Lee Soo-hyuk

Biography

In a saturated world of K-drama heartthrobs, Lee Soo-hyuk stands apart—not only for his piercing looks and towering frame but for his quiet evolution from high-fashion icon to a compelling screen actor. Often referred to as Korea’s “vampire model” in his early career, Lee Soo-hyuk has since proven himself to be more than just a pretty face.

Early Beginnings in Fashion

Born Lee Hyuk-soo on May 31, 1988 in Gwacheon, South Korea, Lee Soo-hyuk first captivated the public as a runway model in 2006. With striking facial features, pale complexion and a brooding aura, he quickly became a fixture in the Korean fashion scene, walking for top designers like Jung Wook-jun and appearing in editorials for Vogue, GQ and Elle Korea.

His success was not confined to the local scene. He walked in international shows and was invited to Paris Fashion Week—something few Korean models had achieved at the time.

Transition to Acting

Lee Soo-hyuk made his acting debut in the 2010 film “The Boy from Ipanema” but rose to wider attention with supporting roles in dramas like “White Christmas” (2011), “Deep Rooted Tree” (2011) and “High School King of Savvy” (2014). In each role, he brought a reserved intensity and subtle emotional depth that complemented his enigmatic screen presence.

His portrayal of a vampire in “The Scholar Who Walks the Night” (2015) felt like a natural extension of his model image, yet it was his more grounded performances in “Born Again” (2020) and “Doom at Your Service” (2021) that solidified him as a serious actor.

Recent Success and the Rise of “S Line”

In 2025, Lee Soo-hyuk took on a lead role in the Wavve original drama “S Line”, a fantasy-thriller that explores mysterious red threads connecting people who have shared intimate relationships. Lee stars as Han Ji-wook, a determined detective drawn into a web of forbidden desire and tragic secrets after his niece’s suspicious fall from a school rooftop.

His performance has been widely praised for its emotional restraint and subtle intensity. “S Line” has not only topped local streaming charts but was also officially invited to the 8th Cannes International Series Festival, where it received the Best Music Award, further elevating Lee’s international profile.

A Career Marked by Growth

While Lee Soo-hyuk continues to be a fashion icon—still active in campaigns and editorials—he has proven that he’s no longer just a “model who acts”. With each project, he’s carving a unique path in Korean entertainment, blending fantasy, noir and emotionally complex characters with quiet but undeniable magnetism.

What’s Next?

With “S Line” concluding its final episodes soon, fans are eagerly watching to see what Lee will do next. Whether it’s another dramatic thriller, a romantic lead or a surprising genre twist, one thing is certain—Lee Soo-hyuk’s next chapter will be worth watching.