You know that feeling when you're watching a K-drama and a guy pops up on screen, and you immediately think, "Wait, I know him from like ten other things"? That’s basically the career of Lee Seung-joon. He isn't always the guy on the poster, but he’s usually the guy making the scenes worth watching. Honestly, it’s wild how he jumps from playing a bumbling doctor to a high-ranking king without breaking a sweat.
If you’ve been keeping up with Lee Seung-joon movies and tv shows, you’ve probably noticed he has this specific kind of gravity. He’s the ultimate "glue" actor. In 2024, he popped up in Doctor Slump and Love Next Door, reminding everyone that even in a crowded cast of idols and A-listers, a veteran like him can still steal the spotlight. He's been at this since the late 90s, starting in theater before becoming a fixture of the small screen.
The roles that made us notice Lee Seung-joon
Most people started really paying attention to him around 2013 or 2014. If you’re a fan of Nine: Nine Time Travels, you remember him as Han Young-hoon. That was a breakthrough. But let’s be real, his turn as the adorable and slightly pathetic Manager Lee in Ugly Miss Young-ae (specifically seasons 12 through 17) is what cemented his place in the hearts of Korean viewers. He played the "small-town romantic" so well it became his brand for a while.
Then came Descendants of the Sun. Even if you only watched that for Song Joong-ki, you couldn't miss Lee Seung-joon as Dr. Song Sang-hyun. His bickering chemistry with Seo Jung-yeon provided the much-needed levity in a show that was often heavy on the military melodrama. It’s that versatility—being able to do comedy in a war zone—that makes his filmography so dense.
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A shift toward the serious and historical
It wasn't all just "funny doctor" roles, though. He took a massive swing into serious territory with Mr. Sunshine. Playing King Gojong is no small feat. He had to portray a monarch who was essentially watching his country slip through his fingers. It was a fragile, heartbreaking performance. You’ve got to respect an actor who can go from a sitcom to playing a pivotal historical figure without it feeling jarring.
Lee Seung-joon movies and tv shows: A quick look at the range
Usually, when we talk about his work, we divide it into two camps: the "Best Friend/Colleague" roles and the "Unsettling/Intense" roles. He’s surprisingly good at being creepy.
- Behind Your Touch (2023): He played Cha Ju-man. Without giving away spoilers, let’s just say he played the "trustworthy politician" vibe with a layer of mystery that kept everyone guessing.
- Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023): Here, he was Gang Bong-go, the father of the lead. He brought a lot of heart to a show that was essentially a superhero comedy.
- The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014): In one of Korea's biggest movies ever, he played Captain Ahn. It's a small but vital role in a massive epic.
- The Killer (2022): He took a darker turn here as Lee Young-ho. If you only know him from rom-coms, this one might surprise you.
Why his 2024-2025 run matters
Lately, he’s been leaning into the "Father" or "Senior Professional" roles, and he’s doing it better than almost anyone else in the industry. In Love Next Door, he played Choi Kyung-jong, an emergency doctor and the father of the male lead. It was a role that required a lot of quiet, understated emotion—the kind of stuff that doesn't get you a flashy awards speech but makes the story feel real.
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It's interesting because he doesn't seem to care about the size of the role. He'll do a two-episode cameo in Doctor Slump or Happiness and still make an impression. That’s the mark of a real professional. He’s not looking for the most screen time; he’s looking for the most interesting beat to play.
What most people get wrong about him
A lot of casual fans think he’s just a "supporting guy." But if you look at his theater background—plays like 33 Variations and Les Justes—you see a performer with massive technical range. He isn't just filling a slot in a script. He’s building a character from the ground up, often giving them more depth than what was probably on the page.
Mapping out his best work for your watchlist
If you’re trying to dive into his work, don’t just watch the hits. Check out some of the niche stuff. Memories of the Alhambra is a great example. He plays Park Son-ho, a character who has to balance being a corporate executive with being a loyal friend in a world where video games are becoming reality. It’s a thankless role on paper, but he makes it the moral center of the show.
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For movies, Cart (2014) is a must-watch. He plays Section Chief Choi. It’s a gritty, realistic look at labor rights in Korea, and his performance is incredibly grounded. It’s a far cry from the King of Joseon or a bumbling hospital director.
Actionable next steps for fans:
If you want to see the full scope of what he can do, watch Discovery of Love followed immediately by Mr. Sunshine. The contrast between his contemporary romantic comedy timing and his historical gravitas is the best way to understand why he’s stayed relevant for nearly thirty years. Keep an eye on his 2026 projects; rumors suggest he's moving toward more streaming-exclusive thrillers where he can really flex those "unsettling" acting muscles he's been teasing lately.