Lee Jae-wook is a rising South Korean actor known for his magnetic screen presence, deep voice, and effortlessly charismatic performances. Emerging as one of the most versatile talents of his generation, Lee began his acting journey in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite across K-dramas and films. He gained early recognition for his supporting role in the sci-fi drama Memories of the Alhambra and soon after soared in popularity through projects like Extraordinary You, Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, and the fantasy hit Alchemy of Souls. With his intense acting skills and classic model-like visuals, Lee Jae-wook has carved a unique space in the Korean entertainment industry.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee initially pursued modeling and acting out of passion. He graduated from Chung-Ang University’s Department of Theater, one of Korea’s most prestigious performing arts programs. His refined acting skills were evident from the start and caught the attention of agencies and directors. In 2020, he took on his first lead role in Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, proving that he could command the screen with ease. His breakout came with Alchemy of Souls, where he played the complicated yet lovable Jang Uk—a role that propelled him into international stardom.
Lee Jae-wook’s ability to portray a wide range of emotions and genres, from romantic comedies to fantasy epics, has made him a versatile star. In addition to his acting, he’s known for his calm and intellectual personality, often contrasting with his emotionally dynamic characters. Off-screen, he has become a fashion icon, regularly gracing the covers of top magazines and fronting campaigns for luxury brands.
Let’s dive deeper into the life of this fast-rising Hallyu star.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Lee Jae-wook |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor, Model |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 26 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1998 |
| Hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion | N/A |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 187 cm (6’1”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 70 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly available |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed for roles) |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother’s name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dating | Karina (AESPA) – Confirmed (2024) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Not publicly disclosed |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Chung-Ang University |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Theater and Film |
Controversies
In 2024, Lee Jae-wook and AESPA’s Karina confirmed their romantic relationship, which initially sparked mixed reactions among netizens. Some fans expressed surprise, while many supported the couple, appreciating their openness in the usually private world of K-celebrity relationships. The couple briefly split in April 2024 due to scheduling conflicts but reconciled later that year, becoming one of the most followed celebrity pairs in South Korea.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | The Dark Knight |
| Favorite Actor | Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress | Kim Hye-soo |
| Favorite Color | Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Kim Seo Ryong |
| Favorite Destination | Paris, France |
| Favorite Cafe | Café Kitsuné, Seoul |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Prada, Saint Laurent |
| Favorite Book | Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete | Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Estimated $40,000–$80,000 per episode |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million USD (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Lee Jae-wook |
|---|---|
| N/A (Fan accounts only) | |
| N/A | |
| @jxxvvxxk (Verified) |
Personal quote:
“Acting lets me explore emotions I never knew I had.”
Early Life and Career:
Lee Jae-wook was born and raised in Seoul and developed a deep interest in film and storytelling at a young age. After enrolling at Chung-Ang University, he honed his craft in theater while working as a model. He made his acting debut in 2018 with Memories of the Alhambra, playing a mysterious hacker. Despite the limited screen time, his performance drew critical praise and opened up more doors.
In 2019, he gained mass attention for his role in Extraordinary You, portraying Baek Kyung, a brooding second lead who stirred hearts with his layered performance. This role earned him his first major acting award and cemented his place in the industry. He followed up with strong roles in Search: WWW and the romantic comedy Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.
In 2022, he took on one of his most iconic roles yet in Alchemy of Souls, where he played the complex and emotional Jang Uk. The show became a pan-Asian sensation, further launching him into the international spotlight. His nuanced performance won over critics and audiences alike, proving that Lee Jae-wook is not just a pretty face—he’s a powerhouse actor.
Current Life/Events:
As of 2025, Lee Jae-wook continues to dominate both the small and big screens. He’s filming new dramas and is rumored to be in talks for a major Netflix original. His relationship with Karina of AESPA has kept him in the public eye, though he remains focused on his acting career. Known for his quiet, introspective personality, Lee has also become a frequent face at global fashion events and brand campaigns, balancing his time between Seoul and overseas appearances.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Lee Jae-wook
- He made his acting debut without prior experience in front of the camera and nailed his audition at first try.
- Lee Jae-wook initially aspired to be a screenwriter before pursuing acting.
- He’s a certified fashion enthusiast and often styles his own looks during shoots.
- He’s allergic to cats but adores them.
- He practiced piano for over 6 months for his role in Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.
- He is fluent in both Korean and conversational English.
- Despite his confident screen presence, he’s known to be quite shy in real life.
- He was named “Best New Actor” at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards.
- He loves collecting vintage cameras and often photographs during travel.
- Lee is close friends with actor Song Kang, and the two often hang out off-screen.
