Actor Lee Joo-seung. [Newsis]
Actor Lee Joo-seung. [Newsis]

Actor Lee Joo-seung has taken the top prize in a director survival program, winning 100 million won ($64,300).

Lee announced the victory on his social media accounts Saturday, sharing news of his win on the ENA and Lifetime entertainment program "Directors Arena."

"I took on the script, direction and lead role in 'Directors Arena' and won the whole thing," he wrote. "I became the owner of 100 million won. I think this is the first time in my life I've come in first place. I'm so happy."

Photos he posted showed him beaming while holding a prize board displaying the 100 million won amount. The winner's trophy bore the inscription: "We pay tribute to the directorial vision that created the most intense world in the shortest time."

Lee also thanked his collaborators, saying, "I want to thank the producer, assistant director, cinematographer, lighting director, actor Yoon So-yi and all the staff and cast members who so brilliantly filled in what I lacked as a director."

He added that the full version of his winning short drama, "The Woman Upstairs Is a Killer" — for which he wrote the script, directed and starred — was released that day, and asked fans to check it out.

"Directors Arena" is a director survival show in which short-drama creators compete on planning and directing ability under limited production conditions. It wrapped up Friday.

Lee beat out competitors including actors Lee Yu-jin and Choi Gwi-hwa to claim the top prize, proving his potential as a director.

Lee made his debut in the 2007 film "Dog of Cheonggyecheon" and built his name through numerous films and drama series. He gained popularity from 2021 onward through his down-to-earth appearances on MBC's variety program "I Live Alone." His recent absence from the cast's summer retreat episode had drawn curiosity among viewers.


betterj@heraldcorp.com