LEE JOON
GI
IS
PREDICTED
TO LEAD
THE
NEXT
GENERATION
OF
HALLYU CONTENT
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 Lee Joon Gi is not just
returning in 2026 – he’s setting the scene on fire.
Resilient, relentless,
impossible to ignore. Lee has been named one of the important actors to watch
in 2026, armed with major film and television projects and a momentum that
refuses to slow. Fans and industry insiders alike are holding their breath for
his next moves, and for good reason.
During the last quarter of
2025, Lee Joon Gi dominated popularity polls, repeatedly ranking at the very
top of South Korea’s influential and globally impactful actors. This is not a
temporary spike – it’’s sustained power. Lee's popularity remains
overwhelming – fuelled by a fiercely loyal local and global fandom, box-office
credibility, and a reputation for delivering high-calibre performances across
thriller, historical, fantasy, action and melodrama genres. Few actors can shapeshift
so completely from role to role. Even fewer do it this well.
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE AND THEY ARE LOUD
 According to September – November 2025 industry data and popularity polls, Lee Joon Gi is widely predicted to lead the next generation of Hallyu content. On 19 Sept 2025, Lee Joon Gi
claimed first place with over 218,000 votes in DC Trend’s Male Actor
Popularity Poll, as reported by The Public. The poll was explicitly
framed as a future trend predictor – and Lee topped it decisively. DCinside (DC), South Korea’s eighth most
visited site as of December 2014, boasts over 3 million daily users, making its
polls, a powerful reflection of public sentiment. Lee Joon Gi didn’t just win,
he dominated.
THE HALLYU LEADER THEN AND NOW
The media is unequivocal: Lee
Joon Gi will lead the next Hallyu Wave. He has, after all, been riding the
crest and shaping and leading the Hallyu Wave since 2005, when The King and The
Clown exploded into a cultural phenomenon and catapulted him into stardom, fame and popularity. Two decades later, his relevance hasn’t faded; it has
sharpened.
 With a filmography stacked with many critically acclaimed and commercially successful films and television series, and innumerable sold-out concerts and other accomplishments, Lee doesn’t follow trends; he sets them. In fact, his television series have been unscrupulously copied by local productions. They take a page out of his book and are following in his footsteps. Some, funnily enough, even imitate his mannerisms and styles. Lee Joon Gi is an industry role model - he is leading by example. Lee Joon Gi Leads. The industry is firmly
convinced that Lee Joon Gi, who has been leading the Hallyu Wave, will continue to stand
dominantly at the forefront in 2026, guiding a new generation of Korean
content.
A CLASS OF HIS OWN  A true global multihyphenate
– actor, martial artist, singer, dancer and model – Lee Joon Gi remains one of
the most respected in film and television. Even as newer actors rise, Lee
Joon Gi’s status as the ‘Top Action Star’, ‘King of Historical Dramas’, and
‘Top Versatile Actor’ remains unshaken. His extensive filmography,
creative range, transformative performances, and accomplishments place him in a
league none can touch.
Lee Joon Gi isn’t just
popular. He’s trusted. He’s proven. He’s enduring.
Industry voices consistently
describe him as a leader – an actor whose performances resonate across domestic
and international markets with equal force.
MEDIA CONSENSUS LEE JOON GI - ACTING POWERHOUSE  
The Public (22.9.25) declared Lee Joon Gi the number one actor, as ‘a powerhouse’, proven through iconic works such as Iljimae, Flower of Evil, Again My Life – an actor who seamlessly combines acting prowess, visuals, and fandom cohesion. 'He has proven his potential as an actor
with three elements: acting prowess, visuals and the cohesiveness of a fandom.' The Public emphasized that ‘The vote
results can be interpreted as an indicator of who will be leading the next
generation of Hallyu content.’
    JoongAngeNews (7.10.2025) highlighted Lee Joon Gi's leading actor status and his cross-generational trust and empathy, emphasising
his popularity transcends trends and generations. 
   The Public (10.10.2025) also emphasizes that Lee Joon Gi, who is placed 1st in the polls, is ‘A master of acting who perfectly captures both action and emotion.’ Lee is acclaimed as 'an irreplaceable actor.' 
  https://www.joongangenews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=456212
JoongAngeNews (10.10.2025) announced that DC
Trends crowned Lee Joon Gi first place in the movie and drama (television) category,
calling him ‘a perfect actor from action to emotion’ who delivers life-altering
nuanced emotional performances with every project.
    Star Daily News (14.10.2025) reported an astonishing 844,887 votes reaffirming his status as South Korea’s Top Actor. The poll results confirms ‘his title as Acting Master and signalling the
return of the Historical Drama King.’
