You might know him as the resident funny guy in Reply 1988, or as a certain supermodel-actress' boyfriend. Heck, you might've even seen him roaming around Makati earlier this 2022. No matter how you remember him, Lee Dong Hwi is one of those K-drama actors that is always on our radar. Having accumulated countless on-screen roles and awards since his debut, the 37-year-old continues to make whatever show or film he takes part in worth binge-watching.
Presently, Dong Hwi's featured alongside Vincenzo actress Jeon Yeo Bin and K-pop star Nana in the Netflix comedy thriller Glitch. For a rundown of everything you have to know about him, check out the facts listed below:
10 Fast Facts About Lee Dong Hwi
1. Lee Dong Hwi is a Cancer
Dong Hwi was born on July 22, 1985 in South Korea.
2. Lee Dong Hwi started out as a side character in films
The first acting credit on Dong Hwi's resume was playing a customer at a cafe in the 2013 film Run to the South. In that same year, he played a similar side character in the flirty rom-com Queen of the Night. Come 2014, he bagged his first K-drama part as police offer Han Jung-hoon in the action-packed sageuk Gunman in Joseon.
3. Lee Dong Hwi is under the same talent agency as Hwang In Youp
Just last 2020, Dong Hwi signed a contract with KeyEast, a management agency founded by retired actor Bae Yong Joon. Under the same firm are True Beauty stars Hwang In Youp and Moon Ga Young, Start-Up actress Kang Ha Na, and K-pop idol Bora.
4. Lee Dong Hwi gained mainstream popularity with Reply 1988
Who else remembers neighborhood jokester Ryu Dong-ryong in Reply 1988? Many viewers adored Dong Hwi for his endearing character, but he admittedly didn't expect such a warm reception. In an interview, the actor expressed that he, "expected the drama to be a hit 100 percent. But I didn’t expect to become so popular because of [it]." He went on, saying that: "I had a clear head about the work and showed up on the set to do my part." And do his part well he did!
5. Lee Dong Hwi has been recognized several times for his work
Reply 1988 is only one project of Dong Hwi's that granted him recognition. He was nominated a total of five times for his performance as Dong-ryong, even earning the Rookie Award at the 16th Korea World Youth Film Festival. He's also been lauded for his parts in The Beauty Inside, Radiant Office, and The Bros.
6. Lee Dong Hwi is part of the supergroup MSG Wannabe
After appearing on the 2021 edition of variety show Hangout with Yoo, Dong Hwi became a part of seasonal K-pop group MSG Wannabe, joining seven other actors and performers. Alongside Kim Jung Min, Simon Dominic, and Hometown Cha-cha-cha actor Lee Sang Yi, he was delegated to a sub-unit of the group named JSDK. Swoon over their debut performance below:
7. Lee Dong Hwi is part of a Korean artista clique
Aside from MSG Wannabe, another "boy band" Dong Hwi's a part of is his group of celebrity friends. Comprised of Dong Hwi, EXO's Suho, Ryu Jun Yeol, Byun Yo Han, Ji Soo, and more, BYH48 is a popular clique in the Hallyu industry. Fun fact: BYH stands for Byun Yo Han, the "leader" of the gang, and the 48 is borrowed from Japanese idol group AKB48.
8. Lee Dong Hwi is dating Jung Ho Yeon
Way before the entire world met Squid Game star Jung Ho Yeon, Dong Hwi was already showering her with love. The two have been dating since 2015, and have since been dubbed as a "fashionista couple" for their impeccable sense of style. Dong Hwi had quite the proud boyfriend moment when Ho Yeon made her historical win at the Screen Actors' Guild Awards earlier this year. Awww!
9. Lee Dong Hwi is a philanthropist
Like several other stars, Dong Hwi isn't greedy when it comes to lending a helping hand. Last March 2022, he donated 10 million won to relief operations for those inflicted by wildfires in a Korean province, and later on in August, gave the same amount for those affected by floods.
10. You can follow Lee Dong Hwi on Instagram
Never miss a beat with Dong Hwi by following his Instagram account here. He posts a lot of pics of his feline friends, BTW, so be prepared to double tap!
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