Seo Kang-joon is a prominent South Korean actor, singer, and model who has captivated audiences with his striking looks, nuanced performances, and magnetic screen presence. Born as Lee Seung-hwan, he rose to fame as a member of the actor-idol group 5urprise and gradually transitioned into one of Korea’s most sought-after leading men. From his breakthrough role in Cheese in the Trap to the emotionally charged performances in Watcher and Are You Human Too?, Seo Kang-joon has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile performer in both television and film.
He was born on October 12, 1993, in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Initially aspiring to be a singer, Seo moved to Malaysia during his middle school years to study English and broaden his global perspective. Upon returning to Korea, he pursued acting and enrolled in Dong Seoul University, majoring in Performing Arts. His career officially kicked off in 2013 with the web drama After School: Lucky or Not, and his blend of youthful charm and subtle emotional depth quickly gained public attention.
His striking amber-colored eyes and natural charisma became a hot topic in Korean entertainment media, earning him modeling gigs and expanding his fanbase globally. His role as Baek In-ho in Cheese in the Trap (2016) made him a household name and cemented his place as a rising Hallyu star. Seo’s ability to tackle emotionally complex characters is exemplified in his performances in Are You Human Too? and Watcher, where he received critical acclaim for portraying dual personalities and psychological tension.
Despite mandatory military service temporarily halting his career in 2021, he made a strong return to acting upon discharge in 2023. Known for his quiet and introspective personality off-screen, Seo Kang-joon remains humble and deeply committed to his craft.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Lee Seung-hwan |
| Other/Nickname | Seo Kang-joon (Stage Name) |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor, Singer, Model |
| Birthplace | Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1993 |
| Hometown | Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province |
| Caste/Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Libra |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 183 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 72 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly known |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Hazel/Amber (natural and well-known trait) |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| 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/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Dating | Not publicly confirmed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband/Wife | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Studied in Malaysia (middle school), schools not publicly named |
| College/University | Dong Seoul University |
| Educational Qualification | Majored in Performing Arts |
Controversies
Seo Kang-joon has maintained a clean public image throughout his career. He has not been involved in any major controversies, a rarity in the Korean entertainment industry. His professionalism and quiet lifestyle have helped him avoid public scandals.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Korean stews, sweet desserts |
| Favorite Movie | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Actor | Leonardo DiCaprio (mentioned in past interviews) |
| Favorite Actress | Not publicly stated |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Not specified |
| Favorite Destination | Prefers quiet, nature-centric places |
| Favorite Cafe | Not disclosed |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Known for casual chic, prefers minimal fashion |
| Favorite Book | Not publicly known |
| Favorite Athlete | Not specified |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Approx. $30,000 – $50,000 per episode (TV) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $5 million (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not disclosed |
| House Address | Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Seo Kang-joon |
| Not officially active | |
| Not officially maintained | |
| @seokj1012 (verified account) |
Personal quote:
“I want to live a life that’s true to myself, without regrets, even if it means going slower than others.”
Early Life and Career:
Before rising to fame, Seo Kang-joon experienced a transformative childhood. Sent to Malaysia during his teens, he became fluent in English and gained exposure to global cultures—an experience that shaped his mature, thoughtful personality. Upon returning to Korea, he joined Fantagio’s talent development program and was later selected as one of the five members of the actor group 5urprise.
He began his acting journey with minor roles in dramas and web series, but it wasn’t until his breakout role in Cheese in the Trap that he truly gained recognition. His portrayal of the hot-headed pianist Baek In-ho won him immense praise. The years that followed saw him star in Are You Human Too?, where he played a dual role of a robot and a human—a performance that was critically acclaimed.
He then took a darker turn in Watcher, a gritty crime thriller, further solidifying his reputation as a serious actor. His recent projects after returning from military service include Gyeongseong Creature and a confirmed role in an upcoming Netflix original, signaling his full-fledged return to the spotlight.
Current life/Events:
As of 2025, Seo Kang-joon is actively filming and participating in multiple high-profile projects. Following his military discharge in May 2023, he resumed his acting career with renewed focus and is rumored to be in talks for a major Korean-Japanese collaboration series. He has also expanded his public appearances, magazine covers, and brand endorsements, strengthening his status as a pan-Asian star.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Seo Kang-joon
- Seo Kang-joon’s natural hazel eyes are rare among Koreans and became a major topic when he first debuted.
- He originally debuted as part of a “first-ever actor group” called 5urprise under Fantagio Entertainment.
- He studied abroad in Malaysia for over a year during middle school to improve his English.
- He once considered becoming a professional tennis player before switching to acting.
- He’s a skilled pianist and often incorporates music into his roles.
- Known for his humble demeanor, Seo often avoids flashy media presence.
- During military service, he served in the Army and was known as a model soldier.
- He has a strong interest in photography and has shared self-taken photo series on social media.
- Seo is known for being close friends with actors Gong Myung and Lee Tae-hwan, former members of 5urprise.
- He prefers quiet, nature-filled vacations and has a love for camping and outdoor activities.
