Renowned for his compelling screen presence and magnetic charisma, Lee Min-ho first rose to prominence with his iconic portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers (2009), a role that not only catapulted him to domestic stardom but also cemented his status as a global sensation. His subsequent performances in City Hunter (2011), The Heirs (2013), and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020) demonstrated his versatility and solidified his place as a cornerstone of Korean drama’s international appeal.
With a fanbase spanning continents and digital platforms alike, Lee Min-ho has consistently bridged cultures—bringing Korean storytelling into the global mainstream.
Profile
- Name: Lee Min-ho
- Birth Name: Lee Min-ho (이민호)
- Birthday: June 22, 1987
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Height: 187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
- Instagram: @actorleeminho
- Twitter: @actorleeminho
Career
Early Roles and a Stage Name
Lee Min-ho’s professional journey began with a series of minor roles in television shows such as “Romance” (2002) and the popular sitcom Nonstop 5. His official debut role came in 2006 with the EBS series “Secret Campus.”
During this nascent stage of his career, he briefly adopted the stage name “Lee Min.” His agency had suggested the change, feeling his birth name was too commonplace. However, the name proved to be a practical hindrance; “imin” (이민) is the Korean word for “immigration,” making it nearly impossible for him to be found in internet search results. He quickly reverted to his birth name, an early and practical lesson in the importance of a distinct public identity in the digital age.
The 2006 Car Crash: A Defining Tragedy
At age 19, Lee Min-ho survived a devastating car crash that killed all others involved except him and close friend Jung Il-woo. The accident left Lee Min-ho with serious injuries, including fractured thigh and ankle bones, requiring a metal rod and nearly a year of recovery. He later spoke about the emotional toll, describing feelings of denial, anger, and despair as his career came to a standstill.
The crash’s long-term effects influenced his military service—he was assigned public duty instead of active combat—and a second accident during “City Hunter” filming in 2011 reinforced his resilience. Lee Min-ho’s journey from trauma to triumph has become a powerful part of his public image.
The Role of a Lifetime: Gu Jun-pyo
In 2009, fully recovered and back to acting, Lee Min-ho landed the role that would irrevocably change his life and the landscape of Korean television: Gu Jun-pyo, the arrogant, wealthy, and charismatic leader of the “F4” clique in the KBS2 drama “Boys Over Flowers.” The character’s signature curly hairstyle, which Lee Min-ho was initially hesitant about, became a national and then international trend, an early sign of his immense influence. The public’s initial criticism of the unconventional look quickly gave way to widespread imitation, marking his first major impact on popular culture.
Strategic Evolution: Beyond the Curls
Following the explosive success of “Boys Over Flowers,” Lee Min-ho embarked on a decade of carefully curated projects designed to expand his range, solidify his international stardom, and prevent him from being permanently typecast as a high-school chaebol heir. Each role was a strategic move, building upon the last to construct a durable and multifaceted career.
Following the explosive success of “Boys Over Flowers,” Lee Min-ho made a strategic move in 2010 with “Personal Taste,” starring opposite Son Ye-jin. Playing an architect who pretends to be gay to become roommates with a woman, he aimed to show a softer, more mature, and humorous side—marking a shift from his intense melodramatic debut.
In 2011, he took on a completely different role in the action-thriller “City Hunter.” The drama was both a domestic and international hit, proving he could handle physically demanding roles and establishing a tougher, more masculine image. The series also included a minor car accident during filming, reinforcing his public image of resilience.
By 2013, Lee Min-ho returned to his romantic roots with “The Heirs,” portraying a wealthy high school student. Although some critics questioned the choice, the drama became a global phenomenon—amassing over one billion views in China and becoming the most expensive Korean drama sold to Japan that year. It cemented his position as a top Hallyu star.
After completing his military service, he made his comeback in 2020 with “The King: Eternal Monarch.” Though local ratings were mixed, the fantasy-romance performed exceptionally well on Netflix across Asia and even in the U.S., reaffirming his enduring global popularity.
