Lee Min-ho

Lee Min-ho was born on June 22, 1987, in Heukseok-dong, Dongjak District, Seoul. Raised by Buddhist parents, he is the younger one of two children.{{Cite web|title=[SPN 인물탐구④]'F4 절대지존' 이민호의 모든 것이 궁금해~!(40문40답)|url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01321846589591504&mediaCodeNo=258|website=Edaily|language=ko|last=Park|first=Mi-ae|date=February 17, 2009|access-date=May 31, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211123314/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01321846589591504&mediaCodeNo=258|url-status=live}} During childhood, Lee initially hoped to become a professional football player.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

While attending Namseong Elementary School, he was selected for the junior football class of manager and ex-professional player Cha Bum-kun. However, an injury during fifth grade put an end to his aspiration.{{cite web|title=Life graph of Lee Min Ho, "Actor's job is to give hope and courage"|script-title=ko:[스타캐스트] 이민호의 인생곡선 "배우란 희망과 용기를 주는 직업"|url=http://m.star.naver.com/minho/news/end?id=2150310|work=Starcast|publisher=Naver|language=ko|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901042617/http://m.star.naver.com/minho/news/end?id=2150310|url-status=dead}} In a 2009 interview with the Asia Business Daily, he recalled that during elementary school other pupils nicknamed him kkamdungi ({{Korean|hangul=깜둥이|labels=no|lit='darkie'}}) in reference to his tan skin. Other nicknames were 'skeleton' from his time at Banpo Middle School and 'demon' in high school—the former stemmed from the thought that he was "too skinny" whereas the latter nickname was what his "playful" personality earned him.

By his first year at Danggok High School, Lee had already turned his interests to acting and modeling. After he posed for a few magazines, he met the future president of Starhaus Entertainment by chance. His professional acting career began after the encounter, and he would ultimately sign with the agency in 2005.

In 2006, Lee enrolled at Konkuk University's College of Art and Design; he has since obtained a bachelor's degree after majoring in Film Arts. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in Film at Kookmin University Graduate School.{{cite web|title='The King: Eternal Monarch' The emperor of the Korean Empire itself, 'Lee Min-ho' age and filmography|script-title=ko:'더 킹: 영원의 군주' 대한제국 황제 그 자체, '이민호' 나이와 필모그래피|url=http://www.mhns.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=406578|work=MHNS|language=ko|date=April 25, 2020|access-date=April 25, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217115501/https://www.mhns.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=406578|url-status=live}}

Lee started auditioning and landed minor roles in several television shows such as Romance (2002), Nonstop (2000–2006) and Recipe of Love (2005). His official debut (main) role was in the EBS series Secret Campus (2006).{{cite web|title=Star Diary: Lee Min-ho – Part 1|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010042609182320330|work=10Asia|last=Ko|first=Jae-wan|date=April 26, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2014|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028095233/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010042609182320330|url-status=live}} Early in his career, Lee went by the stage name Lee Min because his agency thought his birth name was too ordinary. However, as his stage name was pronounced and written in the same way as the Korean word "imin", which means "immigration", he later said it was difficult to find himself in internet search results. He eventually went back to using his original name.{{cite web|title=Star Diary: Lee Min-ho – Part 3|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010042808580745367|work=10Asia|last=Ko|first=Jae-wan|date=April 28, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2014|archive-date=May 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527001329/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010042808580745367|url-status=live}}

In 2006, his acting career was put on hold for a year following a serious car wreck, which occurred while riding in the back of a car with fellow actor Jung Il-woo. Their two friends riding in the front seat were killed instantly.{{Cite web|title=Lee Min Ho: 5 Facts You May Not Know About The 'Legend Of The Blue Sea' Korean Drama Actor|url=https://inquisitr.com/3556691/lee-min-ho-legend-of-the-blue-sea-korean-drama-news-bae-suzy-shin-min-ah-kim-woo-bin-kdrama-hallyu/|website=The Inquisitr|language=en|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419205835/https://www.inquisitr.com/3556691/lee-min-ho-legend-of-the-blue-sea-korean-drama-news-bae-suzy-shin-min-ah-kim-woo-bin-kdrama-hallyu/|url-status=live}} Lee was severely injured and spent several months bedridden. Upon recovery, Lee received his first leading role in the high-school drama Mackerel Run (2007), but the series was reduced to only eight episodes due to low viewership ratings.{{cite web|title=Star Diary: Lee Min-ho – Part 2|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010042709004335516|work=10Asia|last=Ko|first=Jae-wan|date=April 27, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225721/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010042709004335516|url-status=live}}

File:Leeminho1.jpg press conference in 2008]]

