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Lee Wan
Lee Wan
from Wikipedia

Lee Wan (Korean이완; born January 3, 1984), born Kim Hyung-soo (김형수), is a South Korean actor.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Born as Kim Hyung-soo, he began his career in entertainment after starring in a music video alongside older sister, actress Kim Tae-hee.[2] Using the stage name Lee Wan, he made his acting debut in 2003. He first drew notice in a supporting role in the television drama Stairway to Heaven, followed by leading roles in romantic comedies Snow White: Taste Sweet Love and Let's Go to the Beach. He reunited with Stairway to Heaven costar Park Shin-hye in 2006 in the melodrama Tree of Heaven which was a joint Korean-Japanese production.[3] Lee also contributed the song "Where Farewells Don't Exist" to the drama's soundtrack.[4]

Lee's increased Korean Wave popularity led to him being cast in as the leading man in the Japanese film Veronika Decides to Die (based on the same-titled novel by Paulo Coelho), which screened at the 2005 Tokyo International Film Festival.[4] He also played the leading role opposite Ami Suzuki in the 2007 Japanese television drama Magnolia no Hana no Shita de ("Under the Magnolia"), which portrayed a romance between a Korean man and a Japanese woman who meet while studying in New York City.[5][unreliable source?] Afterwards, he returned to Korean television with a supporting role in In-soon Is Pretty, as the protagonist's younger brother.[6]

In 2008, Lee starred in the Korean War film Once Upon a Time in Seoul.[7] He next played a villain in the gambling-themed series Swallow the Sun in 2009.[8]

Lee enlisted for mandatory military service on 12 July 2010, and was part of the entertainment soldiers unit of the Defense Media Agency under the Ministry of National Defense.[9] He was discharged on 23 April 2012.[10]

As his first post-army project, Lee appeared in the 2013 online drama It's Not Over Yet; it aired in 6-part 10-minute installments on social networking sites.[11][12] In 2015, he starred in Northern Limit Line, a naval thriller about the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong.

Personal life

[edit]

On 27 November 2018 his agency confirmed he is dating pro-golfer Lee Bo-mee.[13][unreliable source?] The couple officially tied the knot at a Catholic church with their family and friends in a private wedding on 28 December 2019.[14][unreliable source?][15][unreliable source?]

Filmography

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Television series

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Film

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Variety shows

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Music video appearances

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  • Vibe – "While Looking at the Picture"
  • Vintage Blue – "Love Is"
  • Position – "You Just Being in This World"
  • Tei – "Same Pillow"
  • Tei – "Locked Up in Tears"

Awards

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  • 2004 SBS Drama Awards: New Star Award (Little Women)
  • 2004 KBS Drama Awards: Best New Actor (Snow White: Taste Sweet Love)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lee Wan (Korean: 이완; born January 3, 1984 in , ), born Kim Hyung-soo (김형수), is a South Korean actor best known for his supporting and leading roles in television dramas and films since his debut in 2003. He first gained recognition for his supporting role as the young Han Tae-hwa in the hit romantic drama (2003–2004), followed by leading roles in series such as (2004) and (2004), earning him the New Star of the Year Award at the 2004 . His notable film roles include Lieutenant JG Lee Hee-wan in the war drama (2015), based on the real-life Battle of Daecheong, and Cha Do-young in Cinema Street (2021). Other prominent television appearances encompass (2009), Our Gap-soon (2016–2017), and Real (2017). In September 2024, he renewed his contract with agency Story J Company, signaling continued activity in the industry. Lee Wan is the younger brother of renowned actress , and he maintains a low public profile outside his work. He married professional golfer in a private Catholic ceremony in on December 28, 2019, after dating since 2017. The couple met through a mutual acquaintance in early 2018.

Early life

Family background

Lee Wan was born Kim Hyung-soo on January 3, 1984, in Nam-gu, , . He grew up in a business-oriented family in , where his father, Kim Yoo-moon, founded and served as chairman of the Hankook Union Transportation Company, a major logistics firm established in 1984. His mother remains largely out of the public eye, with limited details available about her background or profession. Lee Wan's immediate family includes two older sisters: , who maintains a private life away from the entertainment industry, and , a prominent actress known for roles in dramas like . To pursue his career independently and avoid initial associations with his sister's rising fame, Lee Wan adopted his upon entering the industry, a deliberate choice to build his reputation on his own merits within the family entertainment context.

