Lee Jong-hwa (born February 15, 1994), also known as Jota, is a South Korean actor, singer and model. He is a former member of South Korean boy group Madtown.
Early life In high school, Lee planned to become a professional judo competitor. However, an ankle injury ended that dream and he decided to pursue a career in entertainment instead.
In 2013, he was a backup dancer in Lee Hyori's "Bad Girls" music video and promotions.
Career Lee debuted with the South Korean boy group Madtown in October 2014, under his stage name Jota. In December 2015, he auditioned for Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education, where he was chosen for judo and was announced as the new ace due to his professional judo skills. He won many matches with experienced judo players. In early January 2016, it was confirmed that he would be a cast member of the Law of the Jungle in Tonga. In May 2016, he joined the fourth season of We Got Married, appearing alongside model Kim Jin-kyung.
In 2017, Madtown disbanded. In October 2018, it was announced that he signed an exclusive contract with King Kong by Starship to promote as an actor under his real name.
Filmography Variety show Year Title Role Notes2015–2016 Let's Go! Dream Team Season 2 Fixed member Jota won 2nd place in the episode 259, 1st place in 267, 278, 317, 329 Cool Kiz on the Block Cast member Judo (Episodes 131–143, 168, 170) Volleyball (Episodes 146–163) Wrestling (Episodes 166–167)2016 Law of the Jungle in Tonga Cast member Episodes 203–207 We Got Married Cast member with Kim Jin-kyung (Episodes 321–350)Real MenCast memberManly Men Special King of Mask Singer Contestant as "Sexy Brain Scarecrow" (Episode 85) 2017 Idol Acting Competition – I'm an Actor Main cast Episode 1–122018Law of the Jungle in MexicoCast memberEpisodes 314–320
Drama Year Title RoleNotes 2016 Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo Choi Tae-hoonCameo (Episodes 1, 15) 2019 Touch Your Heart Lee Jong-hwaIntern Jong-hwa (Episode 8) 2019 The Running Mates: Human Rights Lee Sung WooCameo (Episodes 7, 8)
Awards and nominations Year Award Nominated work Category Result2016 SBS Entertainment Awards Law of the Jungle in Tonga Bromance Best Couple Award (with Seo Kang-joon) MBC Entertainment Awards We Got Married Best couple (with Kim Jin-kyung)
References