Lee Min-ho | Success Story of the Multifaceted Artist

Lee Min-ho is one of the most prominent stars in the South Korean industry. He is an actor, singer, model, businessman, and creative director. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Min-ho gained worldwide recognition in 2009 after starring in Boys Over Flowers. He has been a part of the entertainment industry for two decades. In his career, he has received several accolades. Moreover, on social media, Lee Min-ho is South Korea’s most followed actor.

About

Lee Min-ho is Asia’s most favored actor across the globe. During the last decade, he has achieved unparalleled success in the TV industry. He has starred in blockbuster dramas like The King: Eternal Monarch, The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, City Hunter, and Pachinko. Moreover, he has been the brand ambassador of top brands like LG, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Etude House, Kia Motors, Berluti, Ferrero Group, and Domino’s Pizza. Throughout his career, Lee Min-ho has worked with iconic actors like Park Min-young, Kim Go-eun, Jun Ji-hyun, Park Shin-hye, and Youn Yuh-jung.

Early Life

On the 22nd of June 1987, Lee Min-ho was born in Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea. At the time of birth, he was underweight. Growing up, little Min-ho loved playing soccer. For schooling, he attended Namseong Elementary School. At school, his classmates often bullied him for his appearance. He was a tall and skinny kid with tanned skin. Kids used to tease him with different names to insult him. However, Min-ho focused on soccer and improvised his soccer skills. As a result, he earned an opportunity to play in Cha Bum-kun’s soccer class. It was one of the most prestigious soccer classes at the time. Only prodigies were allowed to take part in Bum-kun’s class. But Min-ho’s journey in the soccer class didn’t last long. 

When Min-ho was twelve, he broke his arm during a football match. The injury forced him to leave soccer. Moreover, Min-ho’s father wanted him to focus on his studies. Consequently, Min-ho abandoned his dreams of becoming a professional football player. After reaching middle school, he started getting numerous street offers. His height and appearance attracted many people. As a result, after going to high school, Min-ho started inclining toward acting. For his high school education, he attended Danggok High School in Gwanak-gu. Min-ho began working as a model and posed for a few magazines. Simultaneously, he came across Starhaus Entertainment’s future president. After meeting him, Min-ho decided to become an actor.

Beginning of Career

While Min-ho was still a teenager, he landed minor roles in several dramas like Recipe of Love, Nonstop, and Romance. After completing high school, he enrolled at Konkuk University. He started studying Film Arts at the university. Simultaneously, he auditioned for roles in TV dramas. Min-ho had to face several rejections before landing a prominent role. In 2006, he appeared as one of the main leads in Secret Campus, alongside future star Park Bo-young. But the same year, his career was put on hold. Min-ho had a car accident with three of his friends. Two of them who were sitting in the front seats died immediately. Min-ho and his friend Jung Il-woo, sitting in the back seat, faced severe injuries. For several months, Min-ho was bedridden. It was one of the most traumatic experiences of his life. He was just twenty years old at the time. 

Initial Years

After the accident, Min-ho’s parents and close friends helped him through the emotional and physical trauma. In 2007, Min-ho returned with Mackerel Run, a high school drama. It was his first drama as the main lead. However, the show was unsuccessful. Later, the television network reduced the show to eight episodes. Lee Min-ho made his big screen debut in 2008. Kang Woo-suk cast Min-ho in the sequel of Public Enemy. The same year, he starred in Our School’s E.T. In both movies, Min-ho played minor roles. It was in 2009 when his career took an unexpected and successful turn. KBS cast him as the leader of F4 (the most potent boys’ group) in the drama Boys Over Flowers.

Worldwide Recognition 

After portraying the character of Gu Jun-pyo, Lee Min-ho became a Hallyu star. Boys Over Flowers gained recognition across Asia. The show’s high viewership and popularity made Min-ho gain several endorsement deals. In 2011, he starred in City Hunter, a drama based on Japanese manga. Min-ho achieved broader recognition in Japan, the Philippines, and China through City Hunter. In 2013, Madame Tussauds Shanghai wax museum honored him with a wax statue. The same year, Min-ho appeared in The Heirs. It was a global hit. Later, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong wax museum unveiled Min-ho’s second wax statue. In 2016, he starred in the comedy-drama Bounty Hunters. The film achieved unparalleled success in China. Through these performances, Lee Min-ho became one of Korea’s most reputed artists.

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