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Lee later started out as a model and held minor roles in [[Korean drama]]s. In 2001, he first appeared in the television commercial for the ''So Basic'' fashion label, appearing alongside actress [[Kim Hee Sun]]. His first drama appearance was as a dissatisfied teenager in the [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]] drama ''Drama City: What should I do?'' He later appeared with a minor role in ''[[Star's Echo]]'', a drama by [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] and [[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]] in 2004.
Lee later started out as a model and held minor roles in [[Korean drama]]s. In 2001, he first appeared in the television commercial for the ''So Basic'' fashion label, appearing alongside actress [[Kim Hee Sun]]. His first drama appearance was as a dissatisfied teenager in the [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]] drama ''Drama City: What should I do?'' He later appeared with a minor role in ''[[Star's Echo]]'', a drama by [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] and [[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]] in 2004.


Lee continued to audition for various acting roles, but did not find immediate success. Lee would make his acting debut on the big screen within the same year. Competing against 2000 other participants, Lee landed a role in the Japanese film ''[[The Hotel Venus]]'' (2004). During his time working on the set of ''The Hotel Venus'', Lee found himself less than pleased with his management company and having to work part-time jobs to support himself.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} ''The Hotel Venus'' would go on to become moderately successful in Japan selling 2.8 million tickets.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} Lee would later start work on his first Korean film ''[[Flying Boys]]''.
Lee continued to audition for various acting roles, but did not find immediate success. Lee would make his acting debut on the big screen within the same year. Competing against 2000 other participants, Lee landed a role in the Japanese film ''[[The Hotel Venus]]'' (2004). During his time working on the set of ''The Hotel Venus'', Lee found himself less than pleased with his management company and having to work part-time jobs to support himself.{{Citation needed}} ''The Hotel Venus'' would go on to become moderately successful in Japan selling 2.8 million tickets.{{fact}} Lee would later start work on his first Korean film ''[[Flying Boys]]''.


=== The King and the Clown ===
=== The King and the Clown ===
[[Image:Lee Jun Ki K&C.jpg|right|thumb|Lee Jun Ki at a King and the Clown fan meeting in the Shilla Hotel, Jeju Island.]]
[[Image:Lee Jun Ki K&C.jpg|right|thumb|Lee Jun Ki at a King and the Clown fan meeting in the Shilla Hotel, Jeju Island.]]
In 2005, his first major acting role came in ''[[The King and the Clown]]'' (왕의 남자), in which he took on the role of a feminine entertainer in the late 15th century forced to satisfy King Yeonsan's sexual and emotional cravings. The film became one of the highest grossing South Korean-made movies in South Korea, unexpectedly replacing ''[[Taegukgi (film)|Taegukgi]]'' as the most-watched film in Korean history with over 12.3 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kofic.or.kr/b_movdata/b_13movinfo.jsp?MVIE_CODE=T050333N |title=왕의 남자 (The King and the Clown) |accessdate=2009-11-16 |language=Korean }}</ref> Lee's salary for the role was a comparitvely low [[United States dollar|US$]]100,000.<ref name="pay">{{cite news | title=King and Clown Star Works Hard for Little Pay | date=2006-07-27 | url =http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200607/200607270009.html | work =Chosun | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20060919/670000000020060919103228E4.html |title=S. Korea faces tough decision to pick its choice for foreign film Oscar |accessdate=2009-11-16 |date=2006-09-19 |work=Yonhap News }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=November 2009}}
In 2005, his first major acting role came in ''[[The King and the Clown]]'' (왕의 남자), in which he took on the role of a feminine entertainer in the late 15th century forced to satisfy King Yeonsan's sexual and emotional cravings. The film became one of the highest grossing South Korean-made movies in South Korea, unexpectedly replacing ''[[Taegukgi (film)|Taegukgi]]'' as the most-watched film in Korean history with over 12.3 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kofic.or.kr/b_movdata/b_13movinfo.jsp?MVIE_CODE=T050333N |title=왕의 남자 (The King and the Clown) |accessdate=2009-11-16 |language=Korean }}</ref> Lee's salary for the role was a comparitvely low [[United States dollar|US$]]100,000.<ref name="pay">{{cite news | title=King and Clown Star Works Hard for Little Pay | date=2006-07-27 | url =http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200607/200607270009.html | work =Chosun | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20060919/670000000020060919103228E4.html |title=S. Korea faces tough decision to pick its choice for foreign film Oscar |accessdate=2009-11-16 |date=2006-09-19 |work=Yonhap News }}</ref>{{dead link}}


