1. Overview
Lee Jang-woo (이장우Lee Jang-wooKorean; born June 1, 1986) is a prominent South Korean actor, singer, and YouTuber. He embarked on his acting career in 2003 and has since gained widespread recognition for his roles in various television series, including Glory Jane, I Do, I Do, My Only One, and Homemade Love Story. Beyond acting, Lee Jang-woo is known for his musical endeavors, having been part of the project group 24/7 and releasing solo singles. He also gained significant popularity through his appearance on the fictional marriage reality show We Got Married and has served as an MC for major music programs. Lee is also the cousin of singer Hwanhee.
2. Life and Background
Lee Jang-woo's personal history encompasses his birth, family connections, and educational journey, which laid the foundation for his diverse career in entertainment.
2.1. Birth and Family
Lee Jang-woo was born on June 1, 1986, in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea. He is a member of the Yeonan Yi clan. His father had a distinguished military career, graduating from the Korea Military Academy, the Republic of Korea Army Infantry School, and the Republic of Korea Army College. He also studied public administration at Kyungpook National University and retired as a Republic of Korea Army brigadier general. Lee Jang-woo is also known to be the cousin of the singer Hwanhee.
2.2. Education
Lee Jang-woo completed his high school education at Yangjae High School from 2002 to 2005. He then pursued higher education at Dongguk University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Theater and Film, attending from 2005 to 2009. Furthering his studies, he obtained a Master's degree in Beauty Arts from Seokyeong University's Graduate School of Beauty Arts, completing his program between 2009 and 2011.
2.3. Personal Life
On June 22, 2023, it was publicly confirmed that Lee Jang-woo was in a relationship with actress Jo Hye-won.
3. Career
Lee Jang-woo's career spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions to acting, music, and broadcasting. He debuted as an actor in 2003 and has since expanded his presence across various entertainment platforms. In addition to his primary roles, he has also served as an honorary police officer and a promotional ambassador.
3.1. Acting Career
Lee Jang-woo has built a substantial acting career, appearing in numerous television series, films, and sitcoms, showcasing his versatility across different genres.
3.1.1. Television Series
Lee Jang-woo made his acting debut in the 2003 KBS2 weekend drama On the Green Pastures. In the same year, he appeared in the MBC drama 1% of Anything and I Run, as well as the SBS drama Affection Manse. His subsequent television roles include:
- 2006: Hello Franceska (MBC), 90 Days, Time to Love (MBC)
- 2008: Kokkiri (MBC)
- 2009: Hilarious Housewives (MBC) as Choi Jang-woo, Heading to the Ground (MBC) as a soccer player, Three Brothers (KBS2) as Baek Ma-tan
- 2010: Smile Again (KBS1) as Kim Do-jin
- 2011: KBS Drama Special - "Human Casino" (KBS2) as Lee Jae-sung, Glory Jane (KBS2) as Seo In-woo
- 2012: I Do, I Do (MBC) as Park Tae-kang, Here Comes Mr. Oh (MBC) as Oh Ja-ryong
- 2013: Bel Ami (KBS2) as David Choi
- 2014: Rosy Lovers (MBC) as Park Cha-dol (Lee Cha-dol)
- 2016: Infinite Royal Graciousness (China Television Corporation) as Song Jin
- 2018-2019: My Only One (KBS2) as Wang Dae-ryook
- 2019: Graceful Family (MBN) as Heo Yoon-do
- 2020-2021: Homemade Love Story (KBS2) as Woo Jae-hee
- 2023: The Heavenly Idol (tvN) as Shin Jo-woon / Lumena
- 2025: My Perfect Secretary (SBS)
3.1.2. Films
Lee Jang-woo has also taken on roles in several films throughout his career:
- 2001: Goldfish Cemetery as Client
- 2004: Once Upon a Time in High School as Hyunsoo's Classmate, Flying Pig - Pirate Mateo as Lump (voice)
- 2006: Crosswalk
- 2007: Picture of Rice Cake as Lead
- 2010: Villain and Widow as Constable Oh
- 2016: Goral as Goral
- 2019: Rainbow Goddess as Ji-seok
- 2024: The Garfield Movie as Garfield (voice, dubbing)
3.1.3. Sitcoms
His sitcom appearances include:
- 2004: Nonstop 4 (MBC) as Lee Jang-woo
- 2006: Hello, Franceska (MBC)
- 2008: Kokkiri (MBC)
- 2009: Tae-hee, Hye-kyo, Ji-hyun (MBC) as Choi Jang-woo
3.2. Theater and Musical Activities
Lee Jang-woo has also performed on stage in various theater and musical productions.
