THE
MANY
CROWNS
OF
LEE JOON
GI
A
CELEBRATION
OF
TWENTY
TITLES
OF
ONE
EXTRAORDINARY
GLOBAL
SUPERSTAR
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 Some actors win awards. Some
gather devoted fans. A few accumulate legendary roles. Lee Joon Gi manages to
collect all three – and a remarkable number of titles besides. Over the course
of more than two decades in the entertainment industry, the globally beloved
Korean actor has acquired an impressive collection of nicknames, monikers,
honorifics and affectionate titles from journalists, critics, colleagues and
fans across the world. It is almost as though every time he takes on a new role, reveals another talent, gift or skill, or net another award or achievement, someone feels compelled to invent a fresh title for him. The result is a dazzling
collection of titles that together form a portrait of an artist whose career is
anything but ordinary. Let us take a tour through
twenty crowns worn by the one and only Lee Joon Gi.     When Elle Men Hong Kong
placed Lee Joon Gi on the cover of its August 2018 issue, the magazine chose a
title that is perfectly suited to him: ‘The Legendary Hero’.
The accolade followed the
international success of Lawless Lawyer, where Lee portrayed the fearless Bong
Sang Pil – a lawyer with the instincts of a street fighter and the
determination of a crusader. A Screen Hero.  With razor-sharp wit in the
courtroom and explosive martial arts fights outside it, Lee delivered a
performance that was equal parts elegance and adrenaline.  Audiences loved it. Critics
applauded it. And the title stuck. He was crowned ‘2018 Starhub
Best Male Asian Star' in Singapore.
  Lee Joon Gi, is in fact, a
legendary hero on screen and in real life. A living legend. Lee has played many
legendary screen heroes. He even has a television series named 'Hero'. But Lee Joon Gi is not only a Screen Hero but is also a Real-Life Legendary Hero.
 He did many heroic things in
his younger days especially when he spoke up for his people.
_OfficialPoster.jpg) One stark example was courageously starring in the film, May 18, which is based on the Gwangju Massacre on 18 May 1980 when military force and military law were imposed on the people. The 2007 film speaks of the events that led to the Gwangju Massacre where troops fired on students.  In 2017, the media and the new government exposed a list containing the names of celebrities (including his) who
were blacklisted by the previous governments.
   When China’s WAVES
magazine chose Lee Joon Gi as the cover star for its inaugural issue in 2021,
it described him with a bold phrase: ‘More Than Outstanding’. 
Lee Joon Gi’s life as an
actor, martial artist, singer, dancer and model is extraordinary. He won many
local and international awards. Unlike many celebrities who enlisted in the army, Lee, as a soldier, made his presence felt and even won numerous awards during his stint in the military. He was also one of the few
actors in the list of 100 celebrated entertainers and public figures in the 100th issue of
Cultura, a magazine for the arts and culture. Some actors become stars.
Some become legends. A rare few become something
slightly beyond definition. An outstanding living legend beyond definition.
        https://cdn-2.hancinema.net/lee-joon-gi-wins-overseas-star-award-at-shanghai-film-festival-9783.html                                    https://m.blog.naver.com/cultura2006/222892702593 http://www.cultura.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=2849 http://kor.theasian.asia/archives/324363
            
