Cover Lee Jong-suk has proven his range and star power, confirming why he’s one of the most sought-after K-drama actors today. (Photo: tvN)
Lee Jong-suk has proven his range and star power, confirming why he’s one of the most sought-after K-drama actors today. (Photo: tvN)
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As Lee Jong-suk makes his highly anticipated comeback, look back at the roles that defined his career
Lee Jong-suk is back in Law and the City, the highly anticipated legal K-drama that follows the lives of five young lawyers. But before diving into his brand new series, take a look back at the roles that defined his career. From his star-making turn in I Can Hear Your Voice and the hit fantasy romance dramas While You Were Sleeping and W: Two Worlds to the noona romance Romance is a Bonus Book, Lee Jong-suk has proven his range and star power, confirming all the reasons why he’s one of the most sought-after actors working in K-drama today.
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‘Law and the City’
Lee Jong-suk returns to the screen, alongside Moon Ga-young, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young and Im Seong-jae, in a highly anticipated legal K-drama that fans are already calling the Hospital Playlist for lawyers. Focusing on the lives of five attorneys, the series explores their struggles with work-life balance, the pressures of the profession and the personal bonds they form both in and out of the office.
See also: 10 K-drama friendships that define ultimate loyalty and unbreakable bonds
‘While You Were Sleeping’
In one of the most beloved fantasy romance K-dramas, Lee Jong-suk stars as a prosecutor who shares precognitive dreams—and a love triangle—with Bae Suzy and Jung Hae-in. Together, they work to solve cases and prevent their tragic premonitions from coming true.
Audiences were drawn to the chemistry among the three leads, particularly the romance between Lee Jong-suk and Bae Suzy. The OST, featuring a line-up of memorable tracks, is also widely loved by fans of the drama.
See also: Unforgettable chart-topping songs from K-drama OSTs—and why we still can’t stop listening to them
‘W: Two Worlds’
In another fantasy romance K-drama, Lee Jong-suk plays Kang Chul, a webtoon character who crosses over to the real world and falls for Oh Yeon-joo (Han Hyo-joo). Audiences were intrigued by the unique premise, but what truly made the series unforgettable was the electric chemistry between Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo. To this day, the kiss they share in the drama ranks among the most iconic kisses in K-drama.
‘Pinocchio’
In Pinocchio, Lee Jong-suk and Park Shin-hye are Choi Dal-po and Choi In-ha, two reporters who must navigate their complicated romance while confronting the dangers of sensational reporting and upholding the responsibility to stand for the truth. It is a tall order, especially for Dal-po, who has a score to settle against the media.
Once again showing a talent for creating palpable chemistry with his co-stars, Lee Jong-suk and Park Shin-hye deliver a believable romance. However, it is the drama’s thoughtful exploration of societal issues that had audiences hooked.
‘Romance Is a Bonus Book’
Lee Jong-suk stars opposite his “ideal girl”, Lee Na-young, in this noona romance about second chances—in both love and career. The K-drama follows Kang Dan-i’s (Lee Na-young) attempts to return to the workforce after her divorce, and the unexpected romance with her childhood friend Cha Eun-ho (Lee Jong-suk), who has secretly been in love with her for as long as he can remember.
Fans found Dan-i’s post-divorce journey relatable and her romance with Eun-ho tender and endearing. They especially loved the unrequited friends-to-lovers trope and swooned over Eun-ho’s patient, steadfast devotion to Dan-i.
Don’t miss: 6 noona romance K-dramas where love blossoms against the odds
‘Big Mouth’
In his first K-drama after returning from mandatory military service, Lee Jong-suk plays Park Chang-ho, a well-meaning but naive lawyer who is forced to take on the identity of Big Mouse, a dangerous criminal mastermind, after he is framed for a crime. Although the drama’s convoluted plot and lacklustre ending left much to be desired, Lee Jong-suk’s transformation from Chang-ho to Big Mouse impressed audiences, as did his choice to take on a role far different from his usual romantic leads.
‘I Can Hear Your Voice’
In Lee Jong-suk’s breakout role, he stars opposite Hallyu royalty Lee Bo-young. He plays Park Soo-ha, a young man with telepathic powers and a past that ties him to Lee Bo-young’s Jang Hye-sung. Fans were captivated by Lee Jong-suk’s portrayal of the protective, heroic Soo-ha and fully embraced the noona romance he shared with Lee Bo-young, particularly praising the pair’s undeniable chemistry.
Maggie Adan is a content writer, editor, and strategist with extensive experience across print, digital, and social media publishing. Formerly editor-in-chief at K-Zone Philippines, Summit Books and Content Lab, she has written lifestyle stories covering everything from entertainment and travel to beauty and wellness. A storyteller at heart with a keen editorial eye and a passion for narrative, she contributes to various publications and helps brands create and curate content for their social media platforms.
