Beyond Bromance: Why Lee Sang-yi Calls His Bond with Woo Do-hwan a “Bromello”

Is there anything Lee Sang-yi can’t do? The star of Netflix’s Bloodhounds 2 is making headlines not just for his lethal left hook, but for a bond with co-star Woo Do-hwan that transcends typical “bromance.” In a candid post-release interview, Lee revealed how their 300-session training bond turned into a “Bromello” (Bromance + Melo) and why his off-screen hobbies; ranging from amateur boxing championships to professional nail artistry—are surprising even his biggest fans.

The Birth of “Bromello”

After spending over a year seeing each other daily for training and filming, the chemistry between Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) and Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) has evolved into something deeply emotional. Lee Sang-yi describes their relationship as a “Bromello,” a term highlighting the “melo-like” sincerity of their friendship.

“We’ve spent about 300 sessions together if you count training,” Lee recalled. He shared that their bond is so close that a heart-to-heart scene in Episode 5 moved even the director to tears. In real life, Woo Do-hwan acts as a protector, often telling the slightly clumsy Lee to “be careful” or “stay still,” a dynamic that has made the two inseparable on and off camera.

A “Successful Fan” Meeting Rain

Growing up as a “Rain Kid” watching Full House, Lee Sang-yi admitted he was starstruck working with Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) in Season 2. “I found myself constantly linking arms with him on set because I was so happy,” Lee joked. Despite his fanboy excitement, he was genuinely chilled by Rain’s transformation into a ruthless villain, describing the senior actor’s performance as “so scary it felt like a personality disorder,” a testament to Rain’s successful return to the screen.

While their on-screen rivalry is intense, the behind-the-scenes moments and interviews that prove why the Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi duo is K-drama’s most iconic pair of 2026.

The Man of Many Talents: Boxing and… Nail Art?

Lee Sang-yi’s commitment to “getting real” led him to compete in an amateur boxing tournament where he won the MVP title. However, when asked what achievement made him happier, he surprisingly chose his National Technical Qualification in Nail Art.

Acquired for his appearance on the variety show Bo-gum Magical, Lee took the certification seriously. “I didn’t want to be useless on the show; I wanted a weapon of my own,” he explained. He even practiced his skills on his mother, proving that behind the tough, muscular exterior of a Netflix action star lies a deeply thoughtful and multifaceted artist.

Editor’s Insight: The “Long-Run” Potential

Lee Sang-yi’s journey in Bloodhounds mirrors his own growth as an actor evolving from a “boy” to a “man.” By mastering physical skills like boxing while maintaining a vulnerable emotional core, he is proving that action stars don’t have to be one-dimensional. Much like his co-star, Lee is hoping for a long-running franchise. “I want this to go to Season 6 or 7,” he shared. With a cliffhanger ending in Season 2 and a global audience begging for more, the “Bromello” era of Korean action is just getting started.