Lee Jae-wook Delivers a Powerful Performance in Netflix’s Historical Thriller ‘Tangeum’

Lee Jae-wook is redefining what it means to be an action star in historical dramas. In Netflix’s most recent Korean series, Tangeum, released on the 16th, Lee takes on the role of Hongrang, a mysterious heir of Joseon’s largest merchant house. Returning after a 12-year absence with no memory of his past, Hongrang’s enigmatic presence has captivated audiences worldwide.

Tangeum is a mystery-romance period drama that follows Hongrang’s unexpected homecoming and his complex relationship with his stepsister Jae-yi, portrayed by Jo Bo-ah. As she becomes the only one to suspect his true identity, a strange and emotional tension begins to emerge between the two. Since its release, Tangeum has remained in the top ranks on Netflix global charts, proving to be a massive hit.

Lee Jae-wook masterfully portrays Hongrang, a man returning shrouded in secrets and stripped of memory. His meticulous attention to detail — from the intensity in his gaze, the crisp motion of his swordplay, to the slight shifts in body movement — distinguishes his performance from conventional period dramas. In portraying the character dubbed ‘Hwisu’, a name meaning ‘to tear and survive’, Lee delivers a layered performance that is both delicate and fierce.

A standout scene features Lee rushing to Prince Han Pyeong’s villa upon hearing crucial news about Jae-yi and Inhoe. With a mix of heartbreak and determination in his eyes, his subtle choreography and controlled movement heighten the tension. In the ensuing confrontation, Lee’s unrelenting combat skills completely absorb the viewer, showcasing action scenes that are brutal yet poetic.

Best known for previous roles in Death’s Game and Alchemy of Souls, Lee has consistently performed his own stunts, earning a reputation as a physically adept and hard-hitting actor. In Tangeum, he once again takes on challenging action sequences without using stunt doubles, affirming his status as a top-tier talent who owns every role he steps into.

From fantasy to action and romance, Lee Jae-wook proves once again that he is a genre unto himself. Netflix’s Tangeum, starring Lee Jae-wook, is now streaming globally.