Lee Jong-suk

2.1.1. Rising Popularity and Breakthrough (2011-2013)

Lee Jong-suk began to gain significant recognition with his supporting role as the talented composer Sun (Han Tae-sun) in the hit 2010 drama Secret Garden, where he portrayed a character with a surly attitude and a forbidden crush on the second male lead. In 2011, he appeared in MBC's sitcom High Kick Season 3, further boosting his popularity. His character, Ahn Jong-suk, became widely known for the cute "Bbuing Bbuing" gesture and phrase, which became a national trend in Korea. In 2012, he co-starred in the film R2B: Return to Base, a loose remake of the 1986 film Top Gun, playing the role of Air Force fighter pilot Ji Seok-hyun. He also appeared in the KBS2 drama special My Prettiest Moments as Yoon Jung-hyuk.

His breakout role came in December 2012 as the high school student Go Nam-soon in the teen drama School 2013. His portrayal of a character with a deep backstory garnered significant attention and critical acclaim for his delicate internal acting. For this role, he received his first acting award, the Best New Actor award, at the 2012 KBS Drama Awards, shared with Lee Hee-joon.

Following the success of School 2013, Lee starred in the critically acclaimed SBS drama series I Can Hear Your Voice alongside Lee Bo-young in June 2013. He played Park Soo-ha, an intelligent young man with psychic powers who can read minds. The drama was originally slated for 16 episodes but was extended by two due to its high ratings, reaching a peak of 24.1% in Korea. His performance earned him the Excellence Award in the male category and the Best Couple Award (with Lee Bo-young) at the 6th Korea Drama Awards, and the Excellence Award in a Miniseries and Top 10 Stars award at the 2013 SBS Drama Awards. He also ranked fifth in a survey titled 'Actors Who Lit Up 2013' by Gallup Korea. In the same year, he starred in the sports film No Breathing as Jeong Woo-sang and had a supporting role as Jin-hyeong in the box office hit The Face Reader.

2.1.2. Mainstream Success and International Recognition (2014-2016)

In 2014, Lee Jong-suk continued his successful streak with the teen romantic comedy film Hot Young Bloods, playing a cheesy womanizer named Kang Joong-gil. He then starred in the hit medical drama Doctor Stranger, portraying Park Hoon, a North Korean defector who works as a genius doctor in South Korea. This marked his first title role, and his stable acting, showcasing a range of emotions, proved his potential as a lead actor. The drama was a significant success in China, accumulating 400 million views.

Lee next starred in Pinocchio opposite actress Park Shin-hye, playing Choi Dal-po (Ki Ha-myung), a first-year reporter at a broadcasting company who struggles with the idea of justice and truth. His detailed emotional portrayal of a rookie reporter's growth was highly praised. Pinocchio was another major hit, reportedly generating 6.20 B KRW (approximately 5.62 M USD) in broadcasting rights revenue within a year. His performances in Doctor Stranger and Pinocchio earned him numerous accolades, including the Male Top Excellence Award at the 8th Korea Drama Awards. He also became the youngest actor to win the Best Actor award at the 27th Grimae Awards, an award chosen by television cinematographers.

After a year-long break for recharging, Lee resumed his acting activities in 2016 with the Chinese-Korean co-production drama Jade Lovers, a fantasy romance series set in the 1930s, filmed in Shanghai. Due to his growing popularity in China, a wax figure of him was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in January 2016. In May 2016, he signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment.

In July 2016, Lee returned to the Korean small screen with MBC's fantasy thriller W alongside Han Hyo-joo. He played Kang Chul, a former Olympic shooting gold medalist and young chaebol. His performance, which conveyed complex psychological states and brought realism to a comic book character, was highly praised. The drama topped popularity charts in Korea, and Lee won the Daesang (Grand Prize), the Top Excellence Award for an Actor in a Miniseries, and the Best Couple Award (with Han Hyo-joo) at the 2016 MBC Drama Awards. The same year, he made cameo appearances in the web drama Gogh, The Starry Night as Song Dae-ki and in the MBC drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo as himself. He also co-starred in the promotional web drama 7 First Kisses for Lotte Duty Free.

