Lee Jong-suk
A South Korean actor who redefined the leading man with his gentle intellect and a knack for choosing groundbreaking, fantasy-driven dramas.
Born 1989 (age 37)·South Korean model and actor·Birthday: September 14·Millennials
Biography
Lee Jong-suk didn't just become a star; he became a genre. Starting as a runway model at 15—the youngest ever to walk Seoul Fashion Week—he possessed a unique, slender elegance that initially typecast him. His acting breakthrough came with the school drama 'School 2013,' where his portrayal of a conflicted student revealed a depth beyond his looks. He then masterfully navigated a wave of high-concept fantasy romances, from playing a mind-reading prosecutor in 'I Can Hear Your Voice' to a webtoon character come to life in the dimension-bending 'W.' These roles showcased his specialty: bringing emotional vulnerability and sharp intelligence to characters existing in extraordinary circumstances. After a mandatory military service pause, he returned to critical and commercial success with the noir thriller 'Big Mouth,' proving his ability to anchor darker, more complex narratives. Lee's career is a map of Hallyu's evolution, moving from pretty-boy archetypes to sophisticated, cerebral heroes.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lee was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Lee's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the youngest male model ever to debut at Seoul Fashion Week at the age of 15.
- Won the Best Actor award at the 2016 APAN Star Awards for his performance in the drama 'W.'
- His drama 'Pinocchio' achieved significant popularity across Asia and helped boost the career of co-star Park Shin-hye.
- Headlined the hit drama 'While You Were Sleeping,' which was praised for its intricate plot and ensemble cast chemistry.
Did You Know?
He holds a black belt in Taekwondo.
Lee Jong-suk initially wanted to be a soccer player but turned to modeling after a ligament injury.
He is known for his love of reading and has a personal library with thousands of books.
He made a special appearance in the music video for K-pop group 2NE1's song 'I Love You' in 2012.
“I want to be an actor who can move people's hearts, not just someone who is good-looking.”
