The talented actor has captured hearts and showcased his evolving talent through his role in Brewing Love, ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama that premiered on November 4.
Taking on the role of Yoon Min-joo, a hypersensitive brewmaster and empathic brewery CEO, Lee unveiled a refreshing new charm, further broadening his acting spectrum. His ability to blend deep emotional expression with natural romantic chemistry left a strong impression on viewers.
Yoon Min-joo is an intriguing character—an empath who is acutely attuned to the emotions of others yet struggles with his hypersensitivity. To cope, he habitually distances himself from people, creating a wall of emotional detachment.
This carefully curated world of isolation is disrupted when he meets Chae Jae-joo (played by Kim Sejeong), a driven and passionate salesperson. Their initial clash of personalities sparks subtle changes in Yoon Min-joo, setting the stage for a slow-burning and transformative romance.
INTERVIEW: Kim Sejeong Reflects on Growth and Happiness Through “Brewing Love”
From their first encounter, Yoon Min-joo oscillates between rejecting Chae Jae-joo’s proposals for collaboration and feeling a reluctant pull toward her spirited nature. Through these interactions, his emotional layers begin to unfold. Lee Jong Won beautifully portrayed the gradual thawing of Yoon Min-joo’s guarded heart, bringing authenticity to the character’s evolving dynamic with Chae Jae-joo.
As their relationship deepened, Lee’s performance shone, balancing Yoon Min-joo’s cold and composed demeanor with moments of vulnerability and tenderness. The once aloof brew master gradually revealed a softer, more endearing side, especially as he became flustered by his feelings and struggled to navigate the complexities of love. Despite his initial hesitations, Yoon Min-joo embraced his emotions wholeheartedly, actively pursuing Chae Jae-joo straightforwardly and sincerely, which further endeared him to viewers.
Their romance culminated in Yoon Min-joo becoming a deeply affectionate and supportive partner, though his stubborn streak—especially regarding his unwavering passion for brewing—often led to clashes. The journey of the two characters finding balance between love and their professional lives created moments of lighthearted humor and heartfelt relatability. Lee Jong Won’s portrayal brought Yoon Min-joo to life as a three-dimensional character, blending strength and gentleness in a way that resonated with the audience.
The series concluded with a touching finale, showcasing Yoon Min-joo’s personal growth and emotional healing. He emerged as a pillar of support for Chae Jae-joo while overcoming the lingering pain of his own childhood experiences. By embracing vulnerability and opening himself to new relationships, Yoon Min-joo found freedom and happiness, leaving viewers with a warm and uplifting message.
Reflecting on his time as Yoon Min-joo, Lee Jong-won shared his thoughts: “Yoon Min-joo was a character I really had a lot of affection for. I thought deeply about how to bring him to life and hoped viewers could reflect on their own emotions through Min-joo and the situations he faced. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the drama and my performance.“
Lee’s outstanding performance in Brewing Love is just one highlight of an impressive 2024, during which he appeared in three distinct works, each showcasing his versatility as an actor. As he looks toward 2025, fans can look forward to seeing more of Lee Jong-won’s unique charm and dynamic range as he continues to take on diverse and challenging roles.
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