Conquering the Big Screen
Parallel to his television work, Lee Min-ho made calculated forays into film to further diversify his portfolio. In 2015, he took a significant risk by starring in the gritty action noir “Gangnam Blues.” The role of a gangster was a stark departure from his polished drama image, a move designed to earn critical respect. The gamble paid off when he won Best New Actor at the 52nd Grand Bell Awards, one of South Korea’s most prestigious film awards.
In 2016, he starred in the China-produced action-comedy Bounty Hunters, a clear strategic move to capitalize on and further cultivate his immense popularity in the lucrative Chinese market.
Military Service (2017-2019)
Lee Min-ho began his mandatory military service on May 12, 2017. Due to the severe, lasting injuries from his 2006 car accident, he was deemed unfit for active combat duty following a physical examination. He fulfilled his obligation as a public service officer, primarily stationed at the Suseo Social Welfare Centre in Gangnam, Seoul. He was officially discharged on April 25, 2019, poised to enter the next phase of his global career.
Transformative Turn with “Pachinko”
After completing his military service, Lee Min-ho made a bold career pivot with “Pachinko,” an Apple TV+ adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s best-selling novel. Eschewing the typical K-drama format, he took on the role of Koh Hansu—a morally complex merchant entangled with the show’s central family. The role required a layered, multilingual performance in both Korean and Japanese, marking a significant evolution from his earlier romantic leads.
Premiering in 2022, “Pachinko” earned widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its cinematic scale and Lee Min-ho’s nuanced portrayal of Hansu. The role redefined his image from Hallyu heartthrob to serious international actor, following mixed domestic reviews of “The King: Eternal Monarch.”
This career risk paid off, establishing him as a versatile performer capable of complex, character-driven work. Looking ahead, Lee Min-ho continues this trajectory with roles in the sci-fi romance “When the Stars Gossip” and the film adaptation of “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint,” signaling a commitment to genre diversity and global storytelling.
Personal Life
Early Life
Lee Min-ho was born on June 22, 1987, in Heukseok-dong, a neighborhood in the Dongjak District of Seoul, South Korea. Raised in a Buddhist household, he is the younger of two children, with one older sister, Lee Yoon-jung, who would later play a significant role in managing his career. His childhood, by his own account, was ordinary, marked by the playful nicknames given to him by his peers. In elementary school, he was called ‘kkamdungi’ (a colloquial term for a dark-skinned person) due to his tan; in middle school, he was dubbed ‘skeleton’ for his slender frame; and in high school, his playful personality earned him the moniker ‘demon’.
The Soccer Dream and a Fateful Injury
Before acting entered his purview, Lee Min-ho’s singular passion was football. His talent was significant enough to earn him a place in the junior football program managed by the legendary South Korean player and coach Cha Bum-kun. He harbored serious aspirations of becoming a professional player, idolizing international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo. However, this path was abruptly cut short. During a match in the fifth grade of elementary school, he suffered a severe arm injury that permanently ended his dreams of a professional soccer career.
The Pivot to Acting
Forced to abandon his athletic ambitions, Lee Min-ho turned his focus toward academics and, eventually, the performing arts. During his second year of high school, his interest in acting and modeling began to blossom. He posed for several magazines, and through a chance encounter, he met the future president of Starhaus Entertainment, the agency he would officially sign with in 2005.
Even as he embarked on this new path, he continued his formal education, demonstrating a commitment to his craft that extended beyond practical performance. He enrolled at Konkuk University’s prestigious College of Art and Design, where he majored in Film Arts and obtained his bachelor’s degree. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Film at Kookmin University Graduate School, underscoring a deep-seated desire to master the theoretical and intellectual aspects of his profession.
Relationships
Lee Min-ho has remained largely private about his personal life. His most high-profile confirmed relationships have been with his co-stars.
- Park Min-young (2011-2012): Following their collaboration on “City Hunter,” Lee Min-ho and Park Min-young’s agencies confirmed in August 2011 that the two were dating. The relationship was short-lived, with their agencies announcing their separation in January 2012, citing their demanding schedules as the reason for the split.
