Lee Je Hoon – Biography, Age, Korean Dramas & Movies

January 20, 2026 | 6 min. read


From Indie Breakthroughs to Award-Winning Roles, Defining Contemporary Korean Cinema

Lee Je-hoon stands out as a compelling figure in South Korean entertainment, bridging independent film sensibilities with mainstream success. His career reflects a dedication to complex characters and a continuous evolution across film and television, making him a noteworthy subject for any enthusiast of Korean drama and cinema.

🕴️ Who Is Lee Je-hoon?

Lee Je-hoon is a South Korean actor acclaimed for his dynamic performances in both film and television. Emerging prominently in the early 2010s, he earned critical recognition for his roles in “Bleak Night” and “The Front Line,” solidifying his reputation as a versatile and intense performer. He has since expanded his presence through popular works such as “Architecture 101,” “Signal,” and the action crime series “Taxi Driver.”

He is known not only for his ability to portray a wide range of characters but also for his commitment to projects that blend commercial appeal with artistic depth. Lee Je-hoon’s filmography spans various genres, illustrating his adaptability and dedication to his craft.

Signal (2016)
Signal

📋 Quick Profile

  • Full Name: Lee Je-hoon
  • Hangul: 이제훈
  • Birth Date: 1984-07-04
  • Age: 42 years 2 months 16 days
  • Nationality: South Korea
  • Zodiac Sign: Cancer

👶 Early Life & Background

Born on July 4, 1984, in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea, Lee Je-hoon’s early years were rooted in the capital’s vibrant cultural environment. Details about his family background remain private, but his formative years set the stage for a future in the arts.

His early life in Seoul provided him exposure to the country’s evolving entertainment landscape, which likely influenced his eventual decision to pursue acting professionally.

🫧 Education & Training

Initially enrolling as a Biotechnology major at Korea University, Lee Je-hoon made a pivotal decision to transfer to the Korea National University of Arts School of Drama. This formal education in drama provided him with a solid foundation in acting techniques and theatrical performance.

The rigorous training and academic environment at Korea National University of Arts played a significant role in shaping Lee’s approach to his craft, enabling him to transition smoothly into professional acting roles in film and television.

The Art of Negotiation (2025)
The Art of Negotiation

🎬 Career Beginnings

Lee Je-hoon’s acting journey began in earnest between 2006 and 2010, during which he appeared in over 18 student short films and independent projects. Notably, he featured in the queer coming-of-age romance “Just Friends?” and made several appearances as an extra in commercial films such as “The Servant” and “Finding Mr. Destiny.”

These early roles allowed him to hone his skills and gain experience in diverse settings, laying the groundwork for his breakout performances. His dedication to independent and student films revealed a commitment to exploring varied narratives and complex characters from the outset of his career.

🔥 Notable Works & Iconic Roles


The Art of Negotiation (2025)

Chief Detective 1958 (2024)

One Dollar Lawyer (2022)

✨ Acting Style & Public Image

Lee Je-hoon’s acting style is marked by a nuanced intensity and an ability to fully inhabit diverse characters, from troubled youth to historical figures and contemporary protagonists. His performances often balance emotional depth with subtlety, earning him critical praise and a reputation for thoughtful role selection.

Publicly, Lee is perceived as a versatile actor who successfully bridges the gap between indie films and mainstream television, maintaining credibility in both domains. His image reflects professionalism and artistic integrity, contributing to his status as a respected figure in the Korean entertainment industry.

🎞️ Drama & Movie List (Key Roles)


Year Title Role Type
2025 Big Deal Choi In-beom Movie
2025 The Art of Negotiation Yoon Ju-no TV Drama
2024 Escape Lim Kyu-nam Movie
2024 Chief Detective 1958 Park Yeong-han TV Drama
2023 Noryang: Deadly Sea Crown Prince Gwanghae Movie
2022 One Dollar Lawyer Lee Je-hoon TV Drama
2021 Taxi Driver Kim Do-ki TV Drama
2021 Move to Heaven Cho Sang-gu TV Drama
2020 Time to Hunt Jun-seok Movie
2020 Collectors Dong-gu Movie

🔽 View Complete Acting, Movies & Variety Credits
🔴 Click here to expand full filmography


