Biography
Who is Lee Dong-wook?
Early career and education
Lee Dong-wook began his professional career after winning a model contest in 1999. The producer of a drama saw him and cast him in the teen series School 2. He gained further recognition with his performance in School 3. In 2005, he enrolled in Joongbu University to study media and broadcasting arts. His early work helped him build a foundation in the South Korean entertainment industry before he became a major star.
Acting breakthrough and television work
Stardom arrived with the 2005 romantic comedy My Girl, which became a hit across Asia. Lee later took on diverse roles in productions like Scent of a Woman and the courtroom drama Partner. He also worked on the baseball-themed Wild Romance and the revenge drama Hotel King. In the latter, he reunited with his former co-star Lee Da-hae.
From 2012 to 2013, he hosted the talk show Strong Heart alongside Shin Dong-yup. He also participated in the reality program Roommate between 2014 and 2015. His ability to switch between comedy and serious roles established his reputation as a versatile performer.
Recent projects and hosting
Lee gained significant attention for his performance as a grim reaper in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. This drama aired between 2016 and 2017 and featured co-star Gong Yoo. He later led the medical drama Life as an emergency room doctor. In 2019, he starred in Touch Your Heart and played a dentist with a dark secret in Hell Is Other People.
He also hosted the survival show Produce X 101 and his personal talk program Wook Talk, which marked his twentieth year in the industry. Recent projects include the fantasy series Tale of the Nine Tailed, the romantic film Single in Seoul, and the 2024 action drama A Shop for Killers.
Military service and personal life
Lee fulfilled his mandatory military duties by serving in the National Defense Public Relations Service. He enlisted in August 2009 and concluded his service in June 2011. During a 2020 episode of his talk show, he discussed genealogical DNA results. The test indicated that parts of his maternal lineage match indigenous groups from Siberia, including the Koryak and Khaka people.
He has also remained active in philanthropy. In March 2022, he donated funds to assist victims of wildfires in Uljin. He made further donations in January 2025 to support families affected by a plane accident, and in March 2025 to help victims of regional wildfires.
Birthday and age
Lee Dong-wook was born on November 6, 1981, which makes Lee 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Lee shares the date with 47 other famous people.
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