- Bae Suzy (2015-2017): In March 2015, it was confirmed that Lee Min-ho was dating actress and singer Bae Suzy, a member of the popular girl group Miss A. Their relationship became one of the most talked-about in the Korean entertainment industry. After nearly three years together, their respective agencies confirmed their amicable separation in November 2017.
Other dating rumors, including speculation involving co-stars Park Shin-hye and Kim Go-eun, have been officially denied by his agency.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Lee Min-ho’s estimated net worth is around $26 million, placing him among the wealthiest actors in South Korea. His income stems primarily from his acting career, starring in blockbuster dramas like “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Heirs,” and the Apple TV+ epic “Pachinko.”
Beyond acting, Lee Min-ho is one of the most sought-after brand ambassadors in Asia, having endorsed luxury brands such as Fendi, Berluti, and BOSS, reportedly earning $15 million in one year from endorsements alone. With over 35 million followers on Instagram, he commands up to $211,000 per sponsored post, further boosting his earnings. He also owns several high-value properties in Seoul, including a luxury villa in Seongbuk-dong and an upscale apartment in Mark Hills.
In addition, Lee Min-ho runs a successful YouTube channel, leeminho film, and has invested in cars and creative ventures, cementing his status not just as a star, but a savvy businessman.
PROMIZ: A Platform for Giving Back
In 2014, Lee Min-ho established PROMIZ, an innovative fundraising and donation platform that reflects his commitment to social causes. The name itself is a portmanteau of “Promise,” “Lee Min-ho,” and “MINOZ,” the official name of his fanbase, explicitly positioning his followers as partners in his philanthropic work.
Operating under the value of “Fun+Donation,” PROMIZ aims to make charitable giving engaging and accessible. The platform focuses on three main areas: providing clean water, protecting the environment, and supporting children’s welfare. Through the sale of branded merchandise and targeted campaigns, PROMIZ has funded numerous projects, including well-digging initiatives in Africa through Charity: Water, providing aid to victims of the 2015 Nepal earthquake via UNICEF, and donating tons of rice and kimchi to children’s centers in South Korea. The platform’s success and transparency have been recognized with the Korea Good Brand Award for three consecutive years.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Medium | Notes |
| 2002 | Romance | Troubled Student | TV Series | Minor Role |
| 2004 | Nonstop 5 | MC Mong | TV Series | Guest Role |
| 2005 | Recipe of Love | Waiter | TV Series | Minor Role |
| 2006 | Secret Campus | Park Doo-hyun | TV Series | Official Debut Role |
| 2007 | Mackerel Run | Cha Gong-chan | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2007 | I Am Sam | Heo Mo-se | TV Series | Main Role |
| 2008 | Get Up | Min Wook-gi | TV Film | Lead Role |
| 2008 | Public Enemy Returns | Jung Ha-yeon | Film | Supporting Role |
| 2008 | Our School’s E.T. | Oh Sang-hoon | Film | Main Role |
| 2009 | Boys Over Flowers | Gu Jun-pyo | TV Series | Breakthrough Lead Role |
| 2010 | Personal Taste | Jeon Jin-ho | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2011 | City Hunter | Lee Yoon-sung | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2012 | Faith | Choi Young | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2013 | The Heirs | Kim Tan | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2015 | Gangnam Blues | Kim Jong-dae | Film | First Film Lead Role |
| 2016 | Bounty Hunters | Yi San | Film | Lead Role |
| 2016 | The Legend of the Blue Sea | Heo Joon-jae / Kim Dam-ryeong | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2020 | The King: Eternal Monarch | Emperor Lee Gon | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2022 | Pachinko | Koh Hansu | TV Series | Main Role |
| 2025 | When the Stars Gossip | Gong Ryong | TV Series | Lead Role |
| 2025 | Omniscient Reader | Yoo Joong-hyuk | Film | Lead Role |
