Lee Sang-Yi TV Shows: From a justice-seeking boxer to a heart-eyed producer of hit TV shows — Korean star Lee Sang-yi has been there and played that. His filmography is diverse, spanning a medley of genres across the years — earning him the reputation of being one of the industry’s most adaptable actors. With the release of his latest title Spice Up Our Love, we take a look at a few of his most popular projects.
Musical theatre, award hosting, singing — there’s nary an entertainment space that Lee Sang-yi has not explored. The popular actor slowly rose to fame in the Korean drama industry — doing justice to his roles and capturing the attention of viewers and critics over the years. Although he rose to fame by playing lovelorn second-lead characters, he’s made an impression as a gritty former soldier, ambitious businessman, and even a murderer. No surprises there that he’s believed to be one of the most versatile amongst his peers.
In an interview with Arirang K-pop, he revealed that his fans claim to be unable to recognise him from one project to another. “I want to be an actor who can freely show acting transformation and changes in looks,” he noted adding, “I want to be an actor everyone has never met before, I want to continue being new.” His most recent venture sees him play the role of a third-generation chaebol in No Gain, No Love. He’s also set to lead his own romantic K-drama this year with Spice Up Our Love. In it, he plays the CEO of GB Electric, the male protagonist of a novel. If you’ve yet to become acquainted with Lee Sang-Yi, here are a few of his TV shows that are worth the watch.
Best TV shows starring the charming and versatile Lee Sang-yi
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Prison Playbook
Directed by: Shin Won-ho
Cast: Park Hae-soo, Lee Do-hyun, Krystal, Lim Hwa-young, Lee Sang-yi
Episodes: 16
Release date: 22 November 2017
Synopsis: Ahead of a major league baseball debut, star pitcher Je-hyeok (played by Park Hae-soo) finds himself falsely arrested after trying to protect his sister. However, he’s relieved to find his old friend Joon-ho (played by Lee Do-hyun) as the prison guard. The latter helps the former adjust to life in imprisonment. Also in the picture? Sergeant Oh Dong-hwan (played by Lee Sang-yi) with a sinister secret.
About the show: The series drew the attention of critics and viewers to Lee Sang-yi’s versatility and acting prowess.
Once Again
Directed by: Lee Jae-sang
Cast: Lee Sang-yeob, Lee Min-jung, Lee Sang-yi, Keum Sae-rok, Cheon Ho-jin,Cha Hwa-yeon
Episodes: 100
Release date: 28 March 2020
Synopsis: Song Young-dal (played by Cheon Ho-jin) and Jang Ok-boon (played Cha Hwa-yeon) have four children together. This includes divorcees Joon-sun (played by Oh Dae-hwan) and Ga-hee (Oh Yoon-ah), doctor Na-hee (played by Lee Min-jung) who works with her internist husband Yoon Gyu-jin (played by Lee Sang-yeob), and intern Da-hee (Lee Cho-hee) who’s struggling at the job while managing her relationship with dentist Yoon Jae-seok (played by Lee Sang-yi)
About the show: The actor’s stellar performance as well as chemistry with his co-star and on-screen partner Lee Cho-hee quickly put him in the headlines. The duo was lovingly called ‘national in-law’ or ‘sadon couple.’ by fans and bagged the Best Couple Award at the 2020 KBS Drama Award. Lee Sang-yi himself took home the Best New Actor Award at the same ceremony. He also won the Excellence Award, Actor in a Serial Drama title at the 7th APAN Star Awards.
Youth of May
Directed by: Song Min-yeop and Lee Dae-kyung
Cast: Lee Do-hyun, Lee Sang-yi, Keum Sae-rok
Episodes: 12
Release date: 3 May 2021
Synopsis: Top medical student Hee Tae (played by Lee Do-hyun) and nurse Kyung Hee (played by Go Min-si) fall in love during the Gwangju Uprising of 1980. However, rising tensions in South Korea make it challenging for the duo, individually and interpersonally, making their relationship challenging. Also in the picture? Family man and ambitious, resilient pharmaceutical business owner Lee Soo-chan (played by Lee Sang-yi) relates to and falls for Kyung-hee because she’s also the oldest child and faces similar hardships.
About the show: Lee Sang-yi was hailed for his compelling performance — which also earned him a Popular Star Award at the 2021 Asia Model Awards.
Hometown Cha Cha Cha
Directed by: Yoo Je-Won
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi
Episodes: 16
Release date: 28 August 2021
Synopsis: City-girl dentist Yoon Hye-jun (played by Shin Min-a) crosses paths with small-town jack-of-all-trades Hong Doo-sik (played by Kim Seon-ho) after moving to the latter’s seaside town to set up her own practice. As she adapts to her new life, the two fall in love. However, just as they’re getting closer, in comes Hye-jun’s former college senior and dear friend Ji Sung-hyun (played by Lee Sang-yi) — a hardworking variety show director with a cheery disposition who’s always had feelings for her.
About the show: Lee Sang-yi gave viewers major second lead syndrome in this drama, with many gunning for him to end up with the protagonist. For his performance, he won the Popular Star Award at the 2021 Asia Model Awards (alongside Youth Of May).
Bloodhounds
Directed by: Jason Kim
Cast: Woo Do-Hwan, Park Sung-Woong, Heo Jun-Ho, Lee Sang-Yi
Release date: 9 June 2023
Episodes: 8
Synopsis: Boxers and former marines Gun-Woo (played by Woo Do-Hwan) and Woo-Jin (played by Lee Sang-yi) work with a benevolent moneylender to take down an evil loan shark who preys on the financially downtrodden.
About the show: The series was a wild success, standing testament to the actor’s versatility and upping his popularity. For his performance, he bagged the Excellence Award, Actor at the 2023 Korea Drama Awards.
My Demon
Directed by: Kim Jang-han
Cast: Song Kang, Kim Yoo-jung, Lee Sang-yi
Episodes: 16
Release date: 24 November 2023
Synopsis: Demon Jung Koo-won (Song Kang) grants wishes to humans in exchange for their souls. Life as an evil immortal is swell until he bumps into Mirae F&B’s CEO Do Do Hee and loses his powers to her. Upon discovering that he needs to stick by her side to access them, the two enter into a mutually beneficial contractual marriage. A romance blossoms. Also in the picture? The latter’s close friend and family connection Joo Seok-hoon (played by Lee Sang-yi) has feelings for her and supports her through dangerous situations. He also happens to be the CEO of Mirae Investment, an affiliate of Mirae Group that she’s a part of.
About the show: The series was a wild success, with Lee Sang-yi further establishing himself as an actor capable of making viewers’ hearts wrench with the second lead syndrome.
Happy watching!
Hero and feature images: Courtesy Hometown Cha Cha Cha/Netflix
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
