Lee Dong-wook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lee Dong-wook
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Lee at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival
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| Born | 6 November 1981 Seoul, South Korea
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| Education | Joongbu University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
| Agent | King Kong by Starship |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul |
이동욱
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| Hanja |
李棟旭
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| RR | I Donguk |
| MR | I Tonguk |
| Signature | |
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Lee Dong-wook (Hangul: 이동욱) is a famous South Korean actor and TV show host. He was born on November 6, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea. He is well-known for his main roles in many popular TV shows. These include My Girl (2005–2006), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017), and Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020). Lee Dong-wook has also hosted several talk shows, like Strong Heart and Wook Talk.
Contents
Early Life and School
Lee Dong-wook went to Joongbu University. He studied media and broadcasting arts there. This helped him prepare for his career in acting and television.
Career Highlights
Lee Dong-wook started his acting journey in 1999. He won a modeling contest and then got a role in an MBC drama. Soon after, he appeared in the teen drama School 2. He became more recognized for his acting in School 3.
Becoming a Star
Lee Dong-wook became very famous with the romantic comedy My Girl in 2005. This TV show was a big hit in South Korea and across Asia. It helped him become a "Korean Wave" star, meaning he became popular in many countries.
After My Girl, he starred in many different types of dramas. These included Scent of a Woman (2011) and Wild Romance (2012). He also acted in the historical thriller The Fugitive of Joseon (2013). In 2014, he reunited with his My Girl co-star, Lee Da-hae, in the drama Hotel King.
Hosting and Reality Shows
Besides acting, Lee Dong-wook has also been a popular TV host. From 2012 to 2013, he co-hosted the talk show Strong Heart. He also joined the reality show Roommate from 2014 to 2015.
Recent Successes
From 2016 to 2017, Lee Dong-wook starred in the fantasy-romance drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. He played a character known as a grim reaper. This drama was extremely popular and helped his acting career become even more successful.
In 2018, he acted in the medical drama Life. He played a doctor working in the emergency room. The next year, in 2019, he starred in the romantic comedy Touch Your Heart. He acted alongside Yoo In-na, who was also in Guardian.
Lee Dong-wook also hosted Produce X 101 in 2019. This was a survival show where a boy group was formed. Later that year, he played a main character in the thriller drama Hell Is Other People. He also started his own talk show, Wook Talk, to celebrate 20 years since his debut.
In 2020, he took on a fantasy role in Tale of the Nine Tailed. He played a nine-tailed fox who used to be a mountain god. He also appeared in the romantic comedy film Single in Seoul. In December 2020, he was named one of Asia-Pacific's most influential celebrities on social media.
In 2021, he was in the romantic comedy film A Year-End Medley. He also starred in the mystery drama Bad and Crazy. In 2024, Lee Dong-wook starred in the Disney+ series A Shop for Killers.
Other Activities
Being an Ambassador
Lee Dong-wook has been chosen as an ambassador for important events and places.
- In 2018, he was an Honorary Ambassador for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
- He was also a Tourism Ambassador for Gangwon Province in 2018.
- In 2024, he became an Olympic Friend for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics.
Helping Others
Lee Dong-wook is also known for his charity work. He has made donations to help people affected by natural disasters. For example, in March 2022, he donated 50 million Korean Won to help victims of a large forest fire. He also made donations in January and March 2025 to support families affected by a plane accident and victims of wildfires.
Personal Life
Military Service
Like many South Korean men, Lee Dong-wook completed his military service. He joined the military in August 2009 and finished his service in June 2011.
Awards and Recognitions
Lee Dong-wook has won many awards throughout his career. These awards celebrate his acting and hosting skills.
- 1999 V-NESS Model Awards: Grand Prize
- 2001 Korean Most Popular Entertainment Awards: New Generation Actor
- 2002 Korean Most Popular Entertainment Awards: Best New Actor (TV) for Loving You
- 2003 SBS Drama Awards: New Star Award for Land of Wine
- 2011 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards in China: Most Attractive Actor in Asia
- 2011 SBS Drama Awards: Top 10 Stars and Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Weekend Drama for Scent of a Woman
- 2011 South Korea-Japan Culture Awards: Grand Prize for Cultural Diplomacy
- 2012 SBS Entertainment Awards: Best Couple Award (with Shin Dong-yup) and Best Newcomer, MC category for Strong Heart
- 2013 PC LADY & Tudou Fashion Awards: Asia Fashion Star Award
- 2014 Asia Model Awards: Fashionista Award
- 2017 DramaFever Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
- 2018 Korea Fashion Photographers Association: Photogenic Award of the year
- 2019 OCN Awards: "Dangerously Attractive Character" Award for Hell Is Other People
- 2019 GQ Korea: Men of the Year
- 2021 I-Magazine Fashion Face Award: Asian Male
- 2021 iQIYI Awards: The Most Popular Actor for Tale of the Nine Tailed
- 2021 Korea First Brand Awards: Best Actor
- 2023 Brand of the Year Awards: Male Actor of the Year (Drama)
See also
In Spanish: Lee Dong-wook para niños
