Cover From U-KISS member to scene-stealing screen star, Lee Jun-young has built a K-drama résumé full of romance, suspense, villains and everything in between. Here are the roles worth adding to your watchlist (Photo: IMDb)
From U-KISS member to scene-stealing screen star, Lee Jun-young has built a K-drama résumé full of romance, suspense, villains and everything in between. Here are the roles worth adding to your watchlist (Photo: IMDb)
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Lee Jun-young’s best dramas showcase the U-KISS star’s range, from swoony romance to dark thrillers and complex roles
Lee Jun-young is the kind of actor who can make fans forget he started out on stage. After debuting as a member of K-pop group U-KISS, he gradually built a second career on screen, taking on roles that range from swoony romantic leads to unsettling villains and emotionally complicated characters. For viewers who discovered him through his recent dramas, that versatility has become one of his biggest draws.
Rather than settling into one familiar type, Lee Jun-young has moved between romantic comedies, psychological thrillers and more grounded stories throughout his acting career. He brings a quiet intensity to his performances, whether he is playing someone viewers want to root for or a character they definitely should not trust. With a growing list of television and streaming credits, he has established himself as one of the more versatile actors to emerge from the K-pop-to-acting pipeline, giving fans plenty of roles to revisit and newcomers plenty to discover.
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1. ‘Four Hands, Two Sonatas’ (2026)
Above A high-stakes musical coming-of-age story following two elite piano rivals who reckon with perfectionism and emotional healing through collaborative performance
Four Hands, Two Sonatas is a coming-of-age musical drama centres on the intense world of classical music and competitive piano performance at an elite arts high school. The narrative follows the rivalry and emotional evolution of two prodigies navigating creative pressures and family expectations.
Lee Jun-young stars as Choi Jeong-yo, a naturally gifted pianist who abandoned his music due to a difficult upbringing before being drawn back to the keyboard. He performs alongside Song Kang, who plays his disciplined childhood rival Kang Bi-o, and Jang Gyu-ri, who plays a perceptive viola student who helps bring them together. The series explores the psychological toll of perfectionism and the solace found in collaborative art. Viewers can stream this series on TVING and Netflix globally.
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2. ‘Reborn Rookie’ (2026)
Above A sharp corporate fantasy satire tracking a ruthless, elderly conglomerate chairman who finds himself trapped inside the body of a young entry-level employee
Combining corporate satire with fantasy, this workplace series examines power dynamics and executive overreach within a massive South Korean conglomerate. The plot follows a ruthless, elderly corporate chairman who undergoes a soul-swapping accident and wakes up in the body of a young former athlete. Lee Jun-young takes on the dual responsibility of portraying the body of Hwang Jun-hyeon and the mind of Chairman Kang Yong-ho. He leads the cast alongside Son Hyun-joo, Lee Ju-myoung and Jin Goo. The narrative uses corporate entry-level politics to dissect generational wealth, labor practices and systemic greed. The show is available to stream on Viki and Viu.
3. ‘Pump Up the Healthy Love’ (2025)
Above An uplifting romantic comedy set in a 24-hour fitness centre where an eccentric owner helps a struggling newcomer rebuild physical and emotional stamina
Set against the backdrop of a struggling twenty-four-hour fitness centre, this romantic comedy focuses on physical and mental rehabilitation. The story details the life of an eccentric gym owner whose obsessive focus on athletic perfection covers up unresolved personal setbacks. Lee Jun-young plays the lead role of Do Hyeon-joong, a former bodybuilder turned passionate gym proprietor. He stars opposite Jung Eun-ji, who plays a novice gym member trying to rebuild her stamina and sense of self. The narrative tackles modern wellness culture, self-acceptance and emotional healing through exercise. The series is streamed globally on Viki and KBS World.
