"IU's Boyfriend", Lee Jun-young Stuns with Shocking Past – From Idol to Arresting Drunk Driver

Actor Lee Jun-young, who plays 'Young-beom,' the boyfriend of Yang Geum-myung (played by IU) in the Netflix original series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' has caught the eye with his remarkable performance.

In a scene where his character experiences a heartbreaking breakup after seven years of dating, Lee’s emotional portrayal of begging Geum-myung while shedding tears significantly enhances the drama’s immersion. His delicate emotional expression and restrained gaze have resonated deeply with viewers, earning him widespread praise for his realistic portrayal of a painful breakup.

However, what has garnered even more attention is his surprising background.

Before becoming an actor, Lee Jun-young debuted as an idol. He joined the boy group U-KISS in 2014 as a new member, taking on roles as lead rapper, sub-vocalist, and lead dancer, showing his versatility.

His powerful performances and chic image earned him a dedicated fan base. In 2017, he won first place on KBS's idol rebooting program 'The Unit' and went on to become the center of the project group UNB. Afterward, he expanded his career by releasing a solo album in Japan, participating in drama OSTs and features, and even exploring musicals, broadening his scope in the music industry.

As an actor, Lee began his career with the tvN drama 'Avengers Social Club' and continued to build his filmography with roles in 'Good Casting,' 'Imitation,' 'D.P.,' and 'Let Me Be Your Knight.' His sharp portrayal of a character in 'D.P.' particularly earned him acclaim for his vivid performance.

In real life, he also made headlines for his quick thinking. In August 2021, while heading home after completing his schedule, he spotted a vehicle suspected of drunk driving and reported it to the police. After chasing the vehicle for about an hour, he helped in its capture. His calm response during the incident drew significant attention.

Lee Jun-young’s transition from idol to actor, thriving in various fields, continues to pique the public’s interest.

Coming up, Lee Jun-young will star in the new KBS 2TV drama 'Pump Up the Healthy Love,' set to air on April 30. He will play the role of trainer Do Hyun-jung, starring alongside Jung Eun-ji.