Lee Jongsuk’s Performance Has Viewers Talking—Even If Votes Say Otherwise
Lee Jongsuk might be trailing in the numbers, but his acting is dominating hearts. As of August 4 at 5:04 p.m. KST, he stands at 20th place with just 9 votes (0.2%) in the 2025 Netizen Awards for Best Actor. But if you’ve seen episode 10 of Seocho-dong, you’ll know the stats don’t tell the whole story.
An Ordinary Office Worker, Played with Extraordinary Depth
In tvN’s weekend drama Seocho-dong, Lee plays Ahn Joohyung—a weary office worker wrestling with existential doubt and emotional numbness. In episode 10, aired August 3, he dropped a line that hit right in the feels: “It’s never been truly comfortable. I just got used to the discomfort.” Say it louder for the overworked millennials in the back!
From Disillusionment to Emotional Resonance
Lee’s portrayal brilliantly showcased the silent battles that define adult life. His restrained expressions, subtle eye movements, and emotional nuance made his character painfully real. One viewer tweeted, “I didn’t see a character. I saw myself after a long Wednesday.”
Seocho-dong Breaks Its Own Records
The impact wasn’t just emotional. Thanks to Lee’s gripping performance, the episode achieved a new ratings high—hitting 7.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area. In an industry where numbers speak loudest, that spike says plenty.
Votes May Be Low, But Momentum Is Building
Despite currently lagging in votes, fans are rallying. Many believe Lee’s touching depiction of Joohyung could spark a second wind in the Netizen Awards. Could the shift in narrative on-screen lead to a shift in rankings online? All eyes are on the fanbase now.
Seocho-dong airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 p.m. KST on tvN.