In 2008, he appeared in television dramas Get Up and I Am Sam, as well as movies Public Enemy Returns and Our School's E.T.. During the filming of the latter, he became good friends with actor Kim Su-ro. Kim later gave him praise on a variety show: "I recognize a star when I see one. When I was doing Our School's E.T., I knew that Lee Min-ho would become one of the top actors in the country".{{cite web|title=Star Diary: Lee Min-ho – Part 4|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010042909434654070|website=10Asia|last=Ko|first=Jae-wan|date=April 29, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2014|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028095548/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010042909434654070|url-status=live}}

Lee's breakthrough came in 2009 with the lead role of Gu Jun-pyo in KBS2' Boys Over Flowers, the Korean adaptation of the popular shōjo manga of the same name. Competition for the role was intense and Lee only found out that he had been cast through newspaper articles.{{cite web|title=Star Diary: Lee Min-ho – Part 5|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010043008554966117|work=10Asia|last=Ko|first=Jae-wan|date=April 30, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2014|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028095728/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010043008554966117|url-status=live}} The series attracted high viewership ratings and buzz in South Korea during its broadcast.{{cite web|title=Boys Over Flowers explodes in popularity|url=http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090311000031|work=The Korea Herald|author=Yoo Bo-lam|date=March 11, 2009|access-date=February 18, 2013|archive-date=January 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109061029/http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090311000031|url-status=live}} Lee's new-found popularity gained him many endorsement deals; Boys Over Flowers also created another Korean Wave throughout Asia and made Lee a hallyu star.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'이민호를 잡아라'...'꽃남' 인기에 광고 입도선매 경쟁|url=http://starin.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=EA31&newsid=01197206589556080&DCD=A10102|work=Edaily|language=ko|date=January 9, 2009|access-date=July 2, 2014|archive-date=October 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012035432/http://starin.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=EA31&newsid=01197206589556080&DCD=A10102|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Star Diary: Lee Min-ho – Part 9|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010050709070149777|work=10Asia|last=Ko|first=Jae-wan|date=May 7, 2010|access-date=October 28, 2014|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028095502/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010050709070149777|url-status=live}}

File:Lee Min Ho.jpg

In 2010, Lee appeared in the romantic comedy Personal Taste opposite Son Ye-jin; he played a young architect who poses as a gay man in order to become roommates with a young woman, leading to romantic complications. When asked about the reason for choosing the role during an interview, he responded: "I think I would do a better job playing heavy and more defined roles when I am older. I think Personal Taste was perfect because it is bright, cheerful but you can also laugh and cry over it as well."{{cite web|title=Son Ye-jin says relieved Lee Min-ho "not young-looking"|url=http://www.tenasia.co.kr/?construct=newContent&fz=news&gisaNo=2010032612460518731|work=10Asia|access-date=July 28, 2013|archive-date=February 18, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218205315/http://www.tenasia.co.kr/?construct=newContent&fz=news&gisaNo=2010032612460518731|url-status=bot: unknown}}

In 2011, he took on the role of the titular character in action drama City Hunter as Lee Yun-Seong, which was loosely based on Tsukasa Hojo's popular manga of the same name.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho - "I want to find a drama where I can find myself"|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011081219122782502|website=10Asia|date=August 12, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132633/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2011081219122782502|url-status=live}} The series was a commercial success{{cite web|title=Sold out guy Lee Min-ho|url=http://www.hancinema.net/sold-out-guy-lee-min-ho--30645.html|website=HanCinema|publisher=Nate|access-date=June 14, 2011|archive-date=June 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618212103/http://www.hancinema.net/sold-out-guy-lee-min-ho--30645.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Actor Lee Min-ho mesmerizes Japan|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/01/386_196469.html|work=The Korea Times|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613143151/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2016/01/386_196469.html|url-status=live}} and contributed to Lee's growing popularity, most notably in Japan, Philippines, China,{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho still wanted in Japan|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2952940|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|date=May 17, 2012|access-date=July 15, 2014|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725160843/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2952940|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min Ho: Coming to Phl doesn't feel like work|url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2012/11/18/867922/lee-min-ho-coming-phl-doesn%E2%80%99t-feel-work|work=The Philippine Star|last=Esteves|first=Patricia|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=July 15, 2014|archive-date=November 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106111238/http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2012/11/18/867922/lee-min-ho-coming-phl-doesn%E2%80%99t-feel-work|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min Ho Says He Was Surprised By Drama's Popularity in China|url=http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/22426/lee-min-ho-didnt-know-how-popular-he-was-in-china|website=enewsWorld|date=December 2, 2012|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730120106/http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/22426/lee-min-ho-didnt-know-how-popular-he-was-in-china}} and in France.{{cite web|title=Lee Min Ho is the ′Best Korean Actor′ in France|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/3114/lee-min-ho-is-the-best-korean-actor-in-france|work=enewsWorld|date=February 1, 2012|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216073354/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/3114/lee-min-ho-is-the-best-korean-actor-in-france}} He participated in the popular Chinese variety show Happy Camp in December 2011.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho visits China for New Year's|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2945678|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Sunwoo|first=Carla|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=July 5, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715012657/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2945678|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Lee starred in the medical fusion sageuk Faith alongside Kim Hee-sun.{{cite web|title=Kim Hee-sun, Lee Min-ho start filming|url=http://mengnews.joins.com/view.aspx?aId=2956073|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=July 13, 2012|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230816/http://mengnews.joins.com/view.aspx?aId=2956073|url-status=live}} Despite garnering viewership ratings in the 10% range, the drama was a commercial failure due to its high budget.{{cite web|title=Director of Hourglass commits suicide|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/07/201_139802.html|work=The Korea Times|last=Kim|first=Tong-hyung|date=July 23, 2013|access-date=November 18, 2016|archive-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619033203/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/07/201_139802.html|url-status=live}}

