Maybe you’ve seen every drama that actor Lee Joon Gi has been in, or maybe you’ve never seen him before. Maybe you’re somewhere in the middle. Well, no matter what stage you are in, you need to be watching more of Lee Joon Gi! Today I am highlighting the very talented Korean drama actor Lee Joon Gi with 10 reasons you should be watching him. Here we go!
10. Virgin Snow
The image above is the first time Lee Joon Gi graced my screen with his presence. It’s hard to believe it was a full six months into my kdrama watching before I met this talented man!
I came across the 2007 movie Virgin Snow quite by chance. I had been perusing drama forums and stumbled across a thread on movies that dealt with a language barrier between the main couple. One lone commenter amidst many suggested a sweet little movie by the name of Virgin Snow. Thank you commenter, you changed my life!
So I looked it up and thought it sounded cute. It is about a Korean boy who moves to Japan, but knows pretty much no Japanese. He meets a Japanese girl who knows very little Korean. They quickly bond in a charming relationship that is sure to bring smiles.
Later that day I finally sat down to watch the movie. It took all of a minute to become enamoured with the young man on the screen who looked like he stepped out of an anime. He was adorable trying to communicate with his leading lady and win her heart. I couldn’t recall ever seeing a guy quite like him. Now I just happen to be married to an amazing guy (aka Mr. Kay), and even he developed his first man crush during this movie! Lee Joon Gi is just that charismatic.
9. Arang and the Magistrate
After Virgin Snow, I wanted to watch a drama that starred Lee Joon Gi and decided on Arang and the Magistrate which also stars one of my favorite leading ladies, Shin Min Ah. I loved the fantasy premise of a man who could see ghosts needing to help the girl solve the mystery of how she died.
Although I definitely enjoyed Arang, it wasn’t perfect for me. I had a hard time adjusting to the more serious and somewhat cold Lee Joon Gi in this drama. It was just very different from Virgin Snow. I did eventually warm up to him, especially as he grew closer to Arang, but I always found myself missing that adorable smile.
8. Joseon Gunman
Joseon Gunman started airing soon after I completed Arrang. I was super excited for this drama, and it did not disappoint! In the first 5 episodes or so, I got to see that lovable and charming Lee Joon Gi that I loved in Virgin Snow. Of course, he becomes more serious and conflicted as the story progresses, but at that point, I was sold on his character and completely invested. You also get to enjoy Lee Joon Gi in a hanbok and a magnificent turn of the century suit in this drama. Best of both worlds!
7. Two Weeks
Next up is the action drama Two Weeks. I was excited to see Lee Joon Gi in something modern again, and he didn’t disappoint. I was on the edge my seat as he was on the run from the cops and the bad guys so that he could stay alive and save his daughter from leukemia by being her bone marrow donor. He displayed such a range of emotion with such conviction in this drama. It is a wild ride that is sure to excite!
6. Time Between Dog and Wolf
This older classic action drama has some of the best twists and turns. There were so many layers to Lee Joon Gi’s character, and it was a wonderful opportunity to show just how good of an actor he is. The story is complex and thrilling with Lee Joon Gi stealing every scene he is in.
5. Iljimae
I had been saving this drama, and it was worth the wait! I loved seeing Lee Joon Gi in a historical where he was a bit more loose and carefree and had a chance to display some of his comedic side. It’s also an exciting chance to see him portray a masked hero who helps the people as he tries to solve his father’s murder. Don’t miss out on this one!
4. The King and the Clown
This is the movie that shot Lee Joon Gi to stardom. In this historical, he portrays a member of a troupe of performers named Gong Gil who has a very delicate and somewhat feminine appearance. And let me tell you, Lee Joon Gi is stunning in this movie. He truly is more beautiful than most women. It is a very moving story that is sure to leave an impact. (Please note, this is a more mature movie that deals with sensitive topics)
3. Fly Daddy Fly
Fly Daddy Fly is a charming movie that told a simple story of a high school student training a father to fight after his daughter was beaten up. Lee Joon Gi was great as the cool teen who had been through a lot in his life. The father he trains is played by Lee Moon Shik who just happned to play Lee Joon Gi’s father in the drama Iljimae which came out two years after this. It’s great to see the fabulous chemistry between the two actors.
2. Scholar Who Walks the Night
I was pretty excited when I heard Lee Joon Gi would be playing a vampire scholar is this historical. He put everything into this role, and it is evident in each scene he is in. He was the perfect choice for a beautiful vampire who suffers because of his hate of what he is and the guilt he feels for what he has do. It’s not a perfect drama, but Lee Joon Gi is perfect for the role!
1. Because He is Lee Joon Gi!
Lee Joon Gi has quite the personality. He is outgoing, funny, and loves to engage with fans. Watch any interview or guest special and his personality shines through. He has one of the best Instagram’s to follow with lots of fun updates. He also sings and dances, so definitely check out any of his performances. He knows what his fans want (which is more of him!), and he does his best to give it to them.
Bonus
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention his drama My Girl. I actually haven’t seen this one yet because I have been saving it (and I don’t know if my heart can handle the fact that he is the second lead). But it is a classic, and the clips I have seen showcase just how much of a charmer Lee Joon Gi is. I have no doubt that he is wonderful in it.
(UPDATE May 2016: Just watched My Girl, and I absolutely loved it! As expected, Lee Joon Gi was fantastic. Just another reason to love him!)
The drama Hero is another one I am saving for a rainy day. It’s not a drama you hear about very much, but with Lee Joon Gi as the star, I will definitely watch it from beginning to end.
And be sure to check out his latest drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Goryeo where he plays a dark and conflicted prince in the Goryeo era who falls for a girl from the future while trying to secure his place on the throne. (UPDATE November 2016: This drama was phenomenal and may just be my favorite Lee Joon Gi role to date! Definitely a must watch!)
There you have it. 10 reasons you need to be watching Lee Joon Gi. Of course, the list could go on, but I guess I will leave it at that 🙂
Can you think of more reasons to watch Lee Joon Gi? What is your favorite drama or movie he has been in?
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