Lee Dong-wook Profile: The Enduring Allure of a Hallyu Icon (2025 Updated)

For over a quarter of a century, Lee Dong-wook has remained a captivating and consistent presence in the dynamic landscape of South Korean entertainment. His name resonates not only as a versatile actor capable of navigating diverse genres but also as a charismatic host and sought-after model.

From his early days in teen dramas to his status as a global Hallyu star, Lee Dong-wook’s journey is one marked by significant breakthroughs, career resurgences, and an expansion into various facets of the entertainment world, all while maintaining a distinct and recognizable public persona.

Biography

• Name: Lee Dong-wook
• Birth Name: Lee Dong-wook (이동욱)
• Birthday: November 6, 1981
• Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
• Height: 184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
• Instagram: @leedongwook_official
• Twitter: ​N/A

Fun Facts

Regarding His Career

• He was the oldest host in the history of the Produce 101 series, being 37 years and 4 months old at the time of the first broadcast.
• While hosting Produce X 101, he became known for sharing numerous memorable quotes, earning him the nickname “the homeroom teacher of the trainees” due to his encouraging and sincere guidance.
• In Strangers from Hell, there is a scene where he films Im Si-wan with his phone and says, “Because you’re pretty.” This was actually an ad-libbed line.
• Veteran actor Lee Deok-hwa shared that during the filming of the 32-episode drama Hotel King, Lee Dong-wook was so considerate that he let other actors finish their scenes and rest first, even though it meant he had to work through sleep deprivation.
• He was appointed as a promotional ambassador for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and drew attention for personally purchasing 1,000 tickets to the Paralympic Games, hoping to bring more visibility to the event.
• When asked on V LIVE what made him treat fans so kindly, he said he wrote a song titled “To You, Who Stays By My Side” for his 2011 Seoul fan meeting. He penned the lyrics himself to express his gratitude toward fans. The song was composed by his friend, singer Suho, but it was never officially released.
• At his 2017 Seoul fan meeting, he danced to TWICE’s “TT,” fulfilling fan requests after they saw him briefly perform it during Goblin: The Summoning Special. The VCR showed him practicing hard with his choreographer. Although he told fans not to upload the video, the agency posted a full multi-angle clip on V LIVE.
• During the 2017 Paris Fashion Week, he attended the Givenchy show and became a hot topic for his stunning appearance.
• He became the first person to be named GQ Korea’s “Man of the Year” for three consecutive years.

Personality

• He’s a bit of a tsundere. On Pinggyego, even when bantering with Yoo Jae-suk and junior comedians might be exhausting, he tolerates it with patience. Those who know him say he tends to let things be quietly rather than reacting.
• Despite his cold and urban visuals, he’s quite outgoing and loves joking around, especially teasing Lee Kwang-soo and joking with his fellow agency-mate and same-age friend, K.Will.
• Lee Dong-wook is known to be great with children. In The Return of Superman, he looked after soccer player Lee Dong-gook’s children, charming viewers with his gentle and fun demeanor. During a 2016 Entertainment Weekly interview, when asked who he missed most, he immediately named his nephew, Lee Ruhwon, proving his soft spot for family.
• Lee is known for loving his fans, but he’s also firm with fans who cross boundaries. At an overseas fan meeting, a fan who came on stage asked, “Do you remember me?” When Lee didn’t, she got upset and said, “You told me we’d meet again.” Lee replied firmly, “You’ve been on stage before and we’ve met several times. Do you want to go down?”
• Actress Song Ji-hyo picked Lee Dong-wook as a close celebrity friend in an interview, saying it’s because he’s very talkative.

Habits

• Lee Dong-wook watches mukbang videos when he can’t sleep, saying he finds satisfaction in watching others eat.
• To maintain his appearance, he drinks 3 liters of water a day and applies lip balm generously before bed.
• He is very good at housework. He even has his own philosophy about laundry—he rarely uses fabric softener because he believes it damages the fabric.
• He used to play ice hockey at a competitive level and even participated in matches. He was part of an amateur hockey club and owned full gear.
• He shared that while he picked up smoking in the army, he smoked so infrequently—about once a month—that friends told him to just quit.
• He is often seen wearing bracelets, not just as accessories, but as a tool for self-awareness.
• He eats fish-shaped pastries (bungeoppang) starting from the crispy tail, then moves on to the red bean-filled body.

