Lee Jun Ki
Encyclopedia
Lee Jun Ki is a South Korean actor, model and singer, who Koreans regard as a quintessential kkonminam
idol. He rose to fame as Gong-gil in The King and the Clown
. In August 2009, Lee Jun Ki was appointed an ambassador for Korea tourism by the Korea Tourism Organization.
.
(왕의 남자), in which he took on the role of a somewhat feminine clown in the late 15th century. Lee faced the challenge as a male actor of playing out Gongil's femininity, which attracts the attention of many other men in the film. The film became one of the highest grossing South Korean-made movies in South Korea, unexpectedly replacing Taegukgi
as the most-watched film in Korean history with over 12.3 million viewers. Lee's salary for the role was a comparatively low US$
100,000.
Lee was against the halving of screen quotas
in South Korea that allows foreign films to be shown in theaters on certain days, while domestic films are allotted another amount of days. He believed that without the screen quotas, The King and the Clown would not have been as successful in competing against foreign films.
Producer Lee Jun Ik revealed the story of how he chose Lee for The King and the Clown by just seeing him do handstands, saying, "Just because of handstands, Lee Jun Ki became the person he is today." After the film, Lee became "an icon" of the South Korean "pretty boy" aesthetic.
Lee has since tried to diminish his pretty boy image. Lee said Gong-gil’s character in The King and the Clown felt like a foot chain for him so he wanted to escape from it, stating, "After my performance in The King and the Clown, I found myself at the forefront of this ‘pretty boy’ trend, whether or not that was my intention. Suddenly, people were interested in me, and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like I was floating on air." Lee revealed that there are times where he feels gloomy and can’t find answers to his questions but he hopes to not give up his acting no matter what happens and die while acting, showing his passion and love for acting.
, and Lee Dong Wook
. His movie, Fly, Daddy, Fly
garnered much attention and media coverage among Chinese viewers. However, there is criticism that both of these have "either fallen short of expectations at the box office or cast Lee in minor roles."
Lee's popularity overseas is noted, where in the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival
, he was "was enthroned as the top star". During the Shanghai International Film Festival
, Lee was approached by acclaimed Chinese director Chen Kaige
, who proposed that the two should make a film together in China, to which Lee responded, "I'd love to make the movie if the script is good and the character is right." In 2007, Lee filmed a joint Korea
-Japan
movie entitled Virgin Snow
with Japanese
actress Aoi Miyazaki
, in which he plays a Korean exchange student. Lee expressed why he join the cast saying, "I hope this film helps improve friendly relations between the two nations." Virgin Snow was successful by placing 9th at the box office and set a record for a Korean film released in Japan.
He also starred in an action drama Time Between Dog And Wolf
, his first drama ever as the lead role. From September 4 to October 5, at the 2008 Seoul Drama Festival 14th ceremony, Yahoo! Korea and Yahoo! Japan, together conducted a survey on who was the best between Korean and Japanese actors. The survey totaled 27 million online votes, and the most popular TV drama being Time Between Dog and Wolf
with the total of 59.9 percent with overwhelming support from the fans. Coming in second place was KBS2 TV’s Hong Gil Dong with the total of 39 percent and coming in third place was MBC
’s Coffee Prince with the total of 1.5 percent. The best male actor and female actress went to the main characters Lee and Nam Sang Mi.
At the 27th Hawaii International Film Festival
, it was announced that Lee would be that year's recipient of its Rising Star award. The award acknowledged the actor's work, media image, and growing star-power in the global arena. The festival, which ran through October 18–28, presented the award at "An Evening with Lee Jun-ki" on Friday, October 19 He also had a role in the Korean film May 18
, about the events surrounding the Gwangju Massacre
of 1980, which was given the Gold Orchid Best Feature Film for 2007. The film sold over six million tickets at the Korean box office.
, a period drama in which he starred as a Robin Hood
-esque character during the Chosun era. Its first episode aired on May 21, 2008 with 15.4% program rating. From then its program rating increased and Iljimae finished airing on July 24, with 31.4% program rating, one of the highest ratings of the year, and earned him high honors in the 2008 SBS Drama Awards. The drama later aired in Japan on the channel TV Tokyo
.
In November 2009, Lee was the lead role in the comedic-action drama, Hero
, which aired on the station MBC
.
for his 22 months of mandatory service. He will serve within the public relations department of the Ministry of National Defense.
.
