6 Lee Jae Wook dramas every K-drama fan needs to watch!
- Anwaya Mane
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Lee Jae Wook is back in action with a brand-new sageuk (historical) drama, Dear Hongrang, which premiered on May 16 on Netflix. This historical-mystery-melodrama is based on Tangeum: Swallowing Gold by Jang Da Hye and sees him starring alongside Jo Bo Ah. The talented young actor takes on the titular role of Hongrang—a man shrouded in mystery, carrying a deep secret and a questionable identity, all while his half-sister Jae Yi’s trust in him hangs by a thread.
Despite being only 27, Lee Jae Wook’s brief yet brilliant career paints the picture of a seasoned star. With his magnetic screen presence and versatility, he’s already built an impressive résumé that many actors take decades to achieve. Here’s a look at 6 of his most noteworthy dramas that every K-drama fan should check out.
1. Memories of the Alhambra (2018)
Lee Jae Wook made his drama debut in this high-profile series, Memories of the Alhambra, alongside industry heavyweights Hyun Bin and Park Shin Hye. While not in a leading role, he left a lasting impression as Marco Han, an ace programmer and hacker intricately tied to Se Joo, played by EXO’s Chanyeol. Though Marco’s character meets an untimely end (no spoiler alerts needed—it’s been years!), his performance stood out and marked a strong start to Lee Jae Wook’s acting career.
2. Extraordinary You (2019)
In this unique school-fantasy drama, Lee Jae Wook shines as Baek Kyung, a classic "tsundere" character—cold and arrogant on the outside but harboring deep emotions within. A student at Seuli High School, Baek Kyung, is betrothed to Eun Dan Oh (played by Kim Hye Yoon). While initially appearing harsh and dismissive, it’s slowly revealed that he’s a gentle soul who has long harbored feelings for Dan Oh, though he struggles to express them. Although Baek Kyung doesn’t end up with the girl, his emotional growth and redemption arc make him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
3. Search: WWW (2019)
Trust Lee Jae Wook to showcase his impressive acting range—all within the same year. While he portrayed the cold and conflicted Baek Kyung in Extraordinary You, he did a complete 180 as Seol Ji Hwan in Search: WWW. Ji Hwan is an aspiring actor who plays villains on-screen, but off-screen, he’s the definition of sweet, kind, and adorably sincere. His charming romance with Cha Hyeon (played by Lee Da Hee) stole the hearts of viewers, proving that Lee Jae Wook could make fans swoon whether he’s playing a brooding heartbreaker or a lovable softie.
4. Do Dol Sol Sol La La Sol (2020)
A bit of a tongue-twister—literally translating to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in Korean—this charming rom-com features Lee Jae Wook in one of his early leading roles as Joon Sun Woo. Charismatic and enigmatic, Joon keeps his distance and maintains a reserved demeanor, especially around Goo Ra Ra (played by Go Ara), a cheerful and childlike pianist who turns his quiet world upside down. Despite his efforts to stay detached, he finds himself drawn to her relentless optimism. While the series received mixed reviews, it solidified Lee Jae Wook's standing as a promising and dependable leading man.
5. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
Lee Jae Wook’s true breakout as a leading man came with Alchemy of Souls, a sageuk drama that masterfully blends action, fantasy, and romance. In his first-ever historical role, he played Jang Uk—a complex character with a turbulent destiny. Lee delivered a powerhouse performance, showcasing his remarkable range and emotional depth. With this role, he not only handled the demands of the genre with ease but firmly established himself as one of South Korea’s most talented rising stars.
6. The Impossible Heir (2024)
One of the most admirable traits of Lee Jae Wook as an actor is his fearless approach to diverse roles, regardless of the outcome. In the revenge-thriller The Impossible Heir, he took on the intense role of Han Tae Oh, the son of a murderer, driven by ambition and vengeance. With a cold, calculating demeanour, Han Tae Oh joins forces with his friend Kang In Ha (played by Lee Jun Young) to orchestrate the ultimate revenge plot. Though the drama didn’t quite resonate with audiences as expected, it didn’t diminish fans’ admiration for Lee Jae Wook and his willingness to take creative risks.
Beyond his leading roles, Lee Jae Wook has delighted fans with memorable cameos in several hit K-dramas. He made a special appearance in True Beauty, reprising his role as Baek Kyung from Extraordinary You alongside Kim Hye Yoon, much to fans’ excitement. He also popped up in Move to Heaven, Kiss Sixth Sense, and Death’s Game, further proving his versatility and strong screen presence, even in brief roles. Dear Hongrang is now streaming worldwide on Netflix.
Which Lee Jae Wook drama is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments below!