In April 2013, Lee's wax figure was unveiled at the Madame Tussauds Shanghai. He then released his first album "My Everything" in May 2013 and went on a fan meeting tour in Asia.{{cite web|title=Actor Lee Min-ho releases 1st album|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2971978|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=May 23, 2013|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308141717/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2971978|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho adds another fan meeting|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2980269|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Lee|first=Sun-min|date=November 12, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213026/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2980269|url-status=live}}

Lee also announced his return to television with a new series titled The Heirs, a teen drama written by Kim Eun-sook.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho, back to class|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20131008000723|work=The Korea Herald|last=Oh|first=Jean|date=October 10, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2014|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212234016/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20131008000723|url-status=live}} On why he decided to take on the role of a chaebol heir in high school four years after playing one in Boys Over Flowers, he answered: "Before I grew past my 20s, I wanted to play a more upbeat character, one that would allow me to return to that feeling of simple, uncomplicated innocence that I had when I was younger." Premiering on October 9, 2013, The Heirs enjoyed immense popularity both locally, with a peak rating of 28.6%, and internationally, having over one billion hits on the Chinese streaming service IQIYI.{{cite web|title=Hallyu booming again in China, bigger than ever|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2986309|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|last1=Shin|first1=Kyun-jin|last2=Yang|first2=Sung-hee|date=March 14, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=May 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528230918/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2986309|url-status=live}} Lee experienced a further increase in his global popularity as his character of Kim Tan.{{cite web|title=Global fans celebrate Lee Min-ho's debut anniversary|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20160511004000315|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2022|archive-date=July 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714065506/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20160511004000315|url-status=unfit}}{{cite web|title=20 million Chinese follow Lee|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2986045|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=March 10, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308141043/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2986045|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho named No.1 Korean actor in China|url=http://www.koreatimesus.com/lee-min-ho-named-no-1-korean-actor-in-china/|website=The Korea Times|date=March 17, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308143256/http://www.koreatimesus.com/lee-min-ho-named-no-1-korean-actor-in-china/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=No what-ifs to Lee Min-ho|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/01/398_149690.html|website=The Korea Times|date=January 13, 2014|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730120536/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/01/398_149690.html|url-status=live}}

In January 2014, a second wax figure of Lee was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. On January 30, Lee became the first Korean celebrity to perform on China's CCTV Lunar New Year Gala.{{cite web|title=China Crushes Puny US Super Bowl Audience: 704 Million Watch New Year Gala|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-crushes-puny-us-super-676907|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Coonan|first=Clifford|date=February 4, 2014|access-date=October 27, 2014|archive-date=January 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121064204/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-crushes-puny-us-super-676907|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho invited to China TV festival|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/01/398_150164.html|website=The Korea Times|date=January 20, 2014|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730110801/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/01/398_150164.html|url-status=live}} He sang a song with Harlem Yu, the original singer of the theme song of Meteor Garden, the Taiwanese version of Boys Over Flowers.{{cite web|title=Chun Wan says Lee Min-ho as 'The most wanted Actor'|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=8008274|work=KBS World|access-date=July 9, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714194925/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=8008274|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title="Korean Wave" hits Gala stage|url=http://english.cntv.cn/program/cultureexpress/20140130/101583.shtml|work=CCTV|date=January 30, 2014|access-date=March 19, 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323012530/http://english.cntv.cn/program/cultureexpress/20140130/101583.shtml|url-status=dead}} He was also invited to the third conference of the South Korean Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment as the representative for the entertainment industry, to share and contribute to the discussion of issues related to developing Korea's cultural content.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho meets President|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2987429|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Jin|first=Eun-soo|date=April 5, 2014|access-date=July 2, 2014|archive-date=July 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022835/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2987429|url-status=live}} Lee received the Prime Minister's Commendation at the 5th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards for his contribution to Koren Wave.{{cite web|title=Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Min-ho feted for spreading hallyu|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201411111556000574880_2|website=The Korea Herald|date=November 11, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306212454/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201411111556000574880_2|url-status=live}}