Lee was against the halving of [[screen quotas]] in South Korea that allows foreign films to be shown in theaters on certain days, while domestic films are allotted another amount of days. He believed that without the screen quotas, ''The King and the Clown'' would not have been as successful in competing against foreign films.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=3669 |title= Korea to halve screen quota |accessdate=2009-11-16 |last=Sung-jin |first=Kim |date=2006-01-26 |work=Korea Times }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki 'against screen quota' one-man protest in the 1,000 crowd | date=2006-02-12 | publisher=Dongailbo | url =http://www.dongailbo.co.kr/fbin/output?f=jr_&n=200602120089 | accessdate = 2009-11-16 | language = Korean}}</ref> He earned many Best Male New Comer awards for his role as Gong-gil in ''The King and the Clown'' in 2006.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
Lee was against the halving of [[screen quotas]] in South Korea that allows foreign films to be shown in theaters on certain days, while domestic films are allotted another amount of days. He believed that without the screen quotas, ''The King and the Clown'' would not have been as successful in competing against foreign films.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=3669 |title= Korea to halve screen quota |accessdate=2009-11-16 |last=Sung-jin |first=Kim |date=2006-01-26 |work=Korea Times }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki 'against screen quota' one-man protest in the 1,000 crowd | date=2006-02-12 | publisher=Dongailbo | url =http://www.dongailbo.co.kr/fbin/output?f=jr_&n=200602120089 | accessdate = 2009-11-16 | language = Korean}}</ref> He earned many Best Male New Comer awards for his role as Gong-gil in ''The King and the Clown'' in 2006.{{Citation needed}}


Later in 2008, Lee revealed how he got the role, saying, "The movie seemed really good so I challenged myself with the audition so even if I didn’t make it, I thought that I had to try my best to have no regrets in the end. I analyzed the story over and over until my script became like trash".{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} Producer [[Lee Jun Ik]] revealed the story of how he chose Lee for ''The King and the Clown'' by just seeing him do handstands, saying, "Just because of handstands, Lee Jun Ki became the person he is today."<ref name=Handstands/> After the film, Lee became "an icon" of the South Korean "pretty boy" aesthetic.<ref> {{cite journal|url=http://intersections.anu.edu.au/issue20/jung.htm |title=The Shared Imagination of Bishōnen, Pan-East Asian Soft Masculinity |accessdate=2009-11-16 |last=Jung |first=Sun |date=April 2009 |journal=Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific |publisher=[[Australian National University]] |issue=20}}</ref>
Later in 2008, Lee revealed how he got the role, saying, "The movie seemed really good so I challenged myself with the audition so even if I didn’t make it, I thought that I had to try my best to have no regrets in the end. I analyzed the story over and over until my script became like trash".{{Citation needed}} Producer [[Lee Jun Ik]] revealed the story of how he chose Lee for ''The King and the Clown'' by just seeing him do handstands, saying, "Just because of handstands, Lee Jun Ki became the person he is today."<ref name=Handstands/> After the film, Lee became "an icon" of the South Korean "pretty boy" aesthetic.<ref> {{cite journal|url=http://intersections.anu.edu.au/issue20/jung.htm |title=The Shared Imagination of Bishōnen, Pan-East Asian Soft Masculinity |accessdate=2009-11-16 |last=Jung |first=Sun |date=April 2009 |journal=Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific |publisher=[[Australian National University]] |issue=20}}</ref>


Lee has since tried to diminish his pretty boy image. Lee said Gong-gil’s character in ''The King and the Clown'' felt like a foot chain for him so he wanted to escape from it, stating, "After my performance in ''The King and the Clown'', I found myself at the forefront of this ‘pretty boy’ trend, whether or not that was my intention. Suddenly, people were interested in me, and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like I was floating on air."<ref name="introspection">{{cite news | first=Kim | last=Hyung-eun | title=Pretty boy Lee shows off his introspective side | date=2009-07-10 | url =http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2907210 | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref> Furthermore, Lee said "I’m not human Lee Jun Ki or actor Lee Jun Ki yet. There’s still a longer way to go in the future."{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} Lee revealed that there are times where he feels gloomy and can’t find answers to his questions but he hopes to not give up his acting no matter what happens and die while acting, showing his passion and love for acting.<ref name="Handstands">{{cite news | title=Lee Jun Ki was cast in 'The King and the Clown' for doing handstands very well | date=2008-12-13 | publisher=Newsen | url =http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?linkid=16&articleid=20081213085920354e7&newssetid=83 | accessdate = 2009-11-16 | language = Korean }}</ref>
Lee has since tried to diminish his pretty boy image. Lee said Gong-gil’s character in ''The King and the Clown'' felt like a foot chain for him so he wanted to escape from it, stating, "After my performance in ''The King and the Clown'', I found myself at the forefront of this ‘pretty boy’ trend, whether or not that was my intention. Suddenly, people were interested in me, and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like I was floating on air."<ref name="introspection">{{cite news | first=Kim | last=Hyung-eun | title=Pretty boy Lee shows off his introspective side | date=2009-07-10 | url =http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2907210 | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref> Furthermore, Lee said "I’m not human Lee Jun Ki or actor Lee Jun Ki yet. There’s still a longer way to go in the future."{{Citation needed}} Lee revealed that there are times where he feels gloomy and can’t find answers to his questions but he hopes to not give up his acting no matter what happens and die while acting, showing his passion and love for acting.<ref name="Handstands">{{cite news | title=Lee Jun Ki was cast in 'The King and the Clown' for doing handstands very well | date=2008-12-13 | publisher=Newsen | url =http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?linkid=16&articleid=20081213085920354e7&newssetid=83 | accessdate = 2009-11-16 | language = Korean }}</ref>


