Honestly, if you only know him as the quiet "new kid" who joined U-KISS back in 2014, you’ve missed a total transformation. Most idols try to stay "pretty" when they transition to acting. They want the lead roles where they look cool and save the girl.
Lee Jun Young took the opposite exit.
He didn’t just leave the idol world; he basically set it on fire and walked away. From playing a terrifying school bully to a guy with very specific "leash" preferences on Netflix, the man has zero fear of ruining his image. In 2026, he’s no longer "Jun from U-KISS." He’s a powerhouse.
The U-KISS Era: Joining a Sinking Ship?
When Jun joined U-KISS in 2014, the group was already six years deep. It was a weird time. He was only 17. He debuted with "Quit Playing," a track so mature the choreography actually got banned from broadcasting. Talk about a trial by fire.
He was talented, sure. He could rap, dance, and sing. But he was entering a group that had already seen members come and go. Most people thought he’d just be another face in a legacy act.
Survival and Resurrection
Then came The Unit in 2017. This was a "rebooting" show for idols who hadn’t quite hit the big time. Jun didn't just participate; he dominated. He finished in first place. It was the first real sign that this guy had a "main character" energy that couldn't be ignored.
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He spent a year in the project group UNB, but the writing was on the wall. The stage was getting too small for him. By 2021, his contract with NH Media ended. While many wondered if U-KISS would continue, Jun—now using his full name Lee Jun Young—was already busy becoming the "OTT Prince."
Why Everyone Is Terrified of Him (In a Good Way)
If you haven't seen Brave Citizen or Mask Girl, you’re missing some of the most visceral villainy in modern Korean media. In Brave Citizen, he plays Han Su-gang. He isn't just a "mean kid." He’s a predator.
He plays these roles with a physical intensity that’s genuinely uncomfortable to watch. He actually learned boxing for months just to do his own stunts in D.P. opposite Jung Hae-in. Most actors hire a double. Lee Jun Young just hits the gym and does it himself.
The Netflix Takeover
His filmography looks like a "Top 10" list of Netflix Korea’s biggest hits:
- Love and Leashes (2022): He played a submissive office worker. It was risky. It was bold. It worked.
- Badland Hunters (2024): He held his own next to Ma Dong-seok. That’s no small feat.
- Weak Hero Class 2 (2025): Playing Geum Seong-jae, he brought a chaotic, "evil lieutenant" energy that made him the perfect foil for Park Ji-hoon’s character.
Critics started calling his 2025 run a "rediscovery." It's a funny term for someone who’s been around for over a decade, but it fits. He’s evolved so much that he feels like a brand-new person every time he hits the screen.
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Breaking the "Idol Actor" Stigma
The term "idol actor" used to be an insult. It meant you got the part because of your fan base, not your talent. Lee Jun Young flipped that script.
He’s won "Best Actor" at the Asia Artist Awards (2025) and "Best New Actor" at the MBC Drama Awards. He doesn't just show up; he disappears into the role. When he played the illegitimate heir Kang In-ha in The Impossible Heir, you forgot he ever sang a pop song.
The Return to Music: Last Dance
Even with all the acting success, he hasn't totally abandoned his roots. In September 2025, he released his first solo mini-album in five years, Last Dance.
It wasn't a generic K-pop release. He participated in writing and composing, particularly on the track "Mr. Clean." It felt personal. At the 10th Anniversary AAA in late 2025, he performed a rearranged version of "Bounce" that proved he still has the footwork of a top-tier idol.
What’s Next in 2026?
Lee Jun Young is currently everywhere. He’s starring in New Employee Chairman Kang and the romance drama Four Hands. He’s also been hosting major events like the MBC University Song Festival.
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He’s achieved a level of "all-rounder" status that is rare. He can carry a rom-com like Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale, then turn around and be the most hated man in a gritty thriller.
How to follow his 2026 journey:
1. Watch the Villain Trilogy
To understand his range, you have to watch D.P., Mask Girl, and Brave Citizen back-to-back. It’s a masterclass in how to play "unlikable" characters with depth.
2. Stream Last Dance
Check out the Last Dance mini-album. It gives you a glimpse into his musical identity outside of the U-KISS or UNB framework.
3. Keep an Eye on OTT Releases
He’s earned the nickname "OTT Civil Servant" for a reason. If a big K-drama is dropping on Netflix or Disney+, there’s a high chance he’s in it.
The most impressive thing about Lee Jun Young isn't just the awards or the hits. It's the fact that he stayed humble through a decade-long grind. He went from being a late addition to a veteran group to being the person every director wants to cast. That’s not luck. That’s pure, unfiltered work ethic.