Lee Jun-young Tops K-Drama Buzz Charts for Fourth Straight Week With "Four Hands, Two Sonatas"

Actor Lee Jun-young has topped South Korea's weekly K-drama buzz rankings for a fourth straight week, even as he serves his mandatory military duty. The star of the music drama "Four Hands, Two Sonatas" once again ranked ahead of co-star Song Kang on the industry-tracked ranking, while a scene showing his character taking command as a "genius conductor" is drawing fresh attention online.

According to the TV-OTT combined cast buzz rankings for the third week of September, released by data firm Good Data Corporation through its FUNdex service, Lee took first place with a 5.22 percent share. Song, his scene partner in "Four Hands, Two Sonatas," came in second at 4.40 percent.

The result means Lee has held the top cast spot for four consecutive weeks since "Four Hands, Two Sonatas" began airing. Through last week, the show and its lead had ranked first in both the drama and cast categories for three consecutive weeks. This week, Lee remained at the top of the individual ranking.

"Four Hands, Two Sonatas" is set at an arts high school for young music prodigies and follows their friendships, romances, rivalries, and growth. Lee plays Choi Jeong-yo, a rival and friend to Song's character, Kang Bi-o. The two leads, closely connected on screen, now sit side by side at the top of the real-world buzz chart.

One scene highlighting Choi's talent has become a particular talking point. During an orchestra rehearsal, a player challenges conductor Choi. Instead of backing down, Choi calmly pinpoints exactly what the musician is doing wrong. The player, who had set out to lecture the conductor, is left with nothing to say.

Lee plays the moment without big gestures or overly dramatic emotion. He leans on a steady posture and a firm tone to convey Choi's authority. Unshaken by the challenge, the character turns the situation around through sheer musical skill, sharpening his appeal on screen.

Off screen, Lee is still surrounded by music. He enlisted in the army in July as an active-duty soldier and is currently serving in the military band of the 35th Infantry Division. As a military band member, he has performed at various festivals, drawing attention for his commitment to both his duties and his craft.