Education and early interests

Lee Wan was born in Ulsan, , but completed his at Mapo High School in . This provided access to urban educational opportunities in the capital. During his high school period, Wan developed a strong affinity for physical activities, participating actively in sports that shaped his personal development. His passion for athletics led him to enroll at in 2002, where he majored in and earned a . He later earned a in Sports Management from Graduate School. This choice of study reflected his early interests in sports and physical training, which he pursued avidly rather than entertainment pursuits, unlike his sister . Wan excelled in activities such as soccer, and he also enjoyed hobbies like playing video games and using computers. Prior to his acting debut in 2003, Wan made an initial foray into the entertainment industry by appearing in a alongside his sister, showcasing his visual appeal and hinting at potential in the field. This brief exposure, arranged through family connections, marked his first non-acting entertainment involvement without any prior modeling or similar pursuits.

Debut and breakthrough (2003–2008)

Lee Wan made his acting debut in 2003 with a supporting role as the young Han Tae-hwa in the SBS drama , a popular that explored themes of love, , and family conflict. In this role, he portrayed the son of the antagonist, contributing to the series' ensemble cast alongside stars like and . The drama's success, with ratings peaking over 40% in , provided early visibility for the 19-year-old actor, marking his entry into the industry. Earlier that year, he appeared in a minor role in the SBS romantic comedy , further establishing his presence in television. Prior to gaining prominence in dramas, Lee Wan appeared in several music videos, which helped build his initial fanbase among younger audiences. Notable examples include his role in Vibe's 2003 track "While Looking at the Picture," where he depicted a youthful romantic lead, and Tei's single "Same Pillow," showcasing a tender friendship turning to love alongside Jung Hyeong-chae. These appearances, often featuring emotional narratives aligned with K-pop's style, increased his recognition in the music and entertainment crossover scene. By 2004, he took on supporting roles in Snow White: Taste Sweet Love (KBS2) as a charming friend and (SBS) as Il-do, a character involved in family dynamics, honing his skills in romantic and slice-of-life genres. In 2005, he starred in the SBS family comedy Let's Go to the Beach as Jang Tae-poong, a lively protagonist navigating summer adventures, which further solidified his image as a versatile young talent. Lee Wan's breakthrough came in 2006 with the lead role of Yoon Seo in the SBS-Japanese co-production Tree of Heaven, opposite as Hana. In the series, Yoon Seo is an introverted, traumatized stepbrother who initially resents his stepsister due to his fear of women and a troubled past involving his mother's death; their relationship evolves from hostility to deep emotional bond amid themes of loss and redemption, set against a Korean-Japanese cultural backdrop. The drama, adapted from a Japanese and aired in both countries, exposed him to international audiences and boosted his popularity through the , with fan meetings in drawing over 2,000 attendees that year. This role earned him acclaim for portraying vulnerability and growth, transitioning him from supporting parts to status. Between 2007 and 2008, Lee Wan expanded into diverse projects, including the 2007 KBS2 In-soon Is Pretty as a supportive love interest, and his debut in the 2005 Japanese Veronika Decides to Die, where he played Kurodo, a patient in a grappling with existential themes based on Paulo Coelho's novel. In 2008, he starred as Jong-du in the period Once Upon a Time in Seoul, depicting a young man's struggles during the era alongside Song Chang-ui. These works, combined with cameo appearances like in the 2008 Japanese series Ryokiteki na Kanojo (TBS), amplified his appeal via the , leading to expanded media coverage and a growing international fanbase, particularly in . His physical education background from high school occasionally aided in physically demanding scenes, enhancing his on-screen athleticism.

Military service and immediate aftermath (2009–2011)

Lee Wan enlisted for mandatory military service on July 12, 2010, as an active-duty soldier in the , interrupting his acting career at a pivotal moment following his role in the 2009 drama , leading to a complete hiatus from on-screen work. His two-year service concluded with his discharge on April 23, 2012. The period represented a significant pause, during which the South Korean entertainment industry saw the rise of new actors and shifting trends in production, altering the landscape he would re-enter. In the immediate aftermath of his service, Lee Wan focused on re-establishing his professional presence through smaller-scale projects rather than pursuing lead roles right away, reflecting the challenges of resuming a after a prolonged absence. His first post-discharge endeavor was the 2013 online It's Not Over Yet, a six-episode series streamed on Naver TV Cast, marking a cautious return to acting amid industry changes.