Lee subsequently recorded and released his second EP "Song for You" in October 2014 under Universal Music. As with his previous album, he stated that the tracks were recorded for his fans and that he had no ambition to pursue a singing career.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho returning to the mic next month|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140926000708|website=The Korea Herald|last=Jackson|first=Julie|date=September 26, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025123332/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140926000708|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho tops Japanese chart with second album|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/lee-min-ho-tops-japanese-chart-second-album|work=AsiaOne|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019214644/http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/lee-min-ho-tops-japanese-chart-second-album|url-status=dead}} The album release coincided with the start of his RE:MINHO fan meeting tour which spanned various Asian cities.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho plans global tour to meet fans|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/07/517_161397.html|website=The Korea Times|date=July 21, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025193345/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2014/07/517_161397.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Thousands turn out for Lee Min-ho's fan meeting in Japan|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2014/10/14/64/0701000000AEN20141014002800315F.html|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=October 14, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025194248/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2014/10/14/64/0701000000AEN20141014002800315F.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho's global tour ends successfully|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201501041744459372121_2|website=Kpop Herald|date=January 4, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308224724/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201501041744459372121_2|url-status=live}}

He then took on Yoo Ha's neo-noir action saga Gangnam Blues (2015), set in the 1970s when the real estate development boom swept across the Gangnam area. The film, which co-starred Kim Rae-won, marked Lee's first leading role on the big screen.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho done with high school|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2982879|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Won|first=Ho-Yeon|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=July 2, 2014|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026021649/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2982879|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=My next film project is noir|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/01/398_149735.html|website=The Korea Times|date=January 13, 2014|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730105826/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/01/398_149735.html|url-status=live}}

File:Lee Min-ho - KCON 2016 (cropped).jpg

In 2016, Lee appeared in the action comedy film Bounty Hunters, directed by Shin Terra; his co-stars were Wallace Chung, Tiffany Tang, Jeremy Tsui, Karena Ng and Louis Fan.{{cite web|title=Korea's Lee Min-ho Confirmed To Star in 'Bounty Hunters' Action Adventure|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/asia/bounty-hunters-lee-min-ho-to-star-1201517164/|work=Variety|date=June 11, 2015|access-date=December 10, 2017|archive-date=April 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410201711/https://variety.com/2015/film/asia/bounty-hunters-lee-min-ho-to-star-1201517164/|url-status=live}} The flick topped box office charts upon its release and went on to gross US$31 million in China.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho's 1st China movie tops sales|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/398_208565.html|website=The Korea Times|date=July 4, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730114407/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/398_208565.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho movie smash-hit in China|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/398_209109.html|website=The Korea Times|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730120132/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/398_209109.html|url-status=live}} Later that year, Lee made his television comeback in the fantasy romance as Hae Joon Jae The Legend of the Blue Sea alongside actress Jun Ji-hyun, which was another success.{{cite web|title=Gianna Jun and Lee Min-ho to Star in Korean TV Series 'Blue Sea'|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/asia/gianna-jun-lee-min-ho-korean-tv-blue-sea-1201785394/|work=Variety|date=May 30, 2016|access-date=December 10, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034543/https://variety.com/2016/tv/asia/gianna-jun-lee-min-ho-korean-tv-blue-sea-1201785394/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title='Legend of the Blue Sea' ends strong despite being too familiar|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170126000618|website=The Korea Herald|date=January 26, 2017|access-date=November 25, 2018|archive-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125162848/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170126000618|url-status=live}}

Lee began his mandatory military service on May 12, 2017 and was discharged on April 25, 2019 as a public service officer. .{{Cite web|script-title=ko:이민호, 5월 12일부터 군 복무 "비공개로 사회복무 시작"|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002912182|website=Naver|date=April 18, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=April 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429121814/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002912182|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Lee was cast in the SBS-broadcast and Netflix-distributed fantasy romance The King: Eternal Monarch written by The Heirs screenwriter Kim Eun-sook.{{cite web|title=Discharged from the military, actor Lee Min-ho cast for new drama series by star screenwriter|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190507003300315|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=May 7, 2019|access-date=May 7, 2019|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507041046/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190507003300315|url-status=live}} It was hailed as one of the most anticipated series of the first half of 2020,{{Cite news|title=Young actors move to online platforms as TV producers woo bankable veterans|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200522000511&np=1&mp=1|website=The Korea Herald|date=May 22, 2020|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713064541/https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:[단독] 이정진, 김은숙 사단 합류...'더 킹 : 영원의 군주' 캐스팅|url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01082406622616840&mediaCodeNo=258|website=Edaily|language=ko|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=September 4, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713064622/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01082406622616840&mediaCodeNo=258|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:김고은·이민호, 김은숙 작가 '더 킹:영원의 군주' 캐스팅→설레는 '첫 만남'[종합] - 스타투데이|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2019/05/329253/|website=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|date=May 20, 2019|access-date=June 24, 2019|archive-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624174449/https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2019/05/329253/|url-status=live}} serving as Lee's comeback following his release from mandatory military service as Lee Gun. The series set a record for SBS's highest 2020 Friday-Saturday drama premiere ratings and maintaining the No.1 spot on the weekly Wavve drama chart for eight consecutive weeks,{{Cite web|title=The King: Eternal Monarch Breaks Premiere Records Despite Local Controversy|url=https://www.elle.com.sg/2020/04/22/the-king-eternal-monarch-premiere-records-local-controversy/|website=Elle Magazine, Singapore|language=en|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713064634/https://www.elle.com.sg/2020/04/22/the-king-eternal-monarch-premiere-records-local-controversy/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|script-title=ko:'놀면 뭐하니', 주간웨이브 예능 1위 최초 달성···'예능 왕좌 등극'|url=https://www.ajunews.com/view/20200616082735243|website=Aju Business Daily|date=June 16, 2020|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713064621/https://www.ajunews.com/view/20200616082735243|url-status=live}}{{cite news|script-title=ko:"여전한 1위"...배우 이민호, SNS 압도적 팔로워|url=http://www.asiatoday.co.kr/view.php?key=20200616010009783|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617014848/http://www.asiatoday.co.kr/view.php?key=20200616010009783|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=´더 킹´... 국내서 ´폭망´ 해외서 인기 ´폭발´|url=http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?Total_Id=23810044|website=isplus.live.joins.com|date=May 23, 2021|access-date=May 22, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522155722/http://isplus.live.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?Total_Id=23810044|url-status=live}} but received mixed reviews and lower-than-expected domestic TV viewership ratings on later episodes compared to previous works by Kim Eun-sook.{{cite news|title=Star screenwriter struggling with lower-than-expected popularity of 'The King'|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200518000644|work=The Korea Herald|date=May 18, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803045919/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200518000644|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Binging Netflix's 'The King: Eternal Monarch?' Here's Where You've Seen the Cast Before|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/akzwyk/binging-netflix-the-king-eternal-monarch-heres-where-youve-seen-the-cast-before|work=Vice|last=Koh|first=Ewe|date=May 7, 2020|access-date=October 7, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127052528/https://www.vice.com/en/article/akzwyk/binging-netflix-the-king-eternal-monarch-heres-where-youve-seen-the-cast-before|url-status=live}} The King: Eternal Monarch was listed as the most popular Korean drama on Netflix in India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore and one of the top two in the U.S. in 2020.{{cite web|title=Netflix Viewers Search For Love, Baking Shows Rise & Foreign-Language Drama Booms As Streamer Reveals What Was Watched In 2020|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/netflix-what-was-watched-in-2020-1234653546/|website=Deadline|last=White|first=Peter|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124041956/https://deadline.com/2020/12/netflix-what-was-watched-in-2020-1234653546/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Netflix Top Viewing Lists Reveal India's Huge Film Appetite, 'Extraction' Popular Across Asia Region|url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/netflix-top-viewing-list-asia-india-extraction-too-hot-to-handle-1234850198/|website=Variety|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217233756/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/netflix-top-viewing-list-asia-india-extraction-too-hot-to-handle-1234850198/|url-status=live}}

In October 2020, Lee Min-ho launched the YouTube channel "leeminho film" where he serves as executive producer and creative director.{{Cite web|title=Lee Min-Ho Launches A YouTube Channel, And It's Not Your Typical Vlog|url=https://metro.style/people/celebrities/lee-min-ho-launches-youtube-channel-leeminho-films/27916|website=Metro.Style|language=en|last=Corp|first=ABS-CBN|access-date=August 18, 2021|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217121656/https://metro.style/people/celebrities/lee-min-ho-launches-youtube-channel-leeminho-films/27916|url-status=live}}

