The Ultimate List: 6 Lee Min Ho Dramas You Must Watch! [Birthday Special!]
- Anwaya Mane
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
Happy Birthday, Lee Min Ho! The charismatic and talented Hallyu superstar turns 38 today. The handsome actor has long been a torchbearer of the global Hallyu wave and is one of the most recognized and celebrated Korean actors.
Lee Min Ho is such a massive superstar that, more often than not, fans overlook the fact that he is, in fact, a good actor who has done some interesting work for over a decade. Some hits, some misses—but the fact remains that, in his own way, Lee Min Ho has always pushed the envelope. We list six Lee Min Ho dramas that define his inimitable legacy!
When the Stars Gossip (2025)
The official poster for When The Stars Gossip (Image via tvN). In this space-themed romantic comedy, Lee Min Ho takes on the role of Gong Ryong, a skilled and dependable obstetrician-gynaecologist who finds himself on an unexpected journey to a space station as a civilian tourist. There, he crosses paths with Eve (Gong Hyo Jin), the fierce and no-nonsense commander-in-chief. Against all odds—and in the most unlikely of settings—the two spark an unconventional romance in outer space. While the drama didn’t achieve high ratings, fans appreciated Lee Min Ho’s sincere performance and praised his willingness to experiment with a quirky, genre-blending role. His portrayal of Gong Ryong brought warmth, humour, and heartfelt emotion to a bold and unusual premise.
Pachinko (2022–present)
The official poster for Pachinko (Image via Apple TV+)
Based on Min Jin Lee’s acclaimed novel, Pachinko is a sweeping, emotional saga that spans generations, centring on the life of Sunja, portrayed by both Kim Min Ha and Youn Yuh Jung in her later years. Lee Min Ho takes on one of his most complex roles to date as Koh Hansu, a wealthy, arrogant Zainichi Korean merchant living in Osaka, Japan. His affair with Sunja results in the birth of their son, Noa, setting off a chain of events that shape the family’s future.
What begins as a seemingly villainous character slowly reveals deeper emotional layers, and Lee Min Ho brings a striking depth to Hansu, balancing charm, menace, and vulnerability. It's a transformative, career-defining performance that proves his range goes far beyond the romantic leads he’s best known for.
3. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Marking Lee Min Ho’s highly anticipated comeback after his military service—and his second collaboration with acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun Sook—The King: Eternal Monarch is a celebration of Lee Min Ho the superstar, in all his grandeur. He plays Lee Gon, an orphaned emperor ruling a modern-day monarchy, who discovers a parallel universe and sets out to find the woman who once saved him: detective Jeong Tae Eul, played by Kim Go Eun. While the drama faced its share of criticism for pacing and plot complexity, Lee Min Ho grounded the high-concept fantasy with a heartfelt, sincere performance.
He infused the regal Lee Gon with quiet vulnerability, making the character feel real beneath all the royal polish. The emotionally charged scene where he rescues Tae Eul, cradling her in his arms as he weeps, remains one of his most unforgettable moments, etched in the memories of fans who saw the raw emotion behind the crown.
4. City Hunter (2011)
With City Hunter, Lee Min Ho proved he could break free from the “rich, arrogant boy” typecast that had defined his earlier roles. Based on the popular Japanese manga of the same name, this high-octane drama gave him the perfect opportunity to showcase his range—and he delivered in style. Lee Min Ho plays Lee Yoon Sung (also known as Poochai), a skilled operative trained to infiltrate the Blue House with the ultimate goal of avenging his father’s death. But as he begins to expose the corruption behind those responsible, he realizes the truth is more complicated than he imagined—and the path to justice is far from straightforward.
Slick, agile, and emotionally resonant, Lee Min Ho shines as an action hero with depth. His commanding presence, physical agility, and vulnerability made City Hunter a breakout hit. Here’s hoping he takes on another gripping action-thriller with a touch of romance soon.
5. Personal Taste (2010)
After the explosive success of Boys Over Flowers, Lee Min Ho took a refreshing turn with this charming romantic comedy alongside fellow Hallyu star Son Ye Jin. In Personal Taste, he plays Jeon Jin Ho, a meticulous architect struggling to keep his firm afloat. A twist of fate leads him to cross paths with Park Kae In (Son Ye Jin), a quirky, clumsy furniture designer nursing a broken heart. Though complete opposites at first, the two gradually grow closer, and Jin Ho finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her warmth and sincerity.
Personal Taste is a sweet, feel-good drama with a strong emotional core. Lee Min Ho brings a soft charm and vulnerability to his “green flag” character, offering a more understated performance that highlights his versatility beyond high-drama roles.
6. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
There’s no denying that some of Lee Min Ho’s biggest career-defining roles involve playing rich, complicated male leads—and Boys Over Flowers is where it all began. Based on the popular Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango, the drama catapulted Lee Min Ho to instant stardom with his portrayal of Gu Jun Pyo, the hot-headed and arrogant leader of the elite F4, and heir to the powerful Shinhwa Group, South Korea’s largest conglomerate.
Gu Jun Pyo is rude, entitled, and treats his classmates poorly—until he meets Geum Jan Di (played by Ku Hye Sun), a tough, outspoken scholarship student who refuses to be intimidated. Her presence turns his world upside down.
What makes the character memorable is the undeniable charm Lee Min Ho brings to the role. Despite Gu Jun Pyo’s flaws, you never truly hate him—his over-the-top antics amuse you. The drama not only showcased Lee Min Ho’s strong screen presence but also his natural comedic timing and ability to infuse humor into even the most exaggerated moments. Boys Over Flowers remains iconic, a cultural phenomenon that solidified Lee Min Ho’s place in the K-drama hall of fame.
All of Lee Min Ho’s dramas are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+. Which is your favorite Lee Min Ho drama? Let us know in the comments below!
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