Post-military roles and hiatus (2012–2022)

Following his discharge from in April 2012, Lee Wan resumed his acting career with the online drama It's Not Over Yet, a six-part romantic series that aired on social networking sites and marked his first project after two years of service. In this web drama, he portrayed a lead role in a story involving five young adults navigating love and relationships, signaling a gradual return to the industry through digital platforms. By 2015, Lee Wan took on a significant supporting role as Major Lee Hee-wan in the naval thriller film , directed by Kim Hak-soon and based on the real-life Second Battle of Yeonpyeong in 2002. His character depicted a key officer during the intense maritime conflict, earning praise for capturing the tension and heroism of the event. This role highlighted his ability to handle action-oriented parts, contributing to the film's success with over 1.7 million viewers. From 2016 to 2017, Lee Wan appeared in prominent television and film projects, including the SBS family drama Our Gap-soon, where he played Shin Se-gye, the supportive elder brother to the protagonist in a 50-episode series exploring generational bonds and personal growth. He also featured in the action-noir film Real (2017), directed by Lee Sa-rang, portraying Jang Tae-young's double, a character entangled in underground gambling and identity deception, which allowed him to showcase physical intensity in a supporting capacity. During this period, he participated in variety shows such as Running Man (episodes 292 and 424 in 2016), where he engaged in comedic challenges and games, and Law of the Jungle (2017 episodes), surviving in remote environments like Vietnam's jungles to demonstrate his adventurous side. After 2017, Lee Wan's public appearances diminished significantly, leading to a six-year absence from lead drama roles, attributed to a shift toward personal priorities including his marriage to Lee Bo-mi in late 2019. This period of reduced visibility followed possible agency transitions and a focus on family life, though he made a selective return with the indie romantic film Cinema Street (2021), directed by Kim Min-geun, in which he starred as Do-young, a filmmaker rediscovering passion in . The project, co-starring , emphasized heartfelt storytelling over commercial scale, reflecting his preference for meaningful, low-key endeavors during the hiatus.

Recent return and projects (2023–present)

In 2023, Lee Wan made a notable return to television after a six-year absence from dramas, portraying the character Jung Jin-wook, a key suspect known as the Dog Mask in the SBS thriller series . This role marked his first small-screen appearance since 2017, earning praise for his intense performance in a centered on vigilante justice and public polls for . The series, which aired from October to December 2023, received positive viewer feedback for its gripping plot and , with Lee's contribution highlighted in media coverage as a successful comeback that showcased his ability to embody complex, antagonistic figures. In September 2024, Lee renewed his exclusive contract with Story J Company, the agency he has been with since , underscoring a relationship built on mutual trust and long-term commitment. The agency expressed gratitude for his loyalty, stating that the renewal would allow for continued support in selecting projects that align with his career vision. This decision came amid his gradual re-entry into the industry, reflecting a strategic approach to roles following his extended break. As of November 2025, Lee Wan has not announced any major new projects, maintaining a selective stance on opportunities while focusing on supporting roles in genre-driven stories like thrillers, which suit his established strengths in dramatic tension. Public reception to his return has been encouraging, with fans and media noting his refreshed presence and speculating on future endeavors that could leverage industry shifts toward diverse narratives. In interviews tied to , he briefly addressed his hiatus as a period of personal reflection, emphasizing a desire for meaningful roles over frequent appearances.