Liking

• Lee Dong-wook is known to be afraid of chickens. On the variety show Roommate, he ran away in fear when tasked with catching chickens.
• He describes himself as a spice lightweight and calls himself “selfie-challenged.”
• He says the part of his body he’s most confident in is his ankles.
• Lee has a pair of sentimental sweatpants he calls his “comfort pants.” He wears them when things get tough as they give him strength. They were a gift from his younger sister, who bought them for him with saved money when she was in high school.
• He is also a “mint chocolate supporter”, saying he’ll eat it if it’s available.
• Lee owns over 200 comic books and is a huge manga fan. He especially enjoys works by Mitsuru Adachi

Others

• His maternal lineage includes genes commonly found in Koryaks from the Russian Far East and Khakas people of the Khakassia Republic. His biological age was also revealed to be 32.
• He confessed that he passed the first round of entrance exams at the Korea National University of Arts but failed the second round, which required pantomime.
• He is often compared to various public figures including Olaf, Jang Do-yeon, Johnny Depp, Elroy Costa, Yoo Taeyang, Bright, and Wonstein. However, he strongly denies looking like Olaf, joking that it’s because Olaf has a carrot for a nose.
• He was once proposed to by singer-actress Heo Young-ji.
• He’s known to be very close with his younger sister, often sticking by her side since childhood.
• Lee has shared that he blacks out after about 30 shots of soju.
• He’s expressed a consistent interest in directing. Before enlisting, he directed a short film for his singer friend KCM, based on the song “To Eun-young.”

Career

Defining Roles and Genre Mastery

His entry point into the industry was marked by winning the grand prize in the V-NESS model contest in 1999. This victory quickly led to his acting debut in an MBC single-episode drama that same year. The director of that drama recognized his potential and cast him in the popular teen series “School 2,” with his role in the subsequent “School 3” solidifying his presence and helping him gain early recognition.

While the “School” series provided his initial footing, Lee Dong-wook’s ascent to true stardom arrived with the 2005 romantic comedy “My Girl.” Playing the role of the wealthy and composed chaebol heir, Seol Gong-chan, Lee Dong-wook captured the hearts of audiences both in South Korea and across Asia. The drama’s immense popularity cemented his status as a leading man and a prominent figure in the burgeoning Korean Wave (Hallyu).  

Following this breakthrough, Lee Dong-wook embarked on a period demonstrating remarkable versatility, refusing to be typecast and exploring a wide array of genres and character types. He delved into the darker tones of noir and thriller with roles in “Bitter Sweet Life” (2008) , “Arang” (2006) , and “The Recipe” (2010). He showcased his comedic timing in the courtroom dramedy “Partner” (2009) and explored poignant melodrama in “Scent of a Woman” (2011) and the revenge-fueled “Hotel King” (2014), the latter notably reuniting him with his “My Girl” co-star, Lee Da-hae. His filmography during this time also included the baseball-themed rom-com “Wild Romance” (2012) , the period thriller “The Fugitive of Joseon” (2013) , the fantasy-action series “Blade Man” (2014) , and the romance drama “Bubble Gum” (2015).

The trajectory of Lee Dong-wook’s career took another dramatic upward turn with his role in the cultural phenomenon “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (Goblin) from 2016 to 2017. His portrayal of the melancholic yet endearing Grim Reaper (also known as Wang Yeo) became instantly iconic. The drama was a massive international success, significantly boosting Lee Dong-wook’s profile and leading to a powerful resurgence in his career. His compelling chemistry with co-stars Gong Yoo (creating a much-celebrated bromance) and Yoo In-na (forming a beloved romantic pairing) was a major factor in the drama’s appeal.  

