Lee Hak Joo
Info
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: January 9, 1989
🏠 Birth Place: South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
📏 Height: 175 cm (5′8″)
💍 Spouse: Married to a non-celebrity (November 6, 2022)
👶 Children: None
Biography
Lee Hak Joo, born on January 9, 1989, in South Korea, is a versatile South Korean actor known for his subtle yet powerful screen presence. He studied Theater and Film at Hanyang University, where he developed his craft in performance and storytelling. His journey into acting began with minor roles, where he steadily built a reputation for portraying complex, emotionally rich characters.
He gained broader recognition through his role in the drama “The World of the Married” (2020), where he played Park In Gyu, a chilling and abusive ex-boyfriend. Despite the negative nature of the role, his performance was lauded for its intensity and authenticity. It proved to be a turning point in his career, pushing him into the public eye and showing his capacity to handle psychologically demanding roles with nuance.
Following that success, he landed roles in popular productions like “My Name” (2021) on Netflix and “Artificial City” (2021–2022). Each project demonstrated his range, from troubled characters to morally gray personas, earning praise from both critics and viewers. Lee has become known for taking on challenging roles that explore the darker sides of human nature, which has set him apart in the Korean drama landscape.
Off-screen, Lee Hak Joo married his non-celebrity girlfriend on November 6, 2022, in a private ceremony. Though he keeps his personal life largely out of the spotlight, his marriage was warmly received by fans and colleagues. He has no children as of now. With more than a decade in the industry and a steady rise to prominence, Lee Hak Joo continues to earn recognition as one of South Korea’s most committed and transformative character actors.
Hobbies
Watching independent films is one of his favorite pastimes; he enjoys analyzing deep character portrayals and unconventional storytelling.
He spends time reading scripts and literature, believing that deep reading enhances his emotional range and interpretive skills.
Lee Hak Joo enjoys cooking at home, often trying out new recipes to relax after long filming schedules.
He finds peace in going for long walks, especially at night, which he says helps him clear his mind and reflect.
In quieter moments, he prefers journaling or note-taking, writing personal reflections and thoughts related to characters or daily life.
Interests
He’s deeply interested in method acting techniques, often immersing himself completely in characters, both mentally and emotionally.
Lee is fascinated by human psychology and behavior, which influences the depth he brings to his roles.
He keeps up with indie theater productions, and still enjoys supporting friends in the live acting scene where he began his career.
He has shown interest in directing and screenwriting, hinting that he may explore those paths in the future.
He follows Korean and international literature, often drawing character inspiration from written works rather than other performances.
Facts
Lee Hak Joo made his acting debut in 2012 and built his career slowly through theater and supporting roles.
He gained major public attention with his controversial and powerful role in “The World of the Married” (2020).
He married his long-time non-celebrity girlfriend in November 2022, and keeps his private life very low-profile.
He is represented by SM C&C, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment that manages actors.
Though not a mainstream idol, Lee has received critical acclaim for his intense performances in both drama and film.
Secrets
Lee once admitted he almost quit acting in his early years due to financial struggles and lack of steady work.
Despite his strong on-screen persona, he is said to be extremely shy and introverted in real life.
He often rejects roles if he feels he cannot deliver the emotional complexity required—even if the script is commercially promising.
His close friends have shared that he sometimes writes poetry, though he has never published any.
He prefers quiet mornings with coffee and avoids digital distractions until noon whenever his schedule allows.
Funny Things
During an audition, he accidentally called the director “Dad”, and couldn’t stop laughing, nearly ruining the scene.
Co-stars say he has an unexpectedly goofy sense of humor, often surprising others during rehearsals.
He once forgot his lines during a live play and improvised by quoting lyrics from a Korean pop song.
Lee once tripped on the red carpet and recovered by pretending it was a planned dance move.
His deadpan facial expressions often confuse people—he could be telling a joke or being serious, and no one knows for sure.
Fears
He has expressed fear of losing emotional authenticity in his acting as he gains more exposure.
He is deeply afraid of becoming stagnant and often takes on uncomfortable roles to challenge himself.
Lee once shared he has mild stage fright, despite coming from a theater background.
He fears being misunderstood in the media, which is why he rarely does talk shows or variety programs.
He also has a personal fear of not being able to protect his loved ones’ privacy, especially after his marriage became public.
News
1. Lee Hak Joo Stars in Zombie Thriller “Newtopia”
In early 2025, Lee Hak Joo joined the cast of Newtopia, a highly anticipated zombie thriller series on Coupang Play. Based on Han Sang-woon’s novel Influenza, the series features Park Jung-min and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in lead roles. Lee’s participation in this gripping drama has garnered significant attention from fans and critics alike.
2. Leading Role in Romantic Comedy “The Potato Lab”
Lee Hak Joo took on a prominent role in tvN’s romantic comedy The Potato Lab, which premiered in March 2025. Portraying Park Ki-se, the executive director of Hanwon Retail Strategy Planning Office, Lee’s performance added depth to this rural rom-com. The series also features Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh in leading roles.
3. Transformation into a Chaebol Heir in “Parole Examiner Lee”
In the 2024 legal thriller Parole Examiner Lee, Lee Hak Joo portrayed Ji Myung Seob, the arrogant son of a powerful conglomerate chairman. His compelling performance as a second-generation chaebol added intensity to the series, which aired on tvN and was also available for streaming on Viki.
4. Marriage to Non-Celebrity Partner
On November 6, 2022, Lee Hak Joo married his non-celebrity girlfriend in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple’s relationship was kept low-profile, and the wedding was held discreetly to respect their privacy.
5. Acclaimed Performance in “My Dearest”
In 2023, Lee Hak Joo appeared in the historical romance drama My Dearest, which aired on MBC TV. Set during the Qing invasion of Joseon, the series depicted the inspiring story of people finding hope in challenging times. Lee’s portrayal contributed to the show’s critical acclaim and popularity among viewers.
TV Drama
Music / OST
Lee Hak Joo is primarily recognized for his compelling performances in South Korean dramas and films. As of now, there are no verified records of him pursuing a professional music career, releasing songs, or participating in musical theatre productions. While he may have showcased his vocal abilities in informal settings or variety shows, these instances do not constitute an official music career.
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