| Year | English Title | Korean Title | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Hamlet | 햄릿Korean | Prince Hamlet | October 12, 2007 - November 11, 2007 |
| 2008 | Greece | 그리스Korean | February 29, 2008 - August 10, 2008 | |
| 2019-2020 | A Better Tomorrow | 영웅본색Korean | Jageol | December 17, 2019 - March 22, 2020 |
| 2021-2022 | Rebecca | 레베카Korean | Maxim de Winter | November 16, 2021 - February 27, 2022 |
| 2022 | Crash Landing on You | 사랑의 불시착Korean | Ri Jeong-hyuk | September 16, 2022 - November 13, 2022 |
3.3. Music Career
In addition to his acting, Lee Jang-woo has pursued a career as a singer, participating in a project group and releasing solo tracks.
3.3.1. Group Activities
In 2009, Lee Jang-woo, alongside No Min-woo and Hyun Woo, formed the K-pop project group 24/7. The group released a single titled "24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week" on February 26, 2009, under LOEN Entertainment. The single included three versions of the song: "That Guy's Girl," "That Guy's Girl (Rock ver.)," and "That Guy's Girl (Electronic Ballad ver.)." The group has since disbanded.
3.3.2. Solo Activities
Lee Jang-woo has also released solo music and contributed to original soundtracks:
- In 2011, he appeared in the music video for "Love Pain" (죽을 것만 같아Korean) by his cousin, Hwanhee.
- He released the solo single "Words I Couldn't Say" (차마 하지 못한 말Korean) in 2012. This single peaked at number 23 on the Gaon Digital Chart and sold 127,598 units in South Korea.
- In 2013, he released the single "Saying I Love You" (사랑한단 말야Korean) as part of the original soundtrack for the television series Bel Ami.
- In 2019, he contributed "It Feels Like Tears" (눈물 날듯해Korean) to the original soundtrack of My Only One (OST Part 24).
Lee Jang-woo has also appeared in other music videos:
- 2006: "On the Opposite Side" by Gavy NJ
- 2010: "Because You Sting" (니가 따끔거려서Korean) by JeA and G.O, "Udon" by Kang Min-kyung and Son Dong-woon
- 2011: "The Way I Am" (내가 이렇지Korean) by Zia (featuring Ha Dong-kyun), "Bo Peep Bo Peep (Japanese Version)" by T-ara
3.4. Broadcasting Activities
Lee Jang-woo has a notable presence in broadcasting, participating in various television variety shows and serving as an MC.
3.4.1. Variety Show Appearances
He has appeared in numerous variety shows, often as a cast member or guest:
- 2010: Nocturnal (KBS2, episode 22, with the cast of Smile Again and After School)
- 2011-2012: We Got Married Season 3 (MBC) as a paired cast member with Ham Eun-jung (April 9, 2011 - August 25, 2012)
- 2016: Law of the Jungle in Panama (SBS) as a cast member (January 8 - February 26, 2016), appearing with Hwanhee
- 2018: Happy Together 3 (KBS2) as a guest (September 13)
- 2019: Video Star (MBC Every1) as a guest (January 15), I Live Alone (MBC) as a guest (December 6-13)
- 2020: Let's Eat Dinner Together (JTBC) as a guest (January 8), I Live Alone (MBC) as a guest (February 28, July 3-10, August 28), Flour Chef Lee Jang Woo (YouTube web series) as MC (July 14 onwards)
- 2021: I Live Alone (MBC) as a guest (March 5-12, May 21, September 3, October 8, December 24), Bistro Shigor (JTBC) as a cast member in the cooking department (October 25 onwards)
- 2022: I Live Alone (MBC) as a regular cast member (January 21-28, April 1, April 8, April 22, May 6, May 13, June 17, August 5, October 7, October 21, December 23, December 30), Untangodo Village Hotel (tvN STORY) as a cast member responsible for cooking (August 15 - October 3), Radio Star (MBC) as a guest (September 21)
- 2023: I Live Alone (MBC) as a regular cast member (February 24 onwards), Amazing Saturday (tvN) as a guest (February 4), Business Genius Baeksajang (tvN) as a regular cast member (April 2 onwards), Live Broadcast Today Evening (MBC) as a guest (October 4), Business Genius Baeksajang 2 (tvN) as a regular cast member (October 29 onwards)
3.4.2. MC and Radio Activities
Lee Jang-woo has also showcased his hosting abilities and made appearances on radio programs.
- He served as an MC for Music Bank on KBS2 from January 6, 2012, to April 5, 2013, alongside Uee.
- He was also an MC for the MBC Gayo Daejejeon on December 31, 2011.
- In 2024, he was selected as an MC for the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards, co-hosting with Jun Hyun-moo and Yoon Eun-hye.
