Seoul, South Korea – Renowned South Korean actor Lee Jae Wook is set to commence his mandatory military service as an active duty soldier on May 18, 2026. The announcement, confirmed by his agency, Log Studio, marks a temporary hiatus from the entertainment industry for the rising star. While fans will undoubtedly miss his on-screen presence, the actor has strategically prepared a new project, the medical-romance drama Doctor on the Edge, slated to premiere on June 1, 2026, ensuring his visibility even during his service. This highly anticipated series will serve as a poignant farewell gift to his devoted fanbase before his temporary departure.
Mandatory military service is a deeply ingrained aspect of South Korean citizenship, requiring all able-bodied men typically between the ages of 18 and 35 to serve in the armed forces. For celebrities, this obligation often presents a unique challenge, as it necessitates a pause in their careers at potentially crucial junctures. Agencies and actors frequently plan meticulously for these periods, often by pre-filming projects to be released during their enlistment, thereby maintaining public interest and mitigating the impact of their absence. Lee Jae Wook’s upcoming drama Doctor on the Edge is a prime example of such strategic planning, aiming to keep his work in the public eye even as he fulfills his national duty.
Lee Jae Wook, born on May 10, 1998, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the K-drama industry since his debut in 2018. Known for his captivating gaze, versatile acting range, and ability to embody diverse characters, he has garnered a significant international following. His career trajectory has been marked by a series of impactful roles, from compelling supporting characters to leading men, showcasing a remarkable talent that transcends typical genre boundaries. His enlistment comes at a point where he has firmly established himself as a sought-after talent, making the anticipation for his return even greater. As fans count down to his comeback, expected in late 2027 or early 2028 depending on the exact service duration, revisiting his most acclaimed works offers a perfect way to celebrate his contributions to Korean entertainment.
Here is a curated list of Lee Jae Wook’s best Korean dramas that are highly recommended for rewatching during his period of military service:
1. Alchemy of Souls (2022)
Alchemy of Souls, a fantasy romance drama penned by the legendary Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran), stands as a monumental turning point in Lee Jae Wook’s career, solidifying his status as a leading man. The series, which aired in two parts, Alchemy of Souls and Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow, introduced viewers to the fictional land of Daeho, where mages can perform soul transference. Lee Jae Wook masterfully portrays Jang Uk, a young master from the powerful Jang family, whose birth was shrouded in a dark secret. Deprived of his magical powers, his life takes an extraordinary turn when he encounters Mu-deok (played by Jung So Min in Part 1), a powerful soul shifter trapped in a physically weak body, who becomes his master.
Jang Uk’s character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Lee Jae Wook effortlessly transitions from a mischievous, somewhat powerless young man to a formidable mage burdened by destiny and grief. His chemistry with both Jung So Min and later Go Yoon Jung (who took on the role of Nak-su/Jin Bu-yeon in Part 2) was a major highlight, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. The drama’s intricate plot, stunning visuals, and epic scale allowed Lee Jae Wook to demonstrate an impressive range, delivering powerful emotional performances, nuanced romantic gestures, and charismatic action sequences. Alchemy of Souls not only became one of the most popular fantasy K-dramas in recent years but also propelled Lee Jae Wook to international stardom, with viewership ratings peaking at over 9% nationwide for its second season, a strong showing for a cable drama. The series was lauded for its unique world-building and the actors’ ability to bring complex characters to life, with Lee Jae Wook often cited as the emotional anchor of the narrative.
2. Extraordinary You (2019)
Prior to his breakthrough in Alchemy of Souls, Lee Jae Wook first captured significant attention in the 2019 fantasy romance drama Extraordinary You. Based on a popular webtoon, the series offered a fresh and meta-narrative concept where characters realize they are living inside a manhwa (Korean comic book) and are mere extras in someone else’s story. Lee Jae Wook took on the role of Baek Kyung, the temperamental and often cold fiancé of the main female lead, Eun Dan-oh (played by Kim Hye Yoon). Despite being the "second lead" – a character type often overshadowed by the male protagonist – Baek Kyung’s complex portrayal resonated deeply with viewers.
Initially presented as an antagonist, Baek Kyung’s character undergoes a significant emotional evolution throughout the series. Lee Jae Wook skillfully conveyed Baek Kyung’s internal struggles, revealing the vulnerability and hidden pain beneath his seemingly harsh exterior. His performance ignited a widespread case of "second lead syndrome" among fans, who found themselves drawn to his character’s nuanced development and emotional depth. Many credit Extraordinary You as a pivotal project that marked the beginning of Lee Jae Wook’s global popularity, showcasing his ability to make even a secondary character unforgettable. The drama itself was praised for its innovative storytelling and youthful energy, achieving strong ratings for an MBC drama and generating considerable buzz on social media.
3. Search: WWW (2019)
In the same year he appeared in Extraordinary You, Lee Jae Wook also made a memorable impression in the sophisticated office romance drama Search: WWW. This series delved into the competitive world of South Korea’s top web portal companies, focusing on the lives and careers of three ambitious career women. Within this dynamic narrative, Lee Jae Wook played Seol Ji Hwan, a relatively unknown actor whose drama the character Cha Hyun (played by Lee Da Hee) passionately follows. Their storyline, a secondary romance, unexpectedly became one of the drama’s most beloved elements.
Lee Jae Wook’s portrayal of Seol Ji Hwan was a refreshing departure from his more intense roles. He brought a genuine innocence and earnestness to the character, depicting Ji Hwan as a kind-hearted, "green flag" personality who deeply respects and admires Cha Hyun. Their age-gap romance was handled with maturity and realism, captivating audiences with its sincerity and charm. Despite not being a main lead, the palpable chemistry between Lee Da Hee and Lee Jae Wook was so compelling that it often stole the show, garnering immense fan support. Many K-drama enthusiasts still regard their pairing as one of the most underrated and endearing couples in recent memory, further demonstrating Lee Jae Wook’s ability to create memorable performances regardless of screen time. The drama, which aired on tvN, was critically acclaimed for its strong female leads and progressive themes, achieving solid viewership ratings of up to 4.2%.
4. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (2020)
Following his impactful 2019, Lee Jae Wook took on a more lighthearted and heartwarming role in the 2020 romantic comedy Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol. This drama provided a stark contrast to his earlier, more intense characters, allowing him to showcase a softer, more playful side of his acting repertoire. In the series, he plays Sun Woo Joon, a mysterious and seemingly detached young man who works various part-time jobs. His life intertwines with that of Goo Ra Ra (played by Go Ara), a cheerful and optimistic pianist who loses everything and finds herself in a small, provincial town.
Lee Jae Wook’s portrayal of Sun Woo Joon was marked by a quiet strength and a gradual unveiling of his character’s hidden depths. He skillfully conveyed Woo Joon’s initial aloofness, which slowly melts away as he opens his heart to Ra Ra’s infectious optimism. The drama emphasized themes of healing, community, and finding solace in unexpected places. The chemistry between Lee Jae Wook and Go Ara was consistently praised, contributing significantly to the drama’s appeal as a comforting and uplifting watch. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, aired on KBS2, offered viewers a chance to see Lee Jae Wook in a more romantic and gentle light, proving his versatility across different genres and character types. While not a ratings blockbuster, it garnered a loyal following for its feel-good narrative and charming performances.
5. Last Summer (2025)
Last Summer is one of Lee Jae Wook’s most anticipated projects, strategically filmed before his enlistment to be released during his military service. This romance-melodrama is poised to offer a significant challenge for the actor, as he takes on a dual role, portraying twin brothers Baek Do Ha and Baek Do Young. This dual character portrayal is a testament to his growing acting prowess and willingness to tackle complex narratives. The drama is scheduled for release in 2025, serving as a crucial bridge to maintain his presence in the industry during his temporary absence.
The narrative of Last Summer revolves around a nostalgic first love reunion, intertwining elements of past secrets and evolving emotional relationships, all set against the backdrop of a mysterious incident. This premise suggests a drama rich in emotional depth and intricate plot twists, providing Lee Jae Wook with ample opportunity to demonstrate his ability to differentiate between two distinct personalities while maintaining a cohesive performance. The project highlights his agency’s proactive approach to managing his career hiatus, ensuring that fans have new content to look forward to. The dual role is expected to be a career highlight, allowing him to explore the nuances of sibling dynamics and individual struggles within a single storyline, further enriching his acting portfolio.
6. Doctor on the Edge (Segera Tayang – 2026)
The final project to be released before Lee Jae Wook officially begins his mandatory military service is the ENA drama Doctor on the Edge, scheduled to premiere on June 1, 2026. This medical-romance drama is particularly significant as it represents his last on-screen appearance for a considerable period, making it a highly anticipated event for his global fanbase. The series concluded filming well in advance of his enlistment date, a testament to the meticulous planning by both the actor and Log Studio.
In Doctor on the Edge, Lee Jae Wook portrays Do Ji Ui, a plastic surgeon from the bustling city who finds himself unexpectedly assigned as a public health doctor on a remote island. The drama promises a unique blend of medical challenges, heartwarming romance, and "healing" narratives, all set against the picturesque yet enigmatic backdrop of a secluded island village. The storyline explores themes of self-discovery, community, and the human connection, as Ji Ui navigates a new environment and its diverse inhabitants. Fan excitement has been building steadily following the release of teasers and posters, which have showcased compelling visuals and hinted at strong chemistry between Lee Jae Wook and his co-star, Shin Ye Eun. This project is expected to leave a lasting impression on viewers, reinforcing Lee Jae Wook’s talent and versatility before his temporary departure from the public eye.
Fan Anticipation and Industry Implications
The announcement of Lee Jae Wook’s enlistment has been met with a mix of support and wistful anticipation from his global fanbase. Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of messages wishing him well and expressing excitement for his eventual return. For actors, mandatory military service can be a career hiatus that requires careful management. However, many prominent actors have successfully navigated this period, returning to even greater acclaim, often with a more mature and refined image. This includes stars like Song Joong Ki, Lee Min Ho, and Kim Soo Hyun, whose careers continued to flourish post-enlistment.
Log Studio’s strategy of releasing Last Summer and Doctor on the Edge during his service period is a well-established industry practice designed to keep the actor relevant and maintain fan engagement. This approach ensures that Lee Jae Wook’s presence remains in the public consciousness, minimizing the impact of his physical absence. Furthermore, the roles he has chosen for these pre-enlistment projects – a challenging dual role in Last Summer and a nuanced medical-romance in Doctor on the Edge – demonstrate his continued commitment to artistic growth and delivering diverse performances.
Upon his discharge, likely in late 2027 or early 2028, the industry will be keen to see what projects Lee Jae Wook chooses for his comeback. His proven track record of selecting compelling scripts and delivering powerful performances suggests that his return will be highly anticipated. The hiatus, while a temporary pause, often allows actors to mature both personally and professionally, frequently leading to more profound and impactful roles upon their return. For Lee Jae Wook, this period of service is not an end but a temporary interlude in what is shaping up to be an illustrious career. Fans and industry observers alike will be eagerly awaiting his return to the screen, ready to witness the next chapter in his evolving journey as a formidable talent in Korean entertainment.
