Lee Junho May Lead New Series Viking as Chaebol Heir, Set to Face Off With Ju Ji Hoon

Actor Lee Junho is reportedly preparing for his next major project, and this time, he could be stepping into one of his most intense roles yet.

According to reports on March 23, Lee Junho has been offered a leading role in the upcoming series Viking and is currently moving toward finalizing his appearance after a positive review of the script.

A darker, high-stakes transformation

Viking is described as a high-tension drama centered on a hidden succession war within a powerful Korean chaebol family. At the heart of the story is a ruthless internal battle over control of a multi-billion-dollar empire, blending corporate strategy, betrayal, and psychological conflict.

Lee Junho is expected to play Han Ji Yeol, a third-generation chaebol heir and corporate risk analyst known for his cold logic and calculated decision-making. The character marks a noticeable shift from his previous romantic and emotionally driven roles, signaling a sharper and more strategic image on screen.

Adding even more anticipation, actor Ju Ji Hoon is reportedly in talks to play Han Tae Joon, Ji Yeol’s uncle and primary rival. If confirmed, this would be the first time the two actors share the screen, setting up a powerful generational clash that could become one of the drama’s biggest highlights.

Building on an unstoppable streak

Lee Junho’s potential casting comes at a time when his career momentum is stronger than ever. Following his military discharge, he has delivered a series of consecutive hits that reshaped his image from idol-actor to one of Korea’s most trusted leading men.

From the breakout success of The Red Sleeve to global hits like King the Land, and more recently tvN’s Typhoon Family, Junho has consistently proven both ratings power and acting depth. His Netflix series Cash Hero further expanded his global reach, while his recent fan meeting tour across four cities demonstrated his growing international fandom.

His impact has not gone unnoticed. Major global outlets, including Forbes, have spotlighted his rising influence, reflecting his position as both a domestic hitmaker and a global K-drama figure.

What’s next for Viking

The project is directed by Jo Sung Hee, known for visually distinctive works like A Werewolf Boy and Space Sweepers, and written by Lee Shin Ho. Production is led by Mister Romance, with discussions currently underway for distribution on a global OTT platform.

Filming is expected to begin as early as April, with Viking potentially becoming one of the most anticipated K-dramas in development, especially given its scale, cast, and genre.

Meanwhile, Lee Junho was also preparing for his film comeback with Veteran 3, but production delays have reportedly shifted his schedule, making Viking his next likely project.

Why this role feels different

What makes Viking particularly interesting is how it aligns with Lee Junho’s ongoing evolution. While he built massive popularity through romance and character-driven storytelling, this role introduces a colder, more strategic persona that could redefine his acting range once again.

For fans, it is not just another drama announcement. It is a signal that Lee Junho is entering a new phase of his career, one that may be darker, sharper, and even more globally impactful.

And if the casting is confirmed, his first on-screen confrontation with Ju Ji Hoon might be exactly the kind of high-stakes pairing K-drama fans have been waiting for.