- His radio appearances include: Jung Eun-ji's Gayo Plaza (KBS Cool FM) as a guest with Jin Ki-joo (September 16, 2020), and Cultwo Show (SBS Power FM) as a guest with Min Woo-hyuk and Na Ha-na (September 5, 2022).
3.5. Commercial Appearances
Lee Jang-woo has been featured in various commercials and served as a promotional model for several brands.
| Year | Company | Product | Type | Co-star |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Sports Toto Korea | Sports Toto - Play Back | Lottery | |
| 2009 | OB Beer | Cass - Live with a Kick, Cass | Alcoholic Beverage | Kang Shin-il |
| 2011 | ABC-Mart | ABC-Mart - Find the shoes you want at ABC-Mart | Shoes | |
| LF | TNGT (Print Advertisement) | Clothing | ||
| 2011 | HUM (Print Advertisement) | Clothing | ||
| 2018 | TS Trillion | TS Good Hair Wax - A man's hair is his power | Household Goods | |
| TS Good Hair Wax - Because you have to protect it until the end | Household Goods | |||
| TS Good Hair Wax - Start with TS, end with TS | Household Goods | |||
| TS Shampoo - Wash thoroughly, before it's too late, you too, TS | Household Goods | |||
| TS Shampoo - Wash thoroughly, lest your hair falls out | Household Goods | |||
| 2020 | TS Good Hair Dye - TS Good Hair Dye that knows hair and scalp well | Household Goods | ||
| TS Mask - Worsening pollution | Household Goods | |||
| 2021 | Lotte Confectionery | Health One Colostrum Protein 365 - 100% French Colostrum | Health Food | |
| 2021 | Dongjin Leisure | Mountia | Outdoor Wear | |
| 2022 | Dorco Living | My Chef | Kitchenware |
4. Discography
Lee Jang-woo's discography includes singles as a member of 24/7 and solo releases, along with contributions to television drama soundtracks.
| Title | Year | Peak Chart Positions KOR | Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "That Guy's Girl" (그녀석의 여자Korean) (as 24/7, with No Min-woo and Hyun Woo) | 2009 | - | Non-album single | |
| "Words I Couldn't Say" (차마 하지 못한 말Korean) | 2012 | 23 | KOR: 127,598 units | Non-album single |
| "Saying I Love You" (사랑한단 말야Korean) | 2013 | - | Bel Ami OST | |
| "It Feels Like Tears" (눈물 날듯해Korean) | 2019 | - | My Only One OST Part 24 |
5. Awards and Nominations
Lee Jang-woo has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, recognizing his achievements in acting, music, and broadcasting.
| Year | Awards | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 11th MBC Entertainment Awards | Best Male Newcomer in a Variety Show | We Got Married - Season 3 | Won |
| 2011 | 25th KBS Drama Awards | Best New Actor | Smile Again, Glory Jane | Won |
| 2012 | 7th Asia Model Awards | New Star Award | Won | |
| 2012 | 31st MBC Drama Awards | Best New Actor | I Do, I Do, Here Comes Mr. Oh | Won |
| 2013 | 21st Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama | Here Comes Mr. Oh | Won |
| 2014 | 33rd MBC Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | Rosy Lovers | Won |
| 2014 | 33rd MBC Drama Awards | Best Couple | Rosy Lovers (with Han Sun-hwa) | Won |
| 2018 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama | My Only One | Won |
| 2018 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Couple | My Only One (with Uee) | Won |
| 2019 | 2019 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards | Male Actor in Person Brand Category | Won | |
| 2020 | 7th APAN Star Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor in Serial Drama | Homemade Love Story | Won |
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama | Homemade Love Story | Won |
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Couple | Homemade Love Story (with Jin Ki-joo) | Won |
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Best Couple | Homemade Love Story (with Jeong Bo-seok) | Won |
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Male Popularity Award | Homemade Love Story | Won |
| 2022 | 22nd MBC Entertainment Awards | Popularity Award (Variety) | I Live Alone | Won |
| 2022 | 22nd MBC Entertainment Awards | Best Couple Award | I Live Alone (with Jun Hyun-moo and Park Na-rae) | Won |
| 2023 | Broadcast Advertising Festival | Excellence Award, CF | Won | |
| 2023 | MBC Entertainment Awards | Best Teamwork Award | I Live Alone | Won |
| 2023 | MBC Entertainment Awards | Reality Category Top Excellence Award | I Live Alone | Won |
| 2024 | MBC Entertainment Awards | Multi-Player Award | I Live Alone, Lee Jang-woo of Rural Village, Daejang's Side Dishes | Won |