Lee Won Jung: The Actor Who Rejected HYBE’s Offer


Actor Lee Won Jung has become a prominent figure thanks to his standout role as Lee Woo Jin in the series Hierarchy. His rising fame led to an appearance on the variety show Knowing Brother on June 1, where he shared an intriguing story about turning down an offer from HYBE, the entertainment giant known for producing K-pop idols. Let’s delve into the details of his decision.

Offers from HYBE: A Tempting Opportunity

Lee Won Jung Photo of Lee Won Jung (instagram.com/jung_or__)

Lee Won Jung revealed that he had received multiple offers from HYBE to join their ranks as a trainee idol. Despite the allure of joining such a prestigious company, Lee had his sights set firmly on acting. He explained, “I received offers to become an idol. However, I have a strong dream of becoming an actor. (HYBE) is a big company, but I rejected it about 7 or 8 times. HYBE kept contacting me.”

His determination to pursue his passion for acting over the glamorous and potentially lucrative career of a K-pop idol is both admirable and a testament to his dedication. This revelation was reported by Hankook Ilbo on June 1, 2024.

Curiosity About HYBE’s Actor Division

Lee Won Jung Portrait of Lee Won Jung (instagram.com/jung_or__)

Even with his repeated rejections, Lee Won Jung remained curious about the possibilities within HYBE. He inquired whether the company had a division for actors. Unfortunately, the response did not meet his hopes. Lee recalled, “I asked, ‘Does HYBE have a team of actors there?’ and they said no. I said, ‘I don’t plan on joining unless there’s a team of actors, so please don’t contact me.’”

This exchange highlights Lee’s clear vision for his career path and his unwillingness to compromise on his professional aspirations. It also underscores the importance of having a clear understanding of one’s goals and the opportunities that align with them.

Apologizing for the Rejections

Lee Won Jung in the drama Hierarchy Lee Won Jung in the drama Hierarchy (instagram.com/netflixkr)

Despite his unwavering commitment to acting, Lee Won Jung expressed remorse for how he handled the situation with HYBE. He stated, “I had ambitions when I was young. At the age of 19, I thought I would continue to be an actor. I was still young at that time and in my opinion, I was quite rude. I apologize (to HYBE).”

His reflection shows a maturity and understanding of the impact of his decisions and words. It also opens up a conversation about the challenges young actors face in making career-defining choices.

Opinion: The Right Path for Lee Won Jung?

Lee Won Jung’s journey raises an interesting debate. Would he have been just as successful if he had chosen to become a HYBE idol? Or has his decision to focus solely on acting allowed him to hone his craft and gain recognition in a way that aligns with his true passion? His role in Hierarchy certainly suggests that he has made the right choice, proving his talent and dedication as an actor.

While it’s tempting to imagine what could have been, it’s clear that Lee’s path is one of integrity and commitment to his dreams. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and artists to stay true to their passions, even when faced with enticing opportunities.

In conclusion, Lee Won Jung’s decision to reject HYBE’s offers multiple times reflects his dedication to acting and his clear vision for his career. His story is a compelling example of the importance of following one’s true passion, and it will be interesting to see how his career continues to evolve.

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