4. ‘Weak Hero Class 2’ (2025)
Above A gritty high-school action thriller exploring systemic violence, strategic survival tactics, and raw gang rivalries inside South Korea's secondary education system
This intense action thriller series continues the story of high schoolers confronting institutional violence and organized youth gangs. The story explores the escalation of conflict within secondary education environments, showing how vulnerable students use strategy and raw violence to survive. The second season narrative introduces Lee Jun-young as Geum Seong-je (Wolf Keum), a formidable, unpredictable member of the alliance who alters the dynamic of the main story arc. He stars alongside Park Ji-hoon, Ryeoun and Choi Min-young. The narrative critiques educational apathy and systemic failure while delivering grounded combat sequences. Viewers can watch the show on Netflix.
5. ‘Melo Movie’ (2025)
Above A thoughtful slice-of-life romance following young film industry professionals navigating creative burnout, career instability, and emotional vulnerabilities
This romantic slice-of-life drama investigates the inner workings of the entertainment and film production industries. The story revolves around young professionals who attempt to craft meaningful cinema while dealing with personal traumas and career instability. Lee Jun-young plays Hong Si-jun, a talented but unfulfilled composer who hides his insecurities behind a casual facade. He co-stars with Choi Woo-shik, Park Bo-young and Jeon So-nee. The narrative balances light comedic beats with honest discussions about artistic burnout and relationship anxieties. The drama is available for international streaming on Netflix.
6. ‘Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale’ (2024)
Above A cheeky romantic comedy that subverts classic Cinderella tropes as an ambitious woman clashes with a cynical corporate heir who despises romance
Reimagining traditional Cinderella tropes through a modern comedic lens, this romance series examines wealth disparities and romantic cynicism. The plot centers on an ambitious woman who sets out to find a wealthy partner, only to clash with an heir who despises romantic idealization. Lee Jun-young portrays Moon Cha-min, an arrogant second-generation corporate heir who shuns fairytales and commitment. He shares the screen with Pyo Ye-jin, who plays the determined heroine searching for financial security. The series uses sharp humor to subvert familiar romance tropes. Viewers can stream the project on TVING and Paramount Plus.
7. ‘The Impossible Heir’ (2024)
Above A tense corporate revenge thriller depicting an illegitimate son and his ruthless allies as they conspire to usurp South Korea's largest conglomerate
This corporate revenge thriller takes a dark look at class warfare, illegitimate children and internal boardroom battles. The plot tracks three ambitious individuals who form an alliance to take control of South Korea's largest conglomerate. Lee Jun-young plays Kang In-ha, the illegitimate son of a corporate titan who seeks recognition and control at any cost. He stars alongside Lee Jae-wook and Hong Su-zu in a story driven by betrayal and strategic maneuvering. The series highlights the dark realities of extreme ambition. The show is available exclusively on Disney Plus and Hulu.
8. ‘May I Help You’ (2022)
Above A comforting fantasy human drama about a versatile errand runner and a supernatural funeral director who fulfills the final wishes of the deceased
Blending fantasy, romance and human drama, this series deals with death, unresolved regrets and grief management. The premise centers on a funeral director who possesses the supernatural ability to speak with the deceased, helping them fulfill their final wishes before passing on. Lee Jun-young plays Kim Tae-hee, an adaptable errand runner known as Butler Kim who completes miscellaneous odd jobs for clients. He stars opposite Lee Hyeri, who plays the funeral director. The plot explores loss and emotional healing through interconnected character stories. The series is streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
9. ‘Let Me Be Your Knight’ (2021)
Above A music-driven romance chronicling an internationally famous band leader with sleepwalking disorder and the undercover fake doctor living in his dormitory
This music-focused romantic drama addresses the mental health challenges hidden behind the polished image of idol culture. The story centers on an internationally famous band leader who suffers from somnambulism and a fake doctor who moves into the band dormitory to treat him in secret. Lee Jun-young plays Yoon Tae-in, the brilliant but emotionally guarded lead vocalist and producer of the fictional group LUNA. He stars alongside Jung In-sun, as well as real-life musicians including JR, Kim Dong-hyun and Yoon Ji-sung. The show is available to stream on Viki and iQIYI.