In 2022, Lee made his Hollywood debut{{Cite web|title='Pachinko' Star Lee Minho Calls His Character "A Villain Generated by Tragedy"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/pachinko-lee-minho-1235133764/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Sun|first=Rebecca|date=April 22, 2022|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=April 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427070035/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/pachinko-lee-minho-1235133764/|url-status=live}} in a main role as Koh Hansu, a mysterious merchant, in the television series adaptation of Min Jin Lee's novel Pachinko.{{Cite web|title=Pachinko: Apple Drama Series Sets Cast, Gets Production Start Date|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/pachinko-apple-drama-series-sets-cast-production-start-date-1234602192/|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=October 22, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2021|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026223947/https://deadline.com/2020/10/pachinko-apple-drama-series-sets-cast-production-start-date-1234602192/|url-status=live}} The series received positive reviews and extensive critical acclaim upon release.{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|title=Pachinko|season=1|type=tv|access-date=March 25, 2022|id=pachinko}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|title=AFI Best Film, TV Shows of 2022 Include Avatar Sequel, Women Talking, The Bear and Mo|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/afi-best-movies-tv-shows-2022-1235278829/|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Lewis|first=Hilary|date=December 9, 2022|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209182059/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/afi-best-movies-tv-shows-2022-1235278829/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title='A difficult time': why popular TV series Pachinko was met with silence in Japan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/21/pachinko-tv-series-korea-japan-min-jin-lee|website=The Guardian|last=McCurry|first=Justin|date=April 21, 2022|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421001945/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/21/pachinko-tv-series-korea-japan-min-jin-lee|url-status=live}} Lee's performance, particularly in the standalone episode of the series, Chapter 7, which centered around Lee's character, received critical acclaim; outlets such as Rolling Stone,{{Cite magazine|title=The 25 Best TV Episodes of 2022|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/25-best-tv-episodes-2022-euphoria-zendaya-the-white-lotus-andor-barry-1234646615/|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan|date=December 21, 2022|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331074042/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/25-best-tv-episodes-2022-euphoria-zendaya-the-white-lotus-andor-barry-1234646615/|url-status=live}} The New York Times,{{Cite web|title=The Best TV Episodes of 2022|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/arts/television/best-tv-episodes-2022.html|website=The New York Times|last=Poniewozik|first=James|date=December 21, 2022|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=January 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108031731/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/arts/television/best-tv-episodes-2022.html|url-status=live}} and Collider{{cite news|title=The Best TV Episodes of 2022|url=https://collider.com/best-tv-episodes-2022|website=Collider|last=Hutchinson|first=Chase|date=December 27, 2022|access-date=April 29, 2023|archive-date=January 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103221327/https://collider.com/best-tv-episodes-2022/|url-status=live}} included the episode in their list of Best TV Episodes of 2022.

In August 2023, Hugo Boss launched a new collection, featuring Lee, Patrick Mahomes, Naomi Campbell, Matteo Berrettini, and Suki Waterhouse in its campaign.{{cite news|title=Boss taps eternal bosses for a masterclass on how to be, well, a boss|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/boss-campaign-autumn-winter-2023|work=GQ|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=October 14, 2023|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829170057/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/boss-campaign-autumn-winter-2023|url-status=live}}

As of October 2020, Lee has over 3 million followers on Twitter, 23 million followers on Weibo and was the first Korean celebrity to garner 20 million followers on both Instagram and Facebook.{{Cite web|title=Lee Min Ho is first Korean star to hit 20 million followers on Instagram|url=https://theindependent.sg/lee-min-ho-is-first-korean-star-to-hit-20-million-followers-on-instagram/|language=en-US|last=Koh|first=Lydia|date=October 6, 2020|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007073735/https://theindependent.sg/lee-min-ho-is-first-korean-star-to-hit-20-million-followers-on-instagram/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Actor Lee Min-ho first K-idol to cross 20m-follower mark on both Instagram and Facebook|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/actor-lee-min-ho-first-k-idol-to-cross-20m-follower-mark-on-both-instagram|website=The Straits Times|language=en|last=hermesauto|date=October 5, 2020|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007153905/http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/actor-lee-min-ho-first-k-idol-to-cross-20m-follower-mark-on-both-instagram|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Hallyu goes viral through social media|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/10/386_143754.html|website=The Korea Times|last=Chung|first=Hyun-chae|date=October 4, 2013|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025193903/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2013/10/386_143754.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Lee Min-ho is King of social media|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/lee-min-ho-is-king-of-social-media-0|website=The Straits Times|language=en|last=hermes|date=October 6, 2020|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012223400/https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/lee-min-ho-is-king-of-social-media-0|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Lee Min-ho is first Korean star to have 20M Facebook, Instagram followers|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/korean-wave/2020/10/07/2047873/lee-min-ho-first-korean-star-have-20m-facebook-instagram-followers|website=philstar.com|last=Severo|first=Jan Milo|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009122812/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/korean-wave/2020/10/07/2047873/lee-min-ho-first-korean-star-have-20m-facebook-instagram-followers|url-status=live}} In 2014 and 2015, Lee topped the online poll organized by a Chinese entertainment magazine and was voted as the "Asian Male God".{{cite web|title=Lee Min Ho voted No. 1 'Asian male god' in China|url=http://ph.news.yahoo.com/lee-min-ho-voted-no-1-asian-male-150424081.html|website=Yahoo News Philippines|access-date=July 17, 2021|archive-date=February 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218092240/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/|url-status=live}} In 2017, Lee was chosen as the "Most Favoured Korean Actor" by fans of the Korean Wave in the United States.{{cite web|title=Park Shin Hye, Lee Min Ho top Korean stars in the US|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/park-shin-hye-lee-min-ho-top-korean-stars-in-the-us|work=The Straits Times|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618064424/http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/park-shin-hye-lee-min-ho-top-korean-stars-in-the-us|url-status=live}} With a combined total of 65 million followers, he is referred to as the "King of Social Media".{{Cite web|title=Lee Min-ho is king of social media with 65 million followers {{!}} The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/06/20/lee-min-ho-is-king-of-social-media-with-65-million-followers|website=www.thestar.com.my|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205043/https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2020/06/20/lee-min-ho-is-king-of-social-media-with-65-million-followers|url-status=live}}

