Lee Min-Ho, with his trademark dimples and charming swagger, rose to global fame with the iconic K-drama, ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009). This show, while later criticized for its portrayal of relationships, introduced the world to the many facets of Lee’s acting prowess. He quickly became a frontrunner of the Hallyu wave, capturing hearts worldwide. Let’s delve into his diverse filmography, revisiting the movies and TV shows that solidified his position as a beloved actor.
Boys Over Flowers (2009):
This iconic drama, based on the Japanese manga series, propelled Lee Min-Ho to stardom. He played the charismatic and wealthy Go Jun-Pyo, the leader of the F4, a group of privileged and influential high school students. The series is considered a must-watch for newcomers to K-dramas, marking a turning point in the Hallyu wave’s popularity.Personal Taste (2010):
This romantic comedy featured Lee Min-Ho alongside Son Ye-Jin, known for her role in ‘Crash Landing on You’. The film follows a furniture designer who, after a series of unfortunate events, shares a house with Lee’s character, assuming he’s gay. Their unlikely relationship blossoms amidst comical situations, culminating in a heartwarming love story.City Hunter (2011):
Lee Min-Ho took a dramatic turn in ‘City Hunter’, portraying an IT expert trained for combat to avenge his father’s death. This action-packed drama showcased his versatility as he fights against corrupt officials, assisted by a resourceful bodyguard (Park Min-Young). The series captures the thrill of vigilante justice, establishing Lee’s capability to deliver dynamic performances.Faith (2012):
‘Faith’ transports viewers to a historical fantasy setting where Lee Min-Ho portrays Choi Young, a loyal warrior in the Goryeo Dynasty. He’s tasked with bringing a modern-day plastic surgeon, Yoo Eun-soo (Kim Hee-sun), back in time to save the queen’s life. The series explores the complexities of time travel and love across different eras, with a captivating romance developing between Choi Young and Yoo Eun-soo.The Heirs (2013):
Lee Min-Ho revisited the high school genre with ‘The Heirs’, a story centered around a young woman who gets entangled in the lives of wealthy and powerful chaebol heirs. The drama explores themes of wealth, privilege, and love, resonating with fans who enjoyed ‘Boys Over Flowers’.Line Romance (2014):
This miniseries, despite its short length, achieved significant popularity, generating over $20 million in revenue. The plot follows a music producer struggling with writer’s block who finds inspiration after encountering a Chinese tourist.Gangnam Blues (2015):
Lee Min-Ho’s foray into K-movies includes ‘Gangnam Blues’, a powerful narrative set in the turbulent Gangnam district of 1970s Seoul. The story explores the complex relationship between two childhood friends caught in a world of socio-political upheaval.Summer Love (2015):
This two-episode series beautifully captures the essence of first love, focusing on a charismatic young man (Lee Min-Ho) and his summer romance with a girl (Im Yoon-ah). Their instant connection and the bittersweet challenges they face make for a heartwarming watch.The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016):
This fantasy romance captivated audiences with its magical story. Lee Min-Ho portrays a charming and adventurous man who falls in love with a mermaid. The series showcases his ability to portray a character navigating love across different lifetimes, while also showcasing his fashion sense.Bounty Hunters (2016):
This action comedy features Lee Min-Ho as a bumbling investigator wrongly accused of a terrorist bombing. He teams up with a strong-willed heiress, creating a chaotic and comedic duo on the run from rival bounty hunters.The King: Eternal Monarch (2020):
This interdimensional drama became a global hit during the pandemic, showcasing Lee Min-Ho’s versatility in portraying a regal king of Corea who traverses a portal to a parallel world and encounters a determined police detective.Pachinko (2022):
This Apple TV+ series, based on the acclaimed historical novel, features Lee Min-Ho in one of his most powerful performances. The story follows the journey of a Korean family forced to emigrate to Japan, highlighting their resilience and struggles against adversity.Ask The Stars (2024):
This upcoming drama marks Lee Min-Ho’s foray into the realm of science fiction and romance. The story follows Gong Ryong (Lee Min-Ho), an OB-GYN, who embarks on a space tourism journey and meets Captain Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin), a skilled astronaut. Their contrasting personalities spark a romantic connection amidst the challenges of space exploration.From his iconic roles in romantic comedies to his compelling performances in action-packed dramas, Lee Min-Ho has consistently captivated audiences worldwide. His diverse filmography offers something for everyone, solidifying his status as a global Hallyu star.
