5 Reasons Why Lee Sang Yi Is Set To Dominate K-Drama And Global Stages In 2025

The South Korean entertainment scene is buzzing with anticipation for Lee Sang Yi’s explosive lineup of projects in 2025 and beyond. Known for his versatile talent as an actor, a celebrated musical star, and a compelling singer, Lee Sang Yi is transitioning from a beloved second lead to a bona fide leading man and a global host. As of late 2025, his schedule is packed with major drama roles, a highly-anticipated return to the stage, and a significant international hosting gig, cementing his status as one of the most in-demand stars in the industry.

This deep dive explores the current, up-to-date trajectory of the 'Universal Sang Yi,' detailing his confirmed roles, major career moves, and the reasons why 2025 and 2026 are poised to be his biggest years yet, building on the success of hits like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Bloodhounds.

Lee Sang Yi: Complete Biographical Profile

Lee Sang Yi, a multi-talented artist, has built a formidable career spanning musicals, television, and film, earning a reputation for his depth and versatility in every role he undertakes. His strong foundation in musical theater provides a unique edge, allowing him to seamlessly blend dramatic performance with vocal prowess.

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• Full Name: Lee Sang Yi (이상이)
• Born: November 27, 1991
• Birthplace: South Korea
• Height: 182 cm (6'0")
• Profession: Actor, Musical Actor, Singer
• Agency: GOODFRIENDS Company
• Debut: Musical Grease (2014)
• Notable K-Dramas: Once Again (2020), Youth of May (2021), Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021), Bloodhounds (2023), Han River Police (2023)
• Famous Roles: Yoon Jae-seok in Once Again, Ji Seong-hyun in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (alongside Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho), and Hong Woo-jin in Bloodhounds.

1. The Highly Anticipated Return: Confirmed K-Drama Roles for 2025 & 2026

Lee Sang Yi’s acting calendar is booked solid with high-profile television projects, ensuring he remains a fixture on streaming platforms and major networks. These roles showcase his range, moving from gritty action to romantic comedy.

The Action Sequel: Bloodhounds Season 2 (2026)

Fans of the neo-noir action thriller Bloodhounds were thrilled by the news of a sequel. Lee Sang Yi is confirmed to reprise his role as the skilled boxer Hong Woo-jin in Bloodhounds Season 2, which is slated for a 2026 release on Netflix. His chemistry with co-star Woo Do-hwan was a highlight of the first season, and their return promises more intense action and bromance, further establishing his credibility in the action genre.

The Star-Studded Crime Drama: Good Boy (2025)

Slated for a 2025 broadcast on JTBC, Lee Sang Yi will star in the drama Good Boy as Kim Jong-hyeon, a former Olympic medalist who becomes a police officer. This project, which also features Park Bo Gum and Kim So-hyun, is one of the most talked-about dramas of the year. The ensemble cast and compelling concept of 'Olympic heroes turned police' position Good Boy as a major hit, giving Lee Sang Yi a prominent main role.

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A New Romance: The CEO Spin-Off (2025)

The actor is also set to take the lead in a new CEO romance K-drama, a spin-off from a popular work. Reports indicate he is teaming up with actress Han Ji Hyun for this tvN project, and there are also talks of a reunion with his Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha co-star Shin Min-a in a rom-com titled No Gain No Love or Because I. These roles solidify his position as a romantic lead, a departure from his more serious roles and a welcome return to the genre where he charmed millions as PD Ji Seong-hyun.

2. Stepping onto the Global Stage: K-Pop Masterz 2025 MC

Lee Sang Yi’s versatility extends far beyond acting. In a major career move for 2025, he was confirmed as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the international music festival K-Pop Masterz 2025 in Jeddah. This opportunity places him on a global platform, showcasing his polished hosting skills and international appeal to a massive audience of K-Pop fans. His selection as MC highlights his rising star power and his ability to engage diverse crowds, proving he is a true 'Universal Sang Yi' entertainer.

3. The Roots of His Talent: A Return to Musical Theater

Before his breakthrough on television, Lee Sang Yi was—and remains—a highly respected musical actor. His debut in Grease in 2014 set the stage for a career defined by powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. In 2025, he made a significant return to his roots.

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Reprising the Role of William Shakespeare

Lee Sang Yi returned to the theater stage to reprise his role as William Shakespeare in the play Shakespeare in Love in the second half of 2025. He had previously gained explosive popularity for his performance in the original 2023 production. This continuous commitment to the stage, even amidst a packed drama schedule, underscores his passion for performance and his identity as a complete artist who refuses to be confined to a single medium.

4. Connecting with Fans: The Sold-Out Fan Meeting Tour

In a direct move to connect with his growing fanbase, Lee Sang Yi held his first-ever fan meeting, titled “I Am Lee Sang Yi,” in August 2025 at the Shinhan Card SOL Pay Square Live Hall in Seoul. The event was a testament to his multifaceted charm, featuring music, dance, and witty interaction. He captivated the audience with a gentle guitar performance and live singing, showcasing the musical talent that made him famous. The success of this event, including a sold-out Japanese fan meeting, confirms his growing popularity and his ability to command a crowd beyond the screen.

5. Expanding His Variety Portfolio: Park Bo Gum's New Show

Adding to his diverse portfolio, Lee Sang Yi is also a confirmed cast member for a new variety show hosted by fellow actor Park Bo Gum, alongside Kwak Dong Yeon. While details of the show are still emerging, his inclusion in a major variety program demonstrates his appeal as a charismatic and entertaining personality outside of his acting roles. This move will allow fans to see a more relaxed and genuine side of the actor, further broadening his appeal and cementing his status as a mainstream entertainer.

In conclusion, Lee Sang Yi's career is currently in a hyper-growth phase. With major roles in highly anticipated K-dramas like Good Boy and Bloodhounds Season 2, a high-profile hosting gig at K-Pop Masterz 2025, and a continued dedication to his musical and stage roots, he is rapidly becoming one of the most influential and versatile figures in the Korean Wave. His continuous stream of fresh, high-quality projects makes him an actor to watch closely in the coming years.