From Idol to Actor: Lee Jun-young’s Steady Rise
Lee Jun-young, formerly of the K-pop group U-KISS, is gradually making a name for himself as an actor, and it’s starting to pay off. In the June 2025 Netizen Awards for Best Actor, he placed 20th with 32 votes (0.2%), signaling a growing wave of support from fans.
Idol Actors in the Spotlight
While top contenders like Byun Woo-seok, Rowoon, and Park Jihoon continue to dominate the upper ranks, the lower end of the chart is also drawing attention. Here, several idol-turned-actors are carving out their own path, including Lee, who made a meaningful debut on this month’s list.
A Diverse Acting Portfolio
Lee Jun-young has been actively expanding his repertoire this year. He appeared in Netflix’s Miss Night and Day as Park Young-beom, portrayed Geum Sung-je in Weak Hero Class 2, and played Do Hyun-joong in KBS2’s 24-Hour Gym. All of these show his versatility and commitment to acting.
A Fan-Driven Race
The Netizen Awards are largely powered by fan votes, meaning underdogs can rise quickly with concentrated support. If Lee gains momentum, his climb to the top could happen sooner than expected—potentially showcasing the power of ‘act-idols’ once again.
What’s Next for Lee Jun-young?
With more than half of the voting period still remaining, Lee’s current standing may not reflect where he’ll end up. Whether he breaks into the top ranks or not, his inclusion in the competition shines a light on a shifting trend: fans are backing multifaceted entertainers who seamlessly move between the stage and the screen.
