New to Lee Junho? Here Are 5 Must-Watch K-Dramas That Show Why He’s One of Korea’s Top Actors

Lee Junho is no longer just a K-pop idol turned actor. He is now one of the most respected names in Korean drama, with a career that continues to evolve every year.

From award-winning historical roles to globally loved romantic comedies, Lee Junho has built a filmography that feels surprisingly diverse. That is exactly why many new fans often ask the same question: where should I start?

If you recently discovered Lee Junho through his rising global popularity or his upcoming projects like Veteran 3, this guide will help you understand why his acting career stands out.

Here are five Lee Junho dramas that new fans should watch first.

1. The Red Sleeve

The drama that changed everything for Lee Junho

If there is one project that defines Lee Junho as an actor, it is The Red Sleeve.

Set in the Joseon era, the drama tells a deeply emotional story about love, duty, and sacrifice within the royal court. Junho plays Crown Prince Yi San, a role that requires both emotional restraint and powerful intensity.

This drama became a turning point in his career. Not only did it earn him massive critical acclaim, but he also made history by winning Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, becoming the first idol-turned-actor to achieve this.

For many fans, this is the moment Lee Junho stopped being “an idol actor” and became simply “an actor.”

2. King the Land

The global hit that introduced Lee Junho to a wider audience

If The Red Sleeve showed his depth, King the Land showed his global appeal.

This romantic comedy became one of the most talked-about K-dramas internationally. Junho plays a charismatic hotel heir, combining charm, humor, and emotional growth in a way that feels easy to watch but still engaging.

The drama’s success on global platforms helped bring in a new wave of international fans, many of whom discovered Lee Junho for the first time through this role.

If you want something light, entertaining, and addictive, this is the perfect starting point.

3. Rain or Shine (Just Between Lovers)

Lee Junho’s first leading role that proved his emotional depth

Before the big awards and global hits, there was Rain or Shine.

This drama marked Lee Junho’s first lead role in a Korean series, and it remains one of his most emotionally powerful performances.

He plays a man dealing with trauma and loss, slowly learning how to open his heart again. The story focuses on healing, pain, and human connection, making it one of the most heartfelt dramas in his career.

For many longtime fans, this is where Lee Junho’s true acting potential first became clear.

4. Good Manager

The unexpected role that showed a completely different side

In Good Manager, Lee Junho stepped away from his usual image and took on a more complex, even antagonistic character.

Playing a sharp and morally ambiguous corporate figure, he delivered a performance that surprised many viewers at the time.

This drama is important because it shows his range. Instead of relying on charm or romance, Lee Junho proved he could handle layered characters with tension and conflict.

If you want to see how versatile he is, this one is essential.

5. Typhoon Family

The project that highlights his emotional range

Typhoon Family allowed Lee Junho to explore a wide spectrum of emotions in a single story.

The drama focuses on complicated family relationships, personal struggles, and emotional growth. Junho’s performance captures everything from vulnerability to intensity, making it one of his most expressive roles.

It may not be his most globally known project, but it is one that shows how deeply he can connect with a character.

From Idol to Award-Winning Actor And Still Evolving

Lee Junho first debuted as a member of 2PM, one of the most iconic second-generation K-pop groups. Over time, he steadily built his acting career, taking on diverse roles instead of relying on his idol image.

That gradual growth is what makes his filmography so interesting. Each project reflects a different stage of his journey, from early experimentation to confident, award-winning performances.

Now, with upcoming projects like Veteran 3 already generating buzz, many fans believe his biggest transformation may still be ahead.

Where Should You Start?

If you want to understand Lee Junho quickly:

• Start with The Red Sleeve for his best performance
• Watch King the Land for an easy and fun introduction
• Try Rain or Shine if you prefer emotional storytelling

Each drama reveals a different side of him. And that is exactly what makes Lee Junho one of the most compelling actors to watch right now.