Lee Donghwi is the king of “effortlessly cool,” whether he is acting in a hit drama or showing off his famous street style. He is a true fashion icon who knows exactly how to mix high-fashion labels with vintage thrift finds. While many know him as the funny guy from Reply 1988, his newer roles in 2026 show he is a serious talent. Get to know the man who makes being unique look so easy. He is our ultimate Man Crush!
Get To Know Lee Dong-hwi
- Real Name: Lee Dong-hwi (이동휘)
- Birthday: July 22, 1985
- Height: 179 cm
- MBTI: INFP (The “Mediator” – known for being creative and sensitive)
- Instagram Handle: @dlehdgnl
- Fun Fact: He is a legendary “collector” of vintage eyewear. You’ll rarely see him without a pair of cool glasses that perfectly match his retro outfits.
Before he was a style icon, Lee Dong-hwi was the scene-stealer we all fell in love with in Reply 1988. Born in 1985, he has spent over a decade proving that you don’t need to be a traditional “flower boy” to be a leading man. He has this unique energy which makes him impossible to ignore. Known for his quick wit and humble personality, he is also a huge animal lover—he often shares adorable photos of his cat, Moro, with his millions of fans. He humorously called himself “butler” to his cat.
Lee Donghwi, The King of Vintage Style
The fact that Lee Donghwi is often invited to make cameo appearances on variety shows that highlight vintage fashion or related themes, proving how much the industry trusts his distinctive fashion sense.
He doesn’t just wear vintage, he commands it. As South Korea’s ultimate street-style icon, he has mastered the art of the “retro-modern” flip, effortlessly mixing forgotten thrift-store gems with high-end luxury labels.
Lee Donghwi controls the retro-modern aesthetic through unexpected layer combinations. He routinely pairs structured, rugged outerwear with soft, casual elements like a plaid shirt tied around the waist. His approach relies on mixing textures, earth-toned color palettes, and casual grunge elements to soften harsh silhouettes. This balance creates a relaxed look that feels highly styled yet completely effortless.
Must-Watch Series and Movies
Aside from being a fashion icon, Lee Dong-hwi is widely recognized for his A-list acting skills. He has a unique talent for disappearing into his roles, whether he’s making us laugh or keeping us on the edge of our seats. Here are my top picks that show his incredible range:
- Reply 1988 (2015): The ultimate classic! As the funny and wise Dong-ryong, he is the heart of the neighborhood crew and a total fan favorite.
- Pegasus Market (2019): A hilarious satire where he plays a stressed manager trying to keep a chaotic, logic-defying supermarket from falling apart.
- Big Bet S1 & S2 (2022–2023): He plays the loyal but ambitious Jung-pal in this gritty crime saga, proving he can handle serious, high-stakes drama.
- The Roundup: Punishment (2024): See his “villain era” as a cold, tech-savvy genius running an illegal gambling ring. He’s truly intimidating here!
- Chief Detective 1958 (2024): Set in the 1950s, he plays a fierce detective nicknamed “Mad Dog” who uses his grit and wit to solve crimes.
