Lee Min-ho is one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, known for his charming smile, impressive acting skills, and ability to bring characters to life on screen. With a career spanning over two decades, Lee Min-ho has starred in numerous popular Korean dramas and movies that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best Korean dramas and movies featuring Lee Min-ho that you absolutely must watch.
1. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Let’s start with the drama that catapulted Lee Min-ho to stardom – “Boys Over Flowers.” This romantic comedy tells the story of a poor girl who enters an elite high school and catches the attention of F4, a group of rich and handsome boys led by Lee Min-ho’s character, Gu Jun-pyo.
As the arrogant and spoiled heir to a wealthy family, Lee Min-ho perfectly captures Jun-pyo’s transformation from a bully to a caring boyfriend. The chemistry between him and the female lead, Geum Jan-di, is electric, making this drama a must-watch for any Lee Min-ho fan.
“Boys Over Flowers” is not only entertaining but also showcases Lee Min-ho’s ability to portray complex emotions. It’s a great starting point for those new to Korean dramas and Lee Min-ho’s work.
2. The Heirs (2013)
Another popular drama starring Lee Min-ho is “The Heirs.” In this series, he plays Kim Tan, the heir to a massive business empire who falls in love with a poor girl named Cha Eun-sang. The drama explores themes of love, friendship, and the pressures of being born into wealth and power.
Lee Min-ho’s portrayal of Kim Tan is both charming and vulnerable. He perfectly captures the internal struggle of a young man torn between his family’s expectations and his own desires. The drama also features a star-studded cast, making it a treat for K-drama fans.
“The Heirs” is known for its beautiful cinematography, fashionable outfits, and addictive storyline. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy romantic dramas with a touch of luxury and glamour.
3. The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016)
In “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” Lee Min-ho takes on a dual role as both a modern-day con artist and a nobleman from the Joseon era. This fantasy romance tells the story of a mermaid who follows her love to Seoul and tries to adapt to life on land.
Lee Min-ho’s performance in this drama is particularly impressive as he seamlessly switches between his two characters. His chemistry with co-star Jun Ji-hyun is delightful, and their comedic timing adds a lot of fun to the series.
This drama is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of romance, comedy, and fantasy. It’s also a great showcase of Lee Min-ho’s versatility as an actor.
4. City Hunter (2011)
For those who prefer action and suspense, “City Hunter” is an excellent choice. In this drama, Lee Min-ho plays Lee Yoon-sung, a highly skilled young man on a mission to avenge his father’s death by targeting corrupt politicians.
Lee Min-ho’s performance in “City Hunter” is intense and captivating. He perfectly balances the character’s cool, calculated exterior with his inner emotional turmoil. The action scenes are well-choreographed, and Lee Min-ho performs many of his own stunts.
This drama is a thrilling ride from start to finish, with a perfect blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. It’s a must-watch for those who want to see Lee Min-ho in a more serious, action-packed role.
5. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
One of Lee Min-ho’s more recent dramas, “The King: Eternal Monarch,” is a fantasy romance that explores the concept of parallel universes. Lee Min-ho plays Lee Gon, the emperor of a modern-day Korean monarchy who crosses into a parallel world where he meets a tough detective named Jung Tae-eul.
This drama showcases Lee Min-ho’s growth as an actor, as he portrays a mature and regal character with depth and nuance. The story is complex and intriguing, with beautiful visuals and an engaging plot that keeps viewers guessing.
“The King: Eternal Monarch” is perfect for those who enjoy sci-fi elements mixed with romance and drama. It’s a testament to Lee Min-ho’s ability to take on challenging and unique roles.
6. Personal Taste (2010)
In “Personal Taste,” Lee Min-ho plays Jeon Jin-ho, an architect who pretends to be gay to become the roommate of a woman he needs information from for a business deal. This romantic comedy is full of hilarious misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.
Lee Min-ho’s performance as Jin-ho is charming and funny. He shows great comedic timing and a softer side that wasn’t as apparent in his previous roles. The drama is light-hearted and easy to watch, making it perfect for those looking for a feel-good romance.
7. Faith (2012)
“Faith,” also known as “The Great Doctor,” is a historical fantasy drama where Lee Min-ho plays Choi Young, a warrior from the Goryeo period who travels to the future to bring back a doctor to save the queen.
This drama allows Lee Min-ho to showcase his skills in action scenes and historical settings. His portrayal of Choi Young is strong and charismatic, with a touch of vulnerability that makes the character endearing.
“Faith” is an excellent choice for those who enjoy historical dramas with a fantasy twist. It’s also a great opportunity to see Lee Min-ho in a different type of role.
8. Gangnam Blues (2015)
Moving to the big screen, “Gangnam Blues” is a gritty crime film set in the 1970s. Lee Min-ho plays Kim Jong-dae, a young man who gets caught up in the violent world of real estate development and organized crime.
This film shows a completely different side of Lee Min-ho. His performance is raw and intense, proving that he can handle serious dramatic roles just as well as romantic leads. The movie is dark and violent, but it’s a must-watch for those who want to see the full range of Lee Min-ho’s acting abilities.
9. Bounty Hunters (2016)
“Bounty Hunters” is an action-comedy film where Lee Min-ho plays Lee San, a bounty hunter who teams up with other skilled individuals to catch criminals for money. This movie is full of exciting action sequences and comedic moments.
Lee Min-ho’s performance in this film is charismatic and fun. He shows off his action skills and proves that he can handle lighthearted roles with ease. The movie is entertaining and perfect for those who enjoy action films with a touch of humor.
10. Pachinko (2022)
Last but not least, we have “Pachinko,” a critically acclaimed series based on the novel by Min Jin Lee. While Lee Min-ho is not the main character, his performance as Koh Hansu, a mysterious and powerful fish broker, is unforgettable.
This series allows Lee Min-ho to showcase his acting skills in a more mature and complex role. His portrayal of Hansu is nuanced and captivating, proving that he can hold his own in a star-studded international cast.
“Pachinko” is a must-watch not only for Lee Min-ho fans but for anyone who appreciates high-quality storytelling and performances. It’s a testament to Lee Min-ho’s growth as an actor and his ability to take on challenging roles.