The astonishing Lee Joon Gi who is multilingual (Korean,
Japanese, English, etc), is also the voice for 'Hello Korean', a Korean
language learning series, which is published in Korean, English, Chinese,
Japanese and Spanish.                 The global spread of Korean
entertainment, often called the Hallyu Wave – owes much to pioneers who carried
Korean drama across borders.
Lee stands proudly among
them.
From early successes to
international streaming hits, his dramas have helped shape the global appetite
fo Korean storytelling. For many fans, the press, the entertainment world and
the public, he remains the Hallyu King – the leading and enduring face of the
Hallyu phenomenon.
                                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJnUOcu5tl                        
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.’
     The story begins, of course,
with 'The King and The Clown' (2005). Lee’s portrayal of the ethereal
entertainer, the court jester Gong Gil, captivated audiences across Asia and
helped sparked the cultural phenomenon known as the ‘flower boy’ (Kkhonminam)
trend – celebrating men whose elegance and beauty defy rigid stereotypes of
masculinity. Lee Joon Gi became ‘The Face’
of this movement almost overnight. He was beautiful, expressive, and utterly
unforgettable. Yet, he would soon prove that
the flower boy could also become something far more formidable.
 Shanghai     Lee Joon Gi seemed to have made a complete transformation
overnight from flower boy into a masculine man in 'Time Between Dog and Wolf', and instantly
changed the perception of his fans, his audience, the media and the public. His
cut locks changed his appearance instantly.
 Lee started starring in action television series. His action
scenes possess an unusual quality: they look real. That may have something to
do with the fact that he performs the stunts himself.  Armed with a 4th-Dan black belt in Taekwondo,
additional black belts in Hapkido and Taekkyeon, and a blue belt in Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu, he approaches fight choreography with the enthusiasm of someone who
genuinely enjoys martial arts. Add training in Muay Thai kickboxing, Wing Chun, Russian Systema, and Parkour, and the result is an actor who can leap across rooftops, engage in complex fight sequences, and engage in complex fight sequences, and execute elegant swordplay – all without losing composure. Lee was awarded the MARTIAL ARTS ACTOR AWARD in 2009 by the
Korean Martial Arts Federation for 'Time Between Dog and Wolf' (2007), and 'Iljimae' (2008).  He has also been bestowed accolades for his action performances
pariculary in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, including TOP ACTION STAR (1st
Place) by Showbiz Korea, Star Charts in 2016.
          
        
              https://thefandometrics.tumblr.com/post/151349081384/musicians-in-the-celeb-list-celebs-in-the-music      https://forums.soompi.com/en/topic/378975-drama-2016moon-lovers-%E2%9D%A4-scarlet-heart-ryeo-%EB%8B%AC%EC%9D%98-%EC%97%B0%EC%9D%B8-%EB%B3%B4%EB%B3%B4%EA%B2%BD%EC%8B%AC-%EB%A0%A4-0/?page=2099                       The amazing 2017 Criminal Minds: Korea, a procedural-crime-action television series which is based on the U.S. series, starring Lee Joon Gi as a SWAT officer (EOD)-Violent Crimes Unit Investigator-NCI profiler, is written by Hong Seung Hyun and directed by Yang Yoon Ho and Lee Jung Hyo. According to Dramabeans, the latter ‘…left the production right before the show started airing. The reason for the departure has been explained as “creative differences” between PD Lee and drama production company Taewon Entertainment.’
                                                                                                                              
                                                                        
               Lee’s 2022 legal-fantasy-action thriller, Again My Life, in which
he played a prosecutor who regressed into a high school student, is also fully
filled with action scenes. Lee won the Top Excellence Actor for Again My Life.             
Lee Joon Gi’s spectacular acting and action performance in the
groundbreaking pre-historical mythological-fantasy-war-epic television
series, 'The Sword of Aramun', has stunned the local and international critics, the media and global audiences.
Strangely enough, no awards have been forthcoming. 2023’s best
television series did not win any awards for the leading actor and actress,
director, scriptwriters and cinematographer.
In your opinion, when was the last time The Most Prestigious
Awards for the Best Actor / Best Actress / Best Director / Best Scriptwriter /
Best Cinematographer were awarded to the best performers of the year?              
                    
