Lee Jong Suk has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry since his debut as a model in 2005, later blossoming into an acting star with his foray into the world of drama in 2010. His journey has been nothing short of captivating, solidifying his status as a household name.
In the past decade, fans have seen Lee take on a kaleidoscope of roles—from a heartfelt composer to a mind-reading doctor, and even a crime investigator. His adaptability has allowed him to navigate through various genres including romance, fantasy, and the supernatural, yet one genre remains off the table: historical dramas.
His only venture into this realm was the 2013 film The Face Reader, where despite earning recognition as a talented up-and-comer, he realized it might not be his forte.
During a candid conversation with actor Lee Seo Jin on tvN’s Three Meals A Day, Lee shared his insights on this experience, admitting, “I was not the right person for historical works.” This honest revelation came after he felt that his performances disrupted the flow established by seasoned actors in the film.
“I’ve been avoiding them. Whenever I’d appear in a scene, it felt like my vocal tone and acting would break the flow built by the sunbae-nim co-starring. And I felt so guilty that I couldn’t…”
— Lee Jong Suk
In response, Lee Seo Jin offered sage advice, noting that opportunities for younger actors in historical dramas have increased, suggesting a potential pathway Lee could explore in the future.
Even with this self-imposed restriction, Lee Jong Suk’s career continues to flourish. He has made waves in numerous films and dramas, bagging accolades like Best Drama and Best Couple at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards for his standout role alongside YoonA from Girls’ Generation in Big Mouth.