2.1.3. Continued Success and Diverse Roles (2017-Present)

In 2017, Lee Jong-suk took on his first lead villain role in the crime film VIP, playing Kim Gwang-il, a psychopathic serial killer. His portrayal was highly praised for its intense presence. In September, he starred in the supernatural-procedural drama While You Were Sleeping alongside Bae Suzy, playing prosecutor Jung Jae-chan. In July of the same year, he was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Korean tourism by the Korea Tourism Organization. The organization released promotional videos featuring him, titled "8 Episodes of Korea," showcasing tourist spots in 10 different regions, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Jeju, and Gyeongju.

In 2018, Lee was cast in the three-episode drama The Hymn of Death, a remake of the 1991 film Death Song, playing the role of genius playwright Kim Woo-jin. He appeared in this drama without a guarantee (no-pay) to help revitalize short-form dramas, which was highly appreciated by the public. After his contract with YG Entertainment ended on March 31, 2018, he signed with YNK Entertainment but terminated the contract five months later, establishing his own agency, A-man Project.

In 2019, he starred in his first romantic comedy drama, Romance Is a Bonus Book, alongside Lee Na-young, playing Cha Eun-ho. This drama was his last project before his mandatory military service.

After completing his military duty, Lee made a comeback with a cameo appearance as Jang in The Witch: Part 2. The Other One in 2021. He later confirmed his role as Jeon Tae-song in the film Decibel alongside Kim Rae-won, Lee Sang-hee, and Cha Eun-woo, marking his second villain role after VIP. In September 2021, Lee confirmed his lead role as Park Chang-ho in the MBC drama Big Mouth with Im Yoon-ah, which aired in 2022. This marked his return to television dramas three years after his military discharge. In 2022, he held a fan meeting titled 'RE, JONG SUK' at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul on September 12. In 2024, he made a cameo appearance as Jjaknun in the film The Plot.

2.2.1. Films

Lee Jong-suk's film career began with minor roles and gradually progressed to lead roles, showcasing his versatility on the big screen.

• 2005: Sympathy as Lee Han-sol
• 2010: Ghost as Baek Hyun-wook
• 2012: As One as Choi Kyung-sub
• 2012: R2B: Return to Base as First Lieutenant Ji Seok-hyun
• 2013: The Face Reader as Kim Jin-hyeong
• 2013: No Breathing as Jeong Woo-sang
• 2014: Hot Young Bloods as Kang Joong-gil
• 2017: VIP as Kim Gwang-il
• 2022: The Witch: Part 2. The Other One as Jang (cameo)
• 2022: Decibel as Jeon Tae-song
• 2024: The Plot as Jjaknun (cameo)

2.2.2. Television Dramas

Lee Jong-suk has starred in numerous television dramas, many of which have achieved high ratings and critical acclaim.

• 2010: Prosecutor Princess as Lee Woo-hyun (SBS)
• 2010-2011: Secret Garden as Han Tae-sun (SBS)
• 2011-2012: High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged as Ahn Jong-suk (MBC)
• 2012: My Prettiest Moments as Yoon Jung-hyuk (KBS2, Drama Special)
• 2012-2013: School 2013 as Go Nam-soon (KBS2)
• 2013: I Can Hear Your Voice as Park Soo-ha (SBS)
• 2013-2014: Potato Star 2013QR3 as Jong-suk (tvN, cameo, episode 15)
• 2014: Doctor Stranger as Park Hoon (SBS)
• 2014-2015: Pinocchio as Choi Dal-po / Ki Ha-myung (SBS)
• 2016: Jade Lover as Bai Luohan (Anhui TV, Chinese-Korean co-production)
• 2016: W as Kang Chul (MBC)
• 2016: Gogh, The Starry Night as Song Dae-ki (Sohu & SBS, cameo, episode 1)
• 2016-2017: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo as Lee Jong-suk (MBC, cameo, episode 2)
• 2017: While You Were Sleeping as Jung Jae-chan (SBS)
• 2018: The Hymn of Death as Kim Woo-jin (SBS, Drama Special)
• 2019: Romance Is a Bonus Book as Cha Eun-ho (tvN)
• 2022: Big Mouth as Park Chang-ho (MBC)

2.2.3. Web Dramas and Special Appearances

Lee Jong-suk has also extended his presence to web dramas and made notable special appearances.

