Lee Joo-ahn is capturing hearts worldwide with his captivating portrayal of Gong-gil in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. But who is this talented actor behind the court jester role, and what’s his inspiring backstory? Here’s everything you need to know about K-drama’s rising star.
Table of Contents
Lee Joo-ahn: Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 24, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Education | Dankook University – Performing Arts & Film |
| Debut Year | 2018 (The Great Battle, Sky Castle) |
| Official Start | 2019 (Save Me 2) |
| Breakout Role | Gong-gil in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025) |
| Military Status | Exempted (medical reasons) |
| Notable Trait | Liver donor to his mother |
The Breakout Role: Gong-gil in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
Lee Joo-ahn’s portrayal of Gong-gil has become his career-defining moment. Playing a court jester who secretly serves King Yi Heon, Lee brings depth to a character with historical significance—Gong-gil was previously portrayed in the acclaimed 2005 film The King and the Clown.
In this fantasy drama, Gong-gil finds himself entangled in the dangerous power struggle between Yi Heon and Jesan, transforming from performer to spy at the center of palace intrigue. According to Sportskeeda’s coverage, this role has secured Lee’s position among Korea’s fastest-rising actors, earning him worldwide recognition.
Career Journey: From Supporting Roles to Stardom
Early Years (2018-2019)
Lee’s screen journey began modestly with minor appearances in The Great Battle and the hit drama Sky Castle (2018). His official acting debut came in 2019 with Save Me 2, where he portrayed a troubled high schooler, followed by a role as secretary Park Joong-seok in Chief of Staff 2.
Building Momentum (2020-2024)
| Year | Drama | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | True Beauty | Choi Man-sik |
| 2021 | Youth of May | Undercover agent |
| 2021 | Snowdrop | Jun-pyo |
| 2024 | Love Song for Illusion | Ha-rang (Baramkal group) |
| 2025 | Useless Love | Supporting role |
Beyond acting, Lee also appeared on variety shows including Dancing Dol Stage (2022) and Magic Lamp (2023), showcasing his versatility and personality beyond scripted roles.
The Inspiring Story Behind His Military Exemption
In October 2025, Lee Joo-ahn shared a deeply personal story that revealed his character off-screen. During an interview with SPOTV News, he explained his military service exemption stemmed from an extraordinary act of love.
At age 22, Lee donated nearly 70% of his liver to his mother, who was suffering from cirrhosis and had suddenly lost consciousness. The emergency transplant surgery saved her life, resulting in his medical exemption from mandatory military service.
In His Own Words: “My mother had liver issues even before this. I received a call that her condition had suddenly worsened… she had lost consciousness, so I rushed to the hospital. Emergency surgery was necessary, and I agreed to the transplant.”
His mother’s health improved significantly after the procedure. Reflecting on his current success, Lee shared: “I just feel happy right now. My mother is doing so well. She mentioned that everyone knows Gong-gil from Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, and hearing that puts my mind at ease.”
This revelation transformed public perception, with fans praising not just his talent but his extraordinary selflessness.
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What Makes Lee Joo-ahn Stand Out
In an industry filled with talented actors, Lee distinguishes himself through:
Versatility: From historical court jesters to modern high schoolers, he adapts seamlessly Depth: He brings emotional complexity to every character Authenticity: His real-life sacrifices reflect genuine character Dedication: Years of supporting roles prepared him for this breakout moment
What’s Next for Lee Joo-ahn?
Currently, Lee doesn’t have announced projects following Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. However, given the drama’s success and his rising profile, new opportunities are certainly on the horizon.
Fans eagerly await announcements about his next role, hoping to see him continue exploring diverse characters that showcase his range. Whether he chooses another historical drama, contemporary romance, or thriller, Lee has proven he can handle any genre.
The Bottom Line
Lee Joo-ahn represents the best of K-drama’s new generation—talented, hardworking, and genuinely good-hearted. His journey from minor roles to breakout star, combined with his inspiring personal story, makes him an actor worth watching closely.
As Gong-gil continues captivating audiences in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, Lee Joo-ahn’s star is only beginning to rise.
FAQs
Q: Why was Lee Joo-ahn exempted from military service?
Lee Joo-ahn received military service exemption after donating approximately 70% of his liver to his mother when he was 22 years old. His mother had suffered from cirrhosis and other complications, suddenly losing consciousness and requiring emergency transplant surgery. The procedure saved her life, and the significant medical donation qualified Lee for exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service. He shared this story publicly in October 2025.
Q: What is Lee Joo-ahn’s most famous role?
Lee Joo-ahn’s breakout role is Gong-gil in the 2025 drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. Playing a court jester who secretly serves King Yi Heon while caught in dangerous palace politics, this role has brought Lee worldwide recognition and established him among Korea’s rising actors. While he previously appeared in popular dramas like True Beauty, Snowdrop, and Youth of May, the Gong-gil character represents his first leading role that achieved mainstream success.
