Lee Do-hyun is a rising star in the South Korean entertainment industry, known for his emotionally nuanced performances and boy-next-door charm. With a career that took off relatively recently, he has already become one of the most talked-about actors of his generation. Born on April 11, 1995, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Lee Do-hyun has carved a niche for himself through roles in dramas like Hotel del Luna (2019), 18 Again (2020), Youth of May (2021), and The Good Bad Mother (2023).
Initially aspiring to be a basketball player, Do-hyun’s journey to stardom took a turn during high school when he discovered his passion for acting. After enrolling in the Department of Film and Theater at Chung-Ang University, he began to hone his skills and soon caught the industry’s attention with his striking screen presence and natural acting.
Lee made his acting debut in 2017 in the hit drama Prison Playbook, playing a younger version of one of the main characters. However, it was his role as Go Chung-myung in Hotel del Luna that earned him widespread recognition. His portrayal of a tragic love interest captivated viewers and made him a household name in Korea.
He has since taken on a diverse range of characters—from a time-traveling father in 18 Again, inspired by the American film 17 Again, to a medical student caught in the chaos of political unrest in Youth of May, based on real events. His performance in The Good Bad Mother was especially praised for his ability to convey vulnerability and emotional depth.
Beyond his on-screen talent, Lee Do-hyun is known for his humble personality, dedication to his craft, and strong family values. Off-screen, he’s garnered a loyal fanbase who admire both his talent and grounded nature.
With multiple awards under his belt, including Best New Actor and Excellence Awards at major Korean award shows, and a recent enlistment in the military in August 2023, fans eagerly await his return to the screen. Lee Do-hyun is not just a pretty face—he’s an actor with depth, passion, and an incredibly bright future ahead.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Lim Dong-hyun (임동현) |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Do-hyun, “Nation’s Younger Man” |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor |
| Birthplace | Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 30 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1995 |
| Hometown | Goyang, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | Korean / Christianity (Reported) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | On hiatus (Military Service) |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 182 cm (5’11.5”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 67 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not publicly known |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s name | Lim Dong-hyuk (has intellectual disability) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dating | Lim Ji-yeon (confirmed 2023) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Goyang Arts High School |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Chung-Ang University |
| Educational Qualification | Major in Film and Theater |
Controversies
Lee Do-hyun has largely maintained a controversy-free public image. However, he did make headlines when his relationship with actress Lim Ji-yeon was confirmed in April 2023. While not a scandal, it attracted media attention due to their on-screen chemistry in The Glory and the timing of their relationship announcement just before his military enlistment.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Fried Chicken |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Inception, The Dark Knight |
| Favorite Actor | Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Favorite Actress | Song Hye-kyo |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Destination | Jeju Island |
| Favorite Cafe | Unknown |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Nike, Converse |
| Favorite Book | N/A |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min (Footballer) |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $20K–$30K per episode |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million USD (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly available |
| Phone Number | Not publicly available |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Lee Do-hyun |
|---|---|
| N/A (Not active) | |
| N/A | |
| @ldh_sky |
Personal quote:
“I want to be an actor who can move people’s hearts.”
Early Life and Career
Lee Do-hyun, born Lim Dong-hyun, had a fairly ordinary childhood in Goyang, growing up in a modest family. What many don’t know is that he has a deep emotional connection with his younger brother, who has a developmental disability. This shaped much of his perspective on life and fame, and he remains fiercely protective of his family.
While he initially aspired to be a basketball player, he gravitated toward acting in high school. His passion led him to Chung-Ang University, one of Korea’s most prestigious institutions for arts and film. He made his acting debut in 2017 through a supporting role in Prison Playbook, where he played the younger version of Jung Kyung-ho’s character.
His real breakthrough came with Hotel del Luna in 2019, where he played the tragic Go Chung-myung, leaving viewers in tears. From there, he proved his versatility with back-to-back successful roles in 18 Again, Youth of May, and Melancholia. His role in The Glory (2022–2023), alongside Song Hye-kyo, further solidified his reputation, and his most recent leading role in The Good Bad Mother earned him critical acclaim for portraying a duality of youthful innocence and emotional maturity.
Current Life/Events
Lee Do-hyun officially began his mandatory military service on August 14, 2023, serving as an active-duty soldier. Just before his enlistment, his agency confirmed his relationship with The Glory co-star Lim Ji-yeon, turning the couple into a real-life romantic headline.
Though currently away from the screen, fans are actively awaiting his return, with expectations that he’ll continue his streak of compelling performances once he completes service in 2025. Rumors are already swirling about projects being lined up for his comeback.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Lee Do-hyun
- His real name is Lim Dong-hyun; “Do-hyun” is his stage name.
- He has a younger brother with intellectual disabilities, which deeply influences his humility and emotional performances.
- He was a theater major and participated in various student plays during his college years.
- His role in 18 Again earned him comparisons to seasoned actors despite his young age.
- He’s known for his deep voice, often surprising fans who expect a gentler tone from his appearance.
- Do-hyun keeps a low profile on social media and values privacy.
- He’s said in interviews that he wants to try directing in the future.
- He’s a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio and dreams of doing a psychological thriller.
- Lee Do-hyun is known for treating all staff—from stylists to camera crew—with genuine kindness and respect.
- Before his military enlistment, he was considered the “Next Big Thing” in Korean drama circles.