Historical dramas, known in Korea as saguek, are a
demanding genre requiring emotional depth, physical stamina, and a convincingly
command of traditional settings. Fortunately, Lee Joon Gi excels at all three.
FILM. Lee and the 2005 drama film box office masterpiece The King and The Clown won innumerable local and international awards.
   2nd BAEKSANG ARTS AWARDS 2006 BEST NEW ACTOR  MAX MOVIE AWARDS 2006 BEST ACTOR  43rd GRAND BELL AWARDS 2006 BEST NEW ACTOR POPULARITY AWARD OVERSEAS POPULARITY AWARD 
10th SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARD 2007 OVERSEAS STAR AWARD  27th HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2007 RISING STAR 
https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=018&aid=0000515878          42ND BAEKSANG ARTS AWARDS 2006
43rd BAEKSANG ARTS AWARDS 2007 MOST POPULAR ACTOR  27TH BLUE DRAGON AWARDS 2006
  Lee Joon Gi and Gam Woo Sung
THE 5TH KOREAN FILM AWARDS 2006
14TH CHUNSA FILM ART AWARDS 2006
Lee Joon Gi with Kam Woo Sung
29TH GOLDEN SHOOT AWARDS 2006
10TH SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2007
     https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jwDqsp-dU/  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlweo8sbIdk
  TV. From the very popular Iljimae (31% rating) to Arang
and The Magistrate. and Gunman in Joseon, from The Scholar Who
Walks the Night to the global sensation, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,
Lee Joon Gi has delivered one unforgettable historical performance after
another.  
He also won Outstanding Korean Actor in the Seoul International
Drama Awards not only for Arang and The Magistrate (2013) but also Gunman
in Joseon (2015).
  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNW90_1JZ9A/   https://www.seouldrama.org/eng/awards/works2.php?entryDataYear=2013&type=type3
            https://www.facebook.com/KKTV.me/videos/391096531241891/
  
              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_Lovers:_Scarlet_Heart_Ryeo Reference {12} in Wikipedia is not true. This person in Wikipedia is trying to pull wool over the reader's eyes. There is no proof at all that the record was beaten.
       https://www.onetvasia.com/onescoop/scarlet-heart-wins-hearts-and-ratings
                                  https://thefandometrics.tumblr.com/post/151349081384/musicians-in-the-celeb-list-celebs-in-the-music https://forums.soompi.com/en/topic/378975-drama-2016moon-lovers-%E2%9D%A4-scarlet-heart-ryeo-%EB%8B%AC%EC%9D%98-%EC%97%B0%EC%9D%B8-%EB%B3%B4%EB%B3%B4%EA%B2%BD%EC%8B%AC-%EB%A0%A4-0/?page=2099         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_Lovers:_Scarlet_Heart_Ryeo
It was never proven that Man To Man beat that record because
after that, THAAD became a serious issue and the Chinese government disallowed
the import of Korean dramas.
         
He also spectacularly brought to life, Aramun and Saya, in the
groundbreaking pre-historical mythological-fantasy-war-epic television
series, The Sword of Aramun. Lee Joon Gi acting and action performance and the
television series have wowed the local and global critics, media, writers and
audiences,
Fans, critics and the media alike have long referred to him as The
King of Saguek, a royal title he wears with regal ease.
   
In 2020, CULTURA, the
respected arts and culture magazine, named Lee Joon Gi, the ICON FOR DRAMA of
THE YEAR or the Drama ICON following his extraordinary performance in Flower of
Evil. His portrayal of a vulnerable man struggling with emotional expression
while hiding a dangerous past earned him acclaim and further cemented his
reputation as one of Korea’s finest actors.
                                   https://www.aljazeera.com/features/ https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/11/3/six-korean-series-to-watch-instead-of-squid-game      https://viuniverse.epizy.com/viuniverse-awards-2020/ https://twitter.com/ViuniversePH/status/1341639681310683137/photo/1 https://twitter.com/ViuniversePH/status/1341639681310683137
 https://twitter.com/ViuniversePH/status/1343406319110381571/photo/1 https://viuniverse.epizy.com/viuniverse-awards-2020/
         
