From Hero To Villain: Lee Joon Gi's Structural Shift in Netflix's Dochabi

 

FROM

HERO

TO

VILLAIN

 

LEE JOON GI’S

STRUCTURAL

SHIFT

IN

NETFLIX’S

DOCHABI

Lee Joon Gi's potential casting in the upcoming Netflix original film, Dochabi, represents a massive, highly anticipated role from his usual righteous heroes to a ruthlessly dark antagonist. Fans are excited about his new film project.   Dochabi comes from a native Korean word meaning ‘goblin’. Set against the woodland borders of Joseon, Dochabi tells the story of former military official ‘Tae-san’ who’s been in the hiding in the mountains. The story hints of mystery, mythology, and historical intrigue.   It must be highlighted that the mechanics of storytelling often trips audiences up: an antagonist or a villain can absolutely be the lead actor.     THE STORYTELLING MECHANICS   WHO IS THE ‘LEAD’?   It is a common misconception to equate ‘lead’ with ‘good guy’, and ‘villain’ with ‘supporting character’. In screenwriting and narrative structure, characters are defined by their structural function rather than their moral compass.   Protagonist (The Driver): The central figure whose goals, desires, and actions actively push the plot forward. The audience experiences the story through their perspective.   Antagonist (The Roadblock): The primary force, person, or system standing directly in the way of the protagonist achieving that goal.   When a movie centers entirely around a malicious or morally bankrupt character, they occupy a unique structural space.   THE  VILLAIN PROTAGONIST   The character is undeniably a bad person doing bad things, but because the movie is structurally anchored to their perspective and follows their specific journey, they remain the undisputed lead actor. Their obstacles (the antagonists) might ironically be law enforcement or rival criminals.     In Nightcrawler (Lou Bloom), Scarface (Al Pacino) and American Psycho (Patrick Bateman), the narrative belongs to them.   Whether Lee Joon Gi plays a Villain Protagonist (the absolute central lead driving the movie) or a powerful Primary Antagonist (the massive force a heroic protagonist must overcome), a prominent villain role in a major project carries the heavy dramatic weight of a lead performance.     WHY DOCHABI IS SUCH A MASSIVE MILESTONE   This project brings together a perfect storm of narrative intrigue, historical prestige, and deep industry connections.     THE CREATIVE REUNION Dochabi marks a massive full-circle moment for Korean cinema. Director Ahn Tae-jin served as the assistant director on the iconic 2005 film The King and the Clown, the very movie that propelled a rookie Lee Joon Gi into overnight superstardom. Reuniting over two decades later as an acclaimed, award-winning director and a veteran top-tier actor adds a layer of profound artistic trust to this transformation.   HIGH-CALIBER PEDIGREE   The creative team behind this film boasts an incredible track record in the historical thriller genre:   Director Ahn Tae-jin: Fresh off sweeping major accolades (including Best New Director at the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards) for his masterfully tense historical thriller The Night Owl (2022). Production Company (Onda Works): The studio behind The King’s Warden, cementing their ability to deliver high-grossing, critically acclaimed historical epics.     A  COMPLETE CHARACTER  REBIRTH     For twenty years, Lee Joon Gi has been celebrated globally for playing deeply complex, emotionally charged heroes who fight fiercely for justice. Aside from a brief, striking Hollywood cameo as Commander Lee in Resident Evil: The Last Chapter, global audiences have rarely seen him unleash a purely malevolent, calculating, and diabolical side.     With filming slated to begin in August 2026, Dochabi is shaping up to be a masterclass in tension, mythic power struggles, and another career-defining transformation that fans have been waiting to see.

 

Lee Joon Gi Two Decades of Global Stardom - The Name That Sells, The Star They Want But Won't Acknowledge As The Lead in Kidnap Game: A Look Inside The Billing Paradox of A Pan-Asian Co-Production

 

LEE JOON GI

TWO DECADES 

OF 

GLOBAL STARDOM

 

THE NAME THAT SELLS

 

THE STAR THEY WANT

BUT WON’T ACKNOWLEDGE

 

AS

 

THE LEAD

 

IN

 

KIDNAP GAME

 

