Model-turned actor Lee Soo Hyuk has acted in a few dramas, always playing a cool character, but his latest role as the stormy carpenter in "Valid Love" may earn him the title of sex symbol.

Often when a k-drama actor is cast in a new role, he says he wants the public to see a new side of him. And Lee Soo Hyuk has certainly done that in "Valid Love. Within the third and fourth episodes of that drama, he established himself as worthy of such smoldering roles.

Lee Soo Hyuk spent more of his career as a model than an actor. He debuted on the runway in Jung Wook Jun's 2006 fashion shows and has been featured in magazines such as GQ, Bazaar and Elle. His k-drama resume includes appearances in "White Christmas," "Deep-Rooted Tree" and "Vampire Idol" and in "Shark" he played Kim Nam Gil's assistant.

As a model he has an edgy urban look. As an actor until recently he was known for his cool, aloof appeal. But it wasn't until "The King of High School Manners" that his roles helped him seem more human and vulnerable. Even he admits that until recently his characters left some cold.

"I've acted many characters that don't seem quite human," he said.

In the tvN drama, he plays a carpenter who regrets hiring and dismisses the quirky painter, Il Ri, played by Lee Si Young. But she's a person who will not accept rejection. She will face it again and again until the person finally accepts her, as she did with her husband, her former teacher. So she keeps showing up at his studio/house, trying to win him over.

Lee Si Young has admitted that she finds Lee Soo Hyuk so handsome it's hard to feel comfortable acting in romantic scenes with him. She's more honest than her character. Il Ri can't admit her attraction.

His character suspects as much and it doesn't take long for the two to start an affair. There's a dangerous edge to his character, which is best seen in the scene where he uses a hammer to gently and suggestively outline Il Ri's collarbone. Viewers may never think of Lee Soo Hyuk the same way again.

The drama also stars Uhm Tae Woong as Jang Tae Hee, Il Ri's husband.

Kim So Woo, who wrote "My Lovely Sam Soon," wrote the screenplay for "Valid Love." Han Ji Seung, who directed "Alone in Love" is the drama's director.