The Lee Do-hyun Syndrome: Why We Can’t Stop Watching
If you’ve just finished watching Pro Bono and found yourself completely mesmerized by Lee Do-hyun’s transformative performance as the passionate rookie lawyer Min Jae-in, you’re not alone. The legal drama has sparked what fans are calling “The Lee Do-hyun Syndrome”—an insatiable need to devour everything this incredibly versatile actor has ever touched. His raw emotional depth in Pro Bono left viewers emotionally wrecked, and the Pro Bono ending cemented his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
But here’s the beautiful truth about Lee Do-hyun: Pro Bono is just the tip of the iceberg. This 28-year-old powerhouse has built a remarkable filmography that spans every conceivable genre—from gut-wrenching melodramas to supernatural thrillers, from nostalgic romantic fantasies to dark revenge sagas. Each role showcases a different facet of his extraordinary range, proving he’s not just another pretty face in the K-drama universe.
Whether you’re craving more of his tender vulnerability, his intense dramatic presence, or his ability to make you ugly-cry at 2 AM, I’ve curated the ultimate Lee Do-hyun binge list. These seven dramas will take you on an emotional rollercoaster that perfectly demonstrates why he’s earned his place among the best K-dramas of 2025 conversation and why critics are already calling him the most versatile actor of his generation.
Grab your tissues, clear your schedule, and let’s dive into the essential Lee Do-hyun collection.
Table of Contents
7. Melancholia (2021) | Romance/Drama
The Story: Set in the prestigious Asung High School, Melancholia tells the unconventional story of Ji Yoon-soo (Im Soo-jung), a passionate math teacher who recognizes genius in her troubled student Baek Seung-yoo (Lee Do-hyun). As she mentors him through mathematical theorems and personal struggles, their teacher-student relationship faces intense scrutiny from a society quick to judge. The drama delves deep into the beauty of mathematics while exploring themes of passion, misunderstanding, and the price of pursuing truth in a corrupt system.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Lee Do-hyun plays against type here as a brooding, enigmatic math prodigy with a traumatic past. His portrayal of Seung-yoo’s internal conflict—torn between his natural brilliance and the emotional scars that make him want to hide from the world—is hauntingly beautiful. Watch for the scenes where mathematics becomes a language of connection; Do-hyun’s eyes convey more emotion than pages of dialogue ever could. The chemistry between the leads is delicate and nuanced, handling a sensitive storyline with remarkable maturity. This role proves Do-hyun can carry complex, morally ambiguous narratives with grace.
Stream it on: Viki, WeTV
6. Hotel Del Luna (2019) | Fantasy/Romance
The Story: In this supernatural blockbuster, the Hotel Del Luna serves as a mystical inn for ghosts seeking closure before moving to the afterlife. When arrogant hotelier Goo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo) becomes the hotel’s human manager, he must work alongside the cursed owner Jang Man-wol (IU) who’s been bound to the hotel for over 1,300 years. Lee Do-hyun appears in a pivotal supporting role as Go Chung-myung, Man-wol’s first love from the Joseon era. His character’s tragic fate and unwavering devotion set the entire supernatural curse in motion, making him the emotional anchor of the series’ central mystery.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Though not the lead, Lee Do-hyun steals every single scene he’s in with a performance that lingers long after his episodes end. His portrayal of Chung-myung—noble, heartbreaking, and eternally devoted—provides the emotional depth that elevates Hotel Del Luna from a fun fantasy romp to a genuinely moving meditation on love and sacrifice. The flashback sequences featuring Do-hyun are masterclasses in conveying profound emotion with minimal screen time. His chemistry with IU is so powerful that viewers often wish the entire drama had focused on their tragic love story. This role showcases his ability to make an indelible impact regardless of screen time.
