Establishing a balance between successful idol music promotions and critically acclaimed acting projects is a rare feat in the Korean entertainment industry.
Singer and actor Lee Junho achieved another major milestone in his multifaceted career by being recognized for his substantial contributions to spreading Korean culture around the globe.
On August 28, 2026, Lee Junho attended the 8th Newsis Hallyu Expo (2026 K-EXPO) at the Lotte Hotel Seoul, where he formally received the prestigious Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award.
Recognized for Contributions to K-Culture and Global Reach
The honor reflects Lee Junho’s steady artistic output across both television dramas and international music stages over the past year.
As an actor, he earned broad recognition and critical acclaim for his lead performances in tvN’s drama Typhoon Family and the Netflix original series Cashero.
His subtle acting range and screen presence helped drive international viewership, reinforcing the global reach of Korean scripted television.
Alongside his acting endeavors, Lee Junho maintained a strong commitment to his music career as a member of 2PM.
The group recently demonstrated its enduring global draw during their 15th-anniversary Japanese concerts titled “THE RETURN,” which brought together approximately 85,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome.
This combined success in television and live entertainment highlighted his position as a prominent figure representing contemporary K-content.
Expression of Gratitude and Upcoming 2026 Schedule
Upon accepting the award on stage, Lee Junho reflected modestly on his artistic journey and expressed sincere appreciation to his supporters and industry peers:
“I sincerely thank you for giving me such a meaningful award.
I was simply pursuing the music and acting that I wanted to do, but I was fortunate that my work aligned with the times and gave me an opportunity to introduce Korean culture to the world.
I will continue working to become someone who can share the power of K-content more widely through good projects and music.”
Looking forward, Lee Junho maintains an exceptionally active schedule across multiple genres.
Beginning September 22, 2026, he will appear as a passionate new employee in the second season of Netflix’s unscripted series Kian’s Bizarre B&B.
His upcoming acting lineup includes two high-profile television projects:
- Viking: Portraying Han Ji Yeol, a calculating strategist and third-generation chaebol heir.
- Embassy for Foreign Monsters in Korea (literal title): Starring as Cha Yeon, a dragon leading a mysterious fantasy embassy in a romantic fantasy setting.