                    https://m.weibo.cn/5406006781/4587506094048672 https://twitter.com/weheartjg/status/1343838383555014656/photo/1 https://m.weibo.cn/status/4587506094048672?   https://m.weibo.cn/5406006781/4587490427545075 https://twitter.com/weheartjg/status/1343836237228957696/photo/1 https://m.weibo.cn/status/4587490427545075?            https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/lee-joon-gis-birthday-tribute-why-flower-of-evil-is-his-most-gut-wrenching-roleyes-even-over-moon-lovers-1.500096599          Not content with conquering
acting alone, Lee Joon Gi also developed a vibrant career as a singer and stage
performer. His fan-meet concerts
resemble full-scale kpop music productions. Backed by live bands (which is
uncommon in K-pop music concerts, particularly by singer-actors, he performs
emotional ballads, energetic pop songs, theme songs from his dramas, and
elaborate dance routines. In terms of discography, he has released over nine albums and numerous singles throughout
his career. His Tracks are My
Jun, J Style, Praise Me, CBC, My Dear, Exhale, Thank You, Delight, Dancing in
The Moonlight and Delete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7NV_gcZMoI             
Lee sang the theme song for
fantasy TV series, Arang and the
Magistrate in 2012, and For a While for the Chinese film, Never Said Goodbye in
2016.       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K5l855aCxU&list=RD9K5l855aCxU&start_radio=1
Some of his most streamed
songs include Fiery Eyes’, ‘For One Day’ (from 2013 Arang and the
Magistrate), For A While (from 2016 ‘Never Said Goodbye’, "Dancing in
The Moonlight," and "Delete".           
Lee Joon Gi has performed
live in innumerable fan-meet concerts since 2006 across Asia:
2006: South Korea - Seoul (1)
/ Seoul (2) 2009: Shanghai / Hangzhou 2009: Kobe / Yokohama 2012: Seoul / Nagoya /
Yokohama / Osaka / Shanghai 2012 - 2013: Nagoya / Osaka /
Yokohama / Seoul / Beijing 2013 - 2014: Seoul / Beijing
/ Shanghai / Guangzhou / Nagoya / Osaka / Yokohama 2014: Yokohama / Nagoya /
Osaka / Guangzhou / Wuhan / Beijing 2016 – 2017: Seoul / Nagoya /
Osaka / Yokohama / Taipei 2016 – 2017: Hong Kong /
Singapore / Seoul 2018: Seoul / Osaka /
Yokohama 2019: Taipei / Bangkok / Hong
Kong / Seoul 2024 – 2025: Kuala Lumpur /
Taipei / Macau
He has special fan-meet
Splendor family concerts. There will be a special joint Splendor Family
concert-cum-Happy Birthday celebration, titled Eyes on Me on 10 April
2026,
                   
He has even sung with the
famous Jackie Chan and other popular Chinese singers in the Beijing Olympic
Games in 2008.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYJZRfQFGUU&ab_channel=GrazieLJG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My75UCetJvw&ab_channel=LeeJoongi  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0TksQnZ6CM&t=26s&ab_channel=LeeJoonGiWave
Fans often leave the concerts
invigorated and pleasantly surprised by his vocal prowess – and impressed by
his stamina. Thus, another affectionate title emerged: Asian King of Song and
Dance.
      This moniker, Lee Joon Gi, A Weapon of Mass Seduction, is
used to highlight Lee Joon Gi’s magnetic and striking screen presence,
captivating performance, alluring physical prowess, and romantic appeal not
only in his high-octane television series and films but also his exciting
fan-meet concerts, particularly when he sashayed his way through his
mesmerising dances and dance routines. His seductive appeal is rooted in his ‘intensity’, passion and sexy
charm, commanding presence in his concerts and many of his films and TV series,
including Lawless Lawyer and The Sword of Aramun. With his massive popularity, the heartthrob is a significant
force in the entertainment industry.       
His powerful portrayal of the iconic TV characters, Prince Wang
So in Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and Aramun and Saya, the twins, in The
Sword of Aramun, has solidified his reputation for immense screen presence and formidable,
alluring persona and established his action-hero heartthrob.
   The
straddling pose of the heroic Aramun, when he mounts and straddles Helper
(Kanmoreu) his powerful stallion carries a strong sexual symbolism. signifies mastery,
control, virility and dominance. Straddling the horse implies sexual
positioning. A Different Perspective. Heroic horsemen are usually filmed from
many angles but not from the back when mounting their horses.
      Aramun, played by Lee Joon Gi, is a visual feast even in silhouette as the cinematographer films him as he powerfully mounts and straddles his stallion. Filmed sideways showing his sexy back, he looks powerful, primal and super sexy even in silhouette, against the bright sun. The way the sexy and sensual Aramun runs across the battle field, and leaps and heaves himself up huts and his horse is a real spectacle. Saya is also sexy. No girl, young or old, can be faulted if her brain becomes
chaotic or her heart runs wild.
   
