Lee Jin-uk

Lee Jin-wook is a South Korean actor known for his versatility across romance, crime thrillers, and horror genres. He rose to prominence with leading roles in hit series like Glass Castle and Nine, before transitioning to international recognition through Netflix productions such as Sweet Home and Squid Game. His career spans nearly two decades, marked by a shift from romantic leads to complex character studies.

Currently, he maintains an active presence in the industry with upcoming projects including the Korean remake of Unnatural and the action-thriller TYGO. Fans recognize him for his intense screen presence and physical transformation abilities, particularly his role as a liquid monster in Sweet Home. [edit]

Born in Cheongju, Lee Jin-uk initially set his sights on a career outside of entertainment. He enrolled at Cheongju University to study Environmental Engineering, a path that seemed practical and stable compared to the unpredictable nature of show business. However, his trajectory shifted dramatically when he decided to leave his engineering program to pursue acting instead.

Before landing his first major role, Lee worked as a model. His height and physique made him a natural fit for fashion shoots and commercial work, which provided him with initial exposure to the industry. This modeling background helped him secure auditions and eventually led to his television debut. The decision to abandon his engineering degree was a defining moment that set the stage for his future success as a leading man in K-dramas. [edit]

Lee Jin-wook debuted in 2007 with a supporting role in the drama Air City, where he acted alongside established star Choi Ji-woo. His breakthrough came shortly after with the lead role in the popular romance series Glass Castle (2008–2009), which solidified his status as a top romantic lead. He continued this momentum with I Need Romance 2012 and gained wider international attention through the time-travel romance Nine in 2013.

In 2014, he expanded his filmography with appearances in the comedy Miss Granny and the historical drama The Three Musketeers. By 2015, he starred in The Beauty Inside and The Time We Were Not in Love. A significant genre shift occurred in 2018 when he joined the cast of the crime thriller Voice, playing a profiler. His career reached new global heights with his role as Gang Yun-jae in the Netflix apocalyptic horror series Sweet Home (2020–2024), where he famously transformed into a liquid monster in the second season.

More recently, he joined the cast of Squid Game Season 2 (2024–2025) and starred in the legal drama Beyond the Bar in 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, he is set to co-star in the Korean remake of Unnatural and the Netflix action-thriller TYGO. [edit]

Known for his brooding charm and intense screen aura, Lee Jin-wook has cultivated a reputation as a serious actor capable of handling complex emotional roles. Media outlets often describe him as having a sophisticated aesthetic, both in his red carpet appearances and his character portrayals. His ability to switch between gentle romantic leads and terrifying monsters has earned him respect for his range and dedication to his craft. [edit]

Lee Jin-wook is widely recognized in South Korea and among international streaming audiences. As of November 2026, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.

While there is no single officially designated fandom name widely documented, his supporters are deeply engaged with his work. Fans often rally around his dramatic performances, particularly noting his chemistry with co-stars in past hits. His social media presence serves as a primary connection point, where over a million followers track his latest projects and share appreciation for his physical transformations and acting choices. [edit]

Lee Jin-wook has a unique talent for physical transformation, a skill that was crucial for his role as a liquid monster in Sweet Home Season 2. Fans often refer to his "sad eyes" as a signature trait that adds depth to his characters. Before becoming an actor, he spent time studying Environmental Engineering at university. He is also known for maintaining a very private personal life despite his fame. His Instagram account, @jinuk0916, boasts over one million followers where he shares glimpses of his daily life and work updates. [edit]

Lee Jin-wook keeps his family matters largely out of the public eye. He was born in Cheongju, South Korea, and grew up in a household that supported his early interests before he pivoted to acting. There are no publicly confirmed details about his parents or siblings, as he prefers to keep his immediate family private. He currently lives in Seoul and does not have any confirmed spouse or children. [edit]

Choi Ji-woo, Im Yoona, Don Lee, Lisa (BLACKPINK), Shin Min-ah[edit]

Lee Jin-wook's most notable relationship was with actress Choi Ji-woo. The couple met while co-starring in the 2007 drama Air City and began dating in 2009. Their three-year relationship was considered one of the most famous power couples in K-drama history. They broke up in 2011 due to differing schedules and the pressures of fame. Both parties have remained single since their split, with no subsequent marriages reported.

Following his breakup with Choi Ji-woo, Lee has maintained a private personal life. While occasional rumors have surfaced regarding potential dates, none have been confirmed by credible sources. As of late 2026, he is officially single with no confirmed partners. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Lee Jin-wook's net worth at approximately $8 million. This figure reflects his earnings from nearly two decades in the industry, including lead roles in prime-time dramas like Glass Castle and Nine. His income streams have diversified significantly with high-profile international deals for Netflix series such as Sweet Home and Squid Game.

Recent projects like Beyond the Bar and upcoming films like TYGO likely command premium salaries, contributing to his financial growth. While specific real estate holdings are not publicly itemized, it is known that he owns property in Seoul. The estimate accounts for his consistent work in both domestic and global markets, positioning him as a financially successful actor in the current year. [edit]