Contrary to what you might assume, my love story with K-dramas started the moment a young Lee Min Ho appeared onto my screen as Gu Jun Pyo in Boys Over Flowers. That perfectly coiffed hair, those questionable outfits (hello, preppy plaid suits), and that smirk? I (most of us) were done for. From that moment, my standards for love and drama skyrocketed to heights no mere mortal could ever reach.
For me, K-dramas are synonymous with a Lee Min Ho cinematic universe. Over the years, he’s given us everything: from majestic monarch in The King: Eternal Monarch to smooth-talking con artist in Legend of the Blue Sea. Watching him shapeshift into these dreamy characters made me fall hard—not just for him, but for the entire world of K-dramas.
The OG K-Drama Crush
Let’s get this out of the way: Lee Min Ho isn’t just a K-drama star—he’s the K-drama star. Born on June 22, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea, he skyrocketed to global fame after his breakout role as Gu Jun Pyo. That role didn’t just make him a household name in Korea—it made him an international icon.
Since then, he’s kept the hits coming with dramas like The Heirs, City Hunter, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, plus movies like Bounty Hunters and Gangnam Blues. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, he’s also the most-followed South Korean actor on Instagram with over 35 million followers. Talk about being booked, busy, and beloved.
Breaking Out of the ‘Rich Guy’ Mold
Let’s be real—Lee Min Ho has played his fair share of chaebols (wealthy heirs). And hey, we’re not complaining. Whether he’s strutting through high schools in The Heirs or ruling parallel universes in The King: Eternal Monarch, he owns those roles like a pro.
But even the king of chaebol roles knows it’s good to shake things up. Enter his latest Netflix drama, When The Stars Gossip, where he ditches the riches to play a guy from a modest background. Yes, you heard that right. He’s hustling with odd jobs and playing an OB-GYN (cue the Grey’s Anatomy vibes), and it’s honestly refreshing to see. Fans are loving the switch-up, though they can’t help but joke that his chaebol good looks still scream “private jet vibes.”
My Top Lee Min Ho K-Dramas
Let’s take a walk down memory lane with some of his best works—the ones that have me crying, laughing, and rewatching like it’s my job.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
This is the blueprint. Gu Jun Pyo wasn’t just a rich heir; he was the rich heir with a bad-boy attitude and a soft heart. Watching him battle family expectations while falling for Geum Jan Di was a masterclass in drama. Fun fact: I’ve rewatched this so many times, Netflix probably thinks it’s the only show I watch.
City Hunter (2011)
Action, suspense, romance—this show has it all. Lee Min Ho as Lee Yoon Sung had me swooning and stress-sweating in equal measure. The emotional depth? The action scenes? Chef’s kiss.
The Heirs (2013)
Kim Tan was peak “rich boy with a heart of gold” energy. His chemistry with Park Shin Hye? Absolutely electric. Plus, the iconic “Do I like you?” scene lives rent-free in my head.
The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)
A con artist falling for a literal mermaid? Only Lee Min Ho could make that work. The humor, the romance, and his ridiculous charm made this drama an instant classic.
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
If there’s one drama that proves Lee Min Ho’s versatility, it’s this one. Playing a time-traveling emperor caught between two worlds, he was regal, vulnerable, and straight-up mesmerising.
Why Lee Min Ho Will Always Be Our No. 1
Lee Min Ho isn’t just an actor; he’s an experience. What makes him different? He’s got that rare ability to make every role unforgettable. Whether he’s a high school heartthrob, a revenge-driven hero, or a parallel-universe emperor, he brings depth, charm, and a touch of magic to every character.
And let’s not ignore the global appeal. From Seoul to São Paulo, his fanbase is unmatched. Few actors have the power to connect with fans across cultures the way he does.
I can’t wrap this up without shouting out Faith (2012), where he played a stoic warrior from the Goryeo era, and Pachinko (2022), where he went dark and gritty in the best way possible. These roles showed us yet another side of his talent—and proved he’s not afraid to take risks.
If you haven’t already fallen down the Lee Min Ho rabbit hole, do yourself a favour and dive in. Trust me, it’s a journey you won’t regret.
And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself rewatching Boys Over Flowers at 2 a.m., whispering, “Gu Jun Pyo, you had me at hello.”