=== Overseas popularity ===
=== Overseas popularity ===
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Lee's popularity overseas is noted, where in the 19th [[Tokyo International Film Festival]], he was "was enthroned as the top star".<ref>{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki: Proof that the K-Wave Rolls On | date=2006-10-26 | url =http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200610/200610260001.html | work =Chosun (English) | accessdate = 2009-11-16 }}</ref> During the [[Shanghai International Film Festival]], Lee was approached by acclaimed Chinese director [[Chen Kaige]], who proposed that the two should make a film together in China, to which Lee responded, "I'd love to make the movie if the script is good and the character is right."<ref>{{cite news | title= Lee Jun-ki Approached to Star in Chinese Movie| date= 2007-06-20 | publisher=Chosun (English) | url = http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200706/200706200006.html | accessdate = 2009-11-16 }}</ref> In 2007, Lee filmed a joint [[Korea]]-[[Japan]] movie entitled ''[[Virgin Snow (film)|Virgin Snow]]'' with [[Japanese language|Japanese]] [[actress]] [[Aoi Miyazaki]], in which he plays a Korean exchange student.<ref name="virgin snow">{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki Appears in Korea-Japan Joint Film | date=2006-09-22 | url =http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1416561_11858.html | work =KBS Global | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref> Lee expressed why he join the cast saying, "I hope this film helps improve friendly [[Japan–Korea relations|relations]] between the two nations."<ref name="virgin snow"/> ''Virgin Snow'' was successful by placing 9th at the box office and set a record for a Korean film released in Japan.<ref>{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki’s Film Places 9th at the Japanese Box Office | date=2007-05-17 | url =http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=5675 | work =KBS Global | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref>
Lee's popularity overseas is noted, where in the 19th [[Tokyo International Film Festival]], he was "was enthroned as the top star".<ref>{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki: Proof that the K-Wave Rolls On | date=2006-10-26 | url =http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200610/200610260001.html | work =Chosun (English) | accessdate = 2009-11-16 }}</ref> During the [[Shanghai International Film Festival]], Lee was approached by acclaimed Chinese director [[Chen Kaige]], who proposed that the two should make a film together in China, to which Lee responded, "I'd love to make the movie if the script is good and the character is right."<ref>{{cite news | title= Lee Jun-ki Approached to Star in Chinese Movie| date= 2007-06-20 | publisher=Chosun (English) | url = http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200706/200706200006.html | accessdate = 2009-11-16 }}</ref> In 2007, Lee filmed a joint [[Korea]]-[[Japan]] movie entitled ''[[Virgin Snow (film)|Virgin Snow]]'' with [[Japanese language|Japanese]] [[actress]] [[Aoi Miyazaki]], in which he plays a Korean exchange student.<ref name="virgin snow">{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki Appears in Korea-Japan Joint Film | date=2006-09-22 | url =http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1416561_11858.html | work =KBS Global | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref> Lee expressed why he join the cast saying, "I hope this film helps improve friendly [[Japan–Korea relations|relations]] between the two nations."<ref name="virgin snow"/> ''Virgin Snow'' was successful by placing 9th at the box office and set a record for a Korean film released in Japan.<ref>{{cite news | title=Lee Jun-ki’s Film Places 9th at the Japanese Box Office | date=2007-05-17 | url =http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=5675 | work =KBS Global | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref>


