Lee Do-hyun, born Lim Dong-hyun on April 11, 1995, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, has become a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry. His journey from a passionate young actor to the celebrated star of Netflix’s “Sweet Home” is marked by determination, resilience, and a series of impressive performances.
Early Life and Beginnings
Lee Do-hyun’s interest in acting sparked during his school years. He initially pursued this interest by participating in various school plays and theater productions. His passion for acting led him to enroll in the Department of Film and Theater at Chung-Ang University, one of Korea’s top institutions for aspiring actors. Here, he honed his craft, learning the intricacies of performance and the dedication required to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry.
Career Beginnings and Struggles
Lee Do-hyun’s official acting debut came in 2017 when he appeared in the popular drama “Prison Playbook” (also known as “Wise Prison Life”). Though his role as Lee Joon-ho, a baseball player, was minor, it was a significant stepping stone that showcased his potential. The following year, he landed a supporting role in the drama “Thirty But Seventeen” (2018), where his portrayal of Dong Hae-beom, a high school student with a complicated family background, began to attract more attention from viewers and industry professionals.
Despite these early successes, Lee Do-hyun’s journey was not without its challenges. Like many emerging actors, he faced the uncertainty of securing roles that could define his career. He continued to work hard, taking on various supporting roles to gain experience and improve his skills.
Breakthrough with “Hotel Del Luna”
Lee Do-hyun’s breakthrough came in 2019 with the fantasy romance drama “Hotel Del Luna.” In this series, he played the younger version of Go Chung-myung, a royal guard and the past love interest of the protagonist, Jang Man-wol (played by IU). His performance was widely praised, and he managed to leave a lasting impression despite sharing screen time with more established actors. This role significantly boosted his popularity and opened up new opportunities.
Rising Stardom with “18 Again” and “Youth of May”
In 2020, Lee Do-hyun starred in the drama “18 Again,” a remake of the American film “17 Again.” He played the dual roles of Hong Dae-young, a middle-aged man who magically returns to his 18-year-old self, and Go Woo-young, his younger self. His nuanced performance, balancing the maturity of an adult with the vigor of a teenager, earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including the Best New Actor award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards.
Following this success, Lee Do-hyun continued to rise in prominence with his role in the historical romance drama “Youth of May” (2021). Set against the backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising in 1980, the series depicted a poignant love story between his character, Hwang Hee-tae, a medical student, and Kim Myung-hee, a nurse played by Go Min-si. His portrayal of Hee-tae, a character torn between love and the harsh realities of political turmoil, further solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
Global Recognition with “Sweet Home”
Lee Do-hyun’s role in Netflix’s “Sweet Home” (2020) catapulted him to international fame. In this apocalyptic horror series based on the popular webtoon of the same name, he played Lee Eun-hyuk, a resourceful and strategic medical student who becomes one of the leaders in a group of survivors fighting against monstrous creatures. His performance was praised for its depth and intensity, showcasing his ability to handle complex characters in high-stakes situations. “Sweet Home” became a global hit, introducing Lee Do-hyun to a broader audience and earning him widespread recognition.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
Following the success of “Sweet Home,” Lee Do-hyun continued to take on diverse and challenging roles. He starred in the drama “Melancholia” (2021), portraying Baek Seung-yoo, a math prodigy entangled in a scandal with his teacher. His ability to convey vulnerability and strength in his characters earned him further acclaim.
As of 2024, Lee Do-hyun is set to appear in several highly anticipated projects, including the second season of “Sweet Home,” which promises to delve deeper into his character’s backstory and further expand the series’ dark, thrilling universe.
Lee Do-hyun’s journey from a passionate young actor to a celebrated star is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. With each role, he has showcased his versatility and ability to connect with audiences, making him one of the most promising actors of his generation. As he continues to take on new challenges and explore different genres, fans eagerly await the next chapter in his already impressive career.