Actor, idol, and now agency CEO—Lee Junho wears many crowns, and each one only seems to energize him more.
Since debuting with 2PM in 2008, he has steadily built a powerhouse résumé, transitioning into acting with the 2013 film Cold Eyes and rising to become one of K-drama’s most bankable leads.
This year, he added a new title: founder of his own agency, O3Collective, after parting ways with JYP Entertainment in August.
Even amid major career shifts, his momentum hasn’t faltered. His latest drama, Typhoon Family, wrapped last month with impressive nationwide ratings of 10.3% (Nielsen Korea), propelled by its moving portrayal of workers battling through the 1997 IMF financial crisis. Junho’s character, Kang Tae-poong—the rookie CEO fighting for his company’s survival—was praised for feeling remarkably real, a quality Junho credits to his own deeply invested performance.
Despite juggling ten lives’ worth of roles, Junho radiated energy during a media interview in Gangnam on the 2nd.
“I’m not tired,” he insisted with a bright smile. “I’m genuinely grateful every time I get to take on another project. Creating new characters still thrills me. I want to feel that joy forever.” His passion for growth remains unmistakable.
“Surpassing 10% felt like a reward for everyone.”
Lee Jun Ho describes Typhoon Boss as a year-long journey—one that left a deep imprint.
“It left me with such a strong aftertaste. I was sad to let it go,” he said. The show’s ratings milestone was a moment of shared triumph. “There were parts that felt overwhelming, but we pushed through them. No project is perfect, but I was satisfied with how it all came together.”
The hardships of Kang Tae-poong? “Honestly, it was brutal.”
Playing Tae-poong meant enduring the character’s endless battles—and Junho felt that intensity on set.
“This was my first project with so many outdoor shoots. We traveled everywhere—from freezing cold to brutal heat. The Busan scenes? Unforgettable. The weather was icy, we were covered in flour, and everyone got seasick on the boat,” he laughed. “Every moment demanded emotional depth.”
On portraying the 1997 era—and reconnecting with childhood emotions
To capture the period’s mood, Junho researched vintage fashion and even custom-made a leather coat. He recalled memories tied to that era. The drama allowed him to revive that nostalgia onscreen.
“My parents both worked, so I didn’t see them much. I’d beg my mom not to go. We’d write letters on Post-its. That kind of old-school sentiment stayed with me.”
Why Typhoon Family spoke to him
The ending of Episode 1 made him choose the role.
“It clearly showed the path after the IMF crisis. Everyone goes through tough times; the story now feels meaningful. And I personally love 16-episode dramas. When I feel sad to say goodbye—that’s when I know it’s a good story.”
Chemistry that sparked attention—especially with Mu Jin-seong
Their close-up confrontations became an unexpected hit.
“We joked that we were the real main couple,” Junho chuckled. “His character’s jealousy and longing felt like a twisted love story.”
He also praised Kim Min Ha and the Typhoon Family ensemble. “Our chemistry just clicked naturally during rehearsals. Misun was the person who helped Taepung grow, so that romance felt inevitable.”
His real-life father’s reaction? “We talked more about health.”
Like Tae-poong, Junho reflected deeply on family.
“This drama made me think about my dad a lot. We’re not very talkative, but we shared emotions quietly. He just said, ‘You worked hard,’ and ‘It was fun.’ That’s his style,” he laughed.
Looking back at his 20s: “I wish I had Tae-poong’s optimism.”
“Tae-poong accepts things well and moves forward. I wasn’t like that. I dug deep into failures. My teens and 20s were tough. I couldn’t smile like him.”
Becoming CEO: similarities with his character
“I related to Tae-poong’s situation. I was also starting fresh after leaving JYP.”
Though the struggles differed, Junho said founding O3Collective was about responsibility. “I wanted to build an environment where I could learn firsthand and work with people who share my vision.”
2PM’s reactions—and Taecyeon’s upcoming wedding
“We’re shy about praising each other,” he joked. “But Wooyoung said it was fun, so thank you, Wooyoung!” As for the life changes around him: “Seeing people I’ve known for so long living happily makes me want to support them.”
On fan concerns about his Bubble hiatus
“That’s completely my fault,” he said earnestly. “I get so immersed in filming that I lose track of time. But I should’ve gone more often.”
Eighteen years in the industry: a turning point after military service
“In my 20s, I was hungry and restless. After military service, I learned to let go a bit. I poured everything into every stage of my life. I just want to get a little better each year.”
Burnout? “I don’t claim it, so it won’t claim me.”
“I’m not burnt out,” he said with conviction. “I might feel tired, but as soon as I label it burnout, it becomes real. I choose to see it as ‘just a little tired,’ and it passes.”
Looking ahead
Lee Junho wants to be the kind of performer whose name alone brings trust.
“I want people to watch my work without needing a reason. I want them to say, ‘He’s genuinely good.’ That’s my goal—as an actor and a singer.”
The post Building, Growing, Thriving: Lee Jun Ho on Success, Struggle, and the Joy of Never Stopping appeared first on kdramadiary.
Building, Growing, Thriving: Lee Jun Ho on Success, Struggle, and the Joy of Never Stopping
Source: Pinoy Student Wars
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