In a disappointing turn of events for theater enthusiasts and fans of the acclaimed actor, Lee Dong Hwi has officially stepped down from his role in an upcoming play.
The news broke on January 2, 2026, when the production team confirmed that the actor sustained an injury during a rigorous rehearsal session, rendering him unable to continue with the demanding performance schedule.
This sudden development has sent ripples through the industry, as Lee Dong Hwi is widely regarded for his dedication and versatility across film, television, and the stage.
The Incident and Medical Assessment
The injury occurred while the cast was in the final stages of preparing for the production.
According to representatives from the theater company, Lee Dong Hwi was actively participating in a high-intensity rehearsal when the accident took place.
While the specific nature of the injury was not detailed in the initial public statement to respect the actor’s privacy, it was clarified that the severity of the condition requires immediate medical intervention and a focused period of rehabilitation.
After a thorough examination by medical professionals, the consensus was that the physical strain of live theater—which often involves repetitive movements and long hours on stage—would pose a significant risk to his recovery.
Consequently, the difficult decision was made for him to withdraw from the production entirely to prioritize his long-term health and well-being.
Production Adjustments and Casting Changes
Lee Dong Hwi’s departure has necessitated swift action from the production team to ensure the play stays on track for its scheduled opening.
The actor was set to play a pivotal role that required a unique blend of comedic timing and emotional depth—traits that have become Lee’s trademark throughout his career.
The production company expressed their deep regret over the situation, noting that Lee had been incredibly passionate about the project since the earliest script readings.
To fill the void, the team is currently in the process of finalizing a replacement or adjusting the performance schedule.
Ticket holders for the affected dates are being notified, and the company has offered their sincerest apologies for the inconvenience, promising to maintain the high quality of the production despite this unforeseen hurdle.
Impact on Lee Dong Hwi’s Career Trajectory
Lee Dong Hwi has been on a remarkable professional run, gaining immense popularity through his roles in hits like Reply 1988 , Extreme Job, and most recently, Big Bet.
His foray into theater was highly anticipated by critics, as it was seen as a return to his roots and a chance to showcase his live acting prowess.
While this injury is a temporary setback, the industry’s reaction has been one of overwhelming support.
Colleagues and fans alike have taken to social media to send well-wishes, emphasizing that his health is the ultimate priority.
This hiatus from the stage will likely mean a brief pause in his public activities, but it also highlights the physical demands placed on actors who strive to deliver authentic, high-energy performances in live settings.
Looking Ahead to Recovery
Moving forward, Lee Dong Hwi will be focusing entirely on his treatment and physical therapy. His agency has assured the public that they will provide all necessary support to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Although fans are saddened by the news of his withdrawal from the play, there is a collective hope that he will return to the screen and stage stronger than ever once he has fully healed.
For now, the focus remains on his rehabilitation, with the industry eagerly awaiting the return of one of South Korea’s most charismatic and beloved performers.
Marking a significant milestone in his post-military career, actor Nam Joo Hyuk has officially moved to a new home.
On January 2, 2026, it was announced that the star of Twenty-Five Twenty-One and Start-Up has signed an exclusive contract with Fable Company.
This move follows the expiration of his previous contract with Management SOOP in December 2025, a partnership that had lasted for over five years.
The Transition to Fable Company
Fable Company officially welcomed the actor with a statement expressing their excitement for the partnership.
“Nam Joo Hyuk is an actor who has expanded his acting spectrum by widely embracing diverse genres,” the agency stated. “We are delighted to work with Nam Joo Hyuk, who has solidly built his own career by continuously attempting variations without being confined to a single image.”
By joining Fable Company, Nam Joo Hyuk enters a star-studded roster that includes several high-profile peers.
He is now labelmates with acclaimed actors such as Choi Woo Shik (Parasite, Our Beloved Summer), Jeon So Nee, Park Yeon Woo, and Hong Min Gi.
Industry insiders are already looking forward to the potential synergy and the strategic career moves the agency will facilitate for Nam as he enters his 30s.
Nam Joo Hyuk (Credit: YouTube)
Building a Solid Career Foundation
Since his debut as an actor in 2014 with The Idle Mermaid, Nam Joo Hyuk has been one of the most consistent leading men in the Korean entertainment industry.
He first rose to major prominence with Who Are You: School 2015, where his “youthful heartthrob” image won him several newcomer awards.
Over the years, he successfully transitioned into more complex roles, receiving critical acclaim for his performance in The Light in Your Eyes and global love for his portrayal of Baek Yi-jin in Twenty-Five Twenty-One.
His career before enlistment was capped off with the Disney+ series Vigilante, where he showcased a darker, more physically demanding side.
This project was seen as a turning point, proving that he could lead high-intensity action thrillers just as effectively as romantic dramas.
His move to Fable Company is interpreted as a desire to continue this trajectory of diverse and challenging roles.
Anticipated Comeback: “East Palace”
The signing news comes at the perfect time, as Nam Joo Hyuk is currently preparing for his highly anticipated return to the screen.
Having been honorably discharged from his mandatory military service in September 2024, his first major post-military project will be the Netflix series East Palace (also known as Donggung).
In this supernatural historical fantasy-thriller, Nam Joo Hyuk will portray Gucheon, a formidable character with the ability to traverse between the human world and the realm of spirits. He will lead the series alongside Roh Yoon Seo (Crash Course in Romance) and veteran actor Cho Seung Woo.
The series, which follows the investigation of a mysterious curse within the palace, is already being cited by fans as one of the “must-watch” K-dramas of 2026.
Looking Toward a Mature Era
Fans (known as Nam-puns) and critics alike are focusing on what many call the “second act” of Nam Joo Hyuk’s career.
With the backing of a new agency and a more mature presence following his military service, the actor is expected to take on projects that highlight his growth.
Fable Company has promised to be a “reliable companion,” ensuring that Nam can pursue the path that best represents him as an actor.
As he steps into 2026, Nam Joo Hyuk remains at the forefront of the Hallyu wave, with his new agency move signaling a determined leap toward global stardom and deeper artistic exploration.