He also starred in an action drama ''[[Time Between Dog And Wolf]]'', his first drama ever as the lead role. From September 4 to October 5, at the 2008 [[Seoul Drama Festival]] 14th ceremony, Yahoo! Korea and Yahoo! Japan, together conducted a survey on who was the best between Korean and Japanese actors.<ref name="netizens">{{cite news | title=Lee Jun Ki has the honor of being the best actor/actress among the South Korean and Japanese Netizens | date=2008-10-13 | url =http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200810130402 | accessdate = 2009-11-16 | language = Korean }}</ref> The survey totaled 27 million online votes, and the most popular TV drama being ''[[Time Between Dog and Wolf]]'' with the total of 59.9 percent with overwhelming support from the fans.<ref name="netizens"/> Coming in second place was [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]]2 TV’s [[Hong Gil Dong]] with the total of 39 percent and coming in third place was [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]’s [[Coffee Prince]] with the total of 1.5 percent.<ref name="netizens"/> The best male actor and female actress went to the main characters Lee and [[Nam Sang Mi]].<ref name="netizens"/>
He also starred in an action drama ''[[Time Between Dog And Wolf]]'', his first drama ever as the lead role. From September 4 to October 5, at the 2008 [[ Seoul Drama Festival]] 14th ceremony, Yahoo! Korea and Yahoo! Japan, together conducted a survey on who was the best between Korean and Japanese actors.<ref name="netizens">{{cite news | title=Lee Jun Ki has the honor of being the best actor/actress among the South Korean and Japanese Netizens | date=2008-10-13 | url =http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200810130402 | accessdate = 2009-11-16 | language = Korean }}</ref> The survey totaled 27 million online votes, and the most popular TV drama being ''[[Time Between Dog and Wolf]]'' with the total of 59.9 percent with overwhelming support from the fans.<ref name="netizens"/> Coming in second place was [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS]]2 TV’s [[Hong Gil Dong]] with the total of 39 percent and coming in third place was [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]’s [[Coffee Prince]] with the total of 1.5 percent.<ref name="netizens"/> The best male actor and female actress went to the main characters Lee and [[Nam Sang Mi]].<ref name="netizens"/>


At the 27th [[Hawaii International Film Festival]], it was announced that Lee would be that year's recipient of its Rising Star award.<ref name="HIFF">{{cite news | first=Hyo-won | last=Lee | title=Hawaii Film Fest to Spotlight Lee Jun-ki | date=2007-09-04 | url =http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2007/09/178_9563.html | work =Korea Times | accessdate = 2009-11-16 }}</ref> The award acknowledged the actor's work, media image, and growing star-power in the global arena.<ref name="HIFF"/> The festival, which ran through [[October 18]]&ndash;[[October 28|28]], presented the award at "An Evening with Lee Jun-ki" on Friday, [[October 19]]<ref name="HIFF"/> He also had a role in the Korean film ''[[May 18 (film)|May 18]]'', about the events surrounding the [[Gwangju Massacre]] of 1980, which was given the Gold Orchid Best Feature Film for 2007.<ref name="HIFF"/> The film covers one of the most tragic events in [[Korean history]]; the repressive regime of [[General Chun Doo-hwan]] resulted in a civilian uprising in the city of [[Gwangju]], which was subsequently crushed by government troops entering the city and firing into crowds of demonstrators. The film sold over six million tickets at the Korean box office.<ref name="HIFF"/>
At the 27th [[Hawaii International Film Festival]], it was announced that Lee would be that year's recipient of its Rising Star award.<ref name="HIFF">{{cite news | first=Hyo-won | last=Lee | title=Hawaii Film Fest to Spotlight Lee Jun-ki | date=2007-09-04 | url =http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2007/09/178_9563.html | work =Korea Times | accessdate = 2009-11-16 }}</ref> The award acknowledged the actor's work, media image, and growing star-power in the global arena.<ref name="HIFF"/> The festival, which ran through [[October 18]]&ndash;[[October 28|28]], presented the award at "An Evening with Lee Jun-ki" on Friday, [[October 19]]<ref name="HIFF"/> He also had a role in the Korean film ''[[May 18 (film)|May 18]]'', about the events surrounding the [[Gwangju Massacre]] of 1980, which was given the Gold Orchid Best Feature Film for 2007.<ref name="HIFF"/> The film covers one of the most tragic events in [[Korean history]]; the repressive regime of [[General Chun Doo-hwan]] resulted in a civilian uprising in the city of [[Gwangju]], which was subsequently crushed by government troops entering the city and firing into crowds of demonstrators. The film sold over six million tickets at the Korean box office.<ref name="HIFF"/>


Recently he joined Hong Kong EEG, making his entry into the Chinese market.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
Recently he joined Hong Kong EEG, making his entry into the Chinese market.{{fact}}


=== Return to Korea ===
=== Return to Korea ===
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== Dispute with Mentor Entertainment ==
== Dispute with Mentor Entertainment ==
In September 2008, Lee had a contractual dispute with his agency [[Mentor Entertainment]]. Lee was being sued for 500 million for breaching his contract and for supposedly hiding one billion in an attempt to "established his own agency in association with his manager".<ref>{{cite news | first=Si-Soo | last=Park | title=Actor Lee Jun-ki Faces Lawsuit | date=2008-09-28 | url =http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/09/117_31791.html | work = Korea Times | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref> Had Mentor Entertainment won the case, Lee could have potentially been out of work until 2013.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} However, the dispute was later resolved and the suit dropped. Lee agreed to maintain his contract with the agency. After Lee and Mentor Entertainment resolved their misunderstandings, they agreed to continue their relationship. However, Mentor Entertainment would not withdraw their suit against Lee’s previous manager who was blamed for the misunderstanding.
In September 2008, Lee had a contractual dispute with his agency [[Mentor Entertainment]]. Lee was being sued for 500 million for breaching his contract and for supposedly hiding one billion in an attempt to "established his own agency in association with his manager".<ref>{{cite news | first=Si-Soo | last=Park | title=Actor Lee Jun-ki Faces Lawsuit | date=2008-09-28 | url =http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/09/117_31791.html | work = Korea Times | accessdate = 2009-11-16}}</ref> Had Mentor Entertainment won the case, Lee could have potentially been out of work until 2013.{{Citation needed}} However, the dispute was later resolved and the suit dropped. Lee agreed to maintain his contract with the agency. After Lee and Mentor Entertainment resolved their misunderstandings, they agreed to continue their relationship. However, Mentor Entertainment would not withdraw their suit against Lee’s previous manager who was blamed for the misunderstanding.


== Korea Hallyu and Tourism Ambassador ==
== Korea Hallyu and Tourism Ambassador ==
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=== Television commercials ===
=== Television commercials ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2009}}
{{Unreferenced section}}
* [http://www.vovhomme.com/ ''VOV''] (Men's Cosmetics)
* [http://www.vovhomme.com/ ''VOV''] (Men's Cosmetics)
* McDonald's (Shake Shake Fries)
* McDonald's (Shake Shake Fries)
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== Awards ==
== Awards ==
{{Refimprovesect|date=November 2009}}
{{Refimprovesect}}
{| class="wikitable" width="650px"
{| class="wikitable" width="650px"
!align="left"|Years
!align="left"|Years
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*27th [[Hawaii International Film Festival]]: Rising Star Award<ref name="HIFF"/>
*27th [[Hawaii International Film Festival]]: Rising Star Award<ref name="HIFF"/>
*2007 [[China Fashion Awards]]: South Korean Artist of the Year
*2007 [[China Fashion Awards]]: South Korean Artist of the Year
*2007 [[MBC Drama Awards]]: Excellence Award (for Time Between Dog & Wolf) <ref>[http://popseoul.com/2007/12/31/2007-mbc-drama-awards/ 2007 MBC Drama Awards]. ''Popseoul'', 2007-12-31. Retrieved on [[December 31]], [[2007]].</ref>{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
*2007 [[MBC Drama Awards]]: Excellence Award (for Time Between Dog & Wolf) <ref>[http://popseoul.com/2007/12/31/2007-mbc-drama-awards/ 2007 MBC Drama Awards]. ''Popseoul'', 2007-12-31. Retrieved on [[December 31]], [[2007]].</ref>{{citation needed}}
|-
|-
!align="center"|2006
!align="center"|2006
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*[http://www.leejunki.asia Lee Jun Ki Official Asia Website] {{en}}
*[http://www.leejunki.asia Lee Jun Ki Official Asia Website] {{en}}
*{{imdb name|id=1763620|name=Lee Jun Ki}} {{en}}
*{{imdb name|id=1763620|name=Lee Jun Ki}} {{en}}

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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
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|DATE OF DEATH =
|DATE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Jun Ki}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Jun Ki}}
[[Category:South Korean actors]]
[[Category:South Korean actors]]

Revision as of 02:23, 19 November 2009

Template:Korean name

Lee Jun Ki
Lee Jun Ki 2009 Shanghai Concert
Other namesLee Joon Gi
Occupation(s)Actor, Model, Singer
Years active2001-present
Websitehttp://www.mentorent.co.kr/sh/shmain.aspx?crid=LJG
Korean name
Hangul
이준기
Hanja
李準基
Revised RomanizationLee Jun Ki

Lee Jun Ki (born April 17, 1982, in Busan, South Korea) is a South Korean actor, model and singer. He rose to fame as Gong-gil in The King and the Clown. As of 2007, Lee is one of the top screen stars in South Korea. In August 2009, Lee Jun Ki was appointed an ambassador for Korea tourism by the Korea Tourism Organization.

Early life

In his adolescent years, Lee was a fairly normal individual who enjoyed sports and computers. He first became interested in the performing arts as a high school student after watching a performance of Hamlet.[1] Lee initially failed to get into college and because of this, he moved to Seoul with almost nothing in his pocket, but a dream to work in the entertainment industry.[2] For the next couple of years, Lee worked at various part-time jobs, before gaining acceptance into the Seoul Institute of the Arts.[2] He graduated from the Seoul Institute of the Arts with a major in Acting, and is a 1st degree in both Hapkido and Taekyon, and 3rd degree in Taekwondo. Besides Korean, Lee also speaks Japanese, Chinese and English.

Career

Early years

Lee later started out as a model and held minor roles in Korean dramas. In 2001, he first appeared in the television commercial for the So Basic fashion label, appearing alongside actress Kim Hee Sun. His first drama appearance was as a dissatisfied teenager in the KBS drama Drama City: What should I do? He later appeared with a minor role in Star's Echo, a drama by MBC and Fuji TV in 2004.

Lee continued to audition for various acting roles, but did not find immediate success. Lee would make his acting debut on the big screen within the same year. Competing against 2000 other participants, Lee landed a role in the Japanese film The Hotel Venus (2004). During his time working on the set of The Hotel Venus, Lee found himself less than pleased with his management company and having to work part-time jobs to support himself.[citation needed] The Hotel Venus would go on to become moderately successful in Japan selling 2.8 million tickets.[citation needed] Lee would later start work on his first Korean film Flying Boys.

The King and the Clown

Lee Jun Ki at a King and the Clown fan meeting in the Shilla Hotel, Jeju Island.

In 2005, his first major acting role came in The King and the Clown (왕의 남자), in which he took on the role of a feminine entertainer in the late 15th century forced to satisfy King Yeonsan's sexual and emotional cravings. The film became one of the highest grossing South Korean-made movies in South Korea, unexpectedly replacing Taegukgi as the most-watched film in Korean history with over 12.3 million viewers.[3] Lee's salary for the role was a comparitvely low US$100,000.[4][5][dead link]

Lee was against the halving of screen quotas in South Korea that allows foreign films to be shown in theaters on certain days, while domestic films are allotted another amount of days. He believed that without the screen quotas, The King and the Clown would not have been as successful in competing against foreign films.[6][7] He earned many Best Male New Comer awards for his role as Gong-gil in The King and the Clown in 2006.[citation needed]

Later in 2008, Lee revealed how he got the role, saying, "The movie seemed really good so I challenged myself with the audition so even if I didn’t make it, I thought that I had to try my best to have no regrets in the end. I analyzed the story over and over until my script became like trash".[citation needed] Producer Lee Jun Ik revealed the story of how he chose Lee for The King and the Clown by just seeing him do handstands, saying, "Just because of handstands, Lee Jun Ki became the person he is today."[8] After the film, Lee became "an icon" of the South Korean "pretty boy" aesthetic.[9]

Lee has since tried to diminish his pretty boy image. Lee said Gong-gil’s character in The King and the Clown felt like a foot chain for him so he wanted to escape from it, stating, "After my performance in The King and the Clown, I found myself at the forefront of this ‘pretty boy’ trend, whether or not that was my intention. Suddenly, people were interested in me, and there was all this praise and criticism all at the same time. Everything was just so overwhelming. I felt like I was floating on air."[10] Furthermore, Lee said "I’m not human Lee Jun Ki or actor Lee Jun Ki yet. There’s still a longer way to go in the future."[citation needed] Lee revealed that there are times where he feels gloomy and can’t find answers to his questions but he hopes to not give up his acting no matter what happens and die while acting, showing his passion and love for acting.[8]

Overseas popularity

His next role was as a supporting character on the SBS's My Girl together with Miss Korea, Park Si Yeon, Lee Da Hae, and Lee Dong Wook. His movie, Fly, Daddy, Fly garnered much attention and media coverage among Chinese viewers.[11] However, there is criticism that both of these have "either fallen short of expectations at the box office or cast Lee in minor roles."[10]

Lee's popularity overseas is noted, where in the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival, he was "was enthroned as the top star".[12] During the Shanghai International Film Festival, Lee was approached by acclaimed Chinese director Chen Kaige, who proposed that the two should make a film together in China, to which Lee responded, "I'd love to make the movie if the script is good and the character is right."[13] In 2007, Lee filmed a joint Korea-Japan movie entitled Virgin Snow with Japanese actress Aoi Miyazaki, in which he plays a Korean exchange student.[14] Lee expressed why he join the cast saying, "I hope this film helps improve friendly relations between the two nations."[14] Virgin Snow was successful by placing 9th at the box office and set a record for a Korean film released in Japan.[15]

