Lee Hee-joon

Lee Hee-joon, born June 29, 1979, out of Daegu, South Korea—he’s one of those guys who’s been working for ages but somehow still manages to surprise people. You might’ve caught him in “Mouse” (2021), where he basically turned the tables on every expectation you had, or in “The Man Standing Next” from 2020, which, let’s be honest, is one of those political thrillers that sticks with you way after the credits roll. Oh, and “Gamgi” (2013)? Wildly intense. He’s got this knack for picking roles that aren’t just cookie-cutter heroes or baddies. There’s always something a little off-kilter or raw about his characters—like, he’s not afraid to get messy, emotionally or physically. Hee-joon’s not just an actor, though—he’s dipped his toes into directing, which actually makes sense if you’ve ever seen him work. The dude pays attention to stuff most people miss, like a twitch of the eye or an awkward silence, and somehow turns it into a whole story. Off the screen, he’s been married to Lee Hye-jung since April 2016, which, in celebrity years, is basically forever. People who’ve worked with him always mention how grounded he is, almost like he brings a little bit of Daegu with him everywhere he goes. Not your stereotypical flashy star; more like someone who’d rather grab a beer after filming than hit the red carpet. Still, he’s built a career that’s really respected—solid, unpretentious, and always interesting.