung in 'Seocho-dong' encouraged audiences to reflect on the past narrative and envision the character's future, leaving a lingering sense of immersion and support for Ahn Joo-hyung's ongoing story.
When Lee Jong-suk depicted Ahn Joo-hyung as a friend and colleague, the drama was filled with warmth. His unique warmth added a sense of trust and stability to the character, making him seem like someone who would always be on your side.
The fantastic chemistry with colleagues added to the enjoyment. Ahn Joo-hyung, as a supportive friend and pillar within the workplace, was portrayed with Lee Jong-suk's humanism, making him approachable. The subtle romance woven into the everyday life added a layer of sweetness, enriching 'Seocho-dong' beyond a legal drama.
'Seocho-dong' received a warm response not only domestically but also internationally. According to global OTT platform Rakuten Viki, it ranked in the Top 5 in terms of viewership in 150 countries and regions, including the US, Brazil, France, UAE, and India. It also ranked highly on Disney+, Japan's largest platform U-NEXT, Taiwan's iQIYI, and Friday.
On the 10th, 'Seocho-dong' held a fan event in Malaysia, a rapidly growing market in Asia, to coincide with its finale. Lee Jong-suk attended the screening event 'Star Tour', where over 20,000 fans gathered, marking the largest K-drama event in Malaysia's history, concluding the show's brilliant journey.
Meanwhile, Lee Jong-suk is set to return in the Disney+ original series 'The Queen of Remarriage'. The series is a romantic fantasy epic about the Empress Navier (played by Shin Min-ah) of the Eastern Empire, who, after being notified of divorce by Emperor Sovieshu (played by Joo Ji-hoon), accepts it and demands permission to remarry Prince Heinley (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.
Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr