Lee Min Ho Recalls Being Bombarded with Comments When Boys Over Flowers Premiered
Lee Min Ho recently opened up about the overwhelming response he received from netizens when the iconic K-drama Boys Over Flowers aired for the first time. The actor revealed that he was flooded with hundreds of thousands of comments, many of which were critical. Despite the initial backlash, the series became a massive success, catapulting him to global fame.
The Initial Reaction to Boys Over Flowers
When Boys Over Flowers premiered in 2009, Lee Min Ho was a relatively unknown actor. His role as Gu Jun-pyo, the arrogant heir of the Shinhwa Group, was his breakthrough moment. However, the early reception was far from smooth. According to Lee Min Ho, netizens left hundreds of thousands of comments online, many of which were harsh criticisms of his portrayal.
“When the drama first aired, I received so many comments. Some were positive, but there were also a lot of negative reactions. People weren’t used to my curly hair and flamboyant outfits,” Lee Min Ho shared in a recent interview.
Despite the initial backlash, the actor remained focused on his performance. Over time, viewers warmed up to his portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo, and the drama became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and beyond.
Lee Min Ho’s Transformation into a Global Star
After the success of Boys Over Flowers, Lee Min Ho’s popularity skyrocketed. The drama’s success didn’t just make him a household name in South Korea; it also opened doors for him internationally. Fans from all over the world began following his career, making him one of the most recognized K-drama actors globally.
Reflecting on that period, Lee Min Ho said, “I didn’t expect such a strong reaction. It was overwhelming at first, but I’m grateful. The show changed my life and gave me opportunities I never imagined.”
His portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo became iconic, with fans still talking about his performance more than a decade later. Despite the initial criticism, his dedication to the role paid off, and he earned widespread praise for his acting skills.
How Boys Over Flowers Impacted the K-Drama Industry
Boys Over Flowers is widely credited with playing a significant role in the rise of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave. The drama’s popularity introduced many international fans to K-dramas and helped set the standard for future series. Lee Min Ho’s performance, in particular, left a lasting impression on viewers and established him as one of the faces of the Korean entertainment industry.
Today, Lee Min Ho is one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea and continues to star in successful dramas such as The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Pachinko. His journey from receiving harsh comments to becoming a beloved star is a testament to his resilience and talent.
Lee Min Ho’s Message to Fans
Lee Min Ho has always been grateful for his fans’ support. In his interview, he shared a heartfelt message to those who stood by him throughout his career.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me from the beginning. Your love and encouragement have kept me going, even during the tough times. I’m forever grateful,” he said.
Fans continue to show their love for Lee Min Ho, proving that the initial backlash from Boys Over Flowers was just a bump in the road to his enduring success.