The success of “Goblin” seemed to usher in a new phase, characterized by roles that further demonstrated his range and willingness to tackle complex, often darker, characters. He starred as a dedicated doctor in the medical drama “Life” (2018). Capitalizing on the immense popularity of the “Goblin” secondary couple, he reunited with Yoo In-na for the lead roles in the romantic comedy “Touch Your Heart” (2019). This strategic reunion highlights an understanding of audience desires and likely points to positive working dynamics established during their previous collaboration. He then took a chilling turn as the charismatic antagonist dentist Seo Moon-jo in the psychological thriller “Hell Is Other People” (2019). He embraced the fantasy genre again as the titular nine-tailed fox (Gumiho) Lee Yeon in “Tale of the Nine Tailed” (2020) and its sequel “Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938” (2023). More recently, he has tackled action and mystery in “Bad and Crazy” (2021) and “A Shop for Killers” (2024). His film work also continues with projects like “Single in Seoul” (2023) , the historical spy thriller “Harbin” (2024) , and the upcoming drama “The Divorce Insurance” (2025).

Lee Dong-wook as Host and Entertainer

Beyond his extensive acting credits, Lee Dong-wook has successfully carved out a niche for himself as a capable and engaging host and entertainer, further broadening his appeal and showcasing different facets of his personality.

His foray into hosting began notably with the popular SBS talk show “Strong Heart,” where he served as a co-MC alongside comedian Shin Dong-yup from April 2012 to January 2013. This role required quick wit, the ability to engage with numerous celebrity guests, and a knack for steering conversations – skills distinct from acting that he adeptly demonstrated. His success here likely contributed to later opportunities.  

In 2019, he took on the high-profile role of host for Mnet’s “Produce X 101,” the fourth season of the immensely popular idol survival audition program. Being chosen for such a major program underscored the industry’s recognition of his hosting talent and broad appeal, placing him at the center of one of the year’s most talked-about shows.  

Marking his 20th anniversary in the industry, Lee Dong-wook launched his own talk show, “Wook Talk” (also known as Because I Want to Talk), which aired on SBS from December 2019 to February 2020. This American-style talk show, complete with co-host Jang Do-yeon, announcer Jo Jung-shik, and a live band , provided a unique platform. It allowed him direct control over the content and tone, enabling deeper conversations with guests like his close friend and “Goblin” co-star Gong Yoo, who appeared on the premiere episodes , Go player Lee Sedol, comedian Lee Soo-geun, and singer BoA. This venture not only celebrated his career milestone but also allowed him to shape his public persona beyond scripted roles, showcasing his own voice and conversational style, as exemplified by the segment revealing his unique Siberian ancestry.  

Adding another dimension to his non-acting television work was his participation in the reality show “Roommate.” Airing on SBS from 2014 to 2015, Lee was a cast member across both seasons of the show, which featured eleven celebrities living together in a shared house. This format, designed to capture the dynamics and interactions of its diverse cast (including idols, actors, comedians, and athletes ) in a less controlled environment, offered viewers an extended glimpse into his personality outside of formal settings. While still subject to editing, his interactions within the share house provided a more candid look at his character and interpersonal style, contributing to his relatability and public image.

Personal Life

Early Life

Born Kim Dong-wook on November 6, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea , the actor stands tall at 184cm (approximately 6’0.5″). His early life provides context for the grounded nature often attributed to him. Reports suggest a middle-class upbringing, initially living with his family, including younger siblings (one sister, Lee Seong Hee, is mentioned ), in a rural setting before moving to Seoul. Notably, he began contributing financially to his family from a young age, entering the entertainment world while still in high school. This early assumption of responsibility likely cultivated a strong work ethic and maturity that would serve him well in the demanding entertainment industry.

His formal education includes enrollment at Joongbu University, where he pursued a degree in Media and Broadcasting Arts, indicating an early interest in the broader field of entertainment beyond just acting.

Adding a unique layer to his background is the discovery of Siberian ancestry through his mother’s lineage. Revealed on his own talk show, Wook Talk, a genealogical DNA test conducted by guest forensic professor Yoo Sung-ho indicated a significant genetic match with the Koryak and Khakas peoples, indigenous groups from Siberia (specifically Kamchatka and Khakassia).

Relationships

In 2003, he was reported to be dating actress Oh Soo-min (Oh Yoon-ah) after meeting on “School 3.” They had dated for four years but broke up shortly after media exposure, which reportedly strained their already cooling relationship.

