LEE JOON
GI
A
PHENOMENAL
STAR
AND
A
WONDERFUL
HUMAN
BEING
WORTH
EMULATING
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Many celebrities fare
brightly, then quietly fade into yesterday’s headlines. Lee Joon Gi is not one
of them. His star doesn’t just shine – it endues. And not simply because of
talent (though he has plenty of that), but because of something rarer in show
business – character.
 DISCIPLINE, HUMILITY, HEART, AND AN UNSHAKEABLE CONNECTION WITH
FANS
In an industry obsessed with appearances, Lee Joon Gi understands a simple truth; once you step into the public eye, life becomes an ongoing film. The camera may be turned off, but the audience never really leaves. Fans from across the world watch, learn, and takes cues – not just from performances, but from how a celebrity lives, reacts and treats others. Fully aware of this
responsibility, Lee has made a conscious choice to live with integrity. He has
become a positive role model for younger actors, a steady inspiration for
peers, and a source of guidance and comfort for fans of all ages.
And yes – he’s so influential
that even his television seies had been copied, and hand gestures, and mannerisms, which echo Lee’s unmistakable style, also appear in others. Imitation, after all, is the
sincerest form of flattery.
WHEN LIFE PUSHES BACK
Like everyone else, Lee Joon
Gi’s journey hasn’t been all red carpets and applause.
He has faced heartbreak and
betrayal - scammed multiple times, including by a former manager, and affected
by poor concert management under a previous agency.
One very shocking and
unbelievable thing that Lee, who personally performs his own stunts,
experienced was the intense rooftop chase scene, which was tirelessly planned
and highly choreographed for the 2017 Criminal Minds Korea, was arbitrarily
deleted. No reason given.
More seriously, Lee was
blacklisted after starring in May 18, a 2007 film based on the Gwangju Massacre of 18
May 1980, a painful chapter in Korean history marked by military violence and
martial law against civilians and students.
There have also been carefully manipulated situations designed to discredit him. But here’s the thing: Lee didn’t harden. He rose. Instead of bitterness, he chose resilience and courage.
Today, he is not only a Legendary
Hero on screen – but a real living Legendary Hero to the people of Korea and
his global fan family.
LIFE IS A GRAND ADVENTURE  One of Lee’s most defining
beliefs is simple and refreshing.
Life itself is a grand
adventure.
He’s never afraid to explore
the unknown. That curiosity has taken him parasailing, horse-riding,
scuba-diving ten metres deep, driving speedboats, and embracing experiences
that deliver adrenaline and awe.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSGnvMVi-aA&feature=youtu.be http://www.homedrama-ch.com/special/leejoongiproject
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKcfRYfedE8&list=PL875A4E5F882EB231
 https://www.instagram.com/p/BfnESeiHYJS/?taken-by=fufuokei
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FGXdnjRcJc
 https://www.instagram.com/p/BfXPFpmh4A8/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sztC0hSAMZQ
Ironically, much of his
professional life is tightly choreographed. During filming, concerts and
shoots, he’s surrounded by assistants managing everything from wardrobe to
meals to security. His father, his management company President, Kim Jong-do
and also CEO, Kim Dong-sik, are sometimes present at his concerts to offer quiet
support.
So, when Lee gets a moment of
freedom, he takes it.
He enjoys walkabouts, running
and small personal adventures between schedules. When not working, he travels
overseas with his family creating memories far from the spotlight.
In one especially touching
moment, Lee travelled incognito to Japan with his sister – planning the
itinerary, carrying bags, navigating trains himself. Just life - lived fully.
 https://www.instagram.com/jg_k_drama/reel/C4mrN4XtbfM/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/jg_naichi/p/C4mtLaVJVFb/?img_index=1
And there at Tokyo Disneyland,
the playful Lee danced and frolicked with Pluto and Daisy Duck. Proof that even
global stars need a little Disney magic now and then.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ScSCxI8Rkt0
https://www.instagram.com/jg_k_drama/reel/C4PR_JENDR8/?hl=en
WORK ETHIC: RELENTLESS, RESPECTFUL, LEGENDARY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aUjqIqgtY0
Work makes Lee Joon Gi feel
alive. He is recognized as one of the most hardworking actors in South Korea.
His diligence, passion and consistency are legendary – and his success is no
accident. On set, he works seamlessly with co-stars and crew, treating everyone
with respect and appreciation.
Directors and colleagues
don’t just praise his professionalism – they praise him.
   
