Lee Joon-gi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lee Joon-gi
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Lee in 2022
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| Born | 17 April 1982 Busan, South Korea
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| Alma mater | Seoul Arts College |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2001–present |
| Agent | Namoo Actors |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul |
이준기
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| Hanja |
李準基
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| RR | I Jungi |
| MR | I Chun'gi |
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Lee Joon-gi (born April 17, 1982) is a famous actor, singer, and dancer from South Korea. He became a star after his first leading role in the movie The King and the Clown (2005). He also gained fans from the TV show My Girl (2005–2006).
Since then, Lee has acted in many types of shows, from historical dramas called sageuk to exciting action stories. Some of his most popular shows are Iljimae (2008), Two Weeks (2013), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), and Flower of Evil (2020). His work is loved all over Asia, making him a top Hallyu (Korean Wave) star.
Contents
Early Life and School
Lee Joon-gi was born in Busan, South Korea. He grew up in the nearby city of Changwon. When he was in high school, he saw a play of Hamlet and became interested in acting.
After high school, his parents wanted him to go to a university. But Lee decided to move to Seoul to become an actor. He worked part-time jobs, like being a waiter, while he went to auditions. He also started modeling in 2001. Later, he earned a scholarship to the Seoul Arts College and graduated in 2007.
Acting Career
2005: Becoming a Star
Lee's first major role was in the 2005 movie The King and the Clown. He played Gong-gil, a clown from the Joseon period of Korean history. The movie was a huge success and made the unknown actor famous across Asia. For this role, Lee won many "Best Newcomer" awards.
The director, Lee Joon-ik, said he chose Lee for the part after seeing him do handstands. After the movie, Lee became known for his handsome looks, a trend sometimes called "pretty boy" in South Korea. Lee said he wanted to be known for more than just his looks and was eager to try different roles.
2006–2007: Gaining Worldwide Fame
Lee then starred in the popular TV show My Girl. This romantic comedy was a big hit in South Korea and other parts of Asia. It made him even more famous.
In 2007, he acted in a movie made by both Korea and Japan called Virgin Snow. He played a Korean exchange student. That same year, he was in the movie May 18. This film was about the Gwangju Uprising, a real event in 1980 where citizens protested for democracy.
He also had his first lead role in a TV drama, Time Between Dog and Wolf. He played a secret agent trying to get revenge on a gang. For this role, he cut his hair short and showed a tougher, more serious side of his acting. This helped people see him as more than just a "pretty boy."
2008–2012: More Success and Military Service
In 2008, Lee played the main character in Iljimae. This was an action-packed historical drama about a hero, similar to Robin Hood, who helped the poor. The show was very popular.
In 2009, he was appointed a promotional ambassador for the Korea Tourism Organization. He also starred in the action-comedy show Hero, where he played a reporter.
On May 3, 2010, Lee began his mandatory military service in the South Korean army. During his service, he acted in a military musical called Voyage of Life. He was discharged from the army on February 16, 2012.
2012–Present: Return to Acting
After his military service, Lee returned to acting in the 2012 historical fantasy show Arang and the Magistrate. The show was very successful. In 2013, he starred in the action show Two Weeks. He played a father trying to save his sick daughter while being wrongly accused of a crime.
In 2014, he starred in another historical drama, Gunman in Joseon. His acting and action scenes were highly praised. This was followed by the vampire romance series Scholar Who Walks the Night in 2015.
In 2016, Lee played a prince in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. While it was not a huge hit in Korea, it was extremely popular in China. In 2017, he made a special appearance in the Hollywood movie Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.
He then starred in the crime drama Criminal Minds (2017) and the legal drama Lawless Lawyer (2018). In 2020, he starred in the thriller Flower of Evil with his Criminal Minds co-star, Moon Chae-won. His performance was highly praised.
In 2022, Lee returned to TV with the drama Again My Life. In 2023, he starred in the second season of the historical fantasy drama Arthdal Chronicles.
Personal Life
Lee loves to practice different kinds of martial arts. His father signed him up for classes as a kid. He continued to practice as an adult, which helps him prepare for his action roles.
Because he is skilled in taekwondo and other martial arts, he often does his own stunts in fight scenes. He is known as one of South Korea's best action stars.
Selected Work
TV Shows
- My Girl (2005)
- Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007)
- Iljimae (2008)
- Arang and the Magistrate (2012)
- Two Weeks (2013)
- Gunman in Joseon (2014)
- Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
- Lawless Lawyer (2018)
- Flower of Evil (2020)
- Again My Life (2022)
- Arthdal Chronicles (2023)
Movies
- The King and the Clown (2005)
- Fly, Daddy, Fly (2006)
- May 18 (2007)
- Virgin Snow (2007)
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)
Awards
Lee Joon-gi has won many awards for his acting. Here are a few of them:
- Baeksang Arts Awards (2006): Best New Actor for The King and the Clown
- MBC Drama Awards (2007): Excellence Award for Time Between Dog and Wolf
- SBS Drama Awards (2008): Top Excellence Award for Iljimae
- Seoul International Drama Awards (2013): Outstanding Korean Actor for Arang and the Magistrate
- KBS Drama Awards (2014): Excellence Award for Gunman in Joseon
- SBS Drama Awards (2016): Hallyu Star Award for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
- Asia Artist Awards (2020): Best Artist Award for Flower of Evil
- SBS Drama Awards (2022): Top Excellence Award for Again My Life
See also
In Spanish: Lee Joon-gi para niños