Personal life

Family relationships

Lee Wan maintains a close bond with his older sister, the actress , characterized by mutual protectiveness and public expressions of support. In a 2025 appearance on , Kim Tae-hee recounted how Lee Wan intervened during a frightening high school incident involving a stranger who followed her home, demonstrating his longstanding role as her guardian despite being younger. Lee Wan has frequently spoken fondly of their sibling dynamic in interviews, noting in a 2021 press discussion that he appreciates being known as her brother because it fosters goodwill from others in the industry. Their interactions often highlight playful teasing, as seen in Lee Wan's 2016 Running Man episode where he jokingly claimed he never found her particularly attractive, underscoring their comfortable familiarity. He also shares a familial connection with their older sister, , though she maintains a lower public profile outside the entertainment industry. Limited details emerge from interviews, but Kim Tae-hee has described their family equilibrium in a 2013 Hallyu Interview, portraying Lee Wan and herself as the more reserved members alongside a lively father, neutral mother, and outgoing . The siblings have occasionally supported each other's careers indirectly, while avoiding overt collaborations to preserve individual identities; for instance, during his acting debut, Lee Wan hid his sibling relationship with . In his , Lee Wan married Lee Bo-mi on December 28, 2019, in a private Catholic ceremony attended by close family and friends in . The couple met through a mutual acquaintance, a Catholic priest, and began dating in early 2018. The couple has kept their relationship low-key, and details about any children remain private, with no public announcements as of 2025. This aligns with Lee Wan's overall approach to , where he rarely discusses or personal milestones beyond brief mentions in professional contexts, emphasizing amid their shared fame.

Military enlistment details

Lee Wan made the personal decision to enlist in the on July 12, 2010, fulfilling his mandatory military service obligation at the age of 26. In a public statement to fans and reporters gathered outside the Training Center prior to his entry, he apologized for the sudden announcement, stating, "I know it must be surprising for you all to have heard my abrupt news of entering the . I'm sorry for that," and expressed particular concern about leaving his behind, as he was the only son in the family. No specific pre-service preparations were publicly detailed, though he conveyed optimism about returning "with a great new project" after completing his duties. Following five weeks of basic training at the Training Center in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Lee Wan was assigned to serve the remaining portion of his approximately 20-month term at a base in , Gangwon-do Province, where he took on a promotional role within the military's efforts. During his service, family involvement provided emotional support; in May 2011, his sister visited the base, organizing festivities that boosted morale among the troops. A photograph of Lee Wan from his third week of basic training, showing him in , was later released to the public, highlighting his adaptation to military life. Lee Wan was discharged on April 23, 2012, at the Yongsan base in after completing his full term without reported health issues or extensions. Upon release, he was greeted by hundreds of fans, including groups from who had traveled to attend, though he had requested a low-key event to avoid fanfare. His sister , absent from the discharge ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, contributed by preparing 2,000 autographs for distribution to fellow soldiers and seniors as a gesture of appreciation. In immediate post-discharge remarks, Lee Wan shared lighthearted reflections, naming as his favorite girl group and as his preferred member, indicating a mindset adjusted to civilian life while maintaining connections from his service. This period marked a personal transition, with the enlistment briefly interrupting his acting but allowing time for , as he later pursued selective projects upon return.

Filmography

Television series

Lee Wan's television career spans over two decades, beginning with minor roles in and evolving to more prominent supporting parts in family-oriented and thriller genres. His early work often featured him as young versions of central characters in romantic melodramas, while later roles emphasized complex family dynamics and antagonistic figures. Recurring themes in his TV appearances include romance, familial bonds, and personal redemption, with a focus on emotional depth rather than action-heavy narratives. The following table lists his television series roles chronologically, including key details:
YearTitleRoleEpisodesNetworkAir Dates
2003My Fair LadyLee Joon-pyo (young)16SBSNovember 19 – December 23, 2003
2003Nursery StoryPark Min-jae16MBCSeptember 15 – October 28, 2003
2003Summer ScentHan Tae-wook (young)4 (special episodes)SBSJuly 7 – 30, 2003
2003Stairway to HeavenHan Tae-hwa (young)20SBSDecember 3, 2003 – February 5, 2004
2004Snow White: Taste Sweet LoveHan Sun-woo16KBS2November 13 – December 23, 2004
2004Little WomenIl-do58SBSApril 24 – November 21, 2004
2006Tree of HeavenYoon Suh10SBS2006 (Japan), 2007 (Korea)
2005Let's Go to the BeachKim Dong-suk14SBSJuly 2 – September 4, 2005
2007In-soon Is PrettyJang Geun-soo16KBS2November 3 – December 23, 2007
2009Swallow the SunJang Tae-hyuk25SBSJuly 9 – October 1, 2009
2016–2017The Goblin(cameo)1tvNDecember 2, 2016 – January 19, 2017
2016–2017Our Gap-soonShin Se-gye61SBSAugust 27, 2016 – April 8, 2017
2023The Killing VoteJung Jin-wook12SBSAugust 30 – October 12, 2023
As of 2025, no additional television series have been announced following .

