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The true blue poster boy of the Hallyu Wave whose name itself can evoke powerful emotions amongst fans who transcend geographies and time zones bound by their devotion to an actor who is best described as an emotion. The multi hyphenated Lee Min Ho’s good looks and screen presence are often spoken in the same breath. As the Prince Charming of the screens turns 36 on June 22 lets revisit 5 of his must watch dramas
“Boys Over Flowers”
A drama which continues to retain its timeless appeal, was also the show which catapulted Lee Min Ho to matinée idol status, making him the ultimate poster boy of cool.
The F4 headlined by Gu Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho) the arrogant rich heir to the illustrious Shinhwa Group of Industries along Ji Hoo( Kim Hyun Jung),Woo Bin( Kim Joon) and Yi Jung( Kim Bum) have a nobility like status at the super elite Shinhwa High School. The arrival of Geum Jan Di ( Ku Hye Sun) , a dry cleaner’s daughter, ruffles Jun Pyo’s feathers. Jan Di does not care for Jun Pyo’s demi god like status nor is she taken in by his wealth. Though she and F4 have a rocky start, buy her feisty and spunky spirit soon make her a favorite amongst the boys. But it’s the push and pull between Jun Pyo’s feelings for Jan Di which form the core, as he realises his love for her, but winning her is tougher than he anticipated.
The classic rich boy poor girl love story, “Boys Over Flowers” remains one of those frequently visited dramas, even after 14 years since it first aired in 2009. A show which initiated many into K-drama land found its way into popular culture and continues to have a devout fandom.
“Heirs”
Kim Tan ( Lee Min Ho) is the lonely rich boy, unsure and uncertain about his position in his rich household. It all changes when he encounters Eun Sang( Park Shin Hye). Eun Sang is the daughter of their household help and has also won a seat in his super elite private school. As he leaves no stone unturned in winning her over, the third angle in their love story is none other than his bestie turned enemy Young Do ( Kim Woo Bin). The classic rich boy poor girl love story is a fun and wholesome watch. Lee Min Ho once again proves why he is the king of romance.
“Legend Of The Blue Sea”
Heo Jun Jae (Lee Min Ho)is a con man who meets Shim Chung (Jun Ji Hyun) in Spain. Even for a man with his knack for gauging people, he finds her strange. What Jun Jae does not realize is she is actually a mermaid, and he has a connection with her since a previous lifetime.
Shim Chung follows him to Seoul, and though his memories of their meeting in Spain are wiped out, he is deeply affected and drawn towards her. Jun Jae is also dealing with severe daddy issues and is estranged from his father and abandoned by his mother. A fairytale set in the modern context, “Legend of the Blue Sea,” a love story with a fantastical twist. Jun Ji Hyun as Shim Chung is endearing and her comic timing very impressive. Lee Min Ho is charmingly delightful as the mischievous and sharp Jun Jae.
“King: The Eternal Monarch”
Lee Gon( Lee Min Ho) the King Of Korea cannot shake off the memories of the trauma which continues to haunt him since he was a child. Having witnessed to his father’s brutal death, he remembers the identity card of a woman called Tae Eul( Kim Go Eun) before he is saved. Lee Gon discovers a portal leading to another world, S Korea, and encounters Tae Eul,who is a detective in Seoul, who is the woman he is looking for. The inevitable happens as the two get enveloped in a passionate love affair, he takes it upon him to safeguard the woman he loves, as he embarks on a journey of portal hopping, manipulating fate and even encountering alter selves of people he knows.
Lee Min Ho’s flamboyant charm is enough to keep you riveted in an otherwise confusing plot.
“Pachinko”
The adaptation of Korean-American author Min Jin Lee’s evocative bestseller Pachinko, showcases Lee Min Ho in a very different avatar. Not only did he audition for the role, since “he wanted the part”, but he also shed his romantic hero image to play Koh Hansu,charming yet ruthless yakuza (member of a crime syndicate), who sets off sequence of turbulent events in the life of the woman he loves Sunja ( Kim Min Ha). Though Hansu can be menacing towards those who scorn him, but his obsessive devotion towards Sunja and the desire to make her his own consume him.
The actor described his character as a “heartbreaking man” who comes with immense baggage. Lee Min Ho comes tops in his portrayal of Hansu and was a scene stealer.