Stream it on: Netflix, Viki
5. The Glory (2022-2023) | Revenge Thriller
The Story: Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) endured brutal bullying in high school that left her physically and emotionally scarred. Years later, she meticulously engineers her revenge against her tormentors, now living privileged lives. Lee Do-hyun plays Joo Yeo-jeong, a talented plastic surgeon with his own dark past and vendetta. When he crosses paths with Dong-eun, their shared pain creates an unexpected alliance—and perhaps something deeper—as they navigate the dangerous game of retribution together.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: If you thought Lee Do-hyun was intense in Pro Bono, The Glory will blow your mind. His portrayal of Yeo-jeong is mesmerizing—a man who appears gentle and professional on the surface but harbors a chilling darkness born from his own trauma. The way Do-hyun layers his performance is extraordinary; you can see the monster and the healer coexisting within the same character. His chemistry with Song Hye-kyo is electric, creating one of K-drama’s most unconventional romantic pairings. For fans who appreciate the darker, psychological thriller vibes similar to The Price of Confession, this is essential viewing. Do-hyun proves he can go toe-to-toe with A-list veterans while carving out his own distinctive space.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. Sweet Home (2020-2021) | Action/Horror
The Story: After losing his entire family, suicidal teenager Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang) moves into Green Home, a rundown apartment complex. When a mysterious phenomenon turns humans into grotesque monsters reflecting their deepest desires, the apartment residents must band together to survive. Lee Do-hyun plays Lee Eun-hyuk, the cold, calculating resident who takes charge during the crisis, making impossible decisions to keep survivors alive. His pragmatic leadership often puts him at odds with the more idealistic residents, creating intense moral dilemmas.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Sweet Home reveals Lee Do-hyun’s ability to dominate action-heavy, ensemble narratives with commanding presence. His portrayal of Eun-hyuk—ruthlessly logical, emotionally guarded, yet secretly protective—adds necessary gravitas to the horror spectacle. Do-hyun excels at showing the cracks in Eun-hyuk’s armor, particularly in moments where his carefully maintained control threatens to shatter. The physical transformation he underwent for the role, including significant weight loss to portray the character’s declining health, demonstrates his dedication. This role proves he can anchor big-budget, effects-heavy productions while maintaining authentic emotional stakes.
Stream it on: Netflix
3. Youth of May (2021) | Historical Melodrama
The Story: Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea, Youth of May tells the tragic love story of medical student Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun) and nurse Kim Myung-hee (Go Min-si). As political turmoil engulfs their city, the young couple’s blossoming romance faces impossible odds. Their personal dreams and love are crushed under the weight of historical violence, making this one of the most heartbreaking melodramas in recent memory. The drama doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal reality of the Gwangju massacre while centering the deeply human story of two young people caught in history’s crossfire.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: This is Lee Do-hyun at his most vulnerable and devastating. His performance as Hee-tae—a privileged young man forced to confront his country’s horrifying reality—is utterly soul-crushing. Do-hyun navigates Hee-tae’s transformation from a carefree medical student to someone willing to sacrifice everything for love and justice with breathtaking authenticity. The final episodes will destroy you emotionally, largely thanks to Do-hyun’s ability to convey profound loss and desperate hope simultaneously. His chemistry with Go Min-si is tender and achingly real, making their fate even more unbearable. Critics consider this his career-defining performance thus far, and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve got a strong heart and appreciate historically significant dramas, this is unmissable.
Stream it on: Viki, iQIYI
2. 18 Again (2020) | Fantasy/Romance
The Story: Jung Da-jung (Kim Ha-neul) and Hong Dae-young (Yoon Sang-hyun) are on the brink of divorce after 18 years of marriage filled with unfulfilled dreams and accumulated resentments. When Dae-young mysteriously transforms back into his 18-year-old body (played by Lee Do-hyun), he gets an unexpected chance to relive his youth while watching his family from a new perspective. As he pursues his abandoned basketball dreams and reconnects with his children as a peer, he rediscovers what truly matters. This heartwarming fantasy explores second chances, the sacrifices of parenthood, and falling in love all over again.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: 18 Again showcases Lee Do-hyun’s incredible range in the most delightful way. He doesn’t just play a teenager—he plays a middle-aged man trapped in a teenage body, creating a performance that’s simultaneously hilarious, touching, and surprisingly wise. The way Do-hyun captures the physicality and mannerisms of someone decades older while maintaining youthful energy is acting mastery. His scenes with his on-screen children are comedy gold, while his moments of parental concern and mature perspective will make you tear up. The basketball sequences are beautifully choreographed, and Do-hyun’s natural charisma shines in every frame. This drama proves he can carry a series as the leading man while juggling comedy, romance, family drama, and fantasy elements effortlessly. It’s pure comfort viewing with surprising emotional depth.
Stream it on: Netflix, Viki
1. The Good Bad Mother (2023) | Life/Emotional
The Story: Jin Young-soon (Ra Mi-ran) is the ultimate tiger mom who pushes her son Choi Kang-ho relentlessly toward success. Kang-ho grows up to become a ruthless prosecutor, completely estranged from his mother and the rural village where he was raised. But when a devastating accident leaves him with the mind of a seven-year-old child, he returns home to his mother’s pig farm. As Young-soon struggles to care for her transformed son, buried secrets about his father’s death surface, forcing them both to confront their painful past. This healing drama explores redemption, unconditional love, and the true meaning of success.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: Save the best for last, they say, and The Good Bad Mother is Lee Do-hyun’s masterpiece. Playing dual roles—a cold, calculating prosecutor and a childlike innocent—he delivers a performance of staggering emotional complexity. The transformation is so complete that you’ll forget you’re watching the same actor. Do-hyun’s portrayal of Kang-ho’s regression is never mocking or exaggerated; instead, it’s tender, genuine, and heartbreakingly authentic. His chemistry with Ra Mi-ran is the emotional core of the series, delivering some of the most beautiful mother-son moments in K-drama history. The scenes where he slowly regains his memories will wreck you completely. This role earned him numerous acting awards and proved definitively that he’s among Korea’s finest actors. For fans who love emotional healing dramas like Surely Tomorrow, this is absolute must-watch television. It’s the perfect encapsulation of everything that makes Lee Do-hyun extraordinary.
Stream it on: Netflix
Where to Watch: Your Lee Do-hyun Marathon Guide
Most of Lee Do-hyun’s works are easily accessible on major streaming platforms. Netflix houses his biggest hits including The Good Bad Mother, 18 Again, The Glory, and Sweet Home. Viki offers excellent subtitles for Youth of May, Melancholia, and Hotel Del Luna. His growing international popularity—including his dramas being among the top Hindi-dubbed K-dramas—means most platforms prioritize quality subtitles in multiple languages.
Aditi’s Verdict: The Versatility Champion
After rewatching Lee Do-hyun’s entire filmography for this list, I’m more convinced than ever that we’re witnessing the emergence of a generational talent. What sets him apart isn’t just his devastating good looks or his ability to cry on command—it’s his complete transformation into every character he inhabits.
From the traumatized surgeon in The Glory to the mentally regressed prosecutor in The Good Bad Mother, from the historical activist in Youth of May to the pragmatic survivor in Sweet Home, Do-hyun never repeats himself. Each performance feels fresh, fully realized, and emotionally authentic. He’s equally comfortable in fantasy rom-coms and gritty thrillers, in ensemble pieces and solo-carry dramas.
At just 28, he’s already built a filmography that actors twice his age would envy. He chooses projects based on story quality and character complexity rather than guaranteed commercial success, which speaks to his artistic integrity. And perhaps most impressively, he elevates every drama he’s in—even in supporting roles, he creates moments that become the most memorable parts of the entire series.
The “Lee Do-hyun Syndrome” isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s only going to intensify as he continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a leading man in Korean entertainment.
Conclusion: Your Turn!
There you have it—seven essential Lee Do-hyun dramas that showcase the full spectrum of his extraordinary talent. Whether you start with the healing warmth of The Good Bad Mother, the nostalgic charm of 18 Again, or the dark intensity of The Glory, you’re in for an unforgettable journey.
As we look ahead to the next wave of K-drama releases, including the exciting lineup in the Netflix January 2026 schedule, one thing is certain: wherever Lee Do-hyun appears next, fans will follow.
Now I want to hear from you: Which Lee Do-hyun character has captured your heart? Are you Team Healing Kang-ho, Team Romantic Dae-young, or Team Dark Yeo-jeong? Drop your comments below and let’s celebrate this incredible actor together!
Until next time, keep binging and keep loving K-dramas!
