Actor Lee Jun-hyuk has been confirmed to star in SBS’s upcoming Friday–Saturday drama ‘Awakening,’ taking on the role of an exorcist priest in his first ever occult genre project. On January 28, the production team of ‘Awakening,’ directed by Oh Jun-hyuk, officially announced the lead cast lineup, naming Lee Jun-hyuk as the drama’s central character.
An Occult Thriller Set in a High School
‘Awakening’ is an occult exorcism drama that unfolds after a series of mysterious deaths involving students who claim to hear the voices of the dead. As the incidents escalate, a priest steps in to uncover the truth and prevent further tragedy. Lee Jun-hyuk will portray Antonio, an exorcist priest assigned to Holy Spirit High School, where the unexplained events are taking place. His character quietly investigates the supernatural occurrences within the school while attempting to protect the students caught at the center of the phenomenon.
A Priest Defined by Restraint and Conviction
Antonio is described as a figure who appears emotionally reserved on the surface but possesses deep empathy and emotional sensitivity. A solitary seeker by nature, he carries pain internally and chooses to shoulder suffering alone. Driven by a strong sense of responsibility, Antonio is willing to risk everything to confront the unseen force pushing students toward death. His journey is expected to explore themes of sacrifice, faith, and moral resolve rather than spectacle-driven horror.
Lee Jun-hyuk’s First Occult Role
The project marks Lee Jun-hyuk’s first challenge within the occult and exorcism genre. He is widely known for delivering grounded performances in genre-driven works such as ‘Stranger,’ ‘Designated Survivor: 60 Days,’ and ‘The Roundup: No Way Out.’
With ‘Awakening,’ Lee is set to further expand his acting range by blending psychological tension with supernatural elements. A representative from the production team shared, “Lee Jun-hyuk will appear in priestly robes, presenting a side of himself that audiences have not seen before. He will bring a new kind of presence to the screen.”
Broadcast Plans
‘Awakening’ is scheduled to air on SBS in 2027, with further details regarding its premiere date and additional cast members to be announced at a later time.
Editor’s Insight
Lee Jun-hyuk’s casting as Father Antonio in the upcoming SBS drama Awakening marks a significant expansion of his genre repertoire into the realm of supernatural occultism. By stepping into the role of a Vatican-ordained exorcist investigating a high school plagued by demonic voices, the actor is strategically pivoting away from the romantic and procedural roles he has mastered. In the 2026 landscape, where SBS is aggressively building on the success of its previous occult hit Revenant, Lee’s involvement provides a grounded, high-caliber intensity that is expected to elevate the project beyond standard horror tropes. This first-ever foray into priestly robes allows him to blend his signature emotional restraint with high-stakes spiritual warfare, positioning Awakening as one of the most anticipated 2027 broadcast releases for fans of psychological and genre-driven storytelling.