In January 2012, Lee was appointed as an honorary prosecutor by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office for building social reputation and trust with the public, alongside Moon Chae-won.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'명예검사' 이민호-문채원, 법복마저 우월한 '선남선녀' 포스|trans-title='Honorary prosecutors' Lee Min-ho and Moon Chae-won, a 'good man and good woman' force that is superior even in court uniforms|url=https://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20120104/43084241/4|via=Naver|publisher=Donga|language=ko|date=January 14, 2012|access-date=December 26, 2023|archive-date=December 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225211027/https://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20120104/43084241/4}}

In 2014, Lee set up the PROMIZ website, a fund-raising platform to raise awareness and encourage donation for social and humanitarian causes.{{cite web|script-title=ko:이민호, 기부플랫폼 '프로미즈' 오픈, 사회공헌 시작|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201406131452191210|website=Newsen|language=ko|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025185547/http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201406131452191210|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho gives gifts to staff to celebrate his birthday|url=http://khnews.kheraldm.com/view.php?ud=20140624000885&md=20140704143221_BK|website=The Korea Herald|last=Kim|first=Min-jin|date=June 24, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025185055/http://khnews.kheraldm.com/view.php?ud=20140624000885&md=20140704143221_BK|url-status=live}} Proceeds from the sale of PROMIZ merchandise are given to selected partners which execute the charity projects. The site donated $50,000 to help create wells in Malawi through non-profit organization Charity: Water; the sum was gathered by Lee and his fans.{{cite web|title=Hallyu star Lee Min-ho and his fans donate $50,000 to help dig wells in Africa|url=http://eng.ajunews.com/view/20140930151851357|website=Aju Business Daily|last=Kim|first=Jong-chan|date=September 30, 2014|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=November 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103232029/http://eng.ajunews.com/view/20140930151851357|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=PMZ(Lee minho x MINOZ)|url=https://my.charitywater.org/leeminho|website=Charity: Water|access-date=October 25, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025191648/https://my.charitywater.org/leeminho|url-status=live}} PROMIZ has also raised funds and contributed donations to causes such as Good Neighbours,{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho's Promiz makes major donation|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3030172|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=February 23, 2017|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712153250/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3030172|url-status=live}} World Water Day,{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho Donates W50 Million to Mark World Water Day|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/03/23/2016032301304.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=March 23, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308221822/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/03/23/2016032301304.html|url-status=live}} the "Transparent Umbrella Project" {{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho to hand out transparent umbrellas to children|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201608121756510377869_2|work=Kpop Herald|date=August 12, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308224742/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201608121756510377869_2|url-status=live}} and the "Making Warm Winter for Both Bodies and Hearts" campaign.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho donates $44,000 to victims of child abuse|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201702231717187959471_2|work=Kpop Herald|date=February 23, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308224749/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201702231717187959471_2|url-status=live}} In 2016, PROMIZ won at the Korea Good Brand Awards.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho's Promiz wins Korea Good Brand Awards|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201605261319112153282_2|work=Kpop Herald|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308224828/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201605261319112153282_2|url-status=live}}

In 2015, Lee donated ₩100 million to UNICEF to aid the victims of the devastating earthquake in Nepal.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho Gives W100 Million to Nepal Recovery Effort|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/05/06/2015050601425.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=May 6, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308223329/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/05/06/2015050601425.html|url-status=live}} In 2016, Lee was recognised by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for his contribution to society.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho recognized for charity|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3020290|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712154312/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3020290|url-status=live}}

To mark the 10th anniversary of his debut, Lee's fans participated in several charitable events. Lee's Chinese fans planted 510 trees in Inner Mongolia, while his Mexican fans sold plastic bottle caps to recycling companies and donated the proceeds to children suffering from cancer. Taiwanese and Hong Kong made donations to World Vision and UNICEF. In previous years, his Chilean fan club donated to the humanitarian organization Patagonia Compassion and also participated in several other charitable causes.{{cite web|title=Global fans celebrate Lee Min-ho's debut anniversary|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/05/11/0200000000AEN20160511004000315.html|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308222409/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2016/05/11/0200000000AEN20160511004000315.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho fans pitch in for charity|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/lee-min-ho-fans-pitch-charity|work=AsiaOne|date=April 4, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=April 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413081505/http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/lee-min-ho-fans-pitch-charity|url-status=dead}}

