Lee Dong-Wook, the charismatic South Korean actor and former member of the boy group D&T, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a thriving career that spans television, film, and music, he has been a consistent heartthrob in the Korean entertainment industry. But now, at age 42, Dong Wook is stepping into a new and deeply personal role: fatherhood.
Last month, Lee Dong-Wook and his non-celebrity wife welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Lee Woo Jae. The announcement sent waves of excitement across his fanbase, as the usually private star opened up a tender chapter of his life to the public. His decision to share snippets of his new journey into fatherhood has given fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the man they’ve long admired.
A Private Wedding and a Quiet Love
Lee Dong-Wook has always been discreet about his personal life. His marriage to his non-celebrity wife was kept out of the limelight, with little public information about her identity or background. The couple reportedly dated for several years before tying the knot in a private ceremony attended only by close family and friends.
Respecting his wife’s wish to remain out of the public eye, Dong Wook has shared very few details about their relationship. However, it’s clear from his recent social media activity that their bond is strong and that they’ve embraced parenthood with excitement and love.
Welcoming Baby Lee Woo Jae
In a heartwarming Instagram post, Lee Dong-Wook introduced his newborn son, Lee Woo Jae, to the world. The photo, showing the actor cradling his baby in a peaceful moment of bonding, instantly melted hearts. Clad in a cozy outfit and swaddled in his father’s arms, baby Woo Jae became the center of attention—not only for fans but also for someone else at home.
Sharing another glimpse into his life, Dong Wook posted an image of himself feeding Woo Jae, while their family dog looked on with noticeable discontent. The furry companion, clearly unimpressed by the arrival of a new member stealing the spotlight, stared intently at the father-son moment, creating a humorous but touching tableau of their evolving family dynamic.
The actor captioned the photo with a mix of humor and emotion, acknowledging the shift in his household: “New member, new love… and a jealous old friend. We’re all adjusting.” The snapshot perfectly captured the joys and quirks of transitioning into parenthood.
Embracing the Role of a Father
Lee Dong-Wook has expressed pure joy over becoming a dad, saying that the experience has reshaped his understanding of love, patience, and responsibility. Known for his composed demeanor and mature roles on-screen, the actor now brings those qualities into his personal life as he juggles the demands of parenthood.
Fans have praised him for openly sharing moments of his journey, calling it refreshing to see a major celebrity normalize the ups and downs of fatherhood. With his posts, Lee is helping break down stereotypes in the Korean entertainment world—where male stars often keep family life entirely hidden from the public eye.
Career and Net Worth in 2025
Despite his new responsibilities, Lee Dong-Wook continues to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry. Known for hit dramas like Goblin, Touch Your Heart, and Tale of the Nine-Tailed, the actor has built a versatile and respected career. His return to music as part of D&T’s nostalgic revival concerts has also added to his already impressive resume.
As of 2025, Lee Dong-Wook’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million, accumulated through years of successful TV roles, endorsements, variety show appearances, and album sales. His long-standing partnerships with brands in fashion, skincare, and lifestyle continue to generate revenue, and his social media following gives him further influence as a brand ambassador.
Though his career remains active, insiders say Dong Wook has scaled back on some commitments to prioritize time with his newborn and wife. Friends and colleagues close to the actor describe him as fully immersed in fatherhood and loving every minute of it.
Balancing Fame and Family
It’s not always easy balancing a public career with private responsibilities, especially when you’re one of Korea’s most recognizable faces. Yet, Lee Dong-Wook seems to have found a rhythm that works. He shares just enough to let fans in, but keeps the intimate details of his family life protected—a move many admire.
By showing candid father-son moments and even light-hearted family scenes featuring his loyal (if slightly jealous) dog, Lee has managed to humanize the celebrity lifestyle. He continues to receive an outpouring of support from fans who appreciate his openness and celebrate this new chapter with him.