• 2016: 7 First Kisses as Lee Jong-suk (Naver TV Cast, episodes 6-7)

2.2.4. Television Programs and Variety Shows

Beyond acting, Lee Jong-suk has appeared on various television programs and variety shows, showcasing his personality to a wider audience.

• 2010: Strong Heart (SBS, guest, episodes 63-64)
• 2012: Happy Together (KBS, guest, episodes 245, 260)
• 2012: Strong Heart (SBS, guest, episodes 131-132)
• 2012: Inkigayo (SBS, MC)
• 2013: Running Man (SBS, guest, episode 138)
• 2013: Real Mate in AUS (QTV, guest, episodes 1-2)
• 2013: Hwasin (SBS, guest, episode 16)
• 2014: Running Man (SBS, guest, episode 181)
• 2014: Rain Effect (Mnet, guest, episode 5)
• 2015: Happy Camp (HBS, China, guest, Busan Special)
• 2015: Stars from Korea, Season 2 (Sohu TV, China, guest, episodes 4 & 5)
• 2016: SectionTV (MBC, guest, episodes 834, 837)
• 2016: Fantastic Duo (SBS, candidate, top 6, episode 27)
• 2017: Three Meals a Day (tvN, guest, episodes 8 & 9)
• 2018: Lucky or Not - Fair Battle (SBS, documentary narrator, 2 episodes)

2.3.1. Soundtrack Contributions

Lee Jong-suk has lent his voice to the soundtracks of his dramas.

• 2017: "Come To Me" (내게 와^Korean) for While You Were Sleeping OST Part 9
• 2017: "Would You Know" (그대는 알까요^Korean) for While You Were Sleeping OST Part 12

He has also appeared in several music videos as an actor:

• 2009: "I Don't Care" by 2NE1
• 2011: "Don't Play Around" by CHI CHI
• 2012: "Lost" by Nicole Jung (Korean and Japanese versions)
• 2014: "My Valentine" by Jung Yup
• 2016: "Love is" by Davichi

2.3.2. Advertisements and Endorsements

Lee Jong-suk has been a highly sought-after model and endorser for a wide range of brands, both in Korea and internationally.

• 2009: IVY Club School uniforms, Levi's, MYMUI
• 2011: TBJ, SK-II Pitera Essence, The Body Shop White Musk, Make Up For Ever: Rouge Artist Natural, Biotherm Homme: T-PUR, SKONO 10TRENDS, EZIO S/S Collection, TBJ F/W Collection, Take-out Milk campaign (TetraPak Korea)
• 2012: Jambangee (with Park Shin-hye)
• 2013: ASICS (with Ha Ji-won), Cass (with Kim Woo-bin), Poko Pang (NHN Entertainment), Save The Children, Trugen (with Kim Woo-bin), Jambangee (with Park Shin-hye), Narang D Cider, Coffee & Biatti, Nongshim Shrimp Crackers, Skin Food, SK - OK Cashbag (SK Planet), Olleh All-IP (Korea Telecom Corporation, with Lee Bo-young)
• 2014: Asics, Standard Charter (Good Library Project, Season 3), Milkcow (with Go Joon-hee), G by Guess (with Kang Min-kyung), Semir (China brand, with Angelababy), Shilla Duty Free, Oakley (first Korean model), Lock & Lock (Asian markets), MVIO (Samsung company, Korea and China)
• 2015: Skin Food (with Kim Yoo-jung), Millet (with Park Shin-hye), Sunkist, BBQ Chicken (with Bae Suzy), Semir (China brand)
• 2016: Lock & Lock (Asian markets), Hapsode (China cosmetic product), Glemall (China department store), VEDI VERO (Sunglasses), Gong Cha (Food & beverage), Star Phone (TCL/Alcatel, China market), Lotte Duty Free
• 2017: Samsonite (Samsonite Red), Sieg Fahrenheit, Celebeau, Korea Tourism (Honorary Ambassador)
• 2018: Dragon Nest M (mobile game), su:m37
• 2019: Ce& (CE.and)
• 2021: Prada