10. ‘Imitation’ (2021)
Above An insider idol-industry drama mapping the grueling realities, intense rivalries, and secret romances of competitive K-pop groups striving for success
Based on the popular webtoon, this industry drama offers an insider look at the grueling reality of the South Korean entertainment landscape. The plot chronicles the lives of various K-pop groups as they navigate competitive survival shows, strict contract terms and public scrutiny. Lee Jun-young stars as Kwon Ryok, the top idol in the industry and member of the reigning group SHAX. He co-stars with Jung Ji-so, Park Ji-yeon and Jeong Yun-ho. The narrative balances romantic tension with a commentary on celebrity culture. The series can be streamed on Viki and iQIYI.
11. ‘Please Don’t Date Him’ (2020-2021)
Above A high-tech sci-fi romantic comedy following an engineer who uses an AI-powered refrigerator to expose red flags in potential dating partners
This sci-fi romantic comedy addresses digital privacy, artificial intelligence and modern dating culture. The narrative follows a smart home appliance developer who accidentally invents an AI refrigerator capable of revealing the bad habits and dark secrets of prospective romantic partners. Lee Jun-young plays Jung Kook-hee, a retro firefighter who avoids smartphones and social media entirely, making him an anomaly to the algorithm. He stars alongside Song Ha-yoon. The show explores the limits of digital paranoia and human trust. Viewers can stream this series on Viki.
12. ‘Good Casting’ (2020)
Above A fast-paced undercover action comedy centered on three veteran female secret agents investigating corporate espionage at a major tech firm
This high-octane action comedy series focuses on three female secret agents tasked with going undercover to investigate corporate espionage at an international tech company. The plot mixes slapstick comedic sequences with genuine industrial espionage plots. Lee Jun-young plays Kang Woo-won, a spoiled, popular actor who becomes entangled in the intelligence operation alongside his undercover handler. He stars alongside Choi Kang-hee, Yoo In-young and Kim Ji-young. The narrative emphasizes female agency while providing entertaining side plots. The drama is available for streaming on Viki and KOCOWA.
13. ‘Class of Lies’ (2019)
Above A dark high-school legal thriller where a disgraced lawyer poses as a substitute teacher to uncover a murder conspiracy orchestrated by elite students
Set inside an elite private high school, this legal thriller uncovers deep corruption, murder and extreme bullying beneath academic success. The story follows a self-serving lawyer who poses as a substitute teacher to uncover the truth behind a classmate murder case. Lee Jun-young portrays Yoo Beom-jin, a brilliant, top-ranking student whose polished reputation masks a dangerous psychological manipulation of his peers. He stars alongside Yoon Kyun-sang and Keum Sae-rok. The narrative offers a critique of privilege and juvenile crime. Viewers can stream the series on Viki.
14. ‘Goodbye to Goodbye’ (2018)
Above A domestic drama depicting an unexpected bond between an isolated older woman and an unmarried college student facing an unexpected pregnancy
This domestic drama examines womanhood, unplanned pregnancy and generational conflict within modern families. The plot brings together an older woman isolating herself from the world and a young university student who faces an unexpected pregnancy alone. Lee Jun-young plays Han Min-soo, an immature university student who struggles to take responsibility for his choices. He performs alongside veteran actors Chae Shi-ra and Jo Bo-ah. The narrative earned praise for its realistic portrayal of systemic maternal pressures. The show can be streamed on Viki and KOCOWA.
15. ‘Avengers Social Club’ (2017)
Above A satisfying revenge comedy following three women from vastly different social backgrounds--and one neglected teenager--who team up to expose corrupt figures
This revenge-driven comedy drama tracks three women from vastly different social backgrounds who join forces to exact petty vengeance on those who have wronged them. The narrative avoids physical violence, focusing instead on clever schemes to expose corruption and abuse of authority. Lee Jun-young made his acting debut as Lee Soo-gyum, the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who collaborates with his stepmother to get revenge on his neglectful biological parents. He stars alongside Lee Yo-won, Ra Mi-ran and Myung Se-bin. The series is available to stream on Viki and Netflix.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
