Why Is Lee Joon Hanging Off the Side of an Apartment Building?

Singer and actor Lee Joon is trading the glitz of the stage for the sheer side of a high-rise apartment building. The charismatic host of "Workman" Season 3 will try his hand at professional rope access work in the reality show's highly anticipated new episode, set to drop Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. KST on the official "Workman" YouTube channel.

The upcoming episode, produced by Studio Lululala, follows Lee as he clocks in for a grueling shift as a specialized rope technician tasked with repairing exterior walls dozens of meters in the air. For the star, the assignment is anything but comfortable. Lee has frequently opened up on past television broadcasts about his severe acrophobia (fear of heights). Going into the daunting task, however, he expressed a desire to inspire viewers through the grueling experience. "I want to show that someone like me can do it too," he shared before making the climb.

Demonstrating his dedication to the role, Lee undertook legitimate preparation long before the cameras started rolling. Back in April, the actor completed the mandatory basic safety and health training required for all construction sector employment in South Korea. According to the production team, Lee insisted on personally mastering the complex safety protocols and operational rules rather than treating the high-stakes shoot as a quick publicity stunt.

Once suspended high above the ground, however, the paralyzing nerves quickly take over. The episode captures a brief moment of panic from Lee before he forces himself into a state of deep, unwavering focus. Refusing to throw in the towel, he repeatedly attempts the vertical descent in what the show’s producers frame as a true testament of mental willpower.

"Workman" Season 3 has leaned heavily into this raw, experiential format all season, throwing Lee into a wildly diverse spectrum of demanding occupations. Past episodes have seen the versatile entertainer tackle solar panel assembly, real estate agency support, live home shopping hosting, veterinary clinic assistance, luxury supercar sales, five-star hotel housekeeping, professional cheerleading, heavy bottled water delivery, and a viral stint with the Chungju city government's public relations team.

The program consistently strives to capture both the unique appeal and the unvarnished grind of everyday labor, and this upcoming rope worker episode is already being positioned as the show's biggest physical and psychological challenge to date.

The new episode will be available for global streaming on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. KST on the "Workman" YouTube channel.