2.3.3. Fan Meetings and Events

Lee Jong-suk has actively engaged with his fans through numerous fan meetings and public events across Asia.

• Fan Meetings:**
  • 2011: 1st Fanmeeting (Seoul)
  • 2013: 2nd Fanmeeting (Seoul, March 17), 1st Overseas Fanmeeting (Taiwan, June 1)
  • 2014: Fanmeeting (Shanghai, February 14), Birthday Fanmeeting (Seoul, Kwangwoon University, September 14), Asia Tour Fanmeeting (Beijing, October 19; Thailand, November 1)
  • 2015: Asia Tour Fanmeeting (Guangzhou, February 27; Taiwan, March 21; Shanghai, March 28; Japan, May 23; Hong Kong, May 30), With You Birthday Party (Seoul, COEX, September 13)
  • 2016: Variety (Seoul, Olympic Park, September 10; Osaka, Japan, September 25; Tokyo, Japan, September 27; Taiwan, October 22; Singapore, November 12)
  • 2017: Variety (Saitama, Japan, February 1 & 2; Bangkok, February 25), DreamLike (Seoul, Olympic Park, September 10; Osaka, Japan, December 6; Saitama, Japan, December 8)
  • 2018: Crank Up (Chiba, Japan, August 17; Osaka, Japan, August 19 & 20), Pit-a-Pat (Seoul, KSB Arena, September 1), Crank Up (Taipei, Taiwan, September 9; Bangkok, Thailand, September 15; Jakarta, Indonesia, November 3; Manila, Philippines, November 18)
  • 2022: Re, Jong Suk (Seoul, Bluesquare Master Hall, September 12; Osaka, Japan, December 21; Tokyo, Japan, December 23)
  • 2023: Fanmeet in Manila (Manila, Philippines, April 16), Dear. My With (Hong Kong, July 1; Taipei, Taiwan, July 8; Jakarta, Indonesia, July 17; Dubai, UAE, August 5; Bangkok, Thailand, August 18; Seoul, Korea, September 10; Osaka, Japan, September 18; Tokyo, Japan, September 21; Singapore, October 4; Macau, October 15; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, October 28), Thank You My With (Encore, Yokohama, Japan, December 4)
  • Fansigns:**
    • 2013: Jambangee (February 22), Skin Food (Seoul, March 22), Cass (Busan, August 2), Jambangee (October 11), Trugen (October 11), Cass (October 27), Narangd Cider (November), Christmas Lighting Ceremony (Hong Kong, December 1)
    • 2014: Olleh (Seoul, January 11), Coffee Bene Grand Opening (Vietnam, August 24), G by Guess (Busan, October 24), Skin Food (Thailand, November 2)
    • 2015: BBQ Chicken (Shanghai, May 16), Skin Food (Shanghai, August 9), Millet (Busan, October 31), Lock & Lock (December 5)
    • 2016: Lock & Lock, Tumbler Day (Seoul, December 19)
    • 2017: Poetry Book "Everything Is Your Fault" (Seoul, December 23)
    • 2023: Lee Jong Suk's Bazaar 2023 (April 30)
    • Other Events:**
      • 2011: SIA Style Icon Awards (Seoul)
