It’s always a complex feeling when you look back at someone’s career, especially when it held so much promise early on. For Lee Seo Won, born in 1997, his journey in the South Korean entertainment industry began with a clear trajectory towards success.
His debut in 2015, with a role in the JTBC workplace drama "Awl," marked his official entry into acting. But it was in 2016 that he started gaining significant attention. Appearing in the romantic drama "Uncontrollably Fond" as the younger brother of the female lead, he captured the audience's hearts. Around the same time, he also took on the role of a fixed host for KBS's music show "Music Bank," showcasing his versatility.
The following year, 2017, saw him continue to build his acting portfolio. He starred in the tvN campus romance musical "The Liar and His Lover" and then took on a leading role in the medical drama "Hospital Ship." These roles demonstrated his growing capabilities and his ability to connect with diverse characters.
However, the narrative took a sharp turn in May 2018. Reports emerged of an incident involving alleged sexual harassment and threats while under the influence of alcohol. This led to him being indicted without detention. The repercussions were immediate, with his acting activities being halted.
Following the legal proceedings, which resulted in a suspended sentence, Lee Seo Won enlisted for his mandatory military service in November 2018 and was discharged in June 2020. Since his return, there haven't been any concrete plans for a comeback announced, and he is currently without an agency. His early career, marked by rapid ascent and notable roles, remains a point of reflection for many who followed his work.
