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You’ve probably seen her. That effortless, "too cool for school" vibe, the razor-sharp jawline, and eyes that seem to see right through the camera lens. Lee Ho-jung isn’t just another model-turned-actress filling a slot in a K-drama. She’s becoming a force. Honestly, if you haven’t tracked the Lee Ho-jung movies and tv shows catalog yet, you’re missing out on one of the most interesting career pivots in the Korean industry right now.
She started young. Sixteen, to be exact. While most kids were worrying about midterms, she was walking runways for Beyond Closet and The Studio K. But modeling wasn't enough. She once famously said that "models are born, but actors are made." It’s a gritty way to look at the craft, and that work ethic shows in every frame she occupies.
The Breakout: Why Yoon Sol Changed Everything
For a lot of people, the obsession started with Nevertheless (2021).
K-dramas often struggle with "second couple syndrome," where the side characters are more interesting than the leads. In Nevertheless, Lee Ho-jung played Yoon Sol, and she didn't just steal the scene—she owned the entire sculpture department.
What’s wild is that she actually styled herself for that role. The bandanas? The leather jackets? That was all Ho-jung. She brought her personal wardrobe to the set to give Yoon Sol that specific, grounded aesthetic. Her chemistry with Yoon Seo-ah (who played Ji-wan) became the heart of the show for many viewers. It was subtle, yearning, and felt remarkably real.
But if you think she’s just the "cool girl" archetype, you haven't looked deep enough into her filmography.
Crucial Lee Ho-jung Movies and TV Shows You Need to See
Let’s break down the essentials. No fluff, just the roles that actually define her range.
1. Song of the Bandits (2023)
If you want to see her kick absolute doors down, this is it. She plays Eon-nyeoni, a cold-blooded assassin in 1920s Gando. She carries a massive gun, rides horses, and looks like she could end a man with a glance. It’s a total 180 from the soft-spoken student in Nevertheless.
2. Moving (2023)
Even in a massive ensemble cast with stars like Han Hyo-joo and Jo In-sung, she left a mark. She played Yang Se-eun, a character with a tragic but pivotal backstory involving inherited superpowers. It proved she could handle high-stakes, supernatural narratives without losing her grounded acting style.
3. The Battle of Jangsari (2019)
This was a gritty war flick. She played Moon Jong-nyeo, a female soldier who disguised herself as a man to join the battle. It was a physically demanding role that stripped away the "fashion model" polish and replaced it with mud, blood, and sheer desperation.
4. Midnight Runners (2017)
Early days. She had a smaller role here as Lee Yoon-jung, the student whose kidnapping kicks off the entire plot. Even with limited screen time, she was the emotional anchor that drove Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul’s characters into action.
The Model-to-Actress "Bias"
K-drama fans can be harsh. There’s often a stigma that models just stand there and look pretty. Ho-jung knew this. She actually avoided acting lessons at first because she loved modeling so much. It took watching Woody Allen’s Magic in the Moonlight for her to realize she wanted to live inside a character’s world.
Since then, she’s been methodically picking roles that challenge her. She doesn't just do rom-coms. She does period action. She does war dramas. She does mystery.
What’s Next for Lee Ho-jung in 2026?
The industry is buzzing. While 2025 was a huge year for K-content with hits like When Life Gives You Tangerines, 2026 is looking like the year of the "prestige" sequel and experimental thrillers.
Rumors are swirling about her involvement in a high-profile noir project tentatively titled The Rat, though official confirmations from YG Stage are always kept under tight wraps until the last second. What we do know is that her trajectory is heading toward leading lady status. She has the "it factor" that makes people Google her name the second she appears on screen.
Quick Career Snapshot
- Agency: YG Entertainment (YG Stage)
- Birthdate: January 20, 1997
- Signature Style: Effortless "boyish" chic mixed with high-fashion edge
- Key Skill: Professional-level photography (check her "Holly's Film" Instagram if you haven't)
Final Thoughts: The Ho-jung Effect
Basically, Lee Ho-jung is the actress for people who are tired of "cookie-cutter" performances. She brings a layer of authenticity that feels almost accidental, but it's clearly calculated. Whether she's playing a student, an assassin, or a soldier, there’s a consistent thread of strength in her characters.
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If you’re looking to start your journey through Lee Ho-jung movies and tv shows, start with Song of the Bandits for the action and Nevertheless for the vibes. You won't regret it.
Your Next Step: Head over to Netflix or Disney+ and add Song of the Bandits to your watchlist. It’s the best showcase of her transformation from a runway icon to a legitimate action star. If you've already seen that, dive into her photography account @hollys_film to see the world through her lens—it actually explains a lot about her visual approach to acting.