How K-drama star Lee Do-hyun became a Netflix darling: from starring alongside Song Hye-kyo in The Glory and reprising his Sweet Home role, to his new film Exhuma set to hit theatres in 2024

Dec 21 , 2023

South Korean actor Lee Do-hyun rose to stardom after appearing in Netflix hit series The Glory. Photo: @ldh_sky/Instagram

Lee Do-hyun is likely a familiar face for viewers who binge watch Netflix’s top hits.

Starring in his first role in the 2017 film Summer Night, Lee quickly shot to fame thanks to his role in the period drama Hotel del Luna in 2019, one of the most viewed television dramas in South Korea.

Lee Do-hyun starred in South Korean period drama Hotel de Luna. Photo: @ldh_sky/Instagram

Before acting, the star was a passionate basketball player. He was said to be talented enough to follow in his pro-baseball-player father’s footsteps and take his hobby to a professional level, per Soompi.

However, at his father’s insistence, Lee was dissuaded from becoming a professional athlete and instead entered Chung-Ang University in Seoul to pursue a degree in the department of film and theatre.

Before he caught the attention of international viewers, he was already recognised for his role in the 2020 series 18 Again. The comedy series was based loosely on the 2009 American film featuring actor Zac Efron. The remake earned him a best actor award at the 57th edition of the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards.

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Starring alongside heavyweight actress Song Hye-kyo in The Glory last year, Lee won fans over with his portrayal of a kind-hearted, gentle doctor Joo Yeo-jeong. With the power of Netflix, the actor gained a new international following.

Lee Do-hyun won the hearts of fans globally after starring in Netflix’s hit series The Glory. Photo: @ldh_sky/Instagram

Lee surprised fans months after the series finale by confirming his relationship with The Glory co-star Lim Ji-yeon, who played the series’ villainous bully.

Although he entered mandatory military service in August this year, he hasn’t quite disappeared from the silver screens.

Earlier this year, he was featured in the web series Death’s Game, which is available to stream on Amazon. Fans will also be able to catch a glimpse of the star in season two of the horror drama Sweet Home. Following his lead role as Lee Eun-hyuk in the 2020 season, he reprises his role in this second season but will only appear in cameos.

Lee Do-hyun wearing Valentino. Photo: @ldh_sky/Instagram

His management company, Yuehua Entertainment, confirmed that Lee is serving in the Air Force’s band and is set to be discharged in 2025. Before he returns from his 18-month service, his film Exhuma is set to hit theatres in 2024. The role marks his first appearance in a feature film as he transitions from exclusively working in TV. The film, described as occult horror, centres on events leading to the relocation of a tomb.

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Lee Do-hyun practised his lines with his dog, Ga Eul. Photo: @ldh_sky/Instagram

Besides leaving his fans and family during military service, Lee will also be spending time apart from his beloved pup, Ga Eul. In an interview with You Quiz on the Block during the promotional tour of The Glory, Lee reveals that he likes to practise his lines with his adopted corgi. The actor even humorously apologised to co-star Song for using Ga Eul as her double.

Fame and celebrity

Anyone who’s been following Netflix’s top hits like The Glory and Sweet Home would recognise Lee Do-hyun’s face – the K-drama star also has a new film set to hit theatres next year titled Exhuma
Lee is currently serving in the military and will be discharged in 2025, he’s also dating co-star Lim Ji-yeon and almost became a professional basketball player during his youth