Okay, be honest—how many times did you rewind Lee Jun Young’s scenes in When Life Gives You Tangerines Vol. 2 & 3 just to soak in that warm, heart-melting presence? Because same. There’s something about the way he plays Park Young Beom, the charming, genuine boyfriend of Yang Geum Myeong (played by IU), that just feels so real. He’s not just acting—he’s living that character.
And now, with his next drama Pump Up the Healthy Love just around the corner, we can’t help but get a little too excited. But before we dive headfirst into the gym life with Jun Young, let’s rewind the tape and talk about all the reasons this multi-talented star deserves your undivided K-drama fangirl energy. Spoiler alert: he’s way more than just a pretty face (though, yes, that too).
From K-Pop Rookie to Scene-Stealing Actor
Raise your hand if you were today years old when you found out Lee Jun Young started out in U-KISS. Yep, our beloved actor made his entertainment debut as a K-pop idol back in 2014. At the time, he joined U-KISS as a new member, bringing fresh energy to a group that already had a solid fandom.
But Jun Young wasn’t the type to stop there. In 2017, he joined the intense survival show The Unit—you know, the kind that makes you scream at your screen—and snagged a spot in the final lineup of UNB. Unfortunately, the group was short-lived (contract issues, sigh), but Jun Young didn’t let that slow him down. In fact, he used it as a launchpad to pivot into acting—and oh boy, what a pivot it’s been.
First Drama Role? Total Natural.
Let’s flashback to Avengers Social Club in 2017. That was Lee Jun Young’s official K-drama debut, and he played Lee Soo Gyeom, a quietly brooding high schooler caught up in a revenge plot that was both thrilling and surprisingly emotional. And even though he was new to the screen, Jun Young held his own next to acting heavyweights like Ra Mi Ran and Lee Yo Won.
Since then, his drama résumé has grown faster than your “To-Watch” list. From the quirky chaos of Backstreet Rookie to the haunting depth of D.P., he’s shown he can do comedy, action, romance, even gritty drama—and somehow make it all look effortless.
Let’s not forget May I Help You?, where he played a funeral director who can see ghosts (yes, ghosts!) and still managed to make us laugh, cry, and fall in love—all at once. And more recently, his intense performance in Mask Girl was proof that Jun Young can take on the darkest, most complex roles and still leave us wanting more.
Yes, He’s Also a Film Star
As if slaying the drama world wasn’t enough, Lee Jun Young also dipped his toes into films—and, spoiler alert, he crushed it.
Remember Love and Leashes? Yeah, that bold rom-com where he starred opposite Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun? The movie tackled a pretty niche subject (ahem, consensual BDSM), but Jun Young approached it with so much sincerity and sensitivity that it actually felt sweet and respectful, not awkward or cringey.
Then there’s Brave Citizen, where he squared off with the phenomenal Shin Hae Sun. The film mixed action, youth, and rebellion into a compelling narrative, and once again, Jun Young showed off a different side of himself. It’s like every time he picks a role, he’s saying, “Let me show you something you haven’t seen before.”
Awards Are Nice, But His Growth Is Even Better
By now, Lee Jun Young’s trophy shelf is getting pretty crowded—and honestly, he earned every single one. He snagged the Best New Actor award at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards for Goodbye to Goodbye, a drama that showcased his ability to handle emotional, grounded roles with maturity beyond his years.
Fast forward to 2022, and he’s holding the Best Actor Award at the Asia Artist Awards for May I Help You?—a show that could’ve easily slipped into campy territory if not for Jun Young’s grounded, heartfelt performance.
Oh, and let’s not forget his 2023 win for Best Acting Performance thanks to Mask Girl. That’s three solid years of consistent recognition. He’s not just collecting trophies; he’s collecting respect—and trust—from viewers and industry veterans alike.
Building an Empire (Literally)
Now here’s a plot twist worthy of its own drama—Lee Jun Young started his own agency. After parting ways with NH Media (the company behind U-KISS), he co-founded Jflex in 2021. Talk about boss moves.
By taking control of his career, Jun Young isn’t just picking roles that challenge him—he’s making intentional choices about the kind of actor he wants to be. That freedom has led to some of his most dynamic work yet.
And it’s only going to get better, especially with his upcoming drama Pump Up the Healthy Love set to premiere on April 30, 2025. This time, he’s playing a gym owner with serious drive and just the right amount of romantic tension. He’ll be starring opposite Jung Eun Ji (yes, from Reply 1997—we’re screaming too), and honestly, the chemistry potential is off the charts.
Can we expect some enemies-to-lovers sparks? A grumpy-sunshine dynamic? Banter in the middle of protein shakes and squat racks? We’re here for all of it.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Here’s the thing about Lee Jun Young—yes, he’s good-looking. That jawline? Unfair. That smile? Dangerous. But what makes him really magnetic is the way he throws himself into every role with full commitment. He’s not just memorizing lines; he’s studying body language, finding the emotional core, and really being the character.
In interviews, he’s often described as deeply introspective and surprisingly soft-spoken. He once said he feels most comfortable when he’s “doing something meaningful”—and that mindset clearly shows in his work.
He’s also incredibly down-to-earth. His social media is lowkey (mostly acting updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses), and he’s never been one to stir drama off-screen. In a world full of noise, Jun Young’s quiet focus is refreshing.
What’s Next for Lee Jun Young?
While we wait (impatiently) for Pump Up the Healthy Love, we can’t help but wonder what direction he’ll take next. A thriller? A historical sageuk? Maybe even a slice-of-life melodrama that tugs at our heartstrings? Honestly, nothing’s off the table when it comes to Lee Jun Young.
He’s proven himself time and again as someone who doesn’t shy away from a challenge. And more importantly, he’s evolving. With each role, he gets sharper, more confident, more emotionally resonant. That’s the mark of a real artist—not just someone following a script, but someone writing his own story.
Final Thoughts (aka Our Love Letter to Jun Young)
Look, if When Life Gives You Tangerines made you do a double take and wonder, “Wait, who is that guy?”—you’re not alone. Lee Jun Young is the kind of actor who sneaks up on you. One second you’re watching casually, and the next, you’re spiraling down a rabbit hole of YouTube fan edits and behind-the-scenes clips.
He’s a chameleon, a hard worker, a quietly brilliant performer—and now, a drama lead with his own agency and a vision. The Lee Jun Young agenda is in full swing, and honestly, we couldn’t be more excited to be on this ride.
So if you haven’t yet added his works to your watchlist, now’s the time. And if you’re already a fan? Welcome to the club. We’ve got tissues, memes, and way too many opinions about which of his characters had the best hair.