A LOOK

INSIDE

THE BILLING PARADOX

OF

A PAN-ASIAN

CO-PRODUCTION

Fuji Television recently released a press statement - undated, curiously enough - that has sent ripples through the entertainment industry. But here's the thing about press releases: they're meticulously crafted communications designed to present information in a specific light. What they don't say often speaks as loudly as what they do. When the news broke that Lee Joon Gi was starring in Kidnap Game, the media, the public and the fans thought Lee Joon Gi was leading the show. Even, the write-up losted Lee Joon Gi's name first. Everyone, except God knows who, was misled. Then, a piece of news appeared.   https://www.fujitv.com/whats-new/kidnapgame/   New 20 June 2025 Today, we're examining the layers beneath the glossy production of kiDnap GAME - and considering how a system may be overlooking a globally recognized star.   THE CASTING COUP THAT WASN'T kiDnap GAME isn't just another drama. It's a massive Pan-Asian co-production spanning three entertainment powerhouses: Japan's Fuji TV, Hong Kong's MakerVille, and Korea's SimStory. On paper, it's a dream collaboration. In practice? It raises questions about how international talent is positioned in such productions.   The casting of the legendary Lee Joon Gi - South Korea's acclaimed actor and a globally-established multihyphenate entertainer - alongside Kentaro Sakaguchi, Japan's popular rising star, was clearly a strategic move to ensure success in both countries.   But let's be honest about one thing: with Lee Joon Gi's established global popularity, this series would likely draw significant worldwide viewership regardless of market. His name alone carries weight with international audiences.   THE  VISUAL LANGUAGE  OF  POSITIONING WHAT POSTERS, IMAGES  AND WEBSITES REALLY TELL US FUJI TV WEBSITE VIU TV WEBSITE JAPAN'S MEZAMASHI TV  INTERVIEW To understand the placement of actors in posters and websites, you need to look beyond ‘who's standing where’.   This is a calculated practice that blends visual psychology, contract law, and marketing strategy into a single, powerful image. Here's the visual evidence: On Fuji TV's website: Lee Joon Gi is positioned LEFT, Sakaguchi on RIGHT On VIU TV's website: Same placement - Lee LEFT, Sakaguchi RIGHT On Japan's Mezamashi TV Interview: Same positioning - Lee LEFT, Sakaguchi RIGHT  Now, let's consider what this placement may communicate.     THE LEFT-SIDE POWER POSITION   Audiences, including those in the East, read left-to-right. Therefore, the left side of a poster is often considered the position of visual prominence - the first place the eye goes for Western and many Asian audiences.   By placing Lee Joon Gi on the left, these websites signal star power to attract the massive global audience. They're leveraging his recognized face to draw viewers.   But here's where it gets interesting:   LEFT placement = Lee Joon Gi, the Korean and global star, is visually presented in a position of prominence.   RIGHT placement = Kentaro Sakaguchi, popular in Japan but less known outside it, occupies the secondary position.   This pattern appears consistent across platforms, suggesting a deliberate strategic decision about who the marketing team believes will sell this show to the world.   JAPAN'S MEZAMASHI TV  INTERVIEW BILLING  AND  PHYSICAL  PLACEMENT On an official poster or official  websites, billing dictates physical placement.   JAPAN'S MEZAMASHI TV  INTERVIEW https://www.instagram.com/oishee_jg/p/DYn4fXWmXoi/?img_index=7 Let's reinterate: A key detail in the marketing for the upcoming thriller kiDnap GAME. Lee Joon Gi's image is on the LEFT and Kentaro is placed on the RIGHT in both Fuji TV website and VIU TV website.   The placement of Lee Joon Gi on the left and Kentaro Sakaguchi on the right is a deliberate strategic decision, not a random choice.    ‘LEFT placement’ means Lee Joon Gi, the Korean and global superstar is The Most Important Actor in the series.    The Left-Side Bias: Western audiences read left-to-right. Therefore, the left side of an image is considered the 'hero' spot. The top-billed actor usually gets the left-center position.   In marketing, the left side of an image is a position of visual prominence - it's the first place the eye goes for Western and many Asian audiences. By placing Lee Joon-gi on the left, the websites signal star power to attract the the huge global audiences.   In Western and even Eastern reading patterns, the LEFT side is a position of prominence. Placing him on the LEFT instantly signals the show's high production value and Lee Joon Gi’s enormous appeal to the massive global audience.     