Films

Lee Wan's film career began in 2005 and has encompassed a range of genres, from and romance to action and indie productions, showcasing his versatility as an . His roles often highlight emotional depth and intensity, particularly in narratives drawn from historical or real-life events. Over the years, he has appeared in five feature films, each contributing to his reputation for portraying complex characters in both mainstream and independent cinema. His debut came in the Japanese psychological drama (2005), directed by Kei Horie, where he portrayed Claude, a patient in a opposite Yôko Maki's lead character. The film, adapted from Paulo Coelho's novel, marked Lee's entry into international co-productions and earned attention for its exploration of themes. In , Lee starred as Jong-du in the historical romance Once Upon a Time in Seoul, directed by Bae Hyeong-jun, a post-Korean War story of ambition and set against 's rapid . His performance as a young man navigating poverty and dreams added emotional layers to the film's nostalgic portrayal of Korea. Following a hiatus for , Lee returned to film in 2015 with the war drama , directed by Kim Hak-soon, where he played Major Lee Hee-wan, a naval officer in the real-life Second Battle of Yeonpyeong. This role, based on the 2010 maritime clash between North and South Korean forces, highlighted Lee's ability to convey stoic heroism and camaraderie under fire, contributing to the film's acclaim as a tense depiction of modern inter-Korean conflict. Lee took on an antagonistic supporting role as Jang Tae-yeong in the 2017 action-thriller Real, directed by Lee Sa-rang, starring alongside in a story of crime, identity, and underground gambling. His portrayal of a duplicitous figure in the film's noir-inspired narrative underscored his range in high-stakes, morally ambiguous parts. His most recent film appearance was in the 2021 indie Cinema Street, directed by Kim Min-geun, in which he led as Do-young, a filmmaker reconnecting with past love amid a movie production in . The project exemplified Lee's shift toward lighter, character-driven stories in independent cinema, blending humor with reflections on creativity and relationships.
YearTitleRoleDirector
2005Veronika Decides to DieClaudeKei Horie
2008Once Upon a Time in SeoulJong-duBae Hyeong-jun
2015Major Lee Hee-wanKim Hak-soon
2017RealJang Tae-yeongLee Sa-rang
2021Cinema StreetDo-youngKim Min-geun

Variety shows

Lee Wan's forays into variety television have been limited, primarily occurring after his hiatus, serving to enhance his public relatability and visibility in lighter entertainment formats compared to his more extensive scripted roles. His notable appearances include:
  • Cool Kiz on the Block (KBS2, 2014): Joined as a regular member of the soccer team Our Neighborhood FC, participating in sports challenges to showcase athletic skills and team dynamics.
  • Match Made in Heaven Returns (MBC Every1, 2015): Appeared as a guest in multiple episodes of this program, engaging in simulations and humorous interactions to highlight his .
  • Law of the Jungle (SBS, 2017): Featured as a guest in episodes 219–223 (Komodo edition), enduring survival challenges in while sharing personal anecdotes, including family insights.
These three programs represent the bulk of his variety work, underscoring a selective approach to non-scripted television amid a career centered on .

Music video appearances

Lee Wan's entry into the entertainment industry began with modeling roles in music videos during the early , serving as his initial exposure before transitioning to . These appearances highlighted his youthful charm and helped attract industry attention, ultimately leading to scouting opportunities for television roles. One of his earliest credits was in the 2003 music video for Vibe's "While Looking at the Picture," where he appeared as a supporting figure in the romantic storyline. By , he took on a more prominent part in Position's "You Just Being in This World," co-starring with actress in a narrative-driven video that depicted themes of and presence. In 2007, Lee Wan collaborated with ballad singer Tei on two videos from Tei's fourth album. He portrayed the male lead in "Same Pillow," emphasizing an intimate, friendship-tinged romance that reflected his real-life rapport with the artist. Similarly, in "Locked Up in Tears," he featured as the emotional counterpart in a poignant tale of longing and separation. These roles, often as romantic interests or key cameos, demonstrated his on-screen charisma and contributed to his visibility among casting directors. No further music video appearances by Lee Wan have been recorded after 2007.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef.
2004New Star AwardWon
2004Best New ActorWon

References

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