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjzPGGqyZft/
                         
                         FLOWER OF EVIL (2020)  AGAIN MY LIFE (2022)   MOON LOVERS - SCARLET HEART RYEO (2016)   AGAIN MY LIFE (2022)                   LAWLESS LAWYER AGAIN MY LIFE                                                                                                       
  
                                           
If versatility were an Olympic sport, Lee Joon Gi might already
have a small shelf of gold medals. Fans affectionately call him 'The Actor with a Thousand Faces', a
nickname inspired by his astonishing ability to transform from one role to
another. One moment he is a delicate, effeminate court entertainer. A playful Chaebol scion unsuccessful in love. Next, a heroic comical reporter. A hardened undercover agent. A gentleman thief. A swordsman who trades his sword for a rifle. Then, a beautiful blood-thirsty vampire. A tragic facially-scarred prince. A villian in a cameo role. A romantic dying lover. A brash. arrogant NCI profiler with a SWAT-Police past. A cunning street-smart gangster lawyer. A mysterious, emotionally detached, vulnerable man hiding a dangerous past. A mature prosecutor who regresses into a high school student.        The Seductive Twins - the physically amazing warrior with phenomenal fighting skills and his physically weak twin brother. Watching Lee Joon Gi’s career unfold can sometimes feel like
watching an artist change masks in a traditional Bian Lian performance - each
reveal more surprising than the last.
        
In the promotional web drama, 7 First Kisses, Lee Joon Gi
portrays a charming and impossibly romantic billionaire character who seems to embody
every desirable quality. He is called 'Mr Perfect. The name stuck. Fans jokingly dub him 'Mr Perfect'. The term ‘perfect’ is often used to describe someone who
possesses exceptional qualities or characteristics that are highly valued by
others. Lee is such a person. His fans describe him as charismatic, kind, humble,
hardworking, nice, down-to-earth, emotionally mature, reliable, motivated,
funny and successful. He is secure about himself, has a sense of humour, is
values-driven, acts with integrity and is respectful. He is compassionate and discloses
that he wants to ‘heal’ people through his works.
Of course, no human being is flawless. But judging by the enthusiasm of his admirers, Lee Joon Gi comes remarkably close.
        