Lee Joon Gi is a massive South Korean and global superstar with a devoted and passionate fanbase across Asia, and the globe. Actually, Lee Joon Gi is in a class of his own.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S9w9g8xVgI&ab_channel=%EC%84%9C%EC%9A%B8%EA%B0%80%EC%9A%94%EB%8C%80%EC%83%81SeoulMusicAwards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJDUaBKX6hI&ab_channel=gunman4leejoongi Lee Joon Gi took two decades to be what he is today with his enormous accomplishments. He has been called Lee Joon Gi The Legendary Hero by Elleman Hong Kong and 'More Than Outstanding' by Waves China. LEE JOON GI TWO DECADES OF ACHIEVEMENT VERSUS KENTARO SAKAGUCHI A RISING CAREER Let's put this in perspective. LEE JOON GI A TWO-DECADE CAREER   2005: The King and The Clown - one of the highest-grossing films in Korean cinema history, named among the best films in Korean cinema. Received numerous international awards from the USA and China.   2007- Present: Annual fan concerts across East and Southeast Asia   2016: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - 73% viewership in Singapore and Malaysia, 2.5 billion cumulative views in China, 2nd most popular show in North and South America. Received Taiwan’s KKTV 2018 Best Actor of The Year   2016: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter - a cameo in the highest-grossing film of the entire Resident Evil series   2018: Lawless Lawyer - awarded Singapore's Starhub Best Male Asian Star award   2020: Critically Lauded Flower of Evil - won several awards, innumerable accolades and Cultura's title 2020 Icon For Drama Singing Career: Multiple Concerts in Asia & Multiple Albums - Lee is not just an Actor-Martial Artist but also a Singer-Dancer (and Model)   Magazine features: Two Chinese publications highlighted his 'Legendary' status (Elle Men Hong Kong 2018) and 'More Than Outstanding' status (Waves China 2021)   2016 Magazine: Hallyu Pia's (Japan) 20th Anniversary: Recognized as the star featured in the most issues in the magazine's history   Voice work: Lent his voice for several versions of the Korean Language Learning series: Korean, Chinese, English, Japanese & Spanish   ENGLISH VERSION CHINESE VERSION JAPANESE VERSION SPANISH VERSION   https://twitter.com/eMily28beBe/status/1555453714445795328   KOREAN VERSION His Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean fanbase has been with him since 2007 - nearly twenty years of devotion. Other foreign fan clubs followed. 10 April 2026: Japanese fans held a celebration for his 44th birthday and 20th fan concert anniversary on ‘Eyes on Me Splendor Family Day’. His Chinese, Taiwanese and other foreign fans also celebrated with him.   His Own Official Magazine, The Star, which has been published annually since 2016   Lee Joon Gi is one of the 100 Korean people who are featured in the 100th celebratory issue of Cultura, the prestigious Korean magazine for culture and the arts. The October 2022 issue is a milestone for the magazine. The honour bestowed on Lee speaks volumes about the status of the sterling global actor and superstar.       https://m.blog.naver.com/cultura2006/222892702593 http://www.cultura.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=2849 http://kor.theasian.asia/archives/324363 His powerful acting performance in several TV series and films has won the hearts of critics especially The King and the Clown (2005), Arang and The Magistrate (2013), Gunman In Joseon (2014), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), Lawless Lawyer (2018), Flower of Evil (2020), Again My Life (2020), and The Sword of Aramun (2023). His action and stunt performamce is spectacular. His role of Kay / Lee Soo Hyun in Time Between Dog and Wolf, Wang So in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Ryeo, Commander Lee in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Bong Sang Pil in Lawless Lawyer and Aramun in The Sword of Aramun has cemented his action roles as benchmarks for action performance in the industry. LEE JOON GI FILM AND TELEVISION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfRH8JWWs70&ab_channel=ILZANpire    THE SPECTACULAR LEAP LAWLESS LAWYER (2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSw8Yj4P2FQ THE SPECTACULAR LEAP THE SWORD OF ARAMUN https://www.facebook.com/reel/1037342104092143   https://www.instagram.com/p/CxDd1DBs0s4/?hl=en   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mroRarmSfYk&ab_channel=gunman4leejoongi     His series Flower of Evil stayed on Japanese popular charts for 7 weeks and was adapted from screen to stage in Japan in March 2026.   