      • 2012: Undefined many events in 2012 (Seoul)
      • 2013: Style Icon Awards (Seoul), Calvin Klein's Vogue Fashion Night Out (Seoul), Jo Malone's Sugar & Spice Pop Up Lounge (London), Fashion SFW Choi Bum Suk 13 F/W collection celebrity 참석 (Seoul), National League Event (Seoul), Solid Homme 25th Anniversary Collection Fashion Show (Seoul), Cass Event (Busan), Cass Tok Party (Seoul), Press Conference of The Face Reader Movie (Seoul), Cass Point Awards Event (Seoul), Koon With A View Event (Seoul), Korean Drama Awards (Seoul), SkinFood Event (Seoul), APAN Awards (Seoul), Korean Culture Entertainment Award (Seoul), Friend 2 Movie VIP Premier (Seoul), No Breathing Promotion & a series of Greeting Stages (Seoul, Hong Kong), Standard Chartered Bank Opening Gallery (Seoul), L'inoui Store Opening (Seoul), SBS Drama Awards (Seoul)
      • 2014: Beaker Store Opening (Seoul), Standard Chartered's Good Voice Festival (Seoul), Golden Disk Awards (Seoul), Asia Model Awards (Seoul), A series of 8 Greeting Stages of Hot Boiling Youth (Seoul), Millies Store Opening (Seoul), Hugo Boss Store Opening (Hong Kong), SBS Drama Awards (Seoul), Grimae Awards (Seoul)
      • 2015: Twenty VIP Premier (Seoul), Channel Fashion Show (Seoul), Kim Woo Bin's fanmeeting (Seoul), L'inoui (Lotte, Seoul), Valentino Camouflage Pop Up Exhibition (Hong Kong), Park Kyung Lim's Talk Concert (Seoul), Burberry Grand Opening Flagship store (Seoul), Korea Popular Cultural Awards (Seoul), Call It Passion Movie VIP Premier (Seoul), Korean Culture Festival (Seoul), Himalayas Movie VIP Premier (Seoul)
      • 2016: Burberry Menwear Show 2016 Fashion Show (London), Madame Tussauds (Hong Kong), Dior Homme Flagship store Grand Opening (Taiwan), Konkuk 85th Anniversary Music Festival (Konkuk University, Seoul), 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards (Kyunghee University, Seoul), Golden Goose Premium Brand (Seoul), Burberry, The tale of Thomas Burberry (Seoul), Master movie VIP Premier (Seoul)
      • 2017: Life @ Journey, Samsonite (Seoul), Paris Fashion Week 2017 (Paris), Hera Seoul Fashion Week 2018, Beyond Closet (Seoul)
      • 2018: Gucci Flagship Store (Seoul), Alexander McQueen (Seoul), Hera Seoul Fashion Week 2019, Beyond Closet (Seoul)
      • 2022: Prada Tropica Popup Store (Seoul), Valentino Pink PP Collection (Seoul)
      • 2023: Bottega Veneta Popup Store (Seoul), Maison Margiela Popup Store (Gyeonggi), Fred Jewelry (Seoul), Burberry Seongsu Rose (Seoul), Tiffany & CO - Tiffany HOUSE of ICONS (Seoul)
      • 2024: BVLGary Studio (Seoul)

