Rising Star Lee Jun-young Expands His Acting Horizons from OTT to Network TV

Kim Se-ah's Insight
TenAsia's Kim Se-ah delves deeply into entertainment industry issues.

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Former U-KISS member and actor Lee Jun-young is making waves as he transitions from OTT platforms to starring roles on network television, solidifying his position as a versatile actor. His performances in globally successful 'The Great Seducer' and the intense 'Weak Hero' have been pivotal in proving his acting prowess.

Lee Jun-young debuted with U-KISS and after two years, shifted his focus to acting. Initially, his career was relatively quiet, but his role as Private Jung Hyun-min, a deserter from the 53rd Infantry Division in the 2021 Netflix series 'D.P.', marked a turning point, gaining him wider recognition.

In 'Mask Girl', he portrayed Choi Boo-yong, an idol expelled from his group due to past misconduct. His portrayal of a villain who exploits and abuses the protagonist Chun-ae was met with critical acclaim.

Recently, in 'The Great Seducer', Lee took on the role of Park Young-bum, the boyfriend of Yang Geum-myung (played by IU), capturing viewers' hearts with his portrayal of a devoted lover. The series topped Netflix's domestic charts upon release and maintained a spot in the global TOP 10 non-English series for eight weeks, further enhancing Lee's reputation with his nuanced emotional performance.

In 'Weak Hero Class 1', he delivered a powerful performance as the antagonist Geum Sung-je, contributing to the series' rapid ascent to the top of the global TOP 10 non-English series within three days of its release.

Lee Jun-young recently starred in KBS's '24-Hour Fitness Club', marking his debut as a lead in a network drama. Despite high expectations during its planning stages, the series struggled with ratings, dropping from an initial 1.8% to 0.7% according to Nielsen Korea.

Nevertheless, Lee's career continues to shine. He is currently in talks to star in the upcoming drama 'Who Are You', alongside actress Cha Joo-young, generating anticipation for their potential collaboration.

An industry insider commented, "Lee Jun-young has steadily built his recognition through Netflix. Having achieved success on OTT platforms, expanding his presence on network TV and other broadcasting platforms is his next challenge. Given his ability to portray diverse characters, he is likely to showcase new possibilities depending on the genre and his co-stars."

From performing on stage as an idol to expressing a range of emotions in front of the camera, Lee Jun-young's transition to acting is noteworthy. With a solid foundation in acting and a growing filmography, his future as a leading actor looks promising.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr