Lee Do-hyun is emerging as a rising star in the best K-dramas of his generation such as 18 Again, Youth of May, and Sweet Home.

In each of these projects, Lee Do-hyun has demonstrated his ability to tackle a wide range of characters. His nuanced portrayals and emotional depth have earned him a dedicated following and critical praise, cementing his position as one of the most promising young actors in the industry. As a key member of the cast of Sweet Home, particularly in seasons 1 and 3, Lee Do-hyun continues to showcase his talent and expand his reach to international audiences, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Korean dramas.

8 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Character: Go Chung-myung

In the romantic fantasy series Hotel Del Luna, Lee Do-hyun delivers a captivating performance as Go Chung-myung, the former lover of the enigmatic hotel owner Jang Man-wol. Despite his limited screen time, Lee Do-hyun's portrayal of Go Chung-myung leaves a lasting impact.

Through his nuanced acting, Lee Do-hyun brings to life the complicated history between the two characters, showcasing the heartbreaking betrayal that ultimately saved Man-wol's life in their past lives. This role displays Lee Do-hyun's ability to make a strong impression even in a ing capacity.

Jang Man-wol is Hotel del Luna's most elusive character, and her grand persona needed an equally as impactful backstory to match. Lee Do-hyun's earnest performance helps to add much more depth to the show's main character, while also being significant on its own. Though Go Chung-myung isn’t Lee Do-hyun’s best role, it is one that helped him on the road to stardom.

7 The Glory (2022)

Character: Joo Yeo-jeong

The Glory is one of the biggest Netflix K-dramas to date with its depiction of revenge and bullying being entirely gripping, especially as The Glory is based on a true story. Lee Do-hyun's character is integral to the story and adds even more depth to the complex tale. Lee Do-hyun's Joo Yeo-jeong acts as the loyal right-hand man in Moon Dong-eun's (Song Hye-kyo) elaborate plan for revenge against her former bullies, and Lee Do-hyun gives an excellent performance that matches this wild tale.

Lee Do-hyun's performance adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series, as he navigates the moral ambiguity of his character's actions. His on-screen chemistry with Song Hye-kyo is palpable, further elevating the series' emotional impact. In a K-drama full of fantastic performances, Lee Do-hyun does well to match that of his peers. Though his performance isn't the most memorable in the K-drama, it's still a great addition to his stellar filmography.

6 Clean With ion For Now (2018-2019)

Character: Gil Oh-dol

Clean With ion For Now sees Lee Do-hyun portray a promising Taekwondo athlete, Gil Oh-dol. Oh-dol is a ing character in the K-drama, as the younger brother of the female lead Gil Oh-sol, who is played by Kim You-jung. Gil Oh-dol's presence in the series adds a layer of warmth and relatability to Clean With ion For Now through a refreshing subplot that complements the main love story. Plus, Lee Do-hyun's expert execution makes it even better.

Lee Do-hyun's performance is memorable and endearing, highlighting his ability to make an impact in a series, even as a ing character. He also adds a charm to his role which is something he continues to build on throughout his career. While Clean with ion for Now may not be the most prominent showcase of Lee Do-hyun's acting, it serves as an example of his potential to elevate a story.

5 Melancholia (2021)

Character: Baek Seung-yoo

Melancholia highlights Lee Do-hyun's skill at tackling challenging roles as he portrays the math prodigy, Baek Seung-yoo, facing the consequences of a traumatic past. Melancholia shines a light on the dark side of South Korea's education system and the immense societal pressure surrounding elite universities through its two leading characters.

Lee Do-hyun's portrayal of Baek Seung-yoo demonstrates his ability to bring authenticity to complex characters.

Their unconventional relationship and love for math glue this K-drama together, with Lee Do-hyun giving a stand-out performance. Lee Do-hyun's portrayal of Baek Seung-yoo demonstrates his ability to bring authenticity to complex characters.

Melancholia has a much more gentle approach than other, more typical K-dramas, which allows Lee Do-hyun to take the time to complete his performance and pack it in full detail. Lee Do-hyun's performance captures the character's internal struggle and personal growth, inviting viewers to empathize with Seung-yoo's experiences, making his portrayal all the more impressive.

4 Youth Of May (2021)

Character: Hwang Hee Tae

In a captivating performance, Youth of May cements the drama's position as one of Lee Do-hyun's most memorable works. Set against the backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising in 1980, the series explores the love story between Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun), a top medical student, and Myung-hee (Go Min-si), a nurse from a different background, as they navigate a new relationship against building political tensions.

The K-drama's steady build towards its climax gives plenty of opportunities for these versatile actors to demonstrate their capabilities, especially Lee Do-hyun. Youth of May's success is a clear indication of Lee Do-hyun's growth as an actor. His portrayal of Hee-tae's easygoing nature, coupled with his character's unyielding spirit and determination adds complexity to the role.

Youth of May also unites Lee Do-hyun with his Sweet Home co-star, Go Min-si, who played his sister Lee Eun-yu in the K-drama thriller.

This makes the eventual build towards the show's final moments even more tense, as the show's political background causes a lot of problems for the leading characters. Plus, his new dynamic with his Sweet Home co-star grounds the series to make it one of his best works to date.

3 The Good Bad Mother (2023)

Character: Choi Kang-ho

Lee Do-hyun's performance in The Good Bad Mother is not only one of the stand-out performances of his career but one of the best performances of 2023. The Good Bad Mother's Kang-ho is an incredibly tough role to play as a brain injury reduces Kang-ho to have the mind of a child for a large portion of the series.

However, Lee Do-hyun's skilled portrayal makes Kang-ho's vulnerability and gradual transformation feel natural and is a testament to his versatility as an actor. The Good Bad Mother could not excel as much as it has without Lee Do-hyun's performance and his chemistry with his co-stars, who all bring out a different side to his acting abilities.

However, Lee Do-hyun and Ra Mi-ran's multifaceted portrayals took this K-drama to the next level as their complex relationship bore the heart of the K-drama. As such, The Good Bad Mother highlights Lee Do-hyun's growing talents in the industry and his capacity to leave a lasting impact on viewers through his emotionally resonant performances.

2 18 Again (2020)

Character: Go Woo Young

A K-drama perfect for beginners, 18 Again showcases Lee Do-hyun’s comedic timing and ability to embody a character with a unique perspective. Based on the American movie 17 Again starring Matthew Perry and Zac Efron, Lee Do-hyun plays the younger version of Hong Dae-young, a middle-aged man who becomes trapped in the body of a teenager and is forced to relive his high school days alongside his teenage children.

While 17 Again is a great stand-alone movie, 18 Again builds on its concept and elevates it, with Lee Do-hyun's performance playing a big role in its success. Lee Do-hyun's portrayal of the younger version of Hong Dae-young successfully captures the essence of a middle-aged man trapped in a teenager's body, all while being hilarious.

Plus, his chemistry with his co-stars and his skill in navigating the complex emotional landscape of the drama elevate the series, making it a memorable addition to his filmography. Lee Do-hyun's performance in 18 Again highlights his potential as a leading man and his capacity to bring depth to lighthearted roles, solidifying the drama's position.

1 Sweet Home (2020-2024)

Character: Lee Eun-Hyeok

Lee Do-hyun's gripping performance as Lee Eun-hyuk in Sweet Home cements the series as his most outstanding work to date. In this post-apocalyptic thriller, Lee Do-hyun gives a varied performance that perfectly showcases the dual sides of his character. In Sweet Home's first season, he masterfully conveys the urgency and desperation of a world overrun by monsters, captivating audiences with his intense and emotionally charged portrayal.

However, his return in Sweet Home season 3 gave Lee Do-hyun a chance to show an entirely new side to his character, which certainly did not disappoint. Lee Do-hyun's ability to bring authenticity to his role elevates the K-drama, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Despite being one of the key characters in Sweet Home's first and third seasons, Lee Do-hyun only appeared in one scene in Sweet Home season 2.

Sweet Home not only highlights Lee Do-hyun's skill of tackling challenging and emotionally demanding characters, but it also demonstrates his capacity to lead a complex narrative with his magnetic on-screen presence. Plus, the clear contrast between Eun-hyuk's first and final appearance further solidifies Lee Do-hyun's position as a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry, making Sweet Home a defining moment in his career.

Lee Do-hyun Now Has A Film Career Too

Though Lee Do-hyun is known for K-dramas, he crossed over into the film world in 2024. He made his movie debut in the Korean film Exhuma. The movie is a supernatural horror film which delves into Korean history and folklore. With his experience in horror K-dramas like Sweet Home, Lee Do-hyun was likely more than prepared for his role.

For his film debut, Lee Do-hyun was nominated for Best New Actor at both the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Buil Film Awards in South Korea.

The actor plays an apprentice to a Korean shaman in the movie. The two are tasked with discovering the mysterious illness plaguing a young man. What they find is that his family line is being targeted by the malevolent spirit of an ancestor who just happens to have been a Japanese collaborator during the time that Japanese forces occupied Korea. The movie allows for a fairly thorough exploration of the occult - both Japanese and Korean - as well as the history of the conflict between the two nations while still being entertaining horror.

Lee Do-hyun’s character serves as both exposition and roadblock for the story as he is one who explains a lot of the history and rituals for the benefit of other characters and the audience. He also, however, ends up possessed by a spirit, allowing him to really show his acting abilities. For his film debut, Lee Do-hyun was nominated for Best New Actor at both the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Buil Film Awards in South Korea.