LEE JOON GI: The Hottest, Handsomest & Most Talented Global Actor, Action Star, Singer and Model: A Multilingual Masterclass in Star Power: Lee Joon Gi Defines The Universal Appeal and Scope of Kidnap Game

MULTILINGUAL

MASTERCLASS

STAR POWER

LEE JOON GI

DEFINES

THE UNIVERSAL

APPEAL

AND

SCOPE

KIDNAP GAME

Lee Joon Gi, a charismatic and effervescent powerhouse whose magnetic energy is simply infectious, utterly stole the spotlight at the prestigious Kidnap Game World Premiere on 2 October 2026 (Friday). Appearing alongside a star-studded international ten-member cast, including Kentaro Sakaguchi, Alice Ko, Stanley Yau, Carrie Wong, Joel Torre, Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang, Sae Okazaki, Sho Kasamatsu and Mitsushima Shinnosuke, Lee brought an undeniable aura of global glamour and prestige to the landmark event.

(L to R) Sho Kasamatsu, Joel Torre, Stanley Yau, Sae Okazaki, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Lee Joon Gi, Alice Ko, Carrie Wong, Narupornkamol Chaisang and Mitsushima Shinnosuke

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While the Japanese TV industry adheres strictly to its traditional ‘single lead’ convention - framing 35-year-old actor Kentaro Sakaguchi as the sole lead to satisfy domestic broadcast protocols, it was abundantly clear to everyone present that this ambitious pan-Asian collaboration between Hong Kong’s MakerVille, Japan’s Fuji TV, and South Korea’s SIMSTORY is anchored by Lee Joon Gi.

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At 44, the world-renowned, highly decorated, and globally revered superstar does not merely share the spotlight; he elevates and commands it. Backed by a high-calibre international cast, Lee anchors the most emotionally intense role of the series, turning Kidnap Game into a masterclass in cross-border suspense.

As soon as Lee Joon Gi appeared at the top of the carpeted staircase, he was greeted by a rousing applause from the crowd.

Lee’s red-carpet appearance was a showcase in distinct, effortless style. Known for never repeating a look, the physically taut and effortlessly stylish multihyphenate turned heads in a sleek black top layered over a white long-sleeved shirt, paired with tailored black trousers and long hair parted down the middle - a striking look maintained for his role in the 2027 Netflix historical film Dochabi. Moving down the red carpet with supreme confidence, warmth, and grace, he acknowledged cheering fans with broad smiles and genuine gratitude, instantly capturing the hearts of the crowd.

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It was reported that the moment Lee Joon Gi arrived on the Red Carpet, the atmosphere changed. There was zero ambiguity as to who commanded the event. The rambunctious crowd chanted Lee’s name continuously, calling out 'Oppa!' in a resounding chorus.

A Japanese fan noted that in terms of numbers, there might have been more Kentaro fans. However, the cheers were overwhelmingly directed towards Lee Joon Gi. That Japanese fan noted that Lee's popularity was because of his concerts in Japan as well as his film and television projects.

Since 2009, Lee Joon Gi has built a strong fanbase in Japan through successful live performances in various cities, particularly his highly successful concerts in Yokohama. His audience spans generationally, retaining loyal early supporters while expanding dynamically with every project. The dramatic success of productions like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Flower of Evil, Again My Life, The Sword of Aramun, and his Hollywood turn in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter has significantly elevated his influence and star power in Japan and has left an indelible mark on Japanese entertainment.

Beyond his commanding glamour, Lee brought a palpable sense of warmth and genuine camaraderie to the stage. Upon arriving at the main floor, he greeted Kentaro Sakaguchi with a hearty pat on the back.

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Meanwhile, the international cast added their own stunning flair, with Singaporean actress Carrie Wong looking effortlessly graceful in a striking red gown alongside her equally elegant co-stars.

Lee further spellbound the audience by delivering his entire red carpet speech in fluent Japanese. Fans and press alike were thrilled as he introduced his character, Korean surgeon Han Ki Joo. His speech received a resounding applause.

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The Kidnap Game stars also greeted the audience on stage.

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In one hilarious, standout moment, a deep masculine voice bellowed a deafening 'Oppa!' across the venue, causing Lee to burst into uncontrollable laughter. Overwhelmed with amusement, he covered his eyes as tears of laughter spilled over, delighting the ecstatic crowd.

Lee Joon Gi greeted the audience on stage in fluent Japanese. He passionately praised Director and Producer Yusuke Kato along with the entire production crew.

‘It is an honour to participate in such a large-scale project. I was deeply moved. The director led this work as the captain of a grand ship, I imagine it must have been an immense undertaking for him. It was a truly wonderful experience, and I felt a powerful energy emanating from the production right from the start of filming. It is a series I wholeheartedly recommend, and I hope this project serves as a catalyst to pioneer even more international co-productions in the future.’

When the MC commented, 'Just like on the red carpet, you don't need an interpreter.' This drew thunderous applause from the audience.

When the stage greeting ended, Japanese actor Mitsushima Shinnosuke, who plays IT startup founder Higa Kuranosuke in Naha, called out to Lee Joon Gi. Deliberately adopting the affectionate Korean term usually reserved for female fans, he humorously yelled, 'I Love you, Oppa!' Catching the lighthearted jest right away, Lee welcomed him with an affectionate hug that brought down the house.

Lee Joon Gi speaks English, Japanese and Korean in the series. His linguistic mastery, particularly Japanese, is no sudden coincidence. Reports from his 2025 Yokohama Splendor Family Day fan meeting previously highlighted how he conducted over half the event in natural, fluent Japanese through silent, rigorous self-study, a dedication he humbly referenced during the event's talk segment. That remarkable work ethic has now paid massive creative dividends.

In a previous Fuji TV interview, Producer and Director Yusuke Kato explicitly revealed that Lee's rare combination of elite craft and multilingual dexterity was a foundational casting requirement:

‘When casting for this series, we searched across regional markets for actors who perfectly matched our vision. Through local partners like MakerVille and SIMSTORY, we reached out directly to top talent. Lee Joon Gi’s fluency in both English and Japanese, combined with his phenomenal dramatic depth in drama series like 'Flower of Evil' and 'Again My Life' and his Hollywood action credentials in 'Resident Evil: The Final,' made him the absolute ideal fit for Dr. Han Ki Joo. We simply could not imagine anyone else in the role.’

Kato further praised Lee in interviews with Mynavi News and Fuji TV for delivering a deeply passionate, multilingual performance as a desperate father whose beloved daughter is kidnapped, noting:

‘Lee Joon Gi is an extraordinary actor who is fluent in Korean, Japanese, and English, capable of executing every single directorial note down to the smallest detail.’

Kato’s high praise underscores Lee’s rare blend of transcendent talent and exquisite technical craft. While raw talent provides the spark, Lee’s technical control, responsiveness, and discipline give a director absolute precision across complex, multilingual action sequences.

Ultimately, the Kidnap Game premiere established a clear dual-track narrative. On paper, Fuji TV honours Japanese broadcast tradition by naming Kentaro Sakaguchi as the solitary lead for its domestic market. But in actual execution, from joint key art and primary billing to global press weight, Lee Joon Gi stands as the true anchor and global centerpiece of the series. Audiences worldwide now await his powerful, multi-layered performance in the 11-episode thrill ride with immense anticipation.