From Breakout Supporting Roles to Award-Winning Lead Actor in Korean Television Drama

🧔 Who Is Lee Do-hyun?

Lee Do-hyun, born Lim Dong-hyun on April 11, 1995, in Seoul, South Korea, is a distinguished actor recognized for his versatile work in television and film. He first captured audience attention with his supporting role in the hit series “Hotel del Luna” (2019), which paved the way for leading roles that further showcased his talent. His performances in “18 Again,” “Sweet Home,” and “Youth of May” have solidified his reputation as a skilled actor capable of handling diverse genres.

As a rising star, Lee has received numerous accolades for his work, including Best New Actor awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards and APAN Star Awards. He is represented by the agency YH and continues to expand his influence in the Korean entertainment industry through compelling roles and critically acclaimed projects.

📌 Quick Profile

• Full Name: Lee Do-hyun
• Hangul: 이도현
• Birth Date: 1995-04-11
• Age: 31 years 3 months 26 days
• Nationality: South Korea
• Zodiac Sign: Aries

🌱 Early Life & Background

Lee Do-hyun was born in Seoul and is the eldest son in his family. He has a younger brother, Lim Dong-hyuk, who has an intellectual disability. This family background has shaped his personal perspective and values.

📚 Education & Training

Lee pursued formal education in the arts by enrolling in Chung-Ang University, where he studied in the Department of Film and Theater. His academic training provided a solid foundation for his acting career, equipping him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that have informed his performances on screen.

🎬 Career Beginnings

Lee Do-hyun made his acting debut in 2017 with the black comedy series “Prison Playbook,” portraying the younger version of a main character. This role marked his first step into the television industry and introduced him to a wider audience. The following year, he secured supporting roles in dramas such as “Still 17” and “Clean with Passion for Now,” where his performances earned him a nomination for Character of the Year at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards.

His career momentum continued into 2019 with a notable supporting role in “Hotel del Luna,” one of the highest-rated Korean cable dramas. That year, he also won Best Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama at the KBS Drama Awards for his work in “Scouting Report,” signaling his rising prominence in the industry.

🔥 Notable Works & Iconic Roles

✨ Acting Style & Public Image

Lee Do-hyun is known for his ability to portray emotionally complex and multifaceted characters with subtlety and sincerity. His performances often convey a quiet intensity, allowing him to resonate deeply with viewers. Whether playing a cool-headed and cynical character in “Sweet Home” or a heartfelt lead in melodramas like “Youth of May,” his range demonstrates a commitment to authentic storytelling.

Publicly, Lee is perceived as a thoughtful and humble actor who approaches his craft with seriousness. His growing popularity is matched by critical recognition, reflecting a balanced image of both a rising star and a dedicated professional in the Korean entertainment scene.

🎞️ Drama & Movie List (Key Roles)

Year	Title	Role	Type
2024	Exhuma	Yoon Bong-gil	Movie
2023	Death’s Game	Jang Gun-woo	TV Drama
2023	The Good Bad Mother	Choi Kang-ho	TV Drama
2022	Reincarnation Love	Jeon Sang-tae	Movie
2022	The Glory	Joo Yeo-jeong	TV Drama
2021	Youth of May	Hwang Hee-tae	TV Drama
2021	Melancholia	Baek Seung-yoo	TV Drama
2021	Beyond Evil	Young Lee Dong-shik	TV Drama
2020	Sweet Home	Lee Eun-hyeok	TV Drama
2020	18 Again	Hong Dae-young / Go Woo-young	TV Drama

🎖️ Awards & Achievements

Lee Do-hyun’s career is distinguished by several prestigious awards, reflecting his rapid ascent in the acting world. Notably, he won the Best New Actor – Television award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards for his lead role in “18 Again.” He also received the Best New Actor award at the 7th APAN Star Awards and the Best Actor in a One-Act/Special/Short Drama at the 33rd KBS Drama Awards for “Scouting Report.”

In film, Lee earned the Best New Actor award at the 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards for “Exhuma,” further highlighting his versatility across mediums. His accolades also include wins at the Brand of the Year Awards and recognition at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, underscoring both his popularity and critical acclaim.

🌸 Personal Life

Lee Do-hyun enlisted for his mandatory military service in August 2023, serving in the Air Force military band, and was discharged in May 2025 after completing 21 months. This period marked a temporary pause in his acting career, during which fans awaited his return.

In his personal relationships, Lee is publicly known to be dating actress Lim Ji-yeon, whom he met while filming the drama “The Glory.” Their relationship was confirmed by his agency in April 2023, reflecting a personal connection formed through professional collaboration.

🚧 Recent & Upcoming Projects

Following his military discharge, Lee Do-hyun has been involved in high-profile projects, including the 2023 Netflix drama “The Glory,” where he starred alongside Song Hye-kyo. He also completed the film “Exhuma” (2024), which earned him critical acclaim and award recognition.

Prior to his enlistment, Lee chose “Death’s Game” as his last project, motivated by his strong working relationship with director Ha Byung-hoon. His career continues to evolve with a mix of television and film roles that highlight his growing stature in the industry.

🎈 Fun Facts

• Early Debut Role

  Lee Do-hyun’s debut acting role was portraying the younger version of a main character in the black comedy “Prison Playbook” in 2017.

• Award-Winning in Both TV and Film

  He has won Best New Actor awards in both television for “18 Again” and film for “Exhuma.”

• Military Service in Air Force Band

  During his mandatory military service, Lee served in the Air Force military band from 2023 to 2025.

• Family Background

  Lee is the eldest son and has a younger brother with an intellectual disability, which has influenced his personal outlook.

• Relationship with Co-star

  Lee is dating actress Lim Ji-yeon, whom he met while working on the drama “The Glory.”

✨ Legacy & Why Fans Love Lee Do-hyun

Lee Do-hyun has become beloved by fans for his ability to breathe life into a wide spectrum of characters, making each role memorable and emotionally resonant. His naturalistic acting style and dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising talents of his generation in Korean drama and film.

Fans appreciate not only his on-screen performances but also his humble and earnest off-screen persona. His thoughtful approach to acting and genuine connection with audiences contribute to a lasting legacy that continues to grow with each new project.

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