NOMINATIONS & AWARDS https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jwDqsp-dU/ (source — Sports DongA | https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000761832) https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=KR&id=_fWANGUINAMJA(THEK01 Lee Joon Gi and The King and The Clown were the winners of many awards. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_and_the_Clown MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO 2016 TAIWAN KKTV BEST ACTOR OF THE YEAR LAWLESS LAWYER 2018 STARHUB BEST MALE ASIAN STAR SINGAPORE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwGYIKi7FJs https://www.facebook.com/StarHub/videos/2294860543879987/UzpfSTEyMjI0MDA5NzgwNzMzNToyMzEyMDM2MjY4ODI3Njk2/?ref=tahoe CULTURA SOUTH KOREA  2020 ICON FOR DRAMA TOKYO AND OSAKA JAPAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWYdWrosuew THE PHILIPPINES https://asiantvdramasconference.com/     https://asiantvdramasconference.com/program-schedule/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkO3NPnWDxg&ab_channel=ILZANpire    LEE JOON GI SINGING & DANCING (CONCERTS & ALBUMS) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7NV_gcZMoI&ab_channel=ILZANpire   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYJZRfQFGUU&ab_channel=GrazieLJG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My75UCetJvw&ab_channel=LeeJoongi   LEE JOON GI EYES ON ME SPLENDOR FAMILY DAY  CONCERT YOKOHAMA 10 APRIL 2026 YOKOHAMA JAPAN https://www.instagram.com/p/DW3hX6TCY80/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again   GIMPO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SOUTH KOREA SEOUL SOUTH KOREA https://ameblo.jp/yumiringhwsw/entry-12962955066.html   SHENZHEN CHINA This is a man who took two decades to build what he has today.    https://www.instagram.com/p/CNSD4ARsWwQ/ https://theactorispresent.kr/lee-joongi/   KENTARO SAKAGUCHI A RISING CAREER Kentaro Sakaguchi started acting in 2014 (a decade of experience versus Lee's two decades),   He is a popular star in Japan.   He is primarily known within the Japanese market.   He is 34 years old. Now, none of this diminishes Sakaguchi's talent or potential. He's been handed a crucial role in kiDnap GAME and rightfully appeals to the local Japanese audience watching on Fuji TV. However, the difference in their career trajectories and international recognition is notable and worth examining.   The Narrative: A Father and a Detective The show's premise is compelling. Lee Joon Gi plays Han Ki Joo - a genius surgeon whose daughter is kidnapped Kentaro Sakaguchi plays Toshiro Niide - an elite detective investigating the case One is a desperate father. The other is a determined investigator. Two men central to the story, whose paths are destined to collide.   Lee Joon Gi’s character is arguably the emotional core of the story. Yet the billing structure places Sakaguchi in the primary position.   THE PRESS RELEASE EXAMINING  THE LANGUAGE READING BETWEEN THE LINES     What they said: 'Anchored by Japan's Kentaro Sakaguchi as the lead, alongside South Korean superstar Lee Joon Gi'.         The official cast list describes Sakaguchi as the ‘Leading Role’ and his character as a detective who ‘takes the helm as the solo lead’. The press release appears to establish Kentaro Sakaguchi as the protagonist of the series.   EXAMINING THE CONTRAST FUJI TV VIU TV   A joint press release from Fuji TV, MakerVille, and SimStory states that Kentaro Sakaguchi is the ‘sole lead’ - yet the marketing materials visually place Lee Joon Gi in the dominant left position.   This creates an interesting question: Why the apparent disconnect?   What this may suggest: 1.   The production is positioning Sakaguchi as the narrative lead 2.   Lee Joon Gi's name and image are being used to draw international / global viewers 3.   The show is being marketed as Japanese-led 4.   Lee Joon Gi's star power is being leveraged for global distribution 5.   He is positioned as a supporting character while Sakaguchi takes the spotlight   Whether this constitutes strategic marketing or something else is open to interpretation.   https://www.fujitv.com/whats-new/kidnapgame/   THE GLOBAL RECOGNITION GAP Lee Joon Gi's global fanbase spans continents.  He has devoted followings in: South Korea Japan China Taiwan Singapore Malaysia The Philippines Thailand Vietnam Myanmar North America South America Russia Italy France Turkey And many other countries   His name alone attracts international viewership. His face on a poster signals production value to global audiences.   Kentaro Sakaguchi is a popular Japanese actor with a primarily domestic following. There's no shame in that - but the difference in international recognition is significant.   