Actor Lee Joon Hyuk is turning heads ahead of the 2026 premiere of TVING’s original drama The Winner of the Lottery Will Go to Work. Based on the popular webtoon adaptation of Seo In-ha’s web novel, the drama is gaining buzz for how eerily well the actor matches the visual of the main character so much so that fans are calling it a “perfect casting.”
The original novel, serialized on Munpia from July 2019 to April 2020, is often credited as the archetype of the “salaryman” genre in Korean male-targeted office web fiction. Thanks to its massive popularity, it was also adapted into a webtoon.
In the webtoon, protagonist Gong Eun Tae is depicted with sharp features and a clean, composed appearance traits that uncannily mirror Lee Joon Hyuk. Fans speculate the artist may have even used him as a reference when drawing the character.
The drama follows the life of Gong Eun Tae, a diligent and unassuming office worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when he wins the first prize in the lottery 1.3 billion KRW. Although the amount isn’t quite enough to transform his life into a fantasy, it’s enough to stir something inside him. He returns to work with a changed perspective, only to realize that it’s not the money but his mindset that ultimately shifts his reality.
Lee Joon Hyuk takes on the role of Gong Eun Tae, team leader of Sales Team 5 at Hongseong International. Having lived his entire life striving for normalcy, he starts to face an emotional burnout when he realizes his efforts may only lead to dull routine. The lottery win unexpectedly becomes a catalyst for change.
Lee Joon Hyuk shared, “When I read the script, I had conversations with friends who work in offices. It’s a story about how people in corporate life try to sync up emotionally with each other. I hope it can comfort working people.”
Seo Hyun Woo plays Yang Jun Ho, a junior colleague in the same team. Once thriving in his 20s, Yang now struggles with mediocrity. After Gong Eun Tae his junior by a year gets promoted ahead of him, he spirals into resentment but gradually learns to face reality and support his team.
Seo Hyun Woo commented, “I was drawn to the grounded subject and realistic storytelling. I hope viewers can feel the same interest and emotion I did. Please look forward to the chemistry between the actors.”
Oh Dae Hwan stars as Jung Sun Hyuk, leader of Sales Team 4 a department seen as the company’s scapegoat. After multiple failed promotions, he realizes connections matter more than competence. To survive, he embraces opportunism.
Oh Dae Hwan said, “The message of this drama is meaningful. I hope to deliver a quality performance for the audience.”
The series is directed by Yoon Young Bin, known for the film Tomb of the River, and produced by CJ ENM Studio and Bon Factory. The 10-episode drama was filmed from June to November last year and will be released in the first half of 2026 on TVING. It will also air on tvN as a Monday-Tuesday drama.
Sources: Wikitree