The former U-KISS member has steadily transformed his career from K-pop performer to one of the more versatile actors in the Korean drama scene, moving between romance, comedy, psychological thrillers, corporate revenge stories and emotionally heavy character dramas.
And in 2026, his profile has climbed another level.
With Reborn Rookie and the newly released Four Hands, Two Sonatas, Jun-young is showing audiences that he is no longer simply an “idol-turned-actor.” He is increasingly becoming a leading man capable of carrying radically different characters.
So, if you’re looking for the best Lee Jun-young K-dramas to add to your watchlist, here are 15 worth knowing.
1. Four Hands, Two Sonatas (2026)
This is the newest addition to Jun-young’s growing drama résumé—and potentially one of his most intriguing roles yet.
He plays Choi Jeong-yo, a naturally gifted pianist whose difficult upbringing pushed him away from music before an encounter with another prodigy reignites his passion.
The series follows Jeong-yo and Kang Bi-o, played by Song Kang, as they navigate rivalry, friendship, artistic pressure and personal growth at an elite arts high school.
Soompi describes the drama as a story spanning the characters’ journey from adolescence toward adulthood as professional pianists.
The series premiered on August 29, 2026, making it one of the biggest current titles for fans following Jun-young’s career.
Why watch: Music, rivalry and two strong male leads make this a particularly different showcase for Jun-young.
2. Reborn Rookie (2026)
Imagine waking up inside the body of a young athlete—but carrying the mind of an elderly corporate chairman.
That’s the bizarre premise behind Reborn Rookie.
Jun-young plays Hwang Jun-hyeon, a young former athlete whose body becomes the vessel for the consciousness of ruthless conglomerate chairman Kang Yong-ho, played by Son Hyun-joo.
The result is part corporate satire, part fantasy and part revenge drama, with Jun-young effectively having to portray two personalities through one physical character.
Why watch: It gives Jun-young one of his most technically demanding roles yet.
3. Pump Up the Healthy Love (2025)
After all the corporate scheming and darker roles, Pump Up the Healthy Love provides a much lighter alternative.
Jun-young plays Do Hyeon-joong, a former bodybuilder who runs a 24-hour gym and becomes involved with a newcomer trying to rebuild both her physical stamina and confidence.
The romantic comedy uses fitness as a backdrop for conversations about self-acceptance, wellness and emotional recovery.
Why watch: It’s Jun-young in charming rom-com mode.
4. Weak Hero Class 2 (2025)
This is where fans looking for Jun-young’s darker side should start.
He plays Geum Seong-je, an unpredictable and formidable member of the violent alliance at the centre of the second season.
The series continues its exploration of bullying, institutional failure and survival among students caught in increasingly dangerous conflicts.
Netflix released the second season in April 2025, bringing Jun-young into an ensemble led by Park Ji-hoon. Tatler Asia has also singled out his role as one of the notable additions to the show’s rising young cast.
Why watch: It’s almost the opposite of his romantic-comedy roles.
5. Melo Movie (2025)
In Melo Movie, Jun-young plays Hong Si-jun, an aspiring composer whose confidence hides considerable insecurity.
The Netflix drama focuses on young people working in the film industry as they navigate ambition, relationships, creative frustration and career uncertainty.
Jun-young’s character provides one of the drama’s more emotionally complicated secondary stories.
Why watch: A quieter role that highlights his ability to play vulnerability.
6. Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale (2024)
Here, Jun-young embraces the arrogant rich-boy archetype.
He plays Moon Cha-min, a wealthy corporate heir who has little patience for romantic fantasies.
His character clashes with Shin Jae-rim, played by Pyo Ye-jin, an ambitious woman who initially dreams of finding financial security through a wealthy partner.
The series deliberately plays with the Cinderella formula rather than simply reproducing it.
Why watch: It’s Jun-young leaning into—and poking fun at—the classic chaebol character.
7. The Impossible Heir (2024)
For viewers who prefer corporate intrigue, The Impossible Heir is essential.
Jun-young plays Kang In-ha, the illegitimate son of a powerful corporate chairman.
Alongside Lee Jae-wook and Hong Su-zu, he becomes involved in an increasingly ruthless attempt to seize control of a massive conglomerate.
The drama is packed with betrayal, ambition and class conflict.
Why watch: One of Jun-young’s more calculating and morally complicated performances.
8. May I Help You (2022)
This fantasy drama takes a much more emotional route.
Jun-young plays Kim Tae-hee, an errand-service worker who teams up with funeral director Baek Dong-joo, played by Hyeri.
Dong-joo has a supernatural ability to communicate with the recently deceased and help fulfil their final wishes.
Behind the fantasy premise is a story about grief, regret, family and healing.
Why watch: One of his warmest and most emotionally affecting roles.
9. Let Me Be Your Knight (2021)
Jun-young returns to familiar territory here: the world of K-pop.
He plays Yoon Tae-in, the leader and vocalist of fictional idol group LUNA, who secretly struggles with sleepwalking.
A woman posing as a doctor enters the group’s dormitory to help him, setting up a mixture of romance, comedy and idol-life drama.
The role is particularly interesting because Jun-young could draw on his own experience as a K-pop performer.
Why watch: Idol drama meets romance—with an actor who knows the environment firsthand.
10. Imitation (2021)
If you want to see Jun-young playing an idol while actually drawing on his background as an idol, Imitation is the obvious choice.
He plays Kwon Ryok, the centre of fictional top boy group SHAX.
The series examines the pressures of fame, competition, contracts, public image and secret relationships within the entertainment industry.
Why watch: It blurs the line between actor and character in a fascinating way.
11. Please Don’t Date Him (2020–2021)
This quirky romantic comedy adds science fiction to the dating equation.
Jun-young plays Jung Kook-hee, a firefighter who deliberately avoids smartphones and social media.
That’s a problem—or perhaps an advantage—in a world where an AI-powered refrigerator can expose the undesirable habits and secrets of potential partners.
Why watch: One of his most unusual and playful roles.
12. Good Casting (2020)
This action comedy follows three veteran female agents who go undercover to investigate corporate espionage.
Jun-young plays Kang Woo-won, a popular but spoiled actor who gets caught up in the intelligence operation.
The role lets him lean into comedy while remaining part of a fast-moving spy story.
Why watch: Action, comedy and a completely different Jun-young.
13. Class of Lies (2019)
This is another entry for fans interested in Jun-young’s darker performances.
He portrays Yoo Beom-jin, a seemingly brilliant and respectable student whose polished image conceals a much more dangerous personality.
The drama centres on an elite private school where a murder investigation uncovers corruption, bullying and manipulation.
Why watch: It’s an early demonstration of his ability to play characters viewers shouldn’t automatically trust.
14. Goodbye to Goodbye (2018)
Jun-young’s role here is considerably more grounded.
He plays Han Min-soo, a university student dealing with the consequences of an unexpected pregnancy and the responsibilities that follow.
The domestic drama explores relationships between generations and the pressures surrounding family and motherhood.
Why watch: A more realistic character-driven performance.
15. Avengers Social Club (2017)
And this is where the journey began.
Jun-young made his acting debut as Lee Soo-gyeom, a neglected young man who becomes involved with three women seeking revenge against people who have wronged them.
The drama blends comedy and revenge while focusing on relationships, abuse of authority and family dysfunction.
Seven years later, it’s striking to look back at this role and compare it with the actor leading major productions in 2026.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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