Veteran actor Lee Sung Min has officially signed with HB Entertainment, parting ways with HODU&U Entertainment after a long-standing partnership.

According to a report by Sports Donga on May 14, Lee Sung Min recently concluded his exclusive contract with HODU&U and is now joining HB Entertainment, a comprehensive entertainment company known for representing top talents such as Joo Sang Wook, Cha Ye Ryun, Ahn Jae Hyun, Jo Byeong Gyu, Oh Chang Seok, and more. HB is active not only in talent management but also in drama and film production.

Lee was one of the key figures at HODU&U from its early days, working alongside names like Kim Hye Soo and helping the agency grow into a leading actor-focused management company.

Debuting in 1987 with the play Lithuania, Lee Sung Min has since become one of Korea’s most respected actors, celebrated for his deep character immersion and nuanced performances across a range of genres. He gained explosive popularity in 2022 for his portrayal of Chairman Jin Yang Cheol in JTBC’s Reborn Rich, which earned him Best Actor at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards in the TV category. He was also nominated for Best Actor at the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards for his role in the Disney+ original Shadow Detective.

The “Lee Sung Min wave” continued strong in 2023, with nominations at the 22nd Directors Cut Awards (A Bloody Lucky Day) and the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards (Handsome Guys), solidifying his enduring star power.

Lee is now preparing for his big-screen return in the second half of 2024 with I Can’t Help It, directed by Park Chan Wook. The film, based on Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Ax, features a star-studded cast including Lee Byung Hun, Son Ye Jin, Park Hee Soon, and Yum Hye Ran. Anticipation is high for the film, which is already attracting interest from major international film festivals.

In addition to his critically acclaimed performances, Lee Sung Min is also known for his strong personal fanbase, rivaling that of younger heartthrobs.

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