2.3.4. Magazine Features

Lee Jong-suk has been featured in numerous magazines, showcasing his style and thoughts through pictorials and interviews.

• 2011:** Marie Claire, CeCi, BAZAAR, High Cut (with f(x)'s Krystal), CeCi (with ZE:A's Kwanghee), J Style (with After School's Nana), Vogue Girl (with SISTAR)
• 2012:** SURE (September), CeCi (December), Vogue, Singles, ELLE
• 2013:** CAMPUS10 (February), Style Chosun (February), CeCi (March, October), Harper's BAZAAR (February), STAR1 (March, November, with Kim Woo-bin), Vogue (March, July, November), High Cut (August 15 issue, app), Singles (July, October), Cosmopolitan BIFF (October), ELLE (Hong Kong) (November), M (November), GEEK (December), YES Magazine (Hong Kong) (SDecember), The Star (December), W KOREA (December), Asta TV (April), K Wave (June), Japan Date (Japan) (July)
• 2014:** CINE21 (January), High Cut (January 2, May 1 issue), DAZED & CONFUSED KOREA (April), marie claire (April), CeCi (May, October), InStyle MEN (inaugural issue), NYLON (October), GQ (October), Kwave (Brazilian edition cover), 10+ (April)
• 2015:** marie claire (March, December), ESQUIRE (April), InStyle (April), allure korea (June), STAR1 (July)
• 2016:** HIGH CUT (issue 166, February), GQ (Taiwan edition) (June), CeCi (Chinese edition) (July), ARENA (July), W KOREA (August), HIGH CUT (issue 181, September 1), LOFFICIEL HOMMES (October), DAZED & CONFUSED (November), CeCi (November), Cosmomen (December)
• 2017:** L'Officiel Hommes (April), HIGH CUT (issue 204, August 17), Esquire (November), Cine21, Magazine M, Vogue (September), Elle Men Hong Kong (December)
• 2018:** HIGH CUT (issue 213, January 3), Harper's BAZAAR CHINA (February), ELLE (November), Instyle (February)
• 2019:** Esquire (February), HIGH CUT (issue 234, January 24), 1st Look (March), ARENA HOMME + (April), Elle China (March)
• 2021:** Esquire (February), Elle (March), 精彩OK (April), Harpers Bazaar (June), L'officiel Philippines (September), Arena Homme (October), CeCi China Star (November)
• 2022:** Elle (March), Elle Men Singapore (September), Vogue (October), Arena Homme (December)
• 2023:** Ellle Japan (February), Anan Japan (issue 2335), Esquire (March), Crea Japan (Spring issue 375)
• 2024:** Harper's Bazaar KR (May, Digital)

2.3.5. Photobooks and Merchandise

Lee Jong-suk has released several official photobooks and merchandise for his fans, reflecting his popularity.

• 2014: 1st Photobook (Photobook, DVD, released October 6)
• 2015: Season's Greeting 2016 (Diary, Mini Diary, Sticker, Ball Pen, released 2015), 2014 - 2015 Lee Jong-suk Asia Tour Story - With (Photobook, Mini DVD, Photo Set, Photo Frame, released August 1), With Me Photobook (Photobook, 2016 Calendar, released December 1)
• 2017: 2017 Calendar (Coloring Calendar, Colored Pencil Set, Photo Cards, released 2016), Everything is your fault 모두가 네 탓 (나태주 X 이종석) (Poet Photobook + DVD, released December 20)
• 2018: 2018 Welcoming Collection (Portrait Book, Fanmeeting Making Photobook, Diary Notebook, Bookmark, Desk Calendar, Wall Calendar, Sticker, Online Video Authentication Card, released February), Dream With Us (DreamLike Seoul FM Photobook, Poster, Post-card (3 versions), Masking Tape, released March)
• 2019: Lee Jong Suk 2019 Special Edition (Photobook, Desk Calendar, released December 2018)
• 2022: Lee Jong Suk Season Greetings 2022 (New Year Card, Photobook, Desk Calendar, Photo Film, Polaroid, Sticker, released December 2021)
• 2023: Lee Jong Suk Season Greetings 2023 (Calendar, Planner, Photobook, Tracker paper & Sticker set, 4Cut Photo, Photocard, Lenticular Magnet, released December 2022), Dear. My With FM Tour MD (Pin Button & Embroidery Wappen Set, Acrylic Pendant Keyring, Photocard, Scratch Card, Letter Paper, Image Picket, Masking Tape, Special Ticket, Paper Magnet, Photo Stamp, Ball Cap, T-shirt, Acrylic Pendant Gel Pen, Collect Book, released August)
• 2024: I'm Your 5959 (Desk calendar, Stickers, Photo cards, released December)

He also held a "Dream With US Exhibition & Bazaar" from February 28 to March 4, 2018, and "Lee Jong Suk's Bazaar 2023" on April 30, 2023.