Lee Hee-jun Confirms Role in Upcoming Drama The Koreans as His Packed 2026 Schedule Takes Shape

Actor Lee Hee-jun has confirmed his appearance in the upcoming drama The Koreans, adding another high-profile project to what is shaping up to be one of the busiest years of his career. The casting news, first reported by HanCinema, positions Lee as a key player in the Korean drama landscape heading into the latter half of 2026.

While specific details about The Koreans, including its plot, broadcast platform, and air date, remain under wraps, the project marks yet another addition to Lee's rapidly expanding portfolio. The actor, who is managed by BH Entertainment, has built a reputation as one of the most dependable and versatile performers in the Korean entertainment industry.

A Year Like No Other

Lee Hee-jun's 2026 schedule reads like a masterclass in range and ambition. The actor has multiple major projects lined up across different platforms, each showcasing a distinct facet of his abilities. On Netflix, he is set to appear in Dead-End Job (꿀알바), a fantasy-horror series directed by Han Jun-hee and written by Gyeong Min-seon and Lee Shin-ji. The show, which also stars Lee Jae-wook, Go Min-si, and Kim Min-ha, follows a young man who discovers a mysterious employment agency offering part-time jobs that pay 50 times the usual wage, only to be thrown into terrifying workplace nightmares.

On Genie TV, Lee will headline the crime thriller Scarecrow (허수아비) alongside Park Hae-soo and Gwak Sun-young. Directed by Park Jun-woo, the series revolves around a detective investigating serial murders who forms an unlikely alliance with the very type of person he despises. The drama promises an intense cat-and-mouse dynamic that should play to Lee's strengths in dramatic tension.

He is also confirmed for MBC's Liar (라이어), produced by Kakao Entertainment's Film Company Zip and Baram Pictures. The drama pairs him with Park Hae-soo once again, along with Lee Kwang-soo, in what is expected to be a gripping narrative about deception and truth.

From Mouse to Multi-Hyphenate

Lee Hee-jun first gained widespread recognition through his role as the tenacious detective Go Moo-chi in tvN's psychological thriller Mouse (2021), opposite Lee Seung-gi. His intense and emotionally charged performance earned critical acclaim and elevated him from a respected character actor to a leading man. Since then, he has continued to impress in dramas such as Vincenzo, where he played the menacing Jang Joon-woo, and the acclaimed film 1987: When the Day Comes.

Beyond acting, Lee has demonstrated his creative range by stepping behind the camera. He directed the mid-length film Jik (직), which premiered at the 19th Jeonju International Film Festival and was later screened at the 44th Seoul Independent Film Festival. His directorial debut received positive attention, establishing him as a multi-talented figure in Korean cinema.

Why Lee Hee-jun Matters

What sets Lee Hee-jun apart in an industry overflowing with talent is his remarkable ability to disappear into vastly different characters. Whether portraying a righteous detective, a charismatic villain, or a complex antihero, he brings an authenticity that anchors every project he joins. His commitment to choosing diverse roles across genres, from horror to crime to drama, reflects an artist who prioritizes creative growth over commercial safety.

With The Koreans now added to his roster alongside Dead-End Job, Scarecrow, and Liar, Lee Hee-jun is poised to be one of the most visible and compelling actors on Korean screens throughout 2026. Fans and industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on further details about The Koreans as they emerge.