The Unexpected Revelation
Lee Min Ho, Korea’s beloved Hallyu star, recently opened up about his challenging journey to stardom through Boys Over Flowers. The actor revealed that his portrayal of Gu Jun Pyo in the 2009 hit drama initially faced severe criticism. This candid confession came during the promotion of his latest drama, showing how far he’s come from those early days.
The revelation emerged during a promotional interview for his new tvN drama “When the Stars Gossip,” where he plays an intriguing role as an OB-GYN turned space tourist.
His co-star Gong Hyo Jin’s curiosity about his past experiences led to this unexpected discussion, giving fans a rare glimpse into his early career struggles.
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The Truth Behind the Hate Comments
What sparked the hate wasn’t his iconic curly hairstyle, as many might assume. Instead, viewers strongly reacted to his character’s bullying behavior towards Geum Jan Di, played by actress Koo Hye Sun. The intensity of these reactions manifested in numerous hate comments flooding his mini homepage after the first episode aired.
The character of Gu Jun Pyo, while now considered iconic, initially drew criticism for his harsh treatment of the female lead. This reaction highlighted how deeply invested Korean drama viewers were in character development and social messages, even back in 2009.
Despite the initial backlash, Lee Min Ho’s portrayal eventually won over viewers’ hearts. His transformation from a controversial rookie to a beloved star showcases the power of perseverance in the entertainment industry. The role became a turning point in his career, establishing him as a versatile actor capable of handling complex character arcs.
From Criticism to Acclaim
The actor’s journey from facing criticism to becoming a household name is truly remarkable. His performance as Gu Jun Pyo earned him the prestigious “Best New Actor – Television” award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards. This recognition marked the beginning of his reign as one of Korea’s most sought-after leading men.
Now, over a decade later, Lee Min Ho continues to challenge himself with diverse roles. His current project, “When the Stars Gossip,” showcases his evolution as an actor. In this series, he portrays a medical professional involved in a secret mission that takes him to space, demonstrating his ability to tackle various genres and character types.
The drama also features talented co-stars like Gong Hyo Jin, who plays an elite space scientist and commander, and Oh Jung-Se as a fruit fly research scientist. This stellar cast combination promises another potentially iconic performance from Lee Min Ho.
The Impact on Korean Entertainment
Lee Min Ho’s experience with Boys Over Flowers became a significant moment in Korean entertainment history. It demonstrated how social media and public opinion could influence an actor’s career trajectory, even in the early days of Korean Wave expansion.
The drama’s success, despite initial criticism, also helped establish the formula for many future Korean dramas. It showed that character development and redemption arcs could be powerful tools for storytelling and audience engagement.
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Final Thoughts: A Star’s Journey Through Adversity
Lee Min Ho’s Boys Over Flowers experience proves that initial criticism doesn’t determine final success. His journey from receiving hate comments to becoming one of Korea’s most celebrated actors serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers.
What are your thoughts on how he handled the early hate comments? How do you think this experience shaped his approach to future roles? Share your opinions below!
