Lee Jun Hyuk has officially been confirmed as the lead actor in SBS’s upcoming drama Awakening (literal title), marking his first foray into the occult genre.
On January 28, it was announced that Lee Jun Hyuk, who had previously been in discussions for the project alongside Ryu Da In, has finalized his decision to join the series.
Awakening is an occult exorcism drama set against the brutal reality of entrance exam competition, a world fueled by jealousy and desire. The story follows students who, in their desperate pursuit of better grades, are tempted by dangerous stimulants and begin to awaken terrifying abilities. As they start hearing the voices of the dead and witnessing their friends die one by one, the school transforms into a breeding ground for evil spirits. Amid this chaos, an exorcist priest risks his very soul to save the children.
Lee Jun Hyuk plays Antonio, a newly assigned guiding priest at Seongryeong High School. His presence sparks both curiosity and unease among the students, while his true identity is that of an exorcist priest officially ordained by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Behind his distant and restrained exterior, Antonio possesses sharp instincts and a deep sense of empathy. He is a seeker who has endured horrific experiences alone, survived profound pain and loneliness, and repeatedly confronted and overcome evil spirits.
Dispatched to Seongryeong High School to investigate demonic activity, Antonio becomes entangled in a series of inexplicable incidents. Determined to uncover the truth, he is willing to risk everything to track down the individual who has driven the students into a deadly race.
With Awakening, Lee Jun Hyuk takes on his first role in an occult drama, transforming into an exorcist priest and signaling a dramatic shift from his previous screen image. The project has already generated anticipation for a new and darker side of his acting.
Awakening is scheduled to premiere in 2027.