His most widely publicized romance was with fellow Hallyu star Bae Suzy in 2018. Their relationship was confirmed by their respective agencies in March 2018, reportedly blossoming after they met at a private gathering. Interestingly, Suzy had previously named Lee Dong-wook as her ideal type years earlier, in 2012, during an appearance on “Strong Heart.”

However, the relationship was notably brief, with breakup reports surfacing just two to four months later, confirmed by agencies citing demanding schedules as the reason for their separation. Despite its short duration, the relationship garnered significant attention, much of it focused on the 13-year age difference between the two stars. Netizens were vocal with criticism, with some labeling Lee Dong-wook an “ajusshi” (a term for an older man, akin to uncle) in relation to Suzy. This intense scrutiny, even over a short-lived romance, exemplifies the pressures faced by top Korean celebrities and the cultural sensitivity surrounding age gaps in high-profile relationships in South Korea. His sister, Lee Seong Hee, acknowledged meeting his girlfriends, stating she saw Suzy simply as her brother’s partner.

Lee Dong-wook has also faced dating rumors with celebrities like Shoo, Lee Da-hae, and Kim Hyun-joo, all of which he denied.

Currently, Lee Dong-wook appears to be single. In recent interviews, he has reflected on his single status, expressing contentment with being alone and admitting he has become comfortable with solitude.

Net Worth

As of 2024, South Korean actor Lee Dong-wook’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million, reflecting his successful career in television dramas such as “Goblin,” “Tale of the Nine Tailed,” and “A Shop for Killers.” His earnings are bolstered by his popularity, including a substantial social media following of 16.8 million on Instagram, and endorsements like his role as a model for the cryptocurrency exchange Coinone.

Controversies

Cryptocurrency Exchange Advertisement Controversy

In December 2017, actor Lee Dong-wook became the first celebrity to endorse a cryptocurrency exchange, Coinone, sparking controversy amid growing government scrutiny of crypto trading. While some praised the move for lending credibility to virtual currencies, many criticized it as irresponsible—especially given the risk of youth involvement and the speculative nature of the market. Critics likened the endorsement to loan shark advertising, citing his influence and lack of accountability.

Coinone users also expressed frustration, accusing the platform of focusing more on flashy marketing than service reliability. As concerns grew, the Korean government prepared legislation to regulate cryptocurrency ads, and in early 2018, major tech companies like Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram announced global bans on crypto-related advertising.

As a result, Coinone’s promotional content featuring Lee Dong-wook was expected to disappear from online platforms by June 2018.

Filmography

Major Television Dramas

Title	Year(s)	Role	Network/Platform
School 2	1999	Lee Kang-san	MBC
School 3	2000-2001	Lee Kang-san	KBS1
My Girl	2005-2006	Seol Gong-chan	SBS
Bitter Sweet Life	2008	Lee Joon-soo	MBC
Partner	2009	Lee Tae-jo	KBS2
Scent of a Woman	2011	Kang Ji-wook	SBS
Wild Romance	2012	Park Mu-yeol	KBS2
The Fugitive of Joseon	2013	Choi Won	KBS2
Hotel King	2014	Cha Jae-wan / Hyun Woo	MBC
Blade Man	2014	Joo Hong-bin	KBS2
Bubble Gum	2015	Park Ri-hwan	tvN
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)	2016-2017	Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo	tvN
Life	2018	Ye Jin-woo	JTBC
Touch Your Heart	2019	Kwon Jeong-rok	tvN
Hell Is Other People	2019	Seo Moon-jo	OCN
Tale of the Nine Tailed	2020	Lee Yeon	tvN
Bad and Crazy	2021-2022	Ryu Soo-yeol	tvN / iQIYI
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938	2023	Lee Yeon	tvN
A Shop for Killers	2024	Jeong Jin-man	Disney+
The Divorce Insurance	2025	No Gi-joon	tvN / Prime Video

Notable Film Appearances

Title	Year	Role
Arang	2006	Hyun-ki
The Perfect Couple	2007	Kang Jae-hyuk
Heartbreak Library	2008	Kim Joon-oh
The Recipe	2010	Kim Hyeon-soo
The Beauty Inside	2015	Woo-jin 100
A Year-End Medley	2021	Kim Yong-jin
Single in Seoul	2023	Park Yeong-ho
Harbin	2024	Lee Chang-seop