  SmartToday (5.11.2025) praised Lee Joon Gi’s, the trustworthy actor's 'unwavering presence and unrivalled acting skills.' Lee ‘achieves first place in male actor rankings.’ ' The poll results 'revealed the diversity of actors across generations and genres.' It also stated that his acting prowess and choice of projects have consistently earned him the trust of the public. Lee leads the trusted actors who stand 'at the centre of Korean dramas.'   The Verdict is Unanimous. Lee Joon Gi isn’t just Leading. He’s defining Excellence.
In 2026, many exciting things
will be happening.
FILM KIDNAPPING GAME (WORKING TITLE)
Whispers became headlines.
Headlines became hype. 
Lee Joon Gi’s upcoming pulse-pounding international film, Kidnapping Game (working title), adapted from Keigo Higashino’s psychological thriller, The Name of The Game Is Kidnapping, seems to have wrapped filming. The novel has already been adapted across Asia - Japan, China and India. However, this radically new version, an international story which promises to be filled with complex, high-stakes tension and thrilling, high-octane action, is set in multiple, exotic Asian locations and countries. Lee thrives in this
terrain.
 The
cast is nothing short of electric. It includes Carrie Wong (Singapore), Alice Ko (Taiwan)
and Kentaro Sakaguchi (Japan).    Everything seems to be very hush-hush now. If Lee Joon Gi is back in South Korea, filming must have wrapped. Post production is probably
underway, and anticipation is at fever pitch. Fans are counting seconds
furiously.
EYES ON ME LEE JOON GI 2026 SPLENDOR FAMILY DAY FAN MEET-CONCERT 
Lee Joon Gi’s 2026 Splendor Family Fan Meet-Concert is shaping up to be more than a fan meeting – it’s a full-scale celebration. Set for 10 April 2026 in
Yokohama just days before Lee’s 44th birthday, the timing is
immaculate. His Japanese fandom, famously devoted, is already orchestrating a
double celebration, proving once again that he is loved.
  Perhaps, there will be
another concert in Seoul too.
 FLOWER OF EVIL FROM SCREEN TO STAGE
The critically acclaimed Flower of Evil, starring Lee Joon Gi and
Moon Chae Won, is being reborn as a Japanese stage play. The original
series led by Lee Joon Gi’s unforgettable performance, left a lasting imprint –
one powerful enough to transcend mediums and borders. Flower of Evil has been
adapted into many television series across Asia: Flower of Evil (The
Philippines 2022), Duranga S1 & S2 (India 2022 & 2023) and
Things Being Hidden or Yin Man Zhi Shi (China 2024).
In the stage adaptation, the psychologically complex role portrayed by Lee Joon Gi will be played by Koichi Goseki, while Mizuki Umino will play Cha Ji Won, originally portrayed by Moon Chae Won, further cementing the drama’s legacy. The theatre production will run in Tokyo from 6 March 2026 (Friday) to 15 March 2026 (Sunday), followed by performances in Osaka from 28 March 2026 (Saturday) to 29 March 2026 (Sunday).    https://akunohana-stage.jp/
TELEVISION GYEONGBOKGUNG DETECTIVE AGENCY (TENTATIVE TITLE)
 https://weibo.com/p/1008085a9982fb1d769eb284b67790e82f2aa7/super_index#_rnd1754285366649
Fans and the media are
buzzing over Lee Joon Gi’s return to television in the comedy-mystery-action
series, Gyeongbokgung Detective Agency, where he is said to portray King
Hyejong – a brilliant unhinged bloodhound.
Details remain under wraps
but industry whispers suggest a role tailored-made to Lee Joon Gi’s charisma,
intensity and talents. The local and global audiences can be assured of his razor-sharp
interpretation of his roles. When will the announcement be made?
 2026 PHOTOBOOK
Every year since 2016, Splendor,
Lee Joon Gi’s official Japan fan club, and The Star Partner, have collaborated
to publish his official photobook. It is predicted that Lee will once again produce
another amazing photobook that will thrill his fans.
   
2026 YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE  In Eastern astrology, 2026 - the Year of the Fire Horse symbolizes momentum, bold action and fearless
transformation. High energy. Rapid movement. Limitations shattered. If the symbolism holds, Lee Joon
Gi is perfectly aligned. This is the year poised for decisive moves, major
accolades and creative dominance. And if history is any indication, Lee Joon Gi
won’t just rise to the moment, he will set the world ablaze. THE MEDIA  THE PUBLIC 22.9.2025        
JOONGANG NEWS 7.10.2025          JOONGANG NEWS 10.10.2025            THE PUBLIC 10.10.2025        THE STAR DAILY NEWS (14.10.2025)
         SMARTTODAY (5.11.2025)           |
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