When the press release positions Sakaguchi as the ‘solo lead’ and Lee Joon Gi as ‘alongside’, some may interpret the message as:   'We need your global fame to sell this show, but we will not give you the recognition that fame deserves.'   Questions About the Production Structure This situation raises questions about how international talent is valued in co-productions. Lee Joon Gi's career includes: Critical acclaim: From The King and The Clown to Arang and The Magistrate and Gunmen In Joseon to Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo to Resident Evil: The Final Chapter to Flower of Evil & Again My Life to The Sword of Aramun Commercial success: Billions of views, innumerable awards International recognition: Featured in magazines, awarded in multiple foreign countries Cultural significance: His work transcends borders and languages Dedicated fanbase: Nearly twenty years of devotion  And yet, he's being positioned as a supporting actor or perhaps 2nd lead in a project that likely benefits from his international recognition.   Some may view this as: Using global talent to attract global audiences Positioning local talent as the lead Reaping the financial benefits of both Giving primary credit to the local talent     Whether this is a standard industry practice or something more concerning is a matter of perspective.   A Question Worth Considering   Is Kentaro Sakaguchi being positioned for greater international visibility through Lee Joon Gi's star power? The evidence suggests this is possible.   By placing Sakaguchi alongside (and above) a global star (LEE JOON GI), Fuji TV is positioning Kentaro Sakaguchi for international recognition.  Some may view this as a strategic industry move: take a proven global star (LEE JOON GI), make him secondary to your local talent, and let his spotlight shine on your lead (Kentaro Sakaguchi).   THE VISUAL SCHISM When a joint press release states that Kentaro Sakaguchi is the ‘sole lead’ but the marketing materials visually place Lee Joon Gi in the dominant left position, it creates a clear disconnect.   The visuals suggest: ‘Lee Joon Gi is the FACE of this show’. The press release suggests: ‘Actually, no. He's just supporting’.   Which one is true?   THE REALITY Here's what the available information indicates: 1.   Kentaro Sakaguchi is described as the lead. The show appears to revolve around his character. 2.   Lee Joon Gi is positioned as the top supporting actor - the ‘second biggest name’ attached to the project. (In fact, Lee is the biggest name in the show) 3.   Lee Joon Gi's name is being used to attract global attention. 4.   The hierarchy is evident: Sakaguchi is the star, Lee Joon Gi is the support. 5.   The collaboration appears Japanese-led: a Japanese product featuring international talent.     THE BROADER CONTEXT This isn't just about one actor or one show. It's about how the entertainment industry treats international talent. Lee Joon Gi has spent two decades building a global career. He's crossed borders, languages, and cultures. He's proven himself in every conceivable way.   And yet, in a major Pan-Asian co-production, he's being positioned narratively as a supporting character.   He's the desperate father, not the hero. He's the supporting actor, not the lead. He's the name on the poster, but not the face of the show.   Some may view his story as a case of international talent being used to elevate domestic actors.   WHAT DESERVES ATTENTION Lee Joon Gi's enormous talent.  His immense global fame.  His widespread popularity.  His two decades  of  determination, strong work ethic, hard work, dedication and passion. QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING If Kentaro Sakaguchi is the ‘sole lead’, why is Lee Joon Gi's face the one drawing global audiences? If Lee Joon Gi is just a supporting actor, why is his name the one that guarantees globall viewership? If this is truly a Pan-Asian collaboration, why is the Korean who is a global superstar being positioned behind a Japanese lead, who is a rising star?   THE BOTTOM LINE Lee Joon Gi has built an extraordinary career over two decades.  His accomplishments span multiple countries and countless accolades.  He has earned his place as a globally recognized star.   Kentaro Sakaguchi is a popular Japanese actor with a promising future.   There's room for both in this industry. There's room for both in this show.   But questions remain about the casting structure. Questions about how global talent is valued.  Questions about what ‘collaboration’ truly means.   Lee Joon Gi has earned his place.  All of it appears  to be used by  a system  that may not fully honour him. That deserves attention. The fans see it.  The industry knows it.  And we're all watching how this plays out.