Following the immense popularity of The King and the Clown and
the television hit My Girl, Lee Joon Gi’s fame spread rapidly across China,
Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.   The international press soon crowned him, 'The Prince of Asia'. It happened again 10 years ago when he made Prince Wang So or The Fourth Prince so unforgettable. The 2016 series, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, has now become a classic. The idea of Prince of Asia has been reinforced with the tremendously popular Lawless Lawyer in 2018. Showbiz Korea proclaimed him to be 'The Reigning Prince of Asia'.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvWwjV00vIU
       The title captured not only his popularity but also his role in
expanding the reach of Korean entertainment throughout the region. And unlike some titles that are self-proclaimed, this one emerged
naturally - from audiences who simply adored him. Perhaps, they could now call him 'King of Asia' or 'Emperor of Asia'.      During Lee Joon Gi's mandatory military service from 2010 to 2012, he
impressed his superiors with his discipline and commitment. He earned numerous commendations and was affectionately nicknamed 'Bone Soldier' meaning 'a soldier to the very core'. The title reflects the seriousness with which he approaches every
responsibility - whether on stage, on set, or in uniform        Another nickname from his military days reveals a more humorous
side. Lee was known for meticulously organizing his
belongings - sometimes packing each item in separate plastic bags. He's probably a perfectionist. The actor revealed this habit for packing his things neatly in the reality-drama, 'Candy In My Ear'. His fellow soldiers jokingly called him 'Organizing Robot'.        In Korean culture, red ginseng is famous for restoring energy and
vitality. During a reality show appearance, Lee Joon Gi once joked that he hoped to
be reborn as ginseng - so that he could give people energy. He was given the name 'Red Ginseng' in the 2017 reality-drama, a romantic-comedy, 'Candy in My Ears' in which he starred with Park Min Young who was named Bunny Bunny. Given his tireless performances and seemingly endless enthusiasm,
fans quickly decided the comparison was appropriate.
     Among fans and admirers, the global heartthrob, Lee Joon Gi is often called the 'King of Hearts'. The nickname reflects the emotional connection he shares with his
audience. His warmth, sincerity, humour and playful personality make fans feel less
like distant admirers and more like cherished companions on his journey. A heartthrob may inspire admiration. A King of Hearts inspires affection.      https://www.instagram.com/p/zSJtucgoZz/?taken-by=actor_jg&hl=en   https://www.instagram.com/p/3sd5GFgoRQ/?taken-by=actor_jg&hl=en  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1akRb5efzV0
        Lee Joon Gi’s playful relationship with his fans has also earned
him another charming nickname: 'King of Finger Hearts'. At fan meetings, red carpets, airports, and public appearances,
he is famous for enthusiastically forming the tiny heart gesture with his
fingers. Sometimes one heart. It is a small gesture - but one that has become his 'signature
expression of gratitude'.
                                                                              .png) When faced with difficult stunts, demanding choreography, or
challenging roles, Lee Joon Gi tends to respond with cheerful
determination. Mental Strength and Skill Mastery. Psychologically,
Lee Joon Gi is known for his optimism, positive mindset and emotional resilience. He lives by the powerful motto: ‘Turning The Impossible Into The Possible.’ With enough dedication and a positive attitude, almost anything challenge can be overcome and any goal achieved. For example, martial arts. 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, Muay Thai, Thai Kick boxing, Russian Systema and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Blue Belt). Fans affectionately coined a nickname inspired by that
attitude: 'Joonpossible'.
  
Fans in Indonesia created perhaps the most playful nickname of
all: 'Joongileecious'. The word combines his name with 'delicious' - a cheerful way of describing someone charming, delightful, and irresistibly attractive. It may not appear in formal dictionaries. But among fans, its meaning is perfectly clear.
              
Beyond the screen, Lee Joon Gi is widely admired for his
professionalism and humility. Younger actors often cite him as an inspiration, praising his
dedication, kindness toward colleagues, and unwavering commitment to his craft. For many aspiring performers, he represents a model of artistic
integrity, acting skills and personality. He himself has spoken about the importance of positive energy within the acting community, noting that an actor’s attitude can influence the entire creative environment.
https://www.hellokpop.com/interview/lee-joon-gi-the-star-july-2020-issue/
           A Living Legend 
After more than twenty years in the entertainment industry, Lee
Joon Gi remains a singular figure.
The many titles attached to his name - Legendary Hero, King of Sageuk, Actor with a Thousand Faces, Prince of Asia, King of Hearts, and many more - are not merely flattering labels. They are reflections of an extraordinary career defined by passion, transformation, resilience, and joy. And if history is any guide, Lee Joon Gi may yet collect a few
more titles in the future. After all, legends rarely stop surprising us.
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