He also starred in an action drama Time Between Dog And Wolf, his first drama ever as the lead role. From September 4 to October 5, at the 2008 Seoul Drama Festival 14th ceremony, Yahoo! Korea and Yahoo! Japan, together conducted a survey on who was the best between Korean and Japanese actors.[16] The survey totaled 27 million online votes, and the most popular TV drama being Time Between Dog and Wolf with the total of 59.9 percent with overwhelming support from the fans.[16] Coming in second place was KBS2 TV’s Hong Gil Dong with the total of 39 percent and coming in third place was MBC’s Coffee Prince with the total of 1.5 percent.[16] The best male actor and female actress went to the main characters Lee and Nam Sang Mi.[16]

At the 27th Hawaii International Film Festival, it was announced that Lee would be that year's recipient of its Rising Star award.[17] The award acknowledged the actor's work, media image, and growing star-power in the global arena.[17] The festival, which ran through October 18–28, presented the award at "An Evening with Lee Jun-ki" on Friday, October 19[17] He also had a role in the Korean film May 18, about the events surrounding the Gwangju Massacre of 1980, which was given the Gold Orchid Best Feature Film for 2007.[17] The film covers one of the most tragic events in Korean history; the repressive regime of General Chun Doo-hwan resulted in a civilian uprising in the city of Gwangju, which was subsequently crushed by government troops entering the city and firing into crowds of demonstrators. The film sold over six million tickets at the Korean box office.[17]

Recently he joined Hong Kong EEG, making his entry into the Chinese market.[citation needed]

Return to Korea

From April to July 2008, Lee participated in the filming for SBS's TV series Iljimae, a period drama in which he starred as a Robin Hood-esque character during the Chosun era.[10] Its first episode aired on May 21, 2008 with 15.4% program rating. From then its program rating increased and Iljimae finished airing on July 24, with 31.4% program rating, one of the highest ratings of the year, and earned him high honors in the 2008 SBS Drama Awards.[10] The drama later aired in Japan on the channel TV Tokyo.[10]

In November 2009, Lee was the lead role in the comedic-action drama, Hero, which aired on the station MBC.

Dispute with Mentor Entertainment

In September 2008, Lee had a contractual dispute with his agency Mentor Entertainment. Lee was being sued for 500 million for breaching his contract and for supposedly hiding one billion in an attempt to "established his own agency in association with his manager".[18] Had Mentor Entertainment won the case, Lee could have potentially been out of work until 2013.[citation needed] However, the dispute was later resolved and the suit dropped. Lee agreed to maintain his contract with the agency. After Lee and Mentor Entertainment resolved their misunderstandings, they agreed to continue their relationship. However, Mentor Entertainment would not withdraw their suit against Lee’s previous manager who was blamed for the misunderstanding.

Korea Hallyu and Tourism Ambassador

On July 29, 2008, Lee had a conference for the Hallyu Festival, he was chosen as the Ambassador for the 2008 Seoul Hallyu Festival.[19] Lee was later entrusted as the Honorary Legal System Officer in the Government Legislation Agency's 60th year anniversary.[19] Lee said, "When I’m choosing my work, I would like to choose one that involves working with other countries. Instead of showing off being a Hallyu Star, I will try my best to show good images for those who love Korea."[19][fn 1] During the ceremony, Lee was appointed as the first Honorary Legal System Officer since the constitution of the Government Legislation Agency due to his acting role in SBS's Iljimae.[19]

On August 5, 2009, Lee was appointed as the new promotional ambassador of the Korea Tourism Organization.[20] Lee said of his appointment, "I enjoyed working as an honorary ambassador of hallyu last year. I'm proud of being appointed as tourism ambassador this time, and will try my best to promote Korea."[20]

Discography

A poll by a music website Jukeon that asked "Who will be the most popular if they release an album?" Lee ended up being in first place with 66% of the votes. He released his first mini album My Jun, My Style - April 26, 2007 which contains three songs that he wrote for his Episode 1 fan meeting on May 21, 2006. Singer, Kim So Ri, released an album Lip, February 2009, and Lee Jun Ki is featured in one song titled, Pinky Finger (새끼손가락 ). Lee Jun Ki released his second album J Style - April 17, 2009 [21] which will be produced with musician Kim Hyung Suk. The album consists 4 new songs including his 3 songs from his previous album My Jun, My Style.

  1. "J Style"
  2. "Soliloquy"
  3. "I'm Ready"
  4. "Selfless Dedicated Trees"
  1. "Pinky Finger"
  1. "Fly High" feat. Seo In Young
  1. "One Word"
  2. "Don't Know Love"
  3. "Foolish Love" (Pabbo Sarang)

Filmography

Dramas

Films

Music videos

File:SoliloquyMV.jpg
"Soliloquy" music video by Lee Jun Ki
  • 2009 : Lee Jun Ki: "Soliloquy"
  • 2009 : Lee Jun Ki: "J Style"
  • 2009 : Kim So Ri (소리): "Pinky Finger (새끼손가락)"
  • 2008 : 2008 Beijing Olympics: "Decathlon"
  • 2006 : Lee Hyori: "Anystar"
  • 2006 : Lee Soo Young: "Secret" (Part III of the trilogy from Grace I & Grace II)
  • 2006 : Lee Soo Young: "Grace" (Grace I & II)
  • 2004 : Clazziquai: "Sweety"
  • 2004 : Kang Sung Hoon: "Precious Story"
  • 2004 : Eun Ji Won: "Drunk In Melody"

Television commercials

Awards

Years Awards
2009
  • Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)[20]
  • MNET 20s Choice Award: Male Popularity Award [22]
2008
  • Honorary Ambassador for Seoul Hallyu Festival [19]
  • Honorary Legal System Officer (名譽法制官)[19]
  • Seoul Drama 2008 (Most Popular Actor for "Time Between Dog and Wolf")[23]
  • 2008 SBS Drama Awards: Top Excellence Award[24]
  • 2008 SBS Drama Awards: Netizen Popularity Award[24]
  • 2008 SBS Drama Awards: Top 10 Stars Award[24]
2007
2006

Footnotes

  1. ^ Original text: "작품을 선택할 때 외국과의 합작할 수 있는 데 욕심이 있다. 기존 한류스타로서 위세 부린다는 느낌이 아닌, 한국을 사랑해주시는 모든 분들게 멋진 모습을 보여주기 위해 노력할 것"

References

  1. ^ "Lee Jun-ki, a public high school photo bangsongban 'popular girls'". MSN News (in Korean). Newsen. 2009-11-11. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  2. ^ a b "Lee Hyo Lee arranged a blind date with Lee Jun-ki and Boa". Chosun (in Korean). 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  3. ^ "왕의 남자 (The King and the Clown)" (in Korean). Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  4. ^ "King and Clown Star Works Hard for Little Pay". Chosun. 2006-07-27. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  5. ^ "S. Korea faces tough decision to pick its choice for foreign film Oscar". Yonhap News. 2006-09-19. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  6. ^ Sung-jin, Kim (2006-01-26). "Korea to halve screen quota". Korea Times. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  7. ^ "Lee Jun-ki 'against screen quota' one-man protest in the 1,000 crowd" (in Korean). Dongailbo. 2006-02-12. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  8. ^ a b "Lee Jun Ki was cast in 'The King and the Clown' for doing handstands very well" (in Korean). Newsen. 2008-12-13. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  9. ^ Jung, Sun (April 2009). "The Shared Imagination of Bishōnen, Pan-East Asian Soft Masculinity". Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific (20). Australian National University. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  10. ^ a b c d e Hyung-eun, Kim (2009-07-10). "Pretty boy Lee shows off his introspective side". Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  11. ^ "Chinese Netizens: KBS among Top 10 Firms". KBS Global. 2006-09-26. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  12. ^ "Lee Jun-ki: Proof that the K-Wave Rolls On". Chosun (English). 2006-10-26. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  13. ^ "Lee Jun-ki Approached to Star in Chinese Movie". Chosun (English). 2007-06-20. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  14. ^ a b "Lee Jun-ki Appears in Korea-Japan Joint Film". KBS Global. 2006-09-22. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  15. ^ "Lee Jun-ki's Film Places 9th at the Japanese Box Office". KBS Global. 2007-05-17. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  16. ^ a b c d "Lee Jun Ki has the honor of being the best actor/actress among the South Korean and Japanese Netizens" (in Korean). 2008-10-13. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Lee, Hyo-won (2007-09-04). "Hawaii Film Fest to Spotlight Lee Jun-ki". Korea Times. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  18. ^ Park, Si-Soo (2008-09-28). "Actor Lee Jun-ki Faces Lawsuit". Korea Times. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  19. ^ a b c d e f "이준기 "'일지매' 통해 욕심이 많이 생겼다"" (in Korean). Newsen. 2008-08-11. Retrieved 2009-11-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ a b c Kim, Rahn (2008-08-05). "Lee Becomes Tourism Ambassador". Korea Times. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  21. ^ Lee Jun Ki Unleashes 'J Style'
  22. ^ Han Ji Min and Lee Jun Ki First Couple Outing For Mnet 2009 20's Choice, August 28. Newsen, 2009-08-17. Retrieved on September 11, 2009.
  23. ^ "Lee Jun Ki and Nam Sang Mi smile big with joy" (in Korean). Newsen. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  24. ^ a b c "Male/Female Top excellence acting awards(SBS Grand Acting Awards ceremony)" (in Korean). My Daily. 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2009-11-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ 2007 MBC Drama Awards. Popseoul, 2007-12-31. Retrieved on December 31, 2007.
  26. ^ a b "The 27th Blue Dragon Awards". Korea Society. Retrieved 2009-11-16.

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