Year Title Role Type
2025 자매다방 Self Variety Show
2024 Rented in Finland Self Variety Show
2024 Hyeri’s Club Himself Variety Show
2024 Whenever Possible self Variety Show
2023 Salon Drip Self Variety Show
2022 Another Record: Into the Daydream Self Variety Show
2022 Just an Excuse Self Variety Show
2021 Log in Belgium Self Variety Show
2020 Show!terview with Jessi Himself Variety Show
2019 Stove League Lee Je-Hoon TV Drama
2019 Traveler Himself Variety Show
2019 How Do You Play? Self Variety Show
2018 You Quiz on the Block Self Variety Show
2018 Where Stars Land Lee Soo-yeon TV Drama
2017 Earth: One Amazing Day Narrator (voice) Movie
2017 Fake Variety Show
2017 Anarchist from Colony Park Yeol Movie
2017 I Can Speak Park Min-jae Movie
2017 쉘위워크 Variety Show
2017 Tomorrow with You Yoo So-Joon TV Drama
2017 시그널 Park Hae-yeong TV Drama
2016 Infinite Challenge – Muhan Company Park Hae-Young Movie
2016 Phantom Detective Hong Gil-dong Movie
2016 Signal Park Hae-young TV Drama
2015 Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village Self Variety Show
2014 Secret Door Crown Prince Sado TV Drama
2013 An Ethics Lesson Jung-hoon Movie
2013 My Paparotti Jang-ho Movie
2012 Architecture 101 Young Lee Seung-min Movie
2012 Ghost Sweepers Suk-hyun Movie
2012 Fashion King Jung Jae-hyuk TV Drama
2011 Bleak Night Gi-tae Movie
2011 The Front Line Shin Il-young Movie
2011 Boys On Film 7: Bad Romance Seok-i (segment “Just Friends?”) Movie
2010 Finding Mr. Destiny Woo-hyung Movie
2010 Maldives Express Variety Show
2010 A Dog in my Flashlight Variety Show
2010 Miss Comunications Variety Show
2010 The Influence King Soonjong Movie
2010 The Servant Hanbok Designer (uncredited) Movie
2010 Be with Me Kim Se-Young Movie
2010 Running Man Variety Show
2010 Three Sisters Kim Eun-Gook TV Drama
2009 Just Friends? Seok-i Movie
2009 When Winter Comes Variety Show
2009 The Pit and the Pendulum young Sang-tae Movie
2008 One Smoky Day Eun-ho Movie
2008 Holy Vacation Yeong-woon Movie
2008 Ah, Man Variety Show
2006 See You After School Ahn-Kyung Movie
2006 Truth litmus Variety Show
1992 SBS Drama Awards Self Variety Show

🥇 Awards & Achievements

Throughout his career, Lee Je-hoon has accumulated numerous accolades, including Best New Actor awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Grand Bell Awards for his role in “Bleak Night.” He has also received recognition from the Asian Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and the SBS Drama Awards, among others.

His award-winning performances span film and television, with honors such as Best Actor at the Asia Contents Awards for “Move to Heaven” and multiple nominations for his work in “Taxi Driver.” These achievements underscore his impact and respected standing within the South Korean acting community.

Taxi Driver (2021)
Taxi Driver

💞 Personal Life

Lee Je-hoon completed his mandatory military service starting October 25, 2012, serving with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency riot police. He was honorably discharged on July 24, 2014. Beyond this, he maintains a private personal life, focusing on his professional endeavors and philanthropic activities.

He has been involved in charitable work, including disaster relief efforts and support for film education, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility alongside his acting career.

🚧 Recent & Upcoming Projects

In recent years, Lee Je-hoon has continued to expand his repertoire with significant projects such as the ongoing “Taxi Driver” series and the Netflix drama “Move to Heaven.” He also starred in the film “Escape” (2024) and the television series “Chief Detective 1958.”

Additionally, Lee founded his own agency, “Company On,” in 2021, signaling a move towards greater creative control and management of his career. He has expressed interest in international collaborations, including potential work in the Philippines, highlighting his openness to diverse opportunities.

Move to Heaven (2021)
Move to Heaven

🤔 Fun Facts

  • Diverse Early Roles

    Before his breakout, Lee appeared in over 18 student and indie films, showcasing his dedication early on.

  • Military Service in Riot Police

    He fulfilled his mandatory service as part of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency riot police unit.

  • Philanthropic Engagement

    Lee has actively supported disaster relief efforts and donated to film education funds.

  • Agency Founder

    In 2021, he established his own talent agency, ‘Company On,’ to manage his career.

  • Interest in International Projects

    Lee has publicly expressed interest in working on projects in the Philippines.

🌟 Legacy & Why Fans Love Lee Je-hoon

Lee Je-hoon’s legacy is defined by his ability to bring authenticity and depth to his roles, earning him a devoted fan base that appreciates his commitment to storytelling. His seamless shift between indie films and mainstream hits has set a standard for artistic versatility in Korean entertainment.

Fans admire his grounded public image, consistent professionalism, and the emotional resonance he brings to his characters. This combination has cemented his status as one of South Korea’s most respected and beloved actors of his generation.

🔎 Discover More

Find more profiles featuring diverse talents and acting careers :


KDW Editor Editorial Team, KDramaWorlds

This review was written and fact-checked by the KDW editorial team — a small group of K-drama viewers who watch every title before writing about it. No screeners, no synopsis-only takes.

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