The Law of the Scene-Stealer! Lee Joon-hyuk's Dual Role in 'The King's Affection'

He is an actor who is 'dedicated' both on and off the screen. Even if you didn’t know his name is 'Lee Joon-hyuk', anyone can recognize his face. In 〈Stove League〉, he played the corrupt scout team leader Ko Se-hyeok; in 〈Six Flying Dragons〉, he was the martial arts master Hong Dae-hong; and in 〈Moonlight Drawn by Clouds〉, he portrayed the eunuch protecting Park Bo-gum's character. The reason we 'undoubtedly' know his face is that Lee Joon-hyuk is a prolific actor, having appeared in around 160 works comprising both films and dramas. He is an actor you are likely to have encountered at least once, but one who is unforgettable, and in the movie 〈The King's Affection〉, which opens on the 4th, he plays the role of a true 'scene-stealer,' showcasing his remarkable ability to captivate audiences.

Coincidentally, Lee Joon-hyuk appeared in 〈The King's Affection〉 alongside another actor with the same name, Lee Joon-hyuk. The 1984-born actor played the role of Geumseong Daegoon, while the 1972-born actor took on the role of Mak Dong-ae.

Lee Joon-hyuk’s character, Mak Dong-ae, is a villager from the exile site of young king Lee Hong-woo (Park Ji-hoon) in Gwangcheon-gol. With a humorous dialect and an endearing personality, he is a character full of innocence and warmth. In 〈The King's Affection〉, Lee Joon-hyuk’s Mak Dong-ae takes great care of Lee Hong-woo while crying and laughing at his changing demeanor, contributing to the warm and emotional atmosphere of the film.

Furthermore, Lee Joon-hyuk’s Mak Dong-ae increases the play's enjoyment by engaging in fantastic interactions with the villagers of Gwangcheon-gol. From Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin) to his son Eom Tae-san (Kim Min), and the villager Mak Dong-eome (Kim Soo-jin), the villagers' banter cheerfully conveys the values of humanity and bonds that the drama emphasizes.

In fact, Lee Joon-hyuk is also known as 'Jang Hang-jun’s Man'. In 〈Rebound〉 (2023), he played a basketball team coach, and in 〈The Killers〉 (2024), he delivered a charismatic and unique character under Jang Hang-jun’s direction with the role 'Everyone is Waiting for Him.' The reason Director Jang Hang-jun continuously casts him is likely due to Lee Joon-hyuk's ability to add depth to scenes and invigorate the drama, regardless of his screen time.

Lee Joon-hyuk’s talents shine even behind the screen. He is the country's number one in motion capture. Motion capture is a process that digitally records human movements by attaching sensors to the body or using infrared techniques, and Lee Joon-hyuk has been active as a motion capture actor since it was introduced in South Korea. From motion capturing for games like 'Lineage' to portraying a gorilla in 〈Mr. Go〉 (2013), he has showcased various bodily expressions. Thanks to his impressive portrayal of the gorilla, he even received offers from Hollywood during the filming of 〈Mr. Go〉.

As the first high school graduate to stand at the podium of Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), Lee Joon-hyuk taught mime while lecturing students on the importance of movement. He has also performed with famous street art groups in France and choreographed the mime actions of Lee Jung-jae and Gong Hyung-jin in the movie 〈Gift〉 (2001). While filming 〈Wolf Boy〉 (2012), he played a police officer and simultaneously taught lead actor Song Joong-ki the movements of a wolf.

Whether his face appears on screen or not, the presence of the actor Lee Joon-hyuk is unique. Since his debut in 1991, for about 35 years, he has never filled any role half-heartedly and steadily walks his own path.