On August 5, 2009, Lee was appointed as the new promotional ambassador of the Korea Tourism Organization
. Lee said of his appointment, "I enjoyed working as an honorary ambassador of hallyu last year. I'm proud of being appointed as tourism ambassador this time, and will try my best to promote Korea."
Kkonminam
Since the mid 2000s the term kkonminam has been commonly used in South Korea to refer to positively vain young male pop idols with a great sense of personal style and fashion. To the Western eye they may seem effeminate, in part because they are often shown with some make-up, such as eye-liner or...
idol. He rose to fame as Gong-gil in The King and the Clown
The King and the Clown
The King and the Clown is a 2005 South Korean film, adapted from the 2000 Korean play titled Yi about Yeonsangun of Joseon, a Joseon dynasty king who falls in love with a court clown who mocks him. The movie is based on a small passage from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty that briefly mentions...
. In August 2009, Lee Jun Ki was appointed an ambassador for Korea tourism by the Korea Tourism Organization.
Early life
In his adolescent years, Lee was a fairly normal individual who enjoyed sports and computers. He first became interested in the performing arts as a high school student after watching a performance of Hamlet. Lee initially did not get into college and instead moved to Seoul with almost nothing in his pocket, but a dream to work in the entertainment industry. For the next couple of years, Lee worked at various part-time jobs, before gaining acceptance into the Seoul Institute of the ArtsSeoul Institute of the Arts
Seoul Institute of the Arts was founded by Chi-Jin Yoo in 1962. The Ansan Campus was completed in February 2001 and is the designated centre of arts education, whilst the Namsan Campus is the center of art experience. SIA has 2400 students in 13 departments...
.
The King and the Clown
In 2005, his first major acting role came in The King and the ClownThe King and the Clown
The King and the Clown is a 2005 South Korean film, adapted from the 2000 Korean play titled Yi about Yeonsangun of Joseon, a Joseon dynasty king who falls in love with a court clown who mocks him. The movie is based on a small passage from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty that briefly mentions...
(왕의 남자), in which he took on the role of a somewhat feminine clown in the late 15th century. Lee faced the challenge as a male actor of playing out Gongil's femininity, which attracts the attention of many other men in the film. The film became one of the highest grossing South Korean-made movies in South Korea, unexpectedly replacing Taegukgi
Taegukgi (film)
Taegukgi Hwinallimyo is a 2004 South Korean war film directed by Kang Je-gyu. It tells the story about the effect of the Korean War on two brothers. The film's title is the name of the pre-war Flag of Korea as well as the postwar Flag of South Korea...
as the most-watched film in Korean history with over 12.3 million viewers. Lee's salary for the role was a comparatively low US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
100,000.
Lee was against the halving of screen quotas
Screen quotas
Screen quotas are a legislated policy that enforces a minimum number of screening days of domestic films in the theater each year to protect the nation’s films. The screen quota system is enforced to prevent foreign markets from making inroads into the domestic film market. The screen quota system...
in South Korea that allows foreign films to be shown in theaters on certain days, while domestic films are allotted another amount of days. He believed that without the screen quotas, The King and the Clown would not have been as successful in competing against foreign films.
Producer Lee Jun Ik revealed the story of how he chose Lee for The King and the Clown by just seeing him do handstands, saying, "Just because of handstands, Lee Jun Ki became the person he is today." After the film, Lee became "an icon" of the South Korean "pretty boy" aesthetic.
Lee has since tried to diminish his pretty boy image. Lee said Gong-gil’s character in The King and the Clown felt like a foot chain for him so he wanted to escape from it, stating, "After my performance in The King and the Clown, I found myself at the forefront of this ‘pretty boy’ trend, whether or not that was my intention. Suddenly, people were interested in me, and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like I was floating on air." Lee revealed that there are times where he feels gloomy and can’t find answers to his questions but he hopes to not give up his acting no matter what happens and die while acting, showing his passion and love for acting.
Overseas popularity
His next role was as a supporting character on the SBS's My Girl together with Miss Korea, Park Si Yeon, Lee Da HaeLee Da Hae
Lee Da-hae , is a South Korean actress who has appeared in a number of Korean television series and dramas such as My Girl and Green Rose.-Biography:...
, and Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong-wook , is a South Korean actor who is best known for his leading role in 2005 as Seol Gong Chan in the television drama My Girl. He went on to star in La Dolce Vita and Partner...
. His movie, Fly, Daddy, Fly
Fly, Daddy, Fly
Fly, Daddy, Fly is a 2006 South Korean drama film. It is based upon a novel of the same name by Japanese author Kaneshiro Kazuki, where the Japanese version of the book was made into a Japanese film in 2005.-Synopsis:...
garnered much attention and media coverage among Chinese viewers. However, there is criticism that both of these have "either fallen short of expectations at the box office or cast Lee in minor roles."
Lee's popularity overseas is noted, where in the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival
Tokyo International Film Festival
Tokyo International Film Festival is a film festival established in 1985. The event was held biannually from 1985 to 1991 and annually thereafter...
, he was "was enthroned as the top star". During the Shanghai International Film Festival
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival , abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia.Along with Tokyo International Film Festival, the SIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The first festival was held from October 7 to 14, 1993, and was held biennially until...
, Lee was approached by acclaimed Chinese director Chen Kaige
Chen Kaige
Chen Kaige is a Chinese film director and a leading figure of the fifth generation of Chinese cinema. His films are known for their visual flair and epic storytelling.-Early life:...
, who proposed that the two should make a film together in China, to which Lee responded, "I'd love to make the movie if the script is good and the character is right." In 2007, Lee filmed a joint Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
-Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
movie entitled Virgin Snow
Virgin Snow (film)
Virgin Snow is a 2007 South Korean film directed by Han Sang-hye and starring Korean actor, Lee Jun Ki and Japanese actress, Aoi Miyazaki.-Plot:...
with Japanese
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
actress Aoi Miyazaki
Aoi Miyazaki
is a Japanese actress. She is best known for her pure image and roles such as in Nana and Virgin Snow. Her brother Masaru Miyazaki is an actor, and they starred together in the film Hatsukoi. She married Sosuke Takaoka on June 15, 2007, her partner since she was fifteen.-Career:Miyazaki started...
, in which he plays a Korean exchange student. Lee expressed why he join the cast saying, "I hope this film helps improve friendly relations between the two nations." Virgin Snow was successful by placing 9th at the box office and set a record for a Korean film released in Japan.
He also starred in an action drama Time Between Dog And Wolf
Time Between Dog and Wolf
Time Between Dog and Wolf is a South Korean action-romance drama, starring popular actor Lee Jun Ki and Nam Sang Mi. It started airing on MBC July 18, 2007...
, his first drama ever as the lead role. From September 4 to October 5, at the 2008 Seoul Drama Festival 14th ceremony, Yahoo! Korea and Yahoo! Japan, together conducted a survey on who was the best between Korean and Japanese actors. The survey totaled 27 million online votes, and the most popular TV drama being Time Between Dog and Wolf
Time Between Dog and Wolf
Time Between Dog and Wolf is a South Korean action-romance drama, starring popular actor Lee Jun Ki and Nam Sang Mi. It started airing on MBC July 18, 2007...
with the total of 59.9 percent with overwhelming support from the fans. Coming in second place was KBS2 TV’s Hong Gil Dong with the total of 39 percent and coming in third place was MBC
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television...
’s Coffee Prince with the total of 1.5 percent. The best male actor and female actress went to the main characters Lee and Nam Sang Mi.
At the 27th Hawaii International Film Festival
Hawaii International Film Festival
The Hawaii International Film Festival is a film festival held in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It was started in 1981 by Jeannette Paulson Hereniko and has been held annually in the fall for two weeks...
, it was announced that Lee would be that year's recipient of its Rising Star award. The award acknowledged the actor's work, media image, and growing star-power in the global arena. The festival, which ran through October 18–28, presented the award at "An Evening with Lee Jun-ki" on Friday, October 19 He also had a role in the Korean film May 18
May 18 (film)
May 18 is a South Korean film released in 2007.-Synopsis:The film is based on the massacre at Gwangju on May 18...
, about the events surrounding the Gwangju Massacre
Gwangju massacre
The Gwangju Democratization Movement refers to a popular uprising in the city of Gwangju, South Korea from May 18 to May 27, 1980. During this period, citizens rose up against Chun Doo-hwan's military dictatorship and took control of the city...
of 1980, which was given the Gold Orchid Best Feature Film for 2007. The film sold over six million tickets at the Korean box office.
Return to Korea
From April to July 2008, Lee participated in the filming for SBS's TV series IljimaeIljimae
Iljimae is a Korean drama broadcast from May to July 2008 on SBS. It is loosely based on a comic by Ko Woo Yung that was based on a Chinese folktale from the Ming dynasty. It was produced by Lee Yong Suk. The plot is different from the original comic because the production company could not get...
, a period drama in which he starred as a Robin Hood
Robin Hood
Robin Hood was a heroic outlaw in English folklore. A highly skilled archer and swordsman, he is known for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor", assisted by a group of fellow outlaws known as his "Merry Men". Traditionally, Robin Hood and his men are depicted wearing Lincoln green clothes....
-esque character during the Chosun era. Its first episode aired on May 21, 2008 with 15.4% program rating. From then its program rating increased and Iljimae finished airing on July 24, with 31.4% program rating, one of the highest ratings of the year, and earned him high honors in the 2008 SBS Drama Awards. The drama later aired in Japan on the channel TV Tokyo
TV Tokyo
is a television station headquartered in Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Also known as , a blend of "terebi" and "Tokyo", it is the key station of TX Network. It is one of the major Tokyo television stations, particularly specializing in anime...
.
In November 2009, Lee was the lead role in the comedic-action drama, Hero
Hero (MBC)
Hero / Heroes is a South Korean comedic-action drama about Korea's top reporters and ordinary citizens fighting against the inequalities between society’s masses and its very elite. It is loosely based on a comic by Park Ji Suk and produced by Lee Jae Dong...
, which aired on the station MBC
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television...
.
Military career
On May 3, 2010, Lee enlisted in the Republic of Korea ArmyRepublic of Korea Army
The Republic of Korea Army is the largest of the military branches of the South Korean armed forces with 520,000 members as of 2010...
for his 22 months of mandatory service. He will serve within the public relations department of the Ministry of National Defense.
Dispute with Mentor Entertainment
In September 2008, Lee had a contractual dispute with his agency Mentor Entertainment. Lee was being sued for 500 million won for breaching his contract and for supposedly hiding 1 billion won in an attempt to "established his own agency in association with his manager".Korea Hallyu and Tourism Ambassador
On July 29, 2008, Lee had a conference for the Hallyu Festival, he was chosen as the Ambassador for the 2008 Seoul Hallyu Festival. Lee was later entrusted as the Honorary Legal System Officer in the Government Legislation Agency's 60th year anniversary. Lee said, "When I’m choosing my work, I would like to choose one that involves working with other countries. Instead of showing off being a Hallyu Star, I will try my best to show good images for those who love Korea."Original text: "작품을 선택할 때 외국과의 합작할 수 있는 데 욕심이 있다. 기존 한류스타로서 위세 부린다는 느낌이 아닌, 한국을 사랑해주시는 모든 분들게 멋진 모습을 보여주기 위해 노력할 것" During the ceremony, Lee was appointed as the first Honorary Legal System Officer since the constitution of the Government Legislation Agency due to his acting role in SBS's IljimaeIljimae
Iljimae is a Korean drama broadcast from May to July 2008 on SBS. It is loosely based on a comic by Ko Woo Yung that was based on a Chinese folktale from the Ming dynasty. It was produced by Lee Yong Suk. The plot is different from the original comic because the production company could not get...
.
On August 5, 2009, Lee was appointed as the new promotional ambassador of the Korea Tourism Organization
Korea Tourism Organization
The Korea Tourism Organization is a statutory organization of the Republic of Korea under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is commissioned to promote the country's tourism industry.-Overview:...
. Lee said of his appointment, "I enjoyed working as an honorary ambassador of hallyu last year. I'm proud of being appointed as tourism ambassador this time, and will try my best to promote Korea."
Discography
- J StyleJ StyleJ Style is the second single album by Lee Jun Ki, which he produced with musician Kim Hyung Suk. The album consists 4 new songs including his 3 songs from his previous album My Jun, My Style. One of the songs, Selfless Dedicated Trees was written by Lee Jun Ki for his fans at the Episode II 'Mask'...
(2009)
- "J Style"
- "Soliloquy"
- "I'm Ready"(2009)
- "The Giving Tree"
- Lips - Kim So Ri (2009)
- "Pinky Finger"
- One & Only - Nam Hyun JoonNam Hyun JoonNam Hyun Joon, often referred to as Poppin' Hyun Joon or Happy Hyun Joon, is a famous South Korean contemporary dancer. He is best known for his unique popping techniques...
(2006)
- One & Only - Nam Hyun Joon
- "Fly High" feat. Seo In Young
- My Jun, My StyleMy Jun, My StyleMy Jun, My Style is the first single album from Lee Jun Ki. He released his mini album My Jun, My Style - April 26, 2007 which contains three touching ballads, which he wrote primarily for his fans at the Episode 1 fan meeting on May 21, 2006. In addition, this release comes with a DVD containing...
(2006)
- My Jun, My Style
- "One Word"
- "Don't Know Love"
- "Foolish Love" (Babo Sarang)
Dramas
- HeroHero (MBC)Hero / Heroes is a South Korean comedic-action drama about Korea's top reporters and ordinary citizens fighting against the inequalities between society’s masses and its very elite. It is loosely based on a comic by Park Ji Suk and produced by Lee Jae Dong...
(MBC, 2009) - IljimaeIljimaeIljimae is a Korean drama broadcast from May to July 2008 on SBS. It is loosely based on a comic by Ko Woo Yung that was based on a Chinese folktale from the Ming dynasty. It was produced by Lee Yong Suk. The plot is different from the original comic because the production company could not get...
(SBS, 2008) - Time Between Dog And WolfTime Between Dog and WolfTime Between Dog and Wolf is a South Korean action-romance drama, starring popular actor Lee Jun Ki and Nam Sang Mi. It started airing on MBC July 18, 2007...
(MBC, 2007) - The 101st ProposalThe 101st Proposal101st Proposal aka My Perfect Girl is a Korean drama broadcast from May to July 2006 on SBS. It is a remake of the Japanese drama 101st Marriage Proposal broadcasted by Fuji TV in 1991.-Synopsis:...
(cameo) (SBS, 2006) - My Girl (SBS, 2005)
- Drama City: What Should I Do?Drama City: What Should I Do?Drama City: "What Should I Do?" is Episode 234 of the South Korean KBS television series, Drama City, which is a collection of single episode short dramas. Each episode has a different story, and the cast changes every week. Seong Ho, played by Lee Jun Ki, lives a poor life with his father, while...
(KBS, 2004) - Star's EchoStar's EchoStar's Echo, Byeolui Sori Star's Echo, Byeolui Sori Star's Echo, Byeolui Sori (별의 소리, あなたに逢いたくて / Anata ni Aitakute is a South Korean 2 part mini-series broadcasted by MBC and Fuji TV in 2004...
(MBC, 2004) - Nonstop (guest appearance) (MBC, 2003)
Films
- May 18May 18 (film)May 18 is a South Korean film released in 2007.-Synopsis:The film is based on the massacre at Gwangju on May 18...
(2007) - Virgin SnowVirgin Snow (film)Virgin Snow is a 2007 South Korean film directed by Han Sang-hye and starring Korean actor, Lee Jun Ki and Japanese actress, Aoi Miyazaki.-Plot:...
(Korea/Japan Co-production) (2007) - Fly, Daddy, FlyFly, Daddy, FlyFly, Daddy, Fly is a 2006 South Korean drama film. It is based upon a novel of the same name by Japanese author Kaneshiro Kazuki, where the Japanese version of the book was made into a Japanese film in 2005.-Synopsis:...
(2006) - The King and the ClownThe King and the ClownThe King and the Clown is a 2005 South Korean film, adapted from the 2000 Korean play titled Yi about Yeonsangun of Joseon, a Joseon dynasty king who falls in love with a court clown who mocks him. The movie is based on a small passage from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty that briefly mentions...
(2005) - Flying BoysFlying BoysFlying Boys is a 2004 South Korean film, written and directed by Byeon Yeong-joo, and starring Yoon Kye-sang and Kim Min-jeong.- Plot summary :Min-jae is a high school senior who lives with his father, an airline pilot, and is struggling with his studies...
(2004) - The Hotel VenusThe Hotel VenusThe Hotel Venus is a Japanese-made film, performed in the Korean language. It was released on March 6, 2004 in Japan, Tokyo and in South Korea September 10, 2004...
(Japan production) (2004)
Awards
| Years | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2009 |
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2007 |
Shanghai International Film Festival The Shanghai International Film Festival , abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia.Along with Tokyo International Film Festival, the SIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The first festival was held from October 7 to 14, 1993, and was held biennially until... : Overseas Star Award Hawaii International Film Festival The Hawaii International Film Festival is a film festival held in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It was started in 1981 by Jeannette Paulson Hereniko and has been held annually in the fall for two weeks... : Rising Star Award |
| 2006 |
Blue Dragon Film Awards The Blue Dragon Film Awards is an annual awards ceremony that is presented annually by Sports Chosun for excellence in film in South Korea.... :Popularity Award (With Kang Sung Yeon, King And Clown) Blue Dragon Film Awards The Blue Dragon Film Awards is an annual awards ceremony that is presented annually by Sports Chosun for excellence in film in South Korea.... :Best On-Screen Couple Award (With Gam Woo Seong, King And Clown) |