Lee Dong-wook Tired of Fantasy Roles? Actor Expresses Desire for Realistic Drama Projects

Lee Dong-wook, one of Korea's most beloved and enduring actors, has long been associated with the fantasy genre. With memorable roles in Goblin, Tale of the Nine-Tailed, and Hotel King, he has captured hearts by playing mysterious grim reapers, mythical beings, and emotionally layered characters in surreal settings.

However, the actor recently surprised fans and industry insiders alike by expressing a desire to step away from fantasy roles and focus on more realistic, emotionally grounded storytelling.

In a new interview with CineDaily Korea, Lee Dong-wook was candid about the current phase of his career. When asked whether he'd take on another fantasy series, the actor paused and replied:

"I’m grateful for what fantasy dramas have given me. But right now, I want something that feels more human. I want to portray stories that reflect real life—the struggles, the vulnerability, the growth."

His statement immediately sparked discussion online, with fans debating whether this signaled the end of his fantasy drama era, or simply a natural evolution of an actor seeking deeper challenges.

Lee Dong-wook’s rise as a fantasy heartthrob began with his breakout performance as the lonely Grim Reaper in Goblin (2016). His chemistry with Yoo In-na became so iconic that they were reunited in the romantic comedy Touch Your Heart.

He went on to headline Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020) and its sequel, showcasing his versatility in supernatural themes. While his performances were consistently praised, the actor confessed:

“After a while, even fantasy can feel repetitive. You need to find new emotional layers to make it fresh. That’s not always easy.”

Dong-wook’s desire to shift toward realism stems from his recent experiences filming slice-of-life and medical dramas. According to him, the grounded roles left a lasting impact.

He explained:

“In realistic dramas, there’s nowhere to hide. No supernatural powers, no elaborate world-building—just people, emotions, and truth. That’s the kind of work I want to explore next.”

The actor referenced his past roles in Life and Strangers from Hell as projects that gave him that deeper emotional fulfillment.

So, what’s next for Lee Dong-wook?

“I want to play someone ordinary. Maybe a teacher, a divorced father, or a man trying to rebuild his life after failure,” he said with a smile. “Characters who are flawed, raw, and real.”

He’s reportedly in talks for a 2026 human drama series involving themes of grief, redemption, and second chances—very different from his recent fantasy work.

His management agency, King Kong by Starship, confirmed that Dong-wook has received multiple scripts from genres like legal thrillers, family dramas, and romance dramas that are more grounded in reality.

Fans quickly took to social media to support Lee Dong-wook’s career shift. Some reactions included:

“He’s already proven himself in fantasy. Let him explore something new.”

“Whether it’s fantasy or realistic drama, he’s going to shine.”

“Imagine Dong-wook playing a struggling dad in a healing drama—I’d watch that 100%.”

A few fans also expressed sadness over possibly not seeing him in mystical or supernatural roles again, but most agreed that growth is essential for any artist.

Entertainment critic Park Ji-hyun noted:

“This is a natural transition. After years in one genre, actors often seek new challenges to keep their work exciting. Lee Dong-wook is at the perfect point in his career to redefine his image.”

Casting director Kang Seung-ho also shared that Lee’s versatility would be an asset in any genre:

“He has emotional depth, screen presence, and the ability to carry any narrative. Realism will only enhance his artistry.”

🎭 Past vs Future: A Tale of Two Dong-wooks

• Supernatural roles in Goblin, Tale of the Nine-Tailed, and Blade Man
  
  

• Known for cool, mysterious personas
  
  

• Strong chemistry in romantic fantasy plots
  
  

• Realistic roles, emotionally flawed characters
  
  

• Exploring themes like grief, self-discovery, and love in the modern world
  
  

• Possibly working with rising screenwriters in slice-of-life or legal dramas
  
  

While no official confirmation has been made, insiders say Lee Dong-wook is strongly considering a 2026 realistic romance drama and a Netflix-produced Korean legal thriller. If either project is finalized, it will mark a sharp turn from his previous choices, offering fans a whole new side of the star.

As one of Korea’s most respected and loved actors, Lee Dong-wook has built a powerful legacy through fantasy. But now, he’s ready to embrace realism—a journey that fans are more than ready to walk with him.

Whether he’s saving lives, chasing demons, or navigating everyday heartbreaks, Lee Dong-wook continues to prove that true talent transcends genre.