Lee Ki-taek Set to Shine in JTBC's New Drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles'

Actor Lee Ki-taek is ready to showcase his diverse talents.

Premiering on October 28, JTBC's new weekend drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' tells the story of a woman who decides to find love through blind dates, meeting two men with different charms, and ultimately discovering the true meaning of love.

Lee Ki-taek takes on the role of 'Shin Ji-soo', a free-spirited theater actor and professional part-timer. Despite his handsome appearance, he dislikes being tied down and is drawn to Lee Ye-young (played by Han Ji-min) after meeting her on a blind date, causing emotional turmoil. Lee Ki-taek will contrast sharply with the stable Song Tae-seop (played by Park Sung-hoon), embodying the quintessential 'straightforward younger man'.

Lee Ki-taek's new leap through the character of Shin Ji-soo is not an overnight success. Inspired by the film 'Masquerade' during high school, he pursued his dream of acting after completing his military service, debuting as a model and honing his skills at an acting academy. He began his acting career in earnest with the 2020 web drama 'In Seoul 2', leaving a strong impression as a 'face genius' character, and later emerged as a 'rom-com gem' through '7 Days of Romance 2'.

Since his debut, Lee Ki-taek has continuously transformed across genres, establishing his unique presence. In tvN's 'The Devil Judge', he added tension as a mysterious helper, showcased intense action and solid acting in KBS2's 'When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon', and portrayed various youthful faces in 'Three Bold Siblings' and 'Shoot Me'.

His true potential exploded with the 2023 TV Chosun drama 'My Happy End'. Playing Yoon Tae-oh, who harbors unrequited love for Jang Na-ra's character while exuding a mysterious aura, he garnered enthusiastic responses from viewers. In ENA's 'Namib', which concluded last January, he portrayed Chris, a former trainee turned nightclub manager, delivering a compelling performance with a complex inner world beneath a cold exterior.

Lee Ki-taek's greatest assets are his impressive 185cm stature, expressive eyes filled with deep emotion, and his passionate dedication to every role. His wide-ranging spectrum, from youthful dramas to intense period pieces and thrilling suspense, has positioned him as a 'prepared leading man'.

Building on his accumulated experience, Lee Ki-taek is set to fully unleash his multifaceted charm in 'Efficient Meeting of Singles'. With his fresh appearance and nuanced expressions that enhance the drama's immersion, anticipation is high for his ability to captivate viewers once again.

'Efficient Meeting of Singles', based on the Naver webtoon by author Tari, premieres on Saturday, October 28 at 10:40 PM.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr