Lee Dong Wook's star continues to shine as bright as ever. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the ever-evolving, multi-talented entertainer shows no signs of slowing down as he top-bills one impressive project after another. Whether you're an OG koreanovela fan or you've only been recently acquainted with K-dramas, Lee Dong Wook is a name you definitely can't miss.
Below are 10 things you need to know about veteran Hallyu leading man Lee Dong Wook:
1. He’s a Scorpio.
Dong Wook was born on November 6,1981 in Seoul, South Korea.
2. He started his career by winning a model contest.
With his dashing good looks, it’s no surprise that Dong Wook started out as a model! Bagging the grand prize at the V-NESS Model Contest in 1999 opened doors for his eventual showbiz debut. He was soon cast for the MBC single-episode drama Best Theater "There’s a World Out There”.
3. He got his big break after starring in the 2005 K-drama "My Girl".
Six years and over fifteen TV appearances later, the actor skyrocketed to Hallyu fame with his portrayal of Seol Gong-chan in the hit K-drama My Girl. His on-screen chemisty with actress Lee Da Hae as well as the compelling storyline (the chabeol heir tasked by his grandfather to find his long lost cousin brings in an impostor who he ultimately falls for!), made this an ubiquitous show all over Asia!
Fun fact, My Girl was so popular it was remade in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Taiwan.
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4. He's just as charismatic in real life as any of the characters he portrays.
Apart from his memorable leading roles in Scent of A Woman, Goblin, and Tale of the Nine Tailed, you can also catch him on the small screen as his endearing self. The versatile entertainer has appeared in several variety shows. The long list includes Room Mate, where he was housemates with K-pop idols, namely 2NE1’s Park Bom, Girls’ Generaton’s Sunny, and EXO’s Chanyeol, among others; Produce x 101, where he hosted the boyband-making reality program’s fourth season; Sea of Hope, where he was the healing show’s Head Bartender; and his very own talk show, Wook Talk.
5. He made lasting friendships with his "Goblin" co-stars.
While Goblin remains to be one of the highest rating K-dramas of all time, did you know the two lead actors behind the show also topped a different list, for their close friendship? Back in 2016, Dong Wook and Gong Yoo were featured in tvN’s The List 2016 as one of the best bromances in show business.
Of course, the two BFFs have remained close with Kim Go Eun, as well. Apart from jointly sending the actress a coffee truck on the set of her 2020 drama The King: Eternal Monarch, the three of them also occasionally go to karaoke together!
6. He’s a rock star in training.
Dong Wook told GQ Korea in his 2020 Men of the Year interview that, “[being a] frontman of a global rock band is one of my fantasies. I envy people who can sing well.” The heartthrob has no need to be jealous, though, as he has a voice that can totally make his fans swoon! Case in pont: His soulful rendition of City of Stars will blow you away.
In fact, his version of the La La Land song is so good that he has performed this twice on TV: in Wook Talk with BoA and Sea of Hope with AKMU’s Lee Su Hyun.
7. He was an honorary ambassador for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Chosen to promote the games together with other notable stars such as Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo Bin, it was a full circle moment for the actor. Dong Wook took the responsibility seriously since his appointment reminded him of his fond childhood memories back when he first watched the Seoul Summer Games. He told Korea Herald, “I'll do my best to attract the eyes of global fans to PyeongChang and help them participate in the Games." In fact, he even bought 1000 tickets for the Paralympics games, where he participated in the star-studded torch relay.
8. He fronted Boy de Chanel when it debuted.
When Chanel first launched Boy de Chanel, their makeup line made especially for men, the fashion giant enlisted Dong Wook to be the face of the groundbreaking campaign.
9. He loves Philippine Mangoes.
ICYMI, Dong Wook has actually been to Manila twice. First in 2006 to promote My Girl, and again in 2019 to champion Korean tourism. During his most recent visit, he shared with the crowd that he loves Philippine Mangoes and wished he could find them in Seoul. We think that's definitely enough reason for him to come back soon!
10. He’s on Instagram.
Get behind the scenes access, know more about Dong Wook's latest projects, and be updated with his V LIVE streams by joining his over 12 million Instagram followers at @leedongwook_official.
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