They describe him as
cheerful, jovial and perpetually smiling. Whether on set or behind the scenes,
he, like his energy-giving nickname ‘Red Ginseng’, makes a conscious effort to
lift spirits and energize those around him.
 Lee Joon Gi, a playful and
fun-loving actor, who is famous for his infectious youthful energy,
light-hearted and mischievous attitude on set, makes filming fun during long
gruelling productions.
 MENTAL STRENGTH AND SKILL MASTERY Psychologically, Lee Joon Gi is
known for his optimism and emotional resilience. He lives by a powerful motto: ‘Turning
The Impossible Into The Possible.’
It’s earned him the
affectionate nickname: ‘JoonPossible’
Guided from a young age by
his father, Lee committed himself to mastering martial arts: Taekwondo (4th
Dan Black Belt), Taekkyeon (1st Dan Black Belt), Hapkido (1st
Dan Black Belt).
 He believes in continuous
learning and later expanded his skills into Parkour, Wing Chun and many more. He acquired Muay
Thai and Thai Kick boxing skills for the 2007 Time Between Dog and Wolf,
Russian Systema for the 2017 Criminal Minds Korea and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for
the 2018 Lawless Lawyer.
 In 2009, he earned a martial
arts award from the Federation of Korean Martial Arts for 2 television series,
Time Between Dog And Wolf and iljimae, and also accolades for martial arts and
action roles for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and for Lawless Lawyer.
      PHYSICAL VITALITY: MOVING THROUGH LIFE
Lee Joon Gi values constant
movement. Mobility matters.
Lee often advises his fans to
take care of their health; he regularly checks in on his global fans' well-being. It appears as if he is inviting them to
join him on a shared health journey. His workouts include running, walking,
cycling, boxing, gym training and strength workout – especially outdoor runs in
Seoul, and he doesn't stop even when working overseas - in Italy, Japan and Singapore.
      
His lean, taut, toned
physique reflect years of discipline. He also enjoys experimenting with new
gadgets – effortlessly riding an electric self-balancing hoverboard or scooter
during the filming of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
Fans of all ages are
inspired: younger fans train harder, older fans walk more. His message is clear
– movement and mobility are essential for life.
    DISCIPLINE, DIET AND DEDICATION
Lee also believes in not
being overweight. For Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, he adopted a
low-carbohydrate diet at the director’s request – focusing on protein, healthy
fats and vegetables while avoiding sugar and starches.
 
The results were striking. As
Wang So (Emperor Gwangjong), Lee carried the emotional and dramatic weight of
the series, delivering one of the most unforgettable performances of his
career. He is now much healthier.
 
The message is clear. One
should not carry excess fat. It is not about fat-shaming but maintaining a
healthy weight.
 
https://www.koreaboo.com/news/lee-joon-gi-food-diet-health-actor-4-years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIRRJabIG_c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx0BYGAqN3c
RELATIONSHIPS THAT MATTER
What truly endears Lee Joon
Gi to people is his humility. He is grounded, unpretentious and deeply invested
in social and emotional well-being. With fans. He treats fans
like familiy – lingering at airports to greet them, speak with them and shake
their hands. Though shy about gifts, he always expresses sincere gratitude.
A devout Roman Catholic, he once shared
that he prays for his fans – an act that perfectly reflects his compassion.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1609153548687925248  https://twitter.com/i/status/1609153548687925248  https://twitter.com/i/status/1609152204375732226  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg-8S7KRXQA
https://twitter.com/i/status/1609122987780997121
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLgiERFVxpU
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K7kTMpXWGM
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F50kzLJpl6Q
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoXOBRFXAdA&ab_channel=%E5%8F%B0%E8%A6%96%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9ETTVNEWS
With colleagues. Lee maintains warm, lasting friendships with co-stars and team members. He is
famously close to IU, his 2016 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo co-star, supporting her projects as she supports his.
    
He also meets up with his
former co-stars, for example his 2020 Flower Of Evil colleagues: Moon Chae Won, Jang
Hee Jin, Seo Hyun Woo and Kim Ji Hoon.
He attends weddings (Shin Joo Hwan's wedding as well as Kim Ok Vin's wedding - 2023 The Sword of Aramun costars) or
presides over team members' ceremonies and sends coffee trucks.
Shin Joo Hwan (2023 The Sword of Aramun)  
He also shows up consistently
for friends for example, his 2022 Again My Life co-star Ji Chan’s solo Art Exhibition
in 2023 and also, 2024.
March 2023  2024 
Team members. His bond with
his manager Lee Sang Hyun, who joined his team in 2015 and became head in 2024
is built on trust and respect.
 
A PHENOMENOL STAR AND A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING WORTH EMULATING
All of this proves one thing:
Lee Joon Gi is not just a remarkable actor. He is a remarkable human being –
resilient, joyful, disciplined, kind, grounded. A role model not because he is perfect
but because he chooses integrity, growth and heart, again and again.
And that is a celebrity truly
worth emulating.
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