Lee has an older sister, Yun-jeong, who is the co-founder and CEO of his current agency MYM Entertainment.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho signs with sister's new agency|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/05/398_204018.html|website=The Korea Times|date=May 4, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216212049/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/05/398_204018.html|url-status=live}}

In 2006, Lee's acting career was put on hold for a year following a serious car wreck, which occurred while riding with fellow actor Jung Il-woo and two other friends. The group of friends were driving to Gangwon Province when a car crossing from the opposite lane after fleeing from a previous accident hit them head-on, destroying the hood and engine of their car. Lee and Jung, who were seated in the back, survived the wreck in a critical state. Their friends, both sitting in the front, were instantly killed. Lee was severely injured and in a coma for a month, after which he spent several months bedridden. His injuries included broken ribs, thigh and ankle, along with a tear in his knee cartilage. As part of his treatment, a 46-centimeter metal pin was inserted in his thigh, leaving one of his legs shorter than the other.{{Cite news|title=Lee Min Ho escaped death many times and here are the shocking details - EconoTimes|url=https://www.econotimes.com/Lee-Min-Ho-escaped-death-many-times-and-here-are-the-shocking-details-1566785|work=EconoTimes|language=en|last=EconoTimes|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=June 9, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626003430/https://www.econotimes.com/Lee-Min-Ho-escaped-death-many-times-and-here-are-the-shocking-details-1566785|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Sensational Facts of Korean Superstar actor Lee Min Ho's life Revealed|url=https://newsasiatoday.com/sensational-facts-of-korean-superstar-actor-lee-min-hos-life-revealed/|website=News Asia Today|language=en-US|date=April 23, 2020|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803032516/https://newsasiatoday.com/sensational-facts-of-korean-superstar-actor-lee-min-hos-life-revealed/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=10 Things to know about Korean Heartthrob, actor Lee Min-ho|url=https://asiaone.com/entertainment/10-things-know-about-korean-heartthrob-actor-lee-min-ho|via=Cleo|website=AsiaOne|language=en-US|last=Toh|first=Valerie|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=June 10, 2020|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610105617/https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/10-things-know-about-korean-heartthrob-actor-lee-min-ho|url-status=live}}

Lee Min-ho began his mandatory military service on May 12, 2017, at the Suseo Social Welfare Centre in Gangnam District Office as a public service officer.{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho confirms May enlistment|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170419000631|work=The Korea Herald|last=Jie|first=Ye-eun|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420084558/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170419000631|url-status=live}} Lee was unable to serve as an active duty soldier due to his previous injuries. He also suffered another car wreck in 2011 while filming City Hunter.{{cite web|title=Severe injuries exempt actor Lee Min-ho from active duty|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/05/398_205178.html|website=The Korea Times|date=May 20, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028041253/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/05/398_205178.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lee Min-ho to Start Military Service in Gangnam Desk Job|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/04/20/2017042001437.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420070159/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/04/20/2017042001437.html|url-status=live}}

On March 15, 2018, Lee started his military training at the Korea Army Training Centre in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province. He returned to public service duty after four weeks of basic training.{{cite web|title=Actor Lee Min-ho to start army basic training|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180311000182|work=The Korea Herald|author=Shim Woo-hyun|date=March 11, 2018|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-date=October 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001051525/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180311000182|url-status=live}} He was discharged on April 25, 2019.{{Cite news|title=Lee Min-ho completes mandatory military service|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/327673/lee-min-ho-completes-mandatory-military-service|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|last=Aguilar|first=Krissy|date=April 25, 2019|access-date=February 13, 2023|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425122901/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/327673/lee-min-ho-completes-mandatory-military-service|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Lee Min-ho discography}}

• My Everything (2013, Korean)
• My Everything (2013, Japanese)
• Song for You (2014)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Lee Min-ho}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://www.leeminho.kr/ }} {{in lang|ko}}
• {{URL|1=http://www.mym-ent.com/artist/artist.html|2=Lee Min-ho}} at MYM Entertainment {{in lang|ko}}
• {{HanCinema person}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• {{KMDb person}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Lee Min-ho

|list =

{{Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actor (TV)}}

{{Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor}}

{{Grand Bell Awards for Best New Actor}}

{{Korea Drama Awards Top Excellence Award, Actor}}

{{Korea Drama Awards Hallyu Star Award}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Min-ho}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Dongjak District

Category:Former Buddhists

Category:21st-century South Korean male actors

Category:21st-century South Korean male singers

Category:South Korean male film actors

Category:South Korean male television actors

Category:South Korean male web series actors

Category:South Korean male singers

Category:Male actors from Seoul

Category:Singers from Seoul

Category:Survivors of road incidents

Category:Konkuk University alumni

Category:Best New Actor Paeksang Arts Award (television) winners