Lee Jong-suk
{{short description|South Korean model and actor (born 1989)}}
{{Other people|Lee Jong-seok}}
{{family name hatnote|Lee||lang=Korean}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Lee Jong-suk
| image = 240725 Lee Jong-suk.png
| caption = Lee in July 2024
| birth_date = {{nowrap|{{birth date and age|1989|9|14|df=y}}}}
| birth_place = Yongin, South Korea
| years_active = 2005–present
| website =
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|model}}
| education = {{plainlist|
}}
| agent = Ace Factory
| works = Full list
| module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangul = %이종석
| hanja = 李鐘奭
}}
| signature = Lee Jong-suk signature.png
| signature_alt = Signature of Lee Jong-suk
}}
Lee Jong-suk ({{Korean|이종석}}, born September 14, 1989) is a South Korean actor and model. He debuted in 2005 as a runway model, becoming the youngest male model ever to participate in Seoul Fashion Week. Lee's breakthrough role was in School 2013 (2012). He is also well known for his roles in I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), Doctor Stranger (2014), Pinocchio (2014), W (2016), V.I.P (2017), While You Were Sleeping (2017), Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019), and Big Mouth (2022).
Education
Lee majored in Professional Motion Pictures and Art at Konkuk University and graduated from the university in 2016.{{cite web|first=Ji-young|last=Kim|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201602211405057850370_2|title=Lee Jong-suk graduates Konkuk Univ.|work=Kpop Herald|date=21 February 2016|access-date=26 February 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011175628/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201602211405057850370_2|url-status=live}}
Career
=2005–2010: Beginnings=
At 15, Lee began his modelling career at the Seoul Collection walkway in 2005, making him the youngest male model to debut in the Seoul Collection program at Seoul Fashion Week. Since then, he has walked in a number of fashion shows.{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/03/135_153806.html|title=Models rushing to small screen|work=The Korea Times|date=21 March 2014|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-date=17 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417143210/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/03/135_153806.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/05/135_158072.html|title=Lee Jong-suk emerging as new Asian star|work=The Korea Times|date=28 May 2014|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413065202/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/05/135_158072.html|url-status=live}}
Lee trained as an idol group member for three months, and had signed on with an agency to debut. However, he quit after the agency broke their promise of debuting him as an actor.{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/13636/interview-part-ii-lee-jong-seok-says-he-cant-call-himself-an-actor-yet|title=Lee Jong Seok Says He Can't Call Himself an Actor Yet|work=enewsWorld|date=2 September 2012|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306185934/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/13636/interview-part-ii-lee-jong-seok-says-he-cant-call-himself-an-actor-yet|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}} He took part in a selection for actors at SBS TV station when he was in middle school.{{cite web|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20110201n00662?mid=e0101|script-title=ko:이종석-손동운 건국대 정시모집 합격...네티즌 "얼굴만 잘 생긴게 아니었네"|publisher=Nate|date=1 February 2011|access-date=9 March 2017|language=ko|archive-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202164639/http://news.nate.com/view/20110201n00662?mid=e0101|url-status=live}}
In 2010, Lee made his official acting debut in the South Korean TV series Prosecutor Princess. He also made his big-screen debut in the horror movie Ghost.
=2011–2013: Rising popularity and breakthrough=
Lee started to gain recognition following his supporting role in the hit drama Secret Garden where he played a talented young composer with a surly attitude and a forbidden crush on the second male lead.{{cite web|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010120709493375171|title=[INTERVIEW] Actor Lee Jong-suk|date=7 December 2010|website=10Asia|access-date=4 August 2015|archive-date=24 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624040055/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010120709493375171|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hancinema.net/actor-lee-jong-suk-s-song-picks-27118.html|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk's Song Picks|date=7 January 2011|website=10Asia|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311081241/https://www.hancinema.net/actor-lee-jong-suk-s-song-picks-27118.html|url-status=live}}
In 2011, he appeared in MBC's sitcom High Kick Season 3 where he gained further popularity.{{cite web|url=http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/highkick3/index.html|title=MBC 일일시트콤 하이킥! 짧은 다리의 역습 메인 페이지|work=iMBC|language=ko|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-date=2 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902024304/http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/highkick3/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/4870/lee-jong-seok-on-high-kick|title=Lee Jong Seok Says 'High Kick 3' was the Jewel of His Life|date=29 March 2012|work=enewsWorld|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907033853/http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/4870/lee-jong-seok-on-high-kick|archive-date=7 September 2017}} Lee also co-starred in the film R2B: Return to Base in 2012, a loose remake of the critically acclaimed 1986 film Top Gun.{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/13631/interview-part-i-the-pretty-boy-lee-jong-seok-takes-a-turn-with-r2b|title=[Interview Part I] The Pretty Boy Lee Jong Seok Takes a Turn with 'R2B'|date=2 September 2012|work=enewsWorld|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907033424/http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/13631/interview-part-i-the-pretty-boy-lee-jong-seok-takes-a-turn-with-r2b|archive-date=7 September 2017}}
File:Lee Jong-suk at the 2013 Vogue Fashion's Night Out03.jpg
Lee's breakout role came as a high school student in the teen drama School 2013.{{cite web|last=Ho|first=Stewart|title=Lee Jong Seok, Kim Woo Bin, Park Se Young, 5dolls' Hyoyoung Cast as Main Students for School 5|url=http://enewsworld.mnet.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=19096|work=enewsWorld|date=29 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819100334/http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/19096/lee-jong-seok-kim-woo-bin-park-se-young-5dolls-hyoyoung-cast-as-main-students-for-school-5|archive-date=19 August 2017|access-date=28 June 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://en.tenasia.com/archives/12631|title=Lee Jong-suk Unveils Still-shots from KBS "School 2013"|date=27 November 2012|website=10Asia|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202211750/http://en.tenasia.com/archives/12631|url-status=dead}} He received his first acting award for the role at the 2012 KBS Drama Awards under the category Best New Actor.{{cite web|title=Big Winners of 2012 Announced at Drama Awards Ceremonies of Major Broadcasters|url=http://www.tenasia.com/big-winners-of-2012-announced-at-drama-awards-ceremonies-of-major-broadcasters/|work=10Asia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415192928/http://www.tenasia.com/big-winners-of-2012-announced-at-drama-awards-ceremonies-of-major-broadcasters/|archive-date=15 April 2014|date=1 January 2013}} He also ranked fifth according to a survey entitled 'Actors Who Lit Up 2013' by Gallup Korea.{{cite web|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2013121711412971934&type=1&outlink=1|script-title=ko:이보영·지성 부부, 2013년을 빛낸 탤런트 1·2위|trans-title=Newlyweds Lee Bo Young and Ji Sung rank #1 and #2 in survey for 'Actors Who Lit Up 2013'|work=Star News|language=ko|date=17 December 2013|access-date=20 December 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052908/http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2013121711412971934&type=1&outlink=1|url-status=live}}
Following the success of School 2013, Lee starred in the critically acclaimed drama series I Can Hear Your Voice with Lee Bo-young. He played Park Soo-ha, an intelligent young man who can read minds.{{cite web|title=Drama gives 'Voice' to unique storylines|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2974065|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=5 July 2013|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920161410/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aId=2974065|url-status=live}} Originally slated for 16 episodes, the drama was extended by two episodes due to its successful ratings.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Eun-ah|title=Lee Jong-suk's I Can Hear Your Voice Extended by 2 Episodes|url=http://www.tenasia.com/lee-jong-suks-i-can-hear-your-voice-extended-by-2-episodes/|work=10Asia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328130905/http://www.tenasia.com/lee-jong-suks-i-can-hear-your-voice-extended-by-2-episodes/|archive-date=28 March 2014|date=17 July 2013}} He received the Excellence Award in the male category at the Korea Drama Awards for his performance.{{cite web|title=Lee Jong-suk, Kim Dong-wan and Seo Hyeon-jin receive awards|url=https://www.hancinema.net/lee-jong-suk-kim-dong-wan-and-seo-hyun-jin-receive-awards-61135.html|work=HanCinema|publisher=TV Daily|date=2 October 2013|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311140902/https://www.hancinema.net/lee-jong-suk-kim-dong-wan-and-seo-hyun-jin-receive-awards-61135.html|url-status=live}} Lee then starred in the sports film No Breathing and had a supporting role in the box office hit The Face Reader.{{cite web|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|title=Actors take plunge into swimming roles|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2979375|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=25 October 2013|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202160416/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2979375|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Tae|first=Sang-joon|title=Director and Stars Gather for THE FACE READER Press Conference|url=http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2634|work=Korean Film Council|date=14 August 2013|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712013523/http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/jsp/news/news.jsp?mode=VIEW&seq=2634|url-status=live}}
=2014–2018: Mainstream popularity=
In 2014, he starred in teen romantic comedy Hot Young Bloods, playing a cheesy womanizer.{{cite web|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2013/08/398_140701.html|title=Lee, Park to star in 'Boiling Youth'|date=8 August 2013|work=The Korea Times|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922022740/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2013/08/398_140701.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/01/25/2014012500512.html|title=Lee Jong-suk Sets Hearts Racing as Country Bumpkin in New Comedy|date=24 August 2014|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905203026/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/01/25/2014012500512.html|url-status=live}} Lee then starred in hit medical drama Doctor Stranger, playing a North Korean defector who works as a doctor in South Korea.{{cite web|url=http://en.tenasia.com/archives/76935|title=Lee Jong-suk to Play Doctor in New Drama|work=10Asia|date=5 February 2014|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024092751/http://en.tenasia.com/archives/76935|url-status=dead}} The drama was a success in China, gaining 400 million views.{{cite web|title='Doctor Stranger' gets nearly 400 million views in China|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/full/2014/07/07/3/1200000000AEN20140707003100315F.html|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=7 July 2014|access-date=15 September 2014|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821045228/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/full/2014/07/07/3/1200000000AEN20140707003100315F.html|url-status=live}}
Lee next starred in Pinocchio opposite actress Park Shin-hye,{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2997044|title=Actors picked for 'Pinocchio'|date=8 November 2014|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-date=11 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111032622/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2997044|url-status=live}} and played the protagonist Choi Dal-po, a first year reporter at a broadcasting company who struggles with the idea of justice and truth in a world where everyone wants to hide the facts.{{cite web|title=Lee Jong-suk Finds Acting Harder as He Gets More Famous|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/02/21/2015022100135.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=6 March 2015|date=21 February 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011713/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/02/21/2015022100135.html|url-status=live}} Pinocchio was another hit, with a reported revenue of 6.2 billion won (US$5.62 million) for broadcasting rights in just one year.{{cite web|title=Cultural Exports to Surpass 1 Trillion Won This Year|url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/news/lifestyle/8231-culture-trade-balance-cultural-exports-surpass-1-trillion-won-year|work=Business Korea|date=26 December 2014|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=1 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901072249/http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/english/news/lifestyle/8231-culture-trade-balance-cultural-exports-surpass-1-trillion-won-year|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title='Pinocchio' sells distribution rights to China for record price|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201411241750324868840_2|work=Kpop Herald|date=24 November 2014|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=14 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414223632/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201411241750324868840_2|url-status=live}}
Lee's performances in the dramas Doctor Stranger and Pinocchio earned him acting accolades, including the Male Top Excellence Award at the 8th Korea Drama Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.hancinema.net/lee-jong-suk-and-kim-tae-hee-win-best-actor-best-actress-awards-respectively-korea-drama-awards-2015-87385.html|title=Lee Jong-suk and Kim Tae-hee win Best Actor, Best Actress awards respectively: Korea Drama Awards 2015|date=9 October 2015|website=HanCinema|publisher=Star News|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311081245/https://www.hancinema.net/lee-jong-suk-and-kim-tae-hee-win-best-actor-best-actress-awards-respectively-korea-drama-awards-2015-87385.html|url-status=live}}
He also became the youngest actor to win the Best Actor award at the 27th Grimae Awards, chosen by television cinematographers.{{cite web|url=https://www.hancinema.net/lee-jong-suk-the-youngest-to-the-grimae-awards-76271.html|title=Lee Jong-suk, the youngest to the Grimae Awards|date=8 December 2014|website=HanCinema|publisher=Sports Donga|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005208/https://www.hancinema.net/lee-jong-suk-the-youngest-to-the-grimae-awards-76271.html|url-status=live}}
Lee then embarked on an Asia fan-meeting tour, and released a photobook titled 2014–2015 Asia Tour Story ~With~, comprising photos taken of Lee's meetings with fans in seven Asian cities during the nine-month tour.{{cite web|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk's photo book to go on sale overseas|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20150729003300315|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=29 July 2015|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712000720/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20150729003300315|url-status=live}} Lee was also cast in his first Chinese drama entitled Jade Lovers alongside actress Zheng Shuang. The drama, filmed in Shanghai, is described as a fantasy romance series set in the 1930s.{{cite web|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk cast for S. Korean-Chinese drama|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20151223002500315|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=23 December 2015|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712003137/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20151223002500315|url-status=live}} Due to Lee's success in China, a wax figure of him went on display in Hong Kong's Madame Tussauds, which the actor unveiled himself in a ceremony.{{cite web|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk's wax figure to be unveiled in Hong Kong|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20160121005600315|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=21 January 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711223930/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20160121005600315|url-status=live}}
In December 2015, Lee left his previous agency Wellmade Yedang and signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment on 10 May 2016.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3018535|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk signs with YG|date=11 May 2016|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906223453/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3018535|url-status=live}}
File:160718 한효주 이종석 W 제작발표회 (3).jpg
In July 2016, Lee returned to the Korean small screen with MBC's fantasy thriller W alongside Han Hyo-joo.{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Soo-hyang|title=Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo in new drama 'W'|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201603291313144179756_2|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806165237/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201603291313144179756_2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/07/18/52/0200000000AEN20160718010400315F.html|title=Cartoon hero meets doctor in new sci-fi drama|date=18 July 2016|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021420/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/07/18/52/0200000000AEN20160718010400315F.html|url-status=live}} The drama topped popularity charts in Korea{{cite news|title=Sci-fi drama 'W' takes top spot on CPI chart|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2016/08/02/0701000000AEN20160802001900315.html|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=2 August 2016|access-date=1 February 2017|archive-date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302222454/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2016/08/02/0701000000AEN20160802001900315.html|url-status=live}} and Lee won the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the year-end MBC Drama Awards.{{cite news|title=[MBC 연기대상] 맥락 있는 시청자 선택=이종석…안방점령 'W' 7관왕(종합)|url=http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=21063435&cloc=|work=JoongAng Ilbo|language=ko|date=31 December 2016|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404201018/http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=21063435&cloc=|url-status=live}} The same year, he co-starred in the promotional web drama 7 First Kisses for Lotte Duty Free.{{Cite news|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0002368636|script-title=ko:[단독]이종석·이준기·지창욱·박해진 뭉쳤다…'첫키스만 여섯번째' 출연|website=News1|language=ko|access-date=2 November 2016|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102085145/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=421&aid=0002368636|url-status=live}}
In 2017, Lee starred in the crime film VIP, marking his first lead role as a villain.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3022853|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk confirmed for 'VIP'|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=20 August 2016|author=Jin Min-ji|access-date=21 August 2016|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911050901/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3022853|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/09/02/2017090200374.html|title=Lee Jong-suk Shows His Dark Side in Latest Crime Thriller|date=2 September 2017|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129061613/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/09/02/2017090200374.html|url-status=live}} Lee then starred in the supernatural-procedural drama While You Were Sleeping alongside Bae Suzy in September.{{Cite news|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201611141619457770529_2|title=Lee Jong-suk to play prosecutor in next drama|access-date=16 November 2016|work=Kpop Herald|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214042540/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201611141619457770529_2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/08/05/2017080500364.html|title=Lee Jong-suk, Su-zy to Star in New TV Series This Fall|date=5 August 2017|work=The Chosun Ilbo|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909074051/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/08/05/2017080500364.html|url-status=live}}
In July of the same year, Lee was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Korean tourism by the Korea Tourism Organization. The organization also released promotional videos featuring the actor, titled "8 Episodes of Korea", which focused on tourist spots in 10 different regions including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Jeju and Gyeongju.{{Cite news|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201707261735352263734_2|title=Lee Jong-suk named honorary ambassador for Korea Tourism|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=28 July 2017|first=So-yeon|last=Kim|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729050231/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201707261735352263734_2|url-status=live}}
In 2018, Lee was cast in the three-episode drama The Hymn of Death, a remake of the 1991 film Death Song.{{cite web|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201811020849214530273_2|title=Lee Jong-suk, Shin Hye-sun to appear in 'Hymn of Death'|date=2 November 2018|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=3 November 2018|archive-date=2 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102044931/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201811020849214530273_2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201803130959091366587_2|title=Lee Jong-suk to star in new two-part SBS series|date=13 March 2018|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=13 March 2018|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712005048/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201803130959091366587_2|url-status=live}} Lee signed with new management agency YNK Entertainment once his contract with YG Entertainment ended on 31 March 2018,{{cite web|url=https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1004696270|title=Lee Jong Suk to Set Up His Own Agency Partnering with YNK Entertainment|date=3 April 2018|website=Seoul Broadcasting System|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=3 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403112500/https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1004696270|url-status=live}} but terminated his contract five months later.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3054272&cloc=joongangdaily|title=Lee Jong-suk walks away from YNK|date=16 October 2018|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=15 October 2018|archive-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015231604/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3054272&cloc=joongangdaily|url-status=live}} and established his own agency "A-man Project".
In 2019, he starred in his first romantic comedy drama Romance Is a Bonus Book alongside Lee Na-young.{{cite web|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/09/28/3001000000AEN20180928001500315.html|title=Lee Jong-suk cast for new tvN series set to air early next year|date=28 September 2018|website=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928044433/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/09/28/3001000000AEN20180928001500315.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201901211803589658066_2|title=Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk to show romance in publishing industry in new rom-com|date=21 January 2019|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027021002/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201901211803589658066_2|url-status=live}}
= 2019–present: Military enlistment and comeback =
In 2021, after finishing his military duty, he made a comeback with a cameo in The Witch : Part 2. The Other One.{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/241/0003071692|script-title=ko:[단독] '12월 소집해제' 이종석, 첫 복귀작 '마녀2' 합류|date=24 November 2020|work=news.naver|access-date=26 June 2021|archive-date=25 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325120304/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/241/0003071692|url-status=live}} Lee later confirmed for the official film Decibel alongside Kim Rae-won, Lee Sang-hee, and Cha Eun-woo. This will be the second time Lee will appear as the villain in a movie. With VIP being the first movie he is the villain.{{Cite news|author=Kim Ye-eun|script-title=ko:김래원·이종석·이상희·차은우…영화 '데시벨'로 뭉쳤다 [공식입장]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/movie/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001292731|website=X-Sports News|date=28 April 2021|access-date=28 April 2021|language=ko|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428004535/https://entertain.naver.com/movie/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001292731|url-status=live}} Later in September 2021, Lee confirmed the MBC drama Big Mouth with Im Yoon-ah, coming back three years after his discharge from the military. It aired in 2022.{{Cite web|author=Ham Nayan|date=1 September 2021|script-title=ko:이종석X임윤아, 부부 된다…'빅마우스' 출연 [공식]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0000930807|url-status=live|access-date=31 August 2021|website=The Dong-A Ilbo|via=Naver|language=ko|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901000219/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0000930807}}{{cite web|first=Bo-young|last=Kim|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/018/0005328774|script-title=ko:김지원, 송중기·이종석과 한솥밥…하이지음스튜디오 새 둥지 [공식]|work=MyDaily|language=ko|date=29 September 2022|access-date=23 November 2022|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122182556/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/018/0005328774|url-status=live}}{{Clear}}
Personal life
Lee is best friends with fellow model-actor and School 2013 co-star Kim Woo-bin, whom he has known since their modeling days.{{cite web|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/48741/lee-jong-suk-talks-about-kim-woo-bin|title=Lee Jong Suk says Kim Woo Bin is the Only Friend He Can Lean On|date=22 October 2013|website=enewsWorld|last1=Choi|first1=EunHwa|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208233733/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/48741/lee-jong-suk-talks-about-kim-woo-bin|archive-date=8 February 2014}}{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Soo-hyang|title=Strong friendships among male celebrities|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201606231434429624390_2|website=Kpop Herald|date=23 June 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116072859/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201606231434429624390_2|url-status=live}}
He was the owner of the dining cafe, 89Mansion.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/03/06/18/look-korean-actor-lee-jong-suk-has-a-cafe-in-seoul|title=LOOK: Korean actor Lee Jong-suk has a cafe in Seoul|date=6 March 2018|website=ABS CBN|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228191911/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/03/06/18/look-korean-actor-lee-jong-suk-has-a-cafe-in-seoul|url-status=live}} The cafe closed permanently on September 14, 2020 due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite instagram|user=cafe.89mansion|postid=CEhLFaFDe49|title=Hello. This is 89Mansion.|date=30 August 2020|access-date=5 January 2023}}
= Relationship =
On 31 December 2022, Lee's agency confirmed his relationship with singer-actress IU.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0003249067|author=Kim Da-eun|script-title=ko:이종석♥아이유, 양측 열애 인정… 10년지기 친구에서 연인으로 [공식] (종합)|trans-title=Lee Jong-suk ♥ IU, both sides admitted to being in a relationship... From friends of 10 years to lovers [Official] (Comprehensive)|publisher=Daily Sports|via=Naver|date=31 December 2022|access-date=31 December 2022|language=ko|archive-date=31 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231074047/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0003249067|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/foreign/170612/lee-jong-suk-iu-dating-a5132-20221231|title=Confirmed: South Korean superstars Lee Jong Suk, IU are dating|last=Baylon|first=Khryzztine Joy|date=December 31, 2022|work=PEP.ph|language=en, tl|access-date=January 13, 2022|archive-date=13 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113125223/https://www.pep.ph/news/foreign/170612/lee-jong-suk-iu-dating-a5132-20221231|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/31/22/power-couple-lee-jong-suk-dating-singer-iu-says-report|title=Korean actor Lee Jong Suk dating singer IU: report|last=Staff|first=ABS-CBN News|date=December 31, 2022|work=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2022|archive-date=13 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113125027/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/31/22/power-couple-lee-jong-suk-dating-singer-iu-says-report|url-status=live}} The agency on IU's side also confirmed the couple's relationship, which started four months prior to the official announcement.{{cite news|url=https://mothership.sg/2022/12/iu-lee-jong-suk-dating/|title=Korean singer IU & actor Lee Jong Suk revealed to have been dating for 4 months|work=Mothership|location=Singapore|date=31 December 2022|access-date=31 December 2022|archive-date=31 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231071910/https://mothership.sg/2022/12/iu-lee-jong-suk-dating/|url-status=live}}
=Military enlistment=
Lee began his mandatory military service on 8 March 2019. Lee was deemed unfit to enlist as an active duty soldier as a result of suffering a car accident when he was 16 and tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. Therefore, he was confirmed to work as a public service officer, and was expected to be discharged on 31 December 2020.{{cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3059874|title=Lee Jong-suk is reporting for duty|date=27 February 2019|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708080352/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3059874|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2019/03/688_265051.html|title=Actor Lee Jong-suk leaves for alternative military service|date=8 March 2018|website=The Korea Times|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724135357/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2019/03/688_265051.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Jin-suk|script-title=ko:[단독]"잠시 안녕…" 이종석, 3월 8일 대체 복무 시작|url=http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=23395732&cloc=|website=IS Plus|date=26 February 2019|language=ko|access-date=26 February 2019|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126195559/http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?total_id=23395732&cloc=|url-status=live}} He was discharged on 2 January 2021.{{Cite web|last=Kyeong|first=Ji-Min|date=2 January 2021|script-title=ko:이종석, 오늘(2일) 소집해제..'마녀2' 특별 출연으로 만날까|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/109/0004334140|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102030650/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/109/0004334140|url-status=live}}
= Philanthropy =
On 7 March 2022, Lee donated 100 million won to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association to help the victims of the massive wildfire that started in Uljin, Gyeongbuk and spread to Samcheok, Gangwon.{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=416&aid=0000280706|author=Kang Seon-ae|script-title=ko:이종석, 산불 피해 이재민 지원 위해 1억원 기부|trans-title=Lee Jong-suk donates 100 million won to support the victims of forest fires|publisher=Seoul Broadcasting System|via=Naver|date=6 March 2022|access-date=6 March 2022|language=ko|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307013119/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=416&aid=0000280706|url-status=live}}
Filmography
{{main|Lee Jong-suk filmography}}
Discography
= Soundtrack appearances =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! style="width:12em;" | Title ! Year ! Album |
| scope="row" | "Come To Me" ({{korean|hangul=내게 와|labels=no}})
|rowspan="2"| 2017 |rowspan="2"| While You Were Sleeping OST |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Would You Know" ({{korean|hangul=그대는 알까요|labels=no}}) |
Awards and nominations
= State honors =
= Listicles =
Notes
{{NoteFoot}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Lee Jong-suk}}
- [http://lee-jongsuk.com/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307045835/http://lee-jongsuk.com/ |date=7 March 2018 }} {{in lang|ko}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Lee Jong-suk
|list =
{{APAN Star Awards for Excellence in Acting, Actor}}
{{Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor Television}}
{{Korea Drama Awards Top Excellence Award, Actor}}
{{Korea Drama Awards Excellence Award, Actor}}
{{Grimae Awards for Best Actor}}
{{MBC Drama Awards for Grand Prize (Daesang)}}
}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Jong-suk}}
Category:South Korean male models
Category:South Korean male television actors
Category:South Korean male film actors
Category:South Korean male web series actors
Category:21st-century South Korean male actors